Make Glove Animals as Pet Gifts

Okay, on to better things and cute Christmas gift ideas. How would you like to make a cute gift using only a sock and a glove?  Try these little creatures out. I think they are adorable.  Tutorial HERE.
 Have a HAPPY Weekend.
image and tute by Martha Stewart

Charlie Goes To NYC

Back in November, I was asked to come and teach some vocal workshops for a couple of churches in Richmond, VA, East End Church and Bon Air.  So I packed up Charlie's and my suitcase and flew to Washington DC.  I taught singing lessons in DC for a day and then headed down south to Richmond, taught my workshops, and then headed back to DC.  The next morning, Paul, Charlie and I took the Tripper Bus, an inexpensive and awesome way to get from DC to NYC, and 4 hours later found ourselves in the heart of Times Square.

It was a cold day in NYC and Charlie wasn't all too happy to be traipsing around the city in only his little green coat. If he could of had it his way he would have been wrapped in a down blanket and carried everywhere. After lugging our suitcases around for what seemed like a zillion blocks, we found our hotel, Yotel.  Have you heard of it?  It is some new hotel in NY that specializes in affordable luxury.  I thought it was perfect.  We paid $150 for the night and were on the corner of 42nd Street and 10th Ave and could see the Hudson from our window.  Plus the staff was fantastic, especially Michelle, about allowing a service dog to stay at the hotel, they were just in love with Charlie.  It is always so nice to go to a hotel that knows the ADA laws and I don't have to spend 10 minutes arguing with them about why Charlie can stay there.

Our room was tiny, but what NYC hotel room isn't when you are trying to stay on the cheap.  It was extremely clean.  The bed was pretty snazzy as it rolled up during the day like a couch and down at night all by the touch of a button.  Here is what our room looked like.

 
The hotel also offered complimentary kitchens on each floor with an awesome and FREE fancy schmancy coffee/hot chocolate machine whipping up a variety of splendid drinks. 

While in NY we went and saw Mary Poppins the musical, which was fun but I wish we had gone to see something a little more exciting like Rock of Ages.  But I think the highlight of our trip was 2 things.

1. we ran into some old friends from our old neighborhood in Utah. I mean we litterally ran into them. Had no idea they were in NYC and bumped into them in Times Square.  How funny.  Out of millions of people jammed into that small area, who would have thought we would see someone we know.

2. We went sailing.  We took the Schooner Adirondack and went for a sunset sail.  We sailed past Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and saw the Brooklyn Bridge. It was such a fun way to see the Statue of Liberty. The captain passed out wool blankets and served wine, beer, soda, and Champagne, and you could bring snacks, if you'd wanted to.  Charlie was freezing and wrapped up nice and warm in his blanket, but Paul and I had a magical time.  On the way back to the dock the sun had set and all the lights in NYC were twinkling and it was so magical. I highly recommend it. I think we paid like $60 a person for a 2 hour sail.

Christmas Gift Ideas For the Dog Lover

Have you heard of Pinhole Press?  I am sure you have cause it seems like everyone is using it and talking about it, especially to make Christmas cards this Holiday Season.  Anyways, check out Pinhole's fun collection for Animal Lovers.  These could make the perfect gift for that animal crazed lover in your life.  Sorry images are a tad small...click on the image to see it on Pinhole's website. It takes a second to be redirected.

Christmas Weddings

It seems like there are a lot of weddings this time of year.  Charlie Pants is a pro at going to weddings and being the talk of the show (don't worry he tries real hard to not up show the bride).  Check Charlie out at this wedding and this wedding and here stealing ice cream at this wedding.

I wanted to show you how I made Charlie's bow-tie for his weddings in case you are going to be getting married this month and want your dog to be a part of the ceremony.

PS. I love this Pug in a bow-tie

Cyber Monday! Charlie Pants Has a Giveaway!

Merry Cyber Monday!

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
WIN & GIVE
THE GIFT OF MUSIC

You can enter to WIN a FREE 30 min. voice lesson and also GIVE a friend or family member a FREE 30 min. voice lesson.
(a $120 value).

Because lessons are offered online via Skype, you can live anywhere and win.

Offer expires 12/2/11 at midnight MST.

How to Enter

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Complete these steps to enter to win (don't forget step #3 or else I wont know you entered):

1. LIKE IT
Like Charlie Pants Music's Facebook Page. Click HERE

2. SHARE IT 
Copy and paste this paragraph including link below on YOUR Facebook wall or Twitter.

I want to win & give a FREE voice lesson with Charlie Pants Music. Method to 120 Grammy Winners. Lessons are done via Skype so anyone can take lessons. So cool! http://charliepantsmusiclessons.blogspot.com/2011/11/1website2-3facebook-4online-lessons.html

3. TELL ME
Post on Charlie Pants Music's facebook page saying why you want to win and a winner will be chosen at random on Friday, December 2, 2011.

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  ONLINE LESSONS  |  CONTACT

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The Tree is Up

Okay lets take a vote. Who has already put their Christmas tree up? Who put their tree up a week ago? If you answered yes to the second question you are not alone. I love Christmas decorations and so I have posted some pictures (crappy iphone quality) of my house right now.  Charlie helped me put the low ornaments on the tree and Jack tried to eat all the ornaments within reach.  I already feel like I have two kids.

PS. The Snowman Sweater is already back. Paul wore it all day. Seriously. Charlie has a matching one!

Happy Thanksgiving Charlie

Charlie I just want you to know how grateful I am for you.  You love me no matter what even when I haven't showered in days, don't have on make-up, am lounging in sweats, and even feed you the same food practically every day.  You are my favorite person (I realize you are a dog, but to me you are more like a human).  Thanks for taking care of me.  Hope you like your new blanket (from Kohls super cozy soft).

Love You.

Happy Thanksgiving Readers.

What do you love most about your dog?

I Love Flying Southwest Airlines

 

Last week I went home to visit the fam in good ol' Salt Lake City, Utah, or as some refer to it, the promised land:) I really get nervous to fly with Charlie without Paul around because

1. It is more difficult.  Especially going to the bathroom. Dragging in a dog and luggage into any itty bitty toilet stall cause the handicapped ones are never available (frowny face to those that steal them) is never fun and I am pretty sure Charlie ends up getting his face smashed either against the toilet as we enter or the door as we exit.

2. People are rude to me when Paul isn't around.  I mean my husband is wickedly sexy and strong (ish) looking, but for some reason no one bugs me when he is around.  I think it is cause he has a shaved head.  Everyone must think he is some skin headed freak who will hurt at any bad comment my way. Works for me.

3. I usually have to argue with the ramp agent for the bulk head seat so I end up at the back of the plane which is a disaster (thank you United Airlines for sucking so bad. PS. I will never fly with you again cause you lack customer service and human skills)

4. I end up sitting next to weirdos that make me feel like I have leprosy instead of seizures.

This time was different.  First of all, they checked my bag for free so I didn't have to deal with that which made 1. Going to the bathroom, much easier. Additionally, Southwest ticket check-in woman called the ramp agent to let her know I was coming and so they saved me a seat in the very front of the plane (literally saved it with tape over the seat and a sign that read DO NOT OCCUPY) so that Charlie would have room on the floor in front of me.  And they gave me a blue pre-board ticket so I could get on the plane first. Fixing problem number 3.  And number 4 was just pure luck.  I sat next to a charming man named Jesse who found Charlie to be amazing and he didn't spill coffee on me or reek of cigarettes like the guy I sat next to the last time I flew.  Plus Jesse is related to the talented blogger Nie Nie who I read regularly and you should too.

I highly recommend flying Southwest if you travel with a service dog.  I mean 5 stars, two-thumbs up, get it while it is hot kind of review.

Thanks Southwest for being one of the only airlines with customer service.

Below I have posted some additional stories about me flying with Charlie.

A airport service dog potty station inside the Dulles Airport
Flying in general
United Airlines denied me pre-boarding...argh
Didn't happen to me, but crazy dog out of cage on plane...yikes

The Life of Little Charlie Pants

Today I am grateful for Charlie and how much he makes my heart melt and makes me laugh. I came across this post I did on my blog Bicycle Built For Two and had to repost it cause it is so dang funny.  This was about two years ago when I was beginning graduate school.

Ah To Be Charlie

Now that it is getting rainy and colder in Virginia, I have had to come up with a way to take Charlie with me, since he has to come with me as my seizure- alert service dog. I am going for trying to keep him warm and covered from the rain. Charlie has no undercoat and is freezing all the time.

I have tried

1. Sweaters: problem is they don't work cause Charlie pees on them and then they stink-plus his feet are always cold.

2. Baby sling: I sewed him a baby sling wrap thing, problem is that he is too fat to carry when walking the mile to the metro.

3. Dog stroller: I didn't actually get him one of these, but totally wanted one until I realized people would want to see my cute baby and out would pop Charlie.

4. Rolling scrapbook supply carrier (thanks Melissa for letting me steal this from you): this works perfectly. I can put my laptop and schoolbooks in here plus Charlie lays down inside with a blanket and is covered up from the rain. He is so spoiled. This way I don't look like too big of a rich babe/Paris Hilton wannabe cause no one can actually see him when I am pulling him around outside.

This is Charlie relaxing while I am in class.



If only I can get Paul to carry me around in a big rolling case with a blanket, my life would be complete.

Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs

Many of you may know this, but I thought I would share it anyways. Here is a list of toxic human food and reasons why they are harmful to your pet. I think the one to really remember is the grapes and the raisins, because for the longest time I did not know they were harmful and I used to give these as treats to some of my past family dogs.

1. Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic – garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)
2. Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)
3. Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canine’s kidneys)
4. Raisins (See above.)
5. Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.)
6. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)
7. Bones (Most bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.)
8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
9. Rhubarb leaves (See above.)
10. Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes (Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
11. Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system)
12. Moldy or Spoiled Food (I think this goes without saying.)
13. Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)
14. Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)
15. Alcoholic Beverages and Coffee
16. Fatty Foods
I guess my question is "If these are fatal to dogs then why can humans eat them?"

Spotted: Rover Dog, Funny Dog Clothes

I stumbled upon the amazingly fashionable doggie attire of Rover Dog and wanted to share with you. Aren't these cute coats, shirts, and ties funny? They are appropriately dressy without involving even a scrap of tulle or cheesy doggie tuxedo pants. For those of you who consider yourself opposed to dogs in clothes, I dare you to resist this kind of cute. Maybe Charlie should get one for church.

{Photos from Rover Dog.}

Our Favorite Things

Here are a Few of Leah & Charlie's Favorite Things this Fall

Pumpkins, and

Farmer's Markets, and

Boating With Paul.

(Fountainhead Lake in Virginia)

Cute Streets to Walk Down, and

Sweet old ladies painting

(in the National Gallery of Art), and

Dear Friends to Visit,

These are a few of my favorite things.

When the Dog Bites

(run charlie run! don't worry no one was hurt!)

When the Bee Stings

(paul is like deathly allergic to bee stings-check out the puffiness on his forehead- Paul was stung while riding his bike, so I am lucky he is alive-but he does have a sweet life insurance policy so hmmm... it is a toss up!)

And I'm feeling sad

I simply remember the Man in the mall

(dressed like a princess or devil or something I can't really tell-

I think he might even have on wings)

And then I don't feel So Bad!!!