Beans Tries a LickiMat for the First Time – The Cutest Way to Slow Down Mealtime

If you’ve been following along with my chunky tortie, Beans, you’ll already know that she has one major weakness—food. She absolutely loves mealtime, but there’s just one tiny problem… she eats so fast that she sometimes ends up with an upset tummy or throws her food right back up.

After hearing so many pet parents rave about LickiMats, I finally decided it was time to let Beans give one a try. I only wish I had introduced one sooner!

First Impressions

The moment I spread her favourite wet food onto the LickiMat and placed it in front of her, Beans immediately got to work. Instead of inhaling her meal in seconds like she normally does, she carefully licked every little groove and pattern to get every last bite.

Watching her slow down was honestly amazing. She seemed more relaxed, more focused, and far less frantic than her usual “vacuum cleaner” eating style.

Even better? She looked like she was genuinely enjoying the challenge.

Why Slow Feeding Matters

Many cats (especially food lovers like Beans!) gulp down their meals much too quickly. This can lead to:

• Vomiting shortly after eating
• Indigestion
• Upset stomachs
• Excess swallowed air
• Poor digestion

Using a LickiMat naturally slows eating by making your pet work a little harder for every bite. Instead of finishing dinner in under a minute, Beans spent several enjoyable minutes licking every nook and cranny clean.

The slower pace can help improve digestion while making mealtime much more enriching.

What Makes LickiMat Different?

They are the original "Lick Mat" - they invented this entire category of products.

There are lots of slow feeders available, but LickiMats stand out because they aren’t simply bowls with raised obstacles.

Instead, they feature specially designed textured surfaces with unique patterns that encourage repetitive licking. This licking action can have a naturally calming effect for many pets while turning an ordinary meal into a fun enrichment activity.

Some of the things I love include:

• Durable food-grade materials - Rubber only
• Different texture patterns for varying challenge levels
• Great for wet food, soft treats, yogurt, pumpkin, or even frozen snacks
• Easy to clean
• Non-slip designs that stay put during enthusiastic licking sessions
• Suitable for both cats and dogs
• The cheap knockoff competitors make their mats out of silicone, they use RUBBER for all of our mats
• Silicone can turn hard in the stomach if swallowed and lead to blockages
• Rubber is inert and stays soft and pliable if chewed and swallow, making it much easier to naturally pass through the animals system if swallowed
• Silicone is designed to have food NOT stick to it - think silicone spatulas you use in the kitchen to cook
• Rubber allows food to stick to it, creating a slower treat / feeding process

So Many Fun Designs and Colours

One of my favourite things about LickiMats is how fun they are!

They come in an incredible variety of textures, shapes, and vibrant colours. Whether you prefer bright, cheerful colours or something more neutral, there’s a design to suit every home.

You can choose from different pattern styles depending on whether your pet is just starting out or needs a little more of a challenge. There are classic square mats, larger mats, bowls with textured interiors, and even designs made specifically for freezing treats on hot summer days.

It’s nice to have a pet product that’s both functional and attractive.

Beans’ Final Verdict

Beans officially gives her new LickiMat two paws up!

Not only did it slow her eating dramatically, but she also seemed calmer and more satisfied after finishing her meal. Instead of scarfing everything down in record time, she enjoyed every single bite.

As someone who’s constantly worried about her eating too quickly and upsetting her stomach, I’m thrilled to have found such a simple solution.

We’ll definitely be using the LickiMat every day from now on.

If you have a cat or dog that races through meals, suffers from indigestion, or regularly throws up after eating too fast, I highly recommend giving a LickiMat a try. It turns mealtime into an enriching activity while helping encourage healthier eating habits—and that’s a win for both pets and their humans.

Have you tried a LickiMat with your pet? I’d love to hear how it worked for you! Let me know in the comments below.

Snowball Ice Cream Recipe (Ninja Creami): The Creamiest Coconut, Brownie & Marshmallow Treat You’ll Ever Make

If you’ve been following my ice cream adventures, you already know I’m completely obsessed with creating fun new flavours in my Ninja Creami. Every time I think I’ve found my favourite, another delicious combination steals my heart.

This time, I created what I can confidently call the best Snowball Ice Cream ever!

I also created a few other amazing Ninja Creami Recipes here:

Copycat Cotton Candy Blizzard 

High Protein Double Chocolate Ice Cream

High Protein Strawberry Banana Frozen Yogurt 

If you’re a fan of those classic snowball desserts loaded with coconut, fluffy marshmallow, soft cake, and rich cream, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this homemade version. It’s creamy, decadent, loaded with texture, and tastes like pure childhood nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love This Snowball Ice Cream

This recipe starts with my favourite ultra-creamy vanilla ice cream base before transforming into an irresistible dessert packed with chewy brownie pieces, sweet marshmallow fluff, and shredded coconut.

The result is a rich, fluffy, coconut-filled frozen treat that tastes like a snowball dessert in every bite.

Even better?

It’s incredibly easy to make in the Ninja Creami.

My Favourite Vanilla Ice Cream Base

I always start with my tried-and-true vanilla base because it comes out perfectly creamy every single time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup milk
• Sugar (sweeten to your taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vanilla Boost (according to package directions)

Mix everything together until the sugar has dissolved.

Pour into your Ninja Creami pint container.

Freeze for at least 24 hours until completely solid.

Time to Make the Snowball Magic

After your ice cream base has frozen:

1. Process it using the Ice Cream setting on your Ninja Creami.
2. If needed, use the Re-Spin setting once or twice until perfectly creamy.

Now comes the fun part!

Mix-In Ingredients

• Chocolate brownie pieces
• Marshmallow fluff
• Shredded coconut

Create a small hole in the centre of your ice cream, add all of your mix-ins, and run the Mix-In cycle.

The brownies become little fudgy bites throughout the ice cream while the marshmallow fluff creates beautiful creamy ribbons that pair perfectly with the coconut.

A Happy Accident

Originally, I planned on adding a splash of coconut milk to the base for even more tropical flavour.

Then I realized…

I completely forgot to buy some!

Honestly though, I don’t think it needed it.

The shredded coconut adds just the right amount of coconut flavour without overpowering the rich vanilla base. Sometimes happy accidents make the best recipes.

My Favourite Way to Serve It

As amazing as this ice cream already is, I love taking it one step further.

Top each bowl with:

• A generous spoonful of whipped cream
• Extra shredded coconut
• A few brownie crumbles
• A drizzle of marshmallow fluff if you’re feeling extra indulgent

It turns an already incredible dessert into something that feels bakery-worthy.

Why I Love Snowball Desserts

Snowball desserts have always been one of my all-time favourites.

There’s just something magical about the combination of fluffy marshmallow, sweet coconut, soft cake, and creamy goodness. Every bite reminds me of family gatherings and comforting homemade desserts.

This ice cream captures everything I love about those classic treats while adding the rich creaminess that only homemade Ninja Creami ice cream can deliver.

It’s nostalgic, comforting, and impossible to stop eating.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a unique Ninja Creami recipe that everyone will rave about, this Snowball Ice Cream deserves a spot at the top of your must-make list.

It’s rich without being too heavy, perfectly sweet, packed with chewy brownie bites, fluffy marshmallow, and delicious coconut in every spoonful.

I already know I’ll be making this one again—and next time I’ll remember the coconut milk just to see how much more coconut flavour I can squeeze into it!

If you give this recipe a try, let me know what mix-ins you added. I’d love to hear your favourite Snowball-inspired creations!

Smart Ways To Prepare for a New Household Pet

Bringing home a new pet changes the rhythm of a household, so spending time preparing can make those first weeks much more enjoyable. Smart ways to prepare for a new household pet begins long before adoption because thoughtful planning creates a smoother transition for both the animal and the family. A comfortable environment, realistic expectations, and a little advanced organization make it easier to settle into new routines without unnecessary stress.

How Built-In Appliances Create a Cleaner Kitchen Design

A clean kitchen design starts with smart choices. Built-in appliances help create a smooth layout that feels organized and easy to use.

How My Cats Accidentally Became My Most Popular Content (And Why Readers Can’t Get Enough of Beans & Oreo)

If someone had told me a few years ago that two adorable cats would become some of the biggest stars on my blog and social media, I probably would have laughed. Yet here we are!

While I love sharing family adventures, delicious recipes, DIY projects, crafts, product reviews, and money-saving tips here on Funky Frugal Mommy, it turns out my furry little sidekicks have completely stolen the spotlight—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Meet Beans, my wonderfully chunky tortie with a larger-than-life personality, and Oreo, my sleek tuxedo kitty who believes every bird outside the window is her next great adventure. Together they’ve captured the hearts of thousands of animal lovers who stop by just to see what kind of adorable mischief they’re getting into next.

Check out Oreo & Beans on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefunkup?igsh=MXAzOXA3eGF6eHNiMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Why Cat Content Is So Popular

Let’s face it—people love cats.

Whether they’re making silly faces, chasing invisible things, “talking” to birds through the window, or squeezing into impossibly tiny boxes, cats have a magical ability to brighten someone’s day.

Whenever I post photos or videos of Beans and Oreo, they almost always receive more comments, shares, and smiles than I ever expected.

People relate to them.

They laugh at Beans’ food obsession.

They adore Oreo’s endless curiosity.

They see a little bit of their own pets in every post.

That’s exactly what makes pet content so powerful—it creates an instant emotional connection.

We soon learned how to get free products to review with our fur babies by becoming super popular on social media and putting the work in to make them stars! 

Beans: The Queen of Comfort

Beans has mastered the art of relaxation.

If there’s a sunny patch on the floor, she’s already claimed it.

If there’s a cozy blanket, she’s stretched across it.

If food is involved…well…she somehow appears before anyone even opens the package.

Her hilarious personality makes creating content incredibly easy because she never has to try to be entertaining. She simply exists exactly as she is, and people absolutely adore her for it.

Some of my favourite moments include:

• Sleeping in the funniest positions.
• Making adorable “murder muffins.”
• Watching birds with complete concentration.
• Demanding treats as if she’s never eaten before.
• Looking permanently unimpressed while secretly being the sweetest cuddle bug.

Oreo: The Tiny Hunter With Endless Energy

Then there’s Oreo.

She’s graceful, playful, endlessly curious, and probably spends half her day chirping at birds outside our window feeder.

Watching her perform her famous little “ekekek” noises while attempting to catch birds through the glass never gets old.

She also has a slight obsession with boxes, laser toys, climbing anything she can reach, and keeping herself absolutely spotless.

I’m convinced she’s one of the cleanest cats I’ve ever met. Her silky, glossy coat is proof that grooming sits at the very top of her daily priority list.

Every day she gives me another reason to reach for my camera. If you want to learn how to become a petfluencer check out this great post here: https://www.funkyfrugalmommy.com/2024/03/how-to-create-petfluencer-page-for-your.html?m=1

Everyday Moments Become Memories

The best part about creating pet content is that nothing has to be staged.

Some of my favourite photos happened completely by accident.

A funny expression.

An unexpected zoomie.

A surprise cuddle.

A dramatic bird-watching session.

Those little everyday moments become lasting memories—not only for me but for everyone who follows along.

Sometimes the simplest moments end up becoming the most meaningful.

The Amazing Community They’ve Created

One thing I never expected was how many wonderful conversations Beans and Oreo would start.

Every post fills with people sharing stories about their own cats.

Readers compare personalities.

They swap funny habits.

They tell me which cat reminds them of their own furry family member.

It has become so much more than posting cute pictures.

It’s become a community of animal lovers celebrating the joy our pets bring into our lives.

Why Pets Make the Best Content

I’ve learned that authenticity always wins.

People don’t expect perfection.

They simply enjoy genuine moments that make them smile.

Beans and Oreo remind me every single day that the best content isn’t always carefully planned.

Sometimes it’s simply sitting beside your cat while she watches birds outside the window or catching a sleepy yawn at exactly the right moment.

Those little moments often become the biggest hits.

Thank You for Loving Beans & Oreo

Every like, comment, share, and kind message reminds me how lucky I am to have such an amazing community.

Thank you for loving Beans and Oreo as much as I do.

Whether you’ve been following their adventures from the beginning or you’ve only recently discovered them, I’m so grateful you’re here.

Don’t worry—their adventures are far from over.

There will be plenty more bird watching, funny faces, cozy naps, playful zoomies, and unforgettable cat moments to come.

After all, I may be the one running Funky Frugal Mommy, but everyone knows who the real stars of the show are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are cat videos so popular?

Cat videos are entertaining, relatable, and naturally uplifting. Their funny personalities and unpredictable behaviour make them some of the most shared content on social media.

How do you take good photos of cats?

Natural lighting, patience, and keeping your camera nearby are the secret. The best pet photos usually happen during genuine everyday moments rather than posed sessions.

Why do people love following Beans and Oreo?

Beans’ funny, food-loving personality and Oreo’s playful curiosity make them incredibly relatable. Their authentic daily adventures bring smiles to fellow cat lovers around the world.

If you love adorable cat stories, funny pet adventures, and plenty of heartwarming moments, be sure to check back often. Beans and Oreo always have something cute planned next!