Teutul

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

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

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



Groovin'... 4-Legged Style

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

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...

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

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

Little Ace Man

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...

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

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.