Lydia And Pugs

Valentine's Paper Goods are here!

2012-01-10T12:22:00.005-05:00

We hope you are enjoying the start of the new year so far. I am busy here in the studio working on new projects and new designs to share with you for 2012! I hope you enjoy the new Valentine's goods featuring illustrations of your dog in a festive sweater or a bicycle crusier with heart balloons!

Of course you can always have a custom card illustration of yourself and pup!

Click here to view Valentine's cards and paper goods.

Happy New Year!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug
www.lydiaandpugs.com

Last Minute Gifts?

2011-12-14T13:14:00.004-05:00

Save 10% off anything at Lydia & Pugs by using promo code: SANTAPUG at checkout through December 19th.  

Click here to shop gifts, cards and more!

Order by December 19th for Christmas Delivery for U.S. Ground Orders.  
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

 Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

It's My Birthday! Save 10% off all day today!

2011-12-04T01:27:00.009-05:00

pic via pinterest

They say it's your Birthday and it only comes around once a year. Today is my birthday!

So celebrate with me and save 10% off your entire purchase at www.lydiaandpugs.com for

today only: December 4, 2011 through midnight EST.

Use coupon code: DAWNBDAY11 at checkout.

Enjoy!

Kind regards,

Dawn & Hera the rescue the pug

Cyber Monday Sale!

2011-11-28T13:27:00.004-05:00

Our Cyber Monday sale is here!

Hurry! Save 20% off everything at Lydia & Pugs (excluding custom stationery) until midnight EST tonight, November 28, 2011. Use code 'CYBER20' at checkout.

We hope you are enjoying your the start of the holiday season so far. Our studio is in full holiday swing here, printing stationery, watercoloring personalized Christmas cards, trimming the tree and we can't forget Hera the pug in the mix of it!

Click here to view all Christmas and holiday cards.

Happy Holidays to all!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug
www.lydiaandpugs.com

Happy Thanksgiving + 2 Day Sale!

2011-11-24T13:01:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am so thankful for so many blessings this year, but especially for each of my fans and clients, who support this little business that could. You are all wonderful! I wish you, your family and furry friends a blessed Thanksgiving!

Now on to our BIGGEST SALE of the year! Save 20% off EVERYTHING at Lydia & Pugs! Now through Friday, November 25, save 20% off your ENTIRE ORDER at www.lydiaandpugs.com.

Plus when you spend $50 or more, you will receive $10 credit toward your next order! Use you $10 credit reward for yourself or spend it on someone else! Use code: "THANKYOU20" at checkout. Sale ends Friday, November 25, midnight EST.

Click here to view all Christmas and holiday cards.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

Holiday Goods Sale!

2011-10-28T07:12:00.005-04:00

Shop early and save! Save 10% off all Christmas & Holiday paper goods through November 11. Use code: "HOLIDAYDOG" at checkout.

Save 10% off all holiday custom illustrated card requests through November 6. Email us (info@lydiaandpugs.com) a photo for your card illustration and we'll email you a proof for your approval before printing.

This year we also added an orange-red envelope color: Persimmon to our holiday colors line-up. Also be sure to check out the festive return address labels to dress up your holiday envelopes.

Click here to view all Christmas and holiday cards.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug
www.lydiaandpugs.com

Halloween Paper Goods

2011-09-12T13:15:00.003-04:00

Our Halloween Collection has arrived! We brought back some of our favorite fall and Halloween paper goods from last year and also added a couple of new designs to the collection!

Enjoy 10% off our *HOLIDAY* section now through September 30th by using code LPFALL at checkout!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

September Newsletter Coming + Sneak Peek!

2011-09-02T07:17:00.004-04:00

Halloween is just around the corner!

Here is a small sneak peek at our fall and Halloween goods, which will make their debut in our September Newsletter coming out on Monday, September 5!

And a special promo code too!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

Lydia & Pugs Local Press

2011-08-23T10:00:00.004-04:00

I am really excited to share Lydia & Pugs has been featured in the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida Business section!

In case some of you non-Floridians don't know, it's a local based newspaper here in the central Florida area. You can view the online version here.

Pugs & kisses,
Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

Custom Stationery Give Away!

2011-08-17T07:30:00.003-04:00

It's Give Away Time! Daphne at Flip Flops & Pearls is having her 1st Blogoversary Give away!

She decided to change up her current blog header and give it a fresh new look! So I changed her current Lydia & Pugs header to something more her style including Daphne wearing her preppy green apron with her monogram, her favorite glass of wine and her camera on her wrist. Also included is her pup Khaki and some of her favorite items at her feet.

She couldn't be more excited to be celebrating her 1st Blogoversary, she is giving away a set of Custom Lydia & Pugs stationery! Head on over to Flip Flops & Pearls for a chance to win!

The giveaway ends August 26, and there are many ways to enter the contest! Good Luck!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

NEW Paper Goods + Promo Code

2011-08-04T10:48:00.003-04:00

Enjoy 10% off our *NEW* section now through August 15th by using code SUMMER10 at checkout!

Happy Summer!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

Friday Favorites: Around the Studio + Give Away Winner

2011-07-15T07:03:00.004-04:00

1. Hera the pug of course!

2. Rough sketch of Sweet Tea & Stilettos custom blog header

3. Final Custom Thumbprint Wedding Tree for an August wedding

4. It's Raining Pugs & Dogs wrapped in a kraft box and pink twine

5. Shih Tzu's Annie and Jack dressed in their summer attire on summertime notecards

6. Matching Annie and Jack large mug

Congrats to Preppy Wife Preppy Life, the winner of the Sweet Tea & Stilettos Give Away! She gets some sweet Lydia & Pugs Custom stationery!

Happy weekend ya'll! I hope you enjoy it!

Our July Newsletter will be coming out early next week! It will be packed with new goods, news and a special promo code! Sign up here to get the latest scoop!

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

Sweet Tea & Stilettos Blog & Give Away!

2011-07-06T07:09:00.011-04:00

Happy Wednesday! I recently worked with Hannah on a new blog header! Hannah is a Southern girl at heart, loves to shop and of course adores her black lab Ivy. I incorporated some of her favorite store shopping bags: Tibi, Saks 5th Avenue and Williams Sonoma. She also sent me her favorite Tibi patterned bright pink dress for inspiration. I illustrated a few stilettos here and there and I couldn't forget a large pitcher of sweet tea to make the header complete! Hannah is beyond thrilled with her final design.

Head on over to Hannah's new blog to try and win a Lydia & Pugs Custom Stationery Give Away! The Give Away ends Wednesday, July 13th! Good Luck!

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn

Happy 4th of July + Special Promotion

2011-07-04T10:24:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Enjoy Lydia & Pugs special promo code good through the end of the day today!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

Wedding Wednesday: Thumbprint Tree

2011-06-15T07:02:00.002-04:00

I completed a custom Wedding Tree for Andrea and Scott. They is getting married this fall in an airplane museum! She requested to incorporate her 2 schnauzers Jack and Jill, as well as a World War 2 airplane in the illustration.

Andrea send me photos of her wedding dress and well as her 2 pups for inspiration photos and she also mentioned her wedding color was aubergine. With those few details I created a wedding tree she and her future husband will cherish for decades!

I also created Andrea custom folded Thank You cards the couples first stationery with their new last name and of course Jack and Jack had to be on the note card as well.

Kind regards,
Dawn

Friday Favorites: Around the Studio

2011-06-03T12:10:00.002-04:00

1. Embroidered Tote and Graduation Note Cards for my friend's High School graduation

2. Enjoying the warm FL weather on my pink bike cruiser

3. Memorial Day on FL beach pic...the jellyfish are out in full swing

4. Personalized set of Monogram Stationery with dogs wearing Ray Bans

5. Painting a Thumbprint Wedding Tree in watercolor

6. Hera the pug...always a crowd pleaser

Enjoy your weekend! And by the way...Happy June!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera

Custom Stationery: TOMS Shoes

2011-06-03T07:01:00.004-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of working on a special set of custom stationery for Pam Mycoskie. For those of you who don't know, she is the proud Mama of TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie.

After Blake competed in The Amazing Race in Argentina, he since then has returned to Argentina for vacation where he came up with the idea of a shoe company. Where for every pair sold, a new pair would be donated to a child in need of shoes. The shoes Blake was interested in selling are Alpargata shoes. As of September 2010, TOMS has given over one million pairs of new shoes to children in need around the world.

A friend of Pam's requested a set of stationery that incorporated both the TOMS blue striped flag, as well as, the Mycoskie's Golden Retriever. And Lydia & Pugs was the perfect fit to mesh these two things together into a perfect little note card.

I was told that Pam loved the thoughtful and personalized stationery she received and she can't wait to order more! I couldn't be more excited!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites: Around the Studio

2011-05-27T07:14:00.001-04:00

I love taking photos with my iphone, here's a few pics of the week to share with you, starting from top to bottom.

1. Scottie Tank Top applique special delivery to Tennessee

2. Hot Doggie Summer Note cards featuring a Poodle and *new* breed the Clumber Spaniel

3. Aqua Bike Cruiser Print, some one requested just a 4x6 print with her dachshund

4. Hera the rescue pup in all her glory...or just the FL sun

5. Working on a pug illustration with a side tongue

6. I love this quote...it really made me think about the goals I want to achieve in life

Enjoy the long weekend! And Happy Memorial Day!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Custom Stationery: Emily's Three Dogs

2011-05-23T12:36:00.004-04:00

I really enjoyed working on this custom stationery design for Emily, who is the proud owner of three very different dogs. Emily has Bella a English Mastiff, Gracie a Black Lab and Angus a Bulldog as seen on the card with each dog's name on their bowl. Emily requested a note cards with her daughter Sophie illustrated on them for her to bring to summer camp, as well as, loose note pad papers to refill her already existing notepad holder. So I was happy to cut her paper to size so it can fit in her stationery holder perfectly.

Emily was so excited about her design. After receiving her package in the mail, she emailed me and said something a designer always loves to hear: "I'm so in love with this I am going to be ordering for years to come!"

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn

Stationery Trends Magazine: Spring Issue

2011-05-16T09:40:00.001-04:00

Lydia & Pugs is featured in the spring issue of Stationery Trends magazine! I received my magazine in the mail about 2 weeks ago...and I have been eagerly waiting to share with my loyal fans!

Stationery Trends interviewed me a few months back regarding the stationery and gift bags I did last summer for a few A-Lister celebrities and I couldn't be more thrilled they put the interview in their spring issue! The spring issue is also the National Stationery Show issue being distributed to all the participants at National Stationery Show this year in New York City!

If you get a chance the interview is on pages 30-31, a good read I must say! A big thank-you to Sarah Schwartz, the Editor of Stationery Trends for making this happen! I am feeling very blessed to be a part of an awesome publication!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Presley the Star & Give Away Winner Announced

2011-05-03T07:26:00.002-04:00

One of my fabulous clients, Lori has a very special pup named Presley who made it into a national publication called BARk magazine. He is a handsome little pup if I do say so myself.

Lori was so thrilled she ordered Lydia & Pugs cupcake toppers for his celebration.

And Lori was even kind enough to mail me a copy of BARk with Presley featured in the "Smiling Dogs" section. How exciting!
We also have a winner of KjPug's Blogoversary Give Away. The winner goes to Lauren from Two Washingtons! Congrats Lauren for winning the $50 Lydia & Pugs Give Certificate.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

sTORIbook Weddings & Chihuahua Apron

2011-04-27T06:34:00.004-04:00

So just about a year ago I had made some celebrity swag bags for a hand full of A-list celebrities. Each received a custom embroidered apron and set of custom stationery. A only heard back from a few and really wasn't sure if any of my swag bags really got to the celebrities themselves.

Until last night I happened to turn on the TV and I started watching Tori & Dean: sTORIbook Weddings. To my surprise Tori Spelling was wearing my Lydia & Pugs Chihuahua Apron I had designed for her months earlier!!! She is wearing the apron in the scene where the family is making Baklava in the kitchen!

I am so over the moon and still can't believe it! Even if I am the only one who noticed the apron in that scene it makes me so happy to know that Tori loved the apron enough to wear it on TV! That's huge!

I wanted to share my success and excitement with my faithful fans and followers! You can view a clip of the episode of sTORIbook Weddings here! The episode aired last night (4.26.11) on Oxygen.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

KjPugs GiveAway!

2011-04-22T13:51:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday!

Hop on over to KjPugs Blog for a Lydia & Pugs Giveaway!

Enter to win a $50 Gift Certificate to shop at Lydia & Pugs!

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn

April Newsletter is Coming!

2011-04-12T20:10:00.003-04:00

The Lydia & Pugs April Newsletter will be coming out this week!

Sign up here to receive the latest news, new products and promo codes!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera (the rescue pug)

NEW Bike Cruiser Stationery

2011-03-31T12:31:00.004-04:00

*NEW* in the shop! Lydia & Pugs Bike Cruiser stationery! By popular demand, these personalized note cards will make anyone's day a little brighter!

Say hello to family and friends with these cheery bike cruiser cards. Each note card is adorned with a illustrated pink bike cruiser or aqua bike cruiser with wicker basket and colorful flowers. Choose from either a large pink banner or a pink and green banner to complete your card! And of course your favorite dog breed too!

Best regards,
Dawn

Graduation Paper Goods

2011-03-15T07:22:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again...Graduation season! I've had many people asking when graduation goods would be in the shop...well here they are!

And they are super sweet because order your Lydia & Pugs Grad paper goods before March 31st and use Promo Code: GRAD2011 at checkout to receive 10% off your order!

P.S. A BIG Congrats to our giveaway winner Sara over at Simply Sara for winning the Miss Janice blog giveaway last week! Sara is getting a personalized set of stationery from the L&P website!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Happy Friday + L&P Giveaway

2011-03-11T10:12:00.004-05:00

Today is the last day to register for the Lydia & Pugs giveaway!

Head on over to Miss Janice's blog now and enter to win a personalized set of L&P stationery!!!

Giveaway entries need to be in by midnight eastern-time tonight, March 11!

Good Luck! The winner will be announced on Monday, March 14.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Miss Janice + L&P Give Away!

2011-03-07T13:05:00.008-05:00

I had the pleasure to work with Miss Janice over at Etiquette with Miss Janice blog on her new custom blog header!

Miss Janice wanted specific items incorporated into her blog , such as her cheetah print ottoman with monogram laptop, her Yorkie Miss Coco wearing her fancy LWhelan Designs hankie with her pearls, a tea set, some etiquette books. and a fleur de lis print rug. Miss Janice is dressed in her favorite Lilly dress paired with her Chanel pocketbook, Chanel ballet flats, iPhone, and of course a Starbuck's beverage!

She also requested a matching blog button:

Miss Janice was kind enough to host a Lydia & Pugs GIVE AWAY!!! Head on over to Miss Janice's blog now and enter to win a personalized set of L&P stationery!

P.S. Remember any illustration from Lydia & Pugs can be used on future orders, such as stationery paper goods, coffee mugs, and totes! Interested in your own custom Blog Header or Blog Button, just email me: info@lydiaandpugs.com or click here to view my previous header designs.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Wedding Wednesday: Western Pug Wedding

2011-03-02T12:56:00.007-05:00

Linda has a black pug and a fawn pug whom she incorporated into her wedding...they were both the flower doggies on her big day!

Linda had a unique idea for her wedding paper goods. Linda had custom-made Lydia & Pugs wedding invitations and RSVP cards with rendered illustrations of her 2 pugs dressed in her Western cowboy theme, magenta cowboy hats and daisies which worked perfectly into her design. She also requested coordinating table number cards.

As you can see these two little doggies made a huge impact in her life and not having them in her wedding wouldn't be the same. Linda and Andrew couldn't be happier with their L&P wedding paper goodies!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Hankie

2011-02-23T13:00:00.002-05:00

Beautiful wedding of Allie and Jeff! Allie ordered a Wedding Bridal hankie with her favorite pug silhouette. The silhouette is a fabric applique with the fabric color/pattern of your choice, or you can snail mail a small fabric swatch to use on the personalized hankie for your special day! You can also personalize the hankie with your embroidered wedding date or monogram, which truly adds a unique touch.

Allie couldn't be more thrilled to have her personalized hankie with her as she walked down the aisle!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Wedding Wednesday: Thumbprint Tree

2011-02-16T06:57:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of creating an adorable Wedding Thumbprint Tree for a special couple who got married just over a month ago.

I had created their custom wedding invitations with their rendered silhouettes and two mini-long-haired dachshunds. The Wedding Thumbprint Tree allows your guests will truly enjoy "signing" this guest book. Having your family and friends "leaf" their thumbprint is a great way to display your personalized artwork in your home, something you will cherish for years.

The bride and groom couldn't be more happier with their custom Wedding Thumbprint tree! If you are interested in a Wedding Thumbprint Tree for your wedding, please email me at: info@lydiaandpugs.com

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn

Etiquette Wednesday + Give Away

2011-02-02T07:19:00.006-05:00

Of course we all would love to bring our pets with us where ever we go, but sometimes if you're staying as guest, it's a good idea to ask first before you bring along your pup...

Q: Whenever my sister-in-law visits for the weekend, she always brings her dog along. He’s cute, but a major inconvenience. How can I get her to leave the pooch at home without being rude?

A: Hosts aren’t obliged to include their houseguests’ pets in an invitation (unless, of course, it’s a service dog for a disabled person). So next time you invite your sister-in-law, be clear right up front: “Rebecca, I would love to have you come visit this summer. But it will need to be without Pumpkin. I hope you can find a dog sitter for him.” If you wish, explain your reasons: “Sam is allergic to dog hair” or “With three kids in the house, having a dog just makes things a little too crazy. I hope you understand.”

via Emily Post

P.S. Also be sure to check out Flip Flop & Pearls blog today for a chance to WIN a set of Lydia & Pugs stationery! Head on over there now!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

L&P in an Etsy Treasury!

2011-01-25T06:57:00.001-05:00

Lydia & Pugs made it to an Etsy Treasury!

Check it out!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

P.S. Don't forget all Valentine's paper goods at www.lydiaandpugs.com, is 10% when you use Promo Code: PUGLOVE10 at check out! Through January 31, 2011

Valentine's Day Collection

2011-01-17T09:16:00.002-05:00

Our Valentine's Collection is here! Check out our lovely pink and red doggie paper goods!

Use Promo Code: PUGLOVE10 to save 10% off your Valentine's order, through January 24, 2011 at www.lydiaandpugs.com.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Happy New Year + Coupon!

2011-01-04T07:01:00.003-05:00

Happy 2011!

Enjoy $10 off you purchase of $20 or more, at www.lydiaandpugs.com through January 31, 2011. Use promo code: NEWYEARCHEER at checkout!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T12:45:00.003-05:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season!

Best Wishes to each of you for a happy and healthy holiday season. We appreciate your business and enthusiasm. 2010 has been a wonderful year for us and we couldn't have done without you!

Enjoy $10 off you purchase of $20 or more, at www.lydiaandpugs.com through January 31, 2011. Use promo code: NEWYEARCHEER at checkout!

Best wishes and Happy 2011,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

Peace, Love & Pug

2010-12-08T19:04:00.001-05:00

Peace, Love & Pug...I think this custom Christmas card says it all.

My famous client Allison wanted her custom illustration she used previously to be incorporated into her Christmas cards this season. She wanted some retro and could also use her purple peace sign. I think this holiday card turned out perfect for her and her pug Tootie!

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn

They say it's your Birthday...

2010-12-06T06:43:00.005-05:00

This past weekend was my birthday! Celebrate with me now by saving $5 off your Entire Purchase today only at www.lydiaandpugs.com!

This is a great way to order your last minute Christmas gifts before the holiday shipping deadlines are here!

Use Promo Code: DAWNBDAY at checkout to receive your discount. Offer expires tonight December 6, 2010 at midnight Eastern time.

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn

Cyber Monday Sale!

2010-11-29T06:46:00.002-05:00

Enjoy 15% off your Entire Purchase! Today Only!

Visit www.lydiaandpugs.com now!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:23:00.003-05:00

I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving with friends and family and pets!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera the rescue pug

Custom Preppy Christmas

2010-11-23T07:05:00.002-05:00

An adorable non-traditional Holiday card I recently created for Megan. She requested an flat note card with herself dressed in black and white dress, pink ribbon tie, and pink heels holding her favorite martini. She resides in Washington, DC, so it was only appropriate to incorporate the DC skyline to her custom illustration in pink of course!

Megan couldn't be happier and can't wait to mail out her special personalized cards!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Festival of Trees 2010

2010-11-18T07:04:00.004-05:00

Lydia & Pugs is thrilled to be participating in our 6th Entertaining by Design at the Orlando Museum of Art's Festival of Trees. We have a display pedestal featuring some of our favorite Holiday paper goods from our Holiday Collection.

Participants who purchase a raffle ticket are eligible to win a Custom Stationery Design worth $250! A perfect way to send out your Holiday Greeting Cards with a personalized touch!

The Festival of Trees is this week through Sunday, November 21, 2010. Enjoy!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Custom Holiday Order

2010-11-16T07:07:00.003-05:00

Custom Holiday orders coming in! This is just one of the adorable designs I've been working on this week! I had to share it because it's a "spin-off" of the ever so popular Santa Baby Walking Her Pooch stationery set, instead featuring her leading man and even a cat!

Remember, if you are interested in a custom order, please note our turnaround time for Custom Cards during the holidays is 1-2 weeks from order confirmation.

Enjoy!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Last Day for the Early Bird Holiday Special!

2010-11-15T12:37:00.003-05:00

Last day to save 10% on all Lydia & Pugs Holiday Paper Goods!

Including Christmas Custom Orders too!

Use Promo Code: HOLIDAYDOG at checkout.
Ends tonight at 12pm Eastern Time!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Pugsgiving 2010

2010-11-11T07:18:00.001-05:00

Pugsgiving is upon us! Lydia & Pugs will have a booth this year at the 8th Annual Pugsgiving event for the Pug Rescue of Florida! I am beyond excited to apart of the event this year!

Friendly, leashed dogs displaying their current rabies tags are welcome to enjoy Pugsgiving. There will be plenty of opportunities for them to join the festivities. An all-breed Halloween costume contest, Christmas-themed and fall-themed photos of you and your pets, and yoga with your dog are some of the offerings this year.

I've been working around the clock getting all the L&P goodies together to sell at Pugsgiving! I will be posting throughout the event on Saturday via Twitter and our Facebook Fan Page!

For more info please check out their webpage.

Looking forward to seeing all my Floridian or even non-Floridan pug fans there!

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn

Etiquette Wednesday

2010-11-10T07:15:00.003-05:00

Q: You’re planning an office shower for your pregnant colleague. What’s the best way to collect money for a group gift?

A: Announce that you’ll be choosing a group gift and that those wishing to help should come to you with donations. As the host, you handle the invites and snacks-but leave donations up to each guest. While a group gift is convenient, someone may prefer giving on her own. To help individual givers, find out a few things from the guest of honor: whether she’s registered, what baby items she already has, and whether it’s a boy or a girl (if she knows and is spilling the beans).

Q: While waiting for a treadmill at the gym, you notice that one jogger has gone over the 20-minute courtesy limit. What do you do?

A: Politely ask the woman to wrap up her workout so others can have a turn. Assuming that the time limit is prominently posted, speak directly to the jogger. She may have figured she’d just stay on the machine until someone asked her to get off. Or maybe she’s not aware of the rule, in spite of the signs. Whichever the case, go with a friendly “Excuse me, did you know there’s a 20-minute time limit on the treadmills? Do you think you’ll be finished soon?” If that doesn’t work, then you’ll have to go to the manager.

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

NEW Rectangular Address Labels

2010-11-02T07:19:00.002-04:00

*NEW* Rectangular Address Labels with your pup of course!

They're in the shop!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

L&P Holiday Collection

2010-11-01T06:47:00.003-04:00

Lydia & Pugs Holiday Collection is in the shop now!

Early bird Holiday discount code "HOLIDAYDOG" for 10% off all Holiday goods through November 15.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites: Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T06:22:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday! I hope everyone enjoys their Halloween with more treats than tricks!

Next week, Lydia & Pugs will be debuting our Holiday Collection! So exciting! I'll be offering an Early Bird Holiday discount on starting Monday through November 15. So be on the lookout for the Holiday coupon code!

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn & Hera

Holiday Collection Coming Monday!

2010-10-28T13:21:00.003-04:00

Lydia & Pugs Holiday Collection! Available November 1st! Mark your Calendars!

Also, if you subscribe to our mailing list...look out for a special offer in your inbox on Monday too!

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

2010-10-27T10:56:00.002-04:00

Q: As the groom’s parents, we think we have the right to know how much the bride’s folks are paying for the reception. We’d like to invite more of our friends than they’re allowing us, and we suspect the money is going to fancy flower arrangements instead. Can’t we have our say?

A: Sure, but not in the adversarial way it sounds as if you’d like to. It’s simply none of your business how much the bride’s family is spending or on what. If you’d like to have your input, proceed in a conciliatory way. Speak to your son and future daughter-in-law first to see whether more guests could be accommodated. If so, the way to add more guests is to offer to help pay: “We’d really like to share the excitement with a few more friends. We know weddings are expensive, so please let us contribute to the cost of the wedding.”

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Wedding Maps

2010-10-26T08:18:00.003-04:00

I recently have been working on a few wedding invitations for a few lucky brides and grooms. One of the new things at Lydia & Pugs being offered are Wedding Maps! The maps are included in the invitation and are a great way to direct your guests where to go! The illustrated map is also a good Save-the-Date as well! If you look closely this map has the wedding cake and bride and grooms two small dachshunds in the lower left, who are also in the wedding!

I'll be sharing more about his lovely invite soon! Happy Tuesday!

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

2010-10-20T09:40:00.002-04:00

Q: This year I’ve been invited to two coworkers’ weddings. I just don’t have the money to cover the presents as well as the new dresses and shoes and transportation. Can I say no without hurting anyone’s feelings?

A: Declining to attend doesn’t absolve you from buying a gift. It’s customary to give a present to any couple who invites you to their wedding and reception. The amount you spend is based on your affection for your friends and your budget, not on attendance. Maybe there are ways to make these weddings affordable. Do you really need new dresses? Could you carpool to the wedding? If you decide not to go, don’t feel guilty. Just decline as graciously as you can.

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Pug in Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-19T14:40:00.005-04:00

I spy a pug in a pumpkin patch! Hera and I went to the Pumpkin Patch this weekend at a local church down the road. We had lots of fun in the cool weather selecting the best pumpkin to carve!

Enjoy! And remember 20% off all Fall Paper Goods through the end of October. Use promo code: LPFALL at checkout!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn & Hera

Friday Fall Favorites

2010-10-15T09:52:00.003-04:00

The crisp air is here, well at least around 7am here in Florida! But nonetheless, pumpkin patches are popping up everywhere around town and I'm getting into the festive fall spirit!

A fall tradition, I always made my Pumpkin Cake, recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart. It's delicious and is the perfect way to jump into fall!

We have *new* Peacock envelopes in the shop! This cool teal color has been a popular request among visitors and I am happy to say it's finally here!

Our Fall Paper Goods are on sale through Oct. 31. Use coupon code: LPFALL at checkout to receive 20% off your fall order!

And don't forget about your holiday cards, Christmas time is upon us, so remember to get in your custom orders before the holiday rush! Email me: dawn@lydiaandpugs.com

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

2010-10-13T10:52:00.003-04:00

Q: I just received a bouquet of flowers from my weekend dinner guest. Must I send a thank-you note?

A: Though it sounds like a vicious circle (a thank-you note for a thank-you gift, etc.), you definitely need to get in touch with your guest in some way to let her know the flowers arrived and that you’re delighted with her thoughtfulness. While a call or an e-mail will do, a handwritten note is an especially warm way to express appreciation. (But also know that if a guest brings a hostess gift to the dinner, a verbal thank-you is just fine.)

Q: I’m getting remarried, and though my fiance and I would like a large wedding, my mother thinks it’s in poor taste because I had a huge bash the first time. Can’t a big second wedding be tasteful?

A: At one time, brides felt pressured to keep the second time around a small, low-key occasion, but today you can get remarried in style without lifting an eyebrow. However, you should bear some things in mind. If your parents paid for your first wedding (and even if they didn’t), you shouldn’t expect them to finance this gala. You and your fiance could foot the bill, with his parents pitching in if they wish to. Also, avoid trying to “outdo” your first trip down the aisle. For example, your gown should be less “bridey” this time (though you can certainly wear lily-white).

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites: Think Pink!

2010-10-08T12:35:00.004-04:00

Happy Fall Y'all! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend with lots of fall-like weather!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month! Think Pink with these pink breast cancer awareness note cards. A portion of the proceeds from this card will benefit The American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, whose mission is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem and share friends and loved ones the risks and information concerning breast cancer.

Check out our pink stationery, under the "Giving Back" link on www.lydiaandpugs.com

Have a great Friday!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

2010-10-06T13:53:00.004-04:00

image: Andy Warhol

Q: I attended a wedding last year and haven’t received a thank-you note from the newlywed couple. It’s been more than six months since I sent the gift. Should I call to make sure they received it?

A: If you’re genuinely concerned that a gift has been lost in the mail, you could check with the store or post office. But I suspect what you really want to do is give these newlyweds a wake-up call about the missing note. And you may certainly go right ahead. The couple deserves embarrassment. Neglecting to send thank-yous is a chronic problem made worse by the myth that newlyweds have up to a year to pop those notes in the mail. The actual deadline is right away, with three months as the outside limit. What might make it easier is that thank-yous are no longer the brides responsibility–today’s grooms can do their fair share of the scrawling.

via Emily Post.

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn

Hera is Back!

2010-10-05T12:21:00.003-04:00

Hera is home! I am so happy to have my little pup back! She went through a lot at the vet and is now on 3 different meds for her Pancreatitis.

I can't stress enough how bad it is to feed your dog table scraps, especially greasy fatty foods, which is bad for dogs. Tell your family and friends to stray away from doing so.... Here's a article about Pancreatitis in dogs.

Thank you to everyone for thinking and praying for her over the past few days on Facebook and Twitter! It was so sweet to have such loving and caring dog friends!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Halloween Goodies Sale!

2010-10-04T09:44:00.004-04:00

Happy Fall Ya'll! I am feeling the cooler October weather rolling through, finally!

All of Lydia & Pugs Halloween Goods are 20% off, when you use Coupon Code: LPFALL at checkout!

Enjoy & Happy shopping!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites: Happy October!

2010-10-01T08:20:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday! It's October already! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I am starting to get all the Lydia & Pugs Holiday paper goodies and items ready for this holiday season!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so check out our "Think Pink" stationery set, a portion of the proceeds from this card will benefit The American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, which is a great way to give back! Look under the "Giving Back" link on our website for more giving back goods.

Our L&P Prints debuted last week, and so far have been a big hit! Dress You Pooch prints or doggie silhouette prints, both make a gift for that dog lover.

And a blog friend, Vana at the Le Papier Studio has a new book out called Silhouette Art, you should check it out, a crafter's book into creating paper silhouettes.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Breast Cancer Awareness Stationery

2010-09-30T10:49:00.003-04:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month!

And why not give back to a cause while purchasing these adorable pink stationery set!

Think Pink with these pink breast cancer awareness cards. A portion of the proceeds from this card will benefit The American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, whose mission is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem and share friends and loved ones the risks and information concerning breast cancer.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Lydia & Pugs: Greeting Cards

2010-09-28T11:38:00.003-04:00

It's Raining Dogs and Pugs

Getting My Hair Did

Dogs Just Want To Have Fun

Check out some of our favorite L&P greeting cards! They have hand-painted illustrations that will just make you smile and send a little sunshine in the mail!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etsy Treasury: Must Love Dogs

2010-09-27T09:09:00.003-04:00

Lydia & Pugs made it into another Etsy Treasury!

Our L&P Woofs & Bows ribbon notecards with coordinating envelopes are located on the bottom of the Treasury! Be sure to check out all the other adorable doggy stuff too!

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn

Lydia & Pugs Prints are Here!

2010-09-23T09:57:00.004-04:00

Lydia & Pugs doggie prints are now available!!! Choose from either a colorful Dog Silhouette Print or a Dress Your Pooch Print. These make a perfect gift for any dog lover.

Hop on over to Lydia & Pugs and personalize your favorite print!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

2010-09-22T08:58:00.003-04:00

Q: My husband’s cousin is getting remarried, but unfortunately, my husband can’t make the wedding. Am I still obligated to go?

A: Obligated? No. It’s OK for you to go on your own, but if you’d rather not attend by yourself, that’s fine too. If you do choose to decline, send your regrets to the bride and groom right away so they can invite other people if they wish to do so. And although gifts aren’t a must for second weddings (they are for first ones), you may want to give one in this case, to express your happiness for the couple.

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etsy Treasury::Pug Pillows

2010-09-21T09:40:00.005-04:00

Lydia & Pugs made it into another Etsy Treasury. This one is called Pug Pillow s!

Hera and I are really excited about this!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites

2010-09-17T12:10:00.005-04:00

I hope you all have a great weekend! There's been lots of excitement here at Lydia & Pugs this week, I received a special Thank You note from Jessica Biel in the mail yesterday! I could hardly believe my eyes! She said she loved the stationery gift set she received featuring an illustration of herself with her bf Justin Timberlake and their 3 dogs: Brennan, Buckley and Tina!

I've also been making a few Bridal Hankies which are now available on the L&P website! I worked with Erica from Green Shoes Wedding & Events, and she sent me a fabric swatch for her September Bride and I think it turned out adorable!

Our L&P September Newsletter also went out earlier this week with all the news, new products and a Fall Coupon exclusively for Newsletter subscribers! Sign up here, if you'd like to get the inside scoop on all the lastest L&P happenings!

I feel so thankful to all my faithful followers and fans! You all are the best! Looking forward to next week with more exciting things to come!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Surprise Stationery Design

2010-09-16T11:41:00.007-04:00

I had the pleasure to work with one of my favorite clients Britt who commissioned me to illustrate a Custom Stationery set for her Aunt.

Britt's Aunt Wendy had recently lost one of her dog's Max a Bernese Mountain dog with a goofy smile, tail wagging and always happy. Her other dog Timmy, who passed a few years ago, but still keep him near to heart, a Ibizna/Greyhound mix. And her white Lab named Mandy.

Britt wanted something simple and classic, so I illustrated all three dogs on the bottom right corner and added "A Note from Wendy" aligned toward the left. The note cards are folded so Wendy has plenty of room to write.

The stationery set was delivered directly to Wendy, so I know she will be extremely surprised and overwhelmed!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Oprah Winfrey Stationery

2010-09-15T10:34:00.007-04:00

Oprah received some delightful and very personalized stationery from Lydia & Pugs from her HollyWoof gift bag last month. Although I haven't got the chance to work with Oprah, I've grown up watching her show and I had a pretty good idea she would just love her customized illustrations, especially since her babies are included. She is an American icon, humanitarian, and she has a huge heart for all animals.

Oprah recently adopted 2 Springer Spaniels for her birthday this year. The black and white pups at the top of the picture, their names are Sunny & Lauren and they are just too cute for words! In the purple stationery set, Oprah is dressed in her 10th Anniversary glamorous dress from her O Magazine celebration and lined up around her are her pups, and matching Sunny & Lauren envelope liner. The second set of stationery is of Oprah's favorite Oak tree from her California home, and all her dogs are sitting underneath it. The envelope liner has a smaller version of the Oak tree.

I really hope Oprah enjoys her customized sets of stationery! Who knows maybe I'll get one of my note cards in the mail from her!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

September Newsletter

2010-09-14T11:27:00.003-04:00

Lydia & Pugs September Newsletter has been emailed out!!!

Check you inbox to hear about our new products and our Fall Coupon for our Newsletter subscribers!!!

If you're not on the newsletter list, click here! You don't want to miss out!

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn

Blog Header: Grand Slam Goldens

2010-09-13T10:12:00.001-04:00

Emily came to Lydia & Pugs in need of a new Blog Header for her blog: Grand Slam Goldens.

She has two Golden Retrievers named Ace and Bogey. She wanted an illustration that would show both Ace and Bogey's love for the outdoors, playing in puddles and running in open fields with tennis balls! Emily also loves to take photos of her two pups, so illustrating her Nikon camera around her neck was a must, along with her favorite colors red and black played a colorful theme throughout the header design.

If you're interested in a Custom Blog Header illustration, click here to view my previous blog designs.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Halloween Paper Goods

2010-09-08T09:59:00.005-04:00

Happy Pug-O-Ween cards

Dress Your Pooch for Halloween

Halloween Lady walking Dog Card

Happy Hallo-weiner card

This Lydia & Pugs has quite a few Halloween cards to choose from! Whether you have a pugs in the family or Dachshunds or a different dog breed, there are many cards to choose from to make your Halloween spooky!

Enjoy!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites: Happy Weekend!

2010-09-03T11:32:00.002-04:00

Happy Labor Day weekend! I hope everyone enjoys the long relaxing weekend, the unofficial last days of summer! Hard to believe we're going into Fall already!

NEW to the shop are Stationery Pouches with your favorite dog breed embroidered! You can make the pouch personalized by adding your embroidered name or monogram! It holds anything from business cards, to gift cards, to money and credit cards, all while being a fabulous accessory for you purse! The pouch is also a perfect way to gift your stationery! It can a set of 12 note cards and envelopes. If you don't see your dog breed just let me know can I can create your breed for you!

Also, our Grand Opening L&P Coupon for 20% off your entire purchase has been extended through the holiday weekdend! It's good through September 6 at midnight, eastern time! So get shopping!

P.S. Don't forget to look at our Halloween paper goods and Trick-or-Treat totes!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Pug-O-Ween Tote

2010-09-01T09:23:00.003-04:00

Happy September! Do you know what that means?? Halloween is coming!

Newly listed is our Lydia & Pugs 'Happy Pug-O-Ween' tote, makes a perfect trick-or-treat bag or to just tote around your everyday items for Fall! You have the option of either the fawn pug or the black pug, and you can personalize you tote with your embroidered name or monogram.

Check it out here!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Custom Family Stationery

2010-08-31T13:08:00.004-04:00

Amanda commissioned me to illustrate a Custom Stationery illustration with her family, including her husband, pug Gia, and her soon-to-be new baby girl making her debut toward the end of fall!

Amanda wanted stationery note cards she could use for her baby showers coming up that would be perfect for thank you notes. She sent me a photo of herself and husband and requested she be dressed in her fuchsia silk dress with black heels, her husband in a more relaxed attire and she also wanted to include a baby stroller with pink bow tied at the top!

Amanda was thrilled with her final proof and couldn't be more happier to have stationery note cards for her growing family!

To learn more about having your own Custom Stationery design of your family, click here for details!

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn

Celeb Design: Kathy Griffin

2010-08-30T11:25:00.004-04:00

If you watched the Emmys last night, you know this event is huge, packed with glamor, beautiful dresses and fancy parties!

In honor of the Emmys last night, I am sharing with you a custom stationery design that was given to Kathy Griffin the HollyWoof gift bags Lydia & Pugs participated in a few weeks ago. Kathy Griffin likes to brag about the not one, but two Emmy awards she has won for her reality TV show, "My Life on the D List." So adding her Emmys to her custom stationery design was a must and of course her Lab mix, Pom Pom.

I'll be showcasing some of my other Celeb designs in the next few days! So stay tuned!

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn

Fabulous Friday Favorites

2010-08-27T11:31:00.004-04:00

Happy Friday! I hope everyone has a great weekend! We had lots of excitement this week at Lydia & Pugs and I feel so blessed to be doing something I love to do each day!

In case you missed it, Lydia & Pugs has a new website! Such features as creating your own Wish List, view our new Custom page, and we have a Press page too! Because of our Grand Opening, you can receive 20% off your total purchase by using coupon code: DOGGIE20 at checkout.

Lydia & Pugs new Halloween paper goods are also available!

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn

Lydia & Pugs on DogTipper!

2010-08-26T10:46:00.007-04:00

Lydia & Pugs is in Dogtipper!

I am so excited to say that DogTipper wrote a little blurb about Lydia & Pugs participation the celebrity HollyWoof Gift Bags! Check out the article here!
Also, our new Lydia & Pugs website is live! And be sure to use the 20% off coupon on the homepage.

Speaking of celebs, under the "Giving Back" section on our website features our Paparazzi Note Cards. The Giving Back section gives a portion of it's proceeds to charitable organizations. These note cards were given to the HollyWoof celebs and their 4-legged friends, and a portion of the proceeds from this card will benefit The American Society for Cruelty to Animals (ASCPA).

Pugs & Kisses,
Dawn & Hera

Lydia & Pugs Grand Opening!!!

2010-08-25T09:46:00.005-04:00

WOW! What a week so far, and it's only Wednesday! Many of you know that I've been hard at work getting our new website launched and I am HAPPY and EXCITED to say it's here!!!

After months in the making, staying up in the wee hours of the night and many emails back and forth with my awesome website designer Aeolidia, I can't believe it's here!

Shop our new website: www.lydiaandpugs.com and use Promo Code: DOGGIE20 at checkout to receive 20% off your first order at Lydia & Pugs!

And be sure to check out our new features such as creating a Wish List to add all you favorite items. Friends can even look up your Wish List and purchase items for you! Our Custom page has also been updated with new client projects and custom information!

I'll be adding new items as the holidays come around and as the seasons change, so check back often! Head on over to our new website now!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Halloween Stationery Sneak Peek

2010-08-23T12:32:00.002-04:00

Lydia & Pugs Halloween stationery and paper goods will be available starting tomorrow!

Shop early for all your Fall paper goods!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Business Goods: Anniversary Tote Design

2010-08-19T08:09:00.002-04:00

Lydia & Pugs loves to work with clients who have there own business, large or small. We would love to work with you on creating graphics needed to spruce up your shop, whether it be a business logo, new stationery design, or website icons. We've got you covered! Check out recent examples here on our Facebook fan page.

The Silken Thread celebrated their 5-year Anniversary and decided to use one of their Lydia & Pugs painted website icons for their tote bags. Laura, The Silken Thread's owner decided on the floral basket for the front of the tote filled with yummy goodies and stationery swag. The design turned out adorable for her celebration!

Check out Lydia & Pugs other

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Custom Celebrity Design: Amanda Bynes

2010-08-16T08:31:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago I posted about the Lydia & Pugs celebrity swag bags I participated in. Here is one of the celebrity designs for Amanda Bynes.

Amanda has a King Charles Spaniel named Charlie who in is a great many pictures in her dog-sighting travels. One picture in particular Amanda is wearing a pair of dark demin jeans, white shirt, a bright red scarf, and a shimmering pair of gladiator sandals. This was the perfect inspiration for her custom stationery note cards and matching envelope liners with Charlies illustration.

Amanda also received a custom designed apron with her name embroidered, as well as, Charlie's colorful silhouette.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites

2010-08-13T08:48:00.002-04:00

Hoping everyone has a wonderful weekend! I've been so busy with custom orders and working on all the special celeb swag bags. I am taking a little breather and hitting the beach this weekend before summer is over!

In the next week or so Lydia & Pugs NEW website will be launched, so I am SO very excited about! I am always looking for new ideas for products, so if you have an idea for a new design, I would love to hear it!

Of course with the new website there will promotions and give-aways! So stay tuned for all the fun!

And if you haven't seen our HUGE news yet in our August newsletter, you can sign-up for it here.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Wednesday: Dressing for Funerals

2010-08-11T09:15:00.003-04:00

weheartit.com

Q: At a funeral I recently attended, I was startled to see several women wearing brightly colored dresses. The styles of their outfits weren’t inappropriate, but I’ve always thought you were supposed to wear black or another somber color to funerals. Is color a new trend?

A: While you’ll never go wrong with black, my informal survey suggests that, these days, bright colors are considered appropriate if the clothing is in good taste (no Hawaiian shirts, please!). It really comes down to respect and personal choice. Some women I talked to said that, to them, a funeral service is a celebration of the deceased person’s life, and therefore they wouldn’t wear black. One woman told me that she donned a red dress for her best friend’s funeral because it was her pal’s favorite color. Ultimately, your decision should factor in the expectations of the bereaved family and the location of the event (is it a religious service or at a place of worship, or a eulogy at a funeral home or other venue?), and your own views about death. Still not sure what you should wear? When in doubt, dress conservatively and use color only as an accent.

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Business Icons: The Silken Thread

2010-08-10T09:43:00.004-04:00

Laura, owner of The Silken Thread, has been a big fan of Lydia & Pugs for awhile and she really loved my watercolor designs. Her anniversary of her website was coming up and she wanted to give the site a little color and personality!

So she commissioned me to design her icons for each category link on her site, such as accessories, children, wedding, etc.

The website looks beautiful now and watercolor images really add a beautiful touch! Hop on over to The Silken Thread and check it out!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Birthday Thank You Cards

2010-08-09T11:01:00.003-04:00

Lori came to Lydia & Pugs a few weeks ago in need of some custom stationery with herself and her pup Presley. You can read about her custom design in the previous blog post here.

Since all of my custom illustrations are always saved for future orders and can be used on anything such as stationery, mugs, and totes, Lori wanted her Presley illustration to be used on her birthday thank you cards. And of course they turned out just adorable! Presley is dressed in his blue and green polka-dot hat and some added birthday balloons gave the design a pop of color! Lori also personalized the card with her name horizontally across the top.

Available in on our new website come late summer are the 'Birthday Wrap-around-labels' which I am pretty excited about! You select the birthday cupcake treat on the label and you return address is printed on the back portion. It really finishes off your invitation or thank you card!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites: Doggy Excitement

2010-08-06T10:00:00.006-04:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their Friday so far! A lot of excitement this week at Lydia & Pugs! If you haven't hear already Lydia & Pugs has been chosen to be included in A-List Gift Bags, a special promotion for celebrity dog-lovers that brings together unique pet products to A-List Doggie Bags! We are beyond thrilled and excited to be given this wonderful opportunity!

I will be showcasing some of the celebs designs in a few weeks after the gifts have been distributed. So I can't wait to show off the lovely designs for each celeb and their dogs!

Pictured above are some of the stationery designs that will be available on our new website coming the end of summer/beginning of fall. I am already thinking about cute designs for Fall holidays and even Christmas!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Celebrity Swag Bags

2010-08-04T12:57:00.004-04:00

If you haven't heard the BIG news in our L&P August Newsletter, here it is! Lydia & Pugs was chosen to be included in A-List Gift Bags, a special promotion for celebrity dog-lovers that brings together unique pet products to A-List Doggie Bags.

These lucky celebrities got their paws on some pretty fabulous gifts from Lydia & Pugs including: personalized note cards featuring hand-drawn celebrities alongside their pets and a one-of-a-kind apron all packaged up pretty in Lydia & Pugs signature eco-friendly canvas tote!

Some of the dog loving celebrities include: Denise Richards, Drew Barrymore, Cesar Milan, Alicia Silverstone, Betty White, Mickey Rourke, Ellen DeGeneres, Hilary Duff, Rachael Ray, and Oprah Winfrey.

I say "we" now because I have gained a Public Relations coordinator, one of my good friends, Natalia, who has been helping me out with our latest project! I couldn't be more thrilled to have participated in this event, and I feel so blessed to share my creative gifts and talents with the world; our pets play a huge role in our family, and what better way to showcase it than with personalized gifts.

I also greatly appreciate my fans and customers who have been with me from the beginning, your support and kind comments mean so much to me. I will blogging about more of the celeb designs in the next few weeks! Enjoy!

If you would like to read about the full story, sign up for our August Newsletter, here!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

August Newsletter

2010-08-03T10:04:00.003-04:00

Our Lydia & Pugs August Newsletter has been emailed out!

Check you inbox to hear about the BIG HUGE news!!!

If you're not on the newsletter list, click here! You don't want to miss out!

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn

Friday Favorites: Thoughts

2010-07-30T09:54:00.004-04:00

In some moments time has flown by right before my eyes and other moments it feels like eternity, but isn't that how it always goes?

I've found myself in this past month thinking a lot about what I do each day and about the future of Lydia & Pugs. Lydia & Pugs started out to me as something small to express myself as a creative outlet. I knew I could create beautiful things because I had done it before, whether it be in grade school coloring contest or designing gifts for friends or my interior design projects in college. My design and color ideas were typically always on target.

However, I didn't always feel that way. I've had a couple of good people who have given me encouragement along the way, and specifically one person who has always stuck by me. She is my biggest fan, my biggest encourager, and by far my biggest cheerleader with Lydia & Pugs and with my life, she is my Mom. So when I think back to the days when I was toying around with the idea of having my own business to the present, where my business is still growing. She has always stuck by me to talk things through and lead an ear. And for that I am grateful.

On a side note, it's been 2 years since we adopted our pug Hera, and two year since Lydia has not been with us.

Next month is a BIG month for us at L&P, so be on the look out for some fabulous blog posts and of course our August Newsletter!

Have a great weekend!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

July is Over!?

2010-07-29T12:00:00.003-04:00

Oh my July is almost over!

With that being said, don't miss out on the HUGE HUGE exciting news
from Lydia & Pugs coming you way in August!

Remember to sign-up for the Lydia & Pugs newsletter featuring
all the juicy details, news and more!!!

Sign up here!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Wednesday: Dental Dinner Dilemma

2010-07-28T10:37:00.004-04:00

(image via weheartit)

Q: What should you do if a piece of food gets stuck between your teeth while you’re having dinner?

A: If you’re dining at home with family, your problem may be solved by someone simply saying, “Yikes! You have food in your teeth!” – at which point a speedy swipe behind the napkin could take care of things. But if you’re eating out, or with less familiar company, the best choice is to excuse yourself from the table and tend to your teeth in private. If exiting is difficult (for instance, you’re wedged between four people and the wall) you may be better off ignoring the problem until later, unless you sense from your companions that the food is visible. In that case, a brief table disruption may be preferable to two hours of oral anxiety.

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Bridal Shower Stationery

2010-07-27T11:04:00.004-04:00

Bridal Shower stationery! One of my good friend's best friend, Lindsay is getting married in late fall and she planning her bridal shower.

She wanted an invitation that would also include her beloved pug named Cesar, as well as, a custom illustration of Lindsay dressed in her beautiful white dress. Cesar also had to part take in the festivities as he is wearing his tux, aka his black bow tie. Lindsay's main color is fuchsia, so I paired the invitation with fuchsia envelopes and added a polka-dot border as an accent to the invitation. And let's not forget that adorable matching envelope liner, with who else but Cesar!

I know Lindsay will be just thrilled with her custom invitations! And I think Cesar will love them too!

Pugs & Kisses

Dawn

Update from Lydia & Pugs

2010-07-26T11:29:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago I create this lovely Greyhound Tote!

Judy who had ordered from L&P in the past wanted a different canvas tote with a black and white patterned fabric. And of course I had the perfect floral paisley and she loved it! And if you notice we're starting to add the new coral colored Lydia & Pugs fabric tags to all our fabric related goods, you can spot it on the right side of this tote. A great way to show off your L&P love!

In other news, I've been mentioning here and there about the new L&P website, which I have been working for months on with my website designer. Everything is going smoothly and content and products are being added, so I am very excited to share with you all the new items and new designs!

Next month, I'll be sending out our August Newsletter and I'll finally be announcing our HUGE announcement, a project we've been working for months here at Lydia & Pugs. And I am beyond excited to share!

SO if you haven't already, please sign up to receive our Newsletter.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and Monday! :)

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Saturday Favorites: Special Edition

2010-07-24T09:31:00.006-04:00

Hello all my followers and blog friends! The weekend is here!

These past few months I have been working hard on our new Lydia & Pugs website! Which I am happy to say will be launched by the end of the summer or sooner! Shown above are some of the items that will be available on our new site! I am so beyond excited about this, because it will give me the ability for clients to purchase directly from L&P and the site is offers more personalization, I can't wait to share it with you!

So of course with our new website launch we will be having give aways, coupons and of course promotions! But the other huge news to share will be in our August newsletter! The news is SO big I have dedicated an entire newsletter to the occasion!

Please sign-up here to receive our monthly newsletter's and to get in on all the inside scoop of what's happening at Lydia & Pugs! Not to mention I usually try and put a coupon in each month's newsletter, what better way to save!

Wishing everyone a wonderful happy weekend!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Custom Blog Header: Pink Julep Abroad

2010-07-22T08:41:00.006-04:00

Ashley from Pink Julep Aboard come to me a few months ago inquiring about a custom blog header. She told me she is planning on moving soon to London, England and she wanted a whole new look for her blog, however her news was kept a secret until now!

When Ashley told me her requests and knew exactly what she wanted with a few inspiration photos and few revisions, her beautiful header was coming to life! Her blog header has of course the London skyline and herself in the foreground dressed in her favorite color pink dress peeking through, black trench coat, a sassy pair of pink heels, and let's not forget that matching pink umbrella! LV luggage and few colorful shopping bags complete the illustration!

Her cute and colorful blog layout was designed by Jessica over at Front Porch Studio.

Ashley was so happy with the final header proof! Hop on over to her blog and read about her kind words about Lydia & Pugs!

Pugs & kisses,

Dawn

Etiquette Wednesday: Dinner Party Debates

2010-07-21T10:40:00.002-04:00

Q: At a friend’s dinner party last month, I got into an intense political debate with a few other guests I barely knew. Our exchange did not derail the party, but the hostess seemed uncomfortable, and later I wondered if we’d all been rude to have come out swinging.

A: Intelligent discussion of an important, interesting topic can be terrific at a dinner party – assuming no one uses offensive language or descends into full-scale arguing. Most subjects – world events, sports, the stock market, even politics – should be fair game, as long as you express yourself in a rational way, listen with an open mind, and don’t insist too vehemently on your own views. Before introducing a possibly controversial subject, first gather some information about your dinner partners. If anyone’s family members are overseas on dangerous assignments, asking what people think about the war on terror might be upsetting. Confronted by someone else’s emotionalism, you may avoid a blowup by calmly saying, “I’ve heard that situation explained differently,” instead of “You’re wrong!” or “That’s not so!” You might move on from an awkward moment by saying something like, “Poor Catherine – I bet she didn’t expect all these fireworks when she invited us over for casserole.”

via Emily Post.

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Coffee Mugs

2010-07-20T09:57:00.005-04:00

Lydia & Pugs coffee mugs!

A while ago Amber ordered a custom stationery design of herself and her Chihuahua Cheese. She decided she loved the stationery illustration so much, to order a matching coffee mug, which will be perfect when she goes off to law school this year! She decided to get her monogram in pink on the coffee mug, which turned out adorable!

Any previous custom design or dog breed from the Lydia & Pugs library can be put on a coffee mug! If you would like more details, just email me: dawn@lydiaandpugs.com

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Custom Stationery Set: Presley the Pup

2010-07-19T10:38:00.005-04:00

Watercolor rendering stages of Presley

I had the pleasure to work with Lori on a custom stationery order. She has been a long time fan of Lydia & Pugs and has ordered gifts for her friend in the past, and she was now ready to order a custom illustration for herself.

Lori has an adorable pup named Presley, who is her pride and joy! She wanted a stationery set incorporating her favorite colors and not to mention wearing her favorite outfit, dark denim jeans and a colorful teal and black patterned shirt. Lori ordered a set of stationery note cards, matching return address labels with Presley in the middle, and a set of calling cards.

A special feature Lori requested in her illustration is the FEED bag, a great way to be fashionable but also giving back, with each bag purchased two children are fed for an entire year through the UN World Food Program.

Lori was just in love with her final design and will be using her silhouette, as well as, Presley's illustration for future orders!

Pugs & Kisses,

Dawn

Lydia And Pugs

Valentine's Paper Goods are here!

Last Minute Gifts?

It's My Birthday! Save 10% off all day today!

Cyber Monday Sale!

Happy Thanksgiving + 2 Day Sale!

Holiday Goods Sale!

Halloween Paper Goods

September Newsletter Coming + Sneak Peek!

Lydia & Pugs Local Press

Custom Stationery Give Away!

*NEW* Paper Goods + Promo Code

Friday Favorites: Around the Studio + Give Away Winner

Sweet Tea & Stilettos Blog & Give Away!

Happy 4th of July + Special Promotion

Wedding Wednesday: Thumbprint Tree

Friday Favorites: Around the Studio

Custom Stationery: TOMS Shoes

Friday Favorites: Around the Studio

Custom Stationery: Emily's Three Dogs

Stationery Trends Magazine: Spring Issue

Presley the Star & Give Away Winner Announced

sTORIbook Weddings & Chihuahua Apron

KjPugs GiveAway!

April Newsletter is Coming!

*NEW* Bike Cruiser Stationery

Graduation Paper Goods

Happy Friday + L&P Giveaway

Miss Janice + L&P Give Away!

Wedding Wednesday: Western Pug Wedding

Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Hankie

Wedding Wednesday: Thumbprint Tree

Etiquette Wednesday + Give Away

L&P in an Etsy Treasury!

Valentine's Day Collection

Happy New Year + Coupon!

Happy Holidays!

Peace, Love & Pug

They say it's your Birthday...

Cyber Monday Sale!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Custom Preppy Christmas

Festival of Trees 2010

Custom Holiday Order

Last Day for the Early Bird Holiday Special!

Pugsgiving 2010

Etiquette Wednesday

*NEW* Rectangular Address Labels

L&P Holiday Collection

Friday Favorites: Happy Halloween!

Holiday Collection Coming Monday!

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

Wedding Maps

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

Pug in Pumpkin Patch

Friday Fall Favorites

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

Friday Favorites: Think Pink!

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

Hera is Back!

Halloween Goodies Sale!

Friday Favorites: Happy October!

Breast Cancer Awareness Stationery

Lydia & Pugs: Greeting Cards

Etsy Treasury: Must Love Dogs

Lydia & Pugs Prints are Here!

Etiquette Wedding Wednesday

Etsy Treasury::Pug Pillows

Friday Favorites

Surprise Stationery Design

Oprah Winfrey Stationery

September Newsletter

Blog Header: Grand Slam Goldens

Halloween Paper Goods

Friday Favorites: Happy Weekend!

Pug-O-Ween Tote

Custom Family Stationery

Celeb Design: Kathy Griffin

Fabulous Friday Favorites

Lydia & Pugs on DogTipper!

NEW Paper Goods + Promo Code

NEW Bike Cruiser Stationery

NEW Rectangular Address Labels