Winter weather looks and feels quite different across the U.S. For some, winter means below the freezing point with plenty of snow, but for another lucky bunch, sunny skies and warmer temps are the norm. In the same way that switching out your summer wardrobe for fall sweaters is a yearly ritual, your skin can majorly benefit from a similar update when it comes to the skincare products you use each season. Whether you’re in the harsh temps of NYC, or basking in the LA sunshine this winter, your unique skin deserves the best protection it can get!

What does winter skin look like?

Generally speaking, as winter temps drop, so do humidity levels, meaning air becomes drier and naturally, so does our skin. How does this manifest in my skin you might be wondering? Oftentimes, these changes look like flakiness or dullness and skin can feel itchy or chapped. Plus, existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can be exacerbated. In harsh winter regions, like the Midwest or the Northeast, some people may also experience redness caused by the effects of extreme winter conditions.

All of that dry air means that skin is more prone to losing water in a process called Transepidermal Water Loss, or TEWL, so skin may need extra assistance in sealing in water. Our skin relies on a healthy, functioning skin barrier to retain water with ample lipids, so when this natural barrier is out of whack, so goes hydrated skin with it.

What is the skin barrier & what does hydration have to do with it?

The skin barrier is our last natural defense between us and the outside world. It’s a fancy way of saying the outermost layer of our skin, and its function and purpose is vital to maintaining healthy hydration and overall skin health. The skin barrier keeps vital water in and potential pathogens and free radicals out. In order to lock in hydration, the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer, relies on a healthy layer of protective lipids (oil) to coat each skin cell, effectively keeping water in and intruders (like drying winter air for example) out. The bottom line is that hydrated skin and a healthy skin barrier go hand in hand.

How to pick the right winter moisturizer for you

Knowing your skin type is a helpful place to start when considering what your independent needs may be. Dry, oily, or balanced? Read on.

Normal or balanced skin

This skin type falls in the middle of the skin spectrum; it doesn’t produce excess oil, but it’s not overly dry either. While balanced, this skin type is still vulnerable to winter extremities and can benefit from a protective barrier plus other nutritive ingredients to restore skin. Those with normal skin types can benefit from Life’s Abundance Facial Serum, formulated with essential fatty acid-rich oils and antioxidants to protect skin from harsh, external environmental factors like dry air or cold wind. If skin needs an added boost of moisture throughout the winter months, add a few drops to your facial moisturizer before bed to help prevent TEWL.

Oily skin

This skin type naturally produces excess sebum as compared to normal skin types, so water can be key when looking for a moisturizer. Opt for the Life's Abundance Facial Moisturizer. Containing 7 of the 8 essential amino acids that help skin retain water, dry winter air will meet its match. This lightweight formula easily absorbs into skin and won’t leave behind oily residue.

Dry skin

Dry skin types produce less sebum than normal skin types, meaning they lack lipids. Add dry winter air to the mix, and dry skin types will also lack water, leading to a state of dehydration.  The best way to combat this is to consider a double-dose of moisture using both water and oil. Start with the Facial Moisturizer and add in 2-3 drops of the essential fatty acid-rich Facial Serum. Blend in the palm of your hands to create a creamy emulsion and massage into skin for an ultra-hydrating, protective barrier.

Plant actives at work

Dive into how each moisturizer works to hydrate and nourish your skin back to health.

• The Facial Serum is packed with essential fatty acid-rich ingredients to protect, moisturize and restore.
• Pomegranate oil: High in punic acid (omega-5) to help prevent moisture loss.
• Chia oil: Contains the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), that’s been shown to help restore the skin's moisture barrier, especially in dry skin types!
• Prickly pear seed oil: Exceptionally high in the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (omega-6) which plays a key role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier function.
• The Facial Moisturizer offers skin a hydrating, protective base.
• Aloe leaf juice: Contains 98% water and helps skin to become more hydrated and improves elasticity.
• Hemp seed oil: One of the many amino acid-rich ingredients in this moisturizer that helps bind water to the skin.

Beyond skincare

In addition to your winter skincare arsenal to tackle dry, winter skin, here are a few lifestyle tips to help keep skin hydrated and happy this winter:

• Use a humidifier.
• Exfoliate regularly.
• Consume your water (don’t just drink it!) - think soups & bone broths.
• Avoid hot showers & baths as this can be damaging to the skin barrier.
• Drink extra H2O! Tip: If you want an extra nutritional boost, add Life’s Abundance Minerals and Antioxidants drink mix.

 

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Many would agree that dogs make our lives whole. The love, loyalty, sweet cuddles, and wet kisses are what make us dog people. And just like us, they have their own personalities too! There are the ones that live off of adventure and others that are perfectly content as lap dogs. Here are just a few breeds that have personalities very similar to yourself!

Extroverts

Beagle: Extroverts! What better dog breed to match your outgoing and friendly personalities than a beagle? Beagles are usually an all-around great dog that can adapt to many lifestyles. However, they are extremely intelligent and playful which makes them a great fit for extroverted owners. So, feel free to invite company as beagles will meet them with a happy wagging tail.

Introverts

Shiba Inu: Shiba Inus have a unique personality. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and tend to be a bit possessive. But, just as any breed, they can be trained in a way to be loving family dogs. The reason they make great dogs for introverts is because they are independent and almost “cat-like.” So they are a great match for those who are more to themselves.

Social

Golden Retriever: Goldens fit into so many different categories but they are most definitely a social pup. They are known for being family-friendly and generally getting along with many people. They’re the perfect fit for the social butterfly since they naturally fall in love with just about any visitor that will give them a belly rub and a tasty treat.

Homebody

Maltese: Quite the cute little one in the toy dog group, maltese breeds are fond of cuddling. They still love to play and be active but they don’t require as much activity as other breeds. They make great companions for people who prefer to stay home as they are gentle, loving and are very content being curled up on your lap.

Peaceful

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: You already know that getting a dog means that there is barking involved. However, there are certain breeds that are less likely to bark, including the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you’re the type of person who enjoys living more peacefully without much noise, this breed is usually more quiet than others. Even excessive yelling doesn’t go over well with these spaniels.

Intellectual

Doberman Pinscher: Looking for a pup that matches your need for knowledge? Dobermans are known for their obedience and intelligence, in fact they are one of the smartest breeds in the world. They respond very well to positive reinforcement so you can feel comfortable training them to sit, stay, or fetch all day long.

Adventurer

Border Collie: Running in the park or hiking up trails, Border Collies are lovers of adventure. They are naturally athletic and are part of the hunting and herding dog groups, meaning that you can bet they are always looking to be where the action is. These dogs will no doubt be up to partnering up with you as you embark on all your outside adventures.

Cuddler

Great Dane: Okay, we know. This sounds absolutely off track. However, despite the Great Dane’s...greatness, they’re actually avid cuddlers. Their size certainly does not stop them from taking a seat on your lap. So, if you’re the type of person who enjoys a rainy day spent snuggled under the covers, then a Great Dane might be the one for you. Just make sure you can take the weight of at least 100 pounds.

Athletes

Parson (Jack) Russell Terrier: Say hello to high energy! If you love going out for a run and spending all your energy, Jack Russels would enjoy being by your side. They are a smaller dog breed that needs to be exercised more than your average pup, they don’t do well just chilling out at home. Also avid hunters, don’t be surprised if they start sprinting after a small animal.

Creative

Poodle: Just take a look at how pet parents get their poodles groomed and you’ll realize they’re a walking canvas on their own - ideal for the creative type. Besides that, poodles are a smart breed that love to be stimulated in different ways. This includes both physical and mental training that ranges from the traditional fetch to becoming a watchdog.

Don’t get us wrong. Just because you might be a huge extrovert, it doesn’t mean you wouldn’t fit well with a Shiba Inu or Great Dane. The amazing thing about dogs is that they will always adore their owner no matter what their personality is. Plus, don’t they always say opposites attract anyways?

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With the New Year here, many of us are thinking of some good habits we want to implement into our lives. One of the biggest things people think of is to completely disconnect from technology. This could mean staying off and away from their smartphones, televisions, and computers. While it sounds good on paper, it may not be the smartest to quit cold turkey. This can be quite unrealistic and hard to stick to, so a better option would be to decrease, not disconnect.

We get it, technology can be pretty overwhelming sometimes. You probably catch yourself scrolling through social media or stuck in front of a TV for hours at a time. Before you know it, the day just passes by. One of the other things about technology, primarily social media, is that we constantly compare our lives to the people we see online. This causes an unhealthy relationship with yourself as you start to become unhappy with your own reality. There are other harmful effects of too much screen time including:

• Eyestrain
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• A disrupted circadian rhythm
• Neck and back pain

So, it sounds pretty reasonable when you decide that you want to go on a full technology detox. You may think it’ll relieve you of any related stress and allow you to fully relax without the worries of needing to respond to someone. This may have worked well in the past, but it doesn’t necessarily do as much good as you think.

Technology surrounds us in our everyday lives. Whether you work on a computer, or make calls and texts on your phone, our society is engulfed in it. Technology has only grown over the years, which has made it even harder to disconnect from it. Some of us might even flippantly say we are addicted to it. In saying this, it’s important that we don’t completely rid ourselves of it. Not only would it not last long, but it also doesn’t work so well when you are trying to go about your normal day. Texts, calls, and work emails are just a few things that make it difficult to fully disengage.

Instead of completely disconnecting from technology, set a goal to decrease and limit your time on it and around it. This is a much easier habit to implement into your life since you won’t be quitting it so abruptly. For example, if your screen time on your smartphone tends to be around five hours a day, set a goal of  two hours, or any amount you feel is achievable. Find yourself sitting in front of the television binge watching your favorite show? Decrease down to an episode or two.

If you find it hard to stick to it, you can write it down where you’ll always see it so you’re constantly reminded of it. You can even tell a friend to help hold you accountable. Set yourself up for success and schedule this time away from technology to do other activities. You can go for a walk, talk to a loved one, or spend time doing a hobby. Little by little, you will start to feel the results of decreasing your tech time, both mentally and physically. You can do this!

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UPDATED JANUARY 25, 2021: The FDA has added a list of countries where the recalled product may have been exported by Midwestern Pet Foods. As of this date, approximately 110 dogs have died and 210 have gotten sick. The countries affected are listed below.

On January 11, 2021, the FDA reported that Midwestern Pet Foods has expanded the recall to all of their pet foods containing corn and was manufactured within the company's Oklahoma plant and has an expiration date on or before July 9, 2022. While the investigation is ongoing, the FDA approximates more than 70 dogs have died and 80 have gotten sick after consuming certain pet foods manufactured by Midwestern Pet Foods. The updated list of recalled pet food products is listed below.

Note: No Life’s Abundance products are involved in this recall. We do not use corn, the ingredient at the center of this investigation.

On December 30, 2020 the FDA reported that Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. has voluntarily recalled several lots of dry dog food and dry cat food due to potentially fatal levels of the toxin aflatoxin.

The Problem

Aflatoxin is a mold that is present on grains such as corn, which is commonly used in pet foods. At high levels this can become toxic and cause sluggishness, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, and prolonged liver damage. Severe cases may lead to death, as in this case.

The investigation is ongoing and updates will be posted here. As of this reporting, the FDA has announced the death of at least 28 dogs and 8 illnesses in conjunction with this Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. pet food recall.

The FDA advises pet parents to stop feeding their pets the recalled products and ensure no other animals have access to the food. It also recommends contacting your veterinarian, especially if your dog or cat is showing any of the symptoms listed above. For more, visit the FDA’s alert.

Products involved as of January 11, 2021:

Lots of the following pet food products have been recalled if the date/lot code includes an expiration date on or before “07/09/22” and includes “05” in the date/lot code, which identifies products made in the Oklahoma plant:

• Pro Pac Adult Mini Chunk, 40 lb. bag
• Pro Pac Performance Puppy, 40 lb. bag
• Splash Fat Cat 32%, 50 lb. bag
• Nunn Better Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Original Cat, 15 lb. bag
• Sportmix Original Cat, 31 lb. bag
• Sportmix Maintenance, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix Maintenance, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix High Protein, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Energy Plus, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix Energy Plus, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Stamina, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix Stamina, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Bite Size, 40 lb. bag
• Sportmix Bite Size, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix High Energy, 44 lb. bag
• Sportmix High Energy, 50 lb. bag
• Sportmix Premium Puppy, 16.5 lb. bag
• Sportmix Premium Puppy, 33 lb. bag

Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”

The affected products were distributed to online retailers and stores nationwide within the United States.

Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. may have exported the recalled product to one consignee, respectively, in each of the following countries: Bahrain, Barbados, Chile, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Polynesia, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan, Trinidad, Ukraine, UAE, Uruguay, and Vietnam.

Safer Solution

At Life's Abundance, we have a much better and safer way of making pet foods and notifying consumers should a problem ever arise. For example, as it relates to this situation with aflatoxin from corn, we committed from the beginning to never use corn or wheat in our pet diets, in part, for this reason. The ingredients selected for our foods represent the best of quality and safety, right down to the micronutrients.

As for consumer safety, we view the system of product recalls as problematic. That is because most consumers will never hear about a recall. Yet because of our direct relationship with consumers we know who received which product, down to the lot number. In the event there is ever an issue with a product, our proactive communications system allows us to reach thousands of people by phone in just one hour, ensuring that we can contact all affected customers quickly. We can also reach them by email and even through the mail.

We hope the information we shared with you will do two things. Alert unsuspecting dog food consumers of this situation so their dogs don’t get sick as well as help you feel even more confident about Life's Abundance and our commitment to helping families, including our pets, live long, healthy lives!

Training your dog off-leash is a rewarding experience for both you and your pup! However, there are certain precautions you need to take before allowing your dog to roam freely. Off-leash training can be difficult in the beginning, especially for breeds that love to run and investigate their surroundings. It can also be easy for them to get distracted when there are other people and dogs nearby. Here are some steps that will help you in safely leading your furry friend towards their first off-leash adventure.

Off-Leash Training Steps:

1. First things first is to evaluate if your dog is a good candidate for off-leash training. Some dogs might have more difficulty training, like beagles that love to run or chow chows that tend to be super independent.
2. Before any training, your dog needs to learn how to sit, heel, and come.
3. As you guide your dog into training, minimize their fears as best you can. This means making sure the environment is free of loud noises, bigger dogs, or children.
4. Start off by keeping your dog on a long leash or in a large fenced area. You should not let them off-leash until you are 100% confident they are ready.
5. Use high-value dog treats or toys as you train your dog to sit, heel, and come. Reward them well and shower them with attention when they complete a behavior.
6. Over time, you can start to use a drag line, which is a smooth rope attached to a collar or harness, to give them more freedom.
7. Once they become consistent with commands, you can consider letting them graduate to time off the leash.

The goal of the first several steps is to convince your dog that it is in their best interest to stay close to you and not run off. Sometimes, neutering can make a huge difference as the possibility of roaming decreases by up to 90%. Regardless of this and other factors, like breed, step one above is crucial - each dog should be evaluated for training. If your dog constantly runs off, or demonstrates predatory behavior, you will want to involve a professional trainer. Dogs are kept leashed for their safety and the safety of others, so we know there is some risk to going off-leash. But, there is also a big reward for your hard work and consistent effort!

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2020 has been quite the year and we’ve all been through this journey of ups and downs. The new year is finally here and you might be tempted to think of a long list of resolutions you want to accomplish. Maybe you want to start going to sleep earlier, make a workout plan, or save a certain amount of money. We get it - you may feel like you lost a lot of time and need to catch up on life. We’re here to tell you though, resolutions shouldn’t necessarily be your focus in the new year. Goal setting is a much more realistic way to reach where you are striving to be.

What is goal setting?

Goal setting is the process of defining exactly what your goals are and what steps you will take to achieve them. This ensures you have a solid plan in place with set deadlines. As you define these objectives, they should be attainable and tangible.

Why does goal setting work better than resolutions?

Resolutions are merely goals or habits you want to incorporate into your life without actually having a plan in place. This can make it extremely difficult to live out your resolutions in the new year. In fact, about 80 percent of resolutions fail before the end of February! This is usually because the resolutions set are huge goals that end up being very overwhelming, especially when you don’t have a deadline or clear plan set for yourself.

In saying this, goal setting is much more efficient in this way because even if you have a big, intimidating goal you want to reach, you can break it down into smaller ones. For example, if you are aiming to shed a bit of that holiday weight, it is better to take it little by little. Aim to lose a lesser amount of pounds each week rather than a higher amount of pounds in six months. Smaller goals are easier to obtain and you are much more likely to reach your target.

How can you incorporate this into your life?

It’s best to identify a few goals you want to achieve. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a bunch of things you want to get done this year. It’s okay to have a top two or three objectives and put all your energy into those few. On top of this, there is also something called setting “SMART” goals. This means your goals should be:

1. Specific - Stay away from generic goals like “eat healthier.” The more specific you are, the better it will be when you start planning.

2. Measurable - Measure your progress in terms of amounts, time passed, etc.

3. Attainable - Goals are meant to be achieved! They should not be so out of reach that you cannot attain them.

4. Relevant - Keep your goals aligned with your life. Make sure it helps you get where you want to be.

5. Time Bound - Set a deadline! It will only make it that more rewarding for you when you achieve it.


Now that you have your goals, it’s time to make a plan for each one. Write out the small steps within your large goal and make deadlines for those too. All that’s left to do is stick to your plan! Just remember that you can take advantage of goal setting at any time of the year, it isn’t only limited to each time the new year comes around.

Happy planning and Happy New Year!

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I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent a ton of time lately with my dog’s head in my lap. I’ve lived with many dogs over the years, but it seems like no matter if I’m petting a lab, a Lhasa, or a coonhound, one fact remains- they always know when I need them there.

This has been an extraordinarily challenging time for everyone, no matter where you live or what you believe. Finding common ground and a sense of unity feels darn near impossible sometimes- until you start talking pets.

Like anyone who’s worked in a field where you interact with the public, I’ve met all kinds of people. One of the things I love most about veterinary medicine isn’t just that the medicine is cool- which it is- but to me, the joy is really in the immense honor and privilege I have in hearing the stories of what pets mean to us.

When I began working as an in-home hospice veterinarian, that took on an even deeper level. Unlike when someone brings a pet into the clinic, I was being invited into their homes to be present for a very momentous moment in their family’s life. I’ve sat on leather couches and corduroy; patio chairs and grassy blankets; sat in joy and sadness and dawn and dusk and no matter who, where, or when I was helping, I felt the same love and connection every time.

With COVID, this connection has taken on even greater meaning, as so many people find themselves spending much more time home in the company of their pets than they ever did before. Here in San Diego, our local Meals on Wheels partners with a rescue organization to deliver pet food to the seniors who rely on the program for healthy meals. Why? Because the volunteers realized many seniors were feeding their meals to their pets, choosing to do without themselves rather than have to give up the companionship of what is, for so many, their main source of emotional support.

When I feel frustrated with the state of humanity and start to wonder if things are as much of a lost cause as it sometimes feels like, I like to think that dogs and cats really do cause us to reveal our true natures. When no one’s watching, how do you interact with your pet? As hard and as rough as things can get, that answer remains constant. We all have the capacity to both give and receive a deep and unconditional love.

This belief has allowed me to be online talking with pet owners all over the world for over a decade, and allowed me to treat every family I encounter with the same dignity and respect. When it feels like there is so little space for common ground, nowhere to start and build upon, this love we share with our pets has consistently served me well for many years, and I hope it does for you as well.

When I first met the Life’s Abundance team and began writing and getting to know you all, I knew right away that this family felt the exact same way I did when it comes to how we honor and love our pets and each other. I’m so grateful to be here with all of you and get to celebrate all the little joys that our pets bring into our lives. Be safe and well!

Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

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Gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark might be the traditional holiday desserts, but what’s better than snacking without the guilt? These Holiday Health Bars are made with our Vanilla Plant Protein, so you can treat yourself freely! 

Recipe:

Makes 12 bars

• 2 cups quick oats (regular or gluten free)
• 1/2 cup Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein
• 2 tbsp ground flax seed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup total of your favorite ingredients. We made two varieties: one with cocoa nibs and pumpkin seeds and one with mini white chocolate chips, cranberries, and chia seeds. This is where you can get creative and personalize this recipe as your own!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and prepare an 8x8 baking pan by lining with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, Life’s Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein, ground flax seed, cinnamon, and sea salt. Set aside.
3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine almond butter, honey, almond milk, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined. Pour your wet mix into the dry mix and stir until fully incorporated. Fold in your ingredients of choice (cocoa nibs, chia seeds, etc…).
4. Pour into a prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, spread the mixture evenly in the pan, pressing down firmly.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 20 minutes before cutting into bars.
7. To make this recipe fun and festive, cut parchment paper and bakers twine and wrap each one like a little gift!

Wisely, more and more pet parents seek out foods for their dogs and cats that contain probiotics.  However, the quality, application and overall formulation matter. Can you be sure you’re choosing the best product?

Here’s how to be a savvy shopper when it comes to researching kibble with probiotics:

Species Specific Blend

• Most probiotics on the market were sourced from cows because they were intended for use in cows, pigs and chickens.
• The probiotic strains selected for Life’s Abundance foods are ideal to support the canine or feline GI tract because they originated from healthy dogs and cats.
• One strain doesn’t do enough in the gut to provide the full benefit. With both the upper and lower GI to consider, plus all the different functions of various probiotics, from nutrient absorption to moderating stress response, there is no silver bullet probiotic organism that can do all the jobs.

Look For The Guarantee

Here’s a secret - seeing probiotics listed on a label can provide a false sense of security because many times they are not guaranteed. Without that guarantee shown in the Guaranteed Analysis, there’s no way of knowing if the probiotics will still be viable when your dog or cat consumes them. The guarantee covers the entire shelf life of the product.

So, why wouldn’t a brand just go ahead and make the guarantee, you ask? We cannot speak to anyone’s motives, but there are a few things to consider:

• It’s not easy to get live probiotics onto dog food and cat food. To ensure survival, they must be dusted on after cooking. This equipment is incredibly specialized and not all manufacturers have it. In the vast majority of cases, probiotics blended in before cooking will not survive. Yet, they can still appear on the label, which looks appealing to consumers.
• Making a guarantee puts the brand’s reputation on the line with both customers and regulators. For Life’s Abundance, when an ingredient is as vital to health as probiotics are, we think it’s important that we offer you that guarantee.

• Because a guarantee amounts to an endorsement, brands would not want to stand behind lesser-quality ingredients.


Don’t (Ever) Forget The Fiber

What you may not know is that to be at their best, probiotics need a partner to fuel their health-imbuing adventures.  That’s where fiber comes in.

“Needing more fiber” is a familiar pop culture joke anytime someone finds themselves irregular.
Yet, how often have you considered this truism for your dog or cat? Even beyond stool quality, prebiotic fiber plays an important role:

• So much more than just stool quality, when proper dietary fiber fermentation is achieved, the fibers provide nourishment for the probiotics.

• When it comes to fiber blends in pet foods, it’s easy to get it wrong and much, much harder to get it right. The consequences can include gas, digestive upset, poorer nutrient absorption, and loose or inconsistent stools.

• Because dietary fiber is so critical to gut health which plays a lead role in overall nutrition, Life’s Abundance has put years of work into creating custom blends.
• There is an overwhelming amount of nuance that makes up the difference between a passable or decent nutritional result, and an exceptional nutritional result. One of these factors is fiber fermentation. Even poorly fermented fiber can produce what looks like a good stool. At Life’s Abundance we understand these nuances and engage world-leading experts to turn up the dial on fiber-blend quality.


With a steadfast formulation philosophy, consistently premium quality products and a focus on overall health through the gut, Life’s Abundance dog foods and cat foods make it easy for conscientious pet parents to make the best choice for their cuddly companion.

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How great would it be if you could celebrate the holidays while giving our earth the gift of sustainability? Well, that’s exactly what we want to do! We’ve come up with some eco-friendly decor ideas so you can deck the halls without the guilt (or expense) of waste. Here are some of our favorites:

Pressed Leaves

As fall comes to an end, take up the leaves from your backyard and get to pressing! Elevate this tried and true activity to make gorgeous wreaths or tie them to your wrapped gifts as a colorful accessory. There are a couple ways you can press your leaves. You can use a heavy hard book and put the leaves between the pages to flatten them or iron the leaves between wax paper, paper towels or a thin cloth.  To preserve your pressed leaves, you can coat them with eco-friendly epoxy so you can use them for holiday decor for years to come!

Dried Fruit

Another elegant eco-friendly item you can use for your gifts, wreaths, and ornaments is dried fruit! This is a colorful way to decorate your space while using what you already have in your kitchen! Some of the best fruits to use are oranges, apples, and lemons. All you have to do is slice up the fruits and be sure to dry them out as much as possible with a paper towel. Then, lay them flat, bake in the oven at 200 degrees Farenheit for 3-4 hours, and make sure to flip them until they are completely dry! And there you have it! Beautiful eco-friendly decor that smells good and looks even better.

Cranberry and Popcorn Garland

Need a new garland? Look no further! Make a new one that pops with color by using cranberries and popcorn. This is a classic to be sure, but if you’ve never tried it, it’s a wonderful homemade addition! You’ll need none other than popped popcorn and washed cranberries as well as craft string and a needle for threading. Make the popcorn a few days in advance so it gets slightly stale and is firm enough for threading. Thread your two snacks through the string in any pattern you like and then add it to your tree decor! If you really want your homemade garland to last a few more years, spray it with shellac to preserve and reuse!

Gingerbread Ornaments

Get the kids in on the eco-friendly decor with gingerbread ornaments! This super easy craft looks adorable on trees and gives off an inviting cinnamon scent. These gingerbread cookies are made with only three ingredients, making it the perfect homemade project. All you need is craft glue, ground cinnamon and unsweetened apple sauce. Combine these ingredients together into a dough, roll out and get to work with the cookie cutter. Don’t forget to create the hole at the top for the string to hang. Let it dry by baking, air drying, or using a food dehydrator. Then, whip out the glitter and any other gingerbread accessories for decorating! Once these have all dried, string a ribbon through and hang them up for everyone to enjoy. Even though these look good enough to eat, make sure that you keep them away from kids and pets!

Cloth Gift Wrapping

Traditional wrapping paper doesn’t have the best impact on the environment, especially considering over two million pounds of it end up in landfills by the end of the holiday season. A fantastic alternative to wrapping paper, which is reusable and looks just as festive, is wrapping cloth. Also known as furoshiki, the practice of using cloth to wrap gifts originated in Japan. You don’t need to purchase the exact kind of cloth traditionally used because you probably have something very similar lying around the house. Once you find a fabric, check out the easy tutorials online for the many unique ways to tie up your gifts.

Recycled, Personalized Greeting Cards

Need a fun holiday decor project to do with the kids? Instead of buying a bunch of greeting cards that could potentially end up in landfills, make your own! You can get recycled cards or paper and customize them using potato stamps. All you need to do is outline the desired shape on the potato and then cut around it with a knife so the design sticks out. Dip into paint and you’re all set! This keeps the same festive feel as traditional greeting cards while adding a unique touch, and serious crafty bonus points

By all means, continue to enjoy festivities and less-DIY holiday decor! Just by making small changes to your decorations like we’ve listed here, you can reduce your environmental impact while still experiencing all the warm, fuzzy feelings of the holidays.