Brighter Smiles And Sweeter Doggy Kisses With Fuss Free Oral Care For Dogs #BlueStemPets

This post is sponsored by bluestem™ and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to increase awareness of and share my experiences with the bluestem™ oral care products, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bluestem™ is not responsible for the content of this article.

Momma Told Me: Good dog. Bad Breath.

It's widely accepted that dogs require many of the same things as their human counterparts, when it comes to staying healthy and living a full life. From a safe and loving home, to a healthy diet and active lifestyle, it's crucial that we monitor several key elements of a dog's health and hygiene; especially as they age. For example, when we take Nora to the groomer they always ask if we'd like to have her teeth brushed as part of her grooming package. And for over 95% of the canine pet population that may be the only time, if at all, during the year a dog's teeth is brushed. Even more staggering is the knowledge that the best dental hygiene plan for a canine often includes brushing with a pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste, every day. While the momentary escape to a vision of your pup brushing their teeth at the bathroom sink might solicit a chuckle, there really is little to laugh about.

It's hard to imagine an animal needs daily oral care- but their teeth accumulates plaque, bacteria, and even can cause serious gum and dental diseases when left un-cared for. Just like humans.

Not to mention to thought of kissing someone who hasn't brushed their teeth in over a year (or maybe their entire life?) might put a damper on those sloppy puppy kisses!

However, proper dental hygiene in dogs is not just about bad breath- plaque and bacteria buildup (often evident by poor breath in your pup) can result in loose and rotting teeth, infected gums, and even life-threatening health issues. Some breeds of dogs are notorious for being more at risk than others, and small breeds often top the list, while larger breeds can experience broken or cracked teeth. That's why we have Nora's teeth professionally cleaned, at our veterinary office, about every other year- or when it becomes a concern. In addition, we brush her teeth during every bath (it's not the suggested every day, but we work on it,) watch her diet, provide her with plenty of healthy chewing toys, and have recently started a new water additive which will help break down biofilm, where harmful bacteria multiples in the mouth.

Many per owners care about their pet's dental health but simply don't have the time to keep up with it, or the patience to brush their dog's teeth. I recently learned about an amazing brand of pet oral care aids called bluestem™, which works to remove the food source bacteria needed to build plaque and tartar.  It's not a miracle product but bluestem™'s active ingredient, coactiv+™, can help to maintain a healthier mouth when used alongside with other good oral hygiene practices for your dog. bluestem™ products come in a few formats to help fit the lifestyle of you and your dog, their Oral Spray can be used alongside their Water Additive for a comprehensive routine that helps battle plaque and bad breath.

Of course, sometimes you just want to spoil your pup- so we're sharing this simple 4 ingredient recipe for Mint Parsley Pup Treats at the bottom of the post as well. Made with fresh mint leaves, parsely, plain yogurt, and pure peppermint oil, these frozen bites are the perfect bad breath buster during those incredibly hot dog days of Summer. We like to put one in an empty food bowl and let Nora lap at it as it melts in the afternoon heat.

For those days when you're on the go and you can't quite bring bluestem™'s water additive, or our breath freshening pup treats, bluestem™ with coactiv+™'s Oral Spray in Vanilla Mint can be applied directly to the base of the gums, up to twice a day. This unique breath freshener has an awesome no startle nozzle that makes the entire process fuss free. I've actually been noticing Nora fights me less and less when I go to lift up her gums, which is great, because she associates that with teeth brushing, which has always been a battle! I think she genuinely enjoys the Vanilla Mint flavor, and I love knowing that I'm directly helping to reduce up to 23% of everyday tarter when I use bluestem™ with coactiv+™ daily as directed!

Maybe you don't brush your dog's teeth regularly, or at all, because you simply don't like the struggle and dog-mom guilt inevitably creeps in ad you and 2 other family members attempt to hold a squirming dog down and brush. There is honestly no replacement for brushing your dog's teeth every day- but, thankfully, there are still things you can do to help encourage a healthier oral care routine. Providing your pet a wide variety of oral safe (items that are not harder than your dog's teeth) pet toys can help your pets naturally break down residue and buildup from tartar. Our homemade chew toy is not only a simple and fun project to do just that, it's also a great reward AFTER you've brushed your dog's teeth. Remember to always reward good behavior!

D.I.Y Homemade Chew Toy

Supplies:

1 Appropriately Sized Dog 'Tennis' Ball

1 Scrap Fabric Square (Approximately Equal To 15x The Ball Width, In Length)

Scissors

Directions:

1. Place the ball in the center of your fabric. Measure 1/3 up from the bottom, and 1/3 in from the right, and cut an even square of fabric from the corner. Measure 1/3 down from the top, and 1/3 in from the right and cut an even square of fabric from the corner. Repeat on the left side until you are left with a 'cross' of fabric.

2. Cut a small 1/2" slit in the center of the left strip, just where your cuts end, as to create a buttonhole. Repeat with the bottom strip.

3. Pull the top strip through the slit in the bottom strip and tie a knot. Pull the right strip through the left strip and tie a knot.

4. Cut each strip into 3 even strips to about 1/4" from the knot base. Braid each corner to desired length and tie in a knot to fix.

5. Toss around or indulge in a good old-fashioned game of tug-of-war!

Of course our favorite way to fight doggy breath and help keep Nora's teeth clean doesn't involve much effort at all- A little play time in the backyard and she'll help clean her own teeth (fight plaque buildup) when she enjoys a few hearty laps of water from her drinking bowl. For the past 30 days we've been using bluestem™ with coactiv+™'s water additives in one of 3 formulations, unflavored, chicken flavored, or vanilla mint flavored. As a Special Note: The Chicken Flavored, and Unflavored
bluestem™ with coactiv+™'s water additive formulas are also safe for use with cats. Bonus! Truffles enjoys the benefits in her bowl as well! The Vanilla Mint formulation should only be used with dogs, and is not approved for use with cats.

So what does all that fancy talk mean? Well, we first began introducing Nora to bluestem™ with coactiv+™'s water additives by adding a half cap to her 2.5 C water bowl, each time we gave her fresh water. Once we were sure she hadn't caught on, we increased the amount to a full cap, and then in about a week, 2 caps per bowl. Some of you may remember Nora has a slight water addiction, so I never had a fear of her turning her nose, but some dogs might be a little more keen to the change, so a gradual introduction is suggested. The bluestem™ with coactiv+™' water additives are clear, and have no odor, so the process truly is painless!

Nora drinks just as much water a usual with bluestem™ and I honestly can't determine whether she has a preference for chicken flavored or vanilla mint more. Since we use the oral spray in Vanilla Mint, and the Original and Chicken Flavor formulations are cat safe, I think we'll be buying more of those from now on. 

What can you expect to notice in just 30 days using bluestem™ with coactiv+™' water additives in your dog's water? An independent study showed that dogs using bluestem™ regularly had up to a 25.4% reduction in tartar, even experiencing visibly cleaner teeth! Where we've noticed the difference? Nora still has 'breath' after all, her mouth is still a mouth, but her breath is more like one would expect a human to experience throughout the day, and far from the repelling 'doggy breath' we're used to around here. Let's just say I no longer cringe when Jay lets her lick his face endlessly with 'kisses'.

It's important to me that Nora not only has the prettiest smile on leash, on the block, but that her teeth and gums are their healthiest. I still experience 'dog mom' guilt that I don't brush her teeth everyday- but I feel a lot more confident I am doing what's best for her oral care with the introduction of bluestem™ products into her everyday routine.

bluestem™ products are an alcohol, xylitol, and chlorhexidine free, and a potentially delicious way to help support your dog's good oral hygiene routine. Their products are currently sold at a variety of specialty stores and boutiques nationwide, or online through their website. Learn more about the products and availability, and take the 30 day challenge to see results for yourself! Now, be honest, what do you do to help maintain your pet's oral care?

Enjoy 20% off your order with bluestem™ in September (2016) when you use promo code: TRYBLUESTEM

What Daughter Says: Don't fear puppy kisses, take some simple steps to fight doggy breath and help improve your dog's oral hygiene today.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of bluestem. The opinions and text are all mine.

Mint Parsley Pup Treats

***Click here for printable recipe

How To Calm Anxiety In Dogs

***I received a product from Calmz to help facilitate this story, regardless my thoughts, and experiences are all my own. Nothing written below should be taken as veterinary advice. If your dog exhibits any of the behaviors discussed please consult a veterinarian.

Momma Told Me: Don't be a fraidy cat.


Everyone who knows Nora, our Morkie, says she is the happiest, most energetic, enthusiastic dog they have ever met. And, while it's true Nora never stops exploring and greeting everyone/everything that crosses her path, even she experiences anxiety from time to time. Anxiety, in dogs, brought on by specific personal triggers is not uncommon, and does not mean your dog is a 'bad dog.' Much like children, our pets are conditioned to respond to different situations and stimuli from a very young age. One traumatic bad experience can trigger an uncontrollable response, even years later. Unfortunately, unlike children, we can't sit them down and explain there is nothing to fear, or that they are going to be 'okay' when their anxiety kicks in.

The degree of anxiety your dog experiences, and the severity of the symptoms varies with the type of trigger and your dog's individual personality. Anxiety could be caused by meeting new people, traveling, thunderstorms, fireworks, or even separation from a family member or owner. It may not always be obvious at first that your canine companion is feeling stressed. Anxiety in dogs often presents itself first as panting, excess salivation, hiding/tucking the tail between it's legs, or even whimpering. In extreme cases a dog may even respond to anxiety by urinating, chewing, or digging where it's not supposed to.

As pet parents I know it can be frustrating to see your lovable best friend acting contrary to themselves. It's natural to worry if your dog is ill or requires professional training, when they exhibit these signs. It's important to pay attention to what occurred immediately before the behavior was witnessed, often there are signs and patterns of triggers resulting in the behavior. (NOTE: If your dog experiences anxiety towards a specific person, and only that person the behavior may be as a result of negative experiences with that individual. Examine the entire situation before assuming it's a case of unjustified anxiety.)

So what makes 'the world's happiest dog' feel anxious? Nora, like many dogs, and quite understandably, has a hard time coping with sudden loud noises. She can be carried through a concert, or the bustling fairgrounds with complete enthusiasm and excitement, but the sound of lightening, fireworks, a car misfiring, or anything similar completely disables her. Ever since we first brought her home she was a fearless ball of fluff- We like to joke she'd walk up to a man in a hockey mask with machete and lick them to submission. But there is something about sudden loud noises which pins her ears back, makes her pant heavily, tremble, drool, and hide.

Every year I stay home with the house buttoned up, playing some sort of loud music to try and drown out the sound of fireworks. Unfortunately, despite being illegal in our country, this year the fireworks began over a week before the 4th, and to this very date we still hear one or two shot off a day. It is entirely unexpected and truly puts both Nora and I on edge. A year ago, after a car had misfired in the alley and Nora had begun showing signs of immediate anxiety I discovered that singing (No, I am not a good vocalist) 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' in a very calm lullaby tone, and noticed that Nora responded dramatically and immediately to this. Ever since it has been my best tool to help her cope.

Flash forward to our recent discovery of the Calmz Anxiety Relief System- We'd previously tried aromatherapy and compression treatments for on the spot anxiety relief, after our veterinarian suggested them, but neither seemed to offer long term, or continued relief beyond an initial calm. The Calmz system combines a few common anxiety relief treatments into one easy to use therpy 'harness'. The specially designed neoprene harness comes in a variety of sizes for different breeds of dogs, and is very breathable. It's made to fasten and provide direct pressure to acupressure spots on your dog, while acting as a holster for the companion Calmz device.

Stay with me, because I laughed a bit at how the Calmz system worked, at first- but I was honestly willing to try anything to ease Nora's sudden anxiety to loud, unexpected, noises. The Calmz device sits in a specially designed pouch atop the Calmz harness, right between your dog's shoulder-blades and along the spine. With several options for intensity and length of programs, the Calmz device delivers targeted pulse vibrations in time with an ever so faint 'zen like' audio track, played just behind your dog's ears. A massage and meditation, I thought- right.

While some dogs might have a unique response to the system at first, ans require an adjustment period, Nora is used to wearing a harness, and even clothing, so she instantly took to the Calmz system. I was also expecting her to turn her hear from side to side, in an attempt to figure out where the vibration and music was coming from. To my surprise I saw an immediate response. The dog who never closes her eyes when a human is awake and present, the dog who never lays down when I have my camera out began almost collapsing into the couch. And by collapsing I mean she was fighting the urge to lay down and relax. Just look at the photos I snapped as she attempted to keep her eyes open only 2 minutes into her first Calmz session.

Clamz isn't meant to be worn everyday, or constantly. It's intended to be used as a conditioning aid to provide relief and calm when your dog is in a stressful situation. For us that means we will only be using the vest during thunderstorms, or firework seasons (4th of July and New Years). For others it may be a vital aid when traveling, or even a useful tool to help integrate a pup at the local dog park. Each dog, like every human, responds differently to anxiety, and your dog may or may not require several sessions with the Calmz system before seeing results. So far, I can say it really does have an impact on our, generally hyper, dog. Learn more about the Calmz Anxiety Relief System for dogs online.

What tends to stress your dog out? What signs of anxiety do you notice when they are stressed?

What Daughter Says: Man's best friend experiences many of the same emotions- help your dog deal with anxiety by first recognizing the signs and cause.

Less Is More: Clean Eating With Lärabar On The Go

Momma Told Me: Sometimes less is more.


As many of you know, I've played around a lot with Vegan and clean eating over the past year. When a close friend of ours made a dramatic lifestyle change, 2 years back, I was worried everyday events, such as social gatherings and seasonal celebrations, would become hard to include him in. I can only imagine the undertaking of so dramatically limiting your everyday palette, while being so acutely aware of every ingredient in every item placed before you. So I committed myself to exploring what it truly meant to be Vegan, and set out to experience an array of dietary options we could both enjoy during mutual events. I'll have to say I was surprised- eating 'simpler' was not always easy!

When you live a busy lifestyle any commitment to healthy eating or living can seem like a massive chore. I've found the simplest way to begin eating cleaner is to go back to the basics. Most of my best Vegan recipes include 5 ingredients or less, and often have at least one base ingredient in common. I use dates often, not only for their nutritional content, but their texture and binding impact within recipes. And I find, when I limit the ingredients I can not only enjoy the natural richness of flavors, but I fuel my body with pure, clean, energy that satisfies me long beyond a hunger craving.

It wasn't long ago my friend asked if I'd ever heard of a brand called Lärabar, a company that's entire motto revolved around 'food made from food.' I scoffed a little imaging it was another brand committed to non-GMO, preservative free food- which is great, but truly, how all food should be made in my opinion, and nothing too special. As it turns out Lärabars are actually food brought down to it's simplest structure- they're about as 'real' as you can get next to eating the ingredients in their raw forms. Imagine grabbing an apple and some almonds, walnuts, and raisins and heading out the door on a hike- that's the Apple Pie Lärabar in a wrapper. Convenient, delicious, real, food. Period.

My two biggest hurdles to eating cleaner, and healthier, is the lack of convenience on the go, and the cost of keeping delicious healthy ingredients on hand. Cue Lärabar products at Sam's Club. Sam's Club members can now pick up a Lärabar 18ct variety pack of fruit and nut bars or a 16oz Chocolate Macaroons Lärabar Bites bag and keep their cupboards stocked with real, delicious, snacks. For those who have never experienced Lärabar before, the 18ct variety pack is the perfect way to play with fun flavors and try some of the brand's most popular bars like Cashew Cookie, Apple Pie, and Peanut Butter Cookie.

These flavors might sound like indulgent bars from heaven but they're all non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, and Kosher. They also pack a powerful blend of natural fiber and protein to help keep you feeling satisfied and fueled on the go. My favorite, Peanut Butter Cookie, contains just 3 ingredients- 3! And it's so satisfying I actually chop up half a bar for an afternoon snack in a little bowl I like to call 'Peanut Butter And Jelly Protein.'

You don't need to be a master chef to whip up this delicious snack. All you need is about 5oz of Greek Yogurt (I like to use Blueberry Greek), fresh blueberries, raspberries, honey (note: honey is not Vegan), and half a Peanut Butter Cookie Lärabar. slice your Lärabar in slivers, then slice each sliver into quarters so you get a little bite-sized pop of delicious chewy peanut butter flavor in each bite. Then layer your Greek yogurt with a sprinkling of Lärabar pieces, raspberries, and blueberries until your bowl is nice and inviting. Drizzle a thin ribbon of honey atop and enjoy clean eating at it's most delicious!

So you might not be quite ready to toss out the soda pop and candy bars from your kitchen, but clean eating can be equally convenient and satisfying for you none-the less. Eating simple, real, whole ingredients is a lifestyle change, but Lärabar makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the fruits of their labor with inspired products that are just as tempting. Not much for bars? Check out their Lärabar bites, the 5 ingredient Chocolate Macaroon flavor is worthy of hiding and hoarding all on it's own. Now, tell me, what's a simple low ingredient recipe or snack you love to prepare and eat to recenter yourself?

What Daughter Says: Real quality ingredients don't need to be dressed up to taste great. Lärabar is proof of that.

Generation McNugget- How Fast Food Is Changing For The Modern Consumer

Note: While I was invited to attend an event  held by McDonald's, during my trip to #BlogHer2016, I was in no way compensated for sharing the following information or story- it is entirely of my doing.

What Momma Told Me: Baby steps.

I'm not going to lie, when I was a little girl the biggest fuss over eating out was whether I'd finish all of my food fast enough to get the toy that came inside my Happy Meal. We didn't eat 'fast food' often. As a result there were little rules to what I could order or eat when we did, so long as I ate the majority of my meal. Trust me, Momma made up for it with 27 other days in the month full of heaping piles of vegetables and a rotating concoction of 'grown up food' (as I called it). Yes, fast food, especially McDonald's was always considered a treat, something to indulge with on special occasions.

Let's face it, up until about a decade ago the term 'fast food' had a negative connotation. I'll admit, whenever I was asked by a coworker why I had for lunch and named one of the major chains on the corner I felt a sense of shame. Why couldn't I have delicious food prepared for me on the go, at an affordable value and convenient time frame? Of course several brands have made great strides to restructure their menu, and re-evaluate their food sourcing and preparation processes, to meet the growing demands of conscientious consumers. If you'd have asked me in 2003 if I'd buying salads at my local McDonalds on lunch breaks I would have laughed as if you were crazy.

 We give chains like McDonald's a bad wrap a lot. Yes, it is 'fast food'- but fast food no longer means 'junk food.' It's a mentality that I daresay will yet take generations more to embrace. Are golden delicious, freshly salted, french fries still on the menu, sure. It wouldn't be McDonald's without french fries! But the brand has made efforts to expand on the convenience of their delicious sandwiches as meals and offer alternative sides, and a smaller standard portioning of french fries when ordered. This was one of the first steps the brand made where I truly noticed a difference.

However, the concept that their most delicious menu items could be enjoyed in moderation wasn't the only message McDonald's worked to convey. Over the past 10 years the brand has listened fervently to consumer feedback across the United States and worked to make dramatic changes to everyday menu items, while innovating lighter, health minded, introductions to the traditional menu.

I, including myself, found myself frustrated from time to time with how slow it seemed this 'industry' was responding to the rapidly changing lifestyles and quality demands of its' consumers.What I didn't know was that something as simple as adding apple slices to the Happy Meal menu took over 3 years to achieve. And the monumental 'breakfast all day' roll out? Just consider the logistics challenges of sourcing a regular supply of quality eggs for over 15,000 locations nationwide, essentially up to tripling the chains previous product demand! It's no small undertaking- but the brand has made it very vocal that they do not intend to let such hurdles or slow progression stop them from continually bettering their brand. While you may scoff, the brand is committed to providing 100% cage free eggs for their 16k locations across the United States and Canada by 2025.

10 years? Why is it going to take 10 years? Well, you just try to hold yourself to a quality standard, while contracting enough fresh cage free egg farmers to supply and feed the customers of over 16k restaurant locations every day. I'm not an expert in the field, but something tells me there may not even be that many cage free chickens producing in the U.S. at this point in time! It IS quite the undertaking.

Of course one of the way the brand can innovate and meet customers demands for consistently fresher, never, better ingredients and recipes is by adding regional or even seasonal menu items to their lineup. The California HASS avocado is a local treat I indulge in every Summer, but McDonalds wants to look into the process of sourcing them potentially year round for fresh guacamole with pico de gallo- yes avocados are used in guacamole on McDonald's menu offerings now- but the use of real HASS avocados would add an extra depth of flavor and quality to further elevate the menu.

Speaking of elevating- raise your hand if you have happy feels (memories) when you think of grabbing a Happy Meal as a child. That 4 count McNugget box was always my treat of choice, and nothing made me squirm with delight quite like dipping a freshly nibbled nugget into that little cup of sauce. McDonalds might traditionally be a 'burger' joint, but it's their famous golden nuggets that I find myself, and my nieces and nephews craving. A Happy Meal is not just an affordable and simple solution to meals on the go at crunch time- it's a tool for connecting and making memories.

The brand understands this, and as a result have made several changes to the famous recipe throughout the years. McNuggets get a lot of flack y'all. I get it. I, too, am always skeptical of any meat product that is not served in it's original shape. But I have to admit, I feel heaps better about treating my nieces and nephews (and myself) to a McNugget meal now and then knowing that the brand has now made it's commitment to use only antibiotic free (*antibiotics important to human medicine) chicken. This in addition to their ongoing commitment that McNuggets shall always remain free of artificial colors and flavors. So go ahead, dip happy.

Of course you don't have to crave 'fast food' to crave McDonalds- I'd say the majority of my trips over the past year were actually for something very 'not' fast food- a salad. And I'm not talking about a 'side salad instead of fries with my Big Mac' sort of deal- I'm talking a full blown, artisan inspired, entree salad like the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad featuring a Southwest Vegetable Blend, Cilantro Lime Glazed Grilled Chicken, and Chili Lime Tortilla Strips. It jut so happens to pair perfectly with a McCafe Smoothie (which I hear is being tested with a Greek yogurt base!)

This 'food journey' the brand proclaims it's on is not one that reaches it's destination overnight. Then again, when you're working to change an entire industry, nothing does. We, as consumers think of McDonalds as a 'fast food' chain, and, as a result we expect the ingredients and food to be in line with the affordable pricing and speed. As it turns out, there is nothing fast or simple about ensuring the freshest ingredients and flavors make it to your local drive-thru window every day. Not only do I, personally, have a newfound appreciation for the business of 'convenient' revolution, but I feel a little bit of pride in knowing I choose a brand that is so actively listening to it's customers and striving to meet their needs. Now, tell me, what do you look for most on a fast food menu? Are you the type only heading in to indulge in something sinfully greasy? Or are you the consumer demanding fresher, more lifestyle driven selections on the menu?


What Daughter Says: Fast food has a bad wrap. But it's come a long way from my mother's childhood, and it continues to evolve for future generations.

How To (Absolutely, Positively, Completely) Rock Your Road Trip

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RoadTripOil #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: Every mile is a memory.

My first road trip was at 17.

I packed up the back of my very first car with 'all' of my worldly belongings and my best friend and I squeezed ourselves into the front for a 2,986 mile cross-country drive spanning a total of 50+ driving hours. We made it to our destination, my new home at the time, in just 3 days alternating driving shifts and stopping only for one night at a hotel. Some may argue that's not much of a road trip. Sure, we got the driving part down but we didn't truly have a chance to do more than stop at rest stops and highway signs for a quick photo-op here and there. At the time all my teenage, star-crossed, romantic heart could think about was getting to my high school sweetie for the Summer.

It's not my fault, really- nobody ever taught me how to road trip.

I'm sure my parents traveled here and there, up to the Redwoods, or Cannery Row, when I was an infant- but my mother's battle with cancer back in 1990 put an end to most of that. From there on out we became a flying family. And by flying I mean I flew back East with my pop twice a year while Momma stayed behind and 'held down the fort.'

So, while my first real road trip wasn't exactly an epic one, the freedom of an open road and the roar of a purring engine is something I've since courted many times since. In fact, ironically, I will always drive to a destination unless it is entirely impractical. Just ask Momma, who had to literally buy me plane tickets to convince me not to navigate the ice filled passes of Oregon last fall. There is a freedom about traveling in a car, a plethora of options presented by the prospect of charting your own way, and a world of discoveries which accompanies a road trip.

So I might not have always been the 'road trip expert' I am today- but, as someone who road tripped over 3,500 miles last year, I have learned a thing or two about rocking the road trip. Let me share with you some of my best advice to maximizing every mile and memory on your next road trip!

Let's start with ensuring your wheels of choice are in optimal condition for the journey. Few things ruin a road trip like being unprepared for a roadside incident, or an unexpected mechanical issue. While the destination and routes traveled will play a big part in some of these preparations there are a few things you should always mark off the checklist prior to departing:

• Check that your vehicle is stocked with an emergency roadside kit, including a jug of water.
• Inspect all tired for missing valve stem caps, low tire pressure/leaks, unusual wear and ensure that your vehicle is equipped with a viable spare.
• Inspect your headlights- Do they appear fogged over from age? You may want to spend 30 minutes to refurbish them. Fogged headlights are not just an eyesight, they are a safe driving hazard and significantly minimize visibility in night driving.
• Check that your windshield wipers do not streak and that the rubber is free of cracks, nicks, or dried out sections. While you may not be driving somewhere where rain is anticipated your windows may require cleaning while on the road and streaks or poor functioning wipers can cause issues with road visibility.

If your car is near due for an oil change, or will be due (according to mileage) by the time your return from your journey take your car in for an oil change prior to heading out on the road. Having your oil changed at a Walmart Automotive Care Center is not only convenient and affordable but helps provide a peace of mind towards ensuring your car is at it's best before piling on those road trip miles. Bring your car in for a Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® or Pennzoil Platinum®: Full Synthetic Motor Oil with PurePlus™ Technology vehicle motor oil change at the Walmart Automotive Care Center and ask to have your vehicle's other fluid's checked and topped off, as well as your tire pressure checked for free!

I've been bringing our cars to Walmart for our oil change needs for the past several years for 2 reasons- 1.) I love to shop and stock up for my road trips while my car is being services and 2.) I can always get a great deal on a quality Pennzoil motor oil change no matter the car I bring in. Every car has it's own unique motor oil needs, and my car will be dinging 75k miles at the end of our Summer Road Trips. It'll be just about time for another oil change and just in time for the high mileage motor oil change service rollback  at Walmart! ($39.88 on Rollback to $35.88 June 15 - September 28, 2016)

Once you've ensured all the moving parts are ready to hit the road you'll want to make sure the inside of your car is road trip ready too. Road tripping can often lead to a myriad of messes, odors, and just plain funk inside your car as you trek new terrains in and out, eat fast food curbside, and even live out of your car! A contained trash disposal system is a must and my 'Gift Bag Trash Bin' Car Hack is a genius way to not only stash your trash in style, but organize those cigarette lighter charging cords too! The best part- a small gift bag is an affordable item you can replace anytime your 'trash' bin gets a little too grungy!

If you're taking littles along for the journey you'll need to keep them entertained. When packing car travel activities for children keep in mind the motion tolerance of the passengers. Some kids do best focusing on something static directly in front of them, while others need to feel as though they are in an open space with lots of movement. Nobody wants to pull off the side of the road so someone can toss their cookies! For a fun, cheap, and endless backseat activity check out our D.I.Y Mobile I Spy game!

Drive connected, but safe. Technology is a blessing for the modern road tripper. Nearly any corner of the country mapped by a highway will yield a cell signal- but sometimes drivers become a little too reliant. Make sure to bring an extra charging cable, spare smartphone battery, hands free communication device, and smartphone mount on your journey. You'll likely be referring to your phone for navigation from time to time, if not the whole journey. Keep in mind, as amazing as GPS maps are, they're not always entirely accurate. Most importantly, if you feel you are lost or have missed a turn don't panic! Pull off the highway, at a public place when possible, and gather your bearings before heading back out on the road.

One of the quickest way to add awesome to your road trip is by starting a tradition. You likely already have some if you've been on a road trip before. One very common tradition is to stop at 'state border signs' and snap a pic. You likely won't be the only one, and, if you're lucky, the other travelers will offer to snap a photo for you! Traditions not only build memories, but help break up the sometimes long and tedious drive between destinations with something to plan and look forward to. Other traditions might include collection a specific type of souvenir from gift shops, finding a specific type of restaurant to dine at each stop, create a road trip playlist and sing along, or to hold your breath at state and county borders (a good luck tradition.)

Last Fall Sabrina and I drove the Pacific Coast Highway up to Portland, Oregon. We stopped for every sunset, looking for a quiet, yet scenic place to grab a soda (or water in my case) and soak in the locale before checking into our accommodations for the night. Since I was the driver it was her job to keep an eye out for something she wanted to explore or take in- on one particular night a beautiful bridge caught her eye and we pulled off at a bed and breakfast that was closed for the season. That's where we met and befriended a gorgeous feral cat we nicknamed and still reference to this day!

Hotels are great when traveling to a destination and staying for an extended period of time- but, on a road trip, the point should be to maximize experiences collected with something new and unexpected. Consider booking a campsite, bnb, timeshare, or beach house rental for an evening when seeking respite on the road. Most often people road trip on a budget and end up booking value hotels. While you can sometimes find a gem at a great price, you're not truly expanding your world by staying in a cookie cutter chain hotel while on the road. Yes, for road trips, seek out unique and alternate accommodations to add to your journey's story.

Bring soap. Bring baby wipes, wet naps, soap bars, hand sanitizer, and pretty much any other convenient portable cleanser you can pack. When I go on a road trip, or travel anywhere really, I always bring a new bottle of hand soap. If you're planning on staying in a hotel- does anyone REALLY like those mini itty bitty complimentary bars that slide all over the sink and stick to the porcelain? And, if you're traveling on the road- is soap always available at every restroom and rest stop? Having your own personal soap and cleansers on hand help keep you feeling clean while traveling, and feeling clean means you feel more alert and ready to enjoy your trip.

Don't over pack. Whether there's 1 person or 4, whether you're in a compact car or an SUV, the endless clutter seems to pile up the further down the road you go. Pack smart and pack only what you'll need. If you're on the fence about something you probably don't need to pack it. If it turns out you did, you can always stop at a store along the route and pick it up. The exception being, of course, those planning on traveling extremely rural routes.

While this may seem contrary to the above tip, always pack a swimsuit. Unless you are the sort who simply never ever wears a swimsuit or touches any body of recreational water, no matter what, this rule is important. Think about it. How many times have you gone away for the weekend, visited family, taken a road trip, or planned a business vacation thinking 'I'll be nowhere near a pool' then BAM everyone's heading to a pool and you don't have a swimsuit on hand? Whether you decide to take a dip in the lake at an impromptu stop, or wind up crashing at a bnb with a pool, you'll be thankful you had the option to toss one on.

So there you have it. My best tips for maximizing your road trip and getting the most out of every mile. With road trips the vacation is in the 'getting there,' as they say. If you're hopping in the car dreading every mile and just waiting to reach your destination then consider taking a plane. Road Tripping isn't for the weary of heart, but the rewards of an open mind and open road are bountiful. Just make sure you pack smart, drive safe, and get your car road ready with a Pennzoil vehicle motor oil change from a Walmart Auto Care Center near you. Now, tell me, where were you headed on your last road trip, or where are you headed next?

What Daughter Says: Road trips are all about the journey- make memories and plan a road trip for your next vacation!