Lydia & Pugs Gift Set

King Charles Spaniel gift set!

Sophie is a huge fan of her little pup, Rouky, who just so happens to be a King Charles Spaniel. She wanted some home decor items that would brighten up her home, but something that was also personalized, preppy, stylish, fun and not to mention a conversation starter!

All of Sophie's items are personalized with Rouky's silhouette in her favorite pink and green floral patterned fabric and her embroidered monogram! She couldn't be happier with her set of items to brighter up her home! This is the perfect gift for someone that shows thoughtfulness was put into a special gift, someone would cherish for a lifetime!

If you're interested in a customized gift set, just email me: dawn@lydiaandpugs.com.

Enjoy!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Dogster Award

A few weeks ago Lydia & Pugs was selected as one of the top four sites from Dogster.com.

And we were awarded the "4 Paws Up from Dogster" Award badge! We are delighted and honored to receive such an award! Thanks Dogster!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Spring Pug Aprons

New Pug Aprons are here!

All aprons have the new "D" ring latch for adjustable comfort! And have the option to be embroidered with you name or monogram!

Just in time for Spring!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites

Lydia & Pugs Pawfect Wedding hankie featured on the Erin Hession Photography!

Liberty of London at Target! I love love these colorful patterns and designs! It has my name written all over it!

Lydia & Pugs FREE SHIPPING is still going through Sunday, March 28. This is a good time to over your Easter Cards with you favorite pooch!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Cockapoos Two of a Kind

Susan requested a surprise custom stationery gift set for her sister-in-a-law with her two very different but similar Cockapoos.

Anoosh with a dark chocolate coat and Shakar with a black and white coat. She provided me with an inspiration photos of the two pooches and selected the aqua colored preppy chic font and aqua envelopes for her set.

Susan was delighted with the final set and can't wait to give this special gift!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Wednesday

Q: Would it be appropriate to ask my mother (my best friend who has been through everything with me, including an awful divorce) to be my matron of honor? I cannot think of anyone else I would rather have by my side.

A: Sure, it’s perfectly appropriate to have your mom as your matron of honor. Talk it over with her, though, since she may feel she has a lot responsibilities as mother-of-the-bride that would make it hard for her to be a 100% attentive matron of honor. If she decides both “jobs” are just too much to juggle, you will both know, nonetheless, that she will be by your side in spirit, with great love for you, feeling very honored by your suggestion.

Q:I mistakenly sent an e-mail to my boss complaining about how he handled a project. It got very awkward . What should I have done?

A:Owned up immediately. In person. Before the boss came to you. Your opening lines: “I can’t believe what an idiot I am. I’m sorry.” Since your comments were more about frustration than about gossip, you could have used this as a chance to discuss the problem. If it was gossip, you’d need to apologize profusely and get the word out to everyone that received it that you, and not the target, are the idiot. Follow this simple rule: If you can’t post your message on the bulletin board, don’t e-mail it.

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Pawfect Wedding

Last week was the highly anticipated wedding of Miss Pug's Pawfect Wedding. She is a huge pug lover, being the Momma to 3 pugs!

And since every bride needs something blue and one of her wedding colors were green, I gave her a "Something Blue" pug silhouette embroidered hankie!

She was so delighted to receive her surprise in the mail just in time for her big day!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Lydia & Pugs Free Shipping!

If you didn't receive yesterday's newsletter not to worry. I am offering FREE SHIPPING all week long, March 22-27, to all U.S. and a special discount to my customers outside the U.S.! Thank you all for making Lydia & Pugs First year a grand success! We are so happy about our accomplishments and are looking forward to many more celebrations very soon! If still like to hear about the latest news and new designs from Lydia & Pugs, sign up for the newsletter here! Pugs & Kisses, Dawn (& Hera the rescue pug)

Lydia & Pugs First Anniversary!

This month marks Lydia & Pugs First Anniversary! I really can't believe it's been a year since I started this creative outlet in my life! I have made such wonderful friends while blogging about my designs and related doggy adventures. I hope for many more to come!

I couldn't have done it with the support of my family and friends, and not to mention all my wonderful customers I get to work with each day!

I will be sending out the Lydia & Pugs Newsletter this afternoon with another big announcement, so be sure to sign-up here! :)

Have a wonderful Monday!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites

Adopt a Shelter Pet postage stamps. A veteran postage stamp collector, back before they were popular for wedding invites, I was thrilled to see my friendly fur-balls on stamps. The pets on the stamps all had been home-less at one time, but now have been adopted. These stamps don't come out until April 30. But I will definitely be purchasing some!

DIY: Making your own fabric covered box for your Spring organizing.

If you didn't notice Lydia & Pugs Easter Cards and address labels have now debuted! I am really excited about my new designs for the Spring! Click here for your one-stop- Easter- stationery- stop!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! I have a lot of excited things happening next week for Lydia & Pugs! Including festivities for Lydia & Pugs 1st Anniversary! It's hard to believe! Looking forward to sharing all the excitement next week!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Lydia & Pugs Custom Artwork

I have recently been asked by many if I do original custom portraits or custom artwork illustrations. And I am happy to say that Lydia & Pugs now offers Custom Artwork!

There is a new link on my website with all the information about Custom Artwork, where you can read a small snippet about each piece created. And there is even an option of getting you cherished piece matted and framed, which leaves the stress out of finding a perfect frame.

Below are a few of my recent examples:

Scooby's Portrait

Wendy B's Family Beach Portrait

All custom artwork illustrations also have the option to be made into custom stationery note cards with envelopes. Perfect to share with your friends and family!

I am working on a few new artwork pieces to be debuted soon, so keep checking back for more new designs!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

L&P March E-Newsletter

Lydia & Pugs March Newsletter will be sent out this week!

Filled with lots of surprises, Give Aways, and exciting news!

Don't miss out on the fun!

Make sure you're signed up for the up-to-date news and new things happening at Lydia & Pugs!

Sign-up here!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Hera the Pug in all her St. Patrick's day glory with her glamorous necklace!

P.S. Her tongue is usually always sticking out :)

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Lydia & Pugs Easter Cards!

So it's no secret that Lydia & Pugs has quite the obsession with brightly colored fabrics, prints, pastels and just about anything with color! So I absolutely love it when Spring comes to brighten up the dark dreary colors of winter.

Introducing Lydia & Pugs Easter cards! I have a four different watercolor rendered designs this year, which I think are just perfect for the Spring! And I can't forget the "Dress Your Pooch" note cards and coordinating address labels, which are always a popular choice.

Remember if you have made a custom order from me in the past you dog rendering can be incorporated into the Easter cards too! Just ask!

Please look under the "EASTER" section of my Etsy shop!

I hope you enjoy!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Cheese on the Beach

Amber requested something special with her little fur-ball Cheese, the long-haired Chihuahua. She wanted a fun summer-like illustration for her custom note cards, but also something she could also use as thank-you notes for her graduation in May.

Amber wanted all of her favorite things incorporated into her stationery: the beach, Lilly P pink and green Darcia dress, Tory Burch sandals, her soon-to-be law books/gavel for law school and of course her little fur-ball Cheese.

Amber was thrilled with her final proof. She loved her silhouette standing in the warm beachy sand, law books on one side and Cheese on the other. What could be more perfect?

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites

Beautiful quilled paper by Yulia Brodskaya in the Martha Stewart Spring issue.

DIY: Garden rose Bouquet, simply goregous!

NEW to Lydia & Pugs: Embroidered dog silhouette napkins! I know you might think it's crazy to have your pup on a set of cotton napkins, but you only live once so why not? Just let me know your dog breed and I'll create it's silhouette at no extra charge.

Wishing all my faithful readers and new visitors a wonderful weekend! Exciting things happening at Lydia & Pugs, including a special give away and L&P Easter cards coming up very soon!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Organizing Inspiration

I love how the entire wall is a huge cork board.

This ribbon holder is devine!

I love the little fabric swatches on the mini clothes line! Perfect for color inspiration!

I think I might like this picture just because of all the colors, but it really is a beautiful cabinet to keep all your prized fabrics.

I have been trying to get my studio and craft room together for the last few weeks or so, it's basically almost complete, organizing is the last thing to do! But I have some wonderful inspiration photos that helped me get ideas for my own little get-away room. If I feel brave enough I'll share a few pictures soon.

All images found via Modish Handmade Spaces

Enjoy!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Wednesday

via getty images.

Q: When I’m near a person who is speaking loudly on a cell phone, what’s the best way to ask him to be quiet?

A: It’s hard to enjoy a meal, a train ride or any other activity in public when your ears are held hostage by a cell phone blabbermouth. Sometimes, a pointed look at the talker will get your message across. Speaking directly to the offender usually is not a good idea — it could lead to an unpleasant confrontation. Your best bet is to seek help from an authority — a restaurant manager, for example. He/she may ask the caller to move to the lobby or restroom area. If the cell phone user is on a train, speak to the conductor.

Q: What should you do if you’re about to introduce someone and suddenly can’t remember his name?

A: We’ve all been there — that awkward moment when we’re starting to make an introduction but can’t remember a name. Just say, “I’m so embarrassed. I have completely forgotten your name.” If you suspect someone has forgotten your name, one of the kindest gestures you can make is to extend your hand and say “Hello, I’m Jane Smith. It’s so nice to meet you.”

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Lydia & Pugs Loves Our Pets: Part II

Another edition of "Lydia & Pugs Loves Our Pets." Sophie has an adorable King Charles Spaniel named Rouky who is the king of the house. He is sitting next to his personalized dog silhouette tote with embroidered name.

Hollis-Ann recently got a new pug puppy, she named Corn Bread. Hollis-Ann said pugs are often rare to adopt in Hawaii, so she was thrilled to finally get her little fur-ball!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Huggable Fur-balls

Britt requested custom stationery of her four favorite fur-balls! She has two pugs named Mr. Chips and Franklin, and two kitty cats. Britt is a huge lover all things 1950's vintage, so she wanted to be dressed in her favorite aqua button down dress with her black Louboutin pumps.

Britt and her four pets look absolutely adorable! And she is over the moon excited to receive her new personalized set.

Happy Monday!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites

Brooch Bouquets are lovely in very possible way! Beautiful and colorful, I simply love them, not to mention a beautiful the website.

The Oscars are this Sunday, and I love Bakerella's idea for "Award Night" sugar cookies shaped in the famous Oscar statue, so cute!

Lydia & Pugs personalized dog flat note cards come in a variety of colorful ribbon, not to mention your favorite dog breed!

Happy Friday ya'll! :)

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Great Resources for Small Businesses

Recently I came across two very good resources for small business and blogger newbies.


First, Oh My! Handmade Goodness. I've been a long fan of Sarah+Abraham, a successful Etsy stationery shop, who has done extremely well and eventually got her own e-commerce website. She along with a few other successful independent children's retailers started a blog about the daily struggles and happy moments of starting your own business. I subscribe to her daily posts, and I highly recommend you do the same if you're just starting out.

Second, Edit and Post. I just found out about this wonderful blogging resource this week! Ami Price, the delightful editor of Elizabeth Anne Designs, has started a new blog about tips for blogging and about business. She compares her blog posts to real world examples, so you can understand more clearly about managing your business and how it others see your business from the outside.

Two wonderful resources I highly recommend you take a look at in your spare time!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Wednesday: Dinner Party

Q:I’m a vegetarian. When invited to a dinner party, should I let the host know this ahead of time? What about my husband, who is allergic to certain foods?

A: Upon accepting an invitation, mention any allergy that could cause a serious reaction. Explain to your hostess, “We’d love to come for dinner, but I must tell you that Bob is deathly allergic to shellfish.” Dietary preferences, such as vegetarianism, should be handled on a more individual basis, depending upon the event. If it is a large party or a buffet, the guests should try and “make do” since a variety of foods will be served. If the gathering is small, the dinner is in your honor or your going to be an overnight houseguest, you should mention your restrictions to the host and offer to bring a dish to share. Say, “Thanks so much for the invitation, Joan. I should let you know that I am a vegetarian. I’d love to bring a zucchini casserole if that’s ok with you.” This way your host won’t work hard to make something you can’t eat, and you’ll be providing a solution that addresses your restriction.

Q: I recently held a dinner with several couples from my neighborhood. We had a wonderful time, but at the end of the evening a few guests lingered long after the party ended. What should I have done?

A: Even the best parties have to end sometime — but some guests just don’t get the hint when it is time to leave. If starting to clean up and other tricks don’t work, it is OK to let guests know that the party is winding down. Tell them that you have had a nice time but that you have to get up early the next day. Or say, “I have to ‘close down’ in 15 minutes,” which allows them to depart in a relaxed fashion.

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

From Coast to Coast

I just finished a custom blog header for Cindy from Coastal Mommyhood! I had a wonderful time creating something that really reflected the overall feeling of the blog.

Her new blog is about the lives of 2 friends both raising children: Cindy from Seattle, the Pacific coast, and Brandy from Texas, the Gulf coast. Cindy wanted a header that showed the Pacific charateristics, such as the evergreen tree, emerald green grass, cliff on ocean, pacific waves, darker sky, and the Gulf characteristics, such as the rolling flat beach, sunny bright sky, bright green grass and Gulf waves.

Cindy couldn't be more happy with her new header for her new blog! Head on over to Coastal Mommyhood an check it out!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Cruising with Your Pup!

Cami's inspiration items.

Cami requested a stationery illustration of her two favorite things, her bike and her pup!

She loves to ride her teal bike around the neighborhood, especially when her white and gray Morkie, Paisley, is riding in the basket! She is also a lover of all things preppy, teal, yellow, and blue. She is dressed in a tonic dress with Tori Burch blue sandals, and always wears her hair up in a ponytail.

Cami said her design is the most cutest and hippest design out there, she couldn't be more happier!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn