Interview from Freya's Studio

One of the other giveaways I won recently was a dog collar from Freya's Studio.  You all know how much I love Louie and so I was so excited to give him a fancy new collar.  Breanna even custom sized one for me since the pattern I loved didn't come in a small for my tiny pup...great customer service!

Meet Breanna and her pup Freya:

What Inspires You?I would have to say my dogs.  If I can show the patience, kindness, and honesty that my dogs show me everyday I think I'll be the person I think I should be. 
I also get inspired by going into fabric shops!  It is so much fun to look at all of the fabrics and see the potential collars that could be made.  It's even more fun to see the finished product in use and a smile on our customers faces (whether they're fury or human!)

What motivated you to start your own business?
Freya Dog and I are both very accident prone.  Unfortunately, both of us have had injuries that prevented us from playing at agility, freestyle, or other dog sports.  Luckily, I picked up sewing again and found a passion for creating collars.  Freya is very hard on things so she's the perfect test subject.  I wanted to make collars that were beautiful and fun but wouldn't fall apart.  I'm happy to report that I think we've succeeded!  I only make Freya a new collar when we feel like it rather than out of necessity.  This was a welcome change for my pocket book and it's great to know that others can enjoy the same benefit too! 

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What advice would you give to someone starting their own creative business?
Find something you love to work on in your spare time and then look at the other folks out there offering it.  See if you can find a special niche that will help you stand out.  For us that niche is durability and the fabrics we use.  I try to use fabrics that I haven't seen used before (while also keeping in mind current styles and color coordination).  We're still very small fish in a very big pond so we're always learning more!
My other advice is to not try and do everything at once.  Focus on one thing and then branch out as you find what folks like/dislike.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would love to have the opportunity to go to Europe, I've never been out of the USA (not even Canada and I live in Montana)!  It would be fun to put my French Language classes to work!  I'd especially love to get to learn some traditional Irish Music, as a flutist this would be a dream come true.

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Anything else you'd like to share?
One thing I always tell folks is to look into activities to do with their dog.  Whether it be dog freestyle (dancing with your dog), Agility (obstacle course performance), Rally (jazzed up obedience), or just getting out on more walks there is a ton to do!  Just because they're older or a hard to train breed doesn't mean you can't do more!  Look at Freya Dog, a lab/coonhound/heeler, she's as wild as they come but she's a joy to work with.  Every success we have is even better because of the journey to get there.  Even five minutes of positive training a day can change you and your dogs life.

I love Breanna's philosophy and passion for dogs.  So far the collar has held up really well and looks super snazzy on the Lou Man. 

Don't forget to also visit Breanna's blog

Back in Action!

First of all, thank you to everyone who reached out and kept Sean and I in your thoughts over the past 2 weeks.  It's certainly been hectic and all your kind words really do mean so much so THANK YOU!

Now, I figured a quick update was in order before getting back to our regularly scheduled blogging program.  A lot has happened in the past 2 weeks:

Sean was hospitalized...TWICE! For an infection in his leg.  Apparently it was strep.  Who the heck gets Strep Leg?! 

Being back and forth to the hospital, combined with trying to take care of the pup and actually do work made it pretty crazy around here.  I may or may not have given up on cooking and cleaning entirely. 

We also got another farm share...yum!  Planning on making some Elote with that corn.

We also celebrated Sean's 28th birthday!  We got a Mint Chocolate Chip Cake from Termini Brothers.  This bakery is pretty much a Philadelphia institution, and it totally lived up to its reputation.  Delicious!

Louie graduated from the Advanced Obedience Class which means I can cross off yet another item from my 11 in '11 list!  Those are his pals Dolly and Daisy.  So cute!  Up next he'll be testing for the Canine Good Citizen Award

And we celebrated my Badass Friend Juliette's Birthday by toasting with some Philly Cheesesteaks on our Flavors of Philly Food Tour.  That's her bf Dave--he's a ninja.  Seriously. 



So although things have been busy they haven't been all bad, and we've actually had some fun.  Sean's leg is looking better by the day, and mostly he's just glad to be home.  I'm just glad to be back on the blog and catching up with some of you wonderful ladies.  I have some fun interviews coming up this week so stay tuned!

Tickle Me Tuesday: Dog Days of Summer

So being in Georgia last week was amazing!  I had a fantastic time and learned so much.  However, I desperately missed my little furball!  So in honor of the Lou-man, this week's Tickle me Tuesday post is devoted to him!

The poop bag holder is essential.  It never leaves the end of his leash because there is NOTHING I hate more than dog owners who don't clean up. Seriously folks, get it together!

The necklace is more for me, but isn't it to die for??  My birthday is in a few months people...make it happen.

dog stuff by ScarletCardinal on Polyvore.com

If I get neck bling, I guess Louie should too.  Snazzy!

And of course some stylish toys make them less obtrusive when they inevitably become part of the decor.
What are your favorite pooch accessories?

Sugar Head-Little Dog - ACCESSORIES Youreyeslie Online store> Shop the...
£26 - youreyeslie.com

paul smith accessories Vintage Multistripe Leather Dog Collar
£62 - vanmildert.com

Friday Ramblings: It's gettin' hot in hurr

Ok, folks.  It is friggen hot in Philadelphia. 

You'll remember that as a Resident Director, I live on a college campus...in a Residence Hall.  This usually means that my apartment is kept in tip top shape as far as maintenance since we have folks on call 24/7 to fix every leaky pipe, squeaky door, and clogged drain. 

However--my AC has been out since yesterday which means my apartment is a balmy 84 degrees.  Too hot to be in, too hot for my dog to stay in. 

As a result, yesterday and today Louie is in my office with me, allowing me to do exactly NO work when I have an end of year report due and two buildings to close.

My boss (who is the most awesome man alive) put me up in a hotel last night while Louie stayed with one of my colleagues. 

But seriously...I need one of these today...anyone wanna send me?  please?



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In other news, I will be out of town most of next week at a conference that I'm super psyched about.  I'll be in Athens, GA so it's only going to get hotter.  Great. 

But!  I have some awesome guest posters for you all so stay tuned!

Is it hot where you are?  Ice packs, ice cream, iced tea, and really anything iced are welcome.  Send them here stat!

Homemade Doggie Treats: Tutorial

I love my pup, Louie.  He's pretty much like a kid for Sean and I, and he's one of the most spoiled pups I know.  So when Kami over at Searching For Serendipity needed guest posters while she's home with her new little bug, Louie was my inspiration!  Furbabies need love and attention too!

So head on over and check out my tutorial for Homemade Frozen Dog Treats!

Homemade dog treats

Louie was very excited to make his blogging debut yesterday.  Thanks for welcoming him!

As promised, I wanted to share the recipe for the homemade dog treats I whipped up for the birthday boy.  These are the Pupcakes version, but you could easily put these into a cake mold rather than individual bites. 

I also used the mini muffin tin (since Lou is just a little guy) but again--feel free to use different molds as suits you or your furbaby.

I found the recipe here and it works great!  Since Louie has lots of doggie friends I doubled the recipe.  You can also make a large batch and freeze these.

The pups ate them right up, and they're safe for humans too, although may be a little bland for our palates.

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup honey (optional)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup whole wheat or white flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease mold.
2. Combine the egg, peanut butter, oil, vanilla, and honey, if desired, in a large bowl; blend well. Stir in the carrots and mix thoroughly. Sift together the flour and baking soda and fold into the carrot mixture. Spoon cake batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes; then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Since presentation is key, I also made little gift boxes for each dog.  I used a gift tag paper punch, and some letter print stickers I had and tied them to a store bought box with some brown twine.  Personalized doggy favors--easy!! 

Now you can all go chuckle to yourselves about the crazy dog lady--hey, at least I'm self aware!

Louie's Journal: Birthday!

My mom wasn't totally convinced that I should write this post, but my cuteness overcame her so here I am!

I had a great birthday this past weekend.  All of my friends came to play!  We went down to the Schuylkill River Dog Run to run around before the rain hit. 

This is my girlfriend, Lola

My birthday suit!

Allie keeping watch

Grady--he's shy most of the time so I was glad he came to play



There was even dancing after playing


Dancing and running, and some new special toys made for a great day!  If it hadn't started pouring on the walk home it would have been perfect. 

My mom even made treats for me and all my friends!  She'll be sharing the recipe with you all tomorrow.

Thanks for having me!

-Louie

Spring?

I'm trying not to get ahead of myself here, but recently it's been incredible outside!  The trees are starting to bloom and I've finally pushed my scarf to the back of the closet.  Here is some of the loveliness that has resulted:



My peas and tomatoes from Greensgrow .  Thanks to their seed starting workshop I'm off and running with my urban garden.  Using an egg carton to start the seeds = brilliance



 I'm hoping to have a good amount of edibles on our patio this year.  Peas, tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce...YUM!


Sean and I went on a long walk this weekend.  Here are some of my favorite shots:




The back of the Art Museum--yes, from Rocky




Bridge near WaterWorks




Zoo Bridge




Skyline view from West Philly



Boat House Row




My Favorite Boat House



Some cuteness for your viewing pleasure

What are you doing to welcome spring?



Check it out!

I have 2 snazzy new pages!  Up there, at the top!  By now I'm sure you're all going "oooooooooohh, snazzy!"  Check them out.  You will like them.

Also--are you a follower yet???  Have you subscribed yet???  The giveaway is coming...


and some Louie love for those of you in need of cuteness...he loves to help with laundry.

Thursday Confessions

I just found Katy's blog, and loved her Thursday Confessions over Chai.  1.) Because I LOOVE me some chai tea, and 2.) Because who doesn't love a good secret?!

So here you go folks, my confessions on this Thursday (really my Friday...YAY COMP DAYS!)

1. I am a food snob.  Seriously--Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory...these no longer satisfy me.  I will eat at these places if I have to, but I'm probably not going to be happy about it
2. That being said I love Dairy Queen.  I will only eat one thing from there...a  turtle sundae with extra pecans.  I always get it "to go" so I can open the bag and smell the caramel, fudge, pecans, and plastic spoon smell.  It brings me back to my childhood.
3. I love when my dog licks my face--I would never let any other animal that close to me, but it makes me laugh so hard when Louie gets excited to see me.  This is him getting ready to pounce!

The furball

What are your confessions??

Love...

Sean skipped his class today due to a killer migraine.  He gets these every so often and they really just put him on his ass...poor thing.  I've been lucky to never have one *knock on wood* so I feel terrible for him when they strike.  So since Sean is curled up in bed, I'm spending my Valentine's Eve curled up with the furball!  Is he not the cutest thing on four legs??

Louie

 Sean and I don't ever really go all out for Valentine's Day, even this year, a few cupcakes for him (even though the were AMAAAAZING) wasn't exactly romantic gesture of the year.  My sweetie surprised me with knitting classes!  (I have been wanting to learn forever and just haven't committed.  I know it's a weird thing, but it was just about the sweetest gift he could have gotten me).  

This year I'm just really feeling the love.  I think it's because I finally feel really wonderful about what is going on in in my relationships, my career, and myself.  (THE TRIFECTA!) So, just in time for Valentine's Day a few things that I love!

I love my little family.  Sean and Louie are more than I ever could have wished for.
I love my mom.  She is pretty crazy, but I notice more and more how similar we are and luckily I've only inherited her best traits.
I love my friends.  I have some truly amazing friends.  The kind that would drop everything in an instant to stand by me when I need them.  Some I have had since high school, others I met the first day of orientation in college, and others I've picked up along the way at work, tae kwon do class...but I really am lucky to know all of them.
I love good food, and more recently I love making good food...especially chocolate covered strawberries!

my weakness

I love my job.  Seriously.
I love my co-workers.  They are all great at what they do, passionate about working with students, and smart as hell.  I learn from them every day.
I love a good glass of red wine.
I love Philadelphia.  It is a remarkable city that is a perfect fit for me.
Finally, I love this blog.  It's something I have wanted to start for a long time and like so many other things it is the perfect time right now.  I'm looking forward to watching it grow and change and seeing what comes of it.

Leave me a love note on this post because I also love hearing from all of you!

xoxo

First Ever Post!

I'm Melissa and this is my blog.  I'm excited to share my adventures in Philadelphia, cooking catastrophes fabulousness, and whatever else I find amusing.  I figured I would get the introductions out of the way now and talk about the major players in my life.  Don't worry--we'll be on a first name basis in no time.

 Me of course!

Then there is my husband, Sean.  The love of my life, my best friend, yadda yadda yadda...but seriously he is one awesome guy.  

And of course- Louie.  Sean and I brought him home July of 2009 and instantly became crazy dog people.  We don't dress him up in weird outfits (unless it's for our own amusement) but we do treat him like a child.  It's sad I know, but at least I'm self-aware.

Thanks for joining me!