Weekend Wags: The Man Too Please

Before summer is just completely over, I'd like to find a man just like this one:

Via Pinterest/Well-Traveled Woman

Weekend Wags: Birthdays

Celebrating birthdays with your favorite pet is the best!

One of my best friends, Analisa, has the most precious little sheltie, Betsie! Analisa recently celebrated her 27th birthday...

Here's Betsie for Analisa's birthday a couple years ago.

And here's Betsie celebrating her own birthday with Sprinkles cupcakes!

Weekend Wags: A is Also for Adoption

I'm a big fan of pet adoption. It's the best way to gain a family pet. With the exception of Brewster (who I like to say I rescued from the puppy mill process, but in all reality bought at a pet store---shameful), I adopted all of mine from rescue groups in Dallas.

Look at these cuties available:

Adopt Echo! (Papillon Mix)

Adopt Thomas! (Norfolk Terrier)

Weekend Wags: Splish Splash

Splish-splash! The nice thing about having 3 little ones, it's easy to bathe them all at once! 

Weekend Wags: Bling

Check out the new collars--all found on Etsy! (Brewster didn't get a new one...he's still sporting his Henri Bendel collar)

Chelsea's New Striped Bling

Paisley's Super Bling

Demetri's Summer Seersucker

Equally Blank Slate

Today, I'm sharing the areas of the first floor where my parents live out their more private lives. This part of the home is absolutely stunning in functionality and design.

Their bedroom--where my mom is sticking with the black and gold tones of their previous home.

Their master bathroom suite is absolutely amazing. Here who can see "Her" side of the bathroom and the large tub in the middle.

Here is a glimpse of "His" side as well as the window seats...and another view of their fabulous bathtub.

Dad's closet also serves as a kennel. :) The dogs even have a TV.  This area was originally meant for a treadmill or exercise bike, but the dogs fit perfectly. Notice what it feels like to have nothing to move...not even clothes.

Mom's closet has a vanity and a three way mirror. Such a fabulous closet for any woman!

Unfortunately, the dogs are smart enough to figure out how to open the plantation shutters to see out. My mom's closet is at the front of the house, so hopefully she can avoid too many embarrassing moments when neighbors walk by!

My dad spends plenty of time in his front office. It's his hideaway and a very comfy one at that.

This essentially finishes the ground floor (minus the laundry room, entry hall, and other bathrooms). My parents have commented over and over again about how livable their new open floor plan is. I think it's gorgeous!

Weekend Wags: Millie

I am back in Amarillo again for my "golden weekend". Thank you Chief for the weekend off!

I sure am missing my pups at home, but there's plenty of puppy love here too.

Millie has been following me around wondering how I plan to decorate my new room. She's so much fun!






Tomorrow Millie will help me share all the progress Mom has made on their new house. They closed yesterday and it's officially ours!

Weekend Wags: Happy Tails

I'm on call today and missing my dogs terribly! Happy tails to you readers! Care of Brewster's almost incessantly happy tail that's always moving!

Weekend Wags: Something New

So I've been at this blogging thing for 3 whole months now, so I believe it's about time that I start a "weekly" series. If anything, this should me accountable for continuing to blog--more often.

I find myself taking more pictures and videos of my pups than I do anything. They are hilarious and downright precious. This blog wouldn't be "me" if it didn't have a lot to do with my dogs. My favorite thing to do on late weekend morning is cuddle with my pups and sleep in. Therefore, my weekends will be inspired by my four-legged pals and their tail wags...thus I present Weekend Wags.

Seeing as how Demetri is the only one currently watching every move I make--indeed he is watching the computer screen like a TV--I'll give him the honors of being the first to send his wags your way.

Bathed and ready for bed. 

Happy weekend!

All You Need is Love...and A Dog

I've seen the title quote on MULTIPLE blog posts, pinterest, and many other things today. I wholeheartedly agree. I love my dogs! And this picture just screams happiness and love!

via Pinterest

Updates to the House

Indeed, it's been only about two months since I last shared my home with you. However, lots of changes have occurred since then. (As always!)

The Living Room

I finally finished the super awkward wall. My favorite thing is that is awesome "Antiques" sign. It was perfect size, color, everything! My mantle was handmade by a lady in Oregon. I bought it on Etsy. You can find an affordable one just like it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/57635538/one-of-a-kind-distressed-mantel-shelf.

The Windows

The office and the dining room (and the pet room) french doors got new shades. Hopefully they prove to be a good investment when this summer's electricity bills arrive!

The Dog Room

I moved out of the storage unit and found some old pictures that I wanted to add to the walls. Next: replacing those already dingy bed linens/pillows (thanks pups!).

The Entry Stairwell

I put together this fabulous (if I do say so, myself) memory/gallery wall. I love every piece! Including: 

1. A cute little sign that says "When life hands you lemons, make lemon bars." Found at Uptown Country Home.
2. Sea glass bottle from World Market.
3. My favorite picture of Brewster.
4. A picture of the Eiffel Tower that I took in the spring of 2009.
5. A black plaque with a glazed chandelier.
6. Three of my favorite pictures of me: Northern Ireland in 2009, a photo shoot in 2009, and from New England last November.
7. Bee print I also found on Etsy. The best part is that it also has two greyhounds on it!
8. The large print in the middle that I found at Garden Ridge. I'd LOVE to have a group of girls to watch a sailing competition with/live close enough to the beach to do so.
9. Photo of the Louvre (taken by me from a Seine Riverboat tour)...my favorite thing in Paris.
10. Photo of the trees, taken by me, in the Newport, RI taken last November.
11. Photo of the Acropolis from spring of 2009.
12. Photo of the beach in Crete in spring of 2009.
13. Couture print that I can't ever resist, the beach and black and white and 50s/early 60s style--all of my faves in one print.
14. Photo taken at the Campgrounds in Martha's Vineyard.
15. Argyle plaque that I've had since I lived in Amarillo.
16. A small bulletin board with small cards that I like to change out depending on my mood.
17. Letter "B" times two. 
18. An old cathedral shaped mirror that I've had since I was in college.

So much fun to put together, and a great way to brighten my day every time I leave the house or come home!

Paisley and Demetri

Welcoming the newest members of the Culp family: Paisley and Demetri

It's been six months since I lost my first greyhound, Chester. Apparently, I don't do well with just two animals. So, I am welcoming my newly adopted mutts to the family. This is Demetri (previously named Ferdinand). He is a precious, one year old boy (or at least I think he's a year). He's such a baby! He's super cute, and the poor guy was found out in the rain by his previous foster mom along with another sweet girl. (She was adopted by someone else the same day I adopted this little one!)

Brewster and Demetri on the way home from adopting Demetri

This is Paisley. Poor Paisley was taken from someone that bred her over and over again. Prior to her first foster home, she didn't know much about loving interaction. She's dying for Brewster to think she's cool and she's very smart. She had her name and the doggie door figured out in a day!

Brewster and his new sister Paisley geared up for the ride home from the adoption center

The process of adopting an adult dog is absolutely heart-wrenching. There are SO many dogs that need a home, and we obviously can't adopt them all at once. But if you're thinking about a new dog, PLEASE adopt from a rescue group. These dogs need homes, and there are plenty of dogs available without going for designer dogs that cost a grand. You get just as much love and fun memories from dogs that desperately need homes and adoption feeds are usually around $200 (including spay/neuter, shots, heartworm testing).

Some great groups to check out:

Dallas County Humane Society (i.e. Dog n Kitty City)
Operation Kindness
Metroplex Mutts
Fuzzy Friends
Greyhound Adoption League of Texas
Golden Retriever Rescue
Labrador Retriever Rescue

SPCA

Petfinder.com (that's where I first found Demetri and Paisley) has TONS of animals available, and you can search many different rescue groups at once. Go find your new best friend!

And I'll put a plug in for the dog that got me started wanting another one:

Zoe (available from Dog n Kitty City)...unlike her profile says, she's actually very outgoing and quite silly. She's a bit alpha and quite the diva, but she will make a GREAT pet for someone! If you want a little one, please put in an application! Her pictures do her no justice!

Zoe

Dog Days Of Summer

The dog days definitely aren't over. They are just beginning. Recently I had someone rack my brain about dog-friendly patio dining in the Uptown area in Dallas. Believe me, Brewster knows a thing or two about dining out! In April, i Frateli's pizza has a "Smooch Your Pooch" deal every Wednesday. Bring your dog in, give em a big kiss, and get a free cheese pizza! (for the first 50 people at each location in DFW) Looks like pizza for dinner!




Some of Brewster's favorites:

State and Allen Lounge
Decently sized patio and strong drinks make for a great time, especially for weekend brunch. I'm especially fond of the chicken and waffles.

Dream Cafe
Half price wine on Wednesdays and a rather healthy brunch/breakfast menu. Brewster especially appreciates his own water bowl on every visit.

Breadwinner's
As long as there's a spot on the super tiny area they consider dog-friendly, then it's a great place to for a doggie-date. And in case you haven't tried it, they make more than just great brunch. Dinner is great too!

Toulouse
I love the French (and rather authentic French) menu and the patio is very dog-friendly. It's a bit crazy on the weekends with lots of passers-by from the Katy Trail, but a favorite of ours nonetheless.

Fireside Pies
Brewster and I love to grab some of our favorite comfort food and comfort drink (sangria) by the fire on the patio in the wintertime. Plus, the waitresses here have quite the affection for Brewster.

Taco Diner
West Village is the ultimate place for people watching and Brewster loves this kind of party. A mambo taxi makes it bearable long enough for Brewster to soak up all the attention.

Brewster and I are always looking for new places for dinner dates. If you know of great places, please reply with your comments!

Pet-Friendly Accomodations

I have two dogs that I haven't told you much about to this point. Sadly, just four months ago, I had three dogs prior to losing my oldest (and my first) greyhound to cancer. Chester was a sweet man, so this post is in honor of him.

Chester "Man" Culp June 1999-December 2010

 

So when I had three dogs in just 1100 square feet, I needed a place to escape the pups. That was hard to do! Not only that, but they were pretty destructive when I first moved in. I hardly ever use my bottom floor (unless it's for a quick run to the bathroom on the way in/out the door), but the dogs were forced to use it to access the patio/yard for their own potty time. With that in mind, I made the guest bedroom The Dog Room. This room has gone through quite a metamorphosis in less than a year, it's been changed numerous times; hopefully, that's all going to change soon. Brewster, Chelsea, you hear that? Mom doesn't need any reasons to change the room yet again!

First, there were the leftovers from my guest room in my previous house. It looked fabulous, but the room was REALLY cramped. There really wasn't any way to get to the doggie door without jumping on the bed and off again.

 

Then, I traded the queen bed in for a day bed. Check out all the floor space! Again, it looked great...for awhile anyway. The dogs ended up really tearing this room apart, the light colors really didn't play well with the mud and dirt from the yard.

The first of many random Brewster appearances 

So after my adorable little anthropologie inspired room turned into dingy, mud stained shreds, I decided it was time for a change. The dogs needed something that didn't show dirt as much (AND I put in artificial turf), and I needed something with less upkeep. At the same time, I had decided to redo my place with a more cohesive feel. I had too many colors and too many themes in 1100 square feet. My favorite all-time color combo is black and white, and this little townhouse was perfect for it. While every room in my house (except the dining room which is really just a variation on the theme) now has black and white with an accent color. I chose yellow for the dog room so I could bring in my bee collection with all its glory!

I took the old Euro shams and quilt from my master bedroom in my previous house (someday I'll post about it so you'll fully understand the "leftovers") and added the grey duvet and an odd collection of pillows. Obviously my favorite being Brewster's portrait in crafty form! I couldn't help but use Andrew Wyeth's "Master Bedroom" as the main art piece here, I've always loved the piece and it speaks to the purpose of the room! Although it's not pictured here, there is an actual dog bed in this room, it basically serves as a wonderful trap with which to trip Mom, or a place to pout. Otherwise, Chelsea claims this as her own most days.

Plenty of fun "vintage" posters featuring dogs exist, but this one was fun, bright, and perfect for what I needed. The bright yellow bee pieces are a collection I've had for years now. Thanks to Target, I was able to throw in great storage cubbies too!

Obviously, I had to redo the bathroom at the same time. While it is still in progress, here's what we have so far.

BEFORE: (Leftovers from the previous house)

AFTER: Black and yellow, black and yellow, black and yellow. Who knew it'd make it on the Top 40?

  

While we're at it, I'm just going to finish off the "bottom" floor. The 1st floor really  just has two other things, the laundry and a small entryway filled with stairs. Well, and a place for keys and my only excuse for purple in the whole house. FYI, the candle isn't dirty, it's just been used...a lot!

Look at that! A whole floor! And you've already seen half of the 2nd floor! Just one and a half more to go. Brew and Chels are pretty worn out from today's tour, but I'm sure they'll be making plenty more appearances soon! 

and Brewster "Bear" and Chelsea "Pretty Girl" Culp