Bridal Shower: The Dog Bride

Me in my Doggy Dress

This past Sunday was my bridal shower.  Dog themed of course!  We had an amazing celebration filled with food, booze, and games.  It was a lot of fun and I'm glad that my friends and family could come.  There were even a few surprises.......for me & for the guests.......

For the guests, we bought dog themed luggage tags from Petsmart.  Aren't they adorable? I had to snag a Shih Tsu one for myself to use for my honeymoon in South Africa.  That way I can always have Filly with me.

Later, my neighbor surprised me by ordering a custom photo cookie tower and dog bone shaped cookies from Veronica's Treats in Middleboro, MA.  They were soo delicious!  Everyone was raving about how cute they were and how good they tasted.  Don't they look amazing!  She even does custom decorated oreos and photo BROWNIES!  Right now I'm ooogling over the oreos that look like a bride and groom and the one that is 2 tiered like a wedding cake.  NOW IMAGINE PAW PRINT OREOS!! #swoon

51 Days! Thank you "Mospens Studio"

Only 51 days till I am Mrs. Sarah Goehringer!  I'm getting so excited, but still have lots to do.  The invites have gone out in the mail and I wanted to share with you my custom design done by Mospens Studio.  Michelle and James Mospens did a wonderful job designing and printing my invites.  The invitations truly represent myself and my fiance (and of course our puppy, Filly).  The process was really easy and Michelle is amazing with responding quickly and reading the many many emails of questions you may have.

They do everything from shower invitations to place cards (with everything in the middle).  You can even have your wedding invite cleverly designed as a "message in a bottle" or if you are getting married at a Vineyard, invite your guests with a bottle of wine.  Truly amazing!

Choose from the many invites included in the signature collection or inquire/CHAT NOW *new feature* with Michelle or James and have your Dream Invitation designed just as we did!

Real detail goes into each and every one of Mospens Studio's finished products.  They are pieces of art!  A bunch of my friends are getting married and looking at invitations.  I have definitely recommended Mospens Studio to them.  

Take a peek at Michelle Mospen's Original Hand Drawn art.  See if they have something you like.  You don't need to be getting married to order stationery!  I wish I could have added a little sparkle and stationery fragrance to mine. Maybe next time when I need a new bunch of stationery!

ENJOY 20% OFF WHEN YOU SPEND $200 OR MORE.

Offer expires 3/24/13

Coupon Code: SPRINGFEVER

FREE GUEST ADDRESSING

Reply card for my wedding!

Shoes. Chocolate. Coffee. Dogs.

So Filly has been wearing a Philadelphia Phillies collar for about a year, and while it should last longer, it has started to fray and is discolored.  Recently I entered the "Lifeguard Press is Sweet" contest, and last week I got a message that said I did not win the grand prize, but they loved my Pinterest board and would still like to send me a gift from my Pinterest page!  I chose the Dylan's Candy Bar dog collar in Candyspill and it arrives today.  If you don't know already, I love all things shoes, chocolate, coffee, and dogs.  I even have the plaque to show the world! (Though it leaves out coffee).

I can't wait to put it on Filly!  He will look soo adorable with the candy collar.

Anthropologie goes to the Dogs!

The funny thing about the way I shop is that whenever I am online, on any clothing or accessory website, the first thing I do is type "dog" in the search engine.  I rarely shop at Anthropologie, but I figured since we have one within 5 minutes of our house in New Jersey I would check out online and see what they have.  First of all, I have to say that once I saw the Fetch & Frolic dress on their website I knew that, 1st I had to call my store to make sure they had it in stock and in my size, and second that it was a purchase I HAD TO MAKE!   Though I think I may change up the belt.  My fiance wasn't too fond of that part of the outfit.

The other piece of apparel that I am drooling over (pun intended) is the Pooch Posse Cardigan.  It is soo adorable and while I wouldn't pair it with the dress, it would great with jeans and a tee underneath.

Newest Coffee Table Book? Yes Please!

The New Yorker Magazine has just released a new book that I will soon be purchasing, or hinting at for a Valentine's Day gift.  $27 on Amazon, this book is sure to be a great addition to your living room coffee table.

This book is a collection of poems, humor, cartoons, cover art, drafts and drawings from past magazine archives all compiled into one canine themed book for dog lovers everywhere.  If you are into ebooks, it is available for $19.99.  Personally, while I do love ebooks, this is a book that I want to display!

The cover sort of reminds me of Clifford, the Big Red Dog?  What do you think?

For The Love of Hedgehogs!

Has anyone else noticed that dogs are obsessed with hedgehogs?  My Shih Tzu/Terrier, Filly has already gone through three hedgehogs.  His most recent one is from the Martha Stewart Collection and it is by far the most durable.  It has a sound chip inside that makes it make this clicking nose (I guess the sound that hedgehogs make).  It has more stuffing in it compared to the other two, which is why I like it.  Filly is less likely to break the sound chip like in all the other ones with the squeakers.

This month I have seen hedgehogs everywhere.  The newest Petco commercial has a wall of hedgehogs in the background.  Paper-Source is all about hedgehogs for Valentine's Day.  Which I am really excited about.  I'm planning on going the day after Valentine's Day (or order online) and get them on sale!

A Dog Lovers iPhone

Wow!  I have really been MIA.  We are already into the New Year and I haven't posted since Black Friday!  I apologize.  I've been super busy with wedding planning.  My fiance kind of caved and he is more willing to "dogify" our wedding!  A combination of green apples and dogs.  Personally I prefer any of the red apples to eat, but he favors the green ones and I think they are a better color scheme for our wedding :) haha.

Anyways,

If you don't have a smartphone these days, whether it be an android or an iPhone you are behind the times.  Smartphones do everything for us --- and we let them!  But why not, if it makes our lives easier. Pay our bills on the go, study for exams (if you are in school), read the news, and "of course" shopping.  I found these super cute dog themed iphone cases that I am in love with.  Right now, I have the Kate Spade Scottie Dog iphone 4s case and it suits me!

Click here and check out these cases!

Lovable Labels BLACK FRIDAY SALE

Like many of you, I am a bit of an organizer freak (but in a messy way according to my fiance).  Haha.   My Lilly Pulitzer planner is perfection and I am obsessed with washi tape and labels, but my clothing organization is another story.  My desk @ work is pretty neat.  All my papers are organized and I use labels on everything, which is why I wanted to share this SWEET DEAL with you since I am a Lovable Labels LOVE BUG!

Starting Black Friday November 23rd and going till Cyber Monday November 26th, Lovable Labels is having a great sale!  Take 20% off your entire order, or take 30% off orders over $100 or more.  This is a great time to stock up on labels for holiday gifts, and if you are thinking ahead --- why not get labels for labeling school supplies and clothing!

I am particularly fond of the slimline labels in the Lollipop colors with the puppy dog icon!  I use my current slimlines on all my notebooks, and as I get closer to my wedding date, I will get to use my special coupon deal for new labels with my new name!

Main Line Boutique Week

Exclusive discounts...in-store promotions...contests giveaways & MORE!

Main Line Boutique Week gives regular and new customers the chance to shop and save during a special week dedicated to them.  Be sure to follow each participating retailer on Facebook, along with the Main Line Today page.

Participating Retailers Include:  (more available on website)

 

Hurricane Pet Safety

During a hurricane, it is extremely important to remember that your pet is relying on you.  The ASPCA says "If you're not safe, neither is your pet."  Keep your pet with you or close by at all times.  Be sure to have a leash handy and a carrier.

The ASPCA has issued the following tips for pet owners:

• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.
• Make sure all pets wear collars and ID tags with up-to-date identification. Micro-chip your pet as a more permanent form of identification.
• Keep a pet emergency kit and supplies handy with items such as medical records, water, pet food and medications, and pet first aid supplies. Take this with you if you evacuate.
• Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind.

12 hours till the "eye of the storm hits" New Jersey.

During the storm, depending on the intensity (which seems will be high), try to keep your dogs relaxed.  If you are tense, they will be too.

New Home -- Time to Decorate

Recently my fiance and I just moved into our first house!  It's such an exciting time, what with planning our wedding and having a house of our own, and not an apartment.  The neighborhood is wonderful. From what I hear and have read, the school district is great (for New Jersey), and we have a fenced in backyard for Filly.  It's also nice that a lot of our neighbors have dogs as well.  During our routine walk and/or run with Filly, we get to meet new people and their pooches.

Since moving in, we've been unpacking, building, ripping up carpet..etc...Hopefully soon it will be time to hang pictures and decorate.  If it were up to me, I'd probably buy "all things dogs."  My house would look like the inside of Bark Avenue Boutique store in Wayne, PA.  But, not sure how Scott would react to that.  We will go with my office being "overly dog-centric."  Recently, the cutest mail holder showed up on my Facebook newsfeed.  Anthropologie now has this Dachsund Letter Holder for $32 that I am absolutely obsessed with.  It would go perfectly next to my black Labrador lamp on the hallway table!

I love that it holds a pencil that becomes the tail

101 in 1001

Inspired to create my own list by Mackenzie, author of the Design Darling Blog and fellow redhead, I got to work writing down all the things I hope to accomplish in these 2.75 years.  While not specifically related to dogs, I thought it would be a super fun activity to pursue.

1. Come up w/ 101 things to accomplish
2. Inspire 2 people to make their own list
3. Get a job teaching in a public school
4. Take a dance class w/ Scott for wedding 1st dance
5. Do the Green Smoothie Morning routine for 1 month (IT IS DISGUSTING!!!)
1. Did 1 day -- it was gross.
6. Subscribe to the magazines I buy anyways
7. Try a microdermabrasion treatment service
8. Send out holiday cards 1 year
9. Make 10 recipes off of Pinterest
10. Learn calligraphy
11. Make an address book w/ family & friend contact info
12. Send 50 handwritten notes (wedding thank you's don't count)
13. Get an iPad -- ordered
14. Invest in 3 beautiful coffee table books (I already have 2, want total of 5)
15. Complete a 365 day photo challenge
16. Write a children's book
17. No fast food for a month
18. Complete a coloring book
19. Invest in a SodaStream Revolution
20. Do 10 DIY crafts off of Pinterest
21. Get married to the love of my life!
22. Convert my handwriting into a computer font
23. Create an e-portfolio
24. Save $100 using coupons @ the supermarket
25. Participate in The Color Run
26. Go to a Phillies vs. Red Sox game
27. See Lady Gaga in concert
28. Attend an Oktoberfest celebration
29. Find the perfect beauty and skincare regimen for me
30. Take a surfing lesson
31. Cook Scott dinner everyday for 1 month (minus nights out)
32. Find the perfect little black dress
33. Make it to the gym @ least 3x a week for 2 months
34. Drink 8 glasses of water everyday for 1 week
35. Go on a safari
36. Give up soda for 1 month (seltzer is ok)
37. Invest in a few ebook cookbooks
38. Visit all 50 states
39. Re: 38 Figure out how to keep track of where I've traveled
40. Give up caffeine for 1 day
41. Host a dinner party
42. Take time off from teaching and work for Lilly Pulitzer or the Bark Avenue Boutique (maybe in 5 years)
43. Design my own monogram
44. Take a picture for each letter in the alphabet and make a collage
45. Wear the right shade of red lipstick
46. Take a class to learn to crochet
47. Attempt to learn conversational Hebrew
48. Learn to change a tire
49. Unsubscribe myself from all the email lists that clutter my inbox
50. Be paid as a freelance blogger or social media manager
51. Try 10 new beers
52. Take Scott to see Wicked on Broadway in NYC
53. Decorate home for the holidays
54. Make my bed everyday for 1 month
55. Buy a nice gym bag
56. Host Thanksgiving dinner
57. Run in the morning before work 20x
58. Eat dessert 1st @ a restaurant
59. Make homemade salsa for Scott
60. Bake every single thing in a cookbook
61. Take a glass blowing class
62. Watch the ball drop in Times Square
63. Wear makeup everyday for a week
64. Complete and frame a 1000 piece puzzle
65. Participate in a cookie exchange
66. Leave a 100% trip
67. Try 5 new restaurants
68. Order off of the Starbucks secret menu
69. Spend a day cooking and freezing meals
70. Take Scott to see Cirque du Soleil "O"
71. Attend a festival
72. Own a Dyson vacuum cleaner
73. Get a ridiculous manicure w/ a friend
74. Sing karaoke in a bar
75. Try Zumba
76. Watch the sunrise and sunset in the same day
77. Eat @ Pat's cheesesteaks (only ever had Geno's)
78. Make my own hummus
79. Track everything I eat for 1 month
80. Join a book club
81. Go sailing
82. Enter a contest
83. See 10 classic movies I've never seen
84. Do Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred
85. Start a collection of something and stick to it
86. Go to Martha's Vineyard
87. Take vitamins daily for 1 month
88. Get rose gold highlights (after wedding)
89. Grow fingernails out and keep nicely polished for 1 month
90. Learn to drive a stick shift
91. Participate in "Operation Beautiful"
92. Fix my hair for work everyday for 2 weeks straight
93. Teach someone else a skill
94. Get my car detailed
95. Learn how to navigate the stock market
96. Try acupuncture
97. Make a DZ Princess Family Tree
98. Make a candle
99. Stomp in a bucket of grapes and make wine
100. Make my own melted crayon art
101. Make a new 101 in 1001 list!

Doggy PocketBac Holders

Two days ago (well who am I kidding, I went back yesterday) I went shopping @ Bath & Body Works.  Initially I was going to purchase some new PocketBac holders for my classroom, one of which I wear on a lanyard.  The new Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin smells amazing as does the Warm Apple Cider.  The current deal is buy 5 for $5.  So why not, it's not like they expire.

 

Anyways, I was walking around the store being my usual indecisive self and I picked a few scents I liked and purchased them.  Before I left I went to look in one section that I had missed, AND WHAT DID I FIND, Dog themed PocketBac holders!  I got a pink poodle, yellow dog, and white dog.  They were out of the brown dog, but it is on my list when I have a chance to go back!

This Saturday, Sept 15. from 1-5pm (in select stores) are having a Fall Festival.  Check it out for a free pumpkin carving candle!

Chevron, Monograms & Paw Prints

“You know you’re a teacher when.....you have an unhealthy obsession with school supplies.”  That is soo me, but the same applies to me and dogs!  Check this out...I had some free time @ home a few weekends ago and I have been been obsessed with all things monogrammed.  (Probably because in a few months --- 258 days exactly I will officially be Mrs. Scott Goehringer and my monogram will be SGL.  I like it :)  So while exploring through Pinterest, I came across someone who demonstrates how to make your own binder covers and how to add your own monogram.  I had to go one step further and add paw prints for my love of dogs.  I think it came out well, don't you?  It's really easy.  Take any pattern you like, open up Photoshop -- if you have it *if not, Pixelmator for Mac is cheap and easy to use too*  Create an 8 1/2 x 11 size page and upload the graphic.  Next use fun fonts to create your monogram.  It's that easy!

Can you imagine this with a Lilly print?  It would be gorgeous.

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.