Cheers to 2010!

2009 is coming to a close. But this year has been a complete blast for Lydia & Pugs! I am so excited what the new year will bring!

Launched in March of 2009. It hasn't even been a year since L&P has been in business, but I have met some awesome bloggers and stationery/accessory lovers along the way, not to mention some valued customers I've had the pleasure to work with!

Here is a timeline of Lydia & Pugs for 2009:

Lydia & Pugs launched on Etsy
March 2009

Lydia & Pugs offers Pug Silhouette Aprons
April 2009

I attended "The National Stationery Show" in New York City
May 2009

Lydia & Pugs offers pug silhouette tote bags
June 2009

Lydia & Pugs expands to feature other dog breeds
July 2009

Lydia & Pugs offers dog silhouette pouches and ponytail holders
September 2009

Lydia & Pugs launches website
October 2009
The website offers Custom Designs such as stationery, totes, aprons, and blog headers

I am excited for what 2010 will bring!

I am looking forward to creating new products, new blog posts, and new designs!

Wishing you, your family and pets a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Dog-lightful Stationery Illustrations

Vintage Brunette Silhouette with Pug

Three Little Pugs

Black Lab having a Picnic

I've added a few new stationery designs to Lydia & Pugs. These designs are some of the work I've done in my free time. The illustrations are all originals of Lydia & Pugs and are rendered in watercolor and are available for purchase at my shop.

If you are interested about how my process works for each design, feel free to check out the Process link on my web page.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Answers during the Holidays

I found some questions and answers from my good friend Emily Post and I thought these were some excellent questions that most people might be interested in, especially during the holidays when family and friends are often around. Enjoy!

Gift Giving Gifts: How to Thank Them

Q: I had a dinner party last week, and several guests brought small gifts. I thanked everyone at the time, but now I’m wondering if one of the presents-a fancy crystal vase-calls for a follow up note. And if I do write to that particular guest, am I expected to write to all of them?

A: Thanking your guests in person (and I’m trusting you opened the gifts discreetly and not in front of those who came empty-handed) is perfectly acceptable, and no more is required of you. That said, written notes, especially when not obligatory, are a gracious way to tell people their presents are appreciated and enjoyed. As you suspected, however, if you send written thanks for one gift, you must send thank-yous for all.

Stained Sofa: Dealing with Messy Guests

Q: At a recent party, a friend spilled red wine on my beige sofa slipcover. She apologized but never offered to pay for the damage. The dry-cleaning bill is sizable. I don’t want to start a fight, but shouldn’t she pay up?

A: Absolutely! But she didn’t-and it sounds like she’s not going to. Here’s what I’d do: The next time you see her, give her one more chance to do the right thing by exclaiming how relieved you are that the stain finally came out-albeit with the dry cleaner’s help. Still no offer to reimburse? If you value her friendship, drop the issue. Pressing harder will only make for an awkward situation. Take her apology as sincere and try to see the silver lining-your couch has never looked so clean, right?

Via Emily Post.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and Holiday!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

First Snow for First Dog

First Dog, Bo Obama got to play in the snow for the first time at the White House this past weekend.

Check out more photos here.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! I am so thankful to such wonderful people who follow my blog each day and read about my ideas and designs. Thank you all for your sweet and thoughtful comments!

Here's to a happy and creative 2010!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

12 is the Magic Number Treasury

Lydia & Pugs is in another Treasury! This treasury is called
"12 is the Magic Number."

Check it out!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

A Puggy Christmas

Lydia Christmas 2007

Hera Christmas 2008

Hera Christmas 2009

Our annual pug photos started when we got Lydia in 2007. Since then we kept the tradition going with Hera the rescue pug. I hope you enjoy the little timeline of Christmas photos!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Pug Love Treasury

Lydia & Pugs 2010 Calendars featured in "Pug Love" Treasury!

Check it out here.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Weekly Re-Cap

Weekly Re-Cap: A re-cap of all the fun finds, pictures, and items throughout the week! Enjoy!

I love all these perfectly wrapped plaid gifts.

This beautifully decorated mantel looks picture perfect for the holiday season.

The colorful gift wrap is beautiful!

This little puggy looks ready for some snow in his fleece jacket.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! Only 7 more days til Christmas!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

The Frog Prince Custom Design

Marsha's Custom Stationery Marsha's matching Round Address Labels

I thought I'd share with you another custom stationery order that was just adorable. Jane wanted give her mother a special personalized gift, and what better way that with some coordinating stationery!

Jane's wanted a fashion silhouette of her mother Marsha, wearing a long black shirt dress and large black hat. She told me her favorite colors were orchid and yellow shades. So I illustrated her mother wearing a long flowing black dress with coordinating orchid purple satin heels and satin orchid bow around her waist. Of course the note cards wouldn't be complete with her favorite pup, Montana the Puggle, with his own monogrammed water bowl! The little frog with the crown next to Montana symbolizes Marsha husband, who she calls the 'frog prince.' What a cute idea!!

Marsha's set also came with a set of matching round address labels with Montana the puggle! What an adorable gift!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Holiday Etiquette: At the Office

Business etiquette is an integral aspect of professional life, requiring both knowledge and tact. During the holidays, people can be even less certain of “what to do” or what not to do. Here we’ve compiled a few basics to get you through the holiday season with confidence and grace:

Should I give my boss a holiday gift?

Generally, no. It could easily be perceived as trying to win favor. However, a pooled gift from you and other employees that isn't too expensive or personal is fine.

Should I give gifts to my direct reports?

It's your call. It's certainly a nice gesture and a great way to acknowledge those who work for you. If you do decide to give gifts, give across the board: for example, don't give to only one department head, but not the other two. Good gift ideas include gift certificates, tickets to the theater or a sporting event, books, CDs and food items.

What about co-workers?

The Secret Santa system or a holiday grab bag are two of the easier ways to handle this. These types of gift exchanges can keep costs down and can be a lot of fun. Humorous gifts are OK—but don't go overboard. Homemade gifts are also a good idea. If your workplace doesn't go in for the overall exchange plan, it's okay to give gifts to your closest office buddies. Just be discreet about doing so in order not to hurt others' feelings. Sometimes, exchanging gifts with a few is better done outside of work.

I just got laid off. Can I cut back my gift giving at the last minute?

Yes. Let people know (ahead of time if possible) that you won't be purchasing gifts this year. For those you still want to recognize, get creative with an inexpensive but meaningful gesture. You could plan to spend an afternoon in the park or build snowmen with your nieces and nephews instead of buying them the hot new toy. Send your parents, siblings, and close friends letters of appreciation for their special roles in your life. A homemade meal or batch of cookies is always a welcome gift—and a little easier on the pocketbook.

from via Emily Post

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Wrap Up the Holidays Treasury!

Lydia & Pugs has been featured in the "Wrap Up the Holidays" Treasury!

Woo hoo! Check it out!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

It's Not Too Late...

There is still time to shop Lydia & Pugs for any last time gifts for Christmas! I still have many doggy gift bags and gift tags to embellish all your wonderful gifts!

Also, don't forget about our holiday dog silhouette aprons, note cards, and address labels.

Custom Orders are also welcome! It's not too late to have a personalized design for that special someone for Christmas. Once I get the request for the custom order, I immediately begin working on the design and it typically takes me 1-2 days to finalized the design and ship it Priority Mail.

Remember each item ordered now through Christmas is send with howliday-doggy gift wrap!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Custom Stationery for Jennifer

Jennifer and her pup Lucky

Jennifer's Custom Illustration and inspiration photo of the Kassidy Dress

Jennifer's Custom Stationery, which reads: "From Jennifer & Lucky too!"

Jennifer's business cards

Jennifer at Diary of a Southern Belle has been a long time fan of Lydia & Pugs, and had decided she too needed some custom fashion stationery.

Jennifer is a southern girl who loves all things pink, green and preppy. She wanted her silhouette to be dressed in her favorite Lily dress, the pink kassidy dress, strappy heels, silver bangle bracelets. I also added a small very important detail, her engagement ring! Since she is also a preppy chic I added a lime green satchel style purse on her other arm.

Her pup, Lucky, is an 8 pound black, white, and tan Pomchi (Pomeranian Chihuahua hybrid). Her short haired fluffy Lucky loves to wear party collars, which are just another adorable outfit for him to dress in when he is getting ready to party!

Jennifer also ordered some business cards which just show the bottom of her dress and heels with Lucky near by. These turned out so adorable, I am definitely going to make some for myself and Hera my pug!

Hope you enjoyed this lovely Custom Design! It's another one of my favorites!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Weekly Re-Cap

Weekly Re-Cap: A re-cap of all the fun finds, pictures, and items throughout the week! Enjoy!

Nested little houses covered in snow.

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, so beautiful! I want to see NYC during Christmas-time someday.

Kinda reminds me of an ice princess...sorta Nutcracker.

Black and white photography of a lit-up street.

Hera the pug all bundled up ready for her walk!
Hope you all have a great weekend!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Personalized Gifts for the Holidays

Sommer's Custom Design with her Blonde Cocker Spaniel, The Woo

" The Woo"

Kathy's Custom Design with Oakley, the Irish Setter

My recent customer Sommer wanted some custom stationery for herself as well as her friend Kathy for Christmas gifts.

Sommer's fashion silhouette is dressed in a long black satin trench coat with decadent party gold heels. Sommer is a girly girl who loves jewelry, heels, and also her blonde Cocker Spaniel, "The Woo," who enjoys wearing her pink collar with matching pink doggy leash. Sommer also requested she be holding her favorite handbag, her monogrammed brown Louis Vuitton. Her stationery turned out sophicated, yet fun-loving.

Kathy fashion silhouette stationery is in remembrance of her pooch Oakley, an Irish Setter, who passed away this past fall. Sommer wanted to re-create a sentimental personalized piece that would help Kathy to remember the good times spent with Oakley. I know Kathy will enjoy her customized stationery, it is truly is one-of-a-kind.

It's not too late to put in your order for some Custom Stationery for that special someone for Christmas!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Five Points for Gift Giving Success

Here are some of our favorite tips for giving gifts without succumbing to stress.

1. Get their wish list.
   Ask people for hints or even a wish list. Gather ideas during the year, and write everything down.
2. Trust your judgment.
   Forget about being afraid the gift isn’t “perfect.” If you think the person will like it, chances are they will.
3. Stick to your budget.
   Spending more than you should takes the fun out of gift giving. There’s nothing more stressful than overspending—and feeling uneasy about it.
4. Buy it when you see it.
   If you’re shopping in July and see a sweater that your mother would love, buy it. It probably won’t be there when you look in December.
5. Start a gift closet.
   Stash a few gifts that will work in a pinch: copies of your favorite cookbook, a good bottle of wine, or boxes of beautiful note cards. That way you’ll be ready if need a gift on the spot.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Free Gift Wrap with any Purchase!

Lydia & Pugs is offering free gift wrapping paper with any holiday purchase now through the end of the year. The gift wrap pictured above has little doggies skiing and ice skating dressed in winter wonderland clothing.

It's another perk to make you happy and you gifts will look cute too!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Dog Breed Totes- New Design!

Introducing Italian Greyhound Totes! I recently had a customer from Hawaii, who wanted a custom tote with her Italian Greyhound silhouette. I gladly said I could come up with a delightful design for her. And I am now offering them in my shop!

The tote bag makes a great gym bag, grocery bag, or a great gift! I can also make the tote bag customized with any other dog breed silhouette.

These are completely personalized, you choose the fabric and the dog breed!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Custom Silhouette

A few weeks back I launched my Lydia & Pugs Facebook Fan page. I also hosted a Personalized Stationery Giveaway. Andrea from Moody Mama Says was the winner of the giveaway.

She wanted a custom silhouette illustration of herself with her Dachshund/Yorkie mix, Cassie Mae. She also wanted purple incorporated into the design, so I had her wear a purple short-sleeved sweater and long jeans, and of course holding a few shopping bags.

I think the final design turned out fabulous! And I know she loved the design too!

If you are not a fan of Lydia & Pugs on Facebook, join today! I often give exclusive discounts and giveaways just for my FB fans!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Weekly Re-Cap: Birthday Edition

Weekly Recap: Special Birthday Edition. Some of the little things that make me happy. Enjoy!Kate Spade purses.

A plain sofa dressed with many plush pillows.

A closet stocked with colorful fabrics.

Endless beaches.

Color!

Coffees and lattes.

This Oscar de la Renta dress in my favorite color shade of green.

Cupcakes with sprinkles. Rainbow sprinkles of course.It's hard to believe my birthday is here again! But as I get older I've learned to grow more into myself, learning more about what I love and what I want in life.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn