Check out this snapshot of U.S. statistics on pet parents. We're taking a closer look at some of the interesting numbers behind households with dogs. Facts can be fun, too!

In this season of warm weather entertaining, finding a way to offer guests Pinterest-worthy refreshments minus hours spent laboring in the kitchen can feel like a high-stakes wager. But this summer you’ve got an ace up your sleeve with this bundle of perfect recipes to dazzle party goers, drop-in visitors and even your kids!

So, if you're tired of snacks that come with their own pre-packaged soundtrack, like the air-tight seal on a jar of salsa being broken, then you’re in the right place!

With a modest shopping list and just minutes relegated to preparation, you can stock your fridge and freezer with healthy and delicious treats that are guaranteed to impress. And the best part is that each recipe comes complete with a remarkable nutrition boost from premium Life’s Abundance supplements for indulgence of the highest order.

What are you serving this summer? Send in your own favorite recipes that use our nutrition supplements and you just may see your culinary creation featured here on the Life’s Abundance blog!

Summer Berry Salsa

This recipe is definitely a staff favorite. It’s fruity, yet savory and so delicious … truly a summertime must-have at any get-together.

Yield: about 1.5 cups

• 1.5 cups fresh blueberries
• 5 medium strawberries
• 1/4 medium red onion
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• juice of two limes
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Greens Blend
• 1 small avocado, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Combine blueberries, strawberries, onion, lime zest, juice, Greens Blend and cilantro in a food processor or blender and pulse 5 times, or until you reach the desired consistency. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired. Transfer into a bowl and fold in chopped avocado once ready to serve. Serve with pita, baguette slices or corn chips, or on top of fish or chicken.

Mango Tropsicles

Having these yummy, yet healthy frozen snacks in the freezer will make it easy to pass up the ice cream truck summer frenzy.

Yield: 10 two ounce popsicles

• 1 1/4 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
• 8 oz can pineapple chunks, undrained
• 2 oz orange juice
• 1 small-medium mango, cubed
• 1 small banana
• 2 scoops of Life's Abundance Minerals & Antioxidants, Tropical or Cherry Flavor

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze 4-6 hours.

Superfruit Mocktail

There’s nothing like a few bubbles to brighten your day and this Superfruit Mocktail is a healthy way to embrace the spirit of summer.

Yield: 1 serving

• 1 scoop Life’s Abundance Minerals & Antioxidants, Cherry or Tropical Flavor
• 2 ounces cranberry juice (or your favorite fruit juice)
• 6 to 8 ounces of sparkling water
• ice cubes
• fresh mint or lemon for garnish

Directions:
Place 2 ounces of cranberry juice into a glass and add 1 scoop of Minerals & Antioxidants powder. Stir thoroughly. Slowly pour the sparkling water into the glass and allow the mixture to settle. Add ice cubes and garnish with lemon and/or mint.

Have you ever wondered, "Why does my dog bow sometimes?" The answer is more complicated than you might think!

Dog bows serve as building blocks of dog communication and also have a physiological function in the stretching referred to as pandiculation. The reason behind each bow depends on when the dog engages in the behavior. Let’s talk about this unique form of stretching first.

Why do dogs bow?

• Dog bowing is most commonly expressed with what we refer to as the ‘play bow’. This common posture serves as a cornerstone of dog communication. Most often, it functions as an expression of ‘let's play!”
• It can signal an apologetic tone, such as, "Oops, I didn't mean to bite so hard. I wasn't trying to hurt you. Let's keep playing!”
• When two dogs meet for the first time, they may initiate interaction with play bows as a way of making friends.
• Sometimes as part of the mating ritual, canines will initially assume the play-bow position to communicate amorous intent.
• Dog bowing or stretching in the morning “wakes up” the muscular system, activating the connection between the brain and the muscles. 

Want to try something fun? Try doing your own version of the play bow to your dog, and watch your pup go from serious to goofball in a heartbeat. Use a silly voice, plop down and invite your dog to play - you will likely be delighted at your dog’s response!

If your dog invites you to play with a bow, accept the invitation! Chances are that you’ll boost her well-being, as well as yours, by simply engaging in purposeful play for only five minutes. It’s a great way to take a break from the day and begin a game of tug of war, tag or fetch.

Remember: if dogs are not properly socialized, they may not know how to respond to another dog’s play-bow invitation. Rather than responding in-kind, they may feel threatened and growl fearfully. If you witness any fearful or aggressive reactions, I recommend working with a professional dog trainer.