Category Archives: love

November 16, 2012 · 6:04 pm

Wallace and Hector’s cross country trip

Wallace is checking off his bucket list…and more !!!!

Great Salt Lake, Wallace Was Here

Wallace hits the beach

watch?v=0cprAR1myrs&feature=player_embedded

Wallace at the dog park

Wallace met Betty White

She was so nice and so sweet! She loved on both me and my bro Hector the Pit Bull! She met us on a break during rehearsal, and when it was mentioned that she really needed to get some lunch before she was due back on stage, her response was “I can eat lunch anytime”, and stayed just a bit longer to give us some more love! Thanks Betty for being so gracious with your time, and for loving dogs of all shapes and sizes!

Here’s a disc used by me and signed by the beautiful Wendie Malick from Hot In Cleveland. She thought I was so gorgeous, she even put it in writing!

http://theunexpectedpitbull.com/cgblog/17/17/Wallace-the-Pit-Bull.php#blog_content

BadRap Reunion

Roo and Clara drove 35 hours from Minnesota with Hector and Wallace.  Seven of the V-dogs who touched down in California five years ago were reunited for this photo at the recent Hoedown.

http://video214.com/play/AnLMASVFBBwVUTIIX7r4Jg/s/dark

It looks easy – but check out the video of photographer Mark wrangling these squirmy dogs and giggling cowboys and cowgirls to get this fantastic shot:

https://vimeo.com/52493758

http://www.pitbullnotes.com/?p=2484

Wallace was kind enough to grant a photo session with his new book when he was here for the big hoedown slumber party. Although what he REALLY wants in this moment is a break so he can “Please pretty please get back to that awesome toy box pleeease?”

Wallace and Roo in 2008

http://vimeo.com/49353843

One of the greatest pleasures we’ve had this year was to see Hector the Pit Bull again at our reunion. It’s been over four years since we put him on a plane to his wonderful new life with Roo and Clara. He’s still the same floppy guy, only with a little gray now around his muzzle. And those EYES!

and that Hector famous flop…

weird…

http://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/exclusive-rehabilitation-michael-vicks-deadly-pitbulls

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop code

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Filed under Adventure, All you need is love, animal books, animal communication, animal rescue, animal stars, badrap, Bay area, beach, beach parties for dogs, best friends animal sanctuary, California, dog parks, dog rescue, dog travel, dogs, exercise your dog, four paws up, K9 approved, K9 travel, keep pets safe, lost dogs book, love, Michael Vick dogs, pet blog hop, pet care, pet travel, pit bull, publicity, travel with dog, Uncategorized, Vicktory dogs

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November 7, 2012 · 5:16 pm

Happy days are here again

this morning, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and tails are wagging!!!!!    first dog Bo stays in the White House… Big Bird is happy… NO MORE ADS… Landslide. #Obama2012

Last night Ohio and many other states showed the country that our democracy is not for sale.

To the President…”When you were elected in 2008, you inspired the world with a call to take responsibility for the problems we face as global citizens. Since then, you have made earnest efforts to live up to that great hope and trust placed in you by the American public. I believe you have been re-elected now in recognition of that effort.” — the Dalai Lama.”

WOMEN, WE DID IT!!!   18 women were elected to the Senate. That has never been done before.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/07/women-senate-2012-election_n_2086093.html

http://www.theonion.com/articles/i-want-to-congratulate-the-president-romney-says-i,30283/

Democrats don’t have to cheat to win

http://www.salon.com/2012/11/07/the_obama_mandate/

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Filed under all you need is a dog, All you need is love, Democrat, dogs, economy, first dog Obama family, four paws up, love, Made in USA, money, news, obama, politics, Republican, smile, Uncategorized, War is Over, war on women, Washington, What a wonderful world, wild women, women with dogs

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October 21, 2012 · 1:57 pm

Pit Bulls and Addicts

been enjoying the new season of Pit Bulls and Parolees…now that they have moved to New Orleans…

https://www.facebook.com/PitBullsandParolees/app_378878488848240

last night, there was an inspiring new show on afterwards, Addicts & Animals...

Addicts & Animals’ hero, Phil Aguilar, aka “Chief,” has made it his mission to help drug addicts, but he does it his way. He and his family run an in-home sobriety program that uses the responsibility and joy of pet ownership as a means for recovery. Once a heroine addict himself, Chief swoops up addicts from the doorsteps of Hell and helps them get their lives back, with the help of a few tail-wagging companions.

He rescues death row dogs/shelter dogs… which is very cool…and each addict, when ready, gets to take care of a dog.

Healing Trauma

The relationship between humans and pets has always been a close, cherished bond. Animals have a magical way of easing stress and relieving strain for individuals in need – even drug addicts. Research suggests that the hormones activated by drug abuse are also elevated by animal contact. Dopamine and serotonin levels increase with drugs like cocaine and heroin; the same feel good hormones increase from healthy activities, like taking care of a dog.

Health benefits of having a pet include:
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces stress
• Fights depressions

Animal-assisted therapy is being used in a wide variety of settings to help people with acute and chronic illnesses. This is based on the many physiological and psychological benefits documented in patients during interactions with animals. These include lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased beta-endorphin levels, decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning, and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-esteem. Animal therapy is looked upon as both a learning and healing experience.

How can animals help with addiction? There is more than one reason for utilizing animals to help in addiction recovery.

The first reason is that animals like dogs and horses exhibit total emotional honesty, something that addicts need to learn themselves. A horse, for example, will show signs of fear when afraid, aggression when angry, exploration when curious, rather than trying to conceal these emotions in any way.

In addition, animals like horses reflect our emotions. If we are anxious near them, they will be anxious also. If we are relaxed, they will relax as well. This kind of feedback is especially helpful for addicts who are working on getting more in tune with what they feel. An addict may not be aware that he is feeling particularly tense, for example, when working with a horse. But the horse’s unease may alert him to that fact. The addict can then respond by concentrating on relaxing.

Horses are large and somewhat intimidating animals. How an addict responds to and behaves around the horse can tell an addictions therapist a lot about how this person interacts in other relationships. For example, someone who is aggressive, in personal relationships, will generally demonstrate the same behavior when working with a horse.

Another addict who is shy, reserved, or afraid to speak her mind will usually have a very difficult time setting boundaries with a horse. The horse will learn to respect those who earn it, and weak requests will not get that respect from a horse.

The horse is therefore a great teacher of assertiveness, the midpoint between aggression and passivity. A horse will often respond in fear or refused cooperation to aggression. They will generally ignore passive requests. Somewhere in the middle is assertiveness, the ability of the addict to be clear and honest about what he needs, without being overbearing.

Outside of therapy, animals can help a person in recovery cope with stress. Animal studies regularly demonstrate that the mere presence in the home of a dog or cat can lower a person’s blood pressure. Just petting a dog or cat can decrease heart rate, respiratory rate, and other symptoms of stress.

With stress being so imperative for addicts in recovery to manage, having a pet can be a big help in the recovery process. Pets can also help addicts work on service and compassion, as they learn to care for and love an animal that is dependent upon them for support. All of these benefits make animals an important addition to recovery.

As an adjunct to more traditional types of addiction treatment, animal-assisting therapy works by helping those who have been battling the demons of substance abuse find a way to step outside of themselves and discover deeper meaning and purpose by providing vital assistance to other living creatures who desperately need love and companionship. For animals and recovering addicts alike, animal-assisting therapy is a win-win situation.
Acts of kindness and selflessness by their very nature put us in contact with the best of ourselves, and this can make them incredibly valuable for recovering addicts who spent so many years selfishly putting their own needs above those of everyone else. Addicts and alcoholics repeatedly use and manipulate people in order to satisfy their desire for relief from the symptoms of addiction, and besides their need to detoxify their bodies they also need to cleanse their wounded spirits to remove the contamination left behind by their self-centered and abusive past behaviors.
Animal-assisting therapy can help even the most broken and jaded person rediscover his or her deepest inner sources of compassion, which is an essential step for any addict who hopes to finally ascend from the pit of despair and shame that dominated his or her existence for so long. Before those with a history of substance abuse can hope to find lasting sobriety, they must first rebuild their self-esteem to the point where they actually feel strong enough to accomplish difficult things and worthy enough to deserve the happiness and peace that was denied them during their years of battling against alcoholism or drug addiction.
Animal-assisting therapy is all about fixing bodies, minds, and souls that have been damaged by abuse and neglect. Above all else, recovering addicts and alcoholics need something new and worthwhile to live for, and a commitment to caring for animals who have been cast aside can provide vital meaning and purpose where before there was only dependency and hopelessness.

Therapy dogs, like Peaches the pit bull pictured above, typically work with their owners in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and rehabilitation centers. They play with abused children, give affection to the elderly, help the critically ill to laugh and forget their pain for a while, and sometimes provide a warm lick to wipe the tears away.  The presence of dogs provides a sense of normalcy and reassurance to troubled individuals. Acceptance and non-judgment are perhaps the two most important gifts that these animals can offer. To dogs, humans are “perfect” just the way we are.

Shame, guilt, secrecy and hopelessness create a fertile ground for self-loathing, despair and an abnormal fear response. In an environment where people have proven to not be trustworthy – or, in the addict’s case if they cannot trust themselves – trained therapy dogs can potentially bridge the gap and make a difference in one’s recovery.

Benefits:

  • Stabilized and Improve social skills by learning gentle ways to communicate and handle the animal, such as feeding and grooming.
  • Brighten affect, mood, pleasure and affection while playing with the animal.
  • Reduce abusive behavior and learn appropriate touch.
  • Improve ability to express feelings by identifying how an animal might feel in a certain situation and/or recalling a client’s history with pets (sharing stories of grief or funny events).
  • Reduce anxiety and fear by forming a bond of love and comfort with the animal.
  • Learn how to better communicate with people by talking to the animal.
  • Develop a cooperative plan to accomplish something with the animal.

Cynthia Chandler, author of Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling, points out that the positive benefits to be gained from therapy can be more immediate when a therapy pet is involved, especially when working with a resistant client. The desire to be with the therapy pet can sometimes override the client’s initial defenses (Chandler, 2005). She further points to the natural relationship that occurs between dogs and humans which can result in quick bonding and trust between the client and dog in a therapeutic setting. According to Chandler, this bond between the pet and the client also helps to facilitate a bond with the therapist, as the feelings of affection and trust for the pet are eventually transferred to the pet’s therapist. Screening is required for clients in recovery who have a history of violence, animal abuse, animal phobias or allergies. However, most clients and pets will benefit from this type of therapy (Chandler, 2005).

According to Dr. Joseph Volpicelli and the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “20 million Americans suffer from alcohol abuse disorders, yet only about 2 million are in any kind of treatment program.”

Stories of getting sober and being aided in staying sober fill the halls of AA and other recovery centers, and now, with the expansion of the field of AAT, perhaps the use of animals at treatment centers will one day become commonplace.

Love is considered by many to be the universal healer. Is it any less comforting if the source is not human? According to a study done at the Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition in Leicestershire, England, a pet’s love can help reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels, moderate the effects of stress, and build a sense of empathy. Love creates a bond that undeniably aids in the health, happiness and a sense of belonging that makes life worth living (Meunier, 2003). These nurturing qualities can easily be translated into a treatment plan for a recovering addict.

Imagine all of the shelter animals that can be saved and given new life/loving homes when more animals are utilized to help people recover from addiction, illnesses, war, trauma and injuries, PTSD and more…

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/40471379#40471379

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June 29, 2012 · 3:41 pm

Random acts of baked goods

Due to the inspiration of the Nine Nanas, who for 30 years have been making delicious lemon/lime pound cakes and giving them out to strangers in secret, anonymously, I thought why not do cupcakes and/or pupcakes?  (since they might be easier for me to make and bake) as a way to paw it forward… raise money for animal rescue/shelters… a creative way to promote your bakery or business. Lots of fundraising and giving happiness ideas.

pay it forward with pound cakes

http://choosywomen.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/pay-it-forward/

Feel free to perform random acts of baked goods.  If you are a bakery, who would like to donate baked goods, let us know. And if you are an animal rescue or shelter and want us to help you raise funds, let us know. And if you just want to utilize this idea, please let us know when you do !

Here are some cupcakes (for humans) recipes as well as pupcakes (for dogs) recipes for you to consider pawing forward.

for pupcakes

Ingredients:

Muffins:

• 2 cups shredded carrots

• 3 eggs

• 1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened

• 2 tsp. cinnamon

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 3 cups whole wheat flour

Frosting:

• 8 oz. low fat cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened

Instructions:

Muffins:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F

2. Lightly spray cups of muffin tin.

3. In a large bowl stir together the carrots, eggs and applesauce. Set aside.

4. In another medium bowl whisk together the cinnamon, oats and flour.

5. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients. Stir until well blended.

6. Spoon mixture into muffin tin. The dough will be thick, so you may wet your fingers to press the dough into place.

7. The dog cupcake will not rise very much, so do not worry about over filling the muffin tin.

8. Bake for 25 minutes.

9. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or serving.

Frosting:

1. Blend both ingredients with a hand mixer until well blended.

2. Spoon into a pastry bag for easy decorating.

Storing: These dog cupcakes will keep fresh in your refrigerator for 2 weeks. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. If you are going to freeze them, do not decorate with the frosting until they have thawed. For more information on how to store homemade dog treats please review our tips.

http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/dog-cupcakes.html

For cupcakes decorated as dogs/cats

To make the base you will need:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2/3 cup caster sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 cup SR flour

100mL milk

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C. Line a 12 cupcake tin with paper cases.

2. Cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time.

3. Beat in a little of the flour and the all of the vanilla essence. Then beat in the rest of the flour.

4. Add the milk and mix well.

5. Fill each cupcake case about 3/4 full. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until cooked in the centre.

6. Put on a rack to cool after 5 minutes.

To make the decorations, you will need:

250g cream cheese

1 cup icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla essence

large chocolate buttons

yellow, orange, brown and green chocolate M&Ms

biscotti

Fru-chocs

Black icing pen

spaghetti or noodle strands, cut into 4cm lengths

1. Beat the cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla essence with electric beaters until smooth.

2. When cupcakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of icing on each cupcake.

3. To make a dog cupcake, place a chocolate button in the eye position. Affix a yellow or orange M&M on top of the chocolate button for the pupil. Put a small dot of black icing in the centre of the M&M to make the pupil. Add a matching M&M and dot of black icing for the other eye. Put a Fru-choc in the nose position. Draw in the mouth with the black icing pen. Finally, affix two biscotti for the ears, using a dab of icing mixture to hold each ear in place,

4. To make a cat cupcake, place two orange or green M&Ms in the eye position. Pen in a vertical line of black icing on each M&M to create the cat’s pupil. Cut two large chocolate buttons so as to make two triangles. Position the triangles in the ear position. Next, put a brown M&M in the centre of the cupcake for the nose. Pen in the mouth using the black icing pen. Finally, add some spaghetti or noodle lengths for whiskers.

http://randomactsofcupcake.weebly.com/1/post/2011/08/how-much-is-that-doggy-cupcake-in-the-window-woof-woof.html

Are you going to perform random acts of baked goods?  Do you have recipes you’d like to share with us?

Blog Hop time…  thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop code…

6 Comments

Filed under animal rescue, cats, dog treats, dogs, family friendly, free, fundraising, gift giving, K9 approved, keep pets safe, love, pay it forward, pet blog hop, pet care, self help, Uncategorized

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February 10, 2012 · 1:09 pm

Home-Wrecking Hounds

Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan: Home-Wrecking Hounds (SPECIAL 150th Episode)

Premieres Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 8:00 PM ET/PT

It’s the 150th episode of Dog Whisperer, and love has gone to the dogs!  Cesar visits newlyweds Justin and Jeanine Buller, whose two dogs, Lucy, a Jack Russell terrier, and Betty, a Chihuahua mix, are wreaking havoc on their love nest. Cesar then lends a hand to Michael Hurwitz and his girlfriend Corey, who met online and feel nervous about introducing their dogs — an aggressive German shepherd named Roxy and a dominant Bouvier des Flandres named Frankie.  Will love bark eternal or has Cupid’s arrow missed the mark?  Only the “Love Whisperer” Cesar Millan has magic potion number K-9 to help these couples get their groove back.

DW – Chaotic Kisses

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/nat-geo-wild/shows-1/dog-whisperer-2/ngc-chaotic-kisses.html

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Filed under Cesar Milan, dogs, love, Uncategorized, Valentine's Day

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January 27, 2012 · 2:43 pm

love your dog… Valentine’s Day gifts

According to a survey conducted by the the National Retail Federation,  American pet parents will spend $367 million on Valentine’s gifts for their companion animals.  Whether you do not have a date, are obsessed with your dog or just do not want to leave them out of the fun activities, Valentine’s Day is a great day to show your pooch some extra love and pampering.

You might want to take your dog out for a night on the town, for a fun romantic dinner, visit the local Yappy Hour, get a pet portrait or professional photo done, or have an all girl’s extra special spaw day, where you give your dog a massage and aromatherapy treatment.

To help with the massage, you might consider:

The Hand-Held Massager from Silver Tails features two massage heads with smooth, raised “knuckles” to soothe joints and muscles. The handle can be adjusted to fit any sized hand. The massager is lightweight and is compact enough to fit in a pocket.

The Silver Tails Hand-Held Massager is available from Amazon, Petco, and other national retailers and costs $7 – $8.

You can also go the traditional route of flowers, wine and chocolate for your pooch.

Here are a few more ideas …

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90102838/pit-bull-magnet-modern-dog-gift

Old mother hubbard heart treats… wheat free PB Hearts™ are oven-baked with Peanut Butter and Oatmeal making them a fun natural snack bursting with flavor.

http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/product.aspx?&cat=1&pid=13

Below is a brief list of ‘pet friendly’ flowers and plants:

  • Common Name | Scientific name
  • African daisy | Arctotis stoechadifolia
  • African violet | Saintpaulia spp.
  • Alyssum | Allysum spp.
  • Bachelors buttons | Centaureaa cyanus
  • Begonia | Begonia spp.
  • Celosia | Celosia spp.
  • Common Snapdragon | Antirrhinum majus
  • Easter Daisy | Townsendia sevicea
  • Orchids | Barbrodia, Sophronitis, etc.
  • Peruvian lily, Brazilian lily | Alstroemeria spp.
  • Rose | Rosa spp.

~Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, PhD, DABVT, DABT
Vice President and Medical Director
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Pinot Leasheo

When the occasion calls for Pinot Grigio, the furry members of the family can enjoy Pinot Leasheo. The Bark Vineyards Pinot Leasheo is a perfectly balanced marriage of flavors that will appeal to the most discriminating tastes. An anticipated, unique treat which to conclude any day. It might also be an enticing appetizer.

Ingredients:

Water, dehydrated chicken broth, potato flakes, dehydrated carrot, lactic acid, xanthan gum, dehydrated parsley, garlic powder, dehydrated oregano

a whine that has gone to the dogs… and comes with a licker license… A gourmet treat experience. Pour evenly over a meal, step back as your beloved furry friend savors the delicious bouquet and unique flavors.

http://www.barkvineyards.com/sites/S27/File/pdf/Your%20store%20name%20LickerLicense.pdf

Carob dipped doggie treats…

Homemade Sweetheart PB Carob Treats

Ingredients:

Love
1 cup peanut butter
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 cup carob chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Beat eggs with peanut butter, then add milk and combine well.

3. In separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.

4. Combine the dry mixture with the peanut butter mixture. Mix well.

5. Stir in carob chips ( safe, non-toxic alternative to chocolate)

6. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto lightly greased cookie sheet, leaving about 1″ in between cookies.

7. Bake with love for 20 to 25 minutes, or until biscuits look just barely “dry” in the middle and are baked through. Do not overbake! The biscuits will naturally harden as they cool.

8. Before you & your dog take a nibble let treats cool down before removing from cookie sheet.

9. Once cooled. Ready, Set, devour!

http://www.pawlux.com/blog/be-my-furry-valentine-homemade-pb-carob-dog-biscuit-treats-recipe/

 

Time for our weekly Pet Blog Hop thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  Grab the code and hop away…

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Filed under dog treats, dogs, gift giving, gifts for your dog, holiday gifts, love, pet blog hop, Uncategorized, Valentine's Day

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February 5, 2011 · 5:14 pm

february is love your pet month

Happy February!  I just made that up, Love your Pet month, that should be every month.

Cici is a real celebrity this week.  pardon me while I brag, BOL…


http://ohmydogblog.com/2011/02/positively-pit-bull-meet-cici

 

she’s also in the American Dog magazine contest, please vote for her.  Just click on her photo.

 

www.theamericandogmag.com

 

 

she was also retweeted by Rachael Ray magazine…

 

ok, now thought this was interesting news

 

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ddbcenter.html

 

 

So back to the bragging, if you would like to join us in the Love Your mutt week… tell us why you love your pet in a single sentence. Photos are welcome.

All you gotta do is facebook, tweet and/or comment here, why you love your pet.

Tweets can be sent to me at:  @(suemagic) #ilovemypet


the best answer winners will win a surprise gift.  (funny, heartwarming, etc)…

 

Saturday Blog Hop code

3 Comments

Filed under all you need is a dog, All you need is love, contest, love, pet blog hop, Uncategorized

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February 3, 2011 · 3:13 pm

romantic gifts guide for you

Pamper, splurge, and indulge is the name of the game on Valentine’s Day. For that some enchanted evening feeling for all of you busy pet parents, here is a menu of Eco-friendly Valentine ideas.

Everyone deserves lots of love on Valentine’s Day (and every day) so here is a romantic gift guide you can show your sweetie. These gifts have all been k9 approved from Cici and I for you.

1.  Gorgeous Cosmetic Bag Bar None… You are an on the go type of gal who travels with your pooch to posh and not so posh places, right. To the dog park, bank, shopping, work, errands, to a pet friendly city, to visit your friends, family, loved ones, here and there and everywhere. Maybe you wear a lot of make-up or a little bit, like me, but your sweetie should do you right with this incredibly elegant soft cosmetic bag. Now get this. It not only is beautiful but it comes with a replaceable liner so that it stays fresh and clean. No more messy goo, flakes, dust and junk at the bottom of the bag. And this posh bag is also eco-friendly. Vemayca.com is the place to go get one.  It is almost too nice to use, but so convenient. And Veronica touts Eating Your Own Dog Food

2.  Say “I love you” every day with silk pillowcases and blankets on the bed. Silk blankets start at $299 (website is www.manitosilk.com)

Or a “magical” glow in the dark pillowcase like the one below.  Go to http://www.comfycozy.com $16.95

3.  Who doesn’t enjoy a Spaw day?  Joy of Spa (www.joyofspa.com) offers Instant Gift Certificates. Gifts are personalized and start at $25. The gift certificate is sent to the recipient by e-mail, or printed and sent to the recipient by the purchaser. Joy of Spa certificates  are redeemable at any of its 3,000+ partners, all of which are local, independently-operated spas and salons, across the country. Plus, gift certificates never expire, a bonus.

The Joy of Spa sister site, Spa Emergency (www.spaemergency.com), targets men shopping for a last minute gift or who have forgotten your special occasion. This is an easy way for guys to purchase personalized gifts for the women in their lives, and directs them to the Joy of Spa Instant Gift Certificates. No more stress, no more worry or panic.

4.  Fashion First Aid: You walk everywhere and your feet get tired. Footzyrolls are a rollable, foldable ballet flat that can make your life easier.  Rock n Red Soles are available for V-day, as well as the True Red Snake Skin shoe and candy-striped removable bow model. This gift comes with cute pink packaging. Prices range for $20-$30 depending on the style.

Footzyrolls come in handy when:

-The pain from heels is too much

-You need a quick, comfortable shoe while traveling

-You are running late to work from the dog park and need to get to the office quickly

-Your feet are tired from standing in heels all day and you want to change into a comfortable shoe to wear

Go to : www.footzyrolls.com

Relax away !

5.  DaBomb Yummy Soaps: Fraiche specializes in bath bomb swizzles and goat’s milk soaps, Rich Dark Chocolate soap is a special treat under $8.00. Three pak with rose, cherryliciious and rich dark Chocolate soaps. More info at: http://www.myfraiche.com 20% off by using coupon code fraiche20

Chocolate Dreamz Valentines Gift (the yummiest smelling) consists of 4 oz. Chocolate Dreamz Scrubz and matching scented 2 oz. Oilz by Scrubz.  Handmade in small batches.  Jars are recyclable, bags and scoops reusable.  Use only the finest food grade and organic oils in base. Scents are created using the highest standard essential and fragrance oils.  scrubzbodyscrub.com

6. After your massage and spa bath towel off with a Turk towel robe. The Turkish Towel Company sells 100% Turkish towels and bathrobes.  Check out the website at  http://www.turktowel.com

7.  Chocolate Dufflets Crackle, Tumbles, and Morsels are created from entirely natural ingredients. The Crackle is a twist on the classic Florentine that encases toasted nuts within sheaths of layered Belgian dark chocolate. Visit www.duffletsweets.com

8. Why not whisk you away for a weekend to Napa valley in northern California. It’s ok to leave the pooch behind, shhhh for a romantic weekend or you can bring your furry friend and stay at a luxurious pet friendly spa inn like Bardessono’s in Yountville. For the month of February, Ehlers Estate has partnered with one of Napa Valley’s premier Chocolatier’s, Woodhouse Chocolates, to offer a special chocolate and wine pairing.  The charming Ehlers Estate (www.EhlersEsate.com) is located in St. Helena.

Examples of pairings include:

2007 EHLERS ESTATE CABERNET FRANC PAIRED with Woodhouse’s THAI GINGER CHOCOLATE, dark chocolate ganache infused with coconut and lemon grass surrounding a piece of crystallized ginger’ covered in dark chocolate.

2006 EHLERS ESTATE ST. HELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1886 with Woodhouse’s HONEY CHOCOLATE, a milk chocolate ganache whipped with honey butter in a dark chocolate shell dusted with gold.

Ehlers Estate wines are produced using estate grapes and organic and biodynamic farming methods.  Wine and Chocolate tasting sweethearts will receive a small and sweet take-away gift as well as barrel tasting and tour of the Ehlers Estate Vineyards and grounds. The cost is $50 per person and reservations are required in advance.

9.  If southern California sun and beach is what you crave, you must visit the acclaimed AAA Five Diamond luxury Island hotel in Newport Beach. Toll Free: 866-554-4620.

ISLAND SPA AND CHOCOLATE INDULGENCE

When: Available February 4 through February 26

What: Experience a luxurious 60-minute spa treatment at the award-winning Spa at Island Hotel, followed by a decadent sweet finale at Palm Terrace Restaurant’s Cocoa Lounge. Choice of: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Deep Cleansing Facial, Gentlemen’s Fact Therapy, Aromatherapy Facial, Honey Hibiscus Hydrating Facial, OC Facial Drench, or Organic Carrot Vitamin Facial.

Price: $130.00, including the Cocoa Lounge Dessert Buffet (tax and gratuities not included). To book an appointment or arrange to give as a Valentine’s Day gift, please call (949-759-0808).

COCOA LOUNGE AT ISLAND HOTEL

When: February 4 through February 26: Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00 to 10:00 pm

What: Back by popular demand, Palm Terrace’s Cocoa Lounge Dessert Buffet will be serving up chocolate decadence.

Why: Executive Pastry Chef Michael Owens will offer scrumptious creations that include Banana Chocolate Mousse Cake, White Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake, Triple Chocolate Cupcakes, Double Chocolate Fudge S’mores, Manjari Obsession in Chocolate Cups, plus lollipops, peanut caramels, port chocolates and coconut almond bars, and much more – served among displays of chocolate statues and chocolate velour.
Price: $18 per person, tax and gratuities not included.

Insider Tip: Order a two- or more-course dinner at Palm Terrace Restaurant in February, Tuesday through Saturday, and receive complimentary entrance into the heavenly Cocoa Lounge.

For all of you Single gals

Why not have a gal’s night out or weekend? Or have a PJ party, gossip, share makeup tips, spa, eat fun food. Pamper, splurge and enjoy your freedom !

Infinite Love Flower Elixir, Mist, & Serum
Hand-collected flower elixirs that enhance unconditional love through acupuncture meridians … Made by Lotus Wei Elixir cost is 29.00, Mist & Serum cost is 35.00
Taken internally, designed to magnify unconditional love with the secret power of flower essences.
Put five drops of this elixir under your tongue five times throughout the day. Feel a difference in and around you within minutes.

Only the Finest Sweets For You, Sweetie … Distinct Flavors to Make you Drool

Caramel Sprinkled With Grey Salt, Espresso, Cognac, Rose, Jasmine, Cinnamon/Cayenne, Shitake Mushroom, and more

http://gailambrosius.com/explore-flavors/

Also, grab this fun book and read it.

Never Kiss a Frog – A Girl’s Guide to Creatures from the Dating Swamp by Marilyn Anderson is a fun take on fairy tales. Frogs don’t turn into princes—men don’t change—no matter how tenderly they’re handled.  Some are adept at hiding their reptilian views while others seem oblivious to their inner slime. Even an astute, Sex-and-The-City type of gal can be fooled. That’s why every lady hoping for a princely mate needs Never Kiss a Frog.

 

Last but not least, if you want to get your guy a cool gift, consider one of these:

C’mon baby light his fire… romantic and classy gifts for men.

All Natural Non-Toxic Soy Massage Candles made with Soy/Shea Butter and Essential Oils can be used for a massage. Soy Candles are non-toxic, burn cleaner, burn 50 to 60 % longer than paraffin, do not produce black soot, do not contain animal fat, contain 100% cotton wick, are made with Shea Butter, no artificial fragrance.  For more info, http://positivethoughtbrand.com/ $22.00

Light up those candles with:

Bugatti 3 Chrome Satin / Chrome Polished Traditional Flame Lighter $150
A Swiss made lighter a sleek design is not only appealing to the eye, but it also makes for the perfect pocket fit.  In a word: extraordinary.

Colibri “The Don” Black Matte Quantum Torch Flame Cigar Lighter $100
From the built-in cigar cutter to the wind-resistant blue torch flame, The Don has everything you could hope for in a lighter.  Plus, the optional personalized engraving is a perfect extra touch to let him know exactly how you feel.

Xikar “Executive” Torch Flame Lighter $35
This lighter is sleek, attractive and durable.  The button is conveniently located on the side of the lighter, keeping your finger safely distant from the powerful flame when it ignites.

Davidoff ”Giant” Cigar Matches $3
Use the perfect match to light your fire.

Love Potion #9

Looking for something special for that sophisticated fella this Valentine’s Day?  How about Love Potion #9? Love Potion #9® is a 60-proof, incredibly smooth, no grain alcohol (30% pure sugarcane alcohol) ‘distilled spirits specialty’ with a blend of 20 exotic tropical fruit flavors, including mango, peach, chocolate, vanilla, pear, apple, cherry, almond and many others.  More info can be found at http://www.lovepo9.com


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Filed under aromatherapy, California, chocolate, chocolate travel, dark chocolate, eco friendly/green, girlfriend getaways, love, organic, passion, Valentine's Day, wine country, women travel

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March 18, 2008 · 2:44 pm

Dogs are people, too and stuff that white people like…

Have you been reading the blog Stuff White People Like…here’s what they had to say about dogs… 

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/53-dogs/ 

It should be understood that in white culture, dogs are considered training for having children. That is to say that any white couple must get a dog before they have kids. This will prepare them for responsibility by having another creature to feed, supervise its bathroom activities, and to love. Because of this, white people generally assume that their dog is their favorite child unless otherwise stated.

 The blog is pretty funny… and true…and I think that they left out a lot about dogs and rich white people… because they are talking about rich white people… not poor white people… let’s be clear.  For instance, in the Stuff White People Like, they left out about designer dogs… you know all of those foo-foo dogs, Labradoodles and all kinds of poodle mixes that are the latest dog to have, dress and show off with your designer clothes and designer shoes and designer handbags. Paint their toenails, dye their hair the color of their favorite dress or braid their hair. There are even designer handbags that are made to fit your dog into or vice versa. Whatever would you do without your designer dog handbag?  Can’t leave the house without mine… hah…

It should also be said that some rich white people only like small designer dogs. Tiny dogs.  Yorkie-poo dogs. Chi-poo dogs.  The smaller, the tinier the better. You know, how you can never be too rich, or too thin. Your designer dog can never be too tiny. A dog the size of a pin. 

With a dog that weighs a ton, 54 pounds, I cannot compute or empathize although sometimes when my dog is hogging up the bed, I wish and pray for a small designer dog, a no muss, no fuss dog… a dog that isn’t a dog… a dog that is more like a cat… independent, small, a container dog.  Now you know that someone is going to invent, clone or create out of a test tube a dog that does not shed, that does not bark, that does not growl, that does not sniff butts, a dog that does not chew, a dog that does not slobber, a dog that does not pant, a frankendog that does not do any and all of the assorted dog activities that dogs now do. A non-dog, dog… 

Rich white people also like to spend a lot of money for their designer dogs and on their dogs… and brag about how much they spent. After all, their dogs are their most prized possessions…  show off dogs, show dogs… how many tricks can you teach a mutt, after all…  mutts are white trash dogs while designer dogs are upper echelons dogs. They’ve made it passed the canine ceiling and are living in the rich white person’s penthouse.  They are dogs with attitude, fashion sense, and refined tastes. They are dogs with portfolios, trust funds, their own cell phones, and their own laptops. They are not lapdogs anymore. No sireee… These dogs have arrived. They are status dogs. Cream of the crop dogs.

But wait a minute, dogs are people, too, right.  I hate to tell you, rich white people, but dogs are canines not human beings. They ain’t never going to be human, well, maybe in another life.  Sounds like a funny book or movie to me. Dog reincarnates into which movie star’s husband. Let’s see, how about Sarah Jessica Parker in the new Sex and the City movie.  Big used to be her dog but now he’s her hubby. Or a celebrity dog lover like Doris Day, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore, their dog dies, oh no, yes, dogs do pass over, and in its next incarnation becomes their child.  

I once read a book, don’t remember the name, that was from the perspective of a cat in Tibet, I think. So this dog becomes human reincarnation book turned into a movie could be like that, don’t you think?

 Anyway, I thought that the dog weddings, dog techie gadgets and other doggie paraphernalia that I have posted about, even designer dog names, are hilarious.  Because rich, white people are treating their designer dogs like children. They even leave their inheritance to their dogs. Now what the heck is a dog or a cat going to do with all of those millions?  Seems a terrible waste and absurd especially when there are so many homeless pets and starving dogs in India.

Still, dogs are children who can’t talk back. Sometimes, you just wonder what the dog is thinking when you see these rich white people with their dogs. Bet the dog would be cast out into the street, disowned and rejected if their owner knew that Fidarino thinks that they’re nuts, too, just like the rest of the world.Dogs can bark and bite and growl at you whenever they don’t agree with you. Dogs are children who don’t spend money and talk on the phone, but you can spend a fortune on them and call your relatives to speak to the dog. Dogs are children who don’t spend hours rotting their brains out watching TV… oh yeah, now they have those doggie videos and dog TV shows…

Cici perks up every time she hears dogs barking on my computer, on a video and TV… she looks and sniffs and gets all excited, tail wagging…  Where are my comrades?  she looks at me as if to say… She’s not my kid. She’s my dog. And a very sensitive girl. There is a line that gets crossed. Yes, I think animals are smarter than people in some ways. They know things that we don’t. And we know things that they don’t. But some people ascribe almost supernatural powers and abilities to their pets. Some people. 

I think that the reason that rich white people put so much into their relationship with their dogs and cats is because they are lonely.  The people not the dogs. And maybe they are obnoxious, crazy and neurotic and think that no one loves them except their dog or cat. And maybe no one else does because they are so obnoxious, crazy and neurotic. Instead of changing into better human beings, just get a dog or cat to love you. Instant love. Instant friend. Problem solved. That way, you can pretend that you are all right and society will agree with you too. I admit that I have felt that way.  Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, I’m gonna eat some worms. Or go play with my dog. The dog (or cat) becomes a scapegoat for the rich white people’s emotional baggage.  Not fair to the dog or cat but shrinks the shrink/therapy bills. 

All you have to do then is give the next rich white person you see with a tiny designer dog, a belly rub or a doggie kiss and a cookie and everything will be all right…  All they need is love… the rich white people and their dogs need love, too. After all, they are living with rich white people and putting up with their stuff.

Now that I have riffed, ranted and raved about rich white people’s dogs… and you are warned, I will do so again, can you tell I’m in a mood today… Just woke up in a mood.  That’s another thing that rich white people like. Moodiness. Shows that you’re a better person, you have feelings. Rich white people have Feelings, oh oh oh feelings… 

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Filed under all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animal planet, animal stars, belly rubs, designer dogs, dog kisses, dogs, four paws up, funny, justforlaughs, K9 approved, love, mutts, name your dog, smile, spoil your dog rotten, stuff white people like

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March 16, 2008 · 5:13 am

where there is a will, there is a way…

topspot_widget_header_1.giftopspot_widget_buy1.gif topspot_widget_bot1.gif 

http://www.scratchback.com/

I tried to post this widget and did not work… so here I am… basically scratchback is a tip jar… you put in $10 and you get a top link on my blog… easy as pie… become a top dog… I will get it figured out just as I have figured out how to get music on my blog, and other links onto my sidebar…

I picked $10 because of tithing 10 percent… this is a good practice… tipping and tithing… you tip your waiter or waitress, tipping and tithing leads to abundance… I know that when you don’t have much money it seems like how can I pay, and why should I pay for free advice, well, I give good value here… examples of fun raising letters, for instance, that would easily cost you $250 or more, so if you have received value, it is a good practice to give back… for your own good fortune… and you are getting a top link in return… a win win situation…

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Filed under dogs, donations, four paws up, K9 approved, love, money, mutts, pay it forward, payment, paypal, pet care, tip, tithe

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