REVIEW: Classic Elite Quick Knits

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!

REVIEW: Socktopus

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

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

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.

GIVEAWAY WINNER! jYOUlry Custom Photo Jewelry

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

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.

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

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

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...

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: jYOUlry Custom Photo Jewelry

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.

GIVEAWAY WINNER: Botanical Animal Flower Essences by Arenus

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

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.

REVIEW: Animals and the Kids Who Love Them

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.

GIVEAWAY: Botanical Animal Flower Essences by Arenus

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!

REVIEW: My Grandmother's Knitting

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.

REVIEW: Knitted Dinosaurs

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. 

GIVEAWAY WINNER: The Knitter's Life List

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

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...

REVIEW: Halloween Smiley Cookies

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.

GIVEAWAY WINNER: CoatPlus

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!

GIVEAWAY WINNER: Barksters Krisps

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!