Friday, October 29, 2010

Doggie Dino Snack

Only our good pal Christine's dog, Mellan, could look this dignified while being snacked on by a hungry dino! 


As we're not dressing Paddy up this Halloween (or at least not as of now...), we're piggybacking onto C and Mellan's holiday spirit! Check out Mellan rocking a lobster costume here

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Howl-o-Ween at The Salty Paw!

If you're still finalizing your Halloween plans for the weekend, make sure to add The Salty Paw's Howl-o-ween Party to your list of things to do! Our favorite NYC one-stop shop for all things doggy will be hosting a costume party on October 31st from 5-7 PM at their store on Peck Street down at the South Street Seaport. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed pups!

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

p.s. Don't forget to vote for The Salty Paw for AOL City's Best "Best Pet Culture" NYC! You can vote every day!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Puppy Pedometer

Curious about how much ground your dog covers in a week?

Well, now you can add it up with this cute pedometer for your pup from the French company Pylones! Simply clip it to Fido's collar and adjust the calculator's setting for your dog's size, and you're good to go. Perfect for making walks a little bit more fun, and for ensuring your doggy (and you!) are getting their weekly quota of exercise. Oh, and did we mention it's absolutely adorable?

Pick it up from a Pylones store near you or online for the steal price of $10.
 
Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Stuff We Love: Blue Witch Ceramics

With the holidays right around the corner, the Barkistas are trying to save up a little cash money.... which is awfully hard when you discover adorable puppy paraphernalia like these finds from Blue Witch Ceramics


Handcrafted and hand-painted, their beautiful ceramic works make for the perfect personalized gift for the animal lover in your life. In addition to mugs and salt and pepper shakers, Blue Witch Ceramics also offers piggy banks and photo holders in a variety of different breeds, species and even musical instruments. 


While of course we love the doggy options, we have to admit, we're quite partial to the cow mugs, just don't tell Paddy! Visit their website to check out all of their beautiful creations!

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Cutest Turkey Dinner EVER

OMG.

Seriously, we DIED when we spotted the doggy Thanksgiving Dinner set from Target in the pages of Food Network Magazine's November issue.

For the steal-worthy price of $10, pick up everything your pooch needs to celebrate the holidays at your local Target.  Why is this not available online?!?!

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas



Tuesday, October 19, 2010

You say it's your birthday....


This weekend the Barkistas celebrated an important birthday! While we sadly can't send you any cake, we just had to share the pictures. Seriously, how cool is that?!

Custom designed for the Barkistas by Ruthy's Bakery in NYC, we almost couldn't bring ourselves to eat it...


 Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Monday, October 18, 2010

Fidele Fashions





Here at Barkzilla, we believe you should never feel guilty about dressing your dog up, especially if it's in a beautiful custom created gown like this one!

We fell in love with this gorgeous doggie couture from Fidele as soon as we saw it. While it comes with a pretty serious price tag ($137), it's perfect for your pooch's red carpet moment or special occasion. Like every Fidele dress, their Royal Orchid gown is handmade to order. Based in Thailand, the company was founded by a passionate Thai-American vet in January 2010 and donates 5% of its profits to local animal shelters that help abused or abandoned animals.

Stunning fashion for "paws"-- how can you not love it?

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Stuff We Love: Super Cudgie

At the end of the day, sometimes all you want to do is cuddle up....

Which, is exactly what Arabella & Fern's Super Cudgie is designed for. Available in two sizes (regular and extra snuggly) and a whole lot of gorgeous patterns and textures, they're finished with a chic cord trim and machine washable. 



We checked out the Klondike blanket (we're suckers for faux fur), and so far-- it's a new Barkzilla favorite. Perfect as a crate or travel blanket, we've been using ours as a couch cover. Large enough for Paddy to snuggle up in, but small enough that it doesn't take up too much space, we love how chi chi it looks on our couch.

The perfect luxe gift for the Barkista in your life, the Super Cudgie is available from their website; the small retails for $46 and the large $80.


Seriously, we hope the awesome Arabella & Fern team consider making a human version...

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Disclaimer: Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Trixie & Peanut Doggie Designer Sale!





Very few things make us as excited as a good sample sale!

Trixe & Peanut's bi-annual Doggie Designer Sample Sale is DEFINITELY something that should be on any responsible Barkista's calendar. 

From October 15th thru the 17th, this posh purveyor of puppy accessories and attire will be offering up to 60% off of merchandise from brands like Ella Dish, and Haute Diggity Dog. While it can be a little bit of a madhouse, it's totally worth it-- in the past we've scored great deals on winter coats and carriers. Our advice is to go early during the sale and make sure to bring your pup for sizing as all sale items are non-returnable.

A must for any bargain hunting hounds and their owners.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Monday, October 11, 2010

Nootie Germ-Fighting Shampoo & Daily Spritz


Sunday is normally bath day Chez Barkzilla, but after a busy weekend visiting the "Grandparents," we were both a little tuckered out for our usual full doggie day spa routine. What better time to try out Nootie's new Germ-Fighting Shampoo and Daily Spritz in Coconut Lime Verbena!

That's right: their innovative two-in one packaging features 12 oz of shampoo on one end and 4 oz of refreshing in-between bath spritz on the other (or alternatively, pick them in full size bottles as seen to the right). We personally prefer the combo pack as you get a little bit of both fabulous products, and they snap together for easy storage.

The Germ-Fighting Shampoo and Daily Spritz is the newest addition to Nootie's line of cruelty-free grooming products which are made in the USA and use all-natural ingredients. The formula contains grapefruit seed which is hypoallergenic and helps to "prevent against a variety of bacteria, viruses, and infections, contributes to the prevention of mange and fleas when used on animals". Both the shampoo and spritz are tearless, non-toxic, and free from from triclosan and parabens. With cold and flu season right around the corner, we love the extra germ-fighting power Nootie has infused its products with (seriously, it is not okay to cough/sneeze and then pet my dog...).

While we have yet to test-drive the shampoo, we're big fans of the Daily Spritz which helps to refresh and moisturize your pup's coat. The Coconut Lime Verbena scent smells like a clean fruity cocktail; sweet but definitely not sickly so. And, unlike other spray baths we've tried (which are mostly focused on masking smells), when we ran our hands through Paddy's fur after a spray and brush we really felt that her hair was cleaner.










The set retails for a reasonable $20, which considering you're getting both a spray bath and shampoo, is a pretty solid deal. Find out where to pick up your Nootie Germ-Fighting Shampoo and Daily Spritz directly from their website!

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Disclaimer: Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.
 

Friday, October 8, 2010

Arabella & Fern's Cuddle Up Pup

Recently we were introduced to the company Arabella & Fern, which makes incredibly stylish, well-thought out products for your pup. In addition to producing beautiful goodies for your anipal, the company donates 5% of each purchase to the ASPCA. Seriously. They rock. 

Anyway, a friend of ours is expecting a little fury bundle of joy later this month, and we immediately thought of her when we saw their Cuddle Up Pup set.

Including everything you need to help your puppy adjust to their new home: the Cuddle Up Pup features a small snuggle blanket, rope toy, non-toxic microwaveable "Woof Warmer", and a battery operated heartbeat pillow. Perfect for helping to crate train your puppy, or solo time, the Cuddle Up Pup is designed to replicate the sensations that soothe and make your puppy feel secure.  

And even better, Arabella & Fern offer this set in a variety of chic coordinated colors and patterns. Our picks are the pink paisley "Lady" pattern (for girls, obvi), and the cute blue "Sparks" doggy print (for the dudes).




Made in the USA, the Cuddle Up Pup retails for $49.95 directly from their site, AND, the awesome gals at Araballa & Fern have created an EXCLUSIVE discount for Barkzilla readers! Get 20% off one item with code BARKZ! While you're there, check out their other beautifully designed products-- I wonder if they make Super Cudgies for humans...

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Monday, October 4, 2010

Pretty in the City!

As you may have read last week here on Barkzilla, Paddy just scored her first shoot! In preparation for the BIG DAY, we got her ready with a quick bath courtesy of the fine folks at Pet Head. This luxury grooming line, which is all across America, Australia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, offers products customized for the specific needs of your pampered pup. With adorably packaged products for everything from sensitive skin to a quick-rinse formula that's perfect for the doggy who just doesn't have time to sit still-- every one of them will leave your Fido smelling clean and feeling refreshed!

While Paddy behaves herself at bath time, she can be a little squirmy (especially when it comes to taking care of the face area) so we tested the Fears for Tears tearless shampoo. Containing NO harsh chemicals, it's hypo-allergenic and contains Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil for silky smooth hair and healthy skin, all of the Pet Head line are paraben, sulfate, DEA and cruelty free!

After warming up the "tub", we uncapped our shampoo. Once you remove the bone shaped protective cover, the packaging features a water bottle style nozzle that makes it easy to apply shampoo and reseal. Upon opening, the first thing that we noticed was the FABULOUS scent. (Seriously, if they don't make this scent for humans, we may have to use the dog shampoo.) Apply to wet fur and lather it up! Unlike other products we've tried, a little went a long way to creating luxurious suds. A quick rinse down and Paddy was good to go!


Shh. Don't tell Paddy we posted this pic-- she'd be so embarrassed! 


After a quick towel off and some primping, we had one clean FANTASTIC smelling and silky looking Morkie-- seriously, check out that glamour shot!


Get more info about Pet Head's products and where to pick them up on their website at www.pethead.com. Prices vary depending on the retailing location-- but we saw some pretty good deals online and at Amazon.com.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Disclaimer: Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Meet the Breeds in NYC!

Attention NYC dog and cat lovers-- advance tickets for the American Kennel Club's Meet the Breeds event are now available online! The annual event will be held in NYC October 16th and 17th from 10 am to 5 pm at the Jacob Javits Center. Stop by to enjoy over 200 booths that allow you to get up and close and personal with a variety of dogs and cats. A great meetup for prospective pet companions who are doing their homework researching different breeds, the event is also attended by vendors and features obedience, agility, grooming, and talent demonstrations.

Tickets purchased before October 15th are $12.00 each and $8.00 for children under the age of $12 (after the 15th and the day of the event they'll be $15 for adults and $10 for children).

For more information, stop by the official Meet the Breeds website.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Stuff We Love: Trick or Treat Bags for Pets

We were skulking around Nip and Bones' site the other day and stumbled upon these adorable trick or treat gift bags! Stuffed with fun Howl-o-ween goodies for the devilish doggy in your life, each  contains an assortment of seasonal playthings for your pet including squeaky balls, bandannas and plush toys. Both the small (3 assorted items for $8.00) and large (5 assorted items for $14.00) options come packed in a Halloween themed gift bag. Pick one up as a spooky surprise in time for Howl-o-ween, or better yet, send one as a surprise to Fido's bestie!

Wags & Kisses, 
The Barkistas

Friday, October 1, 2010

Rainpocalypse 2010

We know you've probably seen this awesome feat of doggy wonderfulness, but we couldn't help but re-post the link as it's the only thing that's making us smile as we ride out Rainpocalypse 2010 in NYC. Hope you're staying warm and dry wherever you are!

xoxo The Barkistas

Let Them Eat Puppy Cake!


Never before has it been this easy to bake a special treat for your pup!

Puppy Cake creator Kelly Chaney found herself one day looking at cake mix for humans and asking herself, "Wouldn't that be great if they made this for dogs?" And since November 2007, Kelly and Puppy Cake have been on a mission to do just that! Offering "a healthy and satisfying treat for dogs and a fun experience for their owners," their human grade and natural ingredient based cake mix comes in two flavors: carob and banana. Best of all- each box also come with its own frosting! After all, what would a cupcake be without frosting?? (The horror!!)

Similar to cake mix for humans, just add the simple ingredients (water, oil, and egg), bake, frost and voila- delicious! We set out to try Kelly's banana cake mix during a weekend trip to visit our family, and can't tell you how much of a hit it was!

After unpacking two bags of mix (one for the cakes and one for frosting)- we set to work. Check out our pictures below: 


So easy- two bags of mixes, what more could you ask for? Needing only 1 egg, water and oil- it was easy to find all the necessary ingredients already in our kitchen.


All of the ingredients mixed together! We're pretty sure we saw actual chunks of banana in there- mmm.

We can't even describe how good these smelled baking! Paddy and her Golden Retriever cousins were circling the oven with tails wagging and noses twitching...

Okay, and so were we- I had stop one human kitchen visitor from stealing a cake from the cooling rack they smelled that good. While you can go for full-sized cupcakes, we opted to make minis. Don't forget to alter baking time if you decide to use a different sized pan!


After waiting for the cakes too cool, we frosted- just mix the enclosed yogurt powder with water and you're done: the final frosted product!

Our test audience couldn't wait to try out these treats and was thrilled that we'd go to the effort of baking something just for them. Just don't tell them that it was so easy!

While we didn't taste the cakes (so maybe...we had a little crumb from a non-frosted cupcake)- our four dog crew devoured them in a flash. Even Paddy, Queen of the Picky, didn't sniff her cupcake twice. Every little speck was gone and we wish we had been able to get a picture of the frosting covered faces and noses (sadly they were licked clean too quickly). 

We hope you enjoyed our review and will visit Kelly's site and treat your pups to her delicious cakes! The packaging also gets major kudos- we're definitely planning on stocking up!

Each mix retails for a very reasonable $6.99 from Puppy Cake.

xoxo The Barkistas

Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2009 on our former site, but has been updated. Samples were provided by PR for review. Please see our disclaimer for more information.
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