Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

My Sister’s Photoshoot

Okay, let me clarify.  My four-legged sister, Kesha.  She lives with my parents.  She loves to have her picture taken.  At least I assume that due to the fact that she doesn’t move when I ask her to say cheese.  Perhaps it’s the word cheese.  
Enjoy the photos and the remainder of your Sunday evening.  I’m almost done with the prep work (most time consuming) for the smash books.  I hope to finish up this part tonight.  Then the fun begins. 
Kesha loves to go for car rides.  Notice the green grass.  This was taken last year, because there is NO green grass here!
©Jennifer Schulting Photography 2012

Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Yoga 101 for Dogs: Play, Bark, Breathe

This is your instructor, House.
{Dog Narrating}  
First:  Lay on the floor with your front legs out in front of you.
Second:  Cross your legs.
Third:  Close your eyes.
And last:  Slowly put your head down, just a little bit.  Hold this position for about 30 seconds.  Repeat three times.  Then refresh yourself with a trip to the water bowl.  Feel better?
House’s recommendations:  Practice indoors.  Far too many birds and squirrels outside to distract you.  Stay focused.  Have your human friend put lots of ice in the water bowl.  Hydration is very important.  Provide treats made with whole grains (organic apple flavored are my favorite, not sure where my Mom gets them).  Fresh fruits are water-based and full of hydration.  Click here for additional information of what foods we can and can’t have.
Benefits of Yoga (for dogs):  Improves flexibility, reduces stress, and resolves behavioral issues.
{Human typing}
We can learn a lot from our four-legged friends.  As long as he doesn’t start expressing himself through karate, I’m okay with this activity.
P.S.  According to the weather channel, we have a hot and humid weekend coming up.  Since I won’t be outside much I’ll put together some more recycling garden projects I’ve completed.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Dubuque Farmers Market: Fresh Veggies, Homemade Breads, Recycled Garden Art

Yesterday was my first visit to the local Farmers Market here in Dubuque, Iowa.  I’m happy to report it was a complete success (as shown in the photo above).  There were far more vendors this year than in the past.
I arrived quite early because I had two particular (favorite) vendors that I wanted to visit first.  I snapped the photo above as I was arriving.  I thought about getting one as I left to show the crowd of people but my hands were full and my arm had fallen asleep from the weight of my bag.  Lesson learned:  Next week bring a larger bag!
If you live here in the Dubuque area, your familiar with Fincel’s Sweet Corn.  They were able to plant the corn early so we may just have some before the 4th of July.  My sister will be most pleased if she gets to have some while visiting.
Tomato plants from Fincel’s farm.
Live music was set up in a couple of areas.
Handmade bird feeders.
I met this creative artist who recycles plates, vases, cups, silverware, gravy bowls, etc. and creates these adorable bird feeders.  She uses colored stones on the plates so that the birds have a place to sit.  Julie Castro (JEWR72@aol.com) is her name and she calls her work Glass Menagerie, Treasures For Your Home.  This is her first year at the Market.
A friend of mine has an organic farm in Cuba City, WI.  I regret not getting some of the strawberries on this visit, but loved the mini, red romaine.  He also sets up his truck at the market in Chicago, IL.  You can find out more information about his farm by clicking Tree of Life Gardens and CSA.  
There were a LOT of meat vendors on site.  Being a vegetarian I politely smiled as I passed their booths.  I only stopped at this one because I thought the flower pot was interesting.
Next week I will be getting a large bag of the kettle corn.  It was delicious!
Loved these recycled copper hummingbird feeders.  Very creative.  Jeff Driscoll is the artist and you can contact him at requestingflyby@yahoo.com
And yes, there were four-legged ones everywhere.  However, I didn’t get their names because I was overwhelmed with cuteness.
Check back this week for another installment of “What’s On My Plate” series.  I’ll be sharing what dishes I made using my farmers market goodies.
Oh, and House (my youngest fur-child) has started practicing yoga.  Seriously, I’m putting together a mini-session for you to try out. 
Until the next word…
~Jennifer  

“Hot” Dog Day

I’m not sure where you live, but here in the Midwest today the temps got up to 96 degrees.  We spent most of the day relaxing in the air.  During potty breaks we had a mini photo session.  This shot was our favorite.

Our Memorial Day will be the same.  Relaxing in the air conditioned house.

Have a good night.

~Jennifer

Dog Invented Unconditional

No matter how many hours I worked in a day, my boys are always there to greet me at the door.  Any stress that the day may of caused was left outside.  Their undivided attention continues to amaze me.
And as I type this post they are all right behind me on the office floor waiting patiently for me to end my day.  I will close with that before the *guilt* consumes me.
~Jennifer

Supermodels and Dogs

House wearing his tan coat
Victoria Secret has their models.  And I have mine.  Here’s our Fall Collection from 2011.  A bit late, but oh well.  Enjoy!
Hardy sporting his favorite color, Chocolate
Disco wearing his black and tan suit
Sunday evening.  I’m thinking a Redbox rental tonight.  Any suggestions?  Haven’t seen Bridesmaids yet.  Um, we’ll see.
Coming up this week:  An interview I did with a 15 year old clothing designer.  A talented young lady from Chicago.  Find out how she got started and where her inspiration comes from.
~Jennifer

For The Love of Twilight

Hardy had a Twilight themed party for his 4th birthday, two years ago.  Bad Mommy lost the pictures.  Good Mommy had to recreate the party to get the pictures again. No one with four legs complained of a second celebration within the same year.  Bad Mommy lost the disk, again.
Well, I’m happy to report that I finally found the disk.  Therefore, I’m sharing them with you before I lose it…again.
Yes, I’m a soon-to-be 40 year old Twilight fan.
I found these Vip Vampire passes on Ebay that you can have customized to fit your event.  You had to order at least a set of 4, so I have one for myself.
Hardy was a good sport in wearing his.  Perhaps he knew bread (his favorite) and apples were involved.
Disco posed proudly for the camera.  He’s pretty easy going with his owner’s crazy schemes.
And then there’s House.  Whenever he has anything “foreign” around his neck, other than his leash, his ear sticks out.  He played along though.
You can’t have a party without balloons and snacks.  Yes, those are Edward balloons.  Another Ebay find.  My boys may look like they are team Jacob, but truly we are all team Edward.  Sliced apples are their favorite.  I found my version of a wolf (really the tag said horse) and made peanut butter cut out sandwiches for them.
Everyone had a great time.
Have you ever had a birthday party for your dogs?  Share your experiences in the comment section below.
~Jennifer