Food

April 08, 2008

A Treat for Your Sweet!

Okay, so cooking isn't my forte, but I do make some drool-worthy treats for Miss Dixie when she's been an especially good dog.  I'm not alone, more people are choosing to cook up their own treats, so they know exactly what their pet is getting.  My favorite is this Peanut Butter & Oats Glazed Goodies recipe from ThePoop.com (no, this website is not a joke!). 

Oh, and my special twist?  I like to make them into special shapes with cookie cutters, like stars, hearts and bones.  And remember, these are treats ... don't overdo it or your pooch will need to spend extra time on walks or have to increase their time on a doggy treadmill.  Yep, we've told you about those too!

Maggiesignature

March 21, 2008

Easter Basket for Pet Lovers

I love an Easter basket with a theme!  (Well, in fact, I love just about anything with a theme, parties especially.)  We've talked about baskets for our pets, and now here are some of my favorite things for an Easter basket for the pet lover.

Simplyfido Bowwowmeowscrapbook Moderndog


Heidihomemade Chocolatebunnies Doxiesoap

Clockwise from top left:

Grab a traditional basket and go green!  Fill your basket with with eco-friendly products like these organic pup t-shirts from Simply Fido and Blending Plant's Shampooch.

Then, consider making a donation on behalf of the pet lover in your life and include the card inside the basket.  Visit Animal Planet's R.O.A.R. for ideas on how to help a variety of animal organizations.  As my favorite pop singer, Justin Timberlake says, "what goes around comes around."   

Next, include a small pet picture frame and a disposable camera for future memories in the making. Or check out these adorable pet scrapbook kits by Bow Wow Meow.

Toss in some reading material for those lazy spring days at the park like Modern Dog or Cat Fancy.

One of my new favorite gifts for the pet lover, which makes a fabulous inclusion in any basket, Easter or otherwise, are these pet soaps by Gianna Rose Atelier.  The poodles are oodles of fun and I love the sophisticated cat, but naturally I adore the doxie the most.  I also love the packaging ... Très Chic! 

Don't forget the chocolate!  Since this basket is for the pet lover and NOT the pet ... you can't go wrong with a chocolate bunny like these unique floppy-eared bunnies from Moonstruck Chocolate Company

Finally, throw in some goodies for the pet by filling up colorful plastic eggs with organic treats like these from Heidi's Homemade Bakery (*Note: just don't let your pet have the plastic which is a big hazard for pets.)

Wrap it all up in cellophane and get ready to impress.

Maggiesignature

 

March 18, 2008

Hoppin' Pet Easter Baskets

Calling all Martha Stewart wannabes!  Easter baskets make great gifts for your pet!  Here are some of my favorite Easter goodies.

Trixiemodbowl Eastercookies Westpawbunny Bunnyoutfitglamourdog

First, get a new feeding bowl and use that as your basket.  Dixie loves this mod bowl from Trixie + Peanut.

Then, fill it with either homemade treats or store bought.   I love this adorable assortment from waggytailtreats.com.  Whether you really channel your inner Martha Stewart or leave the baking to a pro, make sure you don't include chocolate. Go for carob instead.

Next, add an Easter-themed toys - these toys by West Paw Design will have your pup doing the bunny hop.  My favorite are these adorable "Honey Buns". 

Finally, make sure your pooch is cute as a bunny for the big day.  Check out this adorable bunny outfit from glamourdog.com. Could there BE a cuter photo op?!

Hoppy Easter!

March 17, 2008

Happy St. Pawtrick's Day

My family is from Savannah, Georgia where they celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style with a parade and celebration reminiscent of Mardi Gras ... they even dye the fountain water green! 

Let your pets get in on the fun this year with some of these wee St. Patrick's Day goodies:

Pet_me_i_m_irish Shamrockcookies

Sloppykisscards Luckofirish

Clockwise from top left:

1. Check out the St. Patty's Day gear from handsnpaws.com.  My favorite is the "Pet Me, I'm Irish" t-shirts – such a fun spin on the popular "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" saying.  I'm not Irish, but who doesn't want to be kissed on St. Patrick's Day?!

2. Treat your furry little leprechauns to some delicious shamrock cookies from swankypet.net.  They smell just like real chocolate, but because these are for dogs, it's carob. 

3. Share the luck 'o the Irish with your dog or cat with these collars, tags and leashes from Felinefido.com

4. And don't forget your fellow dog and cat lovers! Send an e-card from Sloppykisscards.com to celebrate the holiday.

Wear green - and don't forget your pet too -- nobody wants to get pinched on St. Patty's Day!

Maggiesignature

February 22, 2008

Unleash Your Pet's Personality

Dixie and I touched, tasted and played with the newest gadgets, grooming aids, toys and treats at the Global Pet Expo so that you’d be in the know!  We quickly discovered there's something for you and your pet, no matter what your personality or lifestyle. Here are my top ten favorite products for ten unique personalities.

Pupcasso The Artist
Let your dog or cat unleash the artist within using the Pup-Casso or Kitty-Casso painting kit.  This kit comes with everything you need, including paw protectors, to let your furry artist create a masterpiece.  Just what your wall needs — artwork by your pet!


Grandmalucys The Gourmet
Chicken Parmesan, Cheeseburger and Mahi-Mahi — stop drooling, it’s for your dog or cat!  Grandma Lucy’s packaging is not only cute and kitsch but these savory treats are 100% natural.  Dixie loved them!



Kittygokrazy The Kid at Heart
Panic Mouse, the maker of hilarious cat toys that make people nuts and fascinate felines, has created the Kitty Go Krazy.  This toy makes sounds like a cat meowing or birds chirping and has a tail that mimics a mouse!  Trust me, when you walk out the door in the morning, your cat will not even notice you’re gone.


Dogtreadmill The Exercise Junkie
Need a workout buddy in your home gym? Is your dog looking a little overweight from lack of exercise?  Look no further than the Pet Zen Dog Tread.  This doggie treadmill is great for city dwellers or those who can't exercise their dog daily and it even has built-in treat bowls to keep your dog's attention!


Bottledwater The Health Nut
Don't forget the bottled water after a good workout!  Brands like Fortifido offer enriched water to help dogs keep healthy bones, skin, joints and fresh breath.  My dad still thinks it's crazy that humans pay for water, so I can't imagine what he’ll think of this!


Doggy Java The Coffee Addict
Introducing Doggy Java! Now you and your best pooch can enjoy a cup of joe together in the mornings.  Don't worry, Doggy Java doesn't actually contain caffeine, but is vitamin-enriched water.  Mix it up in the adorable Cappuccino Cup, serve with a "Bonescotti" and your dog will no doubt become a java addict.


Zoombak The Wanderer
For the dogs and cats with a wandering eye, check out the Zoombak Protection System!  It's GPS for pets!  This small device fits right into a pouch that you connect to your pet's collar with a velcro strap, then if they roam outside of their safety zone, you're automatically alerted and can log on to find their exact location.  Those vagabond days are over!


Royaltreatment The Pampered
Royal Treatment Italian Pet Spa makes disposable wipes that moisturize and clean at the same time. Great to toss in your bag for travel, and they were created by a prince ... a real life prince with access to the world’s most luxurious ingredients. My favorite scent?  White Chocolate for Puppies!


Sleepypod2 The Gadget Guru
Forget the iPod.  The new hot pod is the Sleepypod by Meowme.  This thing is a pet bed, carrier and car seat all in one!  Want your pet to feel cozy AND comfy?  It comes with a heating pad or cooling pad that plugs right into your car adapter so no matter what the weather, your dog or cat will be traveling in temperature-controlled comfort.  Okay, so maybe it’s not the new iPod, but people in San Diego were going crazy over this.


Sororityshirt The Collegiate
The newest fraternity on campus?  Delta Omega Gamma.  DOG!  I’m a sorority girl (Alpha Epsilon Phi, for those of you interested), and I loved this throw back to my college days ... which was only yesterday. Surviving pledging and getting to wear letters was the best feeling and now your dog can be a part of their own fraternity or sorority thanks to FabDog.

These are mine and Dixie's favorite picks but the Global Pet Expo awards the Best in Show to vendors in a variety of categories.  Check out the complete list here!

Maggiesignature

February 14, 2008

Treats for Your Sweets

Chocolate is not a safe bet for your pooch or kitty on Valentine's Day, but I've found some treats that are sure to impress even the most discerning doggie divas or finicky felines in your life.

Dogdiva DOGDIVA Chocolates!
This simply irresistible stuffed toy from HauteDog Boutique is close enough to the real thing that could give your pup a sweet tooth.






Valentinehearts Fresh-baked Hearts & Bones
Finally, these fab homemade treats from swankypet.net even have me drooling!  Who doesn't love a cookie dipped in chocolate with sprinkles?  These cookies are totally pet-safe -- the "chocolate" is actually yogurt.





Conversationhearts Conversation Hearts Treat Box
With sayings like, "Let's Play" and "I Ruff You", you won't be able to resist these doggie biscuits shaped and decorated like those real conversation hearts you used to give away in elementary school.  Only this time, you're guaranteed to get a smooch from your furry Valentine.






And for the cat lovers in the crowd...

Put your cat in a great mood this Valentine’s Day with these treats:

Heartcatnip Heart Attack Catnip Toy
Serve up this catnip toy with a side of attitude!  These stuffed hearts have cute sayings like "Happy Kitty," "Lick Me," and "Bite Me" for the little diva in your kitty.






Heartcatnip_2 Organic Heart Catnip Toy
This falls under the category of things that make you say Meow!  This pretty, fuzzy, pink heart is stuffed with Vermont-grown organic catnip.  Only the best for your pretty kitty.





What's my own alternative to chocolate? A shopping excursion at Bergdorff Goodman.  What's yours?

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Maggiesignature

Photos Courtesy: hautedogboutique.com, swankypet.net, trixie + peanut, muttropolis (2)

February 11, 2008

My Bowl Runneth Over

Xoxodish Not like you ever need reminding how much you love your pet, but this XOXO bowl from HauteDog Boutique makes a great Valentine's Day gift for your pet or for the pet of that special someone in your life. For a drool-worthy presentation, fill the bowl with heart shaped treats and wrap in cellophane. 

In fact, one of my favorite hostess gifts for my friends is a stylish doggie bowl with treats.  The hostess gets the treats and the pet gets a new dish!   You'll never have to worry again that you're bringing wine that doesn't go with dinner.  And ask any pet lover and they'll tell you, the way to their heart is through their pets.

Maggiesignature

August 2008

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