Taking A Week Off to Recharge

I need a week to recharge. 

I'll be back on July 23rd with a brand spanking new Meet & Sniff. 

via

Happy Recharging! 

Fashion Friday // Channeling Sienna Miller on a Walk

To wrap up dog product week... here is an outrageously expensive outfit to take your dog out for a walk. While I tend to fall back on the trusty workout outfits, Sienna Miller wears studded Chloe ankle boots and a Louis Vuitton scarf to walk her dog, Bess! 

One of my favorite gifts I received this year was a pair of Classic Hunter Rain Boots. I do not even begin to hesitate to take Dixie out in the rain now with my awesome boots! If you have a dog and live in a place where rain is to be expected... I highly recommend a pair of rain boots, for you - not your tail-wagging best friend! 

Happy Friday!

Dog Products // Part Three

There are so many dog bowls out there... I have been on the hunt for a new dog bowl for a little more style in the kitchen. Here are my top 5 picks for dog bowls: 

MacKenzie - Childs Flower Market Dog Bowls

Harry Barker Leopard Dog Bowls

Blanca Porcelain Dog Bowls

Pottery Barn Paw Print Dog Bowl & Dog Bowl Stand

Durapet Stainless Steel Bowl

Happy Shopping! 

Dog Products // Part Two

There are a lot of options when it comes to training you puppy. I chose crate training when it came to Dixie being home during the day while I was at work. The crate quickly became a safe refuge for her to eat her treats and play with her most favorite toys. After reading reviews after reviews I ended up with a wire crate, found by my mother for $17! You read that right... the awesome shopper my mom is found a super large crate with dividers for only $17! Of course it was a used crate, but excellent condition. The picture below is the exact one we own. I love that the crate has two doors; it allows for easy set up in our home. 

Top Paw Double Door Crate - Via

Dixie is a nut for traveling and after LUGGING the wire crate in and out of the car I knew I had to make another investment. After some more researching I ended up with the Orvis Nylon Travel Crate. I have to make an important statement when it comes to buying this crate. I do not recommend this crate for puppies or any dog who tries to escape a metal or plastic crate. Dixie started in this crate when she was 1 1/2 years old. She was already crate trained and never tried escaping or pawing at the nylon walls. This crate is our travel only crate and we do not use this for everyday. This travel crate has held up well and I would definitely recommend this crate for the traveling dog! 

Orvis Folding Nylon Travel Crate - Via

Happy Shopping! 

Dog Products // Part One

Pictures Featured Above 
Left - 8 Week Old Dixie - Right - 1 1/2 Year Old Dixie


My great neighbors are just days away from being new puppy parents! This past weekend, I got to join them for a little shopping spree for the puppy! Personally... I am most looking forward to Dixie having a another best friend!! I went over all the hints and personal experiences with all of the puppy purchases I made in the past 2 1/2 years. 

This week, I want to go over a few purchases I've made over the years. I am going to do some comparison to all different brands I have purchased. Enjoy! 


Today, I want to talk about what no one wants to talk about... Waste Dispensers! There are a lot of options out there for you to try. I want to go ahead and lead you to the 5 paw winner - Bags on Board Waster Dispenser. (Picture at the Bottom) 

Petco - Via - $6.99

2 Paws
Pro - Price, under $7
Con - The top fell off nearly immediately and was never able to fit back onto the container securely. 

Arm & Hammer - Via - $7.99

3 Paws
Pro- Style... available in many fun colors.
Stays on the leash well with the the hard plastic hook.
Con - Only holds Arm & Hammer bags ($$).
When the top falls off and the bags roll out; it makes for one long mess. 

Top Paw - Via - $7.99

3 Paws

Pro - Zipper closure, stays shut, holds any waste bag, can hold a single key as well. 

Con - The Velcro latch ended up breaking away from the holder, lost the holder on a walk.

Bags on Board - Via - $7.99

5 Paws
Pro - Hard plastic, Screw-tight closure, Holds a variety of bags
Cons - Bulky.


The most important item that goes along with these dispensers are the bags themselves. While I might be able to find a great deal online... in person I get the BEST price at Home Goods! I can usually always get 320 bags for $9.99 - comparison to 315 bags for $24.99 at Petco. 


Bottomline:
Home Goods - 3 cents per bag
Petco - 8 cents per bag

Happy Shopping!

Fashion Friday // Leather & Gold

Dress  //  Sunglasses  //  Earrings  //  Bracelet   

Bracelet  //  Handbag  //  Belt  //  Wedges

One of my favorite looks is above, simple white dress with great accessories! As it gets hotter in Texas this summer this would be a great outfit!! A couple of summers ago a close friend came back from Greece with custom made leather sandals, like those above. Once I laid my eyes on her sandals, I knew I had to have a pair for myself. Since a trip to Greece was not in my future, I was able to snag a pair of Chloe leather wedges on sale at Barneys. They are my go to summer wedges... by far my favorite pair of shoes in my closet. 
What is your favorite pair of shoes?! 


Happy Shopping!

Just a Quote Today

Simple quote for today... needing to keep it simple. 

Happy Thursday,

The American Flag

Names of the Flags 

Top Left to Right: Sons of Liberty, New England, Forester, Continental Colors 

Fourth Row Left to Right: Francis Hopkinson, Brandywine, John Paul Jones, Pierre L'Enfant

Third Row Left to Right: Indian Peace, Easton, Star Spangled Banner, Bennington

Second Row Left to Right: Great Star, 29-Star, Fort Sumter, Centennial

First Row Left to Right: 38-Star, Peace, 48-Star, 50-Star

All of the flag information and links are originally located at the CRW Flags Website.

I find the United States Flag a beautiful piece of artwork. For this great day, Independence Day, I wanted to reflect back on the great flags that have flown over our great nation. The best collection I could find of all the flags was the release of this stamp set in 1999. The history of each flag was posted on the back of each stamp (this stamp you had to lick to adhere to an envelope). 

Framed Antique American Flag, via

There are many antique flags available to buy over the Internet. After finding one that I liked online... I was quick to count the stars and look a little more into the history of the flag. This is the 43-Star Flag. "This Flag became the Official United States Flag on July 4th, 1890. Five stars were added for the admission of North Dakota (the 39th State on November 2nd,1889), South Dakota (the 40th State on November 2nd,1889), Montana (the 41st State on November 8th,1889), Washington (the 42nd State on November 11th,1889), and Idaho (the 43rd State on July 3rd, 1890) and was to last for just 1 year. The only President to serve under this flag was Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893)." via 

Happy Independence Day!  

29 List // Knitting Progress

I ask myself all the time, "Will I actually finish one knitting project?!" I started both of these knitting projects (a.k.a. scarfs) over two years ago. I learned to knit from my friend Lindsay over at How She Flowers.  I pulled out my knitting goods this week as something to do while I am watching television. I do enjoy multi-tasking so this helps a lot! I want to show all my readers what I am starting with here and if you have any suggestions about how to keep a knitting project going do not hesitate to tell me about it! This is small progress... I look forward to having a finished project by the time it is cold in Texas! 

Happy Knitting! 

Meet & Sniff Monday // Ellie

Happy Meeting!