Nap Time

Check out this photo on Post Secret (it's the third one down). What more can I say? My dogs are weird too. But man do I love them.

It's A Wrap

The dogs have been over at grandma's a lot this month, seeing as I've been on my own since Dan left and needing the help. I know I'm going to go through some major withdrawal though next week when I'm in Germany, so I'm determined to spend as much time with them as possible in the next few days.

This weekend I'm planning on taking take them to their favorite dog park, and then to Dairy Queen for a couple kiddie vanilla ice cream cones. They love those! I hope the weather's nice and we can spend a lot of time outside. I'm planning the weekend already, even though it's only Wednesday, which pretty much means I've had it with this week... I'm checking out early!

Oh but no, there are still two days left of my work week, and I've got to wrap things up pretty tight before I leave. So much to do, so little time. Wish me luck.

I love this Dog-On-It gift wrap from French Paper. I'm always on the look out for dog inspired paper products because they're so hard to find, and this vintage style wrap is one of a kind.

From Prenup to Prepup

Sorry people. I've missed more posts in the past two weeks than I have in the entire time I've been blogging. Life is moving fast, and I'm struggling to keep up.

This morning I read an article on MSNBC about Pre-Pups. That's short for Prepuptial Agreement. You heard me right... In addition to a Prenuptial Agreement, lawyers are now recommending newlyweds also sign some sort of "Prepuptial Agreement", outlining who gets the dog when the marriage goes up in flames.

What is this world coming to? Seriously, a Prepuptial Agreement? People can't even commit to a marriage long enough to last a dog's 13 year life span?

And speaking of flames. Check out these very awesome matches from Hom Art at Smith's Bath and Home. These are so fun, and I love how they've turned ordinary matches into something not so ordinary.

Better Late Than Never

My alarm clock went off at 7:15 this morning, and thinking that it was Saturday, I turned the damn thing off, muttered a bit of frustration under my breath, and went back to bed.

The next thing I know I'm up at 10:30, and as I make my way slowly to the kitchen for some coffee, I suddenly realize that it in fact is not Saturday, but Friday, and I'm supposed to be at work, instead of lounging around in my pajamas!

Oops! I immediately call my boss, and explain to her why I'm not at work, and she laughs histerically, because nobody's ever used this excuse on her before. I'm so lucky to work with some of the coolest most laid back people, because she then tells me that if I want to take the whole day off, I'm welcome to do so.

It really is a spectacular day here in Minneapolis, and man was I tempted to accept her offer, but I have so much to get done before leaving for Germany in a week, that I forced myself in to the office. It's going to be a long day...

Gus and Charly have two matching leopard print beds, that we've now retired in favor of the DoggyArchy beds I got for them a month ago. But I may just have to buy them these very soft and stylish leopard doggy blankets from Canine Styles. Don't you just love this photo? So cute!

Dog Momma for Obama!

So I've been thinking about how to write this post for the past month or so, and today I've finally decided to just come out with it. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to figure out the best way to write about this subject, so I'm going to bite the bullet...

A while back I came across this article, in which an AP-Yahoo! News poll found that pet owners favor McCain over Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with dog owners particularly in McCain's corner.

And people, I've been fuming ever since. For the record, this dog lover barks for Obama. And I know there are more of us. These last 6 weeks of the presidential race are going to get nasty, and though Sara Palin makes some of us break out in hives, we've got to get involved somehow, by any means necessary.

So here's an easy way to get out there and rock the vote: Buy a couple of these Bark Obama Dog T-Shirts from Psychedelic Fur, and take your pups out for a walk! You're guaranteed to stop traffic and get our message across.

Just What I've Always Wanted

I'm super excited to share this very unique find with you... Yes, I know it's from JCREW (not so obscure), but seriously, it really is hard to find cute, quality, dog inspired clothing for women. You can get pups on anything for baby, and if you hit up Target I'm sure you'll find something for dad, but I guarantee you'll have to do some digging around if you're looking for a dog inspired feminine piece for your wardrobe.

This argyle cardigan features playful pooches in a 12-gauge knit and faceted Czech glass buttons. And it's super soft!

Time's Up

Well, I'm officially burned out on wedding stuff... and the wedding isn't even until next August, which means I have months and months of planning ahead of me. So if this week feels bad, with wedding planning appointments every night of the week except Tuesday, what's the rest of my year look like?

Germany should be a welcome respite to all of this wedding madness. I'm looking forward to tuning out for three months, and just enjoying our engagement. The days can't go by fast enough, I want to be there already.

Well, I'm off to meet a wedding planner. Dan thinks it would be beneficial for us to hire one just for the day of our actual event, so I'm not running around like a chicken with her head cut off, which will definitely happen if we don't find a different point guard.

By the way, today is my official one month engagement anniversary! Here's a clock I love in honor of this month that's passed. It's from Bellacor. Check it out!

Correction

Ok, well, it's possible I spoke too soon, jumped the gun, whatever... because it looks very nice out there today! The sun is out, the weather is temperate, not cold or too hot, and the weekend is here...

I should clarify my last post a bit by saying that PTK/PRK/laser eye surgery is definitely not a terrible thing. A recurrent corneal erosion every week is a terrible thing, and this compared to that is a piece of cake. Seriously.

And may I just add that my surgeon was the best! The surgery literally took 15 minutes total, I was awake the whole time (localized anaesthetic!) and didn't feel a darn thing. Of course two hours later I definitely felt some pain... my eye stung quite a bit, and watered a whole lot. This discomfort continued for about three more days, but decreased with every hour that passed.

So yesterday I felt great, and today even better.

I love this chalkboard from Trendy Puppy. Mine says: Out for the weekend!

Snuggle Up

Well, summer has come and gone already up here in Minnesota. And we didn't even have an in between... last Sunday it was an unexpected 90 degrees here in the Twin Cities, and the day after the weather turned ugly, and it's been cold and colder ever since.

Every year, we Minnesotans, most of us at least, complain about the ever approaching winter ahead of us. Everything you've heard is true, winter here is BRUTAL. It is freezing, it is snowy, and it is LONG. Way too LONG.

But I think almost everybody who lives here would agree that the summers here make it worth our while. And if you're brave enough, winter can be quite fun too, as long as you've got yourself a nice warm pair of long underwear.

Currently in Minneapolis it's 55 degrees and raining. Days like this make me want to stay at home, curl up on the couch and snuggle up with a blanket like this one from Thorsten Von Elten, and a good book. Oh, and don't forget, a dog at either end of the sofa.

California Dreamin'

This morning I went to what I thought was supposed to be my last visit with Doctor Everson, my Eye Surgeon/Doctor at Edina Eye Physicians and Surgeons. Mom was kind enough to drive me out there, since my eye has been pretty light sensitive and I haven't been able to drive long distances. Of course she insisted on bringing the dogs along for the car ride, so all three of them chauffered me around town.

The appointment was short and sweet, with the the doctor assuring me that I'm doing just fine, but I'll need a couple extra visits with him to monitor my progress. By the time I got back in the car, I was feeling quite capable of driving myself back home, but happy not to to be the one fighting the traffic on Hwy. 62. Plus, Gus decided he wanted to ride shot gun as well, so he climbed in on top of me and curled up in my lap for the whole way home. Now remember, this is a 65 pound Pit Bull! And he did not get up or move once! Seriously!!!

So I've had a bit of an off week because of laser eye surgery and all that. Five days and several doctor's appointments later, I'm starting to feel like my old self again. I say that with some degree of hesitation, as they told me a full recovery will take a few weeks. But at least I no longer feel like somebody's repeatedly stabbing my right eye with a pitch fork!

Here's a refreshing look at pet photography. Sabrina Hela of Cookies and Water takes a documentary approach to her photo shoots. No forced posing, no cute outfits, just your dog, her camera, and if you're in Los Angeles, the beach, boardwalk, Rodeo Drive, or wherever your pet wants to play.

Yet another reason I wish I lived in California...

Pet Fashion Week Guest Post

A couple of weeks ago I promised all of you a personal account of Pet Fashion Week from friend and Chief Executive Officer of Printed Puppy Inc., Kristy Sevag. Well, she's finally digging herself out of the paper pile-up that happens when you leave the office for a week, and here's that promised post. Enjoy!

Well, I am back from Pet Fashion Week 2008 and I must say my back hurts. You may think it's from from lifting boxes, setting up our booth, or just general nervous tension. Nope!

My back kills from having to bend down every time I saw an ADORABLE little dog! I had to crouch down and pet every single one, they were all so irresistable. Almost every cutie I saw had to be under 10 pounds and wearing an adorable dress. The only dog I could pet standing was a gorgeous full sized Boxer who won my heart. He belonged to another exhibitor and would come visit me during our two days of showing. Sometimes he stole my display items! It was so funny!

Saturday morning was the first of two runway shows. 8 companies, including Printed Puppy Inc., were selected to strut the walkway. With the music blaring and the lights dim, in came the models. Each company had 6 looks to showcase what they are all about. I had given my gift packaging line to the staff at Pet Fashion Week and told them to go all out, and what I saw astounded me! The artists took my line of paper goods and made flapper dresses, hoop skirts, and cocktail dresses for the models, and matching attire for the accompanying dogs! Every look that past by me got better and better.

The show came to an end and the crowd of 400+ went wild! All the human models handled the canines with such grace and care. The real stars, the dogs, were proud and happy to strut! The same show repeated for the Saturday night crowd.

Overall my first Pet Fashion Week experience was one to remember. The fact that I launched my product line less than 8 months ago and I've had the opportunity to show at the largest Pet Fashion industry convention is amazing. I met so many interesting and wonderful people, who were all so helpful and willing to share their loads of industry experience with a newbie.

I really look forward to showing again next year and who knows, maybe Printed Puppy, Inc will come to the runway with a new line of doggie fashion attire. We shall see!

To view my gift line please visit Printed Puppy. If you have any questions please email me at info@printedpuppy.com !

XOXO,
Kristy!

Post Op

Well, as fate may have it, I've really got very little to write about today, other than that I've been spending more than 16 hours a day for the past three days in bed. What a let down huh? After my 100th post!

I had laser surgery called PTK done on my right eye on Friday afternoon, to treat something I've had for the past year called a Recurrent Corneal Erosion. I won't get into all of it, but let's just say it's not fun. Actually, I felt fine the day after the surgery, but yesterday and today I've been feeling pretty darn crummy. I couldn't even make it in to work this morning.

The dogs have been great company through all of this. They stick close to me when I'm napping and rarely leave my side unless grandma's coming over to take them for a walk. Today is one of those days I really wish Daniel were here, instead of in Germany, so far away. Actually, I wish he were here all the time, but today it feels like a stronger need, rather than just a simple desire. I'll see him soon. And then I'll miss the dogs, so I better relish this recovery.

100!

Oh Oh! This is my 100th post. And my brother Bruno promised he'd take me out to dinner when I made it here. Honestly, I can't believe it. I never thought that I'd actually be able to keep up with this blog, write every day, find enough products that I feel are worth mentioning here...

But I've made it. This is post number 100. And I think I promised I'd write a Best of House&Hound post to recap some of my favorite products that I've featured here so far. So here goes... in no particular order... I love them all!

Acqua Bol from Wow Bow

Organic Hemp Dog Bed from Doggy Archy

Drink Better Bowl from Contech

Dog Carrier from Dog Interiors

Gift Bag from Printed Puppy

Bumper Stickers from Euros

Le Chien Table Lamp from Ballard Designs

Door Mat from Vive La France

Gocco Print Cards from Paper Menagerie

Foot Stool from Atelier de Tapisserie Decoration

Print Art from Dolan Geiman

Hot Diggity Dog Pillows from Modern Dose

Pull Around Hound Toy from Zipper Gifts

Sofa Pillows from Karen Hilton Designs

Blanket from Mungo and Maude

Bookends from Restoration Hardware


Wegman Sofa Pillow from The Diva Dog

A Wee Nursery For Baby And Puppy

My sister-in law Alicia is pregnant with her first kid, and like every first time mom, she's totally obsessed with anything baby! Just like me, except I go bananas over hot pink leashes and pug pillows, while she fawns over baby booties and baby slings.

This weekend she and my brother Bruno went shopping at Babies R Us and came home with a brand new, very beautiful, and may I add safe (it's actually the safest in the industry) baby car seat. You can read about the product on Wee Baby Stuff, a website they just started featuring product reviews for all things baby.

And as it turns out, Babies R Us happens to have a lot of dog inspired products for your baby nursery remodel. Alicia sent me this picture of baby's room, all decked out in a graphic mix of brown and white. I love the puppy accents, like the puppy mobile hanging above the crib and the doggy art on the wall.

P.S.

Microchip. Microchip. Microchip!

A Rookie Mistake

Daniel and I went out to dinner on Friday night to celebrate our last weekend together in Minneapolis. There's a pretty good Italian restaurant on Lake Street called Amore Victoria, and we were lucky enough to score a beautiful table outside, on a more than beautiful evening.

Five minutes into our meal a random puppy dog runs up to our table and starts licking up the parmesan cheese crumbs. Turns out the poor little guy is lost, and we grab him just before he runs back out into the traffic on Lake.

So now we're in the middle of dinner, and we're holding onto the lost dog, who's got no leash and no tags, just his collar and the stretched key ring where the tags used to be... It was pretty obvious the owner had accidentally hooked the leash up to the key ring instead of the collar and the pup had pulled his way loose, breaking off his tags.

I must admit that this happened to me several times when I first got my dog, except Charly never ran off further than our next door neighbor's yard. After the third or fourth time I decided I'd had enough with the broken key rings and lost tags, so I went to Lowe's and bought an S Hook. I opened it up with some pliers, strung on Charly's tags, and used the pliars again to close the hook around the existing metal hook of the dog collar. The S Hook is so small there's really no way you can hook the leash up to it, but it's also super strong, so you'll never lose those tags again.

Daniel quickly finished up his pasta dish and biked back to our house to pick up a leash and our car. We'd have to take the puppy over to grandma's house since Gus won't be having no stray pups up in HIS house. Before we left the restaurant we decided to take a quick walk around the neighborhood, now that we had a leash to hold on to the dog. And within 10 minutes we ran into his owner. She'd only had him for a couple of months and he'd never run off like this before. I'm just glad we didn't have to take the dog to animal control the next morning.

So remember, never use a key ring to hook up your dog's tags to his collar. Go buy an S Hook. They're only 0.93 cents and well worth it.

Berlin Schnau

Daniel and I spent the whole three-day weekend packing up our house, getting ready for our move to Germany. We'll be spending the fall semester in Deutschland, where Daniel will be doing research at the University of Bonn.

So Dan left yesterday, and he's on his way to Europe, via Chicago. I'll be joining him in a month, after I wrap up some things with my job. They've been incredibly supportive and have allowed me to take a three month leave of absence, which means I have to work extra hard this month to help out with as many projects as possible.

The dogs of course will go to grandma's, since we're just too scared to stick them in the bottom of an airplane for the 8 hour flight to Germany. My mom is thrilled because she'll get the puppies all to herself, for four entire months.

There are so many things I'm going to miss while on this European Adventure; my family and friends, our coffee maker, a washing machine and dryer in the basement, the autumn colors of the Midwest.

Most of all I'll miss those dogs. Damn, I love those guys.

And second, I'll miss our Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed. Honestly, we've never slept better. The back pain is gone, and we are so happy and rested when we get up in the morning. I just know that little European double bed waiting for us in Deutschland is going to kill.

But at least I can rest assured Gus and Charly will be getting their beauty sleep. I just got them their very own doggy beds from DoggyArchy to take with them to grandma's. These eco-friendly beds are made from organic cotton and pesticide-free industrial hemp fibers and fillers, reducing your dogs daily exposure to the hazardous chemicals released from your typical synthetic pet bed. And these beds are gorgeous, so you can promote your dog's natural health without compromising your style.