Networking..

Lydia & Pugs is now on Twitter.

www.twitter.com/lydiaandpugs

Follow me for new updates, promos and give aways!

xo {pugs & kisses} xo,

Dawn

Ugliest Dog

Pabst, a boxer-mix rescued from a shelter in Citrus Heights, CA won the annual contest on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California.

I am surprised this pooch won, considering the former champ, Rascal, a pedigree Chinese Crested looked not as flattering.

Pabst's owner won $1,600 in prize money, pet supplies and a modeling contract with House of Dog.

I guess it's a matter of opinion.

xo{Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Congrats, the winner is...

Congratulations to Martha!

Winner of the Lydia & Pugs Personalized Stationery Give Away!

Thank you for everyone who participated in the Give Away!
I will be having another Give Away very soon! So stay posted for more updates!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Don't Forget.....

To enter, become a follower AND leave a comment with your email on this post telling me what your favorite item is on the Lydia & Pugs website!

You will have until June 28, 2009 to leave a comment (That's this Sunday!). The winner will be announced on June 29, 2009.

The winner will receive a custom design to be printed on Flat Cards, Calling Cards, or Stickers!

Good Luck!

xo {Pugs & Kisses),

Dawn

Take Your Dog to Work Day!

Take Your Dog to Work Day!

I've never heard of 'Take Your Dog to Work Day' but I think it's a great idea, if you employer will allow it!

A little history... it was first celebrated in 1999, to celebrate dogs encouraging their adoption from humane socities, animal shelters and rescue societies. Visit this site to learn more!

Happy Friday!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Dog Announcements!

Lydia & Pugs: New Puppy/Dog Announcements!

Your new puppy or dog announcements can be personalized with your dog's name, date of birth or adoption, your name(s), and personal message.

Dress you pooch with either a scarf, collar, or coat! And if course you get to select the hand drawn dog breed.

The announcements come with a polka-dot border in either the pink tones for girl dogs or blue-greens for boy dogs.

I think they are just great for your new edition to your family!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Lydia & Pugs Featured in The Pet Boutique and Pet Garden

The Pet Boutique blog, a blog by A and B Originals, has featured Lydia & Pugs in her blog! I am so very excited to be among the other wonderful creative Etsy artists to be featured daily!


As well as, The Pet Garden! Go check it out!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Wednesday Dog Treats

1) Art 4 Milkbones (blog) has so many adorable things, I really couldn't decide on one thing to feature. Most of their items are made with wood, such as a wooden dog leash holder, magnets, or decoration dog ornaments. All look fun and useful!

2) Pinkys Pet Gear (blog) I just love that this shop reuses designer fabric to make chic dog and cat collars. Pinkys uses Lily Pilitzer fabric, Vera Bradley napkins fabric, and even fabric from Talbot's cropped pants. So cool!

3) Red Dog Black Dog, makes great pottery featuring dogs as well as cats. She has some fun items such as salt and pepper shakers, mugs, and dog bowls. All professionally done in her remodeled downstairs!

4) Designs By One- This fun tank is the perfect outfit for those lazy dog days of summer. It is made of very lightweight and soft cotton jersey making it perfectly comfortable to play in. Its gray and blue tones are fun and chic while the anchor printed on the back pocket adds a touch of luxury and a "Yacht Club" look.

As 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

Time for Another Give Away!!!

To enter, become a follower AND leave a comment with your email on this post telling me what your favorite item is on the Lydia & Pugs website!

You will have until June 28, 2009 to leave a comment. The winner will be announced on June 29, 2009.

The winner will receive a custom design to be printed on Flat Cards, Calling Cards, or Stickers!

Good Luck!

xo {Pugs & Kisses),

Dawn

New Dog Breeds from L & P

Some new and exciting changes are happening at Lydia & Pugs!

After many people asking me if I carry any other dog breeds, and after many times saying that I did not. I realized I needed to branch out and create some stationery with other dogs, besides pugs.

Now, don't get me wrong the pug will always be #1, (sorry to those who don't have a pug, you wouldn't understand, just kidding!). But I feel there was a need to make other dog breeds on stationery to fill my customers voids. :)

I have always loved drawing and creating things with my hands, I guess you can call it a gift. And by far my favorite way to express my creative bug, is through sketching and using watercolor as a medium.

So without further ado...I am introducing some NEW friends to Lydia & Pugs:

20 Dog Breeds
(including a black pug and a fawn pug)

There are many new designs that come with the new breeds, they include:

Personalized Flat Note Cards

Personalized Flat Note Cards with Ribbon


Personalized "Dress Your Pooch" Flat Note Cards

I will also be featuring more new designs this week. I've been working really hard on this and I hope you all enjoy! There will also be a Give-Away this week as well! So of course stay tuned...

Happy Monday!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

New Editions...New Friends

Some new and exciting changes are happening at Lydia & Pugs!

I know I had said in my previous post, that I would be revealing my New Editions to you soon, however, your just going to have to wait until Monday to see the entire big REVEAL! I didn't want to be a tease, so I did however, show you the seek peak at the picture above. :)

I will be taking photographs of all my new designs this weekend, and I want it to look fabulous so you can see the final product!

I will also be having a Give-Away next week for my new stationery designs! So, be on the look out!

Happy Friday everyone!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Ribbon

I have been brainstorming some creative ways to incorporate ribbon into my dog stationery. I realized my collection of ribbon is overwhelming, and is beginning to be not so organized. I need a way to always have my ribbon out, so I can see it, and easily accessible.

I found these ribbon organizers that might just do the trick.


After researching the best possible way to keep my ribbon tidy, I found 'the ribbon ring.' Looks kind neat if your ribbon isn't on a spool, but most of mine is.

But then found this very cute and chic ribbon organizer that looks really portable and easily movable. Hmmm...
So, as of now, I am not sure which one I want to make. The cute last one looks the easiest and most convenient. I'll keep you posted on which one I decide on. Until then stay tuned for some cute dog stationery with ribbon!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Pug Wedding

I had a customer this week ask me an interesting question. She first said that she absolutely adored my Salmon Pug Stationery set.

And she then said she is getting married this October and had a black male named Elvis, who was going to walk down the aisle. Elvis came from a rescue shelter and he had heart worm already, not knowing it, and he passed away. They now have we have a 4 month old black male named Presley, who will be walking down the aisle in place of Elvis.

I thought, a pug wedding, how neat is that?! I gladly took on the mission to create some very cute Table Number Pug Cards for her wedding reception.

Here is a picture of my final product. I think they will work out great. I will keep you posted with pictures from her wedding, especially of Presley the pug.

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Wednesday Dog Treats

1. Reversible Flower Basket Bandanna - Dog Gone Knitting. Annabelle the pug shown in the picture is perfect for this reversible bandanna. Larger and personalized sizes are available, catered to your pooch's size.

2. Fancy Dog Crate - Bow Haus. Coffee table/doggy home, this ultramodern design will fit in perfectly with all those mid-century furnishings while providing a safe haven for your pooch. The snazzy configuration is constructed from sturdy PVC, powder-coated steel, and aluminum supports. What a great idea!

3. Summer Fun at the Beach Collar. Rescue Paws. I just love this summery beach collar from Rescue Paws on Etsy. It's perfect for those dogs days of summer. And the best part is a percentage of this sale goes to a worthy cause to help care for rescued dog & cats.

4. Strawberry Mango Doggie Leash Bag- Bentley's Bones. Carry your pick up bags in style! This is a doggie Leash Bag made to clip on to a leash, your belt loop or where ever you would like to carry your plastic pick up bags for you while walking your Pup.

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

Thank you!

Thank you to my friends Milly from Aroo Studio and Melissa from Pugs n' Snorts from for participating in Pay It Forward 2009! It has been a great success!

View their blogs, to see if you want to participate in
Pay It Forward 2009!

It's a fun way to give to someone and you can even give something handmade!

(Here's a picture of Milly's pooch, Hunter her new Surf's Pup tank)

Thanks again ladies!

xoxo

Dawn

New Editions...stay tuned...

I have been hard at work creating some new editions to Lydia & Pugs. And I mean new! I will announcing some exciting new designs to debut very soon, possibly by the end of the week or early next week.

Here is some fresh ideas at work on my drafting table:


Have a great Tuesday!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Pug Magnets!

Coming to a Refrigerator near you.... Lydia & Pugs Magnets!

You pick your choice of Pug colors:

Or you can choose the I Heart My Pug magnet as well!

Lydia & Pugs magnets come in a set of 5 and measures approx 1"x1". Each magnet is durable using a heavy duty magnet for super strength.

Have a super Monday!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Free Shipping!!!

When: Friday, June 12- Saturday, June 13
Where: LydiaAndPugs.etsy.com
What: FREE SHIPPING!!!!

As I said in my post yesterday, this week I was hard at work creating some new and fresh stationery cards and goodies to my Etsy Shop. Check out my shop to view my new creations and get some great deals for this weekend!

I am really excited to offer this promotion for Lydia & Pugs and in hopes of many more to come! I hope you all enjoy and stock up on some wonderful gifts for your friends and family.

Have a fabulous weekend!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Etsy Yart Sale!!!

When: Friday, June 12- Saturday, June 13
Where: LydiaAndPugs.etsy.com
What: ???? Surprise Discount ???? (To be revealed in Friday's Post) Here's a hint...It's HUGE!

This week I was hard at work creating some new and fresh stationery cards and goodies to my Etsy Shop. My new designs will be posted for this weekend's Etsy Yard Sale.

If you are unfamiliar with the Etsy Yart Sale, it's simply Etsy's version of a Yard Sale and a Art Sale, throughout the entire Etsy website. Each shop participating has items marked down, special offers and much more from Etsy sellers. To read more about the Etsy Yart Sale, you can go to this article from Etsy's blog: The Storque.

I have added a sneak preview of my new summery fresh stationery, with bright bold colors just in time for summer!I hope you all enjoy and come visit my shop soon!



xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Wednesday Dog Treats

{1} Brody And Ma. Peach Rose Bouquet Large Round Party Tub. This galvanized tub measures 16" in diameter by 8" high. It has sturdy handles on either side for easy hold. It has been decoupage in designer fabric to give it that retro charm. It is perfect for storing baby blankets, toys, books, bath towels, newspaper, firewood and even beverages.

{2} Design Public. Hepper Wave Pet Bed. A micro-suede bed that's a flying carpet of coziness. The Wave's hammock-like perch keeps your furry friend cool in the summer and toasty in the winter.

{3} Love Barklee. Dog Bed Pillow Summer Stripe. Dogs all over the world have a dog bed that they love, whether it's a donut, rectangle or furniture style bed these pillows are lovely headrests and also give their favorite nap spot a new look. I just love this pillow and it's colors!

{4} Hur Designs. Your little pooch will be as cute as a bug in this summertime lady bug walking harness and hat set. Made with breathable mesh fabric and 100% cotton green, yellow, orange and red lady bug print! Just in time for the hot summer days in the doggy park.

As 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

It's all in the Packaging

Brewley's Tea Caddy

Coup de Soup

Bath and hand products

Polander Selections Wine

Cadbury Chocolates

Beautao

How often do you pick up a gift/product, and just love the outside packaging? It really makes me feel good when the outside wrapping is just as nice as the inside product. And that I know the person took their time and put some thought into making my gift special, this goes for everyday things you buy at the store too. The outside packaging is the first impression of what's to come.

Enjoy!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Dogster!

Woof! Success!

Lydia & Pugs (and Hera) have joined Dogster!

Dogster Inc., launched in January 2004, has become the fastest growing pet destination on the internet, and they even have a sister site for cats called Catster.

Dogster is sort of like a Facebook, but for your dogs. I think some you doggy bloggers might just enjoy this website. Dogster has special features such as forums, classifieds, diaries, treats, private messaging, Gimme Some Paw, photo tagging, themed strolls, pet-friendly travel and pet-personality matrix.

It's a lot of fun packed into a doggy website! I have also created a Lydia & Pugs group that any dog can join! It's a fun way to keep in touch and network with your puggy and doggy friends. You can also add a widget to your blogspot, just like I did on the right hand side of my blog!

Come visit Lydia & Pugs (and Hera) on Dogster today, and let's be friends!

xo{Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Foodie Friday: Cupcake Edition

Cupcakes come in so many different flavors and can be decorated in so many different ways. Swirled, sprinkled, or decorated, they usually can brighten the day of anyone. Martha Stewart has released her newest book, Martha Stewart's Cupcakes, this week. The book shares 175 ideas for spectacular creations with cakes, from toppings to fillings, to frosting's. It sounds so good, I think I just gained a few pounds. But even if your not making them for yourself, cupcakes can be for anyone during any season or for any event.

Devil's Food Cupcake

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• Chocolate Ganache Frosting
• Chocolate Curls, for decorating (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together cocoa and hot water until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Melt butter with sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to combine. Remove from heat, and pour into a mixing bowl. With an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat until mixture is cooled, 4 to 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add vanilla, then cocoa mixture, and beat until combined. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the sour cream, and beating until just combined after each.
3. Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three- quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool 15 minutes; turn out cupcakes onto racks and let cool completely. Cupcakes can be stored overnight at room temperature, or frozen up to 2 months, in airtight containers.
4. To finish, use a small offset spatula to spread cupcakes with frosting. Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight containers; bring to room temperature and garnish with chocolate curls just before serving.

Have a happy weekend!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo,

Dawn

Colorful Inspiration

Andy Warhol is one of my favorite artists, I found some inspiring colorful prints at art.com.

He is most known for his multiple images of Campbell’s Soup cans, Coke bottles, dollar bills and celebrities, however, some of my favorites are his shoe and flower illustrations. Delightful!

xo {Pugs & Kisses} xo

Dawn