Border Collies and Bacon #SatCap

This little poochie loves his food. When I'm making the breakfast he will lay on the floor between my toes and the cabinets hoping I drop something which he can scoff up. When we are eating dinner he will try and sneak into the dining area and sit under the table even though he knows he isn't allowed to. When having a snack on the sofa he will sit on the floor while resting his head on the seat so he can watch you.

He is such a cheeky one but with his puppy eyes, quite literally, it's often hard to say no and I usually save him something tasty!

Have you got a caption for this photo?
I'd love to hear it!

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7 Valentines Gifts with a Difference

Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s unlikely that if you are in a relationship you let Valentine’s Day pass without marking the occasion in some way. However, you may not want to go down the slightly tired route of flowers or chocolate. You will want your partner to know how special they are to you, therefore here are some fantastic gifts which will go some way to proving that point. These off-beat gifts offer something a bit different to the usual. Hopefully there will be something here to suit your loved one.

Tips on Achieving the Best Pet Photography

Like any family member you want to capture the magic moments you have with your pets and get images that best represent their personality. Unlike humans it is difficult to direct animals in order to get the perfect poses from them. You will want to get pictures you can frame and interesting ones which best put across the uniqueness of your furry, feathered or scaly friend. Here are a few tips on how to get the best photographs of your pet.

Discovering the Best Super Foods for Your Pet and You

Many people have favourite pet food brands and they will argue that their choice is the best. The discussion about which pet foods are healthiest can be as detailed as what the best fence for dogs is and whether the pet stop invisible fence is at the top of the list. It sounds silly to non-pet people, but those of us who believe our pets are family members are passionate about finding the safest, healthiest products for them.

While the proper containment for your pet is definitely important, even more so is what you feed them. Even buying pet food that is labelled organic or natural may not be the best choice, as government regulations are not that strict about what can be in pet foods that are labelled organic. The only way to be sure your pet is getting the safe, healthy food they deserve is to make it yourself. With the following list of super foods, it will be a snap for you!

Caption THIS #2

We all manage to capture a few odd expressions or mishaps on camera so why not share them so we can all have a giggle? That's what I will be doing each Saturday and for those that join in by commenting there will be a chance to win some treats each week!

Spartan wasn't keen on the drilling coming from next door so he mounted the sofa and started barking at the wall...

When Pets Become Family

I was never really keen on dogs, or pets in general, until we got Spartan. I was always worried the house would smell, that there would be piles of fur like tumbleweed and little puddles of drool awaiting my fresh bare feet, but that's far from the case. Most of the time. 

The Mr was raised with dogs. Not literally like Jacob in Twilight but with plenty of the four legged friends running around in his home, so to him it was natural to have his own when he moved in with me. I had my worries but love really does make you do crazy things and we ended up purchasing our ball of fluff on New Years Day 2012. It was hard work to begin and there were puddles of a different kind to mop up but our new companion made the Mr, the Mini Mes and even me happy so it was definitely worth it. 

It also stopped me being broody for a while which was a bonus!

Up Close and Personal

Spartan

His wet, delicate nose twitches and his tongue pokes out from between his teeth, as he sits on the cool leather and awaits the day's deliveries.

He knows they will come, they always do, and he will be ready to bark and pounce on anything that gets within reach. That much is true.

His tail waves back and forth like a snake and his ears raise at every passer by and cat, dog or bird that meets his eye.

He sees a shoe approach the path.

He hears footsteps too.

He rises onto all fours and stands on the armrest for a better look with an inquisitive stare.

The red jacket and bag is recognised and he knows his opportunity is there.

"Woof"

He runs to the door, sliding across the tiles like Bambi on ice, to claim the mail as his own chew toy. He also longs to lick the poor postman to death, with the tongue he loves to deploy.
He attempts to run back to alert me of my visitor, but then paws at the handle hoping to get a peek at what excitement lurks behind his barrier.

I gather my mail from the wire tray and return to my seat.
He sits proudly at my feet, in hope of a treat, thinking his job here is complete...

Until the courier arrives and he begins to repeat!

____________

*** The Mini Mes and Me have been shortlisted in the Family category of the BiB awards! ***

Many thanks for everyone that nominated us  - we would really appreciate your vote to help us get to the final too.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BiBs2014Shortlist

(Fill in your name and email address then scroll down to number 11 and select The Mini Mes and Me)

Silent Sunday

    

WIN Tickets to the London Pet Show (and more) with Zoflora

Zoflora are pleased to be sponsoring the Super Theatre and World of Cats at the London Pet Show this year and to celebrate I have an amazing bundle of goodies to giveaway to one lucky reader!

The London Pet Show takes place at Earls Court One on 17th & 18th May and promises to be even bigger and better than ever before! There is the SuperDogs Live competition hosted by Ben Fogle, rabbit show jumping and even racing micro-pigs to keep you and your family entertained. 

There are hundreds of animals to see including dogs, cats, reptiles, fish and ponies too!

Project 365 - A photo a Day #2

This week seemed to fly by! Here is what we got up to...

• We visited Badby Woods on Sunday for an afternoon walk with the poochie. The Mr decided to walk through what appeared to be a small puddle and sunk right up to his thigh - hilarious!
• We had some more outdoor fun at Draycote Water Monday. The Mr and Mini Mes love to see how high they can go... even if their expressions say otherwise.
• Our last afternoon together before school restarted was spent at our local park. We played chase and this was taken while I was 'it' and they escaped to the climbing frames!
• Spartan doesn't really understand what personal space is and he likes to ram himself between the armrest and I while I'm trying to work.
• After school the Mini Mes asked to go to the indoor play centre so we headed there straight away. I was surprised by how quiet it was! You can just about see them right in the centre (Jamster in a yellow t-shirt).
• A yummy homemade jam sponge for dessert - mmmm!
• We received some lovely furniture from Ikea to review so Saturday was a DIY day.

What photos have you taken this week?

Saturday Caption

It would appear that everyone wants a bit of my lunch...

Have you got a caption for the Mr and Spartan?

I'd love to hear it!

Have a great weekend

Saturday Caption

Internet shopping is hard work, apparently...

Have you got a caption our sleepy poochie Spartan?

I'd love to hear it!

Have a great weekend

Swell UK AquaEL Aquarium *Review and Giveaway*

I've always felt having pets is important. They are a great way for children to learn about animals and caring for others with the added bonus of providing a little responsibility too. When we recently received an AquaEL Classic 40 Bow Aquarium Kit from Swell UK Minxy was keen to have it in her own room! 

We already have an established 240l tank in the lounge so it was quickly decided that it was the perfect location and home for all of our fry.

The kit includes everything required to start up an aquarium of your own and is very quick and simple to do so with full instructions supplied. Within the kit is the bow fronted tank complete with a hood which has a useful feeding hatch and 11 Watt light. There is an internal filter, 25w heater, food, water treatment and filter bio starter fluid. We made a dash to a local pet shop to grab some bright pink gravel and ornaments and after that it wasn't long until everything was installed, the water was added and set up was finished. 

The Mini Mes really loved being involved with the entire process.

After a few days and some water checks we transferred our fry upstairs into the AquaEL Aquarium. The lighting really illuminates the aquarium well and the bow style front is a more attractive alternative to the standard rectangular shape. It has a sleek and modern look and being black in colour will match any decor.

Feeding the fish was made easy with the hinged hatch in the hood as it stays up while you add flakes and other food. The heater maintains the temperature well and the filter is reasonably quiet so sleep isn't disturbed. I've been really pleased with the AquaEL Aquarium and feel that it is really good value especially for how much is supplied. Minxy has loved having her own fish in her room and currently has 9 tiny guppies ...all of which she has named

The set has a 2 year guarantee for your peace of mind although the 22 litre aquarium seems to be really durable. Fish are an ideal pet for children with plenty of health benefits and they even have the ability to calm those that are hyperactive or restless. 

At only £42.99 this set would make a lovely gift this Christmas!

*** WIN ***

For your chance to win a £50 voucher to use at Swell you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

The giveaway closes on 1st November 2013.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*We received an aquarium for the purpose of this review. The opinions given are honest and our own*

Faces

As the children have grown up they have turned away from the camera and snapping a picture of them is near impossible without some form of bribery! Considering I love photography, even if I'm far from perfect at it, it makes my life a little difficult when I want a nice pose from them.

It usually results in photos like these...

The Fake Grin

Mum asked me to smile so I'll give her a smile. OTT style.

This could also be mistaken for a constipated giraffe impression.

The Look of Disgust

She hasn't just ridden through something foul on her scooter but her expression would say otherwise.

The Photo Bomb

They don't like photos being taken of them unless it involves ruining a photo of someone else.

The Sigh Face

You can just tell how happy she is to have her picture taken here to the extent you can almost hear her sigh and constant tutting.

There is one little fella who will always sit nicely when the camera comes out though...

The Posing Pooch

How hard do you find it to get photos of the kids?

Saturday Caption

It seems like Spartan got a little impatient while waiting for some nibbles!

Have you got a caption for our sleepy poochie?
I would love to hear it!

Have a great weekend

Silent Sunday

Printerpix *Review and Giveaway*

Instagram is fast becoming a favourite app of mine; taking photos and being able to edit and share them on the move is great! I never miss a magical moment, I don't need to worry about carrying my camera around PLUS I can show them to family and friends instantly via social media - perfect! 

 

Printerpix offered to create a canvas for me of a photo I had taken via the app, and with my house decoration underway I jumped at the chance to have some more pictures to display.

 

 

Ordering was a simple process that you can do via your mobile phone. You can select the size of the canvas you want (10", 12", 16" or 32" square) upload your image from your phone or select a picture from the imagery available, then select your frame and hanging requirements etc before checking out.

 

 

 

 

Mine arrived within a few days, email notifications were sent so I could keep track of delivery, and it was very well packaged to prevent it getting damaged during transit.

 

Up close the canvas looked a little pixelated at first but once it was hung and viewed at a distance I was fairly pleased with the product. The colours from within my photo came up well and the finishing of the picture, in terms of the hanging fixture and attachment to the wooden frame, were very good.

 

 

 

Printerpix offer a range of canvases and this style starts at £19.99 which is reasonable in price.

You can take a peek at their website here: http://www.printerpix.co.uk/

 

*** WIN ***

 

For you chance to win an Instagram style canvas with a photo of your choice you can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below.

 

The giveaway closes on 1st August 2013.

 

Good luck!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*We received a canvas for the purpose of this review and giveaway. The opinions given are honest and our own.*

The importance of pet insurance

Pets quickly become part of the family and many of us build unbreakable bonds with cats and dogs in particular as they live in our homes for many years - even if they cover it in fur!

Our Border Collie Spartan has just turned one and despite the stuffing being pulled from cushions and little puddles being left on the floor in the early days, he is very loveable, a wonderful companion and we would not want to be without him. The Mini Mes have become very close to him and are often found sneaking him upstairs for cuddles in their rooms and they are keen to come along on walks too which is beneficial for us all.

So far we have been lucky that he has never been ill or needed treatment from the vet bar his annual boosters, but if something more sinister did occur we would like to know he would receive the care he requires without a hefty bill at the end.

Illness and accidents can be costly but paying a small monthly payment can help to ensure your pet will be looked after if or when the time comes without fear you can't make payment. A lack of funds could result in your beloved pet being put to sleep or being re-homed, as harsh at it may seem, which none of us would want.

After searching online for pet insurance I came across this cute advert of a comparison site, so I headed to the Choosi website to see what they could offer.

Choosi have a variety of pet insurance plans to select from to suit your individual financial and pet needs. Insurance helps you cover the fee for unexpected trips to the vet which can add up to hundreds, if not thousands of pounds. Even a small wound or ear infection can ring up a bill that will make you cringe to look at. They have accident and illness cover or a lower premium alternative of accidents only. If you wish to include routine care within your insurance you can opt for that too which helps with the cost of micro-chipping, de-sexing and vaccinations.

We cover our household appliances from breakdown, our vehicles and our own lives too so it's important not to forget the little balls of fluff that are so important to us aswell.

Are your pets covered?

Spartan Speaks - Kyjen Water Bottle Buddies

I decided to give the post lady's plaster covered fingers a rest for a day last week and let mum have her post in one piece, rather than in drool covered scraps. I don't think she is too pleased with the jigsaw I create for her in the hall each morning!

It resulted in a treat from the biscuit cupboard, lots of fuss and tummy tickles (my favourite), and an extra surprise from Bonlays to tear to shreds play with nicely.

The toy was really cute in a soft cow design and after sitting patiently with paw out at mums request, she handed over the present to keep me entertained. I think she prefers me to play with toys rather than pulling the stuffing out of her cushions for some reason.

There wasn't any squeaking from it to annoy mum or make me hyper which was a bonus but there was an interesting crackling sound, which came from the empty water bottle inside the cow behind the velcro fastening. The best thing was that even when I had crushed the bottle from throwing it around like a ninja and chewing it to see if it was really beef, it can be replaced with ones from the recycling box so the fun goes on and on, well until I need a nap anyway. Mum can even add treats in it to make it rattle too for variety in play.

I've tried quite hard to kiss it rip its arms and legs off but it seems to be quite robust, I think that is due to the inner nylon layer that mum and dad have discussed - toys don't usually last this long with my playful ways they say! I think they were pleased too.

It is quite a good companion as well as a toy, you could almost say it was a friend as it keeps finding its way into my bed at night and I quite like to carry it around and drop it at peoples feet to throw for me. If I was at the park I would probably tell the the lads about it as other toys seem to crumble and end up in the bin but this one has lived beyond a week, which considering it had to deal with my gnashers is quite an achievement. I give it a paws up, even more so as it is only £4.89 at the moment!

You can watch my cool skills here...

Bonlays have a wide range of pet toys and accessories which you can find here: http://www.bonlays.co.uk/

*We received the Bottle Buddy for the purpose of this review. The opinions given are honest and our own*

Saturday Caption

Is Spartan whispering sweet nothings into his toys ear or attempting to wrestle it?

 Do you have a funny or witty comment for this picture?

I'd love to hear it!

You can link up your own picture or view more over with the Mammasaurus-.who is packing her bags ready for her #GoodWork trip to Ghana with Comic Relief!

Have a great weekend.