Wedding Update!

Ever since I got back from Israel I've been in "full-bridal mode" whatever that means.  Scott is in "full-house mode."  We bought a house and we just moved in!super exciting!  Anyways, I have really kicked it into high gear.  After visiting The Bark Avenue Boutique and seeing the metal topiary in the shape of a dog, I knew that I needed to add it to my list of things to purchase for the wedding.  *Not sure what breed I want since I haven't been able to find a Shih Tzu*

We are going to cover it in lights and hopefully place it somewhere in one of the gardens -- if I can do it without causing a tripping hazard.

Petcentric (Hosted by Purina)

Petcentric, "The Ultimate Destination for Pet Lovers" is basically a website like "People" or "InStyle" but for those whose lives revolve around their pets.  

You are probably wondering why I have been MIA for soo long.  I recently returned from a 17 day trip to Israel.  10 days with Birthright and 7 days with my family!  It was an unbelievable trip and it is amazing how "dog-friendly" Israel is compared to the States.  After the 10 days with Birthright, my family stayed @ the Sheraton Tel Aviv, which interestingly is also dog-friendly (but size does matter).  However, walking around Tel Aviv, dogs would be off-leash and follow their owners around.  I was surprised at how well trained they were and that none of them ran out into traffic (thank goodness).

Even some of the restaurants were dog-friendly, both indoor and out -- mostly outdoors, but still I loved it!  Walking along Ben Yehuda in Tel Aviv, many of the restaurants have signs that say "Pet-Friendly" or "Dogs Welcome."  They are considered to be Petcentric Restaurants.  This had me curious, so when I returned to the States, I checked it out online.

The Purina Petcentric website has a search engine for "places and events" that are "pet-friendly."  In Israel they have a lot, here in North Brunswick, NJ not so many, but in downtown Philly, Conshohocken, and Valley Forge their are quite a few!!!

Check out the website and see for yourself.  They even give you lists of lodging locations that allow dogs, BEACHES, and of course, restaurants.

Monograms & Mutts

Monogramming has become a big trend for both dogs and dog lovers.  Recently I've been seeing more and more people wearing monogrammed necklaces or traveling with monogrammed luggage.  Wags & Tags makes dog bowl necklaces with matching tags for your pooch, so why not get a monogrammed necklace for yourself and a charm one for your dog?

As you may or may not know, I am getting married next pay and I have been "drooling" over the Moon & Lola Monograms from SwellCaroline.  I've already decided that I will be purchasing a necklace in either sterling silver or rose gold with my new initials and wearing it to either the reception or the Monday brunch (keep in mind that my wedding is Memorial Day Weekend).

Personally I think it would be soo cute to get a monogrammed dog collar for my Shih Tzu/Terrier, Filly.  People get them personalized with their dogs names all the time; so why not with a monogram.  Filly doesn't have a middle name yet, so that is something I would have to come up with, but my first dog's monogram would've been KLH for Koko Hershey Lindsay.  Soo cute and soo preppy!  If he had been a little pooch, I probably would've gotten him a little monogrammed sweater, but a monogrammed bed for a big dogs would suffice as well.

Referral Code: 79926

BAB Designs (Black Label & Green Label)

Looking for something unique for you and your pooch, the Bark Avenue Boutique in Wayne, PA has the "goods" for you.  Along with their Signature Black Label where you can get a "classic style to match your signature look" for both you and your pooch, they now have a Green Label!  You can donate your own old (or new) ties, curtains, old jeans...etc...and have them turned into a one of a kind dog collar, leash, harness, dress, pet bed, hair bow, mess-matts, and beds.  I have to be honest, I actually purchased some hair bows at the BAB and I wear them!  What can I say "I'm a dog at heart <3"

Donna & Daisy Mae in matching outfits

The Green Label is fabulous!  Completely made of 100% recycled materials and like I said before, one of a kind (unless of course you purchase 2).  I've been thinking of getting something (a tie, dress, skirt) in my favorite Lilly Pulitzer print *Dark 'n Stormy and having it made into a collar or leash for my little puppy Filly.  I have the Roselyn skirt and I got my fiance the tie, but Filly is missing out on my favorite print.  I may have to do something about that in the near future.  Hopefully, it'll show up on the ReLillyGroup on Facebook.

Happy 24th Birthday to ME!

Today is my 24th birthday!  Had a mini celebration with Scott and my mom yesterday (along with bridal dress shopping -- no luck).  Today I'm babysitting for 6+ hours and we put on an offer on a house (hope it works out.)  Definitely an interesting birthday.  In other news, Scott got me the doggy wallet I wanted by Ted Baker in hot pink!  I posted a picture of it earlier (check it out).  I'm obsessed!  He also got me a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins -- brings back memories from when I was younger!  Always had to have an ice cream cake!

My cake -- but was bright pink & had my name

It's Summer, Let's Celebrate at the Spa

It's finally Summer!  School is basically over (public yes/private no) and it is time to relax, go to the beach, and drink mimosas by the pool.  I know we all are thinking about it.

Summer is a "hot" time of year, so be sure to get your dog groomed so he/she isn't too hot during those sweltering days we all know are fast approaching.  Even after a hair cut, be sure it's not too hot outside for your pooch.  Think of it is this way, if it is soo hot that you don't want to go outside, why would your dog?

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty particular where I will send my dog to get groomed.  I'm a little weird about Petco and PetSmart only because one day I was watching them groom a Yorkie through the window and I just didn't like how the dog was soo scared when his face was getting trimmed.  I don't blame him though, I'd be afraid with pointy scissors near my eyes!

 

Being a New Jersey girl now, I don't have the luxury to visit the Pet Village of Wayne and take my dog to Dogma Premier Dog Spa.  Though on a few occasions I may have to consider it being worth the trip (as long as I am visiting home for the weekend).

Dogma, voted 2011 Best Dog & Cat Groomer in the Main Line offers just as many services for your pet as my hair salon and spa here in New Jersey.  Packages include: The Dogma (full service grooming package), The Prima Dogma (full service + package -- pawdicure included), The Yuppy Puppy Package (for pets 6- years old), and The Main Line Quickie Maintenance Program (Cut & Condition).  They even offer add-on services, including but not limited to: a shedding treatment, facial, teethbrushing, and a flea/tick bath.

All groomers at Dogma are pet care professionals.  One of which is ABKA certified and two others who are graduates of Dog Grooming schools.

What comes after a spa treatment?  A massage of course!  Woof!  Only available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Dogma offers their clients the opportunity to make an appointment for what they call "Canine Massage Therapy."  You are probably thinking, I rarely get a massage, why does my dog need one?  Benefits can be physiological, but also is great for rehabilitation purposes.  Click here to read some client testimonies.

On another note -- check out this stationery I found by R. Nicols.  Saw them and instantly thought of Dogma.

Never Drink Alone...Always with your Pooch

Mission Statement: Deliver Dogvergnügen 

Dogvergnügen (prounounced dawg' feh-gnu-gen) is defined as "The unique joy you feel in the presence of Dog" and is the inspiration for all Dog is Good products.  I love their products, which range from clothing (Men, Women, Kids, Dogs), Accessories, Jewelry...etc... and they don't just have dog themed products.  They do sell some horse & cat themed goods as well.

Right now I am obsessed with the "Never Drink Alone" t-shirts for men.  They come in many different breeds and are clever and witty.  A great shirt to pair with shorts or jeans, wear to the bar or relax by the pool.  They are relaxed fit tees, 100% cotton, and pre-laundered to eliminate shrinking.  What I really like about them is that each design is a different vintage dog beer label.  I got my fiance the "Labby Lager" navy blue t-shirt and I love when he wears it!