Friday, July 31, 2015

REVIEW: Merrick Summer Seasonal Recipes

Disclosure: Merrick sent cans of the Merrick Summer Seasonals to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

Merrick Summer Seasonal Recipes
Where to Find: Merrick


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Merrick is well known for their seasonal recipes, some of which have become much sought after favorites and are often scooped up in bulk once they hit store shelves. In fact, the Lapdogs stocked up on some of this season's past holiday favorites almost the same way as their humans hoard stock up on Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale to get them through the winter.  (don't judge

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Merrick really knows how to make sure our furbabies are included when it comes time to plan holiday meals.  Just as we humans wait all year long for those favorite dishes made only for "special occasions," thanks to Merrick, now our furkids do as well.  Perhaps your pup longs for fall's Game Day Tailgate?  Maybe his favorite thing about Christmas is the Festive Holiday Stew?  Does she sit pretty in her Easter bonnet knowing that her reward will be a tasty Easter Brunch?  Or, maybe there's extra kisses involved when you get out the can of Love Potion #9?

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When it came time to release their summer offerings this year, Merrick certainly did not disappoint.  You'll find not one, not two... but four delicious recipes on store shelves - including two brand new recipes!
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  • Surf N’ Turf USA - new flavor!
    • Now our dogs can enjoy the same great summer staple that we do - surf 'n turf! This recipe includes deboned beef, deboned salmon, shrimp, potatoes, and green beans in a yummy gravy.
  • Summer Lovin’ Stew - new flavor!
    • I'd call this one "summer on a plate."  Includes deboned chicken, blueberries, potatoes, and red apples.
  • Hot Off The Grill - back for a second summer!
    • I love the name of this one, which came from a Petco store associate. This ones sounds like the perfect summer dinner to me... deboned chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and peas in gravy.
  • Star Spangled Supper - back for a second summer!
    • This one was involved in another "name that recipe" contest, with the winner coming from a Merrick Facebook fan.  Deboned beef is the star, along side bacon, sweet potatoes, and Yukon Gold potatoes.

All four of the Summer Seasonal Recipes are grain free, and feature a balance of high-quality meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables.  Not only are they a great choice for all breeds and all life stages, but because of the limited ingredients, they are also a good choice for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. And, of course, all of Merrick's canned recipes are Made in the USA.

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The Lapdogs, who get just a small amount of wet food mixed in with their dinner, are thoroughly enjoying all four of the summer offerings. And, I love that I get to mix things up a little for them with some quality, nutritious options. 

Grab the Summer Seasonal Recipes while you can... and don't be afraid to stock up on your dog's favorite.  After all, who doesn't love a good grilled stew in the middle of winter?

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Wordless Wednesday: 6 Months

Happy Wednesday... let's get wordless.

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"Oh just knit 2 rows a day, easy peasy..." uh-huh. Playing catch up from the end of March! #skyscarf #skyscarf2015 #getyourkniton #knitterproblems #knittersofinstagram #alpaca #knitstagram #instaknit #handmade

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My copilot... Teutul. #happydog #carride #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #instadog #rescueddogsofinstagram #coonhoundmix #adoptdontshop #seniordog

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I think I like having time to stop at #cabelas before the #racetrack #roastedalmonds #candiedalmonds #knitstagram #racetrackknitting #thursdaythunder #maine #getyourkniton

We're doing our #puppytraining homework... loose leash walking. I guess I made Penny "wait" so long, she decided she might as well lay down. #dobermanpuppy #instapuppy #puppygram #puppyeyes #dobiemix #adoptdontshop #rescuedpuppiesofinstagram #puppypaws #p

In some ways it seems like she was giving me kisses just yesterday...
In others, it seems like forever has passed...
In reality, it has been six lonely months since we said goodbye...
If only I could turn back time.

I miss you baby girl.
NicLola_11715f

Hey Ma, what am I supposed to do with this blue thing full of water? ~ Lola

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

REVIEW: Going on an #AmericanJourney with Chewy

Disclosure: Chewy sent American Journey products to Lapdog Creations, free of charge, for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

American Journey

Where to Find: Chewy.com


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If you know us at all, you know the Lapdogs (and their humans) are huge fans of Chewy.com.  So, when they asked us to be among the first to review items from their very own American Journey line, we were honored.  The recently launched line of chews, bones, jerky, antlers and more is only available at Chewy. 
 
I'll be the first to admit that I am overly cautious of what my kids eat these days, especially when it comes to chews, jerky and bones.  So, when I received the email from Chewy talking about their very own line, I was intrigued and excited to learn more.

Sophie can't wait to tell you all about the brand new #AmericanJourney line of #dogtreats and #dogchews from #Chewy Stay tuned to the blog! #dogsofinstagram #houndmix #instadog #muttstagram #rescueddogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #happydog @chewy

Not only was each and every product carefully selected by Chewy's very own team members (our fellow furbaby parents) to ensure only the highest quality items made it into the line, but each and every product is made, sourced and packaged in the USA!

20150718_124032-1All of the meat in ;American Journey products is sourced from USDA approved facilities, and all of the bones and chews are left natural - never bleached! You will not find artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in any of the products. This alone scored huge bonus points for the Chewy folks, as I will not give my dogs a chew or bone that has been bleached or colored.

Our goody box was stuffed with a wonderful assortment of the new American Journey products, including:
  • Just Turkey Jerky
    • Literally, as the name implies, there is one simple ingredient: Turkey.  While most jerky treats have a laundry list of ingredients, and are then shaped into perfect "jerky" looking treats, these are simply slices of whole muscle white meat turkey.
  • Beef Tripe Chews
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    • Again, one simple ingredient: Beef Tripe, which has natural digestive enzymes and probiotics that aid the digestive process and promote healthy teeth.
  • Beef Strap Chew
    • 100% beef, sliced whole muscle treat that can be a great alternative to rawhide chews.  High in protein, low in fat.
  • Pork Knuckle Bone
    • Slow roasted with bits of meat left on for a tasty treat and designed to ensure a longer lasting challenge for active chewers.
  • Curly Bully Stick and Straight Bully Stick
    • 100% natural USA beef that has been slow roasted. 
  • Cotton Rope with Bones
    • Not only are the bones made in the USA, but so is the 100% cotton rope.

The jerky and chews can easily be broken into smaller pieces, making them perfect for dogs of all sizes. It also makes them great for training, since you can take one treat and continuously break pieces off during sessions

If you hadn't already guessed by the happy dog photos, the Lapdogs loved this box of yummies from their buddies at Chewy!  And, their humans love having some wonderful new options to treat them with.  While we haven't torn into every single item just yet, so far their favorite is definitely the Just Turkey Jerky. All three dogs were begging for more!

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I decided that Penny would get to take the Cotton Rope with Bones to the race track.  This was in part due to our vet not wanting Tut to chew on anything harder than his teeth (which he has really worn down), but also because it is the perfect toy/chew for her to have at the race track. It keeps her busy when she wants to chew, and won't get lost in our race pit.  Plus, when her admiring fans come over, it gives them something to play tuggy with. 

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A huge thank you to our friends at Chewy for not only putting the effort into developing such a wonderful, wholesome line for our kids, but also for letting us be among the first to sample it.  Extra thanks for Mama's awesome new American Journey tote bag too.

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Check out the whole line of American Journey products at Chewy, where 1-2 day shipping is always free with your order of $49 or more!  Stock up on all the chews and bones your dogs love, try some new products, or grab some for gifts.  It's never too early to start your holiday shopping and there are plenty of American Journey products that any dog would love to find in their stocking this year.  Trust us, those tails will be wagging...

Monday, July 27, 2015

Penny -- Penny -- Penny

Monday already?  Seriously, I think there must be an angry little troll somewhere who keeps stealing hours from our weekends.  How else could we cruise through them so fast?!  Surely we must be able to find some time to relax over the weekend, right?

Oh that's right, in between running errands, doing laundry and going out to brunch with my parents*, we...

Went racing...

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Penny loves nothing more than being at the race track.  My social butterfly loves to hang out with her fans.... and oh yea, watch her Daddy race.

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Tore into Penny's 4-Month PupBox...

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Penny got her 4 month #PupBox and she loves it! Use coupon code Lapdog10 for 10% off your first order! #puppygram #intsapuppy #dobermanpuppy #rescuedpuppiesofinstagram #puppyplaytime #puppytreats #puppytoys #puppiesofinstagram #puppylove #puppyyears #dobi

I'm honestly not sure she cared about anything in the box except for her neon green Furballz.  She absolutely loves this crazy thing.  We have a giant purple one that she pays zero attention to, but this guy is sized perfectly for her... and Sophie.  Which means I will be online hunting for another small Furballz once this post is complete.

Penny especially loves the #GoDog #Furballz #dogtoy in this month's #pupbox She loves the big purple one that was Lola's favorite, so this was a sweet surprise. @pupbox #dobermanpuppy #puppyplaytime #rescuedpuppiesofinstagram #instapuppy #puppiesofinstagr

Went to puppy class... and since I didn't snap any shots in class, you get the cute "waiting in the car with Mommy while Daddy runs into the store" shots. 

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Penny was a little disappointed that her friend Patches wasn't there this week, however since we missed last week (due to that racing thing), Patches' Mom decided to take this week off so the girls can graduate together next week.  I think it's safe to say she was still worn out for the drive home (and she did get to play with a couple of other dogs in the store after class).

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Did you catch on to the title of today's post?  Yes, life seems to be all about Penny these days, but the title really should be:

PENNY ::: knock knock knock ::: 
PENNY ::: knock knock knock :::  
PENNY ::: knock knock knock :::

Yes, if you haven't caught on by now, Penny's name came about by a combination of my need to have a real name for my girl (and one that every dog didn't already have) and my love of The Big Bang Theory.  Penny topped my little list of possible girl names that I'd been scribbling in my notebook, and as soon as I said it out loud, it stuck.  I never even got a chance to consider the other names I jotted down.

Enjoy the rest of your Monday!  We're joining the Monday Mischief Pet Hop today!

* Although I didn't snap any Foodstagram pics, I must add that brunch was delish!  We've been meaning to try this little hole-in-the-wall place for awhile now, but for some reason, we just never went.  Then my Mom mentioned that the news said it was better than the famous diner we usually go to.  The Phantom Gourmet guys even raved about it.   So, we decided to give it a shot.  It's not pretty from the outside by any means, even shares a driveway with an auto repair shop, but it was spacious and inviting inside... and the food was fabulous!  We will certainly be going back... those little holes in the wall are always the best places!

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Black & White Sunday: Do Not Disturb

Happy Sunday!  We hope you have something fun planned for today... whether it's a BBQ with friends, a fun filled day at the park, or some good 'ole fashioned R 'n R. 

Perhaps lounging on the deck is in order for you today...

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Maybe with some knitting and a nice cold adult beverage (for the humans, of course... yummy treats for the pups)?

Rainy day deck #knitting is better with a #moatmountainbrewingco #missvsblueberrybeer even if it's in a #pumpkinhead pint glass with not freshly picked #blueberries #blueberrybeer #craftbeer #madeinnh #603 #drinklocal #drinkstagram #knitstagram #moatmount

No matter how you get in your R 'n R, Tut wants to remind you to let sleeping dogs lie...

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Friday, July 24, 2015

Don't Miss: #Craftsy Creative Escape Summer Closeout Sale

#Sponsored

Don't miss the Craftsy Summer Closeout SALE on ALL supplies... now through Monday, July 27 at 11:59pm MT!

Craftsy

We all know that nice weather leads to endless inspiration - and the idea of fall quickly approaching leads to the urge to get going on those winter accessories and holiday gifts. 

Craftsy Sale 

What project have you been dreaming of making - either for yourself or as a gift?

Craftsy Sale
 
Whether you want to decorate your biggest, boldest cake yet, sew a chic new dress, create a beautiful quilt, or wrap all of your loved ones in warm, cozy cowls and scarves this Christmas, you’ll find all of the supplies you need when you shop Craftsy’s Summer Closeout! Discover hot savings on all supplies, and bring your dream project to life! 

Craftsy Sale

Thursday, July 23, 2015

More of The Little Things

Last week I posted about being thankful for the little things in life.  I had fun with it... and as fluffy of a post that it was, it did have a lot of meaning behind it.  So, I thought I would continue that theme today.

Some of the things I found myself pausing to be thankful for this past week...

A happy, healthy puppy....

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Even if she is growing up way too fast. I've found two of her baby teeth this past week...

Penny baby tooth!  #rescuedpuppiesofinstagram #dobermanpuppy #puppygram #instapuppy #puppytooth #adoptdontshop #puppylove

A goofy senior boy, who is clearly king of his own domain...

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A sweet hound girl who loves being on critter patrol...

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Time spent with the three of them, watching the world go by from our deck...

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Figuring out another way to share a couple of videos in this post (because Flickr seems to have lost that capability)...


Wagging Tails...
Minions, Minions... everywhere.  Don't judge, I know I'm not the only one that laughs so hard they sometimes cry.  And yes, I did go to Mickey D's for a Happy Meal just to get a talking toy (although it wasn't the "WTF" one that everyone is talking about... so if you have one that you can spare, please let me know).

Oh yes....this is happening right now and I see more in my future. Need to collect all of the little guys!  #HappyMeal #minions #banana #mcds Bonus, I scored a free Minions movie ticket! #feellikeakidagain #dontjudge

I also bought some Minion banana flavored cereal, and these super cute Minion Cheese-Its... because I can.  I'm still searching for the Minion Tic-Tacs. (again, don't judge)

Because I *need* #minions #cheeseits , that's why.  #foodstagram #foodie #instafood #lunch #dontjudge

Racing without wrecks... which seems to be a rare occurrence these days.  We had a nice green-to-checker race Sunday morning at NHMS before the Cup race. (photos by RPM Photography)

NHMS 71915
NHMS 71915e

NHMS 71915c

And, quite simply, this...

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Yes, I know Penny is simply the cutest thing since Minion Cheese-Its... and she knows it too!  Her looks get me every single time, especially that sideways one. 

Happy almost Friday... what are you thankful for this week?
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