Tips For Traveling Safely During The Pandemic

If you do plan to travel during this time, I’m sharing a few tips for traveling safely during the pandemic.

I know many people are hesitant to travel during the pandemic right now. Rightfully so! You should always air on the side of caution. We obviously can not travel like we once did before. Safety should be our priority at home and away.

I have taken three trips in the past few months; Florida, San Francisco and NOLA. I did not just jump on a flight, instead I took time to do my research to learn about each state’s requirements, find safe accommodations, and made sure to bring extra masks and hand sanitizers. If you are planning a trip, I’m sharing a few tips for traveling safely during the pandemic.

1. Check the local state guidelines.

Currently, I have only traveled statewide as many countries have restricted American travelers from entering their borders. I checked this website to learn about each states travel guidelines and requirements before booking my trip. Note- guidelines change frequently.

2. Choose an airline that puts safety first.

The CDC states, “Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes." By default, Delta is my go to airlines due to its hub in Atlanta. Delta has implemented many safety measures including leaving the middle seat empty. You can learn more abut Delta's protocols here.

3. Similarly, pick accommodations that ensure your safety.

Before traveling, I researched hotel and Airbnb protocols to ensure I picked accommodation that had minimum human interaction and strict cleaning procedures. I also decided to rent a car instead of using rideshare apps to minimize human contact.

4. Wear a mask, ALWAYS.

This seems obvious but sadly some states do not have a mask mandate. Keep in mind, all airlines do and you can be banned for not wearing a mask.

5. Bring hand sanitizer and wipes everywhere.

Be more aware of what you touch when traveling. Since it is inevitable, make sure to always carry hand sanitizer and wipes to keep your hands clean when you can not wash them. TSA now allows one 12 oz bottles of hand sanitizer in your carry-on.

6. Avoid contact with people that are not part of your household.

7. Choose outdoor dining.

8. Get tested before + after your trip.

Remember, it is on you to not spread the disease. Ensure you aren’t an asymptomatic carrier by getting tested before and after you travel to decrease the risk of spread.

The pandemic may not be going anywhere anytime soon. But with strict protocols at home and away, we can slow the spread. I am not encouraging traveling at this time but it is possible if you are willing to take proper precautions to protect yourself and others.

The Easiest Dog Treats To Make This Fall Season!

With only 4 ingredients, these butternut squash + kale dog treats are healthy and easy to bake. Your dog will love them!

This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission from your purchases, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

I have been enjoying the cooler temperatures of the Fall season and watching the leaves slowly turn colors. Each year, I know it's officially Fall because Trader Joe's brings out all their pumpkin and squash flavored foods. My favorites are their pumpkin bread mix and butternut squash mac and cheese. Talk about delicious! I decided to take their pre-cut butternut squash, mix it with kale and baked easy dog treats for Teddy. With only 4 ingredients, it is easy to make and is full of health benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Butternut Squash & Kale?

Both, butternut squash and kale are low in calories but rich in nutrients. Making them a healthy addition to all diets. They are rich in vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants protecting your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. They also have important minerals, such as calcium, potassium and magnesium. If your dog is struggling with weight loss, many studies have found that a higher dietary fiber intake promotes weight loss and reduces body fat.

The best part of these dog treats is that all ingredients are human grade, meaning I was able to eat them too! I prefer knowing exactly what my dog and I are eating.

Recipe for Homemade Butternut Squash and Kale Dog Treats

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cup Coconut Flour (Or any flour of your choice)

1/4 cup cut Butternut Squash

1 handful of finely cut Kale

2 large Eggs

2 Tbs water

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350F

Mix all your ingredients in a large bowl: Flour, Butternut Squash, kale, 2 eggs, water.

Use more flour if your batter is too wet or more water if your batter is too dry

Roll out batter on a well floured counter (I recommend using your floured hands)

Use Cookie Cutter of choice to cut out cookies.

Bake at 350 for 15-20minutes.

Cool before serving & ENJOY!

NOTES:

You can use any type of flour in your pantry. Please adjust the amount of water and time you bake the dog treats according to the flour used. Coconut flour will require more water.

3 DIY Halloween Costume Ideas For Dogs and Their Owners

Here are 3 last minute DIY Halloween costume ideas for you and your dog to wear for Halloween this year. All 3 DIY costumes are cheap and easy to create. Hope it sparks some creativity in you!

This page may contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission from your purchases, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

This year Halloween creeped up on me quickly and I didn’t have a chance to make Teddy and I Halloween costumes yet. With just over a week to go, it’s not too late to make one! If you are like me and still have no clue what to be for Halloween this year, I have put together 3 DIY Halloween costume ideas for you. These are our previous duo costumes that I made myself last minute. These ideas are cheap and easy to make. Hope it sparks some creativity in you!

I rated the DIY halloween costumes from easy to semi-difficult. The first costume, Dorothy + Lion, is so easy it will take you minutes to put together and you may have all the things you need in your closet already. If not, a few simple things from Amazon Prime will make this DIY costume come alive. For the second set of DIY costumes, Cookie Monster + Cookie, you will need a glue gun to complete the project but it will only take about 15 minutes to accomplish. If you are short on time, you can purchase your dog’s cookie monster costume here.

The last DIY costume idea, The Up House + Old Man, requires time and skill but will be worth the effort because we won 3 events with this duo costume!

I can’t wait to see what you create! Please tag us and share them with us on our social media.

EASY DIY Halloween Costume: Dorothy + Lion

What You’ll Need:

Lion Mane Costume

Blue Checkered Dorothy Dress

White T-shirt

Red flats or heels

Picnic Basket

Directions:

This one is EASY! Simply put everything on. Wear your hair in pigtails and you’re set!

EASY DIY Halloween Costume: Cookie Monster Costume + Cookie

What You’ll Need:

Blue Dog Hoodie

Large cotton balls

Black felt

Cookie Pilow

Cardboard ( Use an Amazon box)

String or Ribbon

Glue Gun with glue sticks

Directions:

1. Put the hoodie on your dog and mark the areas where you would like to place the eyes.

2. Take hoodie off dog. Using your glue gun, apply glue and hold the large cotton balls in place until the glue dries.

3. Cut out small circles in the black felt for the eyeball and glue to the cotton balls. I recommend having the eyeballs looking in different directions to make it look more like cookie monster.

4. Cut the cookie pillow so you have 2 large cookies. Using it as a template, cut your cardboard. Using your glue gun, glue the cookies onto the cardboard.

5. Glue the string to both sides of the cardboard so that you can place it over your head and it is comfortable.

Note:

• Instead of a cardboard you can glue the cookie to a shirt or purchase this cookie shirt.

• To save time, you can purchase your dog’s cookie monster costume here.

Semi-Difficult DIY Halloween Costume: The UP House + Old Man

What You’ll Need:

Cane

4 Tennis Balls

Black costume glasses:

Oversized Male Suit Jacket

Digital download of “Make your own miniature house inspired by the movie “UP"

Glue Gun with glue sticks

Directions:

For the Up House:

1. Print the digital download onto 110-130lb cardstock. I had the employees of UPS help me with this step. It is important to make sure the paper is thick enough to build your house. Also, please not the size you will need. With Teddy, I had to print dimensions that were smaller to fit him. L

2. Cut out all the parts and use the instructions to build the house using a glue gun. This part is pretty tedious and will take time. Stick with it and you’ll get a great result!

3. Glue the house to your dog’s old harness or a shirt. Anything that will stabilize the house on your dog’s back. I also attached string from the house to my dog (around his back) to secure the house.

4. For the Old Man’s Costume: Cut slits into tennis ball and attach them to the cane.