Sunday, March 18, 2012

Pet Digital ID Tag QR Scan and GPS

Pets

Recently there has been some very exciting news for the cat and dog worlds. What transpired is a historic partnership forged between an Australian quality pet accessory manufacturer called Red Dingo and PetHub, an innovative business in the Seattle area focused on reconnecting lost pets with their owners via the tapping all the power of current and new technologies.

The result is the trendy new Red Dingo Pet Adventure QR Pet Tag powered by PetHub's digital ID platform offering a unique QR code for each dog or cat. This is designed so that it can be scanned when your animal is found, automatically linking the finder to an online account that stores the contact and pet profile information needed to reunite you with your four-legged friend.  

Optional add-on capabilities offered for nominal annual additional fee include the functionality to track your beloved pet with smartphone GPS and emergency insurance coverage to cover your animal's injuries while lost as well as the ability to help pet owners send out shelter alerts when their animal goes missing and to share PetCards with your trusted circle of pet care providers.

Dexter, our family's Miniature Pinscher (AKA Zwergpinscher and Min Pin), isn't just a Houdini in the house with all his secret hide out places. He is an escape artist that gets out the door too frequently and can even out run Olympic athletes I think. 

So, I was glad to learn recently that a new kind of dog ID tag with advanced technology now exists and was even happier when PetHub sent me their Skull & Cross Bones tag in Black to test out on my little 10-pound speed demon.

Don't let this shot of him sleeping fool you, Dexter can outrun any of us
The tag arrived via First Class Mail quickly. Soon after receiving it I completed the short and easy to fill out online form with basic information, uploaded a JPG of my little guy and activated his one of a kind QR code -- all in less than 5 minutes. Then, to see if this really worked I scanned his tag with the QR app that I have loaded on my iPhone and within seconds I was connected to a picture of Dexter and the contact information one would see if they had been the one to find my pup.
Luckily our Min Pin didn't chase the mailman the day this arrived
Obviously he didn't actually get away for the test. I'll give you an update the next time this fast four-legged fellow takes off -- and I don't think you'll have to wait long based on his past track record -- and tell you how the GPS function works that comes as an option with the Silver upgrade I received from PetHub. In the meanwhile, read on for more about where to purchase these nifty pet-tracking inventions, the tag styles you can choose from and the various service upgrade add-ons available.

Dexter's PetHub Profile Photo - If you find him don't forget scan his QR code!
In addition, you can buy tags directly online from PetHub starting at $15.90 each with shipping included.
  • Paw Print - Red, Blue, Pink or Black
  • Dog Bone - Red, Blue, Pink or Black
  • Heart - Pink or Black
  • Skull & Cross Bones - Pink or Black
Image Provided by PetHub.com
Two upgrade options for pet owners purchasing Red Dingo tags embedded with PetHub technology include
  • A Silver Subscription ($3.95 per month or $39 per year) which not only helps owners notify local animal shelters if the pet gets lost but also sends owners an email with the exact location of where the tag got scanned with a GPS-enabled phone.
  • A Gold Subscription ($4.95 per month or $49 per year) includes all the benefits of the Silver subscription plus a collectible PetHub ID tag each spring and $3,000 emergency insurance that covers the pet for injuries sustained while lost.
RedDingo PetHub QR Digital ID Tag
$54.90 value

HOW TO ENTER
Required (Mandatory) Entry
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Thanks to Online-Sweepstakes.com for including this contest in their directory of current giveaways.
Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest in Issaquah, Washington, Pet Hub is focused on getting lost pets home faster than ever using their innovative QR code pet ID tags, GPS mapping and real-time notifications. In December 2011 the company's hot new lineup of products received recognition from both Dog Fancy Magazine and Pet Age Magazine.
Dexter models a RedDingo PetHub QR Digital Pet ID Tag Style

We received this Red Dingo PetHub QR ID Tag Skull & Cross Bones style

The new Red Dingo PetHub enabled tags may be purchased at 50 select retailers and will be completely rolled out in the U.S. and Canada by Summer 2012.  

Available in four different styles and in a variety of colors
Each Red Dingo Pet Adventure QR Pet Tags come with free unlimited storage data as well as access to educational articles, relevant event listings, and local destinations added by the PetHub community and experts.




w/ FREE 1 yr Silver PetHub Subscription
GIVEAWAY

Prize: RedDingo PetHub QR Tag Style + Silver Subscription

Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends April 29, 2012 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. Winners will be selected at random from all entries and notified via email. Prize is winner's choice of RedDingo Pet Adventure QR Tag Powered by PetHub plus one year Silver Subscription, total value $54.90.

Simply leave a comment below this blogpost saying which style tag you'd like to win. Don't forget to include your email address, Facebook and/or Twitter contact info in the initial comment section so the winner can be contacted.
Earn extra entries to win for doing one or more of the easy options listed below. Just be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert (MBE) to leave an additional comment after each individual extra action you do to confirm so we can record all your additional chances to win.

2. Like MBE on Facebook
3. Subscribe to MommyBlogExpert
4. Follow PetHub on Twitter
5. Like PetHub on Facebook

You can earn even MORE chances to win each time you TWEET the message below, up to 3 times each day. Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for each of your RTs.

Hip Dog & Cat GIVEAWAY RedDingo Digital ID Tag w/ PetHub QR & GPS #Tech if your pet gets lost $54 ARV #pets http://tinyurl.com/73766j2


LOTS More 
Family-Friendly Giveaways!
Currently Being Hosted by Mommy Blog Expert
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About PetHub, Inc.

FTC Disclosure: PetHub provided me with the product mentioned as well as an upgrade to Silver subscription to facilitate this review. In addition, PetHub is providing the prize and shipping for this giveaway. I further disclose that I'm a dog loving mommy blogger. This blog did not receive any other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Bells of Ireland Fresh Flowers from the Farmer's Market for St. Patrick's Day

Celebrations



All images in this post by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day to MBE readers who celebrate this holiday today.

Picked up this beautiful bunch of Bells of Ireland earlier this week in the Century City Farmers Market which is located among the high rise office buildings of this business district just a few blocks from Beverly Hills in the Los Angeles area. Spring green is my personal favorite color and also the official color of Mommy Blog Expert so I just couldn't resist getting these for our dining room table. The best part is that they were -- drum roll please -- only $4 for the bouquet I bought. It's always nice to save some green on fresh flowers, especially flowers that are naturally, not dyed, green. Farmers Markets are definitely my go-to source for the freshest flowers and produce at the best prices, too.


Bells of Ireland Just $4 at a local Farmer's Market - Vase is my own
After I got home I did some research and was surprised to learn some fun facts about Bells of Ireland that you might find fascinating, too.
  • These don't even grow in Ireland
  • This flower's common name comes from the green color of its leaves and bells
  • The green bells with white veins aren't technically flowers, they are calyxes
  • Bells traditionally symbolize good luck and are popular for St. Patrick's Day
Bells of Ireland Closeup

Facts in this post from WholesaleWeddingFlowers.com

Luck 'O the Irish to You!

How are you spending St. Patrick's Day this year? Leave a comment and share.

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Twitter Party Calendar With Prizes March 19-25

Twitter Parties


Here's the family-friendly Twitter Party list for the coming week of March 19 - March 25 that I think moms and women would appreciate knowing about. Lots of Twitter parties are already on this week's calendar offering prizes for women, moms, kids and the rest of the family young and old. Check back frequently so you don't miss updates and additions to this list as the week goes on


Celebrate Spring With a Week of Twitter Parties

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 19

Glade #Happiair Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Prizes include Glade Prize Packs and more. RSVP

Last Minute Travel is the topic of the #TMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Panelists include @TravelingMom @KimOrlando @DebMomof3 and @CindyRichards. Win a set of Sports Floor Mats for your car.

Another Melissa and Doug Twitter Party at 9 pm EST with special guest Melissa. Sponsored by @MelissaandDoug with prizes. #mdparty RSVP

Join the #TravelinStyle Twitter party hosted by @BabyCargo, @CitrusLane, and @ThePeninsulaNYC and organized by @TrumpetingMedia 8:30 pm EST.

Tuesday, March 20 - First Day of Spring

You're invited to the two hour @Freschetta Rally for Real Pizza #PizzaRally Twitter Party 7 to 9 pm EST.  @MomSpark is hosting Among 35 giveaways prizes include 10 chances to win Freschetta Pizza for a Year #PizzaRally. There's also a week-long Twitter event going too for the chance to win even more.

Are you signed up for the @Gogirlfinance #greengirlfriends Twitter Party at 9 pm EST? If not you will want to because they're giving away some cool prizes!

Wednesday, March 21

Come to the #CuriousGeorgeMoms Bilingual Twitter Party from 1 - 2:30 pm EST. Hosted by @OhMariana @Sarann @SocialSavvyMom @MamaLatina @SassyScorpYM and moderated by @LBConnect. Prizes Two (2) $50 Michael's Gift Cards and One Kindle Fire

Join @USFRA, @theMotherhood and @mombloggersclub at 8 pm EST for the US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance #FoodD Twitter Party to discuss where beef comes from and consumer issues. Prizes include FIVE (5) skillet pans and Grand Prize winner gets full set of pots and pans.

Thursday, March 22

If kids spring fashion is your thing you'll want to pop in to #MyHartstrings Twitter Party  at 1 pm EST to chat about children's spring fashion. Follow @CleverPirate @KathleenHenage and @PlusSizeMommy. Prizes include three (3) $25 Hartstrings Gift Cards and one $100 Hartstrings GC. 

Got Kids? Don't miss the @Chuggington Season 3 Twitter Party at 2-5 pm EST. Loads of Traintastic prizes according to the brand.

You're invited to the MSN Now Twitter Party hosted by @momcentral at 3-4 pm EST. Special guests include @KinseySchofield @msn and @msnNOW. Prizes: SIX (6) party participants win $50 Amazon Gift Codes plus TWO (6) people who Tweet before event each win a $50 Amazon GC. Use #msnNOW 

Love shoes? Then be at @Kidsumers #AlegriaShoes Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Shoeaholic Dream Prizes a pair of Alegria Shoes (ARV $139.99 each) for each of SIX (6) winners!

Join the #TysonBreakfast Twitter Party Chat with hostesses @Bigbinderblog and @Lomargie at 9 pm EST. Prizes include three (3) $25 Sam's Club Gift Card and one (1) $100 Sam's Club GC

Organize Your Tech with #AMDSpringClean at 9 pm EST. With @AMDNotebook  @TechSavvyMama @HomeEverAfter @LittleTechGirl and @ScrappinMichele. Prizes include Four (4) $25 American Express Gift Cards and grandprize is an AMD-powered HP dv6 laptop. 

The Hunger Games @Fandango Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Awesome prizes to win if you follow hashtag #FandangoHungerGames during the event including THG soundtrack, THG Trilogy boxed set of books, $100 in Fandango THG gift cards, Nook Tablet 8GB and $400 Fandango THG Gift Cards.
Friday, March 23

It's another weekly Verizon Insiders Twitter Party with @theonlinemom at 3 pm EST. Prizes. #VZWbuzz


COMING SOON

Tuesday, March 27

Via @MamaSarahJane Midnight Velvet Fabulous Twitter Party w/PRIZES at 8 pm EST. RSVP by tweeting "RSVP @ShopMV #MVFabLooks Twitter Party"

Wednesday, March 28

You're invited to the #NotaMoneyTrasher @CVS_extra Twitter Party at 1 to 3 pm EST. Hosted by @ConsumerQueen. Get a gift by sending in your

Thursday, March 29

Join the Eggsciting @Smarties Easter Twitter Party at 7 pm EST with @LizatSmarties and hostess @SweepsMama. Prizes: Smarties candies for spring #HopOnSmarties

Come to the #CraveBox Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Prizes given away every 10 minutes include @CraveBox contents as well as some full CraveBox packages.

Thursday, April 5

Mark your calendar for the Tropicana Pure Premium 100% Orange Juice Twitter Party hosted by @SocialMoms at 7 pm EST. Follow Social Moms and @tropicanaoj before party. Prizes: Twenty (20) Amazon Gift Cards, randomly selected 10 winners for Tweeting before party, 10 winners for Tweets during event #TropFloridaOJ.

Tuesday, April 1o

If you've got a baby, don't miss the #AbbysLane Twitter Party at 9 pm EST centering around diapers, baby wearing and parenting. Hosted by @Clothdiapergeek. Grand prize is a Limited Edition BabyHawk Mei Tai in Tori of Tokyo print, valued at $99 with other prizes from sponsors just as cool.


Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar please email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line & including all the details and links in the body of your message. 


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend someTwitter Parties as a Guest. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.