Thursday, May 31, 2012

Deck Dogs

Happy Thorsday / Thankful Thursday / Little Friday!  I didn't realize how behind I was in downloading photos off of my camera until I started going through them yesterday.  oops!  I still owe you an official Belle (formerly Babs) post, but today you get the Lapdogs enjoying the great outdoors... or at least, the back porch!  These photos were taken at the end of April when we got that lovely early Spring weather.

The Lapdogs doing what they do best... being nosey and keeping eight eyes on things!

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Lola makes a great container garden spokesmodel, don't ya think?  Now if I could just get her to stop plucking out the tiny sprouts of basil...

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When Zeus isn't he's lounging, he's watching for chuckies, birdies, snakies... whatever ies he can find.
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Sophie is my sunbathing pooch.  I swear, it could be 100 degrees out there and she'll find the sunniest, warmest spot to lay.  She might be a lighter shade of red by the end of summer if she keeps this up...

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Does Tut's big smile indicate his love of the great outdoors back porch?  He's always the first one out the door, with big sister Lola right behind him!

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They really love hanging out on the back porch and I have to say, I love spending time out there with them.  We got the patio set up on the deck for the first time in years and I plan to spend some quality time out there this summer!

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Scenes From Last Week

Happy Wordless Wednesday!  "Scenes From Last Week," via Instragram (seriously, is it not the coolest?).

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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Dog Mom Contest

Happy Tuesday everyone!  As we recover from a wonderful long weekend (which involved going racing, a day of racing on TV - and really wishing I was in Charlotte this year, hanging with the dogs, a little yard work, and a great BBQ with wonderful friends on the lake), can I ask you all a small favor?  Zeus and I are in the current "Dog Mom of the Month Photo Contest" sponsored by Dog is Good on Facebook.  Would you please consider a vote for us? (just click that link to be brought to our photo)  Thank you so much in advance!  ***you can vote for each entry, once per day, from May 28 - 31***

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Saturday, May 26, 2012

Proud to Be an American

From the Lapdog Household to Yours....
Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy Memorial Day weekend. A special thank you to the men and women who serve (and have served) this great nation of ours - and to their families who sacrifice so much. 

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And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me. ~ Lee Greenwood

Friday, May 25, 2012

Happy Friday

Happy Friday.... and happy start to your Memorial Day Weekend!  Is anyone traveling, camping or doing anything particularly fun this weekend?  We have a race tomorrow night and may be heading to a friend's cook-out on Monday.  I'm hoping to get some knitting time in as well, especially I don't have much content for Fiber Arts Friday today. 

In my quest to get my 1,001 WIP's finished, I dug out the Car Seat Blanket (yes, I really did start this in 2006!).  And hey, look... there's my original Zeus needles!  I worked a few rows while sitting out on the deck with the dogs this week when I realized why I stopped working on it before... I started the blanket before I knew that working such a project would be better on circulars than super long straights with heavy tops.  Oy!  But, it's about 3/4 done and I plan to finish it up to gift to an expecting Mama.   



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I got some fun shots of my growing container garden on Instagram this week. Unfortunately, when I went out to get those 3 strawberries the next morning, they were gone... I'm not sure if it was one of the dogs or a chipmunk, but something sure did enjoy them!

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Friday Fill-In Time...


NicBabsInstagram_521121. These three words describe my significant other: dedicated, loving(my) rock!

2. Receiving a hand written note or card via snail mail is a delight!

3. Oh, how I adore puppy breath (it looks like Belle - will be leaving us tomorrow for her forever home... I'll post more about this lovebug next week).

4. Life is a little sweeter if one takes time to be friendly.


5. Inevitably, karma will catch up.

6. My Mom is someone who never ceased to encourage me.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing at home after a wonderful lunch with friends today - nothing like good food & good company, tomorrow my plans include Saturday night short track racing and Sunday, I want to bbq and hang out with Matt & the dogs!


We hope everyone has a fantastic long weekend... Sophie & Belle hope you all get in a little nap time as well.

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

REVIEW: celebraTORI

celebraTORI

Unleashing Your Inner Party Planner to Entertain Friends and Family

by Tori Spelling
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books (April 3, 2012)

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Let me start off by saying, I heart Tori Spelling.  She's funny, witty, down to earth and quite crafty.  Truly, she seems like the bff next door... except oh yea, she grew up in mansion!

In Tori's fifth book, celebraTORI, she gives any girl next door all the tips and tricks needed to become the party planning superstar of the neighborhood!   The book starts off with an introduction from Tori detailing just how "a party planner is born" and includes some old family photos (I love the personal touch on everything she does).  She then tells us how "style and budget make friends" - did I mention I heart Tori?  She may have grown up with a family who thought nothing of spending ridiculous amounts of money for a single party or event, but Tori is the creative, DIYer!  She writes, "Spending huge amounts of money on a few hours of fun when you have three kids to put through school and life - it's just not practical.  We can't live frivolously - we need to save.  I like finding less expensive ways to achieve the effect I want."  Amen sister!

celebraTORI is divided into eight main chapters: Essentials, Getting Started, Decor, Flowers, Food and Drink, The Dessert Table, Finishing Touches, and The Parties.  No detail is left untouched, right from creating the guest list and setting the budget through the party activities and favors.  celebraTORI is full of do's and don'ts, Tori's personal favorites, and endless how-to's.  Some of my favorite of the how-to's are:
  • Tulle Balls... Fancy up any space with some cardboard and a few yards of tulle fabric.  They'll pretty up an adult party and make any young Princess feel extra special.
  • Let Them Eat Cake Martini recipe... A mix of vanilla vodka, pineapple & cranberry juices, agave nectar, half & half and amaretto = yum-o!
  • Cupcake Cone... When Tori demonstrated these on the Rachael Ray Show, I was hooked!  They might be meant for the kids, but I want one!  In fact, I just might have to try Tori's Red Velvet Cupcake recipe and make them into Cupcake Cones.

If you're still thinking "a fancy party planning book from a celebrity is not for me," let me just say Tori's crafty and realistic approach comes through all throughout celebraTORI.  She mixes and matches, uses what she already has, makes what she needs and is all about the food being mini and easy.  What other celebrity author would admit "If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  Lipton onion soup mix, combined with sour cream, is still my favorite dip, hands down."  The photography throughout celebraTORI is fun and inspirational. Tori's family and friends appear throughout the book, adding a personal touch and a look into her life. 

If what you want in a party planning book is all of the ideas - from invitations and menu to activities and favors - for a particular theme party, Tori includes four in celebraTORI: Cowboys and Lace Party,  Do-It-Yourself Spa Brunch, Game Night, and Cocktails in Caftans.  Don't they all sound fun?  Pick up a copy of celebraTORI today and get your party on!   

About the Author: Tori Spelling is an actress whose career spans theater, television, and film. She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of sTORI telling, Mommywood and uncharted terriTORI.  Tori both starred in and executive produced the comedy series So NoTORIous on VH1 and the popular reality series Tori & Dean: Inn Love and Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood on Oxygen. Tori lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Dean McDermott and their three children, Liam, Stella and Hattie (they also have a number of furbabies).  Baby #4 is due in October.  Check out her website & blog here!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

GIVEAWAY: Postal Puppy

Has your dog gone postal?  Is there no treat or toy to satisfy Fido?


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The Lapdogs have just been let into a little secret from the people over at Postal Puppy. Get this... they are going to be shipping shiny new dog stuff to doorsteps every month!  Yes, that's right, if you sign up, you (or let's face it, your pooch!) will receive a package with 4 - 6 pawesome new products... every month! 

We've convinced Boozer to share the contents of their first boxes with us: Natural dog treats, along with some organic dog treats (made with locally sourced ingredients), an organic flea and tick control, a professional pet shampoo AND something magic. Boozer's humans say it's so magic that it's guaranteed to stop unwanted barking, console whimpering puppies, reduce hyperactivity, minimize fear of thunderstorms, calm your dog in the car, and more!

So... you can head over to PostalPuppy.com now to guarantee your pooch a box full of goodies or you can enter our contest to win a box.  Or better yet, do both... after all, the boxes make great gifts and you can pay one forward!  You will find several ways to enter below... complete them all to earn the most chances to win! Deadline for entries is Wednesday, May 30th at 11:59pm.

The good people at Postal Puppy have asked us to note their first boxes will not be sent out until July... but if you are the lucky winner of this one, yours will be shipped mid-June!  We think that's woofy special of them!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Happy Wordless Wednesday!

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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Babs on Tuesday

Well, it's another rainy Tuesday here in New England.  The Lapdogs and I are all having a lazy day inside, along with foster baby Babs.  Yes, if you didn't catch it in the Smooches review yesterday, we picked up an adorable 16 week old baby on Saturday. 

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Babs is listed as a black lab mix and we're thinking she's got pointer in her.  She's an absolute love... and in love with Zeus! 

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I'd link to her Petfinder page, however we took her to the race on Saturday and not only did she gain about 25 fans (she had all those grown men wrapped!), but we're pretty sure she secured her forever home and will soon be known as Belle.  She does have an equally adorable brother who is still looking for his forever home... check out Bob here!  I'll post some more Babs photos later this week... because you know I have plenty.  After all, she's been here 4 days already! 

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Today's Ten on Tuesday topic is Ten Things You Wish You Liked.

1. Exercising.  My waist line and clothing would appreciate that.

2. Cleaning.  Does anyone actually like to clean? 

3. Spicy Food.  It would make things easier when we go out and order wings or other dishes to share.  Jalapeno Poppers always look appetizing, but no thank you!

4. High Heels.  I love the look, but not the pain.

5. Unsportsmen Like Conduct at the race track.  Especially by middle aged individuals. 

6. Yard Work.  I'd love to have a beautiful garden, but I simply DO. NOT. WEED.  or rake leaves, mow the lawn or pick up dog poop.  (So glad the man does all that)

7. Heat and Humidity.  Summer would be more enjoyable if I was a hot-weather person.

8. Biting My Tongue.  I've tried... it hurts.

9. Waiting.  Again, I've tried... but my lack of patience always prevails.

10. Thunder Storms.  I've seen lightening hit a tree while camping, bounce through our house as a child and hit the house next door a few years ago.  Storms aren't fun for me.

Monday, May 21, 2012

REVIEW: The Honest Kitchen Smooches

The Honest Kitchen Smooches

Where to Find: Mr. Chewy


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Smooches_Sophie_52112Our friends at Mr. Chewy recently gave the Lapdogs the opportunity to try The Honest Kitchen Smooches, heart-shaped chicken and cranberry treats.
 
The Honest Kitchen takes pride in how they make dog treats.  They use minimal processing and all human-grade ingredients. In fact, their products are made in a human food facility that requires all ingredients come direct from the human food chain!  Production of The Honest Kitchen treats takes place in the USA food facility, alongside breakfast cereals and beverage mixes made for human consumption. 

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Smooches are a delicious, wholesome treat that is perfect for little rewards and training.  They are 100% natural, hand-made with love and free of wheat, fillers and artificial additives.  In fact, Smooches are made with just 8 simple ingredients: barley flour, chicken, molasses, filtered water, eggs, organic virgin coconut oil, cranberries and aged parmesan cheese.  Not only are the ingredients human-grade, the chicken is free range from a farm in California.
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Each Smooches heart-shaped treat is just 2.3 calories, making them a great reward for any dog!  As you can see from our photos, all of the Lapdogs loved them, as well as our current foster baby Babs. And I couldn't be happier feeding The Honest Kitchen treats to my dogs, after all they are made in the USA with human-grade ingredients by a company who truly cares.  The cute packaging and adorable heart-shapes are just icing on the cake!

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The Lapdogogs (and Babs) recommend that you check out Smooches and other treats from The Honest Kitchen at Mr. Chewy today!  They offer free 1-2 day shipping on all orders of $49 or more, so stock up for the summer! Zeus thinks everyone should feel sorry for the embarrassing poses his Mommy puts him in for these reviews and hopes that they aren't in vain... he says WOOF, which I believe translates into "Order some Smooches for your pooches!"  
 

Friday, May 18, 2012

Let's Knit!

Happy Fiber Arts Friday!  I started writing a review, but it's such a lovely afternoon that I've decided it's time to take my knitting outside... the review will just have to wait until next week!


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After all, I just bought this yesterday and it needs to be looked at, right?  Or at the very least, I need to get out there and make sure the Lapdogs aren't helping themselves to the veggie plants that are growing.  I happened to catch Miss Lola very carefully removing the tiny basil sprouts this morning... apparently she's got a thing for basil.

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Thursday, May 17, 2012

REVIEW: Healthy Dogma Treats & Supplements

Healthy Dogma Treats & Supplements

Where to Find: Healthy Dogma


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The Lapdogs had the opportunity to review several items from Healthy Dogma and couldn't wait to yap all about them... and neither could I!  As a very concerned pet parent when it comes to what they're eating, I couldn't be happier to introduce you to this amazing company. 

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Healthy Dogma believes that everything you feed your pets should be natural, organic and beneficial to to maintaining healthy bodies.  This results in the highest quality food, treats and supplements with NO wheat, corn or soy!  Even more important, all items are Made in the USA!

We received two kinds of the all-natural dog treats for review, Nutty Apple Barkers and Cherry Hippie Barkers.  If you're like me, the first thing you might notice is their adorable  packaging.  The treat containers totally remind me of take out popcorn chicken!  What you can't see in the picture of Teutul guarding them is the "For good dogs only" printed on the side - I told you their packaging was cute!  The Lapdogs love both varieties of treats and I love that each one is made of natural, wholesome ingredients.  It's as if I made them myself at home.... shhh!

Nutty Apple Barkers contain peanuts, apples, hulled mullet, whole grain oats, rye flour, olive oil, vanilla, powdered milk and ascorbic acid (source of Vitamin C).  They have such an amazing peanut butter smell that I almost want to eat one myself!

UntitledCherry Hippie Barkers go one step further with ingredients to support healthy joints.  I am always on the lookout for joint support treats for Zeus and it's definitely an added bonus when he actually likes them.  As you can see,  he likes them... he really, really likes them!  In fact, Cherry Hippie Barkers get him to do tricks for treats!  Ingredients are hulled millet, whole grain oats, rye flour, tart cherry extract, olive oil, vanilla, powdered milk, glucosamine and ascorbic acid (source of Vitamin C). 

With Zeus' arthritis and history of joint issues, I also give him supplements with his food.  Occasionally, he'll leave a pill behind after finishing his dinner however.  Enter Healthy Dogma's line of kelp based supplements that you sprinkle on your dog's food.  Kelp is a nutrient-dense seaweed that is important for maintaining and restoring health.  It contains over 60 minerals and trace elements, 21 amino acids, simple and complex carbohydrates and several essential plant growth hormones. Healthy Dogma has several formulas of kelp supplements available to cover symptoms such as skin and coat, hip and joint, immune system support, anxiety and stress relief, and digestive health.  We received these three formulas to try:

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  • Chasing Karma Hip & Joint - made of kelp, flaxmeal, tart cherry extract, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, zinc amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, potassium amino acid chelate, rice bran, organic alfalfa leaf, pork liver, gelatin, MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane), glucosamine sulfate 2KCl (shrimp), chondroitin sulfate 80%, nutritional yeast, inulin, soy lecithin, whey protein isolate (milk), boswellia 65% organic acids, green-lipped sea mussel, bromelain 2000 gdu, pancreatin 8x, NEM Natural Eggshell Membrane, hyaluronic acid, boron amino acid chelate
  • Itchin' for Nirvana Skin & Coat - made of kelp, flaxmeal, bee pollen, yeast and garlic
  • Peaceful Pooch Calming - made of kelp, flaxmeal, passion flower, milk thistle seed, chamomile, valerian and melatonin
I love that these supplements come with a handy little scoop which allows you to easily measure and sprinkle in over your dog's food!  No mess, no fuss... and the Lapdogs gobbled it all right up in their food!

UntitledHealthy Dogma treats and supplements have received the Official Lapdog 16 Paws Up Seal of Approval, as well as their Mama's woo-hoo seal of approval for not only being wonderful products and Made in the USA, but for their creative packaging and ease of use!  Head on over and like their page on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and of course, visit their website to order direct.  The Lapdogs think every pooch out there deserves some Healthy Dogma this summer and urge the pet parents to stock up!
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