Monday, September 29, 2014

Monday Mischief: Enough Said.

A picture says it all for today's Monday Mischief post.  Zeus and I couldn't agree more about Mondays...

Zeus and I feel the same way about mornings .. #dogstagram #love #ilovemydogs #seniordog #ilovemyseniordog #ilovebigmutts #instadog #tongue #pptthh #megaesophagus #mybaby

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Black & White Sunday: Sweet Sophie

Sophie wants to wish you all a happy last Sunday of September/first official Sunday of autumn.  She even put on her "sweet" face... or is that her "where's my cookie?" face?
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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Remember Me Thursday #LightForPets

Today is Remember Me ThursdayWill you take a few moments out of your day to join me in lighting a virtual candle to remember the millions or orphan pets who lost their lives over the past year?  This pet awareness campaign, designed to promote pet adoption, is a cause near and dear to our hearts. 

Remember Me Thursday is a worldwide coalition of pet adoption organizations, celebrities and people like you, who raise awareness about the plight of millions of orphan pets around the world waiting for forever homes.
By lighting a candle on Remember Me Thursday, September 25, 2014, you are remembering those pets who have lost their lives but you are also shining a light on orphan pets in need of homes right now.
The first Remember Me Thursday took place last year, on September 26, 2013.  We participated, as did so many others.  In fact, 139 countries united to support the movement, with over 100,000 individuals around the globe holding candle-lighting ceremonies of their own, spreading the message through social media, visiting the Remember Me Thursday website and lighting a virtual candle.


I hope you will light a virtual candle and help spread the word today!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Wordless Wednesday: Happiness Is...

Happy Wednesday.... it's that time again!  Before we get wordless, a reminder to all the knitters out there: check out my review and enter to win a copy of the Faux Taxidermy Knits book!

On our way for a check up at the vet... Think he's feeling better? :) (and yes, we were stopped at a red light) #dogstagram #instadog #selfie #love #megaesophagus #VestibularDisease #seniordog #ilovemyseniordog #happydog

Day 7 #SoakPhotoChallenge Scarf. Working on the #ontheside #handknit #scarf in #PlymouthYarn Gina and loving it so far! #scarf #knitstagram #instaknit #getyourkniton #GiftKnitting

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Day 21 #SoakPhotoChallenge Blocking. Perusing through "How To Knit" for an upcoming review & giveaway on the blog, along with "How To Crochet" - Stay tuned, link in profile. #lazySundayMorning #coffee #knitstagram #knit #crochet

Day 23 #SoakPhotoChallenge Sweater. Finally going to #knit myself a sweater! #berroco #ultraalpaca #MaisonDelaunay #getyourkniton

So happy to have #MarketBasket back! Went in for a few things, left with s trunk full of amazing deals! #newengland #groceries

So excited! My Zeus & Lola paw print pendant from #FlirtandFlutterJewelry is finally here!!  Would love to get a Tut & Sophie one done also... #love #dogstagram #ilovemyseniordog #ilovemydogs #mybabies #pawprint

The back... So excited! My Zeus & Lola paw print pendant from #FlirtandFlutterJewelry is finally here!!  Would love to get a Tut & Sophie one done also... #love #dogstagram #ilovemyseniordog #ilovemydogs #mybabies #pawprint

(For those wondering, that's my Zeus & Lola custom paw print necklace from Flirt & Flutter, which arrived on Saturday.  I absolutely adore it, and if Santa is listening, I'd love to get a Tut & Sophie one done as well)

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: CJB Blueberry Vanilla

Happy Tasty Tuesday!  The Lapdogs wanted to tell you all about a brand new flavor of treats from one of their most favorite companies ever, Casey Jones Bones!

Long time readers know we absolutely adore Casey Jones, his humans and their wonderful dog treats.  Made just a hop-skip-and-a-jump away from us in Hudson, NH, these treats are not only made locally, but they use many locally sourced ingredients as well!  Heck, the apples they use are from an orchard we tend to visit a lot this time of year (mmm... can you smell the warm cider donuts?).  And while they may not be local to many of you, I can attest that your pack will enjoy them just as much as mine. 

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The Lapdogs were all ears when they heard the new flavor of Casey Jones Bones, Wheat Free Blueberry Vanilla, was available!  They had the pleasure of taste-testing a few of the original blueberry batches last year as the CJB humans worked on perfecting the recipe.  While they enjoyed all of the variations along the way, I think it's safe to say the final result is a real winner!

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All four of my babies were lined up and waiting for me to rip open that blue bag (sorry for the less than stellar photos, but this was spur-of-the-moment)!  They gobbled them up and begged for more... and yes, Mama gave in and gave them extras.  Oh, and did I mention how great these smell? 

For those of you who aren't fortunate enough to be able to pick up Casey Jones Bones locally (distribution is currently being expanded all over New England, as well as into New York), you can order direct online or even message me to work something out (I love sending out New England care packages).  CJB is one of our partner sponsors on the race car, which means we always have free samples to give away at the races, as well as full size boxes available for sale.  With race season winding down, I still have some stock of several flavors at home (not that that's a problem with the Lapdogs, of course - they haven't tasted a CJB flavor they haven't liked yet!).

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Black & White Sunday: Goodbye Summer

Happy last day of summer!  We couldn't be happier that tomorrow is the official start of Fabulous Fall...... our favorite time of year!  Lola is excited, are you?

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Friday, September 19, 2014

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Faux Taxidermy Knits

Faux Taxidermy Knits

15 Wild Animal Knitting Patterns

by Louise Walker

Paperback: 128 Pages

Publisher: David & Charles (October 10, 2014)


FauxTaxidermyKnits

I am honored to have been asked to be a part of the Faux Taxidermy Knits blog hop.  Not only do I get to review this super creative knitting book, I also get to give away a copy to one of you (more about that later)!

Faux Taxidermy Knits blog hop

I first became aware of Louise Walker's fun designs through her Instagram feed where she regularly posts photos of her hand-knit critters.  Having ooh'ed and ahh'ed at just about every picture posted, I was very excited when I heard she was working on a book of her patterns!

Faux Taxidermy Knits is a collection of 15 unique designs, divided into 2 sections: Wearables and Habitat.

The Wearables section includes the Fox Stole pictured on the cover, an intermediate project.  I can't help but chuckle at the description, "Drape this faux fur stole over your shoulders to release the foxy lady within."  Indeed!

Racoon_Hat_01
If you're ready to channel your inner Davy Crockett, the Raccoon Hat is just what you need!  This beginner project is a fun one that you could whip up in no time while watching TV. Talk about a cute way to stay warm this winter - just add comfy sweater, jeans and boots!

Wolf_01
Maybe you like to live life on an even wilder side?  The Wolf Headdress is for you!  You'll certainly turn heads while keeping your own warm this winter.

Croc_Bag_01If you're not quite ready to wear your wild side, perhaps the Crocodile Make-Up Bag is more your style.  This cute little number is ethical and adorable!

Pheasant_01
The Habitat section includes several amazing items for your home.  I'm a little partial to the Moose Head, but others might find the Pheasant to be more easy on the eyes... especially given the fact these winged friends knit up quite quickly using super bulky yarn.  Create an entire flock to give as gifts this holiday season!

Baby_Bears

While I haven't had a chance to cast on any of these wild creations just yet, I have added the Bear Coasters to my short to-knit list!  These mini faux-skin rug-like creations are simply too cute for words!  Each little cub is knit in two pieces, then seemed together and stuffed.  Oh my... I need to make a whole little bear family!

Are you ready to get your needles clicking on your own wildlife creations?  Enter to win a copy of Faux Taxidermy Knits below!

About the Author: Louise Walker is a London based designer recognized for her animal creations and photo series 'Wooly Heads'. Since launching Sincerely Louise in June 2013, her work has been featured in publications including Tatler, the Daily Mail and the Sunday Express. She has been commissioned by Boden, Phileas Fog, Crafty Magazine and even a few celebrities.  Visit her Facebook page hereCheck out Faux Taxidermy Knits and other creative titles from Stitch Craft Create here.

GIVEAWAY!
Win you very own copy of Faux Taxidermy Knits! Thanks to the great folks over at F&W Media International Ltd, I get to give away a copy of the book to one lucky reader!

To Enter:
  • Leave a comment below indicating why you want to win.  Be sure your comment includes a way to contact you (link to Google+, your blog or an email address), in case you are the lucky winner!
  • Get a bonus entry for tweeting about this giveaway. Leave a separate comment with the link to your tweet in it.
Contest is open through Thursday, September 25 at 11:59pm eastern time.  Winner will be picked by random number generator.

Photo Credit: Photography ©F&W Media International Ltd

Disclaimer: F&W Media International Ltd. sent a complimentary electronic copy of Faux Taxidermy Knits to Lapdog Creations for review purposes.  They are also providing a hard copy book to the winner of this contest.  I was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed in the review are my own.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed - PoTP Request

It seems as though we've had no shortage of Power of the Paw requests among our friends in blogville lately, and today is no exception.

Our friend Leroy from My Brown Newfies is not doing so well.  If you follow their blog, you know that the big love has had some ongoing issues for several months, but he took a turn for the worse earlier this week and has landed in intensive care.  

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Leroy has been undergoing various tests and according to his awesome Mom, "What we know right now from tests that have already been done is that he has severe GI disease and dangerously low albumin levels. He has a scary amount of fluid accumulating in his body and is having it drained regularly. He is having an upper and lower GI scope done on Friday that should give us some more answers."

portrait. jennifer costello

Please keep Leroy and his family in your thoughts.  We know all too well about the Power of the Paw.  Zeus made a remarkable recovery from Vestibular Disease and pneumonia and I'm sure PoTP had a lot to do with that (quick side note: he's back on antibiotics this week after developing a mild cough on Saturday, but it hasn't gotten any worse, for which I am so thankful).  Now it's time to put the PoTP to work for our friend Leroy... will you please send those good healing vibes his way?

Leroy & his Mom - one of my all-time favorite pictures.
 
As you can imagine, the bills are adding up faster than a tail wag and Leroy's family has taken on a very unexpected financial burden.  They could sure use a little financial help during this very difficult time as well.  If you have even just a couple of dollars to spare, I know they will be more than appreciative.  Visit Leroy's Go Fund Me page here.

*All of these beautiful photos have been borrowed (with permission, lol) from Jen at My Brown Newfies

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Wordless Wednesday: Did You See That?

Well, hello there Wednesday... time to get wordless!  (Doggy Parents, if you didn't catch our Bravo Crunchy Delights review yesterday, be sure to check it out)

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Beer brewed with cucumbers? Yes, please, I'll have another... Delish! #beer #craftbeer #CapeAnnBrewingCo #cucumber #Gloucester #yumo

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Day 13 #SoakPhotoChallenge Knitting Bag. These are the 2 #projectbag I have with me at the race track today. #dellaQ #PawsOffMyKnitting and #ammeesbabies bags. #love #getyourkniton #knitstagram #racing


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Ready to race #uslegends #8 #BeechRidge #inex #racecar

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I found it, I found it!!! #pumpkin #pumpkinspice @chobani #greekyogurt #chobani

New addition has arrived. Not sure if Sophie approves yet... #dogstagram #8 #HooliganMotorsports #uslegends #houndmix #adoptdontshop #rescue #racecar

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

REVIEW: Bravo Crunchy Delights

Bravo Crunchy Delights

Where to Find: Bravo Pet Foods


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The Lapdogs recently had the opportunity to try Bravo Crunchy Delights and I think it's safe to say, they were delighted!

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Bravo Crunchy Delights are oven baked in the USA, using all natural ingredients.  Currently available in four flavors - Beef, Chicken, Duck and Turkey - they do not contain any added hormones, antibiotics, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.  Each recipe includes a different mix of wholesome ingredients, such as oats, chickpeas, quinoa, broccoli, green beans, squash, cranberries, and cane molasses - but the #1 ingredient in each recipe is real, premium meat or poultry.  As a dog parent who pays very close attention to the labels on my furkids' treats, I can really appreciate this! 

BravoTreats_Tut_9714b

We received a bag of the Turkey Crunchy Delights for review. Ingredients are turkey, oats, chickpeas, turkey liver, turkey hearts, broccoli, green beans, squash, turkey gizzards, quinoa, cane molasses, cranberries, salt, mixed tocopherols (preservative), and rosemary extract.  I think the Lapdogs thought someone took Thanksgiving and mixed it all up, into one delicious bite!  They gobbled them up and begged for more. 


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You may recognize Bravo as a leader in the fresh-frozen and raw pet foods.  The family-owned business located in Manchester, Connecticut offers over 125 different items for dogs and cats and is continually looking to expand it's line.  Crunchy Delights were a no-brainer addition.  According to Bravo co-founder Bette Schubert, "We set out to create super premium treats that are natural, nourishing and delicious.  We think that means using only the finest, freshest ingredients - starting with real meat or poultry.  And that's exactly what we did."  Indeed Bette, that is what Bravo did -- and bravo to you for doing so! 

The Lapdogs give Bravo Crunchy Delights their official 16 paws up seal of approvalWe haven't handed one of those out in awhile, as we're trying to be a little more selective to show off some "above and beyond" products.  This doggy Mama will certainly be adding Crunchy Delights to our regular treat rotation.

Disclosure: Matrix Partners sent a bag of Bravo Crunchy Delights to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Black & White Sunday: Relax & Reflect

Happy Sunday!  Hope everyone has a relaxing one...

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Friday, September 12, 2014

Fiber Arts Friday: This & That

Happy Fiber Arts Friday!  While I have no right to be casting on new things (except Christmas gifts, of course), I seem to have raging startitis and severe knitting-add these days.  Maybe it's the cool fallish temps that have finally graced our presence here in New England, but I just want to sit and knit.  How about you?

Day 6 #SoakPhotoChallenge WIP. #Painted in progress with my awesome #ammeesbabies bag #knitstagram #theloopyewe #getyourkniton #instaknit

That colorful little number above is Painted and was actually cast on in June, but got tossed aside.  It's a fun knit and I'll probably end up working on it here and there all through winter, since I have some other projects that I'd like to get finished first. 

I like big balls, and I can not lie... That's a #Madelinetosh worsted #yarncake on top, 2 balls of #BrownSheepCompany Burly Spun below... Which I found 3 knots in, ugh!! #knitterproblems #knitstagram #yarn #knitting

I Instagrammed the picture above with the caption "I like Big Balls and I can not lie..." And just to show you how big those balls of Brown Sheep Burly Spun really are, that's a yarn cake of Madelinetosh worsted sitting on top.  I bought the Burly Spun to make these leg warmers a few years ago.  I think it's time to cast on....

Day 2 #SoakPhotoChallenge Designer. I cast on this Christmas gift from a pattern in 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders yesterday! #knitstagram #Madelinetosh #getyourkniton #dpns #handknit #GiftKnitting #knitting #instaknit

As for that yarn cake of Madelinetosh, I've cast on a Christmas gift for someone special... but that's all you're getting on that one.

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I saved my current can.not.wait.to.wind.and.cast.on. for last.  The yarn is last month's Yarn Box shipment - 3 skeins of Erin from Imperial Yarn, a super squishy, 100% wool that looks and smells amazing!  Yarn Box included a pattern for a cowl & hat set, but I wasn't really loving it, so I started searching for what to make.  I knew I wanted to use at least 2 of the colors, but preferred to find something using all 3.  I found a scarf pattern that I was all set to make... until Challah popped up in my Facebook news feed and I knew it was the right pattern for this yarn!  I have to get this one started really soon... and yes, it's for me!

I could go on and on with other projects on the needles, but we'd be here all day... and well, I want to go knit!  Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Bretagne, Last known 9/11 Ground Zero Search Dog

Today marks a time that none of us will ever forget.  And while we all remember, we also move forward.  

If you haven't already read the amazing story of Bretagne, the last known surviving Ground Zero search dog, click here.  This is one story you don't want to miss!   

An exhausted Bretagne takes a break at Ground Zero in September 2001.
An exhausted Bretagne takes a break at Ground Zero in September 2001
Andrea Booher / FEMA News Photo

Bretagne (pronounced "Brittany") and all of the other hero search dogs of 9/11 put smiles on the faces of firefighters and search crews during an extremely difficult time.  Now, at 15 years young, she needs a little helping paw from us.

Denise Corliss and Bretagne the search dog at Ground Zero in 2001.
Denise Corliss and Bretagne take a break together at Ground Zero in 2001
Courtesy of Denise Corliss

Bretagne is currently in the running for the American Humane Association's annual Hero Dog Awards - in fact, she's one of just 8 finalists!  And now, Bretagne needs our votes!  Online voting is open here until September 15th.  Won't you take just a few moments to click over and vote for this amazing hero?

Oh, and you can vote once per day from now until the 15th!  Let's show Bretagne and her human, Denise Corliss, how much we appreciate them.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Wordless Wednesday: Teutul, Teutul, Teutul

Happy Wednesday!  It's feeling like fall this week and I love it... now, let's get wordless!  (in regard to today's title... as I was pulling photos for today, he seemed to pop up in every one)

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How cool is this guy? He hung around letting me take pics for quote awhile #dragonfly #beautiful #love #insects #summer #newengland #wings

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Wound this #madcolorfiberarts baby up last week... Now to decide what to #knit #knitstagram #yarnwinder #yarn #knitterproblems #MadeinNH #love

Tut giving some moral support to big brother Zeus while he sits after breakfast #dogstagram #seniordog #megaesophagus #ilovemydogs #brothers #instadog #mybabies #ilovemyseniordog #ilovebigmutts #bigdog #labmix #coonhoundmix

Alice Cooper #newengland #Massachusetts #AliceCooper

Day 3 #SoakPhotoChallenge Stitches. #knitstagram #knitting #handknit #socks #getyourkniton

Screw this 80-90 degree crap... I SEE fall! #trees #clouds #sky #newengland #fall #foliage #newhampshire


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