Spring Flingin ~ Week 5

For everyone who's still looking for a handmade or extra item for your pal's package, please hop on over to my Etsy shop, which I updated on Saturday with several new sets of markers, including a coffee lover's set!

Now on to this week's Spring Fling Coffee Swap topic:

You know with Spring the famous saying goes "April Showers, bring May flowers", please tell us what you like to do when those April Showers are pouring down on you. Do you like to curl up with your knitting, take in a movie or crawl back in bed?

Well, April showers and melting snow from March usually combine to bring a wet basement for us, which is not fun. So in between trying to keep things from getting wet and cursing like a drunken sailor pumping out water, I like to settle in on the couch with some guilty pleasure tv (think the celeb-reality shows on VHI and E) or cooking/craft shows (Food Network, DIY...), a nice cup of coffee, my knitting, some magazines and the dogs. Chocolate and peanut butter stuffed pretzels (especially from Trader Joe's) help...

Coming Soon...

Coming Soon to Lapdog Creations...

REVIEWS!

Yes, I will soon be doing book reviews (craft and pet related), and possibly yarn, notion and knitting related item reviews as well. I'm very excited to get back to writing in this manner, as some of you know that I used to write music reviews (CDs, concerts, etc) and do band/artist interviews. I really miss that writing aspect and had a brainstorm (thank you Ally!)... what a great way to put LapdogCreations.com to even better use and bring some useful content to my readers! I've already received my first shipment of books from one publisher and hope to get reviews started very soon!

Also, I've just updated my Etsy Shop with 14 new sets of markers!!! Included in this batch were some great summery sets (baseball, coffee, summer chic, lady bugs, etc), more doggy sets and a couple of awareness sets too.

If you entered my contest, please be patient... winners will be announced in the coming week. I'm still awaiting the arrival of some of the prizes and didn't want to pick winners without prizes in hand.

What are you waiting for?

A reminder... my contest deadline is today (you have until midnight tonight)!!! The prizes continue to roll in and there will be at least 8 different prize categories (maybe more, once I have everything in hand and can sort it better)! So, just what are you waiting for? Enter!!!

I just got photos of the beautiful prizes from Jenn of Seacoast Baby (her etsy shop is currently empty, but I'm hoping she can get some things stocked in it soon for all of you to shop -- she makes amazing bags that would be perfect Mother's Day gifts - slip a bouquet of fresh flowers in one and it makes a great presentation)....

First up, a fabulous striped summery tote... perfect for shopping (go green!), work, school, the beach, and of course, your knitting!!!

There are 4 of the fabulous Seacoast Baby large wallets in some beautiful prints. These make fantastic notions bags!

There are also 2 of her Bow-Wow Bandanas... perfect for the posh pooch in your household!

4-legged Melodramatics

Is it really doggy Thursday again already? Its definitely feeling springy around here... temps were up to 80 yesterday (though we'll be in the more seasonably high 60's for the weekend) and I have had friggin devilish, voodoo like monsterous headaches all week, which of course means spring blooms... ugh.

A few reminders before the pictures... you have until tomorrow to enter my contest (or to get all your extra entries in)! Scroll back a bit and you'll see I've begun posting photos of some of the prizes that have arrived. Trust me... dog lover or not, knitter or not, you don't want to miss out on these awesome prizes!

For those of you who only visit on Thursdays for DOT, please scroll back a couple posts to see the kids with their DOT Spring swap package from Chan!

Now to the usual Thursday photos... I took my floating holiday on Monday and the kids got their spring baths (except for Miss Sophie who got an impromtu bath a couple days prior due to rolling around in some unknown nasty substance outside)... here's the photo montage!

My queen Lola was first in the tub... she's the easy, lady like one who'll hop in with just some slight coaching on her own...

Zeus the moose was next... he played the dead weight game with me, but I still managed to get all 118 pounds of him in ... on my own I might add (damn I'm getting good at this!)...

Look at that face... all depressed because he's not stinky anymore!

King Tut went last... after trying his best to hide in the bedroom, the kitchen, even in his crate... he's such a goofball! Of course he survived the bath just fine...




No wet Sophie pictures from her bath, but some cute ones nonetheless...

She even kept an eye on her siblings by peaking around the corner in to the bathroom to make sure no one was drowning... what a good sister (of course if there was a problem, she wasn't going to step foot in the bathroom again while bath time was going on...but she'd watch)!

We tried posing for a family photo again, but Zeus was still acting all melodramatic about being clean...

Sophie thought it was pretty funny (okay, so maybe that is a yawn, but I'd prefer to think it was a hearty laugh about everyone being wet - including soaked Mommy - except for her)....

Spring Flingin ~ Week 4

This week's Spring Coffee Swap topic of the week is...

Let's pretend for a minute we all live in the home of our dreams, have land, and don't have to work so time is unlimited! It's Spring planting season! What would you grow? A little veggie garden? A bed of bright spring blooms? Or is your thumb so far from green that the only thing you'd be planting is your tushy into a nice chair on the porch to get some knitting or crocheting done in the nice breeze?

So.... I have my dream ranch house! That must mean I have *people* to weed for me, right? Because I do. not. weed. So as long as we're clear on that now... let's plant the tomatoes (there's nothing like garden fresh tomatoes in the summer!), cucumbers and some lovely herbs. Yum-o! Then of course there must be some beautiful blooms... gerber daisies are a must (my fave), some climbing roses for around the fence, beautiful sunflowers, day lilies, some wild flowers and oh, of course some lavender.

Since we're living in a fantasy world, that means while *someone else* is weeding and tending to the gardens, I'll be on my farmer's porch knitting away with the dogs by my feet and a picture of sweet tea!

Springy Dogs!

Last Friday, we received our Dogs on Thursday Spring Swap package from the very gracious Chan and boy were the kids excited when I got home!

As always, Tut {as always, click the linked names for more new pics... you know my addiction to the shutter!} and Lola seem to know when there's something inside a box for them (although Lola will gladly stick her head in any box, bag or the like that you bring in to the house)...

Here are the goodies all packaged up in a most useful tote ... which btw, Matt gave me the "another bag??" thing again, but seriously now... as a knitter who has a slight problem with casting on way too many projects at once, mommy to 4 doggies (yes, they require just as much to travel as a baby!) and spends most every Sunday at the race track from April til October.. well, we can use lots of great totes! Sophie (oh I love that pic of her - are you clicking the links?) had to get in on the checking-it-out action...



In order to get a decent photo without 4 noses stealing things and take advantage of some end of the day sunshine, I took the goods outside...

While Sophie patiently looked on and waited for Mommy to bring it all back inside...

Chan sure did stuff that bag full of some wonderful treats for both the doggies and myself! There were 2 bags of Veggie Life treats (which the kids love), minty tennis balls, a great Kong toy with rope, a cute squeaky sheep (more about her later...), microfiber towel (which got used during their spring baths yesterday!), doggy socks for me, some awesome handmade soap & soap dish (made by Robin), a magnetic board, and this...

What is that you ask? Well... I get my mail on the way to work in the morning and hadn't really thought there could be anything meltable in the box, so I left it in my car all day... with the windows rolled up... and it was an almost 70 degree day outside... and well, the Zinfandel Dark Chocolate bites didn't quite make it. However, I did freeze it and ended up cutting it in to pieces... you can melt the chocolate, but that won't make a chocoholic turn away from it!

Back to the toys... the squeaky sheep quickly became Sophie's new favorite buddy!

Of course, then it became the "its mine... no its mine" toy of the moment for the 2 babies (mind you, one of the babies is now 4 1/2 years old, but try telling him that!)...

Lola opted to try out the kong rope while the tug-of-war waged on behind her...

Then she was too pooped to care ...

Which meant the happy big goof ball boy finally got his shot at the new toys...

A face only a mother could love...

Chan was a little concerned that Miss Sheepie might get a little dirty... well, dirt was the least of her worries. Unfortunately, Miss Sheepie didn't make it through the night ...

She was savagely destuffed, then someone-who-shall-remain-nameless decided she needed some trimming around the ears... ahh, the joy of kids dogs!

Thank you so much Chan... it is an amazing doggy swap package that we all love!

After the Heartbreak...

After seeing the best game ever in the new Garden, we had a heartbreaking time watching last night's Game 7 ... but, it was a great season for the Bruins and I can't wait for the 2008-09 season!!! We finally have a great - and young - team again and here's to moving onward & updward!

On a side note, hop on over and enter this contest to win an advanced copy of Kate Jacobs' new book and/or a cute tote bag!

Alert!!! Look for an update in my Etsy shop within the next couple of days! I spent some time yesterday working and got about 15 sets completed... now I just need to find the time to list, list, list...

Great Game!

I have to say despite some dimwit spilling her beer on me, then falling on me later last night's Bruins game was one of the best games I've ever been too! There is nothing like playoff hockey in Boston... especially against Montreal! Now its back to Canada for game 7 tomorrow night... Let's keep the winning streak going boys!

In other news, my Dogs on Thursday spring swap package arrived from Chan and it is wonderful! I will post pictures soon. I'm feeling organized in that I've sent in my registration for the annual Granite State Knit In, made plans with the girls to attend the NH Sheep & Wool and registered for the Knit & Crochet Show... its going to be a very fiber-ful spring/summer!

More Contest Prizes!

HAPPY FRIDAY... I thought this week would never come to an end! This morning I received another one of the prizes for my contest...

It is the most adorably puppy dog tape measure from super talented Anita or Yarndemon Designs! She made one of these for me a few weeks ago and I absolutely adore it... as does just about anyone who's seen it! Trust me, photos do not do the cuteness factor justice for this!

So... as you can see from the past coupleof posts, the prizes are rolling in (there are still more to come!) and at this point I'm looking at at least 6 different prize categories, so don't miss out!

I'm also happy to report that my Bruins have survived to play another game in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs! We'll be at Game 6 tomorrow night... I'm remaining optimistic!

Contest, Knitting, Spring & DOGS... oh my!

So... we've happened upon yet another Dogs on Thursday, which means its almost TGIF time -- yeah!!!! As an added bonus, its feeling a lot like spring around here (high 60's today!)....

I did a hurry up, I've got 5 minutes before I have to leave for work quick photo shoot this morning, taking advantage of the lovely sunshine, to prove to everyone that I still knit, since I know my WIP and FO content has been lacking lately. As a result, I also downloaded a tun of cute furbaby pics off the camera too (a couple weeks worth - I sure do have plenty for upcoming DOT content...) Now grab a cup of coffee and settle in, this one's going to be a long one...

Shall we knit first? I'm just about done with the 2nd skein of Wisdom Sonnet for my One Row scarf, but think I want it longer so I grabbed a 3rd skein at A Knitter's Garden last night.

After frogging my ISE6 pal's lacey scarf twice, I decided to switch patterns (it was a designer error, not user error on the much cursed first pattern) and am now working on the Oriel Lace scarf.

I'm already loosing sleep wondering if I have any chance at all of completing this in time (friggin fingering weight yarn ... everyone thought I was crazy at guild last night...), however since my pal is fond of fall colors (just like me) and she lives in a cold winter climate (me too), I am comfortable in knowing that I can send her the beautiful wool/silk blend One Row scarf above if need be (but you bet I will have to make another one for myself.... I heart this one!).... ahhh, having a solid fall back plan feels nice!

Clappy is growing nicely, however I'll admit that since the deadline has been extended out to the 30th for the KAL, I've been neglecting her for the past week.... but of course, she is still blinged out to the max with some beautiful markers!

The Amerah is dropping quite nicely... I'm glad I chose it for the project!

Contest update! Remember you have until April 25th to enter my contest... and there are many ways to do so. The prizes being donated by my crafty circle are just amazing, so don't miss out! In fact, the list of prizes has now grown to include Trekking sock yarn being donated by the wonderful Criquette (check out her blog for some amazing no-sew snuggles!) and a Paw Print scarf handknit by the amazing Chan!

A couple have arrived already, including a beautiful sock / small project bag from Gypsy Knits

The neck rice roll, ice pack and stitch marker holder from Blume's Accessories have also arrived (without any prior knowledge, Mary used the same adorable fabric!)

As you can see, there are tuns of great prizes and you don't even have to be a knitter to enjoy most of them!

Now on to doggy Thursday... well, first I do want to show you this wonderful bag that was gifted to me by the uber talented, and fellow doggy Mom, Gaylen!

Isn't it gorgeous (it even matches my favorite Vera Bradley tote - you can see it here, used as a backdrop)?!?!? Gaylen wasn't happy with the way it turned out with her pattern tweaks and when I commented on how beautiful it was, she said "its in the mail..." What a friend! Thank you again G - it will get a tun of use, that's for sure!

The DOT spring swap is winding down... and I just want to publicly express how much fun I had putting together this swap package! I got to spoil Kenyetta, with this...

I think this was the coolest package to put together, but don't get me wrong... I still love the "regular" knitting related swaps too! I haven't received my package yet, but I know who my spoilee is and know its on the way... :) Now I'm working on spoiling my Spring Coffee swap pal!

Now ... on to the kids! Are you sick of pictures yet? I won't keep you too much longer, I'll just share a few I snapped this morning while doing my knitting photo shoot (as always, click their linked names for even more cuteness)....

Lola was so happy that spring has finally arrived, she was zipping around the yard at full speed!

And then she posed nicely for Mommy...

Sophie was too busy following her nose to pose...

She followed it right on up to Mommy's knitterly photo shoot...

Zeus, my always perfect model, had fun zipping around looking for birdies...

I didn't manage to get any of Tut outside today, but got the usual look when I told him Mommy had to leave for work...

Enjoy the rest of your spring day... and don't forget to enter the contest!

Spring Flinging ~ Week 3

This week's topic for the Spring Fling Coffee Swap is...

Tell us how you started drinking coffee. Were you in high school or college and making it through all nighters? Did you get it from a family member? What drives your love of the bean?

Well, to be honest, I don't really recall but I'm guessing I was around 16 or so when I was bitten by the addiction and started taking part in a New England ritual... daily visits to Dunkin Donuts! Yes its true, you really can not go more than a couple blocks miles without finding a Dunkins in New England!
Some of my earliest "coffee memories" were going out for a drive in the evenings with my brother, stopping for a medium coffee at Dunkins and cruising around. Good times... chatting, hanging with my older brother. I do miss that time and closeness with him....
So anyway, my name is Nichole and I'm an addict since the tender age of 16-ish! I'm now an average of 2 cups a day, sometimes more... depends on the work stress! My love of the bean is all about the caffeine, taste and smell... and in the winter, the warmth & comfort... in the summer, the iced cold & refreshment! I've even crossed the line to lattes in the past couple years! As Rachael Ray would say, YUM-O!

Go Orange!

Happy ASPCA Day (which just so happens to nicely fall on Dogs on Thursday)! If you're not quite sure how to celebrate, here is a list of 10 easy ways. Of course, I hope you will also enter my contest! There are several (and easy!) ways to enter and some wonderful prizes to be claimed, thanks to many of my amazing crafty pals! You have until April 25 to enter.

Before I get in to the usual doggy photos for today, I wanted to show you what I found this morning... my crocuses have finally opened up! Yesterday and today feel like spring... yeah! (even if I now have the sinus pressure, sneezy, headachey spring...) They are calling for the temps to drop again and showers all weekend... one weather idiot guy even mentioned that S word...

Back to the dogs... I unearthed some of their toys from the black hole underneath the couch the other day and found Mr. Sheepie. I don't think Sophie had met Mr. Sheepie before (that tells you how long he's been in the black hole, huh?), however she's really taken a shining to him. He's her new favorite buddy and has been carrying him all around the house with her. The girl's got good fiberly taste, no?

With my contest post last Thursday, I left you all hanging without the usual 1001 doggy pics, so here's a little catch up ... enjoy the rest of your day!

I'm still working on getting that perfect 4 doggy shot (why was 3 so much easier?) {as always, links have more pics}

Sophie being uncooperative...

Sophie doing her best Elvis Snarl...

Sophie's gone again (do you sense a theme here... now I know why 3 was easier!)

We've been attacked had plenty of birdie watching (and chasing) going on in the past couple weeks.

The pesky creatures sure held Tut's undivided attention and he got that "nose to the camera" thing going on again...

Zeus waking up from a nap... "did someone say BIRDIES??!!"

Speaking of napping... Lola & Sophie, still showing that sisterly love is the best (and should not be disturbed!).

Kenyetta was who I got to spoil in the DOT Spring Swap and I'm happy to see that the basket arrived in one piece and that she, Diamond & Snoop enjoyed it all. I had so much fun putting this swap package together and can't wait for another doggy swap!

On a sad note, please hop on over and send Mary some good vibes. She's had a terrible week with loosing both Storm and Electra. {{{hugs}}}

Finally?

I think spring has finally arrived in New England... its 54 degrees and its opening day!

... and its still great to be a Boston girl! Red Sox are reigning champs... Patriots should be reigning champs... my Bruins start round 1 of the playoffs on Thursday night... and although I am not much of a basketball fan, I believe our Celtics are still first in their division!

Spring Flingin ~ Week 2

This week's Spring Fling coffee swap topic is...

Since some of us is beginning to see glimpse of Spring, while others are still getting snow have you change what projects are working on? Have you put away the hats, scarfs and mittens, and brought out the cute tank top sweater projects and lacy wraps? Have you change yarn to something more lighter and cooler, not so heavy and bulky?

Well, I'm finishing up Clapotis now and then will probably starting working on my Cabin Fever tank again (its been a WIP for quite some time now). I also have to get my ISE pal's scarf done. I tend to work on "whatever" all year long, but since I take my knitting with me to Matt's racing most Sundays, I opt for a lighter weight yarn to work on then (especially socks or other small projects).

Playoff Bound!

The Bruins made the playoffs! Unfortunately, for what seems like a gazillion years in a row now, we attended the last home game of the season on Saturday night ... and watched them loose. But, at least we had fun watching the loss from directly behind their bench.... When I wasn't staring at the back of a coach's head, this was our view...

Now keep those fingers crossed that we make it past Round 1!

Spring, where are you?!?!

After a mentally exhausting work day yesterday, I wake up to find .... okay, take a guess...

Here's a clue...

If you guessed SNOW, you're right! That's Zeus out there sniffing up something interesting. We didn't get any accumulation, but it was enough to cover the what-should-be-grass-by-now before it turned to a slushy-sleet, then to rain.... making for a wet, dark and dingy day. blah

My crocuses still haven't opened. I was trying to snap a quick pic of them in the snow when Lola decided to stick her head in...

A quick Thank You to everyone who's already entered my contest and I hope there will be many more entries to come! Please help spread the word about ASPCA Day. I've got some amazing prizes to offer... and am proud to announce a beautiful Paw Print scarf from Chan has just been added to the growing list! (see, you don't even have to be a knitter to want to enter my contest... the prizes really span the spectrum)

After yesterday, I've never been happier to say TGI-friggin-F!!!!!!! I can't wait til quitting time....

Contest in honor of ASPCA Day

It is contest time again here at Lapdog Creations!

You all should certainly know by now know my great love of dogs and dedication to dog rescues & welfare organizations... so in honor of ASPCA Day on April 10, I am holding this contest with several 2 and 4-legged ways for you to enter {although you certainly do not have to be a dog lover gasp, did I really just say that? or owner to enter although who in their right mind does not love a dog?}

OK, let's get down to the knitty gritty woofiness of it all...

Ways to Enter

1) Donate to the ASPCA by clicking thru the "Help Me Fight Animal Cruelty" fundraiser button at the top of my blog. {Please note this is the only way for your donation to count towards my fundraising goals, therefore you must click thru this link for your donation to count in the contest} I'm still trying hard to reach my goal of $1,000... if you donated last year, now's the time to get in your tax deductable donation for 2008! The button will bring you to the ASPCA's secure website to make your donation and/or become a member. Once you have donated, please either leave a comment here noting the donation amount or if you prefer, email me at LapdogCreations at AOL dot COM with your name & donation amount. and remember, every bit counts... whether you are able to give $5, $20 or $50 to help, it all is appreciated by these wonderful animals!

You will earn 5 entries for making a donation!

2) Go Orange! On Thursday, April 10, folks all over the country will be going orange to celebrate the ASPCA’s victories on behalf of animals & the joy they bring to pet parents. Dress yourself, your kids, even your pet in ASPCA orange and show the world you support the ASPCA & the pets we protect. Post a photo of you or your kids (human or otherwise) on your blog on Thurs, April 10th wearing your orange or any other ASPCA gear, then leave a comment with a direct link here.

You will receive 3 entries for Going Orange on April 10th!

3) Adopt or Foster! If you've adopted or fostered a furry friend since Jan 1, 2008, email me at LapdogCreations at AOL dot COM with your name, photo and/or link to your blog of your adopted/fostered furbaby, as well as when & where you adopted from/fostered for and a few sentences about your experience.

You will earn 5 entries if you've adopted/fostered since Jan 1st!

4) Knit, crochet or sew Snuggles. You may choose the rescue/shelter where you would like to donate them (if you need suggestions, let me know). The only requirement is to email me at LapdogCreations at AOL dot COM with your name, photo of the snuggle(s) and where you chose to donate them to.

You will earn 3 entries for each snuggle you make!

5) Post - the easiest way to enter! Post a link to this contest on your blog and spread the word about ASPCA Day, helping homeless animals, etc! To receive an entry, you must leave a comment here, along with a direct link to your blog post. If you comment without a link, it won't count.

You will earn 1 entry for posting the link on your blog & commenting here!

The contest deadline is April 25th. This gives those who choose to make snuggles some time. You may enter in any or all of the ways listed - the more things you do, the more entries you receive! All entries will be placed in to a bag and winners drawn. I will also have one or two special category prizes (to be determined, I sense a "most creative go orange photo" and possibly something such as best adoption story or cutest furbaby).

Prizes

There will be several prizes, many of which are being so graciously donated by my circle of crafty friends. At this time prizes are set to include a doggy tape measure from Anita at Yarndemon Designs; a soothing heat therapy bag, healing ice pack and stitch marker holder from Mary at Blumes Accessories; oversized wallets (which make great notions bags!) and a Go Green grocery shopping tote from Jenn at Seacoast Baby; as well as some yet to be announced yummy yarn prizes & doggy items.

Please check out these talented ladies' etsy shops (all are linked)!! What the girls don't know is that by being so wonderful & caring for the cause, they've each already earned an entry in to the contest! If you'd like to donate anything, please contact asap.

Happy Dogs on Thursday and I hope you have fun with the contest!