Lapdog Creations

Freddie the Kiss Monster

2012-02-02T08:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Dogs on Thursday / Thorsday / Thankful Thursday / Little Friday / Catch Up Day! Once again, I'm catching up with photos and today it's all about the little kiss monster we had for an overnight at the end of November.

When he crashed at the Lapdog B&B, his name was Bobby, however his forever family quickly changed it to Freddie. While he was here, he romped, wrestled and snuggled with all of the Lapdogs and little Harper.

Wrestling Puppies...

I adore this shot of Sophie & Lola ~~playing with~~ supervising the pups...

Is there anything cuter than two snugly little pups?

Sophie was such a great hostess to her mini-me Harper and little Freddie. Eventually, Tut got jealous and wanted to get in on the cuddling too.

Freddie napping with Tut and hanging with Zeus...

Freddie, a Great Dane/Lab mix, was only 9 weeks old when he popped into our lives and boy was he full of puppy kisses! He was an absolute love-bug! When he wasn't giving kisses, he was sleeping in my lap...

Mama Lola and her foster babies...

The amazing foster Daddy...

I have not heard from Freddie's family since a couple of weeks after he was adopted, but do hope he is doing well. He had another doggy sibling named Finnbarr, as well as two human siblings to play with, so I'm sure he's keeping busy. They sent us a few photos when they did write...

And speaking of the absolutely adorable Harper, here's a really cute shot I found of her when I was going through the Freddie photos (and yes, I still have more of Harper from December that I haven't gotten to yet)... and one her Mom just sent over of her all decked out in her PATS jersey. Harper is ready for the big game this weekend - are you?

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T07:03:00.002-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Ten on Tuesday - Let's EAT!

2012-01-31T14:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Ten on Tuesday! Today's topic is 10 Favorite Superbowl Party Foods, so here we go...

1. Chicken Wings... a party just isn't complete without wings!

2. Seven Layer Dip... but hold the hot sauce, this girl doesn't do spicy.

3. Brownies... another party staple. Extra points for those who cut them into footballs.

4. Meatball Subs... an easy party food, toss 'em in the slow cooker and let everyone make their own mess.

5. Cheesy Bread Sticks... everyone loves bread, everyone loves cheese... it's a win-win.

6. Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chip Cookies... you know, the kind made with the mini muffin pans, cookie "cups" with a miniature Reese's peanut butter cup stuffed inside. I think I might have to make a batch this year.

7. Vegetables and Dip... because you need something "healthy" on the menu.

8. Bacon Wrapped Scallops... this is New England, we need seafood on the menu. Bonus points if you also have shrimp cocktail.

9. Texas Caviar... another fabulous dip. Don't forget the Tostitos Scoops.

10. Beer... party + food + football = need a refreshing iced cold beverage.

Here we Go PATRIOTS, Here We Go!!! Are you ready for the big game?

REVIEW: Sweet Shawlettes

2012-01-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

Sweet Shawlettes
25 Irresistible Patters for Knitting Cowls, Capelets, and More
by Jean Moss
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press (January 3, 2012)

Nearly everyone I know is knitting shawlettes lately. There's no question that these fashion accessories are growing in popularity and knitters have taken notice - besides being stylish, they are a quick knit and make great gifts!

In Sweet Shawlettes: 25 Irresistible Patterns for Knitting Cowls, Capelets, and More, designer Jean Moss offers a beautiful collection of knitwear patterns that are sure to acquire lots of ooohhs and aaahhs. The designs are arranged into 4 chapters:

Country, looking to nature for inspiration, the designs use a combination of intarsia, lace, cables and applique
Couture, pure style with bold color and vivid entrelac
Folk, explores knitting traditions such as fair isle, cables, lace, plaid and patchwork
Vintage, an ode to fabulous fashion through the ages, including Elizabethan neck ruffs and the extravagant glitz and glamour of the 1950's screen goddesses.

There's definitely a little something for every lady on your to-knit-for list, including yourself!

The photography in Sweet Shawlettes is stunning, the directions are clear and all of the necessary illustrations, charts and schematics are included. The patterns feature gorgeous yarns of all kinds - wool, silk, cotton and blends - and allow the knitter the opportunity to work with some luxurious yarns without the expense and commitment that larger pieces would take. Change up the yarn on some of the patterns and you'll create an all knew look. The endless variations will keep knitters of all skill levels inspired.

Add a copy of Sweet Shawlettes to your knitting library today - you won't be disappointed!

About the Author: One of Britain's leading designers, Jean Moss is known worldwide for her distinctive couture knits. A writer, gardener, and musician living in York, England, she has created her own collections of handknits for more than 25 years. She's also designed for Rowan Yarns and many international fashion houses, including Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley and Benetton. She hosts knitter's tours and teaches widely in Europe and North America. Visit Jean's website here.

Filling In

2012-01-27T13:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! It's time for a little Fill-Ins... and yes, this is what my lap looks like right now, only the furry head is much larger.

1. It's time to move ahead to bigger and better things.

2. Bring me some Shabby Chic cupcakes please ... and don't forget the chocolates!

3. I'm trying to to accomplish a lot today.

4. "Let's all go out to dinner and hang out" that was the last funny comment I received.

5. Please send good job search vibes.

6. Settle on in boys and girls, cause I'm in it for the long haul.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a new episode of Fringe, tomorrow my plans include some quality knitting time on hats for Project 16 ::: The Littlest Warriors and Sunday, I want to see Team Chara win the NHL All Star game!

Rallying Right Along

2012-01-26T15:57:00.001-05:00

Happy Dogs on Thursday / Thorsday / Thankful Thursday / Little Friday! Today I'm thankful for all of the dogs in my life, including my very extended family of fosters. Jack was one of those who just needed an overnight place to crash until his forever family could pick him up the next day. Even though Jack was only with us a short time, he was extra special due to his incredibly strong resemblance to Teutul (not that his charming personality wasn't enough!).

As Jack gets older, I think that resemblance to Tut just gets stronger. The other night Matt said it's as if Tut is Jack's crazy uncle! Crazy, yes... because Jack is so much more well behaved than Tut could ever dream of being. In fact, after Jack excelled in Obedience classes, he went on to steal the show in Rally.

Don't you just love how intent he is looking at his Mom in that shot? It melts my heart. Jack seems to have been quite a natural with Rally and has also been enjoying Cross Country skiing with his Mom. He's definitely an active, outdoors man!

Jack has been making lots of wonderful furry friends along the way as well...

As you all know, getting updates and photos from my fosters' forever families means the world to me. There's nothing quite like opening your email to find photos of a happy, loved pooch after a bad day... instant pick me up! Thank you to Jack's Mom for always being in touch about her baby boy!

Scenes of Winter

2012-01-25T12:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

REVIEW: Dog, Inc.

2012-01-23T10:49:00.000-05:00

Dog, Inc.
How a Collection of Visionaries, Rebels, Eccentrics, and Their Pets Launched the Commercial Dog Cloning Industry
by John Woestendiek
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Avery Trade(January 3, 2012)

Dog, Inc. is not your average puppy story. Dog, Inc. chronicles the unique lengths some dog owners go to duplicate their beloved pets. Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, John Woestendiek, unravels the controversial scientific conundrum that has captured the attention of dog owners and scientists alike by revealing remarkably true stories of cloning adventures and misfires and the awkwardly ambitious humans behind them.

I will admit that I personally have not read any of Dog, Inc. yet and am not sure if I will or will not. My dogs mean the world to me... they each have their own personalities and quirks that make them so very special and unique and I'd love to have them in my life forever, but I'm not sure cloning is the answer.... or is it? What are your thoughts on the possibility of cloning your beloved furbabies?

The following is an excerpt from Dog, Inc.

Prologue

You might as well know it all right now. Lassie will not be meetin’ you after school anymore.

- Lassie Come Home (film)

HOUSTON, TEXAS

1967

It didn’t matter if she was in a movie or a TV show; if the obstacles were raging river, forest fire, mountain range, or angry bear: Lassie always came home.

One day Tippy didn’t.

On my birthday, in 1958, Tippy was my gift, a collie named for the white spot at the end of his tail—not a mirror image of the famous (to baby boomers, anyway) TV dog, but close enough for a five-year-old.

Unlike Lassie—the collie whose courage and loyalty were reincarnated in seven movies before starting a twenty-year run as an American TV show—Tippy never saved anyone stuck in a well. But, when he wasn’t roaming the neighborhood, he did help my brother and me through childhood, frequent relocation, and our parents’ divorce. When Dad left, Tippy stayed. When President Kennedy was shot and killed, Tippy was there to lean and cry on. An assassinated president may have served as my first long-distance lesson in mortality. But the demise of Tippy, my first dog, a few years later, brought death home.

That’s one of the things dogs do for us. Often, as children, we learn through them that there’s a limit to life—in their case, a very short one. What we’re often slower to learn is how to accept that and fully celebrate them during the ten or fifteen years they’re around. They come and go with class, while we—sometimes visibly, sometimes invisibly—fall apart at the seams.

When Tippy died, there were no such things as dog-loss support groups or dog bereavement counseling; people would have laughed at the very idea. There were few books on how to cope with your dog’s death, few alternatives for disposing of the corpse, no websites on which to pay tribute to a dog that had passed. There were no agencies to guide one through the grief, and few companies, at the time, seeking to exploit it.

In the 1960s, when your dog died, you shed your tears in private and moved on, or at least pretended to.

Reprinted from Dog, INC. by John Woestendiek by arrangement with Avery Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., Copyright © 2012 by John Woestendiek.

Snow Day

2012-01-20T13:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! It's a snow day here in New Hampshire, which has been a bit of an unusual thing this winter. We've gone from 50 degree days to icy conditions the next, but we haven't had much snow since our wicked white Halloween. Today's snow is still fluffy and white, unlike the bit we got last week which quickly turned to a crusty coating of ice.

Time for some snow~~bunny~~lapdoggy photos...

Zeus the Snow Moose...

Ice Queen Lola...

Teutul the Snow Prince...

Princess Snow-phie...

Enjoy your weekend.... GO PATRIOTS!

May The Bark Be With You

2012-01-19T10:51:00.002-05:00

Happy Dogs on Thursday / Thorsday / Thankful Thursday / Little Friday!
Have you seen the most amazing VW commercial yet? The Lapdog household happened to catch it on TV for the first time last night and everyone - humans and canine - was mesmerized. This is just brilliant!

Help Save Snoopy!!!

2012-01-18T10:25:00.001-05:00

Dog lovers, parents and friends... would you please take just two minutes of your time to sign this petition and help SAVE SNOOPY?

If you haven't heard the story, watch the video here Campaign To Save Deltona Dog Goes Viral - Video - WESH Orlando, but to sum things up, Snoopy was attacked by an unleashed Jack Russell who got away from it's owner. Of course Snoopy reacted to protect himself and his owner... and now Snoopy is the one sitting on death row while the aggressive Jack Russell is home with it's owners. This is wrong on so many levels.

Thoughts on Wednesday

2012-01-18T09:31:00.001-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday! A couple picture thoughts...

Too Cold to Go Outside?

2012-01-17T14:31:00.000-05:00

It's Ten On Tuesday and today's topic is rather appropriate for me right now... 10 Things to Do When It's Too Cold to Go Outside.

1. Knit. I think this one is a given for many of my readers. It also kind of goes hand-in-hand with #2, 4 and 7 below.

2. Cuddle with a furry friend... or four. The Lapdogs love to cuddle up on the couch with the humans, especially when it's chilly.

3. Read. Something I need to do more often. My Nook has been collecting dust for several months and I really need to change that.

4. Catch up on TV shows. Whether it's shows I've got on the DVR or the Food Network, I can usually find something to catch up with.

5. Teach myself how to weave. I plan to finish putting my Cricket loom together and get to doing that very soon.

6. Job hunt. Not something I recommend or wish on anyone, but it is my unfortunate situation at this time.

7. Enjoy a warm beverage. Hot cocoa, coffee, tea... maybe even bake some cookies to go along with said beverage.

8. Cook... something delicious and hearty. Soups and stews top that list.

9. Catch up with friends online... Facebook, AOL chat, Ravelry, Blogs...

10. Clean/Organize. It seems like I'll have some time on my hands to finally get to the unpopular task.

In the Mood to Shop?

2012-01-13T16:45:00.000-05:00

Have you checked out my Etsy shop lately? As a result of becoming unemployed from my day job, I will be once again focusing on ~~crossing my fingers that I can make some extra money to pay bills~~ being creative. Stay tuned for lots of new items coming soon!

Sophie Sees Snow!

2012-01-12T11:29:00.002-05:00

Happy Dogs on Thursday/Thorsday/Thankful Thursday/Little Friday... Snow Day! Yup, that's right... the white stuff is falling outside. Sophie was quite pleased that her wish came true...

Sophie's wondering how her mini-me Harper is handling her first taste of snow. Hopefully, she's loving it! Speaking of the little cutie, Harper's Mom just sent us some adorable new photos and we thought we'd share a couple...

We hope you all stay warm and enjoy a nice hot cup of coca today!

Hello Down There!

2012-01-11T07:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Photos © Lapdog Creations, Taken at Lazy 5 Ranch

Whole Lotta Rosie

2012-01-10T07:32:00.003-05:00

Remember the itty bitty who stole our hearts over the summer? The reason why I feel for a little dog? Her name is Rosie and she's the petite girl with big eyes...

Of course you remember her... but you may or may not recall that she came back for a week long stay at the Lapdog B&B in August while her new parents were away. Since I'm playing catch up on photos, now is a better time than ever to share some from that fun summer week, right?

First let me refresh your memory on how tiny she was when she first came to us in June...

It's no wonder I feel for her... is she not stinking cute or what? Anyway... back to her August visit...

She made herself (back) at home right away...

This is my absolute favorite shot from Rosie's vacation with us. She and Sophie were enjoying the morning sun.

It was wonderful to have Rosie back at our house for the week. She was a bundle of energy, puppy kisses and cuddles. When she first got to our house, she was all wiggly and excited to see us, which made me smile. At the end of the week, we met her Mama and big sister Rascal at the dog park and she was all wiggly and excited to see them... and that really made me smile! I know she was in her perfect forever home.

Here is Rosie with big sis Rascal at the dog park. It totally looks they're sharing a little secret in the last one, doesn't it?

Lola and Rosie enjoying the park... big smiles and all!

Old Lady Lola quickly transforms from playing to relaxing at the park..

Rosie wanted to make friends with the biggest doggies at the park, while Lola and Rascal both kept an eye on the little tyke...

Here are some newer shots of the growing girl that her Mama recently sent over. The first one makes me LOL. It was taken shortly after she was spayed and was on some of the goody-pills, ha ha!

It's wonderful to see Rosie living the good life! Hopefully we'll have a chance to visit soon!

REVIEW: MrChewy.com

2012-01-09T07:25:00.002-05:00

MrChewy.com

We were recently given the opportunity to review MrChewy.com and are very excited to tell everyone about their large product selection, fair prices and fabulous customer service!

\With 4 ~~pudgy~~ well fed Lapdogs in the house, I am always buying food and treats in bulk, especially when the price is right. However, when it comes to online shopping I often find great prices, but the savings quickly disappears once shipping charges are added on. Then I'm waiting 2 weeks for the order to arrive! Sometimes I'll find free shipping offers, but then the prices of the items are higher than what I can get locally.

Here's where MrChewy.com, an online pet food retailer offering more than 70 brands of pet food, treats and supplies, is different! They offer free 1 - 2 day shipping on any order over $49 (and orders under $49 pay just $4.95)! For your convenience, you can even set up automatic shipments for your dog or cat food. As an added bonus, you'll save 15% off your order the first time you set up an automatic shipment and you can cancel anytime. Just think -- no more last minute trips to the pet store when you're running low on food!

I placed our order just before Christmas and received it 2 days later. The Lapdogs think any box that comes into the house must be for them and Tut was right there to check this one out. Because I stock up on our dog food at the local pet supply store when they have their can't-beat-the-price coupons, I opted to order a variety of tasty treats. The Lapdogs were spoiled with some of their old time favorites and a couple newbies... Blue Buffalo Pumpkin & Cinnamon Health Bars, Blue Buffalo Chicken & Cheddar Mini Bars, PureBites Freeze Dried Liver Treats, Zukes Carrot Crunch Z-Bones, Dogswell Happy Hips Sweet Potato Chews and Natural Choice Crunchy Apple Treats.

The Lapdogs couldn't have been happier with this goody filled box and the humans couldn't have been happier with the outstanding customer service from MrChewy.com. We will order from them again and again. I love that I can order high quality treats from the comfort of my own home at a good price, receive free shipping and have my order within 2 days! You really can't beat that and the Lapdogs give MrChewy.com their the official 16 Paws Up Lapdog Seal of Approval! They all suggest you give them a try and order some yum-yums for your pack today (and yes, they are even including the c-a-t-s in this)!

Pitch or Skip?

2012-01-06T07:18:00.000-05:00

I'm playing catch up with photos over here and boy do I have ~~a gazillion~~ quite a few adorable doggy shots to share. Today it's all about Pitch (formerly known as Bentley) who was here at the Lapdog B&B for a couple weeks back in August. Are you ready for some pouty cuteness?

Hangin' with Zeus...

Boy did he love those sticks...

Chillin' with Tut ... Wrestling with Sophie...

The last couple of shots of Pitch with Lola saying goodbye to her little buddy as he went off to his forever home...

Speaking of forever homes, Skipper's Mom has been sending me some absolutely adorable shots of the big boy. And yes, he is getting big (if you click on his name you'll see via the puppy pics)! The shot below on the left is from around Thanksgiving and the one on the right from December. His Mom says he loves fire and always claims the front row near the woodstove or fireplace!

And here is Skipper in front of the Christmas tree and then enjoying a post Christmas vacation day on Plum Island. Look how big he's gotten (did you scroll back to his puppy pics? here he is even tinier)! Awww, love that boy!

It really does mean the world to me to get a photo and update in email or text from our fosters' forever families and Skipper's Mom always seems to know just when I need a little pick me up!

Speaking of special foster babies, I'll post some more pictures of Harper shortly. We went to visit her on New Year's Eve, which was wonderful! We all became so attached to her and vice-versa and it was great to visit her and see how much she is ~~spoiled~~ loved! She got all wiggly and super excited when we got there and had tuns of puppy kisses for us... then she acted like a little kid showing us everything she has learned (stairs, running on the hardwood floors, zipping around the couch) and all around her new digs.

How a Princess Celebrates

2012-01-05T07:25:00.000-05:00

Princess Sophie turned 5 years old on December 6th and we celebrated with a big birthday bone and a skunk butt. Yes, I said a skunk butt...

The birthday bone and infamous skunk butt...

Little Miss Kelly, who is now Harper (and yes we still have lots of cute photos to share with you from her month long stay), was still here at the Lapdog household when we celebrated. The birthday bone was practically bigger than Harper...

The 5 year old birthday girl...

Sophie sharing birthday licks with her mini-me, Harper...

The siblings getting in on the birthday fun...

Did someone say skunk butt?

Little Harper sure did love that butt...

After we finished pictures, the birthday bone was cut up into pieces and enjoyed by all... and then Sophie gave her "no more pictures" pose!

Wild Wednesday

2012-01-04T07:41:00.000-05:00

Happy first Wordless Wednesday of 2012!

Photos © Lapdog Creations, Taken at Lazy 5 Ranch

REVIEW: Planet Dog eats

2012-01-03T07:35:00.001-05:00

Planet Dog eats
Where to Find: Planet Dog

Planet Dog, the socially responsible pet industry leader, has launched two new flavors of Planet Dog eats, their line of premium and healthy dog treats - PB & J and Chicken & Pumpkin Pot Pie. The eats treats are now made by Planet Dog's local baking partner, Polka Dog Bakery in Boston, MA and have been designed with form, function and versatility in mind. The 100% natural dog treats aid in tartar control and offer super nutrients in every bite for optimal health and wellness.

“We are honored to be working with an organization like Polka Dog,” says Stephie Volo, Planet Dog’s Top Dog. “They have been baking award-winning treats for over seven years and have been an excellent resource and partner to us. It is exciting to work with an organization that shares the same values,” adds Volo.

Planet Dog eats are Made in the USA with all-natural ingredients and were redesigned to fit the treat spot in their extremely popular line of Orbee-Tuff toys. The new bone-shaped eats can be broken into smaller pieces for placing inside all sizes of Orbee-Tuff toys with ease. This also makes them great for dogs of all sizes and for portion control. Additionally, the crunchy surface supports daily tartar control and contributes to healthy teeth and gums. Planet Dog eats are wheat, corn and soy-free and contain no wheat gluten.

The PB & J eats offer powerful antioxidants thanks to real Maine blueberries and peanut butter. Blueberries can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and digestive problems and are a great source of fiber. The presence of brain stimulating vitamins in blueberries can help keep senior dogs sharper, while copper, zinc and iron help boost and maintain a healthy immune system. Peanut butter is also loaded with antioxidants as well as protein and basic carbohydrates. The peanut oil in peanut butter contains omega fatty-acids which help reduce bad cholesterol that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

The Chicken & Pumpkin Pot Pie eats naturally support digestion thanks to the high fiber content found in pumpkin. Pumpkin is a natural remedy for stomach ailments, is packed with beta carotein, high in vitamins C, K and E and an excellent source of potassium, magnesium and iron. Feeding pumpkin to a dog can help lower their risk of cancer, cataracts and heart disease. They also feature ginger, a perennial herb that has potent anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates digestion and enhances the immune system.

Planet Dog eats are sold in a recyclable, 12-ounce virgin craft cardboard box and like all of Planet Dog's products, they are covered by the company's 100% satisfaction guarantee. More importantly, eats have received the official 16 Paws Up Lapdog Seal of Approval for a second time! Run out and get some for your pack now!

Happy 2012

2012-01-02T14:50:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012! I'm not making any resolutions this year. Instead I'm just hoping for less stress and more fun (and well, yes, more FO's because someone-who-shall-remain-nameless does have far too many UFO's laying around). I think Sophie agrees with me about resolutions...

Of course, doggy parents know the outtakes always make the most fun photos, right? Now that the Christmas cards have all been received, I'll share a few more from our ~~annual wrangle up all the dogs at once~~ October photo shoot. It takes quite a few shots to get 4 Lapdogs looking at the camera at once...

I'll leave you with this thought for today...

~~stole~~ borrowed from Chan

Teutul

2011-12-29T08:30:00.001-05:00

As you may have heard, I'm playing a major game of catch up when it comes to photos lately. When I was going through Sophie's 5th birthday photos (those will come shortly), I realized I never posted any from Teutul's 8th in October... oops!

We celebrated with a birthday ~~cake~~ pie...

And a birthday lion...

More birthday fun...

Like Mama, Like Doggy... Tut sure does love the fall weather as much as I do! It's no surprise we're both October babies.

Today was a perfect day for me to share these photos, as I also ask for positive thoughts and crossed doggy paws for my baby boy. He is having a tooth extracted and Mama's ~~freaking out~~ a little nervous. Regular readers may recall that Tut's brother Tango crossed over the Rainbow Bridge after complications arose following the same procedure in July, 2010. I've been putting off Tut's teeth cleaning/extraction for more months than I can count at this time, but am putting my faith - and trust - in our vet to get us through this. Please keep my neurotic little boy in your thoughts today...

REVIEW: Classic Elite Quick Knits

2011-12-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

Classic Elite Quick Knits
100 Fabulous Patterns for Wraps, Socks, Hats, and More
by Classic Elite Studios
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press (October 18, 2011)

For more than 20 years, the Classic Elite Yarn studios have been creating patterns that just beg to be knit. They continue this tradition in Classic Elite Quick Knits, where the focus is on quick-to-make accessories. Suitable for both beginners and experienced knitters, this collection of 100 patterns for socks, wraps, hats, gloves, bags, scarves and more has something you can knit for nearly every member of your family.

Classic Elite Quick Knits is broken up into 4 sections:

Hats, Mittens, Gloves
Socks
Scarves, Cowls, Wraps, Shrugs, Capelets
Blankets, Bags, Toys

The stable of knitwear designers includes Cathy Carron, Jared Flood, Tonia Barry and Cecily Glowik-MacDonald. Of course, all of the patterns use Classic Elite yarns, including cotton, wool, bamboo, angora, cashmere and various blends. These beautiful yarns are showcased nicely in the the full color photos throughout.

If you're looking to add a collection of timeless, quick knit accessories to your knitting book shelf, check out Classic Elite Quick Knits today!

Newport, Take 2

2011-12-28T07:40:00.003-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday! Some more shots from Newport, RI today...

Groovin'... 4-Legged Style

2011-12-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

Just in case you haven't come across this video yet (I've only posted it on Facebook twice already, lol), I had to share! The Lapdogs would like everyone to get their groove on just like this 4-legged cutie...

*Mama Lapdog does believe that if we ever found a groovy pup like this one, Lapdog Daddy might just finally give in to doggy #5...

Christmas Wish

2011-12-24T07:58:00.003-05:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas

from the Lapdog household to yours...

On Christmas morning, I wish...

For every dog searching trash cans for breakfast, a filled bowl with his name printed in bright letters.

For every dog who slept fitfully last night, chained in a frozen yard, a soft, warm bed with a person snoring gently nearby.

For every shelter dog, spending Christmas morning in a soiled run, a forever home, filled with sounds and smells of family.

For every "Christmas" puppy given today, a tolerant, caring owner who won't abandon you as you grow into a real dog.

For every ailing pet, enough money for your owner to pay the bills to make you well.

For every lost dog, a clear, safe road, and well marked path, to lead you home.

For every old and tired friend, a warm fire, and a soft bed, to ease your aches and pains.

And

For every Heart Dog at the Bridge, a moment when you know that you are remembered today, missed again, and loved forever.

Author unknown

Until They All Have a Home...

2011-12-22T09:45:00.003-05:00

After a full month at the Lapdog B&B, Kelly has gone off to her forever home... and yes, we miss her dearly! If we didn't already have a full house, we would have definitely kept the little cuddle bug!

Kelly was one of those special little girls (not that they aren't all special) who completely stole our hearts. She loved to romp and wrestle with the Lapdogs, then cuddle up and snuggle in our laps... and boy was she full of sweet little puppy kisses!

It was definitely bittersweet to find out she was finally getting her forever home, especially after a month. I'll never say fostering is easy, but knowing she went to a wonderful couple who'll spoil her rotten makes it all worth while. They've promised to keep in touch and we're looking forward to a visit after Christmas. I can't wait to see how she looks as she gets older, especially since we're all still guessing on her genetic make-up. I will post more photos soon (yes, we have tuns of cute shots), but in the meantime here's a great little video of Kelly playing with Sophie. They were best buds... Sophie had her own little mini-me.

Newport

2011-12-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday! These shots were taken last December in Newport, RI...

Little Ace Man

2011-12-15T07:40:00.001-05:00

As most of you know, we've had quite a few high-energy, fluffy balls of fur through the Lapdog B&B recently. While we've managed to keep up with the playing, baths and potty training, I haven't been as good about keeping up with the photo updates. So here's the official recap of the tiniest little tot we've seen, Ace who was here in November...

He was so tiny, most of the Lapdogs' toys were bigger than he was...

Lola was a good Mama... and jungle gym.

Tut wanted to know why the little guy slept so much... or maybe he was just nosey because Ace was in his nap spot!

Seriously, have you seen anything cuter than this little guy lately?

Zeus thought the little guy was quite interesting... the second shot is one of my most favorite...

Napping with the girls...

We all had so much fun with the little guy while he was here.

Of course, it didn't take long at all before Ace got adopted! The coolest thing is he ended up nearby with friends of ours and his new family includes another former foster baby, Simon...

and their big sister Bella...

It was a pleasure to have Ace as part of our growing foster family... and to have placed another baby in his loving, forever home! Little Kelly is still here looking for hers... are you interested?

Take a Clue from Sophie...

2011-12-14T07:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday! The Holidays are upon us, along with the hustle and bustle... and stress. Take a clue from Sophie and slow down a little...

REVIEW: Socktopus

2011-12-13T07:34:00.000-05:00

Socktopus
17 Pairs of Socks to Knit and Show Off
by Alice Yu
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Taunton Press (October 25, 2011)

The title says it all - Socktopus is the latest beast that all sock knitters will be seeking to capture this winter. With 17 beautiful patterns for both women and men, you won't have any difficulty finding one that gets your sock needles rockin'!

Socktopus is the ideal book for both new and seasoned sock knitters alike. Not only is it full of elegant patterns, it also features clear, helpful instructions on many of the topics that sock knitters stress over, including how to master turning a heel, sizing a sole and fitting a high arch. Author Alice Yu covers each technique of sock making in detail, including toe shaping, heel shaping and perfect fit sizing. She also included a comprehensive section on fiber and yarns that is sure to entice even the most seasoned yarn addicts.

There are several patterns I've already marked as "to do," including...

V Junkie ~ these socks feature "red blood cells" created with slipped stitches and purl rows
Kandahar ~ Alice's description says it all: "these zippy socks have downhill pistes winding their way down the leg, and a central panel of tractor-groomed snow"
Om Shanti ~ the author designed these to be bed socks, knit in a luxurious cashmere blend and I simply say "Om YES!"

Still looking for the right gift for the knitter on your holiday shopping list? Pick up a copy of Socktopus and if you're lucky, she'll repay you with a pair of handmade socks next Christmas!

About the Author: Alice Yu is a renowned sock designer who writes a popular blog, "Socktopus," which sprang from her Socktopus knitting club and Knit Love yarn shop. She is founder of Knit Nation, the knitting expo that is the UK sister of Knitalong in the US.

REVIEW: Baggu Reusable Shopping Bag

2011-12-12T12:05:00.002-05:00

Baggu Reusable Bag
Where to Find: Reuseit.com

If you're in the market for reusable shopping bags, check out the great selection of Baggu bags at Reuseit.com! Stylish and sturdy, Baggu bags are made of 100% ripstop nylon and are machine washable. They are available in three sizes and are a cost effective, environmentally friendly alternative to plastic shopping bags. Plus, they hold up to 25 pounds and fold into a little, flat pouch when not in use.

A small team of designers & entrepreneurs founded BAGGU in 2007 on the principle that good design should be functional, beautiful and affordable. Their goal is to make basic products that serve multiple uses, allowing you to own and consume less.

I had the opportunity to review a Baby Baggu in sea stripe. This smaller size is perfect to tote your lunch, an extra pair of shoes for work or to take a quick trip to the drug store. It's also perfect for portable knitting projects (and thanks to the nylon material, it's a cinch to wipe off dog drool).

Baggu is available in regular, small and large sizes to conveniently meet your individual needs. They are washable, long-lasting and come in a variety of colors and styles. Grab a few for yourself or gifts this holiday season -- or better yet, make gift wrapping a cinch... they also make the perfect reusable gift bag!

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: The Puppy That Came For Christmas

2011-12-08T12:00:00.001-05:00

The Puppy That Came For Christmas
How a Dog Brought One Family the Gift of Joy
by Meg Rix
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Plume (October 25, 2011)

Are you looking for a heartwarming story to get you in the mood for the holidays?

All author Megan Rix and her husband Ian wanted was a baby to complete their happy home, but life had different plans for them - until one Christmas brought about an unexpected gift. In The Puppy That Came for Christmas, Megan shares how the crushing emotional stress of endless fertility doctor visits led her and her husband to become a different kind of parent to a few life-changing golden retrievers.

Megan and Ian attempted to distract themselves by getting involved with a charity which provides service dogs to people with disabilities. They eagerly took responsibility for training dogs for placement with people who needed the assistance of specially skilled animals. However, they quickly realized how strong the bond between human and dog can be - and the bitter sweetness of being a foster parent.

First they bonded with Emma, then Freddy. Despite the good cause, they just couldn't keep taking in these beautiful golden pups and giving them away. It was painful and the ongoing fertility treatments only added to the heartache. Then, one Christmas, little Traffy came along and the Rix family became part of a very special group... a group of failed foster parents, of which I myself am a proud member!

The following is a short excerpt from The Puppy That Came for Christmas, printed with permission from Plume:

“That evening, I looked at her playing on the floor, caught up in some of the tinsel that I, feeling especially festive this year, had strewn around the room. Ian had never liked Christmas, and until Emma came along, he’d spent it out of the country, skiing or by the pool – as far away as he could afford to go.

"Finally, we’ve got something really worth staying at home for,’ he said.

I looked at the tree, the decorations, at Ian watching Christmas television with Traffy, and thought there was nothing else I could want in the world.”

About the Author: Megan Rix was born in London, and lived in America, New Zealand, and Singapore before marrying her husband, Ian, and settling in England.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T07:48:00.001-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday! I love when I can make "a mess" look cool in photographs...

The Princess Turns 5

2011-12-06T07:35:00.003-05:00

Sophie is turning 5 today! She has really come into her own and is definitely the Princess of the pack. We'll be having cake tonight to celebrate and now it's time for the annual photo recap...

Happy Birthday Sophie!

She really is our little Princess...

She loves her toys!

She's a great foster big-sister...

"Sophie being Sophie"

Snowbunny...

Sisterly Love...

Brothers aren't so bad either...

For my fellow Fringe fans out there, we call Sophie "The Observer" of our pack...

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Happy Birthday Dear!

2011-12-04T07:45:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to my ~~better~~ other half! I love my...

Racer...

Rocker...

Doggy Daddy...

Happy Birthday Honey!

GIVEAWAY WINNER! jYOUlry Custom Photo Jewelry

2011-12-02T07:04:00.004-05:00

Thank you to everyone who entered to win the jYOUlry gift certificate! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

Congratulations to Sue! We can't wait to see what you pick out!

Remember, you can order wonderful personalized items for yourself or gifts and save 10% off your entire order with the coupon code LAPDOG. The code is good thru 12/31/11.

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways coming soon.

REVIEW: BumperPet Customized Pet Sticker

2011-12-01T07:39:00.000-05:00

Bumper Pet Customized Pet Sticker
Where to Find: BumperPet.com

Are you bored with all those un-original bumper stickers? Sick and tired of the "My Child is an Honor Student" decals? Perhaps you've been longing to stick your pup's mug on your bumper and show the world that your pet is way cuter than their honor student could ever be (don't judge me, I know I'm not the only one)... Now you can! BumperPet.com is the place to go to create removable stickers of your pets!

BumperPet.com is easy to use. In just 4 simple steps, you can create and fully customize a sticker of your pets....

1. Choose a unique template

2. Upload your favorite photo

3. Design and customize

4. Checkout

With several templates to choose from - as well as the ability to add text and shapes - the possibilities are completely up to you and your imagination! Create a basic shape sticker or customize an "In Case of Emergency" sticker for your front door, a special iPhone skin or even an Agility Superstar sticker. No matter which template you choose, you will be creating something very special and unique!

I opted to create a sticker of my pack using the oval 7" x 5" template. The process was not only simple, but fast! Shipping was also quick - and secure. My sticker was shipped in a rigid cardboard envelope to ensure there was no damage. And to top it all off, $1 - 2 from each and every sale is donated to an animal related charity!

I haven't stuck the Lapdogs to my bumper just yet, as I'm thinking this cool sticker may instead be the latest "sponsor" decal on their Daddy's race car!

Get your creative juices flowing and put your pack on bumpers for all the world to admire! Not only will you have something special of your pet, but you'll be supporting a worthy charity as well.

The Lapdog B&B

2011-11-30T07:35:00.000-05:00

Happy (a few words on) Wordless Wednesday! Over the weekend the Lapdog B&B welcomed another guest...

Bobby, a 9 week old Great Dane/Lab mix, was adopted by a wonderful family who happened to be away for the weekend, leaving the lovebug needing a place to crash Saturday night. I'll have more absolutely adorable photos to come as soon as I have time to download them (this boy was so full of love and kisses), but in the meantime these were taken while we were waiting on his family to pick him up (Kelly is still staying here at the Lapdog B&B, looking for her forever home)...

REVIEW: MY DOG! A Kids' Guide to Keeping a Happy & Healthy Pet

2011-11-29T07:51:00.001-05:00

MY DOG! A Kids' Guide to Keeping a Happy & Healthy Pet
by Michael J. Rosen
Spiral-bound: 272 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (October 5, 2011)

MY DOG! A Kids' Guide to Keeping a Happy & Healthy Pet is the perfect companion book for every child who has - or wants - a dog, whether it be a brand new puppy or a beloved family member who's been around for years. Designed for children 8 and up, this guide book meets owner's manual meets scrapbook is both kid-friendly and parent approved.

Every child wants a dog, but too often than not, they - and their parents - don't understand the responsibilities that come along with adding a new member to their family. My Dog! teaches the essentials of feeding, grooming and training - all with the sensibilities of an energetic, eager-to-learn child in mind. My Dog! presents the information in a clear, unintimidating and entertaining manner. The colorful, interactive layout is fun for kids (and kids at heart), keeping their attention and peaking their interest to learn more. Plus, My Dog! features a customizable cover (slip a photo of the child's own best friend in the die-cut frame), pages for notes, doggy report cards, a pull-out dry erase dog care chart and a full-color guide to 74 dog breeds!

Author Michael J. Rosen explains why it was important for kids to be involved in training their pet... "Dogs and humans are both social creatures, and the more time we spend in each other's company, they more both creatures benefit. For kids to fully engage with their dog and reap the many rewards of this companionship, they can't simply 'help' with the feeding or walking. And they certainly can't be subjected to the daily frustrations of 'He keeps pulling!' - 'She got away again!' - 'He won't listen!' - 'She chewed my notebook again!' Kids need a role in the overall training so that the dog is comfortable, safe and obedient with everyone in the family. Playing games, grooming and turning the everyday walk into an adventure are more fun ways for the whole family to bond with your dog."

I couldn't agree more with Michael. Far too often there are issues within families with dogs and children that could be easily prevented and overcome with a little training and understanding. Every child deserves an obedient best friend and My Dog! helps make that happen.

About the Author: Michael J. Rosen has written, edited or illustrated several books, including Kids' Best Dog Book, Dogs We Love, Horse People, Fishing with Dad and My Bug. Many of his anthologies have supported humane efforts through the Company of Animals Fund, which he founded in 1990. Michael lives in central Ohio with his pack.

GIVEAWAY WINNERS: Planet Dog On The Go Collection

2011-11-28T07:37:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who entered to win items from the Planet Dog On The Go Collection! The 3 lucky winners have been selected by random number generator...

Congratulations to Jen & her Newfies, Kathy & her pack and Chan & her girls! As soon as I get your snail mail addresses, I will get a special bag or bowl off to you!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now that you've had some time to sit down and relax, don't miss entering to win a $20 gift certificate to jYOUlry.com! Get a beautiful personalized piece of jewelry for yourself or to give as a gift this holiday season. There is also a special discount code included for Lapdog Creations readers.

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways coming soon...

Gobble, Gobble

2011-11-24T07:35:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

from the Lapdog household to yours...

Zeus is on the lookout for turkeys...

Got Loom?

2011-11-23T07:59:00.001-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday! What a web I'll soon be able to weave...

Thankful

2011-11-22T07:13:00.001-05:00

Happy Ten on Tuesday! Today's topic is Ten Things For Which You Are Thankful. In no particular order, my list goes a little something like this...

1. My other half... He's a wonderful partner and a fabulous doggy Daddy, plus he cooks, sometimes he cleans and he even stained my Cricket loom over the weekend!

2. The Lapdogs... truly the best kids around! Their love is unconditional and never ending.

3. Family... immediate and extended. Although I've lost touch with some, I am at peace with that. I've finally come to realize that you can not reason with unreasonable people and sometimes it's best to just walk away.

4. My job... I had an unexpected change earlier this year that was truly be a blessing in disguise.

5. My true friends... nearby, far away and online. You are all wonderful and I appreciate you more than you know.

6. Knitting... a hobby that stands the test of time and keeps me sane in this crazy, topsy-turvy world.

7. Coffee... yes, I run on Dunkins.

8. Wine... it's been quite a 2011 with lots of changes and sometimes you just need a ~~glass~~ bottle.

9. Slow Cookers and Leftovers... we tend to cook enough for leftovers on purpose and there's nothing like coming home to a yummy smelling house and not having to do much except for put dinner on a plate (or in a bowl) after a long day.

10. My Bruins and Tony Stewart... both champions in 2011!

Kelly the "Fuzzy Beagle"

2011-11-21T07:45:00.001-05:00

Yes, yes... I know that I still owe everyone a real update and uber-cute photos of Ace, our houseguest from last week. Those will come shortly, I promise... but in the meantime, meet this week's houseguest, Kelly!

Before we picked up the little 12 week old bundle of joy, she was described to me as a "fuzzy beagle" - and that she is. We know her Mom was a beagle, but aren't sure who Dad was. I'm guessing she's got some shepherd in her. Her coat is super soft and fluffy... and yes, her puppy breath is too die for!

She's quite the little cuddle bug...

Kelly was part of a liter named after "The Office" and Angela, Andy & Toby have all gone to their forever homes. Little Kelly was the shyest of the bunch, but the Lapdogs sure are helping her overcome that.

We're looking forward to finding Kelly her perfect forever home soon... are you interested?

It was unseasonably warm outside today (probably our last such day until Spring) and Kelly sure did enjoy the warm sunshine. We thought we'd share a little of the nice weather with you...

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: jYOUlry Custom Photo Jewelry

2011-11-20T17:40:00.001-05:00

Custom Photo Jewelry Purse Hanger
Where to Find: jYOUlry.com

I recently had the opportunity to review a piece of custom photo jewelry from jYOUlry and I chose the purse hanger. While at a restaurant in Newport last year, I saw a girl pull one out to hang her purse from a nearby table and thought "hmm, that's a cool little gadget... I've got to get me one of those..."

The purse hanger is truly a must-have accessory. It keeps your bag off dirty floors and safely nearby almost anywhere. Hang it next to you while seated at a restaurant table or in front of you at the bar. It's even cooler when personalized, but be prepared for the questions and admiration from the waitresses, especially if you've got your furry pack on display (I'm sure the non-furry kids get similar reactions as well)! Speaking of which, the purse hanger also makes a nice hook for dog items as well.

When not in use, the hook folds up, making it easy to store inside your purse. Made from highly polished chrome, the purse hanger features a circle pendant that is customized with any photo or image you choose. A crystal-clear, scratch-resistant resin coating guarantees that your photo remains waterproof.

Purse hangers make fantastic personalized gifts for any occasion. A truly unique and thoughtful gift, you'll be sure to get a smile from your recipient! Getting married soon? They also make fabulous bridal party gifts!

jYOUlry founder Lisa Yaker, a proud Mom of three, wanted to avoid pulling out the dreaded brag book all the time. Instead she sought a creative way to show off her little jewels, and made a simple photo pendant of her twins. The response from family and friends was so incredible that she began to make more and research additional photo items... and jYOUlry was born. Lisa continues to grow her collection and offer us more unique gifts.

Lisa has been kind enough to offer YOU, Lapdog Creations readers, a 10% discount off anything in her shop! Simply log onto her website, choose your items and enter the discount code LAPDOG for 10% off your entire order (offer expires 12/31/2011).

GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Lisa, we've also have a $20 gift certificate to jYOUlry.com to give away to one lucky winner! The gift certificate will cover the cost of many of the items on her site or you can use it as partial payment towards a more expensive item. To enter:

1) Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar)
2) Visit jYOUlry.com & leave a comment here indicating which item interests you
3) Like the jYOUlry Facebook page & leave a comment here indicating you did so
4) For additional bonus entries, blog, Facebook and/or Tweet about this giveaway (leave a separate comment here saying you did so)

You must complete steps 1 - 3 above to enter. You must be a USA resident to win.
Winner will be selected by random number generator.
Deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 29th at midnight.

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.

Baby Ace

2011-11-17T07:50:00.002-05:00

More photos and a real post to follow, but in the meantime please excuse this fly-by Thorsday/Dogs on Thursday post about the most recent little furball to crash at the Lapdog household...

Meet the tiniest little lovebug ever... Ace!

Ace is an 11 week old Boston Terrier/Schnauzer mix who loves to cuddle, romp and get belly rubs (treats are a favorite too)! We picked him up to foster on Saturday, then took him to meet friends of ours Sunday night and that was that... they couldn't resist! We dropped Ace off at his forever home on Tuesday night.

Ace is now the baby brother to Simon, who we fostered back in 2007. Their human sister Bella is thrilled... and I promise uber-cute pictures to come soon!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T11:10:00.001-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday! Here We Go Patriots, Here We Go... TSO?

GIVEAWAY WINNER: Botanical Animal Flower Essences by Arenus

2011-11-15T11:16:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who entered to win his/her choice of Botanical Animal Flower Essences by Arenus! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

Congratulations to Chan and her girls! A bottle of your choice will be on it's way to The Woods shortly!

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways coming soon...

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Planet Dog On The Go Collection

2011-11-14T07:17:00.000-05:00

Planet Dog On The Go Collection

Where to Find: Planet Dog

Planet Dog's On The Go Feedbag, Food and Water Bowl and Snack Sack make traveling with your dog both easy and fun! The popular collection has recently undergone a face lift with bright new colors and additional sizes.

The On The Go bowls and bags are extraordinary lightweight, collapsible, rollable, stuffable and waterproof. Designed with transport and storage in mind, they are the perfect travel companion for all of your adventures.

The On The Go Feedbag was modeled after a paddling dry bag and keeps up to 30 cups of kibble fresh. It's perfect for a weekend getaway.

The Food and Water Bowl provides an easy means for you to quench your pooch's thirst anywhere. The bowls fold flat when not in use and are available in two sizes, small (holds 1.5 quarts) and large (holds 2.25 quarts).

Truly a trainer's best friend, the Snack Sack was inspired by chalk bags carried by rock climbers. Featuring a drawstring closure, the bag can easily be velcroed or clipped to your belt loop making it perfect for positive training anywhere, anytime.

The On The Go collection is made of durable poly-canvas with linings made from PU, an eco-friendlier material than PVC. The collection is offered in four bright, eye-catching colorful stripped patterns: Seaside Blue, Sunset Pink, Harvest Orange and Forest Green. They retail from $10.95 - $16.95 each.

Like all of Planet Dog's products, the On The Go collection features a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In addition, Planet Dog donates 2% of all every purchase to the Planet Dog Foundation to support canine service programs nationwide. If you've got a dog family on your holiday shopping list this year, the On The Go collection makes a perfect - and thoughtful - gift!

GIVEAWAY! Thanks to the great folks at Planet Dog, we've got some On The Go items to giveaway to lucky readers! The number of items we giveaway will be based on the number of entries received. For up to 10 entries, there will be 1 winner... 11- 15 entries = 2 winners... 16 - 25 entries = 3 winners... 26 - 35 entries = 4 winners... 36+ entries = 5 winners! So be sure to spread the word and tell all of your friends... after all, the more entries, the more chances you have to win!

To enter:

1) Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar)
2) Leave a comment here indicating your top 3 choices of which On The Go item you'd like to win. You can also leave a color preference, although color choice can not be guaranteed for prizes.
3) For a bonus entry, Like the Planet Dog page on Facebook (leave a separate comment here saying you did so)
4) For additional bonus entries, blog, Facebook and/or Tweet about this giveaway (leave a separate comment here saying you did so)

You must complete steps 1 & 2 above to enter. You must be a USA resident to win.
Winner(s) will be selected by random number generator.
Deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 22nd at midnight.

Happy Friday

2011-11-11T11:08:00.002-05:00

Happy Veteran's Day! The Lapdogs and I are sending out special woofs to all those who have and/or continue to serve and protect while we get to go about our daily lives and do the things we enjoy. Thank you.

It sure has been a long week... TGIF! Doggy parents, don't miss the Arenus Animal Flower Essence giveaway - you can win any one of the formulas you'd like!

Time for a little Fill-Ins...

1. Turkey is yum-o.

2. The peach raspberry pie from Apple Acres Farm is the best.

3. On and on and on we go about a Kardashian failed marriage and whether or not Bieber is a Daddy. Can't we please report real news?

4. The last time I saw my niece Amber was in July... Happy 7th Birthday to her today!.

5. Can you believe Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away - gobble gobble.

6. I need a clone to help me catch up on reviews, downloading photos, knitting Christmas gifts and work.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to beef stew that's in the slow cooker, tomorrow my plans include the NHMS Road Racing Series banquet and Sunday, I want to get my holiday spirit on with TSO.

REVIEW: Animals and the Kids Who Love Them

2011-11-10T08:05:00.002-05:00

Animals and the Kids Who Love Them
Extraordinary True Stories of Hope, Healing, and Compassion
by Allen & Linda Anderson
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: New World Library (November 15, 2011)

Allen and Linda Anderson are back with another fabulous installment in their collection of books on animal-human relationships. In Animals and the Kids Who Love Them, the duo showcases stories about children and animal connections that result in courageous and compassionate acts of love and healing. These stories amaze and inspire as both animals and children overcome tremendous odds to live with basic skills and mobility that most of us take for granted.

Animals and the Kids Who Love Them is for animal lovers of all ages. Smile and heal a little as you read the joyous tales, including:

Buckwheat, the llama who helped a young girl overcome severe PTSD
Simon, the disabled cat who visits inner-city children while they are being tutored
Ricochet, a failed service dog who excelled at raising funds for charitable causes by surfing
Snazzy, the black pony who helps a boy learn to talk
Woodstock, the chicken who helped a highly anxious young girl become emotionally stronger
Sparkles, the Dalmatian who teaches fire safety and whose efforts helped children safely escape home fires

Grab yourself a copy of Animals and the Kids Who Love Them, along with your favorite beverage, and spend a fall afternoon curled up in front of the fire. You won't be disappointed... in fact, you might find yourself running to pick up additional copies to give to friends! After all, like peanut butter and jelly or milk and cookies, some things just belong together... a boy and his dog; a girl and her horse...

The following is an excerpt from Animals and the Kids Who Love Them.

My Child with Autism and the Dog Who Adores Her
Pam Thorsen, HASTINGS, MINNESOTA

He came on a cold, blustery winter night from the sickbed of her human companion, Dan. My husband and I wanted to be her forever family, but her nervousness led us to believe her heart remained with her best friend. She could no longer stay by Dan’s side. He was moving into a hospice where he could not take her. We were most impressed with her loving attention to him. There obviously had been a special bond between them, and we knew how sad they would be without each other.
She shivered and looked worried. Even though she was only four years old, her little brow creased with what seemed like a permanent wrinkle. She was a German wire-haired pointer, black except for the perfect gray markings of her breed: gray beard, whiskers, and eyebrows, and gray feathered fur from her knees to her feet. Her name was Maya. We lengthened it to Maya Angel Ah, a playful variation on the name of our family’s favorite author and poet, Maya Angelou.
It was weeks before Maya adjusted to our home. At first, she paced a lot and followed me everywhere, seldom relaxing. We soon learned that one of her fears was that she would be left outside. After Dan became terribly ill, he would let her outdoors and then would be unable to get back up to bring her inside. Minnesota winters can be very hard on a shorthaired dog. So although she was perfectly housetrained, when she asked to go out she raced back indoors after doing her business, fearing that she might be forgotten. Her terror was so great that, at first, when she left through the door, she walked backward into the yard, watching to be sure someone would be waiting for her. Light on her feet, Maya dashed in and out so fast that her feet hardly seemed to touch the ground.
When our daughter, Britty, was eighteen, Maya started following her around the house. Britty has autism and Down syndrome, is cognitively age six or seven, and does not have the use of language. Maya and Britty frequently stared into each other’s eyes, and we imagined they were communicating. Their long gazes were a little unusual, because one of the traits of autism is the avoidance of eye contact. But at their first meeting Maya and Britty both did double takes, as if to say, “Hey, I know you.”
Britty’s habit of twirling ribbons and spinning things, another trait of autism, mesmerized Maya, who seemed almost catlike in her fascination with the movement. She often positioned her head beneath whatever Britty twirled and placed her nose on my daughter’s lap. Now that Maya’s wrinkled brow was smoother and she felt more secure, she occasionally swished her tail so that it touched Britty, much to Britty’s delight. Perhaps the dog was reciprocating because of the special connection between them.
An interesting new aspect of Britty’s focused twirling was that it became more purposeful and connected, which is unusual for a child with autism. In the past Britty had twirled objects in order to tune out the world. Now, she started making the twirling into a game to get Maya’s attention. We saw marked improvement in our daughter’s attentiveness to the world around her after she began to interact with Maya.
As Maya grew to love and trust her new family, she adjusted to being in the yard by herself. Tasks in Maya’s day included the daily ritual of seeing that Britty got on the school bus. This dog is not a barker. So, from the middle of the fenced backyard on our corner lot facing the street, as the bus rounded the corner near our house and pulled into the driveway, she would do a perfect hunting point pose by straightening her feathered tail behind her, lifting one back leg off the ground, lengthening her neck, and pointing her nose at the bus. The kids on the bus and the driver loved it. After Britty got on the bus and it drove away, Maya would circle the yard, run into the house at lightning speed, drink thirstily, and fall to the floor, exhausted.
Just before 2:30 in the afternoon, Maya would pop up from one of her dog beds or the couch and run to the door, knowing full well that her sister was due to come home. She would race around the yard when the bus came, then switch from high gear to low, matching Britty’s slow pace as she walked from the bus to the backyard gate, which opened automatically to let them in our yard.
Maya never left Britty’s side when the two of them were outdoors. If Britty was on the swing, Maya lay beneath it. We found it amazing that the dog never got bumped or hit by the swing. If Britty played on the patio, Maya stretched out in the sun beside her. If Britty moved to the middle of the yard or onto the porch, Maya traveled by her side.
Inside, when Britty watched television shows or DVDs, Maya offered her companionship. Even though there was barely enough room for one of them in the window seat of Britty’s room, Maya snuggled next to our daughter while she listened to music. We gave up trying to get Britty to stop giving scraps from the table at dinnertime to Maya, who fit perfectly under my daughter’s chair, where she waited for the treats. Britty gave food to Maya with one hand while watching us peripherally. And of course, Maya always slept in bed with Britty.
The most comforting symbol of their connection and Maya’s sensitive nature appeared when Britty would occasionally fall ill or otherwise not feel well. We knew right away if Britty was sick, because Maya stayed on the floor next to her bed and not in the bed. With her kind and gentle spirit, she seemed to know to let Britty have the bed to herself. But her furry, wrinkled brow remained exactly an arm’s length away from Britty’s tiny hand.
We are grateful for the nurturing love Maya Angel Ah gives Britty. We thought we were doing the rescuing when Dan could no longer keep her. But she has added an amazing dimension to our family as our daughter’s constant companion. The changes we have noticed since Maya became part of our family include Britty’s better eye contact and more focused attention, as well as the conversations we now have with our daughter. Britty even has a certain new skip to her step that we attribute to Maya’s devotion. In fact, we are all skipping since Maya Angel Ah came into our lives.

Meditation: When a family needs canine intervention, how can a dog contribute to their hopefulness? Has a pet’s devotion made a difference in your life?

Excerpted from the book, Animals and the Kids Who Love Them. Copyright © 2011 by Allen and Linda Anderson. Reprinted with permission from New World Library.

Until They All Have a Home

2011-11-09T07:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday! While wishing really hard for our power to be restored last week, I was surprised with a little belated birthday box from Jessi. How sweet is this bracelet?! I absolutely love it. Of course she also sent treats for my pack (because you all know that none of us ever sends a box without something for the four-legged babies), but I'll save those photos for later...

Foster Updates

2011-11-08T07:58:00.003-05:00

I always say that fostering is bittersweet, but the most rewarding part (after helping a pooch get to his or her forever home, of course) is getting photos and updates of our fosters from their families.

I just received this photo of Sophie (formerly known as Sookie) from her family in Vermont. I can't believe how tall she's gotten!

Sophie's Mom & Dad report that she loves to go hiking and when she's not running around with her brother Murphy, she's waiting for her Dad to sit down so she can jump up in his lap to watch TV.

Skipper's Mom also sent a couple of recent shots... and boy is he getting big quick!

Speaking of foster babies, you may recall that we got to ~~steal~~ babysit little miss Rosie for a week at the end of August when her Mom was on vacation. I still need to upload those photos (yes, I'm behind... are you surprised?), but here's a couple to make you smile in the meantime...

I hope you've enjoyed my cuteness overload today as much as I have... I'm itching for another dose of foster puppy breath soon!

GIVEAWAY: Botanical Animal Flower Essences by Arenus

2011-11-07T07:44:00.000-05:00

Flower Essences
Where to Find: Arenus

One Lucky Winner Will Receive his/her choice

of Botanical Animal Flower Essences by Arenus

"Considering your pet’s emotional and behavioral health is a key component of his overall well being. Like humans, pets experience stress. Prolonged stress impairs pet’s ability to fight off illnesses and infections. In addition, behavior problems in dogs are often related to underlying emotional factors. A shelter dog entering a new home or a pet experiencing the loss of a loved one may feel sadness and withdraw. Multiple pets in the same household can lead to jealousy and selfish behavior, fighting over attention or toys."

"Botanical Animal Flower Essences can calm pets and reduce emotional stress. The specialized infusions of various blossoms work synergistically to help address the common situations that affect all our animals at one time or another throughout their lives: Trauma, stress, abandonment, loss of a loved one, aggression, insecurity and others. Arenus makes 14 different blends of Botanical Animal Flower Essences and each is issue-specific, to address the various emotional conditions that are keeping your pet from enjoying more happy moments."

I am thrilled to host another giveaway from Arenus that will benefit the health and well being of your four-legged family members. We do everything we can for our pets, but sometimes it's a long road, or even a losing battle, when it comes to negative effects from environmental issues. With Flower Essences we can get a little help from mother nature to manage many of those environmental stress issues that affect so many pets.

To enter this giveaway:

1) Visit Arenus.com and pick one of the 14 blends you’d like to win

2) Leave a comment below indicating your blend of choice

3) For an extra chance to win, follow the @ArenusPet Twitter account, and let us know you’re following in a separate comment.

4) For an additional extra chance to win, follow LapdogCreations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar) and leave a separate comment saying that you do. If you are already a follower, just leave a comment stating so.

Deadline: This giveaway closes November 13, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be announced here on this blog.

Restrictions: One winner will be selected at random among all entries using random.org. This giveaway is open to readers in the US only. Winner will be notified via email that they have won and will be asked to provide an address to where they would like their prize sent. Winner will have 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen.

Thank you to Arenus for providing Lapdog Creations
with this fabulous giveaway offer for our readers!

Happy Spooky Day!

2011-10-31T06:18:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween! We have been without power since Saturday evening. I'm hoping for some treats today and less tricks....

Happy Friday!

2011-10-28T10:40:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! It's time for a little Fill-Ins...

1. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.

2. We got snow.

3. And since we got snow, we also lost power last night... ugh.

4. Wine or spirits?

5. Where did October fly away to so soon.

6. Beef stew is one of my favorite meals when it's cold out.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a relaxing night at home, tomorrow my plans include cooking something to bring to the NELCAR banquet on Sunday and Sunday, I want to enjoy the day catching up with everyone at the NELCAR banquet.

Squeaky Hockey Puck?

2011-10-27T11:57:00.000-04:00

Happy Thors-day everyone... the best news is that means it's almost Friday!

Lola and Tut are excited for the weekend...

Zeus is wondering when we're getting another houseguest...

Sophie wants to know where she can get a squeaky hockey puck, since baseball is so boring...

Moo!

2011-10-26T07:35:00.001-04:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Baby Boy Turns 8

2011-10-25T07:35:00.000-04:00

The one who thinks he's still the baby of the house is 8 years old today...

Happy Birthday Teutul!

My "little boy" sure has grown up...

Teutul being King Tut....

Hanging with his siblings...

Showing the love for his sisters...

~~Trying to be~~ Being a good foster brother...

Just chillin'...

Being a goofball...

It's hard to believe he's 8 already! This little puppy...

is now this perpetual puppy...

We're thinking of Tut's brother Tango and his family today as well. Tango crossed over the Rainbow Bridge a year ago this past July. We'll be lighting a candle in Tango's honor and hoping he is happily romping with friends and munching some doggy cake today!

REVIEW: My Grandmother's Knitting

2011-10-24T07:21:00.004-04:00

My Grandmother's Knitting
Family Stories and Inspired Knits From Top Designers
by Larissa Brown
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book (September 1, 2011)

While knitting is no longer seen as a craft for grannies, we can't deny the tradition and history of their stitches. The fact is that many of today's hippest knitters found their passion for knitting after being taught by a grandmother or another revered family member. My Grandmother's Knitting: Family Stories and Inspired Knits From Top Designers celebrates the link between generations and how our families help to shape the crafters we become.

In My Grandmother's Knitting, author Larissa Brown brings together 26 influential knitters to talk about the people (and places) who influenced them most during their childhood. They share stories of grandmothers, great-aunts, mothers, fathers and childhood homes before giving us 22 patterns inspired by these special memories. Among the contributors are Wendy Bernard, Cookie A, Jared Flood, Ysolda Teague, Meg Swansen and Ravelry founder, Jessica Marshall Forbes.

The patterns range from vintage inspired to modern and classy. Projects include an elegant cape, cozy house slippers, antique-like dishcloths, warm cowls, sweet fingerless mitts, a traditional Norwegian pullover, beautiful socks and more. I've already flagged several of the patterns with post-its.

Pick up a copy of My Grandmother's Knitting for yourself and grab an extra for that family member or friend who helped hone your stitching skills. The patterns are fabulous, the photography is beautiful, but most of all the, stories are delightfully heartwarming. Handwrite your own memories inside the front cover when you gift a copy to the person who taught you to knit - or perhaps to someone you are teaching - and keep the inspiration going...

About the Author: Larissa Brown began knitting when she was five years old, hanging out on her grandmother Olive's couch in New Jersey. Today, Larissa lives in Portland, Oregon where she spends her time designing knitting patterns and dying yarn with Pico Accuardi Dyeworks. In 2008 she co-authored the book Knitalong: Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together with her husband, Martin John Brown. Her hand-knit designs have appeared in Knit.1 magazine, Knitty and on her blog, Stitch Marker.

Get Your Lapdog Goodies

2011-10-22T14:08:00.002-04:00

I've just updated the Lapdog Creations Cafe Press storefront with several new items, including new t-shirts (including toddler and children's), baby items, PJ's, Kindle & Nook sleeves, 2012 calendar, various size bags, Thermos items, water bottles and more! Check it out!

REVIEW: Knitted Dinosaurs

2011-10-22T11:27:00.000-04:00

Knitted Dinosaurs: 15 Prehistoric Pals to Knit from Scratch by Tina Barrett
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book (October 1, 2011)

Are you ready to add some fun - and maybe a few roars - to your knitting? Grab a copy of Knitted Dinosaurs and get ready to create your own herd of super fun, colorful critters!

As soon as you start flipping through Knitted Dinosaurs, You'll be itching to cast on prehistoric pals for all the kids - young and old - on your holiday gift list. The pattern details make for creatures that are both endearing and true to what scientists believe they looked like when they roamed the earth... although the colors may be more from this world than that one. I personally can't wait to make my own pretty little Pterodactyl using the magenta, mauve and silver grey yarn colors suggested.

Knitted Dinosaurs is a great book for both experienced and new knitters alike. A basic techniques section is included to help newbies along and seasoned vets will enjoy the mega fun knitting. Best of all, each creature can be knitted up quickly with just one or just skeins of yarn -- making them great for gifts!

About the Author: Tina Barrett is a UK-based knitwear designer. She designs regularly for magazines such as Knit Today, Let's Knit! and Knitting. She is also the author of the books Knits for Dogs & Cats, Natural Knits for Babies & Toddlers and Natural Crochet for Babies & Toddlers.

My Foster Dog Skip

2011-10-20T07:35:00.000-04:00

Actually, his name is Skipper... but I can't help but think of the movie My Dog Skip!

Skipper, a lab/pointer mix, was only around 10 weeks old when all of his liter mates got adopted and he was left looking for a place to crash. Look at that face... and those beautiful two different colored eyes... and the "drunken sailor" look. I couldn't resist!

We knew little Skip wouldn't be with us long, but we had no idea it would turn out to be less than 24 hours! The transport arrived on a Saturday morning while we were in Maine for a race, so the rescue found another family who was willing to pick him up for us. We met them on our way home from the track and it was clear they fell head over heels and were well on their way to thinking about adding a second pup to their home (probably a good thing... I quickly fell for the little tyke myself).

I wasn't at all surprised when they got home, felt they just couldn't live without Skip and filled out the adoption application! Assuming they would be approved (of course they were!), they asked if I minded keeping Skip a few days. Mind babysitting a tiny little bundle of puppy breath joy a few days longer? Of course not... but they ended up getting things in order right away and Skipper went to his forever home early Sunday evening. But not before he had lots of play time with the Lapdogs and a little bit of an adventure day out with us.

Skipper playing with Lola & Tut...

The little guy was infatuated with Sophie...

He thought his big foster sister rocked!

Skip thought Zeus was one cool dude...

Cuteness Overload... Is there anything cuter this time of year than a tiny white puppy in a pumpkin patch?

Even more cuteness overload...

It was a pleasure to be a tiny part of little Skipper's life and we're so happy he found such a wonderful forever home! His Mom has been keeping in touch with text updates and photos, which is wonderful. Nothing makes my day quite like opening a text or email, hearing how one of our fosters is doing and seeing photos of them growing and enjoying life. It makes the bittersweetness so worth it...

911 Memorial

2011-10-19T07:38:00.003-04:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday ~ 911 Memorial in Hudson, NH taken on 9/11/11 ~

*The "towers" are actual beams from the World Trade Center buildings.

10 Ways to Eat Pumpkin

2011-10-18T07:40:00.000-04:00

Happy Ten on Tuesday! Today's topic is 10 Ways to Eat Pumpkin...

1. Ice Cream... my favorite pumpkin ice cream is from Beechhill Farm. It has the perfect blend of spices!

2. Coffee... I can't live without it and pumpkin is a favorite fall and winter flavor.

3. Beer... Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale tops my beer list year round.

4. Whoopie Pies... who doesn't love a whoopie?

5. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds... the tasty part of pumpkin carving!

6. Cupcakes... My local cupcake spot, Shabby Chic makes some fabulous pumpkin cakes!

7. Bagels... I've always loved a good pumpkin bagel from the bakery, and just discovered Thomas' Pumpkin Spice at the grocery store. delish!

8. Pancakes... pumpkin pancakes with New England maple syrup makes a perfect fall breakfast.

9. Cheesecake... nothing beats The Cheesecake Factory's pumpkin!

10. Pie... the 'ole standby...

GIVEAWAY WINNER: The Knitter's Life List

2011-10-17T16:17:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a copy of The Knitter's Life List! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

Congratulations to Grace! I can't wait to hear about the journey you take with your copy of The Knitter's Life List!

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways coming soon...

GIVEAWAY WINNER: The Peaceful Housewife Natural Household Cleaner Recipes

2011-10-17T16:08:00.001-04:00

Thank you to everyone who entered to win The Peaceful Housewife Natural Household Cleaner Recipes ebook! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

Congratulations to Chan and Jessi! Happy green cleaning ladies!

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways coming soon...

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-10-15T08:35:00.000-04:00

Wishing my Mom - and the Lapdogs Grammy - a very Happy Birthday today!!! xoxo

REVIEW: Halloween Smiley Cookies

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Halloween Smiley Cookies
Where to Find: SmileyCookie.com

Who doesn't love sugar cookies? Better yet, who doesn't love to give - or receive - fun, decorated gourmet sugar cookies? If you're looking to send a special treat this Halloween, look no further than Halloween Cookies from SmileyCookie.com!

First impressions are everything and SmileyCookie.com gets it right! The cookies arrived in a colorful, gigantic gift box covered in smiles, which will surely put that smile on your recipients face. Upon opening the box, their smile will only grow bigger when they discover a dozen gourmet 4" round Jack O Lanterns! The oversized cookies are decorated with an eerie green smile topped with candy corn eyes and nose. These cookies aren't just for looks either - they're tasty! Not too sweet... just the amount of trick with your treat!

SmileyCookie.com also offers mini cookies that make great Halloween Party Snacks, as well as an eerily fun Halloween Gift Basket. No matter what your trick or treat needs are this year, SmileyCookie.com has got you covered! They've even offered a coupon for 20% off on any of their Halloween cookie gifts and baskets. All you have to do is like their Facebook page!

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.

A Wild Affair

2011-10-12T08:30:00.001-04:00

It's another wild Wordless Wednesday here! These shots are from Stone Zoo's "A Wild Affair" fundraiser back in June.

GIVEAWAY WINNER: CoatPlus

2011-10-12T07:49:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a bottle of CoatPlus, skin and coat supplement from Arenus! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

Congratulations to Houndgirl, Fred and Haylie! We're currently in the process of reviewing CoatPlus with Teutul and so far, I like what I'm seeing and hope you guys will too.

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways coming soon... and don't miss our current giveaways of The Peaceful Housewife Natural Household Cleaner ebook and The Knitter's Life List!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-10-11T18:54:00.003-04:00

Happy Ten on Tuesday! Today's topic is 10 Things I Did This Weekend... which is a good one for me, since I had one of the most fabulous weekends ever! It all started with my birthday on Friday...

1. Was surprised by my office singing Happy Birthday... I'm not a big fan of being sung to, but it was a cute surprise!

2. Had the yummiest birthday brownies, made by a co-worker... note the perfect decorations.

3. Went out for my birthday dinner Friday night and had the best maple apple ribs...

4. Was totally surprised with being sung to at the restaurant. All thanks to friends who just happened to be eating there a few booths over and saw us. I hate being sung to at restaurants, but this was such a sweet gesture and it went well... unlike the last time I was sung to in a restaurant!

5. Spent Saturday afternoon/evening at Star Speedway where the Legends cars ran a non-points race. We're hoping to have a few races at that track on our schedule for 2012.

6. Went to the Patriots vs Jets game on Sunday... had amazing seats, 13 rows off the field!

7. Surprised with an appearance by my beloved Boston Bruins and the Stanley Cup during the pre-game ceremonies. My B's and Pats in the same place, at the same time... what more could a girl ask for?!?!

8. Surprised again when the B's removed their hockey jerseys to reveal Patriots jerseys underneath... too cool!

9. Went to the Bruins vs Avalanche game on Monday afternoon... got to see the Stanley Cup 2011 banner for the first time!

10. Had the most amazing long birthday weekend ever!!!! (Thank you honey!)

***I've yet to download my photos from the weekend, so I've borrowed the Bruins shots at Gillette from their page. The photo below is a priceless; the Stanley Cup along with three Vince Lombardi trophies! Love That Dirty Water, awww... Boston you're my home!***

GIVEAWAY WINNER: Barksters Krisps

2011-10-11T16:58:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who entered to win two boxes of Barksters Krisps! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

Congratulations to Sue and her loveable pack! The Lapdogs know that everyone is going to go tail wagging crazy for Barksters!

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways coming soon... and don't miss our current giveaways of The Peaceful Housewife Natural Household Cleaner ebook and The Knitter's Life List!

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Knitter's Life List

2011-10-07T08:30:00.002-04:00

The Knitter's Life List
by Gwen W. Steege
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (October 21, 2011)

"Now we have a book that proves something I often say: the horizons

of knitting are astonishingly infinite." - Cat Bordhi

Attention knitters... that book that will top all of our holiday wish lists is here and it's appropriately titled, The Knitter's Life List. Whether you leave this beautifully illustrated book out on the coffee table to flip through while you sip your tea or toss it in your knitting bag to peruse on the go, this is one of those books that will get your creative juices flowing and your needles clicking.

The Knitter's Life List is an "everything" book for fiber enthusiasts: To Do - To Know - To Explore - To Make. Truly a road map to all things fiber, the book comprises 1001 inspirations, 122 techniques & tips, 69 styles & traditions, 64 personalities and 33 yarn fibers. Novice knitters and masters alike will enjoy it, and everyone will find something new to check off their own list.

The chapter paint a clear picture of the fibery-good journey The Knitter's Life List will take you on:

The Yarn Life List
The Know-How Life List
The Sweaters Life List
The Socks Life List
The Scarves & Shawls Life List
The Hats Life List
The Gloves & Mittens Life List
The Bags Life List
The Kids-Knit Life List
The Home Dec Life List
The Fiber Lover's Life List

Each chapter begins with an introduction, followed by a well organized check list to guide you on your journey. With a quick glimpse, you will see who you will meet, what you will discover, what to do/try, what you will learn, where to go and what to experience in each chapter. Bonus - there's even extra credit sections!

As the introduction states, The Knitter's Life List is "An Invitation to the Knitting Trip of a Lifetime." Start your journey now by picking up a copy of The Knitter's Life List (or entering to win a copy below), then take a chance at winning a dream knitting prize package in the Knitter's Life List Sweepstakes! Storey Publishing is giving away a Grand Prize worth over $4,000 - including a trip to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, a $200 yarn shopping spree, an exclusive knitting retreat weekend and more! For details and to enter, click here!

About the Author: Gwen W. Steege has been a fiber fanatic for nearly 50 years, and she hasn't tired of spending late nights with her knitting needles and a good ball of yarn, sometimes spun from the fleece of her own sheep. By day, she is an editor who has worked on dozens of books about knitting and other fiber crafts. She is also the author of "101 Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies." Gwen lives in Western Massachusetts.

GIVEAWAY! Christmas wishes will come early for one lucky reader this year! Win a copy of The Knitter's Life List! To enter:

1) Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar).
2) Leave a comment here telling me what animal / fiber you are most interested in learning more about.

You must complete both steps to enter and you must be a US resident to win.
You can get extra entries 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, October 15th at midnight.

Who's Birfday Is It Anyway?

2011-10-06T08:15:00.002-04:00

Howdeeez to all da peepz out der in blog land! Our Mama iz a lil bit bizzeee so we iz popin' by ta say heyz to ya'll on Thorsday! We gotz our par-T hatz on becuz tomorrow iz Mama's birfdayz!!! Yay... we mightz even share our favorite nom-noms with her!

Life is For the Birds

2011-10-05T08:43:00.002-04:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday... "sometimes life is just for the birds..."

*** photos taken at Franklin Park Zoo, September 2010 ***

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Peaceful Housewife Natural Household Cleaner Recipes

2011-10-04T20:36:00.006-04:00

The Peaceful Housewife Natural Household Cleaner Recipes
Where to Find: The Peaceful Housewife

Everyone is looking for new ways to go green these days, often with cleaning products. However, most of us quickly realize that it's more difficult to separate the truly green products from those that are just riding the false claim bandwagon. With The Peaceful Housewife's Natural Household Cleaner Recipes you can make your own products and truly know exactly what is in them.

The Peaceful Housewife's Natural Household Cleaner Recipes is a collection of gentle, environmentally friendly household cleaners that you can create in the comfort of your own home. The e-book includes recipes for everything you could possibly need for a clean, green home...

Get the clothes clean with laundry detergent, fabric softener and not one, but two types of stain treatments
Do the dishes with foaming dish soap and dishwasher detergent
Make the floors sparkle with wet mop refills and carpet cleaner
See clearly with glass cleaner and multipurpose spray cleaner
Germs will be a thing of the past with hand soap, disinfecting wipe solution, scouring powder and liquid scrubbing cleaner
New baby will appreciate the diaper pail freshener
There's no need to make a pledge when you've got a green furniture polish
Keep your tools pretty with makeup brush cleaner
Bugs be gone with pest spray
Keep the cleaning momentum going with granite cleaner, oven cleaner and brass cleaner

The recipes consist of just a few basic ingredients and they're easy to follow... even for a novice like myself. If you really want to know what's in your cleaning products, go green with The Peaceful Housewife!

GIVEAWAY! Thanks The Peaceful Housewife herself, Jenny Deramo, we have two copies of The Peaceful Housewife Natural Household Cleaner Recipes e-book to giveaway! To enter:

1) Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar)
2) Visit the The Peaceful Housewife website and leave a comment here telling us which product sounds most appealing to you
3) For a bonus entry, Like The Peaceful Housewife page on Facebook (and leave a separate comment here saying you did so)

You must complete steps 1 & 2 above to enter. 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 Wednesday, October 12th at midnight.

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.

GIVEAWAY: CoatPlus

2011-10-03T08:32:00.001-04:00

CoatPlus
Where to Find: Arenus

Win CoatPlus from Arenus, and Give Your Dog a Healthy

Skin & a Shiny Coat this Winter!

"As fall arrives and the weather cools, your dog’s skin gets drier, just like yours. You may notice your dog itching and scratching more. Omega-3 fatty acids can help support your dog’s skin and coat. Research has shown that dogs fed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids had a shinier and softer coat than those fed a more basic diet. More importantly, feeding the diet that included the omega-3 fatty acids resulted in less shedding and less dander produced. Scientists have concluded that fish oil and its fatty acid components have many benefits and support healthy skin and coats in dogs."

"While most dog foods contain fat, they may not have enough Omega-3 fatty acids. Many pet parents choose to add fish oil to their dog’s diet. CoatPlus by Arenus is a nutritional supplement that will supply your dog with the daily recommended allowance of Omega-3 fatty acids in a convenient, soft-gel capsule. This high-quality, concentrated fish oil is an excellent source of EPA and DHA. CoatPlus also provides the additional vitamin E that is nutritionists generally recommend when consuming fatty acids."

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to not only host a giveaway of CoatPlus, but to also review it in the Lapdog household. Teutul is the skin issue dog in our pack, often breaking out due to allergies, dry skin, etc. We have begun adding CoatPlus to his diet and will be posting our review in the coming weeks. However, you don't have to wait! Arenus is allowing us to give you to opportunity to win a bottle now, just in time for the coming dry winter air! CoatPlus is available in 2 formulas, Small Breed and Large Breed. Whether your dog is prone to skin issues or not, this is an excellent supplement to add to their diet. After all, a healthy coat means a more beautiful dog and healthy skin means a more comfortable dog!

To enter this giveaway:

1) Visit Arenus.com and select which of the two different formulas of CoatPlus you’d like to win.

2) Leave a comment below indicating the formula of your choice.

3) For an extra chance to win, follow the @ArenusPet Twitter account, and let us know you’re following in a separate comment.

4) For an additional extra chance to win, follow LapdogCreations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar) and leave a separate comment saying that you do. If you are already a follower, just leave a comment stating so.

Deadline: This giveaway closes October 10, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be announced here on this blog.

Restrictions: One winner will be selected at random among all entries using random.org. This giveaway is open to readers in the US only. Winner will be notified via email that they have won and will be asked to provide an address to where they would like their prize sent. Winner will have 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen.

Thank you to Arenus for providing Lapdog Creations

with this fabulous giveaway offer for our readers!

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Barksters Krisps

2011-09-29T07:46:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-28T07:54:00.001-04:00

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

2011-09-27T07:30:00.004-04:00

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

2011-09-26T16:13:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-22T08:45:00.001-04:00

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!

2011-09-21T08:27:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-20T11:10:00.001-04:00

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

2011-09-16T15:10:00.003-04:00

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

2011-09-15T15:16:00.001-04:00

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

2011-09-14T09:29:00.000-04:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Spending Money

2011-09-13T11:59:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-12T07:45:00.006-04:00

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

2011-09-11T08:46:00.001-04:00

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

2011-09-09T13:14:00.005-04:00

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.