#ThursdayBling: Color Paw Glitter Polish

Glitter nail "pawlish" for your pup. 

We have nothing else to say. Since we're not even sure how we feel about dogs with painted nails, we're going to withhold judgment. Dogs with manicures on the other hand... well they're OK. Sigh. It's just been one of those weeks (we blame Mercury going into retrograde soon)...

Use it as a top coat or as a stand alone polish. Formaldehyde free, the formula is also designed to dry quickly. 

Available in a variety of shades (purple, pink, blue, silver, etc.) from Petkaboodle for $4.99 each.

 

McMansions, Canine Style

While flipping through the Financial Times this weekend, we stumbled upon this article on pet palaces. Apparently McMansions aren't only for us two-legged folk- it seems like even Fido is looking to trade up these days. That being said however, we couldn't help but be WOWED by these stunning custom canine chateaus constructed by La Petite Maison.

Um. That dog has wall paper in its house. WALL PAPER PEOPLE. We don't even have wall paper in our 500 sq. ft apartment...

Though the only real estate that Paddy is going to own is her crate... I guess a dog (and we) can dream?

 

Disclaimer: Photos from www.lapetitemaison.com.

Louis Dog BonBon Polka Dot Muffler

.... Because honestly, what dog doesn't need a polka dot muffler? 

.... Because honestly, it is still FREEZING cold despite officially being spring.

.... Because honestly, we kind of wish there was a human version.

Pick up the Louis Dog BonBon Muffler from FunnyFur for a very reasonable $18.

Read All About It: Dog Walks Man!

Over the last month, we've had the pleasure of enjoying "Dog Walks Man: A Six-Legged Odyssey," which features a series of "bite-size" meditations "derived from dogs and dog walking." 

If you've ever walked a dog, you know that there is a big difference between taking a stroll with your pup and "just" walking. With a four-legged friend at your side, neighborhoods, sidewalks and landmarks take on whole new characteristics. 

The author of Dog Walks Man, John Zeaman, who is an art critic for the NJ-based Star -Ledger and The Record, invites us along on his physical and philosophical dog walking journeys as he joins the fraternity of suburban dog walkers. What we enjoyed most about the book (besides of course, Zeaman's pet-centric poetic prose), is that the book is broken up in vignettes-- perfect for all of us who have dogs that would rather we pay attention them than read at any given time. It's also a nice "adult" break from books like "Marley and Me"… for real, not all animal books should require a box of tissues. Though some of the Zeaman's stories are a little blah, just like dog walks-- they can't always be exciting, and at the end of the day we always enjoy them anyway! (....And yes, that last sentence clearly illustrates why we don't have a book deal yet.)

Available in print and Kindle versions from Amazon.com.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

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

The Barkistas' Video Diary: Moleskine Dog Journal

Several weeks ago we took note of Moleskine's new Dog Journal and we've been hard at work personalizing it for Paddington! Check out our video review to find out what Paddy picked to include in her "doggy diary," and get a peek inside what is one of our new favorite organizational tools. It's a definite must for the doggy companion that likes to keep everything in one place.

Thanks for watching!

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

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

Fill 'Er Up Bed

How genius is this idea? Instead of throwing out those old towels and t-shirts, recycle them as stuffing the Fill 'Er Up Pet Bed. Setting up your pup's bed is easy-- simply purchase one of Fill 'Er Up's adorable 100% cotton covers and their nylon insert, and gather up those old t-shirts you've been saving from the 90's. (Hello, high-school track team t-shirt....) 

Not only is this creative way to find a new home for your stuff, but it keeps it from ending up in a land fill (we're also pretty sure that the stuffing used in most dog beds probably isn't good for the environment). PLUS, we don't know about your pup, but ours loves to snuggle with anything that smells of us. 

Seriously, save the planet while cleaning your closet and making your dog comfy. How much better can it get?

Available from Trixie and Peanut-- bed covers range in price from $25 upwards, and come in really cute prints (we're partial to the Silhouette and Courtyard). Save $5.00 if you purchase both the cover and bed insert.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

Paws For Thought

The Search Dog Foundation hits the ground running in Japan. 
Image from their website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the world continues to watch as Japan recovers from last week's massive earthquake and tsunami, we just wanted to take a moment to spotlight the ways that you can help the people and animals affected by this tragedy.

In addition to making contributing to organizations like the Red Cross, groups like World Vets International, which is a non-governmental organization that provides animals with aid around the world, are also in need of donations. The World Vets International team is currently on the ground working with Japanese animal welfare groups, and they are posting regular updates on their website.

The California based Search Dog Foundation is also responding to the disaster in Japan and have deployed 6 search and rescue dog teams to help find those still trapped in the rubble. You can help support the organization or make a donation by visiting their web page, and get regular updates from their team here.

We hope that even if you are unable to give to any of the amazing aid groups currently on the ground in Japan, that you will keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

The Barkistas

The Barkistas Are On Facebook!

Please be my Facebook friend?

That's right, the Barkistas are now on Facebook! Find us here, and don't forget to "Like" the page!

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

I've Got Love For You If You Were Born in the 80's...

Um. Oh my dog. We just spotted these doggy leg-warmers over at Phetched. Hello love at first sight! Seriously, the only thing that could make me love Paddy more, is Paddy outfitted in 80's attire.

Available for purchase in various sizes and colors from The Hydrant. We are SO picking up those rainbow ones.

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

p.s. The title of this post was shamelessly borrowed from Calvin Harris' song, "Acceptable in the 80's".

The Barkistas' Video Diary: Petite Four Legs Cupcake Kit

So, this weekend we checked out Petit Four Legs' Cupcake Kit, and have to say were so thrilled with the results! We were tickled pink to receive samples of their Petit Four earlier this year (see our review here), and thus were excited to play with the Cupcake Kit in the Barkzilla Test Kitchen. 

Easier than whipping up a Betty Crocker Mix (for real), we had gorgeous frosted cupcakes in less than an hour. Seriously, the kit contains basically everything (minus 2 eggs and 1/2 a cup of water), that you need to bake, frost and decorate these absolutely darling little doggy snacks. Check out our video review above, or on our YouTube page.

So yummy! Though, made with human-grade mix, not so yummy for the two-legged types. Trust us, we tried them.

Again, the packaging is gorgeous, making this the perfect gift for the Doggy Chef in your life. Purchase yours for a very affordable $12 directly from Petit Four Legs' website, and don't forget to check out their other amazing treats.  

"FROSTING!!" - Paddington

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

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

#ThursdayBling Doesn't Always Have to be Girly

Bling doesn't have to mean diamonds. Check out these Susan Lanci Ultrasuede Dog Collars that feature a more "rugged" take on traditional bling.

Available from GW Little for $31.99 in a variety of colors and patterns.

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

Dog: Man's Best Facebook Friend, Too? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Saw this this morning on Mashable and just had to share with our fellow tech-savvy doggy bloggers and dogs who blog!

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

p.s. Boo to the 13% of people who never pick up after their dogs!!

Dog: Man's Best Facebook Friend, Too? [INFOGRAPHIC]

St. Patrick's Day Pup Cakes

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, check out these nommy looking treats from the California-based bake house, Shorty's Gourmet Treats. Made in small batches, all ingredients are organic and human-grade (in fact, their site even suggest them for the two-legged folks if the fancy should strike you...), and are topped with green shamrock shaped sprinkles. Though we're sometimes a little skeptical about buying treats off of Etsy, Shorty's Gourmet Treats is certified by the health departments of Los Angeles and California, and their page states that they bake with no artificial colors or flavors, byproducts, preservatives, salt, corn or sugar. 

Pick up a dozen treats from their Etsy page for $5.00 and make sure to check out their other drool-worthy looking goodies.

Wags & Kisses,

The Barkistas

You Bake 'em Dog Biscuit Kit

Even though Paddy is Miss Picky Picky, we still love to make treats at home in an attempt to please her palate. The You Bake 'em Dog Biscuits Kit comes with everything you need to... well, bake your dog some delicious treats! Featuring 5 doggy-inspired cookie cutters (hehe, we particularly like the cat-shaped one), and a recipe book chock-full of treats that will have your pup begging for more, the set even includes cute little gift bags. 

We saw these sets over the holidays at the Fred Flare pop-up shop at Chelsea Market, and apparently they were so popular they're now on back order. Put your name on the waitlist over at their website. Kits retail for $13.95 each.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas

#ThursdayBling: Classic Classy

While there definitely is NOT any Chanel in the Barkistas' future-- that doesn't mean Paddy can't rock the coveted classic interlocked "C's" on this collar inspired by the Parisian design house. Choose from black or pink at UptownPoochie.com.

Wags & Kisses,
The Barkistas