Wednesday Dog Treats

{For a closer look click on the collage.}

{1} Gourmet mini Donuts dog treats. Diva Dog Bakery happens to be located in sunny Orlando, Florida (my neck of the woods). Each order is baked fresh and they use all natural ingredients and do not use any artificial preservatives or food dye. That's a good thing!

{2} Fused Glass Dog Pendants. I really love this idea! ThirtyDash9 makes these great dog pendant necklaces featuring your favorite pooch with a colored background. Personalized and adorable!

{3} Dog Art By Brian Rubenacker. He paints dog portraits, and I just loved his pug portrait painting. He also features another dog breeds.

{4} Hand Painted Dog Mugs. From My Boo Dog Mugs. These are detailed ceramic mugs are each hand painted and very realistic.

I always like to feature new and exciting dog finds for my "Wednesday Dog Treats" post. If you have ideas, or you would like to have any of your dog items featured here. Just drop me a line and let me know. Your item could be featured in next Wednesday's Edition!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Celebrities and their Pugs

Celebrities with Pugs! Who would have thought George Clooney was a pug guy!? Also, pictured is Jessica Alba with two pugs. I know that is an old picture, but those dogs are very photogenic.

I knew Tori Spelling was pug lady, because her pug, Mimi la Rue died last year. I admit it, I was watching her television show, specifically the episode when Tori was mourning her sweet pug of 11 years. It so sentimental to see how important her dog was to her.

I thought it was interesting to see which famous people out there own pugs, just like us. There is also a whole website dedicated to pugs with their celebrity owners. It's really quite interesting if you get a free moment.

Have a great Tuesday everyone! Don't forget about my Give Away!

xo (Pugs & Kisses) xo,

Dawn

Give Away!!!

Last time I did a Give Away it went UNCLAIMED! I know you probably can't believe it!

(I couldn't either!)

So I have decided to do another Give Away, but BIGGER, this time I am having 2 WINNERS!

Each winner will receive a set of 6, Assorted Pug Stationery Note Cards!

(Stationery will vary from picture above)

For one entry, leave your first and last name and email in a comment.

Example: Jane Doe; janedoe@gmail.com

For a second entry visit Lydia & Pugs Etsy shop here. Look at the items offered. Blog about this giveaway on your own blog, complete with pictures and links. Leave a NEW comment letting me know where I can read it.

Example: Jane Doe: (link)

For a third entry, become a follower of Lydia & Pugs. In a NEW comment, type your first and last name and “Follower”. If you already follow, mention your loyalty in a comment. If you're a new follower, introduce yourself!

Example: Jane Doe: Follower

The Give Away ends Friday, May 1 at Midnight (EST).

The TWO winners of the Lydia & Pugs stationery Give Away will be

announced Monday, May 4th.

Please visit us then to see if you are the winner.

That's it. Pretty simple, and totally worth your time!

You have until Wednesday, May 6, to email LydiaAndPugs@gmail.com to claim your prize. If I do not hear from you by then I will choose new winners. Thanks!

Good Luck!

Lazy Pug Day

Hera by the pool on a lazy Saturday, relaxing. And did I mention, she also takes on modeling :)

I hope you all enjoy you weekend! Try to include some pug time :)

xo (Pugs & Kisses) xo,

Dawn

Foodie Friday

Sweet Potato Fries

recipe provided by MSNBC

INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled

• Extra-virgin olive oil or nonstick vegetable spray

• Coarse-grained salt and cracked black pepper

• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

DIRECTIONS

You won’t miss Mc-You-Know-Who’s fries a bit once you make this delicious alternative. These are so quick to prepare and so deeply satisfying, you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to add another side dish to the evening meal.

PREHEAT oven to 400F. Cut sweet potatoes crosswise into 1 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place only enough olive oil on a cookie sheet to prevent sweet potatoes from sticking.

ARRANGE sweet potatoes in a single layer on cookie sheet. Turn them over once before baking to ensure that both sides are coated with oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake until golden, turning once and seasoning undersides with salt and pepper at halfway point, about 25 minutes total.

WHILE the potatoes are in the oven, in a small bowl toss together parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and a bit more salt and pepper. Taste. Adjust seasonings.

TRANSFER cooked potatoes to a large bowl; add parsley mix. Working quickly, toss potatoes to coat evenly; place back on cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake for an additional 2 minutes, which will take peppery bite out of the garlic.

SHORTCUT CHEF Peel and slice the sweet potatoes, place in a plastic bag, drizzle with olive oil, seal the bag, and then shake and turn to coat with oil. Keep refrigerated. Make the parsley, garlic, and lemon zest mix ahead, too.

Disclaimer: I know these are probably not on the diet, but they are such a great treat! And if you never made them, you really need to try it out. It would be a great starter to the weekend!

xo{Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Dog Craft Project

I bed made for a king or queen pooch of your house!

{Made with dish towels and a foam insert.}

I found this craft project on Martha Stewart's website, while browsing her "Daily Wag" blog. Kinda interesting. But I gotta say, the pug on the pet bed, really caught my attention first.

It's a dog's life -- and a cushy one at that. This soft bed, suitable for small pooches, can be refreshed with a quick switch of covers. You'll need 2 same-size dish towels, 2-inch-thick foam (cut 4 inches shorter and narrower than the towels), and iron-on Velcro fasteners. Lay towels on top of each other, good sides facing. Sew 3 sides, about 1/2 inch in from towel edges. Turn inside out, insert foam, and iron the fasteners to the open side. For a neat appearance, fold that end as if gift-wrapping a box and use the fasteners to keep in place.

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Eco-Friendly Wednesday Dog Treats

{For a closer look click on the collage.}

{1} Earthdog harnesses are manufactured from 100% hemp webbing with our distinctive trims accenting the back. Hemp, a natural material softens with wear, making these harnesses the most comfortable available for your dog and because they're machine-washable.

{2} Sojos dog treats are homemade and will make your dog come running when they smell the bag opening. All treats are made from the best ingredients and are guaranteed corn and wheat free.

{3} Brighten up any room or your dog’s life by getting her a beautiful, colorful hemp dog bed. Who says a pet can’t have a trendy look - one that is all natural too, from Only Natural Pet Store.

{4} Olive Green Dog featuring "Bonzees Boiled Woold Dog Toy"Cheerful Pet's soft bone-shaped dog toy is made from 100% boiled wool and all natural dyes.

And who knew Eco-friendly products could be so colorful?! Enjoy!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Puggy Day!

Here are some happy pictures of Hera taking a walk in our beautiful Florida weather.

Enjoy!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Pugs and Children

I originally worked on this new design for a customer with a one-year-old daughter and I have posted these 'Little Girl Silhouette Cards' to my Lydia & Pugs shop.

These are such a sweet and precious note cards, I think many pug lovers with children will love it just as much as I do.

Here's to another week! And for you faithful readers, I will be having another Give Away soon, so be on the look-out!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Foodie Friday

Spicy Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

I saw this recipe being made on the Food Network, and have yet to make it, but it look delicious if you are mac and cheese fan. It's a new and fresh version of your standard version.

Ingredients

• Salt
• 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 pound assorted mushrooms, quartered
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained of excess liquid
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cups bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/3 cup
• 1/4 cup Romano, plus 1/3 cup
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened, plus 2 tablespoons
• 12 ounces mozzarella cubed (about 2 cups)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and the onion is golden, about 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, spinach, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup Romano. Spread the softened butter in a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish and sprinkle half of the bread crumb mixture inside the dish to coat.

In a large bowl combine the vegetable mixture with the cooked macaroni, cubed mozzarella, the remaining Parmesan and Romano cheeses, and the nutmeg. Spoon into the prepared baking dish, top with the remaining bread crumb mixture, and dot the top with the remaining butter. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Happy Friday!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Animal Rescue Contest

Help Central Florida Pug Rescue win a $20,000 grant!

Dear Pug Rescue Supporters and Friends,

Vote for us at www.theanimalrescuesite.com and we could win $20,000 to help pets in need.

The Animal Rescue Site is hosting a special challenge for eligible Petfinder.com member shelter and rescue groups. The grand prize is a $20,000 grant, and they will be awarding many other grants to rescue groups with the most votes — a total of $100,000 in grants for animal welfare organizations.

Think how many animals we could help for $20,000!

Help us win! All you have to do is click to help rescued animals, and then vote in The Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter⁺ Challenge. Both of these actions are absolutely free! You can vote once a day, every day, from April 13 through July 26,2009. Every time you vote, or tell a friend to vote, you are making a huge difference for us.

Vote today!

Click the paw below and follow the instructions on how to vote. Make sure you enter "Central Florida Pug Rescue" as your shelter/rescue choice.(Lake Mary, Florida).

www.theanimalrescuesite.com

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Wednesday Dog Treats

{1} This cute pug pillow is from Cuore. It makes a great accessory to your bed, even though your real pug is the best. Visit her shop or her blog.

{2} No need to carry a water bottle and bowl for your canine pal. The Gulpy Water Dispenser provides an easy way to carry and dispense water for your doggy. I thought this was a really cool idea!

{3} "P is for Pug." This keychain is delightful and Pop Dog Press has many many breeds of dogs available on it's keychains.

{4} The EatBetter Dog Bowls has an innovative design that helps encourage dogs to eat slower, take smaller mouthfuls, chew more, and avoid overeating

Happy Wednesday!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

The Best Seat in the House

Photo credit: Zoomar on Flickr.

I was pug searching on Flickr and found this very cute pug coming up quite often in my search. I then found this adorable and colorful patterned chair, I absolutely love!

It must be the interior designer in me :)

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

New Designs!

I have added a few new designs to Lydia & Pugs on Etsy!

Feel free to check them out. I am in the process of adding more as well!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! Here's to another week!

xo {Pugs & Kisses},

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Happy Easter!

Lydia & Pugs first Give Away has officially ended! Thank you to everyone who commented and entered into the Give Away! I got some very nice comments from you all. And I also have some great blog friends!

The winner of the Pug Stationery Note Cards (Set of 10) goes to............

Michelle B.!!!

Michelle, please email me your snail mail address, so I can mail your Pug Stationery!

Stay turned for more Lydia & Pugs Give Aways! I had a lot of fun creating this stationery and I hope to more give aways in the future.

I hope you all have a Happy Easter!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Week Wrap-Up

Don't forget to sign up for my Pug Stationery Note Cards Give Away.
Give away ends this Easter Sunday!

Click here to enter!

I will be giving away a set of 10 Pug Stationery Note Cards!

The Pug Note Cards are an assorted pack of 10 blank cards. Each card comes with assorted colorful patterned envelope. The front of each card features a patterned pug cut-out. These colorful cards are perfect gift for someone or for yourself!



{The giveaway Ends Sunday, April 12 @ midnight (EDT)}

Foodie Friday

Credit: Martha Stewart Living

Hot Cross Buns with Dried Cherries

Traditionally served on Good Friday, these yeast-risen buns are delicious before an egg hunt or with a cup of hot tea. If you don't know what a Hot Cross Bun is, they are a type of sweet spiced bun made with currants or raisins and leavened with yeast. It has a cross marked on the top using either: pastry, flour and water mixture, rice paper, icing (if you have a sweet tooth like me), or intersecting cuts.


Ingredients

Makes 30

• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 ounce (4 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 6 ounces (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for bowl and baking sheet
• Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 51/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
• 4 ounces (3/4 cup) dried cherries, coarsely chopped
• 4 ounces (3/4 cup) golden raisins, coarsely chopped
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Heat 1 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it registers 110 degrees on a candy thermometer. Pour milk into a mixer bowl, and fit mixer with a dough hook. With mixer on low speed, add granulated sugar, yeast, butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, the nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggs. Add flour, 1 cup at a time, and knead until mixture comes together in a soft, sticky dough. Continue kneading, scraping down hook as needed, until dough is smooth, about 4 minutes.
2. Add cherries and raisins, and knead to incorporate. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead to distribute dried fruit. Coat a large bowl with butter. Shape dough into a ball, and place in prepared bowl. Cover with a piece of plastic, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Generously butter a rimmed baking sheet. Turn dough onto a surface, knead briefly, then divide into 3 pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time, divide each third into 10 pieces, and shape each into a tight ball. (Keep dough covered with plastic.) Place on prepared sheet, spacing 1/2 inch apart. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover with plastic, and let rise in a warm spot until buns have doubled in size and are touching, about 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together egg white and water in a small bowl. Brush tops of buns with egg-white wash. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until golden brown, 20 to 22 minutes. Let cool on sheet on wire rack for 30 minutes.
5. Whisk together remaining 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons milk, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Spoon icing into a pastry bag fitted with a plain 1/4-inch round tip, and pipe icing on buns in the shape of a cross. (Alternatively, spoon glaze on buns.) Serve immediately.

Happy Good Friday!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Tuna Pug

Has this ever happened to you? The video below is Hera trying to get every morsel out of her tuna can delight! I just had to get this on tape!

Take note she is dressed for the occasion in her Easter dress! I thought this video was very sweet. She didn't even bother to look up at the camera, the food was too important.

Maybe she'll get an Easter treat on Sunday? What do you think?

Etsy Give Aways

Cupcakes In Jars is having a delishuous give-away for a cupcake in a jar delivered right to your house! Can't beat that, unless your on a diet. :) Go visit their blog for more info.


Vintage Inspired Jewelry has a spring like give-away for vintage earrings. Visit her blog.

Nice Day Designs is have a give away for a customized t-shirt (male/female). Visit her blog for more info.


Have a nice day Blog friends and happy Wednesday!

********And don't forget to sign up for my Pug Stationery Give Away!!!**********

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Wednesday Dog Treats

Summer came a little bit early...Wednesday Dog Finds, via Beach style! {Maybe it's because I live in Florida?} I love how companies have dog items related specifically to the beach or poolside. It's so cute to include dogs in everything, now they can be apart of all family gatherings.

{1} Keep you puggy's eyes safe with doggy sunshades! And believe it or not, they are made just for dogs. They fit any size head and are 100% UV blocker.

{2} Absolutely adorable sterling silver dog tags. They add that extra bling and have a purpose. Every dog should have one. For more info.

{3} Doggy Life Jackets? Who knew? A definite must to have while boating or swimming to keep your pooch safe!

{4} Dogs in bikinis?! Is that really possible, apparently so... this polka dot bikini has straps that tie behind neck and Velcro closure. Comes with a matching drawstring doggie backpack. Cute, but remember to apply sunscreen too ;)

****Remember to sign up for my Pug Stationery Give Away!*****

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn from Lydia & Pugs

Give Away!

I will be giving away a set of 10 Pug Stationery Note Cards!

The Pug Note Cards are an assorted pack of 10 blank cards. Each card comes with a colorful patterned envelope. The front of each card features a patterned pug cut-out. These colorful cards are perfect gift for someone or for yourself!

{Disclaimer: Hera the Pug (pictured above) is not included}

........................................................................................................

Here is how you enter!

1. Add the "Lydia & Pugs" button to your blog and you will be entered three times

2. If you are a follower or become one you will be entered two times

3. Blog about this giveaway and you get entered one time

(Your possible entries to be added is 6 times!!!)

Alright everyone, comment away!!

{The giveaway Ends Sunday, April 12 @ midnight (EDT)

The winner will be announced the next day}

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

(From Lydia & Pugs)