REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Barksters Krisps

Barksters Krisps
Where to Find: Loving Pets Corporation

 

Barksters Krisps from Loving Pets are 100% natural, holistic, wheat free, gluten free treats for dogs.  Made in the USA from simple, all natural ingredients, the only thing these treats are missing are additives and preservatives! 

The air-puffed crispy treats are sure to be a hit with even the pickiest dogs in your pack - as well as dog parents.  Barksters combine quality ingredients with a satisfying crunch, resulting in a treat with just 12 calories!  

The Lapdogs had the pleasure of testing 2 of the 3 available flavors: Brown Rice & Beef and Sweet Potato & Chicken.  Combining solid protein sources with natural ingredients that aid in good health, as well as provide essential vitamins and minerals is what makes Barksters an excellent choice of treats for dogs of all ages.  Brown rice, a good source of dietary fiber, is excellent for digestive health and has been known to aid in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in dogs.  Sweet potatoes contain high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports cellular health and eyesight.  The third available flavor, Alfalfa & Beef, is the perfect little "mint" for dogs as alfalfa is rich in chlorophyll, a natural breath freshener.

Barksters Krisps had all four Lapdogs following their noses as they sniffed out more yum-yums.  They loved the crunch and couldn't get enough!  The pack has given their Official 16 Paws Up Seal of Approval!  The humans add an additional 2 thumbs way up to this seal of approval.  What more could you ask for than a flavorful, guilt-free treat that you can reward your dog with, as he stays healthy, fit and satisfied?  Did I mention they are Made in the USA -- from ingredients grown only in the USA? 

GIVEAWAY! Thanks to the great folks at Loving Pets, one lucky winner will receive 2 boxes of Barksters Krisps for their dog!  To enter:

1) Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar)
2) Visit the Loving Pets website and leave a comment here telling us which treat your dog would drool over most
3) For a bonus entry, Like the Loving Pets page on Facebook (and leave a separate comment here saying you did so)

You must complete steps 1 & 2 above to enter. You must be a resident of USA or Canada to win.
You can get extra entries by completing step 3 and/or sending your friends here to enter (be sure to have them mention your name).... blog, Tweet, Facebook and text away!
Winner will be selected by random number generator.
Deadline for entries is Thursday, October 6th at midnight.

Grab the Bull By the Horns

Happy Wordless Wednesday!



** Photos taken at Lazy 5 Ranch... and no, you're not supposed to feed these big guys, but could you resist that face? **

REVIEW: Boston Tourism Essentials

Boston Tourism Essentials: The Must-See Sights You'll Love

Where to Find: Boston Tourism Made Easy

This Boston girl is more than pleased to tell you about a great free guide to the city I love, Boston Tourism Essentials: The Must-See Sights You'll Love.  Whether you're just beginning to think about visiting or already bought your plane tickets, print out a copy of this fun guide and get your highlighters ready!  

Boston Tourism Essentials: The Must-See Sights You'll Love covers some of the old faithful (The Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, Boston Common/The Public Garden), as well as many of our fabulous museums (Children's Museum, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, etc.). 

It seemed slightly odd to me that one of my absolute favorite places, The New England Aquarium, was included in the museum section, but I'll let that slide.  There is also a bonus - and very helpful for anyone trying to understand our complex color coded maps - section on Boston Public Transportation.  Study this section well, remember it's called the "T" and make sure you've got your CharlieCard loaded at all times (trust me, this saves time and aggrevasion galore, especially during busy times).

The guide provides basic information and helpful tips - all for free!  Download your copy today.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Debbie Stoller DIY Instructional Videos

Best selling author and creator of the Stitch 'n Bitch line of books and yarn, Debbie Stoller has now created DIY instructional videos.  The videos are tied into her Stitch 'n Bitch books and yarn.

If you've always wanted to knit - or like me, have many friends who want you to teach them how - check out Debbie's "How To Knit" video for beginners.  Pass it along for all of those wanting to learn or who might need a refresher to get them on track again.

The second installment is a two-part DIY video called "How To Make Lace," covering all the basics of lace, including yarnovers and decreases.

Check out the helpful videos and pass them along.  If you missed my review of Debbie's Washable Ewe yarn line, check it out here.  

REVIEW: Freshpet Food

Freshpet
Where to Find: Freshpet.com

 

The Lapdogs were recently treated to several types of food and treats to review from Freshpet, a company started by a group of people who love their pets as much as you and I do and who consider those pets part of their families.  "Almost seven years ago, a bunch of us were talking about how much we love our pets – we let them sleep in our beds, we spend whatever it takes when they get sick, we throw them birthday parties. They’re part of our families. We work hard to give our pets the very best, just like our children - to keep them happy, healthy and safe. And then we turned to what we were feeding them. Most of us were feeding our pets dry, processed corn byproducts and dehydrated meat from a bag. And we all know dogs and cats are carnivores."

Freshpet's fresh, refrigerated food line includes Freshpet Select, Vital, Deli Fresh and Veterinary Nutrition.  The Lapdogs were able to sample all of these lines and were not disappointed! 

Freshpet Select is made with a few select ingredients like high protein meats and eggs, vitamin-rich vegetables and wholesome grains.  The recipes are much the same as meals you would cook for your family.  Freshpet Select is batch-cooked to lock in the vitamins and nutrients, then quickly chilled to keep it fresh from the day it's made until the minute you feed it to your pets.

The Veterinary Nutrition line was designed to support recovery in our pets and are made from a blend of fresh meats, fish and eggs to encourage food intake for even the most reluctant patient.  

Vital is a line of fresh, meat based and grain-free recipes modeled after what animals would eat in the wild.  All of the recipes contain 80% or more animal protein and 10% fruits and vegetables, which makes for an easily digestible and 100% complete, balanced meal for your dog.  The Vital line is a great alternative for dogs who are sensitive to grains, a common food allergy, and is a safe and convenient alternative to raw feeding.

Leading veterinary nutritionists helped to create the Deli Fresh line, which is formulated with natural supplements to enhance the nutritional benefits of the fresh ingredients.  Deli Fresh formulas promote digestive health and provide an ideal ratio of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids which benefit skin, coat, brain and eye health, as well as to help maintain a strong immune system.  This is a great formula for dogs with arthritis and joint issues.

Dognation is a state of mind - a celebration of all things dog.  The namesake treats are healthy, natural tasty bites that come straight from the fridge.  The Lapdogs can't bark enough for both the chicken and beef formulas and have requested that I tell everyone these are atop their Santa Paws wish list this year!

Freshpet has received the Lapdogs Official 16 Paws Up Seal of Approval!  There wasn't a morsel the Lapdogs didn't happily devour!  I love that Freshpet offers several different options to choose from in helping me to feed my pack the freshest ingredients possible -- conveniently and affordably!  Having an allergy prone dog and one with arthritis, there are options designed specifically for each of them which makes my choices even greater.  Check them out and you too will find a healthy addition to your pack's diet!

Let's Go Racing Boys!

Happy Wordless Wednesday!  See you at NHMS on Sunday when the NELCAR Legends race on the morning of the Sprint Cup race... I'll have plenty of coffee on hand!



GIVEAWAY WINNER: Freezy Pups Kit

Thank you to everyone who entered to win the awesome Freezy Pups Kit! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

Congratulations to Micro and his human, Jessi! The Lapdogs know little Micro is going to go crazy over these yummy, cool treats.

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways coming soon... you won't want to miss them!!

Skipping Right Along

Happy Friday!  Forgive the drive-by post, but the Lapdogs wanted to make sure it wasn't any secret that they are giving away a Freezy Pups Kit!  They are all huge fans of these ice treats and want to make sure all their doggy friends in blogland have a shot to win one of their very own!  So tell your Mamas to make sure they enter... they have until midnight on Saturday.

Speaking of screts, there's a little one that the Lapdogs don't know yet called Skipper.  The secret is on his way to New England to stay with us for a bit.

Dogs on Thursday

hey ya peepz in da blog land... iz Sophie and Lola here. Mama is havin' nother one of doz crazzzeee buzeee wekz and azkd uz to sayz hello.

PS... dontcha tell r brotherz, but wez think GIRLZ RUUUUL!

Rise and Shine

Happy Wordless Wednesday!



Spending Money

Happy Tuesday... as I sit here looking at the calendar, I can't help but wonder how September is nearly half over already.  Where is the time flying?  I have quite a few reviews to post, but in the meantime... doggy parents, don't forget to enter our contest to win a Freezy Pups Kit!

Today's Ten on Tuesday topic is 10 Things You Buy Every Week...

1. Gas.  I think this one is probably on most lists.

2. Lunch.  I try not to buy lunch out too often, but once a week or so is a nice treat.

3. A Pit Pass. Sometimes two per week, depending on the NELCAR race schedule. The season is winding down now...

4. Take Out Dinner. With all of life's chaos, sometimes it's more of a necessity than a treat.

5. Groceries.  Although I love it - and really appreciate it - when my other half does the grocery shopping!

6. Breakfast/Coffee.  I make coffee at home all week and bring breakfast to work, but we typically get breakfast on the go at least one weekend day.  Lately it's as we're running off to one of his races or some other fun event.

7. Fresh Fruits/Veggies from the farmers market. Although I've been slacking on this one lately. 

~~ I'm out of ideas of things I buy every week.  Let's try a few monthly things... ~~

8. Dog Treats.  Yes, they're spoiled...

9. Human Treats. Maybe ice cream from our favorite farm or cupcakes from Shabby Chic...

10. Gifts.  Christmas is approaching faster than we think... I've begun picking up gifts in our travels.   

Pouty Pitch

Foster update!  Our perpetual pouty puppy Bentley has been renamed Pitch.  His Mom recently sent some new photos (the best thing about fostering!) and it looks like the little bugger has been making friends at the beach...

I can already see how much Ben, err, I mean Pitch has grown!  Here he is enjoying some fine New England seaweed...

After playing hard at the beach, it looks like he goes home and takes right after his Lapdog foster brothers and sisters...

I've got a bunch of photos of little Rosie to download from her week long visit back with us and will have another foster update as soon as I hire an assistant shortly.

10 Years

 

A lot of heroes will be honored today... those who survived and those who didn't.  Let's not forget the 4-legged heroes who also served their country on 911.  Dog Bless You.

 

REVIEW: Mixbook Custom Cards

Mixbook Custom Cards
Where to Find: Mixbook.com

 "With Mixbook, you can truly Make It Yours"

I recently had the opportunity to review photo cards from Mixbook, a leading photo products company that helps people create custom photo books, cards and calendars. Whether you decide to start from scratch or use one of their thousands of professionally designed templates, every Mixbook product is 100% customizable.

Mixbook is the place to go for all of your special occasion card needs, including party and wedding invitations, engagement and birth announcements, save the dates, thank you cards and holiday cards.  I opted to get a jump start on the quickly approaching holiday season by reviewing the Christmas cards.  I began with one of their beautiful Christmas card templates, then customized it by adding additional picture spots, altering the text, etc.  The process was simple and the templates were easy to work with and customize.  It took only a few minutes to upload the photos I wanted to use.  Once I placed them in the spots on the card, I could further customize them with cropping, coloring and more.  What I loved most about the cards is that they are double sided.  After all, why waste that back space when you can share more photos with your friends and family? 

While I can't wait to show off my Mixbook cards, they will remain wrapped up until December!  It's now your turn to get creative at Mixbook.com... yes, the holiday season is approaching quickly and you can't remain in denial for too long!    

Be sure to check out Mixbook on Facebook and Follow Mixbook on Twitter for special offers and discounts.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Freezy Pups Kit

Freezy Pups Kit
Where to Find: FreezyPups.com

I have yet to meet a dog yet who doesn't love ice cubes, and the Lapdogs are no exception.  When we heard about the Freezy Pups Kit, they couldn't wait to get their paws on it for review!  It's time to take our pup's ice cube treats to the next level with the coolest treats around.

The Freezy Pups Kit comes from Head of the Pack, a company based on the simple idea of developing a unique and different type of dog treat made from "good stuff." Founder Heather Klemm, a professional dog trainer and behaviorist, observed how often her clients gave their dogs ice cubes as snacks but always thought plain water was a little boring.  She suggested they mix healthy ingredients into the water to give it added flavor and her clients raved about how much their dogs LOVED them! The positive reaction inspired Heather to create a treat that dogs found tasty and fun to eat, as well as one that was fun and easy for the owners to make.

The Freezy Pups Kit includes an adorable bone-shaped ice cube tray and a one-use packet of each of the four organic flavors: Chicken Soup, White Cheddar Cheese, Juicy Apple and Sweet Potato 'n Maple.  All of the flavors are wheat, corn, soy and gluten free and contain no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.  And, you know the Lapdog household loves that they are Made in the USA!

These treats couldn't be easier to make!  You simply mix one flavor packet in 7 ounces of hot water, then pour the mixture into the tray.  Place the tray in the freezer and ... now this was the hardest part for the Lapdogs ... wait.  Once frozen, you can serve as is or use them to add moisture/flavor to your dog's food (just melt a couple of cubes into your pup's kibble).  Each treat is less than 4 calories, so you can feel good about feeding them freely!

We made the Juicy Apple flavor for our first batch and as soon as I took the tray out of the freezer, I had an instant audience of little beggars!  I can't really blame them however... the Juicy Apple smelled simply delish as we were making them!  And just look at how adorable they turned out...

The little beggars were more than pleased and no one seemed to mind waiting in line for their turn...

The Lapdogs have always been huge "icy" fans, so when you add tasty flavors to the mix, they clearly think icies rock.  They have given the Freezy Pups Kit their Official 16 Paws Up Seal of Approval... or maybe that's 20 paws up because their foster brother Bentley threw in an extra 4!  Little Ben thought the apply icies were the bomb!

Is your pooch ready to try some Freezy Pups treats?  Order your kit today and while you're there, grab an extra and start your holiday shopping early!  The kit retails for just $19.99 and refills of each flavor are available at $8.99 each.  Thanks to Head of the Pack, we also have the opportunity to give one lucky reader a free kit!!!!  

GIVEAWAY! Thanks to the great folks at Head of the Pack, one of you will win a Freezy Pups Kit! To enter:

1) Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar)
2) Leave a comment here telling us about your dog's love of ice cubes
3) For a bonus entry, Like the Freezy Pups Treats page on Facebook (and leave a separate comment here saying you did so)
4) For another bonus entry, Follow the Freezy Pups Twitter page

You must complete steps 1 & 2 above to enter. You must be a US resident to win.
You can get extra entries by completing step 3 and/or 4, as well as by sending your friends here to enter (be sure to have them mention your name).... blog, Tweet, Facebook and text away!
Winner will be selected by random number generator.
Deadline for entries is Saturday, September 17th at midnight.