welcome
welcome
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
The Crate's Triumphant Return
When we learned that we had been approved as Havi's parents, we learned she was crate trained (gotta love awesome foster parents). DS ran to order a crate on Amazon. We measured Havi, and waited two nerve-wracking days for the crate to come. (During those two days we just left Havi alone in our room for short periods of time and hoped for the best. Eek!) When we received the crate it was definitely way too big, but came at a great price, and Havi loved it!
She needed the crate because we didn't know her well enough to give her free reign of our bedroom, and at the time we lived with a chihuahua who wasn't such a big fan of Havi.
When we moved into our own place in April, the crate came as well. Soon enough, we weaned her off the crate. Not because she didn't like it, but because it took up so much space in our small apartment!
For six months we were in the green, Havi seemed to like the freedom, and we liked that the big metal box wasn't next to our bed.
Then, about a month ago, Havi ate DS's guitar books that were on our coffee table, the next week she ate a throw pillow, then all my birthday cards off the wall! I decided she was definitely anxious about something, and we needed the structure back. (To be fair Havi has eaten an wooden ornament, 2 shoes, and some of her blankets over the course of her year with me.) DS begged me to wait one more week. Well, we did.
Then we came home Friday night to this:
That is the middle back cushion of my gorgeous couch. (Luckily, she ate only the zipper, so a quick sew will fix it and no one will be the wiser).
Last night, we brought out the crate, lined it with a comfy towel (little nervous she'll eat a blanket), and placed her dinner inside. At first she just laid outside the crate, then she slowly went in to eat and lay down. And when I woke up this morning, there she was hanging out! I am not nervous that a crate is a punishment or not a cage, I really am not one of those dog parents.
But I have some questions:
Why do you think Havi decided to be destructive all of the sudden?!
Did we reintroduce the crate the right way?
Are supposed to always feed her in the crate?
How long can we leave her in the crate for?
She needed the crate because we didn't know her well enough to give her free reign of our bedroom, and at the time we lived with a chihuahua who wasn't such a big fan of Havi.
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| this is vintage Havi. so small! |
For six months we were in the green, Havi seemed to like the freedom, and we liked that the big metal box wasn't next to our bed.
Then, about a month ago, Havi ate DS's guitar books that were on our coffee table, the next week she ate a throw pillow, then all my birthday cards off the wall! I decided she was definitely anxious about something, and we needed the structure back. (To be fair Havi has eaten an wooden ornament, 2 shoes, and some of her blankets over the course of her year with me.) DS begged me to wait one more week. Well, we did.
Then we came home Friday night to this:
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| not so happy |
Last night, we brought out the crate, lined it with a comfy towel (little nervous she'll eat a blanket), and placed her dinner inside. At first she just laid outside the crate, then she slowly went in to eat and lay down. And when I woke up this morning, there she was hanging out! I am not nervous that a crate is a punishment or not a cage, I really am not one of those dog parents.
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| This is really just me trying to show the relative size of the crate, yepp I am INSIDE it! |
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| hm, so I have to go inside to get that bowl?! |
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| one tired pup |
Why do you think Havi decided to be destructive all of the sudden?!
Did we reintroduce the crate the right way?
Are supposed to always feed her in the crate?
How long can we leave her in the crate for?
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Weekly Feature: Loveletters from a Dogwalker
Sometimes I'm jealous of the time Havi gets to spend with her dogwalkers....
Do you wish you were Havi?!
Hey guys,
Hope your having a fantastic week despite the crummy weather! Luckily it wasn't raining this afternoon for my walk with Havi. We headed to the park, and she peed and pooped on the way. When we got there, the crazy lady with the two Weims started leashing up to go, thankfully, so she sat and waited patiently for them to leave. Then it was just us and Barley and Bruckner the cavaliers and their walker. She had a great time, chasing the ball, running back and forth between them and me. I had to clean her slobber jaws off before we left, and we walked part of the way home with them as well. She still had a good pace after we parted ways, and she peed and pooped one small bit on the way home. I held her while she said hi to a little kid in the elevator and gave him a big sloppy kiss. :) I filled her water when we got back and gave her a milkbone when she was done drinking. Then we had just a couple minutes to snuggle on the sofa and thaw out. She is such a lap baby!! It was sad to go, but she said goodbye at the door. Hope you guys are staying warm and dry and have a great weekend!!
Kellie
Ps happy belated bday!!
Do you wish you were Havi?!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Pearly Whites....
Since we're such puppy penny pinchers (look at that alliteration!) over in the Two Grad Students home, I can't believe we don't brush Havi's teeth! Brushing her teeth would save money in the long run, as opposed to getting it done at the vet. We give Havi a good bath once a month, complete with paw moisturizer and ear wash. So why doesn't DENTAL Student brush her teeth?!
About two months ago we asked everyone for advice on the best toothpaste/wipes/brush, etc. You all had a different opinions! Well $5.42 on PetDental via Amazon Prime later, our biscuit flavored tooth brush arrived.
DS played with Havi and the toothbrush for a while, nervous she wouldn't like the brush. But what did our pup do?! Just laid down and let us brush her!
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| In case you are unclear, that is Havi laying flat against the tub! |
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Power of Blogging
We LOVE this blogging community!! Especially the things we've won such as when Havi was the Dog of the Day, and then featured on Pitter Patter and True Story Tuesday, and winning an antler form Maisie and Me, and wining a portrait from Art By Elizabeth. Were all lucky pups!
But I was especially astounded when I saw the participation In Two Pitties in the City's SuperLevi fundraiser. Photos came in from around the country (36 states to support Levi). And because we're a little short on cash, we tried to support via social media promotion. But Havi wasn't so happy about being left out...
I also loved Mayzie's Rescue Me week, where bloggers featured pups that need adoption on their blog last week!
I did not know about about That Touch of Pit, a blog run by a foster dad who pulls from Animal Haven (where I volunteer!) until Love and a Six Foot Leash featured him today! Where have I been?!
Saturday night after DS played hockey at Chelsea Piers, we settled in to watch the Season Three Premiere of our Favorite Show: Pitbulls and Parolees. It is about a woman who runs a ranch for pitbulls in Villalobos, CA and her employees are all parolees. She gives pups and people a chance that no one else would. Needless to say DS, Havi and I cry through every episode. Head on over to Chase Community Giving to vote (just one click!) and help them raise money for their ranch (run exclusively on donations) and check out some other GREAT charities. They are currently on their way cross country to rescue dogs from Hempstead, LI where pups were rescued from a dog fighting ring (this holds a special place in my heart, because I attended undergraduate there).
Also, check out this great article from Mashable.com about how one animal charity used social media to introduce their brand! I love social media. Geek.
Does anyone else watch Pitbulls and Parolees, what do you think?! Who else is a NYC blogger I don't know about?! What did everyone do this weekend?!
But I was especially astounded when I saw the participation In Two Pitties in the City's SuperLevi fundraiser. Photos came in from around the country (36 states to support Levi). And because we're a little short on cash, we tried to support via social media promotion. But Havi wasn't so happy about being left out...
I also loved Mayzie's Rescue Me week, where bloggers featured pups that need adoption on their blog last week!
I did not know about about That Touch of Pit, a blog run by a foster dad who pulls from Animal Haven (where I volunteer!) until Love and a Six Foot Leash featured him today! Where have I been?!
Saturday night after DS played hockey at Chelsea Piers, we settled in to watch the Season Three Premiere of our Favorite Show: Pitbulls and Parolees. It is about a woman who runs a ranch for pitbulls in Villalobos, CA and her employees are all parolees. She gives pups and people a chance that no one else would. Needless to say DS, Havi and I cry through every episode. Head on over to Chase Community Giving to vote (just one click!) and help them raise money for their ranch (run exclusively on donations) and check out some other GREAT charities. They are currently on their way cross country to rescue dogs from Hempstead, LI where pups were rescued from a dog fighting ring (this holds a special place in my heart, because I attended undergraduate there).
Also, check out this great article from Mashable.com about how one animal charity used social media to introduce their brand! I love social media. Geek.
Does anyone else watch Pitbulls and Parolees, what do you think?! Who else is a NYC blogger I don't know about?! What did everyone do this weekend?!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Weekly Feature: Love Letters From a DogWalker
Oh how we love RuffCity dogwalking...
I was so happy to see her today! It feels like its been forever. She felt the same way as she got all Roly-Poly when I picked up the harness.
She sat everywhere else though perfectly, even in the elevator!
Unfortunately the park was empty so we threw the ball around for awhile and I fetched it each time ;) She wouldn't even put it in her mouth, but she never hesitated to chase it so for the sake of exercise I obliged! We kept waiting and hoping for a playmate but no one showed up :( So we left and took the last 20 minutes to walk around in the beautiful weather. The walk home wasn't bad at all, probably because we weren't coming straight back from the park- I tricked her! ;) She had a soft poop at the park, just a little softer than normal.
Back at home I finished off the spring water in her bowl and gave her her big treat! Turned on the light too. Thanks so much for the lollipop- just what I needed! I've also credited you the $5 :)
Have a great weekend- can't wait to see her next week!
They even left me this note:
Does your dog get walked or do they go to playgroup? What is the best thing about your service?!
P.S. Dental Student wanted me to point out that on Saturday morning, before dinner with my family, he took me to David Burke Townhouse for lunch. His restaurants are across the country (including Chi-Town) and are GORGEOUS. We had pretzel encrusted crabcakes, a pasta dish, seared tuna burger, and apple crumb pie. Also, after the party at my apartment we went to the Gansevoort on Park for dancing (this is where the Kardashians is filmed in NYC), we then were not so classy when we ate 2am greasey diner food. Sunday night after relaxing all day we went to a law school friend's wedding at my dream venue, the Angel Orensanz Foundation (look how dressy we look). I think that sums up my birthday weekend!
I was so happy to see her today! It feels like its been forever. She felt the same way as she got all Roly-Poly when I picked up the harness.
She sat everywhere else though perfectly, even in the elevator!
Unfortunately the park was empty so we threw the ball around for awhile and I fetched it each time ;) She wouldn't even put it in her mouth, but she never hesitated to chase it so for the sake of exercise I obliged! We kept waiting and hoping for a playmate but no one showed up :( So we left and took the last 20 minutes to walk around in the beautiful weather. The walk home wasn't bad at all, probably because we weren't coming straight back from the park- I tricked her! ;) She had a soft poop at the park, just a little softer than normal.
Back at home I finished off the spring water in her bowl and gave her her big treat! Turned on the light too. Thanks so much for the lollipop- just what I needed! I've also credited you the $5 :)
Have a great weekend- can't wait to see her next week!
They even left me this note:
Thursday, November 10, 2011
More Birthday Events!
I thought I would share some pictures from my birthday fun! The weekend kicked off with a party at our apartment (which we also called our 7-month housewarming).
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| My girls devoured these chips! The napkins say "There is nothing in life a straight iron and glass of wine can't fix." |
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| We love cinnamon candles, and always look for the cheap ones or the ones on sale! |
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| Everyone in my birthday has a birthday sign they get for their 1st birthday. It gets put up every year. So, mine is 25 years old! |
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| That's Havi checking out the food options. |
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| Our chalkboard wall guest book! |
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| The drink and food spread... |
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| This mixer cracks me up. Its a penguin! |
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| The famous chocolate lollipops! |
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| Havi waiting for her guests! |
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| Amazing! |
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| Havi showing me birthday love! |
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| No one thought it was weird I was posing with this sign?! |
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| Havi looks scared! |
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| Havi is exhausted from all the celebrating!
Birthday Freebies: My favorite birthday gifts, are the freebies! This year I got a free scoop from Basin Robbins, free medium drink from Dunkin Donuts, free Philosophy bath wash from Sephora, and free pancakes and a milkshake from my favorite diner, Big Daddy's! Usually all you have to do is sign up for their newsletter!
What fun ways do you celebrate brithdays?! Any birthday freebies you love?! |
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Birthday Crafts
Every group of friends celebrates birthdays differently, but in my group of NYC friends, we all celebrate the same. We get together around 10 at someone's apartment, drink a little (okay, a lot), then go to a bar. Because people who grew up on LI tend to move to NYC in their 20s, we wind up having a birthday about every weekend (especially celebrating one another's school and camp friends birthdays).
I love birthdays. In fact I don't even have a birthday, I have a BirthMonth! Every year I like to do something a little different. Last year, I had my birthday with about 30 friends at Frames in Port Authority, a fabulous bowling alley where DS took me on our fourth date! This year, I invited everyone over for a belated housewarming and quarter century birthday celebration. I was trying to think of what to serve, especially because people would come over anytime between 9pm and 12am, and therefore could not serve hot food.
So on Friday, I went to my mother's house where we thought to make chocolate lollipops!
What you will need (that you may not have in the house)
-Molds, I did presents and hearts!
-Chocolate candies
-Sticks
-Bags
-Ribbon
In the house?
-Bowl
-Spoon
-Wax paper
1. Take the chocolate and empty into a bowl.
2. Place the chocolate into the microwave for 30 seconds.
3. Mix the melted chocolate with a spoon.
4. Drop the chocolate with a spoon into the mold.
5. Place a stick in each mold, twisting the stick as you place it in.
6. Drop a little bit of melted chocolate on the back of each stick, to act as a glue.
7. Place the mold in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
8. Take the chocolate out of the mold, place in bag.
9. Tie with ribbon.
10. Ta-da!
(I usually do this over wax paper, its easier for clean up).
Pros:
-I made about 40 lollipops. For all the supplies it was probably about $25. The best part is that you usually have leftovers of everything, and it all stores well for the next time. The molds, sticks, bags, and ribbon can be used again and again because they're sold in bulk. I also had a ton of chocolate left which stores well also. So I probably could have made 80-100 lollipops for the $25.
-This is great and easy to do with kids.
-The whole operation takes about an hour, with minimal cleanup.
-There happens to be a candy place by my mom's house. But I searched a little and found much cheaper options on Etsy and Amazon.
What a SWEET birthday gift!
Do you have any great craft ideas to share?!
P.S. Yesterday we spoke about ways we are cutting back. Another is through Kindle purchases. Because I read about a book a week (because I am a fast reader and have my goal of reading 36 books in one year), it was costing us about $40 a month. Now Im trying the old fashioned way of borrowing peoples books! Through the Kindle, Dunkin Donuts, Weight Watchers and not eating out as much, we hope to save about $200 a month! Keep the great ideas coming about ways to come back, we appreciate your help!
I love birthdays. In fact I don't even have a birthday, I have a BirthMonth! Every year I like to do something a little different. Last year, I had my birthday with about 30 friends at Frames in Port Authority, a fabulous bowling alley where DS took me on our fourth date! This year, I invited everyone over for a belated housewarming and quarter century birthday celebration. I was trying to think of what to serve, especially because people would come over anytime between 9pm and 12am, and therefore could not serve hot food.
So on Friday, I went to my mother's house where we thought to make chocolate lollipops!
What you will need (that you may not have in the house)
-Molds, I did presents and hearts!
-Chocolate candies
-Sticks
-Bags
-Ribbon
In the house?
-Bowl
-Spoon
-Wax paper
1. Take the chocolate and empty into a bowl.
2. Place the chocolate into the microwave for 30 seconds.
3. Mix the melted chocolate with a spoon.
4. Drop the chocolate with a spoon into the mold.
5. Place a stick in each mold, twisting the stick as you place it in.
7. Place the mold in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
8. Take the chocolate out of the mold, place in bag.
10. Ta-da!
(I usually do this over wax paper, its easier for clean up).
Pros:
-I made about 40 lollipops. For all the supplies it was probably about $25. The best part is that you usually have leftovers of everything, and it all stores well for the next time. The molds, sticks, bags, and ribbon can be used again and again because they're sold in bulk. I also had a ton of chocolate left which stores well also. So I probably could have made 80-100 lollipops for the $25.
-This is great and easy to do with kids.
-The whole operation takes about an hour, with minimal cleanup.
-There happens to be a candy place by my mom's house. But I searched a little and found much cheaper options on Etsy and Amazon.
Do you have any great craft ideas to share?!
P.S. Yesterday we spoke about ways we are cutting back. Another is through Kindle purchases. Because I read about a book a week (because I am a fast reader and have my goal of reading 36 books in one year), it was costing us about $40 a month. Now Im trying the old fashioned way of borrowing peoples books! Through the Kindle, Dunkin Donuts, Weight Watchers and not eating out as much, we hope to save about $200 a month! Keep the great ideas coming about ways to come back, we appreciate your help!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Changes in the Two Grad Students Househol
Money:
So recently Dental Student and I reevaluated our budget (not just our Havi budget that we feature monthly) and decided that we needed to make some general cutbacks! I was reading my favorite magazine, Real Simple, (which Dental Student's parents awesomely got me a subscription to through Cousin Danny's magazine fundraiser for his school band) and saw some fun ideas for cutting back.
Here is how Dental Student and I are starting:
-Dunkin Donuts. I live for iced coffee. Specifically, Dunkin Donuts. But my addiction is costing us $100 a month, and now that DD cancelled their rewards program, its time for Law Student to cancel her addiction. Dental Students brother and sister-in-law gave us a Tassimo, so I'm going to suck it up and try for at-home coffee.
-Weight Watchers. I am a Lifetime Member, but once in a while needs the push of eTools (a function you need to pay $39.95 for). I decided this $40 a month is not worth it, when I could ask relevant questions and points values in meetings. I also just learned eTools may now be free for Lifetime Members! Score!
-Eating Out. I was having way too many meals out of the home. Although I make breakfast and lunch for us everyday, and Dental Student cooks 4 times a week, we decided that we should only eat out once a week, and that includes nixing pizza night. We also have a weekly Fresh Direct grocery budget of $60 we always stick to,so that gives us more than enough food!
-Havi. We are going to aim to only do three walks a week instead four a month for a little extra pocket change.
We need your help! What are simple cutbacks you've made and can suggest to us? We're thinking of doing a monthly budget feature of our own...
Also, we cannot afford to donate right now. But some of our awesome friends are doing great fundraisers, so we wanted to help by promoting!
Our Waldo Bungie - Makes the most awesome pup sweaters ever! She did a quick feature of them today! LOVE THEM, were saving up to get Havi one, they are only $30! Sometimes the money goes to their foster pup, Ginger Rogers (we are not sure if they still are doing this fundraiser).
Sirius Republic - Havi pines to be a Sirius Republic girl, maybe for Hanukkah! Sirius donates a portion of their funds to shelters.
SuperLevi - Havi loves to help her blog friends. SuperLevi's awesome foster parents are being amazing as per usual! There is an awesome raffle going on where the money goes to SuperLevi's eye care fund. You can participate in a fundraising walk, and receive a bandana or shirt.
Blog:
-Frequency. I used to blog every weekday! What happened to that?! It made me so happy to update you on my life, get your comments, and learn from you. I need to bring this back.
-Facebook. I'm uploading everyday from now on...look out!
I turned 25 yesterday, and its never too late to turn it all around. These are the Blog and Monetary changes were making. Have you made any changes recently?!
So recently Dental Student and I reevaluated our budget (not just our Havi budget that we feature monthly) and decided that we needed to make some general cutbacks! I was reading my favorite magazine, Real Simple, (which Dental Student's parents awesomely got me a subscription to through Cousin Danny's magazine fundraiser for his school band) and saw some fun ideas for cutting back.
Here is how Dental Student and I are starting:
-Dunkin Donuts. I live for iced coffee. Specifically, Dunkin Donuts. But my addiction is costing us $100 a month, and now that DD cancelled their rewards program, its time for Law Student to cancel her addiction. Dental Students brother and sister-in-law gave us a Tassimo, so I'm going to suck it up and try for at-home coffee.
-Weight Watchers. I am a Lifetime Member, but once in a while needs the push of eTools (a function you need to pay $39.95 for). I decided this $40 a month is not worth it, when I could ask relevant questions and points values in meetings. I also just learned eTools may now be free for Lifetime Members! Score!
-Eating Out. I was having way too many meals out of the home. Although I make breakfast and lunch for us everyday, and Dental Student cooks 4 times a week, we decided that we should only eat out once a week, and that includes nixing pizza night. We also have a weekly Fresh Direct grocery budget of $60 we always stick to,so that gives us more than enough food!
-Havi. We are going to aim to only do three walks a week instead four a month for a little extra pocket change.
We need your help! What are simple cutbacks you've made and can suggest to us? We're thinking of doing a monthly budget feature of our own...
Also, we cannot afford to donate right now. But some of our awesome friends are doing great fundraisers, so we wanted to help by promoting!
Our Waldo Bungie - Makes the most awesome pup sweaters ever! She did a quick feature of them today! LOVE THEM, were saving up to get Havi one, they are only $30! Sometimes the money goes to their foster pup, Ginger Rogers (we are not sure if they still are doing this fundraiser).
Sirius Republic - Havi pines to be a Sirius Republic girl, maybe for Hanukkah! Sirius donates a portion of their funds to shelters.
SuperLevi - Havi loves to help her blog friends. SuperLevi's awesome foster parents are being amazing as per usual! There is an awesome raffle going on where the money goes to SuperLevi's eye care fund. You can participate in a fundraising walk, and receive a bandana or shirt.
Blog:
-Frequency. I used to blog every weekday! What happened to that?! It made me so happy to update you on my life, get your comments, and learn from you. I need to bring this back.
-Facebook. I'm uploading everyday from now on...look out!
I turned 25 yesterday, and its never too late to turn it all around. These are the Blog and Monetary changes were making. Have you made any changes recently?!
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