Thank you Nutrish!

Is it Monday already?  We don't have much mischief in store for today, so we thought we'd tell you how cool the folks at Rachael Ray Nutrish are!

We reviewed Rachael Ray Nutrish Naturally Delish dog food last fall and were more than pleased with all four varieties.   We use the wet food as a mix-in at dinner time, and the Lapdogs can't get enough. 

Imagine my surprise when just days after I posted our review, the folks from Nutrish contacted me and asked if they could use my photos and review in their newsletter.  My first reaction was... seriously?!?!  They wanted to use my photos and review... not some high end professionally shot photo? 

Here's what the Nutrish November 2012 newsletter looked like (that's one of my pics, along with a link to our review on the bottom left). 

How cool is that?!?!  I am thrilled to have my photos and review recognized!  As if that wasn't enough, those same great folks sent us this awesome thank you package which arrived last week!

I opened the box to find a cool Nutrish bag... stuffed full of goodies!  Which translates into Mama's got a new bag, plus a can cozy and the Lapdogs have lots of nom-noms... 3 tubs of Naturally Delish, 3 bags of Soup Bones and 14 coupons for free Naturally Delish, Nutrish Kibble and treats.  Yes, 14 coupons for free stuff....

Thank you Nutrish folks, you rock! 

Tut thought it was all for him....

If you haven't checked out Naturally Delish for your pack yet, we urge you to do so... the Lapdogs especially recommend the Chicken Mutballs with Pasta!  They think the Soup Bones they just received are pretty darn good as well!

REVIEW: I'm a Good Dog

I'm a Good Dog

Pit Bulls, America's Most Beautiful (and Misunderstood) Pet

by Ken Foster
Paperback: 144 Pages
Publisher:  Viking Studio (October 25, 2012)

If you know me at all, you know that I am an advocate for - and lover of - pit bulls.  I know how loyal, playful and loving this breed can be - I have seen it first hand on numerous occasions.  And yes, I am a sucker for those adorable pittie smiles! While there have been several books published in recent years about pit bulls, not one of them has grabbed me as much as I'm a Good Dog: Pit Bulls, America's Most Beautiful (and Misunderstood) Pet has.  I absolutely love this book!

Author Ken Foster is on a mission to show the world that this very misunderstood breed is not a menacing or cruel one, as so many have wrongly labeled it.  In I'm a Good Dog, Mr. Foster shows us all that pitties are in fact some of the best household pets and adored family members in America. 

What I love most about I'm a Good Dog is the format.  Although it is a paperback book (read: lower cost), it is one of the most beautiful "coffee table" picture books I have ever seen!  The candid full-color photos throughout the book are stunning and truly capture the breed's personality, as well as it's determination to be man's best friend. 

However, I'm a Good Dog is not just a picture book.  I'm a Good Dog covers the history of the pit bull breed and it's various combinations, as well as a number of engrossing topics including:

• How panic and misinformation has led to fear in so many people
• The question of pit bull DNA and whether or not it is a predictor for behavior (hint: no!)
• How the worst possible times (including the Vick case) helped to turn around the pit bull's misfortunes
• Myths (both positive and negative) regarding the breed's history
• Why it matters what society thinks about pit bulls

If you are among those who are leery about pit bulls or - gasp - even fearful of them, I hope that you will pick up a copy of I'm a Good Dog and spend some time reading about the pitties origins and tangled history.  Inspiring stories from owners are scattered throughout, and did I mention those stunning photographs?  Discover how pit bulls are contributing to the community now more than ever - as family pets, athletes, safety dogs and educators.  Some have even taken on their ancestors role of watching over the human babies in the family.

Grab yourself a copy of I'm a Good Dog today or better yet, grab a couple and give as gifts this holiday season.  The book is beautifully put together, well written, and a subject near and dear to my heart.  Apparently, also near and dear to Rain Wilson's heart...

"Fellow pit bull lovers, this is a brilliant bible of the glorious, gorgeous terriers." -Rainn Wilson, star of The Office

About the Author: A writer and a teacher, Ken Foster is the author of the bestseller The Dogs Who Found Me and its sequel Dogs I Have Met.  A collection of his short stories, titled The Kind I'm Likely to Get, was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.  Additionally, his work has been featured in numerous publications. In 2008, he founded The Sula Foundation, which promotes responsible pit bull ownership in New Orleans where Ken lives with his dogs, Brando, Zephyr, Douglas and Bananas.

Disclaimer: Viking Studio sent Lapdog Creations a complimentary copy of I'm a Good Dog for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed in the review are my own.

GIVEAWAY WINNER! ReUsies

Thank you to those of you who entered our quickie giveaway to win a 2-pack of the awesome, useful ReUsies!  The winner was drawn by Random Number Generator...

Here are your random numbers: 5

Congrats to Sue and the Portie Pack!  We are sure you are going to love your ReUsies and find all sorts of uses for them!

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

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: ReUsies

ReUsies

Where to Find: ReUsies.com



OK, I'm sure you're all shaking your head and saying, What are ReUsies?   
 

ReUsies are a re-usable alternative to snack and sandwich baggies. Each one has the potential to keep hundreds of plastic bags out of our landfills.

ReUsies are 100% cotton, lined with leak-resistant nylon and are secured with hook and loop closures.

Pack It, Snack It, ReUse It...

I was very excited about the opportunity to review ReUsies!  In a time when everyone is trying to go green and save money, ReUsies are just what we need!  Whether you're packing lunches for school or work, snacks for the road, or just trying to work on your portion control, you're always reaching for those plastic bags, aren't you?  Not only do those plastic baggies add up in spending dollars (something I'm very mindful of this year), they wind up in landfills for years to come.  Enter ReUsies...

ReUsies are available in two sizes, Snack (approx. 6" wide x 5" high) and Sandwich (approx. 7.5" wide x 6" high), and in loads of fahsionable colors and prints.  Yes -- you can even make snacking stylish!  Unlike disposable plastic baggies, ReUsies can be used over and over again!  They are even easy to clean!  You can toss them in your washer and dryer or dishwasher, however for longest life the company suggests simply wiping them clean with a sponge and air drying. 

As mentioned above, ReUsies are 100% cotton and lined with leak-resistant nylon.  They are free of BPA and phthalates, are CPSIA compliant and meet FDA standards for food safety.  The hook and loop closures make ReUsies kid friendly and ensure that your food won't fall out! 

I absolutely love my ReUsies!  In an effort to save, I now buy snacks in bulk as opposed to the more convenient - and costly - "grab and go" sizes.  As a result, we're always packing little baggies of chips, pretzels, Swedish Fish (my fave!), nuts and other snacks.  I can't even begin to tell you how many plastic bags we went through traveling to race tracks all summer long.  I had begun to use reusable plastic containers when possible, or even take along an entire large bag of chips... but that isn't always the easiest to deal with (or pack) at the race track.  I knew there had to be a better way... and now I can not wait for race season to start again in the Spring so I can use my ReUsies (yes, yes... I will be using them for lunches and other road trips over the winter).  They are perfect... in fact, I just might have to go order another set in our racing team colors! 

Make someones holiday a little brighter with a gift of ReUsies this year!  The 2-packs, which consist of one snack and one sandwich size, make a perfect gift for nearly anyone on your list, young or old!  Individual bags and 4-packs are also available.  Learn more about ReUsies on their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter. 



GIVEAWAY!  The great folks at ReUsies are allowing me to give away a 2-pack (a matching set of one snack and one sandwich size) in the the winner's choice of color/pattern!  To enter:

~ Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the side bar)

~ Visit ReUsies.com, then come back here and leave a comment below telling us which prints you like best and why.

To be eligible to win, you must complete both steps above. Please be sure your entry includes a way to contact you (i.e. link to your blog or include your email address)

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 Sunday, December 2nd at 11:59pm EST (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.

REVIEW: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky

Where to Find: Chewy.com

Our friends over at Chewy.com recently asked if we'd like to try Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky.  Of course we said yes!  After all, the Lapdogs love chicken jerky, however I haven't bought any for them in years. 

Now, I'm sure many of you have the same ban in your house that I do in mine -- no treats from China!  When the issues started with chicken jerky treats from China, I was absolutely appalled to discover that even our favorite "top of the line" brand was made over there.  After all, it was a high end, name brand...   It really left a sour feeling in my stomach. 

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky is made in the USA.  You know what that means, don't you?  I let out a loud WOOT and all 4 Lapdogs let out a joyous howl... they can finally eat chicken jerky again!  And not only is it US-made, it's all natural, grain fee and a healthy treat that I can truly feel good about giving to my dogs!  Blue Buffalo believes in not only treating our pets like family, but in feeding them like family as well (amen).  As with all of their natural pet foods, real meat is the first ingredient.  In fact, the Chicken Jerky consists of just 3 simple ingredients; chicken, dried cane molasses and salt.  There are no grains, corn, wheat, soy or chicken byproducts. 

The Lapdogs have given Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky their Official 16 Paws Up Seal of Approval!  In fact, they are so excited to be able to eat chicken jerky again, they couldn't wait to wag all about it to all of their doggy friends out there.  They hope all of you that can eat chicken (we know a few of our furry friends are allergic) will be lucky enough to get a bag in their Christmas stocking this year. 

To help the humans out with stuffing those stockings this year, we wanted to also bark all about the amazing Cyber Monday Savings going on over at Chewy.com today!  Chewy and his friends are offering as much as 50% off on everything except for food -- that means 3,000 products are marked down for your shopping pleasure today!  Grab a bag of chicken jerky, as well as all of your pack's other favorites!  Happy Shopping... we'll certainly be doing some of our own online today as well!

Disclosure: Chewy.com sent a bag of Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Chicken Jerky to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

REVIEW: What's a Dog For?

What's a Dog For?

The Surprising History, Science, Philosophy, and Politics of Man's Best Friend

by John Homans
Hardcover: 272 Pages
Publisher: The Penguin Press (November 12, 2012)

More than your typical memoir, What's a Dog For? is a well written history of the ever-evolving bond between humans and dogs. 

What's a Dog For? was inspired by the author's adopted lab mix, Stella.  Living in New York City where his neighbors dressed their pooches in expensive clothing, threw them lavish birthday parties and shelled out thousands of dollars for medical treatments, John Homans was determined to avoid the trend.  After all, he had fond memories of his very own childhood dog who ran around unleashed, enjoyed the backyard and slept outside.  She was a companion, but not a family member.   

After Homans adopted Stella from a local shelter for his son, things quickly changed.  He soon found himself not only treating her like a member of the family, but questioning her diet and exercise plan, and trying to analyze her emotions.  This sparked Homans' curiosity about the relationship between dogs and their owners... and What's a Dog For? was born.

The following is an excerpt from What's a Dog For?...

Chapter 1: ENTERING THE WORLD OF DOG

Stella’s world is in turmoil—not that you’d know it by looking at her. She’s on her spot on the rug, looking at me, waiting for the next thing, as usual. A couple milk bones that I gave her earlier are arrayed in front of her. She took them somewhat reluctantly, knowing I had steak in the refrigerator—sometimes she refuses such offerings altogether, turning her head away in what I imagine is disdain.

All seems placid, a dog on a rug, but beneath this tranquil scene, large forces are at work, and Stella, I’ve been learning, is at the center of them. The very definition of who she is, what goes on in her head, how she should be treated, and what rights she might deserve have been shifting rapidly. Today the dog world is in the throes of political and ideological convulsions of a kind not seen since Victorian times, when the dog as we know it was invented. Put simply, the dog is now in the process of being reimagined.

I wasn’t aware of any of this when she arrived in our home. Stella was, to begin with, just a dog—although in many quarters these days, “just a dog” are fighting words. She came into my life for the usual reasons. My wife, Angela, and I had an acute sense of time passing. Our son, Charlie, was about to turn ten, hurtling toward teenage-hood and then God knew where. We’d had a dog when he was born, a West Highland terrier named Scout, a proud ridiculous creature who’d tried not to let on just how upset he was when this squalling interloper and rival for our affections arrive. But Scout was old—thirteen at that point—and was dead before Charlie’s first birthday. If Charlie was ever to have a childhood dog, it was now or never.

The dog we planned to get was, like most things we wanted for him, as much for us. We wanted another family member, someone to fill out the cast, a supporting actress. And while our son would one day inevitably spin out of our little nucleus, we could count on the dog to stay. After dropping Charlie off at college, our dog would, in all likelihood, come back in the station wagon with us—a reassuring thought. It was all pretty simple.

Stella was going to be a New York City dog, and in this she would be joining a large and growing population. Our downtown street is a nonstop dog parade, part of the urban scenery along with New York University students and hipsters and men at the garage on the corner and the guy in the grungy gray coat and taped-up sneakers who shouts “Zirzu!” at the traffic passing on Bowery with an emphatic, not-unhappy certainty.

In the dog parade were dogs from all walks of life: a pair of glossy brown-and-gray Great Danes as big as ponies; a gorgeous orange chow, as cheerful a dog as you could find despite the fact that she had three legs, always accompanied by a little Maltese wingman; and a thirteen year-old German shepherd mix who made her circuit with impossibly dignified slowness, still sniffing at all her favorite spots. On the next street over, in front of the most glamorous building in the neighborhood, we sometimes ran into a pair of yellow Labs that spend weekends at their owners’ spread in Montana, then returned to the city for their work week—a dog’s life. Some dogs were walked with orange smocks that read “Adopt Me.” There were plenty of pits, some from a little dog rescue place on Fourth Street, others from Alphabet City to the east, where the pit could serve as the neighborhood emblem, much as the bulldog does for England. And there were a good number of dogs that looked a lot like Stella, Lab mixes, many whippier than Labs, with white blazes on their chests and white toes.

It was not my imagination that the parade was getting ever more crowded. Something has been happening with dogs in the last couple of decades. New York, along with just about every other city in the Western world, is overrun with them. There were some 77 million dogs in the United States in 2010, compared with about 53 million in 1996. Pet food and products were a $38 billion industry in 2010. At the Greenmarket one afternoon, I bought some lamb chops from a woman who told me wonderful stories about the intelligence of her border collies, their foresight and uncanny responsiveness. There were qualities I wanted to believe my own dog possessed, if only I’d take the time to develop them—but I couldn’t see how Stella would use such qualities in her mostly urban world, even if she had them, which I sometimes questioned.

But the numbers tell only part of the evolving story. Dogs have been moving into households in ever more intimate arrangements. Close to a hundred percent of dog owners talk to their dogs (and the few who say they don’t must be lying). Eighty-one percent view their dogs as family members, according to one study. And many of these family members, I began to notice, were sleeping right in the bed, a privilege Stella didn’t get and, at any rate, didn’t seem to want—she prefers a floor based lifestyle. But she gets plenty of human privileges, starting with her diet, which features leftovers—sometimes, I’m sorry to say, straight from the table. A shockingly high number of people say that in life-threatening situations they would save their pets before they would save a fellow human. I hope I know what I’d do if facing that choice, but I’m glad I’m not likely to be put to the test.

Because immediately, Stella was a family member. We couldn’t deny it. All of us spent a lot of time walking her, talking to her, analyzing and reanalyzing her quirks, her combustible mix of fear and excitement in the dog run, her dislike of the car, her abject terror of thunder, her varied and exuberant vocabulary. We worried about how she would spend the weekend if we weren’t with her. We imaged what her concerns might be and tried to accommodate them.

Excerpted from WHAT'S A DOG FOR? by John Homans. Reprinted by arrangement with The Penguin Press, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc. Copyright (c) John Homans, 2012.

About the Author: John Homans has been the executive editor of New York magazine since 1994, and previously worked at Esquire, Details, Harper's, and the New York Observer.  He lives with his wife, son and dog Stella in Manhattan.  What's a Dog For? is his first book.

Disclaimer: The Penguin Press sent Lapdog Creations a complimentary copy of What's a Dog For? for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed in the review are my own.

GIVEAWAY: Shutterfly Gift Card

Shutterfly Gift Card

OK folks, let's face it... the holidays are right around the corner!  Do you have any particular tradition that sets your holiday season off?  While I tend to do a little shopping here and there all year long (i.e. I like to pick up things when I see great deals or unique items), my official "there's no turning back now" moment tends to be ordering our annual Pet Photo Christmas Cards.  We've been using Shutterfly for years now and are absolutely pleased with their quality, and even more so with their customer service!

 
As you can see, we've been peaking at this year's templates and have a few in mind.  I'm leaning towards the fun "The Good, The Bad and The Furry" but really wish it had 4 photo spots.  The "More Wag" one really speaks to me too... after all, I have a "Wag More, Bark Less" sticker on my truck!

If you haven't used Shutterfly for your holiday card needs yet, be sure to check them out!  We know you will be pleased with the quality of their cards.  And, they have so many templates to choose from, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for... not to mention great prices!  You might even find some terrific coupon codes and deals through their social media sites.  You can find Shutterfly on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  Be sure to check out their Special Offers too!

Are you ready to get in the Holiday spirit?  How would a $50 gift certificate to Shutterfly help?  You will need to enter through the Rafflecopter widget below (make sure you still leave a comment here on the blog, as that is one of the required forms of entry!).  One lucky reader will win $50 off an order of $50 or more (excluding tax and shipping; cannot be combined with any other promos expire 12/14/2012)! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Shutterfly, however all opinions expressed are my own.

REVIEW: Rachael Ray Nutrish Naturally Delish

Rachael Ray Nutrish Naturally Delish

Where to Find: Nutrish

 

We recently had the opportunity to review Rachael Ray Nutrish Naturally Delish, the first natural wet food for dogs inspired by recipes from Rachael's kitchen. 

Naturally Delish stews are made with simple, wholesome ingredients like chicken, beef, lamb and veggies.  There are no meat by-products or fillers, no artificial flavors or colors, no preservatives and no soy, corn or wheat... with one minor exception.  The pasta in Chicken Muttballs is made with semolina wheat flour.

The first thing I noticed when the Naturally Delish box showed up on our doorstep was the clever packaging and great marketing!  The samples and information were packaged and shipped inside a reusable mini catalog box.  As a crafty person who likes to upcycle and reuse whenever possible, I absolutely love this!  Zeus thought it was pretty cool too, as you can see.  While he and his siblings think Nutrish rocks for their yummies, Mama thinks they rock for their creativeness.  In fact, I've already put my box to good use storing craft supplies!

The second thing I noticed about Naturally Delish is how amazing this wet food looks!  Given the fact that they are inspired by Rachael's own human recipes, this should be of no surprise. I can see the chunks of meat and the veggies - and it looks good!  This is not your old-school canned mush food at all.  In fact, there is no can at all... Naturally Delish is packaged in resealable plastic containers, which make it convenient to feed virtually anywhere, at home or on the go!  

Naturally Delish is currently available in 4 delectable flavors:

• Chicken Muttballs with Pasta Yummy chicken meatballs plus tender carrots, spinach and pasta cooked in a tasty chicken broth.
• Hearty Beef Stew Hearty chunks of beef plus garden vegetables like peas, carrots and potatoes, all simmered in a yummy homestyle beef gravy.
• Savory Lamb Stew Tender morsels of lamb mixed with carrots, spinach and brown rice make for a great tasting classic stew.
• Chicken Paw Pie Juicy bites of chicken with a medley of green beans and sweet potatoes in a savory chicken gravy.

I feed the Lapdogs kibble twice daily, with a mix-in at dinner time.  For variety and nutrition, I tend to vary the mix-in daily with things such as yogurt, cottage cheese and high quality canned food. Of course, that means I'm always reading canned food labels and searching for the best products available. When we find something we love, we make sure it stays in the rotation! I am happy to say Naturally Delish will be added to our rotation and used in the Lapdog house going forward!  I feel great feeding it to them and they love all 4 flavors... a win-win!  As a result, we are more than pleased to give Naturally Delish the Official 16 Paws Up Seal of Approval! 

 

In addition to making a tasty wet food, Rachael Ray and Nutrish are also responsible for helping dogs in need!  Rachael's Rescue was created for all of the forgotten pets - the ones that might not have someone who loves them as much as you love your dog.  100% of the proceeds from sales of Nutrish go to help animals in need.  Perhaps you caught today's episode of The Rachael Ray Show where she mentioned their $500,000 donation to the ASPCA to help Sandy victims?  The money will be put to use to set up a central shelter for displaced pets.  Additionally, 4 tons of wet and dry food was donated for Sandy animals.  And no, she didn't forget the humans -- Rachael's Yum-o! organization donated $100,000 to City Harvest and The Food Bank for New York City.  Thank you Rachael... you are truly one amazing lady!

 

Please support Rachael's Rescue and check out Naturally Delish for your pup today!  Zeus is sure there's a flavor - or 4 - that he or she will adore!  He also wanted me to mention they are perfectly sized to fit in any dog's stocking this holiday season...

Disclosure: Nutrish sent samples of Naturally Delish to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

REVIEW: BarkBox

BarkBox

Where to Find: BarkBox

The Lapdogs sure got their tails wagging when they received an October BarkBox for review!  After all, what dog wouldn't be wagging their tail over this... just look at all that stuff crammed into the box!

BarkBox is a monthly subscription service designed for our favorite four-legged babies.  Once the humans sign up, the dogs receive a fun box filled with four or more selected products and presents... every month!  Boxes include everything from treats and bones, to toys and leashes, to gadgets and, yes pups, sometimes even shampoo!  But trust the Lapdogs, your pooch will be so happy with all of the fun stuff, he won't mind the occasional grooming product. 

The October BarkBox was stuffed with these goodies...

• Feelgood Trail Blazin' Bitz, Turkey Liver Recipe:  Handcrafted in Canada, preservative free, and evidently quite tasty, as all four dogs inhaled them! 
• Humunga Stache: Quite the humorous toy indeed, although I think it's a bit large for even my big dogs.  I did manage to get Zeus to pose with it for a couple of very quick shots...
• Lollycadoodle Wool Pet Toy: Having purchased other felted wool toys in the past, and knowing they didn't last long before our dogs started leaving bits of felt all over the house, I not yet given them this puppy to play with.  Our former foster pup Harper, who receives her very own monthly BarkBox, received a purple one and immediately decided it needed a hair cut. 
• TropiClean Clean Teeth Gel: We have not tried this yet, but I plan to use it on Teutul soon.  I love that there is no brush involved and this little 2oz bottle provides 120 applications!
• Poopy Packs poop bag roll: I'm going to put this roll in one of our holders next.  I love the chic colors!

One of my favorite things about BarkBox is actually what it is not... it is not one-size-fits-all!  When you sign up, you are first asked to select a size; Small & Cute (0 - 20 pounds), Just Right (20 - 50 pounds), or Big & Bold (50+ pounds).  Once you have chosen the appropriate size (we opted for a Big & Bold box), you are then presented with 3 plan options.  If you're not sure yet, you can opt to pay full price of $29 per month, or you may commit to a 3 or 6 month plan.  A 3 month plan is discounted 24%, making each monthly box $22 and a 6 month plan is discounted 40%, making each box just $17.50 -- a fabulous value!  No matter which plan you choose, shipping is always free!

Not only is the BarkBox fun for dogs of all ages, it's responsible too.  A portion of the proceeds of each box goes to help doggies in need!  What more could you ask for?  The Lapdogs think all pooches should ask Santa Paws for a BarkBox subscription this year -- and they aren't ashamed to admit they would love one as well! 

So, what do you say?  Are your dogs ready to find out what all the tail wagging is about?  Or perhaps you want to give a BarkBox subscription this holiday season?  Click here to learn more and you will received $5 off your first subscription!  




Disclosure: BarkBox sent this October box to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

GIVEAWAY WINNER! Merrick Dog Food Revolution Kit

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a Merrick Dog Food Revolution Kit! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

Here are your random numbers: 6

Congratulations to blog-less Tanya and her gorgeous pack!  The Lapdogs are sure they are all going to be wagging their tails with joy!

Thank you again to everyone who entered... please stay tuned, as we have several more great reviews planned for the coming weeks! 

GIVEAWAY WINNER! della Q Cleo Yarn Caddy

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a della Q Cleo Yarn Caddy! The winner has been selected by random number generator... 

Here are your random numbers: 7

Congratulations to Kathy!  Whichever color you choose, we know you're going to love it and we'll be looking forward to seeing pics of your current projects in it.  The Lapdogs think it's great that a doggy Mama won something fun, but wanted to make sure Lucy knows about our current giveaway of a Merrick Food Revolution kit! 

Thank you again to everyone who entered... be sure to enter the Merrick giveaway and stay tuned for some more great reviews and giveaways coming soon! 

GIVEAWAY: Merrick Dog Food Revolution Kit

Merrick Dog Food Revolution

Where to Find: Merrick Pet Care, Inc

Last month we posted our review of Merrick Dog Food, kept you updated on the Revolution and brought you news about Doggupy... all while the Lapdogs were happily enjoying their Merrick yummies.  Now it's your turn... well, your dog's turn, to see what the Revolution is all about!  But first, check out Tails from the Revolution: Doggupy:



Now that you're up to speed, it's time to get on board!  Thanks to the great folks at Merrick, we are giving away one of the awesome Revolution Launch kits just like the Lapdogs received!  It contains 6 sample size bags of kibble, 2 cans of food, a wooden serving spoon, Petite Round Le Creuset bowl with lid, bandanna for your pup & more! 

GIVEAWAY! One lucky reader will win a Merrick Revolution Launch Kit, valued at $150! To enter:

~ Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the side bar)

~ Leave a comment below telling us why you want to win the Revolution Kit. Perhaps your dog already loves Merrick or maybe you're on the hunt for a new food brand?

To be eligible to win, you must be a US resident and you must complete both steps above. Please be sure your entry includes a way to contact you (i.e. link to your blog or include your email address)

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 Friday, November 2nd at 11:59pm EST (midnight)

Disclosure: Merrick is providing the winner of this contest one Revolution Launch kit, free of charge.  I was not compensated for my review and all opinions expressed are my own.

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: della Q

della Q

Cleo Yarn Caddy & Edict Project Bag
Where to Find: della Q

 

OK, I'll admit it... I'm in love!  I mean, seriously, how could any stylish, on-the-go knitter (or yes, I suppose, crocheter) not love the beautiful, vibrantly colored bags from della Q?!?!  I recently received a Cleo Yarn Caddy and a "paws off my knitting" Edict Project Bag for review and can't scream it loud enough -- I heart both of these bags! 

Let's start with the Cleo Yarn Caddy.  Are you one of those unashamed knitters who cast on project after project - gasp - without finishing one first?  Not a monogamous knitter, you say?  Me neither... and Cleo is our dream bag! 

Cleo stands up all on her own and is full of pockets on both the inside and out!  The 4 large exterior pockets are perfect for holding yarn, needles and small projects, while the 2 small interior pockets (one of which is zippered) are great for notions and other little things. Cleo is not just another knitting bag however, she is truly a caddy, perfect for organizing your projects.  She will be your best friend at home and on the go, just don't toss her over your shoulder... Cleo prefers to swing in style next to you. 

I love that I can store a medium to large size project in Cleo, and have the ability to keep everything I need for that project in one bag.  What I love even more, however, is that I can store several of my smaller projects all in this one handy caddy.  Whether I'm knitting at home in front of the TV, or in the car on the go, I know everything I need for those projects is all in one place.  And, when I am on the go, I have choices!  No more regrets that I didn't bring project x with me, and no more pouting when I realize I forgot some essential tools at home and can't continue with a particular project. 

The Cleo Yarn Caddy measures 8" wide and stands 12.5" tall.  She is currently available in two beautiful patterns; Mojito Beach (as you see here in this review) and Tequila Sunrise.  Snatch one up now and organize your projects in style!

Now, onto the super cute "paws off my knitting" Edict Project Bag.  Is there not a more perfect small project bag for me than this?!  della Q developed a fun line of Edict project bags to replace all those un-snazzy ziploc bags we crafters tend to grab in a pinch.  Measuring 11" wide by 12" high and made of cotton, these drawstring bags are perfect for all of our small project needs.  They even have an interior pocket to stash some notions!  The bags are available with several crafty sayings, including Hat Project, Sock Project, Random Project, Scarf Project, Tangled String (oh how I adore this one!), Cheaper Than Therapy and Shh... I'm Counting.  Of course, Paws Off My Knitting is the best and Della knew that when she suggested she send me one along with the Cleo Yarn Caddy!  Well, maybe she wouldn't say it's the best, but she certainly realized I would!  Super fun doggy saying + purple = fabulous and my new favorite small project bag!  But hey Della, how about adding a "Stop Sniffing My Yarn" or "No Wet Noses on my Knitting" bag to the collection... I could use one of those with Teutul around!

Treat yourself to a Cleo Yarn Caddy or Edict Project Bag today - you won't be disappointed with either choice!  Or, check out the other fabulous designs available from della Q.  If fall - or the Target Christmas commercial on TV already! - has gotten you thinking about the quickly approaching season of giving, check out some of the options for the crafty chics on your list.  The Edict Project Bags also make adorable gift bags!  You can use it while creating a special project, then "wrap" up said project in the same bag.  Or, you can stuff one with a special skein of yarn and some pretty notions.  Either way, your gift recipient is sure to love - and use - it!  

GIVEAWAY! Thanks to the great folks at della Q, one lucky reader will win a Cleo Yarn Caddy in the color of their choice!  To enter:

~ Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the side bar)

~ Visit dellaq.com, then leave a comment below telling us which bag(s) and/or case(s) catch your eye and why!  Is there something you'll be asking Santa for this year? 

To be eligible to win, you must complete both steps above.  Please be sure your entry includes a way to contact you (i.e. link to your blog or include your email address) 

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 Thursday, October 25th (the nosey dog's birthday!) at 11:59pm EST (midnight) 

Disclosure: della Q sent a Cleo Yarn Caddy and an Edict Project Bag to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

REVIEW: Long-Legged Friends

Long-Legged Friends

Crochet Creatures to Create and Cuddle
by Hisako and Shizue Okawa
Paperback: 88 Pages
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (September 11, 2012)

Long-Legged Friends is, literally, the result of a grandmother's love.  Hisako created cuddly creatures to amuse her grandchildren and quickly built a following in her home country of Japan.  For the first time, her charming patterns have been brought to life in English, and her adorable toys will soon be amusing American children... as well as quuite a few adults, I'm sure!

It's books like these that make me wish I learned to crochet! Sure, I could learn, but my other crafts already take up so much time. Besides, it's books like these that also have me calling my Mom to put in a request... and what better to crochet for your grown child than a Fluffy Poodle?  (Mom, are you paying attention?)

A take-off on the Japanese art of knitting anthropomorphic characters, Long-Legged Friends features 7 different fuzzy animals, plus mini versions of each and some snazzy traveling clothes.  You'll find yourself needing to cast on one of each: Fuzzy Rabbit, Curly-Tailed Cat, Furry Bear, Striped Bird, Spotted Bull, Fluffy Poodle, and Zigzag Pig.  Your only dilemma will be which one to cast on first!

In addition to easy-to-follow patterns for these cute, contemporary, elegant, understated, black-and-white stuffed animals, you'll also find whimsical illustrations and photos of the dolls in playful poses.

Long-Legged Friends is here just in time for holiday gift making!  Money simply can't buy the one-of-a-kind stuffed animals you can create.  Pick up a copy for your crafty bookshelf today and get ready for the hugs and kisses you'll receive when you surprise the little ones on your list this year!  These are gifts that are sure to become favorite buddies for years to come.

About the Authors: Hisako is a lightening-fast crocheter and grandmother who began creating toys to amuse her grandchildren. After building a following in Japan, Long-Legged Friends was born.  Shizue, Hisako's daughter, illustrated the detailed photos in the book.

Disclaimer: Andrews McMeel Publishing sent Lapdog Creations a complimentary copy of Long-Legged Friends for review purposes.  I was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed in the review are my own.

GIVEAWAY WINNER: Cape Clogs

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a pair of Cape Clogs! The winner has been selected by random number generator...

 
Here are your random numbers: 2 

Congratulations to Sue! The Lapdogs were so excited when your # popped up in the Random.org Integer Generator!  As soon as you tell us your size and style choice, we'll get your information right over to the wonderful ladies at Cape Clogs. 

We have more reviews and giveaways coming soon, so stay tuned!  Doggy parents, take a moment to check out the review we posted of Pop's Pet Organics late last week.  This is a great company that you'll want to know about when it comes to caring for your dog's skin and coat.  Knitters/Crafters, take note!  We have an awesome giveaway scheduled for Friday this week.  You won't want to miss it!

Merrick's Doggupy

Did you read our initial Merrick Revolution review?  What about our follow-up post, broadcasting the canine leader's message to your pack?  Today, the Lapdogs are once again assisting in the Revolution, as they bring you news about Doggupy! 

What: Doggupy is an organized protest in New York City uniting dogs and their owners in the cause to bring dogs everywhere better food. Dog lovers (with or without their furry friends) can join the pet food revolution by signing a pawtition to raise donations of wholesome food for local shelter dogs through the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. Attendees will rally, learn about nutrition for their pet, receive free samples and take pictures while "liberating the bowl." The event in Union Square is just the beginning of the movement.
If you're like us and don't live in NYC, you can also sign a pawtition on Facebook to help Merrick donate real, wholesome food to dogs in need.

When: Tuesday, October 2 ~ 11:30 am - 3:30 pm
*This space is Doggupied — arrive between 11:30 am- 12:30 pm and enter to win a year's supply of food. Ten prizes will be awarded.

Where: Union Square, New York City – NW Corner (Union Square W and E 17th Street)

Why: United we sit. Together we stay. Because dogs deserve real food and should eat what people eat, for those that join the revolution by attending Doggupy — furry or not — Merrick Pet Care will donate food to local shelter animals in partnership with the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals.

Who: Merrick Pet Care Inc., a leader in the super-premium pet food category, is declaring a pet food revolution — a revolution in a dog bowl — with its announcement of a new line of dog food entrees that brings pet food to an entirely new level. With a mission to create the most nutritious and wholesome food it can to help families take better care of their pets. Made in the USA with only the freshest, locally grown ingredients, the entrees provide balanced nutrition, with health you can see in your dog’s bowl, and more importantly, in your dog.

REVIEW: Pop's Pet Organics

Pop's Pet Organics

Where to Find: Pop's Pet Products

The Pop's Promise

truly healthy, highest quality, smart, reliable,

planet friendly products for your beloved pet

We were recently given the opportunity to review a couple of items from the Pop's Pet Organics line; Insect Away Pet Shampoo and Flea, Tick & Insect Repellent For Dogs. Made in the USA, all of the Pop's products are organic, natural and eco-concious - made with the both the health of animals and the earth in mind.  Of course we jumped at the chance to review them!

The Insect Away Pet Shampoo is 100% natural, made with certified organic oils and naturally extracted botanicals.  Safe to use on all dogs and cats over 8 weeks of age, it helps to repel fleas, ticks and other insects.  But, not only does it repel pests, it helps to achieve healthy skin and a conditioned coat.... and it smells fantastic! Ingredients: saponified organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, natural essential oil blend including naturally extracted lemongrass, neem and catnip, organic aloe vera, and naturally extracted rosemary as a natural preservative.  

The Flea, Tick & Insect Repellent For Dogs is 100% organic and DEET free, which I love!  Yes, you really can use plant based oils to get powerful protection for your dog.  There are no harsh chemicals or nasty side effects with Pop's.  The spray is safe for all dogs over 8 weeks of age, gentle on the skin, highly effective and environmentally safe. The active ingredients are a mix of essential oils - lemongrass, geranium, peppermint, clove, cedar, rosemary and thyme - which combine for a pleasant scent, unlike many other insect repellents on the market.

I have used both the shampoo and repellent on the Lapdogs in the past week and am very pleased with the results.  The humans give Pop's 2 thumbs up and truly think they are one  amazing company!  Not only do they strive to make purchasing their products are easy and affordable as possible, Pop's believes in giving back.  They support animal welfare organizations with a percentage of their profits, as well as donations of products and volunteering their time.  Pop's is proud to have created a chain of integrity, from using environmentally dedicated farmers, to using ingredients that reflect the wisdom of nature, to factories that practice responsible manufacturing.  The result is safe and healthful products for our pets!

Are you prepared to deal with, what some experts have deemed, one of the worst falls for fleas?  Or perhaps you are in need of a hot spot spray, organic ear cleanse, salve or regular 'ole shampoo?  Go Organic and check out the Pop's Pet Organics website today (you can also find them on Facebook).  The Lapdogs are sure you'll find something for your pack, or for holiday gifts.  Sophie's a little worried Mama just might order that ear cleanse for her for Christmas...  

Disclosure: Lapdog Creations received these products free of charge for review. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own..

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Cape Clogs

Cape Clogs Wooly

Where to Find: Cape Clogs

 

Okay ladies, who doesn't love new shoes?  With my favorite season (aka fall) quickly approaching, I jumped at the chance to review a pair of Cape Clogs.  After all, what doesn't look cuter with a pair of jeans and long sleeve tee than a great pair of clogs?  I chose the Wooly style, in the brand new Midnight color/pattern. 

Based out of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Cape Clogs is a leading designer and distributor of fashion forward Swedish clogs that exude personality and youthful energy thru vivid signature prints. Cape Clogs are handmade; therefore no two pairs are exactly alike.  They are actually made in the same manner as they were back in the 70's! The soles are made of alderwood, a hard but fragile material, then the rubber soles are glued onto them.  I think this combination of handmade construction and the type of materials used makes for a lovely, rustic look. Due to those same reasons, Cape Clogs provides care instructions and tips on their web site (see about us, then clog construction & instructions) that you should be aware of before making a purchase.  With proper care, Cape Clogs can last you a lifetime!

As you will see when you visit their site, there are many styles and prints of Cape Clogs available!  After pondering over a few styles, I went with Wooly because I loved the cozy look of the wool fiber upper.  Of course, then I still had to ponder which color/pattern to choose.  I settled on Midnight, a navy colored wool with tan/brown leafy pattern, because I thought they would be a perfect addition to my fall/winter wardrobe.... and boy was I right!  These look absolutely fabulous with jeans!

As mentioned above, I love pairing a great pair of clogs with my jeans in the fall and on non-snowy winter days.  This was my first exposure to Cape Clogs and although I haven't had too many opportunities to wear them yet, I adore them. There's something extra special about that handmade, rustic style.  The one thing I noticed when I first put them on was they seemed a little tight across the top of my foot.  I was told they would loosen up with wear, and that they have!   

So, are you a clog lover at heart or still not sure you're sold on the style?  Check out these fun reasons why you should wear clogs...  

The Top 15 Reasons to Wear Clogs by Cape Clogs

 

1. Clogs make you stand up straight.
2. Clogs give you lower-back support.
3. Clogs align your spine.
4. The wood soles are orthopedically designed to fit the shape of your feet.
5. Clogs work just like the Dr. Scholl's sandals that were so popular with women in the 70's and 80's.
6. The clog's wooden sole is so strong your weight won't compress it like a regular shoe's sole.
7. Clogs are open in the back so your feet breathe.
8. Clogs fit loosely so your feet don't feel scrunched up all day.
9. You'll never have to tie your shoes again.
10. Since wood is an insulator, your feet stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
11. You will make new friends and meet total strangers cause whenever you wear clogs somebody will ask you about them.
12. Clogs are cool!
13. Our clogs are among the finest, high-quality clogs in the world.
14. There's nothing cuter than a little kid wearing clogs.
15. And last, but not least, clogs make you two inches taller!  (Oh how I adore this one!) 

Check out Cape Clogs today for yourself or someone on your holiday gift list.  And guess what?  Now I get to give away a pair to one lucky reader...

   

GIVEAWAY! Thanks to the great folks at Cape Clogs, one lucky reader will win a pair of clogs of their choice! ***some exclusions apply, see below*** To enter:

• Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the side bar)
• Visit CapeClogs.com, then leave a comment below telling us which style and pattern is your favorite (don't worry... I won't hold you to that answer if you're the winner!).

To be eligible to win, you must complete both steps above and be a US resident.
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 Thursday, September 27th at (midnight) 11:59pm EST
***Exclusions are the Personality in Cow or Pony, Pica Pica High Heels in Mademoiselle and all VASA boots***  

Disclosure: I received a pair of Cape Clogs in the style/color of my choice free of charge for review. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.