REVIEW: Riley's Organics

Disclosure: Riley's Organics sent dog treats to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Riley's Organics

Where to Find: Riley's Organics

Anyone who knows the Lapdogs knows how much they love their taste-testing duties. After all, what dog wouldn't love getting to sample tasty treats for free (although they seem to think everything is free... one of them really needs to get a paying side job)?

While they rarely ever find a treat they don't like (I've had a couple picky eaters, but someone always gobbles up anything left behind), there have been some that Mama chooses not to purchase going forward - whether it be because of the ingredients, where they're made, or simply lack of availability to us. 

Then, there are treats that not only do the Lapdogs drool for, but Mama thinks are quite wonderful too. Those get added to the "find and purchase" list. Riley's Organics have been added to that list.

"We believe that organic and all-natural are not just words, but are pathways to healthier, happier lives" - Riley's Organics

Not only do I feel great about feeding Riley's Organics to my dogs, but with their amazing smell and delicious sounding recipes, I almost want to eat them myself. Which I actually could do because Riley's Organics are 100% natural, made with human-grade ingredients right here in the USA. They are even USDA Certified Organic.

At Riley's Organics, they believe that our dogs deserve the same quality ingredients and processes that we have. 

"Riley’s Organics are so healthy that you can eat them yourself – we do!" - Riley's Organics

At the Lapdog house, we believe that our dogs often eat better than we do.... ha ha! 

Riley's Organics treats are currently available in four different flavors, each of which is available in both small and large bones. All four flavors are rich in antioxidants and vitamins to help support a dog's immune system and keep their heart healthy.

• Pumpkin & Coconut - powerhouse ingredients combine to help support skin, immune system, metabolic function, bone health and digestion
• Organic Pumpkin, Organic Oat Flour, Organic Oats, Organic Peanut Flour, Organic Coconut Oil
• Sweet Potato - sweet potatoes + cinnamon = a truly nose-worthy treat that your pup is sure to gobble up without even knowing he's boosting his immune system
• Organic Sweet Potato, Organic Oat Flour, Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Peanut Flour, Organic Canola Oil, Organic Cinnamon
• Apple - not only are they rich in Vitamin A, C and K to help promote healthy vision, but rich in calcium and high in fiber to support healthy dietary function
• Organic Apples, Organic Oat Flour, Organic Oats, Organic Canola Oil, Organic Cinnamon
• Peanut Butter & Molasses - any dog, or human for that matter, would sit & stay for one of these amazing smelling, protein rich biscuits
• Organic Peanut Butter, Organic Oat Flour, Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Peanut Flour, Organic Molasses

The first thing I noticed when opening each bag of Riley's Organics was the truly amazing smell.  You can easily identify the flavor from smell alone, which to me means the treats are actually packed full of those wholesome ingredients!  There are no "artificial flavors" to be found here!

The small bones are the perfect size for toy and small breeds, of course, but they also make great training treats. The large size are great for bigger dogs (like the Lapdogs), but can easily be broken into smaller pieces.  If you have multiple dogs in your household, either size would work just fine.

 

Not only does Riley's Organics make a top-quality treat that any dog is sure to drool over, but they are grounded in being good human beings and corporate citizens as well.  Founder Grant Weber was born and raised in America's heartland where he learned at a young age that taking the "right route was not always the easiest route."  He spent long days in the fields, working hard to grow healthy, good tasting, nutritious crops.  It is there where Grant forged a bond with Riley, who not only made those long days in the fields easier, but she taught him about trust and love.

When asked "Why Organic," Riley's Organics answers, "With all of the uncertainty in the pet food market today, you want to be sure the food you are feeding your pet is safe. Organic certification is one way to feel good about what you are feeding your best friend!"  As an always overly-concerned dog Mom who's been known to grab an unknown treat right out of my dog's mouth before, I couldn't agree more.

 

Riley's Organics have received the Lapdogs Official Seal of Approval! The new-to-us-but-now-on-our-regular-list treat is highly recommended for any and all dogs out there! And, to make life convenient, you can get them online at Amazon!  Just click on the widget* at the beginning of this review or click this link* - Riley's Organics - Peanut Butter & Molasses - 5 oz Large Biscuits - Human Grade Organic Dog Treats - Resealable Bag I seem to always be ordering something from Amazon, and now adding a couple bags of Riley's Organics to my order will be standard practice!

*These are Amazon Affiliate links.  If you click on them and make a purchase, I will receive a very small commission.

Wordless Wednesday: Pups and Pretty String

Let's get wordless...



 

Penny wanted to remind everyone to be sure to enter to win Dogsters ice cream treats and a portable pet bowl!  

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Fresh Wave #HappyHealthyOdorFree

Disclosure: Fresh Wave sent a box of full-size products to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Fresh Wave

Where to Find: Fresh Wave is Exclusively at Target

Fellow dog parents, let's face it, our beloved furbabies can sometimes --gasp-- stink.  We've all been there, perhaps with a wet dog, litter box odor, gerbil cage, or new puppy accident.  And yes, I've been over here raising my hand in shame often for that last one over the past few months. 

 

While we, as pet parents, "get used to" or become nose-blind to many of the everyday odors in our homes, our guests notice right away. Thanks to the brand new Fresh Wave® products available exclusively at Target, we don't have to turn a blind-nose to odors any longer! In fact, we can now live in an odor free home without using harsh chemicals!

Life doesn't have to stink! 

Fresh Wave eliminates the odor naturally - without harsh chemicals, heavy perfumes, or toxic ingredients. Instead, Fresh Wave products use simple, pure and natural ingredients such as water and essential oils.  These natural ingredients are sourced from around the globe in order to provide the best possible solutions for customers, however Fresh Wave products are manufactured in Rising Sun, Indiana.

Fresh Wave products are safe to use around your entire family, including the fur-kids. As a dog Mom, this is always one of my first questions when using any cleaning or odor-eliminating product in or around my home. With Fresh Wave, not only do I know my home smells cleaner and that the Lapdogs are safe, but I also know that I am not harming the environment by using these products. Now that's a win-win-win!

Happy. Healthy. Odor-Free.

On August 16, Fresh Wave launched three new products sold exclusively at Target...

Odor Removing Spray
Just shake, spray and smile - it's literally that easy!  And, you can use it anywhere in need of immediate odor removal.  I've been using the spray on the dog beds, in the kitchen trash can, and on the couch covers. It works great for stinky shoes and sports equipment too (note to self: add a bottle to our Target shopping list so we can leave one inside the race car hauler).

Odor Removing Gel
The 16oz container of gel is perfect for those spots where you want 24/7 odor removal such as in the basement or bathroom.  Simply remove the seal and replace the slotted lid and Fresh Wave will do the job without you having to remember to do anything more (once the gel disappears in 60 - 90 days, replace with a new one)!  

Odor Removing Packs
These convenient little packs are perfect for tossing in smaller places like your car, gym bag, closet, shoes or any other little space that needs odor-eliminating.  Each pack lasts up to 60 days.  *Although Fresh Wave products are all-natural, please don't leave the packs around where curious pets or young children might possibly ingest them.

With Fresh Wave, odors go away. Happiness stays.  

This two-human, multi-dog, sports enthusiastic household is thrilled with how the Fresh Wave products eliminate odors.  And, this concerned dog Mom is thrilled with how much healthier and cleaner our environment is.  Plus, I love Target and Fresh Wave just gives me another excuse to need to stop there.

Clearly our number one use for Fresh Wave is pet and sports odors, but you certainly don't need to have pets to love this line. Fresh Wave can work for anyone! Perhaps in the bathroom or kitchen? Did you burn last night's dinner? Maybe you've got stinky sports equipment or a diaper pail to contend with? Someone forgot to take out the trash? Unsure just what Junior created in Chemistry class? Smokers in your home? Stinky basement?

Even in the car or RV, Fresh Wave can eliminate those not-so-fresh smells and provide a happy, clean, sniff-worthy environment for you and your family that will keep you smiling and being #HappyHealthyOdorFree  

Connect with Fresh Wave:
Sign Up For Exclusive Coupons - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

GIVEAWAY!
Are you ready to tackle the stink in your home? Thanks to the great folks over at Fresh Wave, one lucky winner will receive the same kit of fabulous odor removing products you see here! Winner must live in the USA. 

To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.  ***Note the first entry method requires you to answer a question in the comments on this post -- please be sure to click on the Rafflecopter to find out what the question is before posting your comment***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Black & White Sunday: Cat Nap, Ride or Pumpkin Watching?

Happy Sunday-Funday!  What are you up to today?

Catching a cat-nap on the couch?

Going for an R-I-D-E?

Wondering when the Great Pumpkin is coming?

No matter what you're up to today, make the best of it!  We'll leave you with a little PSA for those who don't stop by every day...

Dog Parents: 

• click here to enter to win a box of Dogsters, plus a really cool portable bowl 
• click here to learn more about the Cool Pet Pad 

The Lapdogs have been loving both the cooling pad and ice cream during this recent heat-wave!

Knitting Peeps

• click here to enter to win a copy of One-Skein Wonders for Babies

And, stay tuned for some more fantastic giveaways on the blog over the next couple of weeks (seriously, we are all very hard at work reviewing some items that we think you'll love)!

*In case you noticed Penny's bandage above, don't worry.  That shot was taken on the way home from the vet after her pre-surgery blood work a few weeks ago.

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: One-Skein Wonders for Babies

Disclosure: Storey Publishing LLC sent a copy of One-Skein Wonders for Babies to Lapdog Creations for review. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

One-Skein Wonders for Babies

101 Knitting Projects for Infants & Toddlers

Edited by Judith Durant

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Storey Publishing LLC (September 8, 2015)

There is nothing I appreciate more as a knitter than one-skein projects, especially for those expensive, hand-dyed, and unique skeins we all have in our stash.  

There is nothing more adorable - and fun to knit - than baby items.

One-skein + Baby = the latest addition to what I often refer to as the best knitting book series ever, One-Skein Wonders for Babies: 101 Knitting Projects for Infants & Toddlers.

I've been a huge fan of the One-Skein Wonders books since the original title was released nearly nine years ago.  I treasure that well-used book.  Not only is it signed by editor Judith Durant (whom I had the pleasure of meeting at the TKGA Knit & Crochet show in 2007), but it is one of those books I refer back to again and again.  While I find myself reaching for many of the One-Skein Wonders books when looking for just the right gift pattern, it's the original and the "Designer" ones I tend to grab most often.  Considering my over-abundance of sock yarn, I should probably start reaching for the "Sock Yarn" edition as well.

Two years have passed since the last in the series, Lace One-Skein Wonders, was released and if you ask me, there's no time like the present to jump on board the baby knit wagon!

One-Skein Wonders for Babies, the seventh installment to the best-selling series, features a collection of 101 knitting patterns for babies and toddlers, as well as a couple of ideas for Moms.  The format is one that we've all come to know and love, with beautiful photos throughout.  

One-Skein Wonders for Babies is organized into 10 chapters full of adorable patterns, all knit with just one skein of yarn.  I've already stuck post-it tags on several patterns throughout the book and will note a few that have caught my eye below:

• Little Ensembles
• Claredon Baby Vest and Hat - sometimes it can be hard to find cute boy sets, and this one takes the cake
• Little Tops
• Lacy Baby Top - a cute little number worked from the top down and perfect for a little lady
• No-Sew Taiyo Baby Jacket - they had me at "no sew," but really got me at "chunky yarn"
• Little Bottoms
• Baby Green Jeans - inspired by Captain Kangaroo, this pattern comes from the Editor herself, Ms. Judith Durant
• Little Dresses
• This section features just three patterns, a lacy little number, a no-fess tunic and a christening gown
• Little Hats
• I jumped to this section first, as I'm currently looking for the "right" baby hat pattern for a new little man.
• Happy Hat - this unique design sort of looks like a collection of smiles all over
• Hootenanny Hat of Owls - as the name implies, this one features a row of owls created by simple cables and tiny buttons
• Little Socks & Bootees
• Montana Moccasins - these toddler size slippers are just too cute for words
• Little Accessories
• Snow Baby Leg Warmers - sure, I happen to know the author of this pattern (Ms. Gina House from Sleepy Eyes Knits), but I'd tell you about these cozy little duds regardless - after all, what chunky little legs wouldn't look extra cute in leg warmers this fall? 
• Tutti Fruitti Bib - I used to knit a lot of baby bibs way back when... and am now thinking to myself, "why didn't I think to knit it a little longer and add pockets?" - genius!
• Little Blankets
• Tuck Me In - features a cozy looking blanket stitch pattern that reminds me of a honeycomb
• Little Toys
• Sunshine - what baby doesn't deserve his or her own ray of sunshine - plus, as baby grows, the "toy" becomes a lovely pillow
• Friendly Lizard - sure the bunnies, penguins, and other typical creatures are included, but this cute little lizard could be the start of a whole new appreciation for wildlife
• Little Miscellany
• Bath Toy Hammock - use it in the bath or in the baby's room (or both) - it's a great catch-all for little toys

Just as I refer back to the original One-Skein book again and again, I can already tell I will be doing the same with One-Skein Wonders for Babies. I seem to have at least one baby knit on my needles at all times these days (if you know me, you know I am not a monogamous knitter and always have several projects going at once) - whether for friends or relatives, or just because I need an instant gratification project.  I find baby knits can also be a great way to learn new techniques, as you don't have to invest too much time or money into a "smaller" size project.

Plus, one of the things I love most about the entire One-Skein Wonders series is the simple fact that when inspiration strikes, I can go stash diving from the comfort of my own home and get started right away.  (disclaimer: NO, that doesn't mean I won't still go to the yarn shop anyway)

If I had to make one teensy-tiny complaint about One-Skein Wonders for Babies, it's the fact that many of the patterns do not include additional sizes.  I don't know about you, but when I knit for baby I almost always knit at least a 6 month size or larger.  After all, babies grow faster than I can knit and no one wants to spend $30 on a single skein of yarn to knit something that can only be worn once.  While I'm sure some patterns have been purposely written this way to stick within the one-skein guidelines (although I would have much preferred little side notes saying if you wanted to make the larger size, you would need extra yarn), I'm wondering if some are simply due to the designer not spending enough time on creating the pattern for extended sizes (there's no reason why any hat pattern could not be written for two or three sizes, even with using just one skein of yarn).  le sigh... perhaps I'll just have to knit a few of those teensy-tiny little sizes.

All in all, One-Skein Wonders for Babies is a must for your knitting book collection!

I don't normally share old photos with my reviews, but since I mentioned getting that original edition signed...

Judith Durant & I, July 2007

About the Editor: Judith Durant is the editor of the best-selling One-Skein Wonders series (which currently includes 7 volumes), the author of Increase, Decrease and Knit One, Bead Too; and the co-author of Knitting Know-How. Durant has been knitting for more than 50 years and has been writing and editing for more than 30 years. She lives in Lowell, Massachusetts. 

GIVEAWAY! All knitters know that the only thing better than a new knitting book is a new, free knitting book... and thanks to the folks over at Storey Publishing, one lucky reader will win a copy of One-Skein Wonders for Babies!

To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.  ***Note the first entry method is to answer a question in the comments on this post -- please be sure to click on the Rafflecopter to find out what the question is before posting your comment***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Dogsters Ice Cream Treats

Disclosure: J&J Snack Foods sent two boxes of Dogsters and a reusable bowl to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Dogsters

Where to Find: J&J Snack Foods

If you read our Cool Pet Pad review earlier this week, you know that while the calendar says September, summer has surely not moved on yet.  In fact, much to my dislike, we're in the middle of a late-season heat wave here in New England.  Since the Lapdogs are not big fans of the heat and humidity either (like mother, like child?), it seemed like the perfect time for us to review Dogsters.

Dogsters are a healthy ice cream style treat made just for dogs.  They are all natural, low in fat, low in calories, and contain no added dairy.  Best of all, the frozen treat is Made in the USA! 

Currently, Dogsters are available in two drool-worthy flavors: Nutly Peanut Butter & Cheese and Minte Kissably Fresh.  We received one box of each for our review and I have to say, there was no clear winner in the flavor category.  The Lapdogs happily lapped up both with no complaints. 

I haven't met a dog yet who doesn't love ice cream, but we all know we shouldn't feed too much dairy to our fur-kids. Being able to treat my kids to these all natural, dog-specific recipes makes me feel like a better dog Mom.  And, they don't seem to mind that what they're gobbling up is not the same as what Mom & Dad are eating. 

 

Dogsters are conveniently found in the frozen novelties section of most grocery stores across the US.  This means you can grab a box while picking up a pint of Cherry Garcia for yourself - without a special side trip to the dog food store.  Each box contains 4 individual 3.5 oz cups, making them convenient to feed as well.  The cups are a perfect size for the Lapdogs, but can be easily shared among smaller sized pups.

 

Dogsters are not only Veterinary approved, but as you can clearly see, Lapdog approved! All three of my kids were lined up and drooling as I removed the little covers from the Hoodsie-style cups - they just couldn't wait to get their lick on!

One thing that caught my eye on the Dogsters boxes (besides the adorable pack, of course) was the sidebar which includes a braille accessible label for the visually impaired, along with this statement:

"The inspiration behind Dogsters is the volunteers who know that one person can make a difference, and the people who embrace life's everyday challenges."

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find any further information about this statement online, but I do hope to learn more. 

While summer may be winding down, have no fear.  Just like human ice cream, Dogsters are available to be enjoyed year-round!  Whether for a special occasion or just a random reward, Dogsters make a great treat for any dog.  Grab a box the next time you go grocery shopping, and enter to win a box, along with a fantastic Dogster-branded portable bowl below.  We love our little zip-up bowl which can easily be tossed in most purses and tote bags, as well as in the car.

GIVEAWAY!
Thanks to the folks over at J&J Snack Foods, one lucky reader and their pooch will win a VIP coupon redeemable for a free box of Dogsters, plus one of the cool, portable dog bowls as seen in our post. Winner must live in the USA. 

To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.  ***Note the first entry method requires you to answer a question in the comments on this post -- please be sure to click on the Rafflecopter to find out what the question is before posting your comment***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday: Boom Chicka, Jack-o, and Flat Peaches

Wednesday already?  Long weekends and short weeks go by fast... let's get wordless!

Did you catch our Planet Dog review on Friday?  If not, it's definitely worth looking back at...

The same goes for our Cool Pet Pad review...