The Holidays are here!
We've been gearing up for the holidays, Katie and I are creating the holiday treat collection including the gingerbread men that we call, "Everything Nice." These are big sized treats for the large dogs and small treats or mini treats for the little dogs. I've packed them in a cute little bag with a bright red holiday bow or a sky blue bow for those little Hanukkah dogs!
My other treats include mini Christmas trees, Noah's ark animals (it's a biblical theme), angels, bells and stars. I've got an idea for cranberry treats but haven't had the time to work on the recipe yet. I'm too busy packing holiday treats for my current customers and sending out holiday gifts to my friends and their dogs.
I'm also packing to take my first vacation, much needed and this will be at the height of the season but what can I do? So sadly, I will have a lot to do when I come home from my trip.
The treats will be ready but it will be me that will be working 24/7 to get these gifts to their recipients on time for the holidays.
I also have big candy cane shaped treats too, it's actually an upside down "J" but isn't that what a cane IS?
Katie's Day of Beauty
Normally Katie is really a very sweet smelling dog. Most people think she smells really good and that her hair is fabulously soft. Kids love to stroke her back and grab her tail and Katie basically lets them do this to her with little to no reaction at all. She tolerates the attention but I don't know if it is the attention or the admiration that she enjoys. She is definitely a dog that loves her family though. I digress. So I found that Katie had a funky air about her one morning after we had been outside and her normal "eau de outdoor dog" was permeating with a pungent aroma coming from her hindquarters. "Blech!" I thought as I sniffed the air above her little quizzical expressioned face. I ran the bath and took down the massaging showerhead and in she went. I bathed her with a lovely shampoo given to me by an all organic products company and it was a jojoba shampoo with an incredibly great aroma. I love it. Katie loved it too. She didn't make her normal escape from the tub attempts. Plus, she lingered a bit in the warm soapy water after I had finished rinsing her coat. She looks amazing and her hair is incredibly soft and lustrous.
I want that shampoo for myself now! I also gave her a spritz of "Sexy Beast." She smells and looks like a million bucks now! Plus, she got to have a holiday treat and so she slept like a pup for the day.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Oh my goodness...
Well, apparently we didn't miss the Dogcatemy awards...it's coming up. Geez. That's ridiculous. Nobody told me.
I have some new pumpkin shaped treats for Halloween. My new treat lines for the holidays are out, pumpkin pie treats, chicken snap ghosts, beef snap bones and skulls and Granny's Apple Pie bones. The treat bags are cute. Halloween is a treat for everyone. So the next event coming up is the Stray from the Heart party with Witches in Bikinis tomorrow night. Then there is the Paw for Parkinson's event this Sunday and I will be donating cake and treats to the cause. It should be a lot of fun. I was lucky enough to get a table and now I can't go because of work but I am happy that I can donate to a good cause.
I love the Halloween dog treats because they are really adorable. I'm baking some bat shaped treats too and those are going to be awesome. The pumpkin pie treats came out really cute. I'm also baking pumpkin cakes for the dogs with my special frosting. This should be really neat.
Dogs love...pumpkin!
Well, apparently we didn't miss the Dogcatemy awards...it's coming up. Geez. That's ridiculous. Nobody told me.
I have some new pumpkin shaped treats for Halloween. My new treat lines for the holidays are out, pumpkin pie treats, chicken snap ghosts, beef snap bones and skulls and Granny's Apple Pie bones. The treat bags are cute. Halloween is a treat for everyone. So the next event coming up is the Stray from the Heart party with Witches in Bikinis tomorrow night. Then there is the Paw for Parkinson's event this Sunday and I will be donating cake and treats to the cause. It should be a lot of fun. I was lucky enough to get a table and now I can't go because of work but I am happy that I can donate to a good cause.
I love the Halloween dog treats because they are really adorable. I'm baking some bat shaped treats too and those are going to be awesome. The pumpkin pie treats came out really cute. I'm also baking pumpkin cakes for the dogs with my special frosting. This should be really neat.
Dogs love...pumpkin!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
We messed up.
Well, The Dogcatemy awards was recently and I was so sick and in bed that I just completely could not do it. I'm sad for that because I so like NSALA but what can you do when you have fever and absolutely no strength?
On the up side.
We are sharing our great treats with the bulldogs of Brooklyn tomorrow. Yay! It will be a good time all around and although I won't be there myself, a little bit of my passion goes into every treat. Handmade and lovingly conceived. They look great and the goodies will be enjoyed.
Haven't been baking any cakes lately but I'm still hopeful. The cold weather tends to detract from outdoor party venues so I think the winter will be slow for us except for the individual party cakes which seem to be a steady thing.
Well, The Dogcatemy awards was recently and I was so sick and in bed that I just completely could not do it. I'm sad for that because I so like NSALA but what can you do when you have fever and absolutely no strength?
On the up side.
We are sharing our great treats with the bulldogs of Brooklyn tomorrow. Yay! It will be a good time all around and although I won't be there myself, a little bit of my passion goes into every treat. Handmade and lovingly conceived. They look great and the goodies will be enjoyed.
Haven't been baking any cakes lately but I'm still hopeful. The cold weather tends to detract from outdoor party venues so I think the winter will be slow for us except for the individual party cakes which seem to be a steady thing.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
I hate to be the pupper pooper but...
Nope, I do not make puppy lollipops. I had received many requests to make my treats into Pup pops with a rawhide stick but I will repeat myself and say "no." I cannot really morally feel comfortable with making a rawhide stick a part of my treat menu because I just don't like the idea of rawhide potentially causing a dog to choke should they bite off too big a piece and then swallow it or aspirate it. Nuh uh. I do not encourage rawhide at all. My treats are unique and really great on their own. I just baked up a huge batch of treats last night and was really enjoyed watching them bake. It's so...cool how they rise up, puff and then become a really great treat for dogs. It's healthy and there are no chemicals added. Everything is naturally delicious.
I know there are other bakeries that call themselves the "original" dog treat but what does that mean? Yes, there are people who think they started the concept of making natural treats for dogs and perhaps they did but let's get serious. After your dog tries my treats, I will let you decide. Just pick a flavor, any flavor and order some. Your dog will show you just how great my treats or party cakes are. They are incredible. I've worked very hard to develop my recipes to be the greatest treats and dog cakes that a dog could enjoy. I stand by my treats, my wide variety, my special customer service and the special donations that I make to support animal welfare and dog adoptions from shelters. That is what makes me happy and it shows in my treats.
Nope, I do not make puppy lollipops. I had received many requests to make my treats into Pup pops with a rawhide stick but I will repeat myself and say "no." I cannot really morally feel comfortable with making a rawhide stick a part of my treat menu because I just don't like the idea of rawhide potentially causing a dog to choke should they bite off too big a piece and then swallow it or aspirate it. Nuh uh. I do not encourage rawhide at all. My treats are unique and really great on their own. I just baked up a huge batch of treats last night and was really enjoyed watching them bake. It's so...cool how they rise up, puff and then become a really great treat for dogs. It's healthy and there are no chemicals added. Everything is naturally delicious.
I know there are other bakeries that call themselves the "original" dog treat but what does that mean? Yes, there are people who think they started the concept of making natural treats for dogs and perhaps they did but let's get serious. After your dog tries my treats, I will let you decide. Just pick a flavor, any flavor and order some. Your dog will show you just how great my treats or party cakes are. They are incredible. I've worked very hard to develop my recipes to be the greatest treats and dog cakes that a dog could enjoy. I stand by my treats, my wide variety, my special customer service and the special donations that I make to support animal welfare and dog adoptions from shelters. That is what makes me happy and it shows in my treats.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
I've been a little slow lately. I am working a lot on trying to get the treats out and also on trying to keep up with all the requests for treats. I may have to cut back on the number of places that I am donating treats to because I just cannot keep up without help. I am currently working practically full days and then baking at night and also working on advertising. It's rough. I love the baking part but the rest of the administrative stuff is hard. Also, I can't get out to HHBacker this year. Too much to do at home and for the business. I am working on new treats for the holidays, my gift baskets, and also my new packaging design. We've practically sold out at Uncle Giuseppe's and at Zoomies so it's really great. I'm tired but really happy!
Also, I am looking into finding a home for Honeybark. I am looking on Long Island because well, that's where Katie and I live. We love it here and it's just where I feel makes the most sense to be. Katie's been really patient with me. I spend a quality amount of time with her every day, we do girl grooming and playtime at regular hours and her dinner is always the same amount of time but lately I feel like I want to spend more time with her, take her out to the dogrun and all but I haven't got the time. So in all guilt, I've taken to giving her more time in the yard which is okay but not the same as letting her socialize with other dogs. I wish I didn't have so much guilt but I do. Maybe it's a Long Island thing...
I haven't had much time to socialize myself. I've been so busy. I do get to an occasional movie and I have been out to dinner but not much else. I did take some time to go shopping last week, which was fun. Plus I always do girl pampering like manicures and pedicures. That is a necessary indulgence. Oh, that and "Grey's Anatomy" for sure. I LOVE "Grey's Anatomy!" The other day, someone said that I remind her of Sandra Oh, which is pretty cool though I wish I had her hair. She has that awesome head of hair and mine is wavy and straight. I once tried to perm my hair and it was such a huge brillo head disaster that I've vowed never to do it again. I got my hair cut at Lemon Tree by an amazing stylist named Ashley. She rocks! She did such a great job with my layers that I'm definitely going back in a month for a trim.
I've realized that all this good working Karma is helping me to age backwards. I've been guessed at being in the early 20's by most people so far and I guess it helps that I do drink a lot of water, exercise, eat in moderation and I love what I do. And Katie helps a lot. She's my furball stressball. I spend time with Katie and she takes all my worries away. She's a virtual living Calgon for me. Speaking of whom, I gotta go do some hairbrushing...see y'all later!
Also, I am looking into finding a home for Honeybark. I am looking on Long Island because well, that's where Katie and I live. We love it here and it's just where I feel makes the most sense to be. Katie's been really patient with me. I spend a quality amount of time with her every day, we do girl grooming and playtime at regular hours and her dinner is always the same amount of time but lately I feel like I want to spend more time with her, take her out to the dogrun and all but I haven't got the time. So in all guilt, I've taken to giving her more time in the yard which is okay but not the same as letting her socialize with other dogs. I wish I didn't have so much guilt but I do. Maybe it's a Long Island thing...
I haven't had much time to socialize myself. I've been so busy. I do get to an occasional movie and I have been out to dinner but not much else. I did take some time to go shopping last week, which was fun. Plus I always do girl pampering like manicures and pedicures. That is a necessary indulgence. Oh, that and "Grey's Anatomy" for sure. I LOVE "Grey's Anatomy!" The other day, someone said that I remind her of Sandra Oh, which is pretty cool though I wish I had her hair. She has that awesome head of hair and mine is wavy and straight. I once tried to perm my hair and it was such a huge brillo head disaster that I've vowed never to do it again. I got my hair cut at Lemon Tree by an amazing stylist named Ashley. She rocks! She did such a great job with my layers that I'm definitely going back in a month for a trim.
I've realized that all this good working Karma is helping me to age backwards. I've been guessed at being in the early 20's by most people so far and I guess it helps that I do drink a lot of water, exercise, eat in moderation and I love what I do. And Katie helps a lot. She's my furball stressball. I spend time with Katie and she takes all my worries away. She's a virtual living Calgon for me. Speaking of whom, I gotta go do some hairbrushing...see y'all later!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
The Long Island Guide Dog Canine Festival
We were lucky to find the place! Happily able to donate a whole lot of treats to the festival even though we came late. Sent off a delivery to a happy dog today too. Got to watch the frisbee competition and Annabelle, the German Shepherd was great! She was a real trooper. Katie got to meet a lot of other dogs including a bunch of Australian Shepherd dogs and a few chocolate labs.
I got to meet the Labrador Retrievers rescue group and it was nice to see that there was a really great turn-out at this festival.
Happy to say that we passed along Ruffy Road O's, Granny's Apple Pie and Banana Bliss today. All of them are my top picks for active dogs so I hope that they were much enjoyed by all. Katie enjoyed a nice big piece of my peanut butter & carrot cake because she has been such a patient girl while I was baking cakes all weekend. Whew. Tired. But it's really fun to make these cakes because it's just fun for me to get to decorate them. Plus, I just find cake baking to be one of the most relaxing things to do next to meditation. I always get a nice rhythm going with my cake mixing, then my decorating. I always take a photo of my cakes. I've got a virtual album now. Very nice stuff.
I'm looking forward to next weekends activity which will be the Basset Hound Olympics! So cute. I love seeing those dogs because they have those really long ears and they just look like such sweet lovable dogs. Katie actually fell asleep in the car on the way home, which means she must have enjoyed herself and now she is tolerating car trips much better.
Howl-o-ween is around the corner!
I still don't know what I want to be for Halloween. I've been looking through the costumes and finding less that I like as I go along. I may actually dress like a doll or something silly like that because I've been a witch twice before, a vampire last year and a clown so many times. I did the princess thing too. I've done the harlequin clown thing too. Though I have to say I like doing the black and white make-up. That's always fun. I was thinking of getting the clown outfit too but Party City seems to only have these scary costumes this year. It's like Stephen King went and bought out all the Party Cities and now they are all in the macabre, bloody, gory themes. I hate looking at sharp teeth and sunken eyes. It makes me think of a junkie gerbil or something. Blah.
I read a great article in the New York Times today about Day Care and Hotels/Spas for dogs. The annual spending this year seems to be $38 billion in the pet industry. Cool. That means more people are seeing that their pets are a very important member of the family. I like that concept, not just for my business but for bringing the sense of community into great popularity for dog/pet owners. That's cool.
I also donated a huge amount of magazines to the LI Guide Dog Organization. I had a lot of New York Dog magazines somehow from all the events we have done and also Animal Fair. So I hope they went to some good homes to be enjoyed.
Mail Call
I got a delivery returned to me! I emailed customer service at the post office to inquire about this. The customer told me she never got a claim ticket. This stinks because the package is actually a month old now. I would never send out a pack of treats this old now. So now I'm rebaking them. I just have a freshness guarantee that I stand by and this made me mad. So I emailed customer service at the USPS and told them they owe me postage for this. I mean, they actually owe me for the entire order because they basically bleeped it up pretty badly. I'm curious what happened here. I hate having to be firm about this but this is just unacceptable and makes my company look bad as well as the delivery service of the USPS.
I may very well switch to Fed-Ex then.
We were lucky to find the place! Happily able to donate a whole lot of treats to the festival even though we came late. Sent off a delivery to a happy dog today too. Got to watch the frisbee competition and Annabelle, the German Shepherd was great! She was a real trooper. Katie got to meet a lot of other dogs including a bunch of Australian Shepherd dogs and a few chocolate labs.
I got to meet the Labrador Retrievers rescue group and it was nice to see that there was a really great turn-out at this festival.
Happy to say that we passed along Ruffy Road O's, Granny's Apple Pie and Banana Bliss today. All of them are my top picks for active dogs so I hope that they were much enjoyed by all. Katie enjoyed a nice big piece of my peanut butter & carrot cake because she has been such a patient girl while I was baking cakes all weekend. Whew. Tired. But it's really fun to make these cakes because it's just fun for me to get to decorate them. Plus, I just find cake baking to be one of the most relaxing things to do next to meditation. I always get a nice rhythm going with my cake mixing, then my decorating. I always take a photo of my cakes. I've got a virtual album now. Very nice stuff.
I'm looking forward to next weekends activity which will be the Basset Hound Olympics! So cute. I love seeing those dogs because they have those really long ears and they just look like such sweet lovable dogs. Katie actually fell asleep in the car on the way home, which means she must have enjoyed herself and now she is tolerating car trips much better.
Howl-o-ween is around the corner!
I still don't know what I want to be for Halloween. I've been looking through the costumes and finding less that I like as I go along. I may actually dress like a doll or something silly like that because I've been a witch twice before, a vampire last year and a clown so many times. I did the princess thing too. I've done the harlequin clown thing too. Though I have to say I like doing the black and white make-up. That's always fun. I was thinking of getting the clown outfit too but Party City seems to only have these scary costumes this year. It's like Stephen King went and bought out all the Party Cities and now they are all in the macabre, bloody, gory themes. I hate looking at sharp teeth and sunken eyes. It makes me think of a junkie gerbil or something. Blah.
I read a great article in the New York Times today about Day Care and Hotels/Spas for dogs. The annual spending this year seems to be $38 billion in the pet industry. Cool. That means more people are seeing that their pets are a very important member of the family. I like that concept, not just for my business but for bringing the sense of community into great popularity for dog/pet owners. That's cool.
I also donated a huge amount of magazines to the LI Guide Dog Organization. I had a lot of New York Dog magazines somehow from all the events we have done and also Animal Fair. So I hope they went to some good homes to be enjoyed.
Mail Call
I got a delivery returned to me! I emailed customer service at the post office to inquire about this. The customer told me she never got a claim ticket. This stinks because the package is actually a month old now. I would never send out a pack of treats this old now. So now I'm rebaking them. I just have a freshness guarantee that I stand by and this made me mad. So I emailed customer service at the USPS and told them they owe me postage for this. I mean, they actually owe me for the entire order because they basically bleeped it up pretty badly. I'm curious what happened here. I hate having to be firm about this but this is just unacceptable and makes my company look bad as well as the delivery service of the USPS.
I may very well switch to Fed-Ex then.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
The Video
Wow. Check out the awesome video that my brother did on the Canine Cruise. Our treats were a huge hit and this video shows how much fun people had on the cruise.
Very cool stuff. Great fashion show by Shawn Michael. Puppe Couture did a great job.
http://www.zshare.net/video/cc01_pc-wmv.html
The Pawty Cake Press
So I tried to pass my photos along to a cake photo brag book and the book organizer said NO?! She said they were really cute but that the website was for cakes for people. That made me laugh because these cakes COULD be eaten by people but they are made for dogs. What difference does it make that the cake is meant for dogs? This is a brag book on great cake photos. Well. I shared my photos. I just really want people to see the different types of cake available.
Wow. Check out the awesome video that my brother did on the Canine Cruise. Our treats were a huge hit and this video shows how much fun people had on the cruise.
Very cool stuff. Great fashion show by Shawn Michael. Puppe Couture did a great job.
http://www.zshare.net/video/cc01_pc-wmv.html
The Pawty Cake Press
So I tried to pass my photos along to a cake photo brag book and the book organizer said NO?! She said they were really cute but that the website was for cakes for people. That made me laugh because these cakes COULD be eaten by people but they are made for dogs. What difference does it make that the cake is meant for dogs? This is a brag book on great cake photos. Well. I shared my photos. I just really want people to see the different types of cake available.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Happy Howl-o-ween
Here's a great article about safe costumes for your dog for Halloween. I'm planning a lot of parties for our dog friends so keep checking back to see where we will be next!
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5617.asp
Speakin' of Howllllling
The LI Basset Olympics is this weekend in Wantagh. It will be a really fun time and if you want to check it out, it's here at
http://tristatebassets.org/events.html#lipicnic
We're also helping out the Long Island Guide Dog Association with some bakery treats too.
We made it!
I got my treats into Uncle Giuseppe's in Smithtown today. Really cool stuff. I guess I got a little carried away but I was just so...happy to actually get my treats out there. It's so public and so amazing. Wow!
Also found a really cute selection of cookie jars and Halloween kitchenware at Target in Garden City. Very cute! They don't show their treat/cookie jars online so you better get over to that store and check them out. I have not seen a treat jar as cute as the ones they have. There were only two and I should have gotten one for Katie but I had more important things to do...like finding that elusive 5" cake pan! Ugh. No luck at all. Oh well. But I did get some really fun platters for the Howl-o-ween parties coming up. I love Halloween!
Gotta comment on this article from Long Island Press, "Responsible Dog Ownership Day."
Okay, so we need this to be like every day right?
This is the article link:
http://www.longislandpress.com/index.php?cp=167&show=article&a_id=9652
Well, we did cater both of those Leashes and Lovers events with treats for the cocktail muttini party at Sweet and Vicious as well as the party in Washington Square Park for Jim's friends on the Queer Eye show that aired tonight at 10PM EST on BRAVO. That was the nicest show I've ever seen them do. What they did for that guy was phenomenal and I hope he is out in the dating world, or at least socializing again. The kids were so cute and that mother-in-law is a saint! Wow. I'm glad we were able to contribute to helping get this guy out into the world. He seems to have gone through a major makeover so good for him! I wish that we got some airtime but contributing to helping this guy out I think the cosmic balance will be enough for now. Even though we got no credit, hey, that happens. We did a good deal and comp'ed all the treats for the Leashes and Lovers group. We encourage people to get out and socialize and if it's easier to do it with your dog at your side, go for it! We think dogs need to get out and meet other dogs just like the AKC guidelines states it.
Here's a great article about safe costumes for your dog for Halloween. I'm planning a lot of parties for our dog friends so keep checking back to see where we will be next!
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5617.asp
Speakin' of Howllllling
The LI Basset Olympics is this weekend in Wantagh. It will be a really fun time and if you want to check it out, it's here at
http://tristatebassets.org/events.html#lipicnic
We're also helping out the Long Island Guide Dog Association with some bakery treats too.
We made it!
I got my treats into Uncle Giuseppe's in Smithtown today. Really cool stuff. I guess I got a little carried away but I was just so...happy to actually get my treats out there. It's so public and so amazing. Wow!
Also found a really cute selection of cookie jars and Halloween kitchenware at Target in Garden City. Very cute! They don't show their treat/cookie jars online so you better get over to that store and check them out. I have not seen a treat jar as cute as the ones they have. There were only two and I should have gotten one for Katie but I had more important things to do...like finding that elusive 5" cake pan! Ugh. No luck at all. Oh well. But I did get some really fun platters for the Howl-o-ween parties coming up. I love Halloween!
Gotta comment on this article from Long Island Press, "Responsible Dog Ownership Day."
Okay, so we need this to be like every day right?
This is the article link:
http://www.longislandpress.com/index.php?cp=167&show=article&a_id=9652
AKC RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER PET PROMISE
As a dog owner, I promise:
• I will never overlook my responsibilities for this
living being and recognize that my dog's welfare is totally dependent on me.
• I will always provide fresh water and quality food for my dog.
• I will socialize my dog via exposure to new people, places and other dogs.
• I will take pride in my dog's appearance with regular grooming.
• I will recognize the necessity of basic training by teaching my dog to reliably sit, stay and come when called.
• I will take my dog to the vet regularly and keep all vaccinations current.
• I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog's waste.
• I will make sure my dog is regarded as an AKC Canine Good Citizen® by being aware of my responsibilities to my neighbors and to the community.
• I will ensure that the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation appropriate for my dog's age, breed and energy level is provided.
• I will make certain that my dog is identified with both a collar tag and a microchip and I will adhere to local leash laws.
TV or not to see?Well, we did cater both of those Leashes and Lovers events with treats for the cocktail muttini party at Sweet and Vicious as well as the party in Washington Square Park for Jim's friends on the Queer Eye show that aired tonight at 10PM EST on BRAVO. That was the nicest show I've ever seen them do. What they did for that guy was phenomenal and I hope he is out in the dating world, or at least socializing again. The kids were so cute and that mother-in-law is a saint! Wow. I'm glad we were able to contribute to helping get this guy out into the world. He seems to have gone through a major makeover so good for him! I wish that we got some airtime but contributing to helping this guy out I think the cosmic balance will be enough for now. Even though we got no credit, hey, that happens. We did a good deal and comp'ed all the treats for the Leashes and Lovers group. We encourage people to get out and socialize and if it's easier to do it with your dog at your side, go for it! We think dogs need to get out and meet other dogs just like the AKC guidelines states it.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Got birthday? Get pawty Cakes!
Yeah, I just had to add these photos to my blog because I haven't before and as I was cleaning up my archives, I knew I should share. These are some of the cakes I've done for birthdays and for the shelters.
I need to get the word out and these custom designed cakes are so cool it's really fun for me. I love decorating. It's really like designing a great sculpture and speaking of which, I really have got to get that cake model done! Ack!
This was a sheet cake done for Little Shelter's Adoptathon.
This was a sheet cake done for a big birthday bash.
This cake truly rocked! I loved it. I actually hated to give it away!
Two tiered cake that came out really nice but huge! I practiced the lettering for hours before I got it exactly how I wanted it to look. The thing that I figured out was that my pan was not a 5" pan like it said on the label but a 6" pan and it actually made the top tier look like a slightly smaller layer cake. Still looked really nice though and the customers were very pleased!
Yeah, I just had to add these photos to my blog because I haven't before and as I was cleaning up my archives, I knew I should share. These are some of the cakes I've done for birthdays and for the shelters.
I need to get the word out and these custom designed cakes are so cool it's really fun for me. I love decorating. It's really like designing a great sculpture and speaking of which, I really have got to get that cake model done! Ack!
This was a sheet cake done for Little Shelter's Adoptathon.
This was a sheet cake done for a big birthday bash.
This cake truly rocked! I loved it. I actually hated to give it away!Two tiered cake that came out really nice but huge! I practiced the lettering for hours before I got it exactly how I wanted it to look. The thing that I figured out was that my pan was not a 5" pan like it said on the label but a 6" pan and it actually made the top tier look like a slightly smaller layer cake. Still looked really nice though and the customers were very pleased!
Dog Bite Facts
This is a good article about dog bites. I wanted to add it to my previous posting but figured it might get more attention on its own. I particularly found useful the last part that shows what to do to prevent a dog attack, some things that are very important to teach your children about dogs.
http://www.doglaw.com/Dog_Bite_Law/dog-bite-attorneys.html
This is a good article about dog bites. I wanted to add it to my previous posting but figured it might get more attention on its own. I particularly found useful the last part that shows what to do to prevent a dog attack, some things that are very important to teach your children about dogs.
http://www.doglaw.com/Dog_Bite_Law/dog-bite-attorneys.html
Oh...POOP!
I was thinking about a conversation I had recently about converting poop into fuel or energy. As I was doing the respectable bag and scoop this AM, I was reminded of this conversation. The thought did occur to me that bagging doggie poop and then disposing of it in the way that is regulated by NY State law is actually containing the poop but really you cannot do anything with it because it is in a non-biodegradable bag and so it stays, forever and ever. It is basically preserved for all eternity in its plastic chamber. That's gross. I laughed when I read this article because it described the very thoughts that I had had. Someday, when we are all gone and some alien species is investigating our remains, they will find these bags of poop and wonder what makes it so precious that we saved them, each and every one of them. Perhaps they will use it to cure a fatal illness or as an energy source to save their world. For whatever purpose, I'm sure there must be one otherwise, why else would we choose to save our dog poop in the manner that we do? Why not use biodegradable bags? It makes more sense for us to find a biodegradable yet safe way to dispose of dog poop.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=1813414&page=1
I found this article, although amusing, to be sad and disturbing as well.
http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2006/02/01/pooo.php
I remember well that my neighbor across the street had an adorable mutt named Snoopy. Snoopy was famous for her...well, poopie. She would be let out and allowed to trot happily across the street to make her famous drop on the strip of lawn lining our sidewalk. She would happily and fairly deposit her deeds on almost everyone's strip of lawn, you know, that useless strip of lawn that divides the sidewalk with your car? That's the part of the lawn that basically serves as a doggie toilet for most suburban dogs. Well, Snoopy would happily do her deed and then trot back home to get a kind pat on the head from her owner, Bruno. Well, this went on for many many years and never do I remember her owner ever coming to scoop da poop. It would remain on our lawn to be scooped by us or our neighbors and not once did we ever get together to form a lynch mob or community arrest on this neighbor, we just scooped the poop. I guess it's a different, less tolerant world we live in now or maybe we just find ways to be mean to each other. Who knows? All I know is Katie does her deed in the backyard, we scoop it and dispose of it in the manner of our towns regulations and that's that. What do city people do? I would think they do the same, scoop their poop and then drop it off wherever the city demands it be dropped. Where is that? I caught this article and laughed...a doggie poop DNA bank. Yeah, that'll be a great use of our taxpayers money. Just scoop the darned poop already!
http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2005/10/02/a_modest_dog_pooprosal.php
Oh no...this goes way back even further than I imagined and here lies a huge post on dog poop and the public humiliation of a girl whose dog pooped on the train and she didn't pick it up. The aftermath was a posting of her photo and identification for life as the "dog poop girl!" or in Korean it is gae-ttong-nyue or dog-poop-girl. Whoa. That is a title that could be held top rating as the all time worst nickname anyone could ever have. Yikes.
Wow! Here is the law...
http://www.doglaw.com/New-York-City-Laws/new-york-dog-poop-law.html
And finally, my last word on da poop...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pooper_scooper
So it's $600.00 fine and the ticket can be given to you by any of the park's recreation workers. AND you can be identified through DNA in your dog's poop. Incredible. Well, in our world of microchipping your dog to locate it, now you can do a DNA ID of your dog through poop. And we still cannot find the treatment for cancer...what are we wasting our research money on?
I was thinking about a conversation I had recently about converting poop into fuel or energy. As I was doing the respectable bag and scoop this AM, I was reminded of this conversation. The thought did occur to me that bagging doggie poop and then disposing of it in the way that is regulated by NY State law is actually containing the poop but really you cannot do anything with it because it is in a non-biodegradable bag and so it stays, forever and ever. It is basically preserved for all eternity in its plastic chamber. That's gross. I laughed when I read this article because it described the very thoughts that I had had. Someday, when we are all gone and some alien species is investigating our remains, they will find these bags of poop and wonder what makes it so precious that we saved them, each and every one of them. Perhaps they will use it to cure a fatal illness or as an energy source to save their world. For whatever purpose, I'm sure there must be one otherwise, why else would we choose to save our dog poop in the manner that we do? Why not use biodegradable bags? It makes more sense for us to find a biodegradable yet safe way to dispose of dog poop.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=1813414&page=1
I found this article, although amusing, to be sad and disturbing as well.
http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2006/02/01/pooo.php
I remember well that my neighbor across the street had an adorable mutt named Snoopy. Snoopy was famous for her...well, poopie. She would be let out and allowed to trot happily across the street to make her famous drop on the strip of lawn lining our sidewalk. She would happily and fairly deposit her deeds on almost everyone's strip of lawn, you know, that useless strip of lawn that divides the sidewalk with your car? That's the part of the lawn that basically serves as a doggie toilet for most suburban dogs. Well, Snoopy would happily do her deed and then trot back home to get a kind pat on the head from her owner, Bruno. Well, this went on for many many years and never do I remember her owner ever coming to scoop da poop. It would remain on our lawn to be scooped by us or our neighbors and not once did we ever get together to form a lynch mob or community arrest on this neighbor, we just scooped the poop. I guess it's a different, less tolerant world we live in now or maybe we just find ways to be mean to each other. Who knows? All I know is Katie does her deed in the backyard, we scoop it and dispose of it in the manner of our towns regulations and that's that. What do city people do? I would think they do the same, scoop their poop and then drop it off wherever the city demands it be dropped. Where is that? I caught this article and laughed...a doggie poop DNA bank. Yeah, that'll be a great use of our taxpayers money. Just scoop the darned poop already!
http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2005/10/02/a_modest_dog_pooprosal.php
Oh no...this goes way back even further than I imagined and here lies a huge post on dog poop and the public humiliation of a girl whose dog pooped on the train and she didn't pick it up. The aftermath was a posting of her photo and identification for life as the "dog poop girl!" or in Korean it is gae-ttong-nyue or dog-poop-girl. Whoa. That is a title that could be held top rating as the all time worst nickname anyone could ever have. Yikes.
Wow! Here is the law...
http://www.doglaw.com/New-York-City-Laws/new-york-dog-poop-law.html
And finally, my last word on da poop...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pooper_scooper
So it's $600.00 fine and the ticket can be given to you by any of the park's recreation workers. AND you can be identified through DNA in your dog's poop. Incredible. Well, in our world of microchipping your dog to locate it, now you can do a DNA ID of your dog through poop. And we still cannot find the treatment for cancer...what are we wasting our research money on?
Sunday, September 17, 2006
The Quest for the Perfect Cake
I've been revising my cake recipe since I began creating these pawty cakes. I dream about peanut butter and the perfect cake. Eggs and honey, mixing it all together, how to get it just right. I watch as the cakes rise in the oven and opening the door to a cake that is just right is an experience that I can only compare with possibly hitting a golf ball with just the right lift, and watching it plop with a gentle thud on the fairway exactly where you want it to fall. It's beautiful. The aroma of a fresh baked peanut butter cake is just delicious. For those of us who love peanut butter, it's a sliver of heaven that gently wafts in through your nostrils, tickles your mind with a warm fragrance of peanutty goodness that makes the mouth form a tiny circle of "ohhhh." It's THAT good. I think the satisfaction of baking is truly my relaxation. It's my yoga. It centers me and it keeps me focused on my passion. I adore it. I can sit for hours reading through my cookbooks and searching for tips on baking. I love blogs that are about baking. I'm reading one now that is about cupcakes. There is a following for cupcakes that would astound those who do not share our interests. I welcome you to the world of cupcakes...take a look at these blogs:
http://dontmesswithcupcake.blogspot.com/
http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/
This site lists a whole lot of cupcake blogs:
http://www.squidoo.com/cupcakes/
What do you do on a beautiful day?
I've got a billion things to do including bills...oh what fun. But truly I have a list of fun fabulous things to get done including:
1. bills
2. change my watch battery
3. design my new promotion cards
4. bake apple cupcakes
5. devil's food cupcakes (none for Katie)
6. haircut
7. go through mail from this past week
8. read Sunday papers (Newsday and NYT)
9. blog
10. catch up with friends
11. write press release
12. get new cake pans
13. work on new recipes
14. clean out one dresser drawer (Martha Stewart made me feel guilty!)
15. read four magazines
16. Plan Howl-o-ween parties for October
17. design gift baskets
18. finish cake models for displays
19. Read a chapter of Cesar Millan's book.
20. Finish business advice book.
Okay. Now you know that this list is absolutely impossible to do in one day. Yes, but I do that. I plan way more things to do than I could possibly do and then it overflows to the next day.
I did run 2 1/2 miles yesterday and that was really cool.
Imperfections
I made a cake this week that was perfect except for one thing. The top tier was just too big. It looks like a mesa more than a two tiered cake. I now realize that the people really like these two tiered birthday cakes. They look really cool but since the tier on top is too big, I now need one size smaller cake pan and I cannot find one. It seems like there are no cake pans that are smaller than the size I've got and big enough to write a friendly "Happy Birthday [Your dog's name here]." So I'm cake pan hunting today amongst the other 20 odd things to do today.
Controversies
Last Sunday, there was an article in NYT about Pit Bull Laws in certain towns. I remember how difficult it was to find a dog friendly apartment but imagine what it would be like to buy a home and then be told that you cannot keep your dog? As well, there are places in the U.S. that have euthanized dogs of the pit bull breed due to a ban that was started in May 2005. The CDC has statistics on the pit bull that state the breed was responsible for 66 of the 238 dog bite fatalities during the period of 1979-98. Rottweilers were next with 39 deaths. There are other communities that require leashes to have a minimum of 300lbs of strength and be kept at most 3 feet in length. As well, the requirement of $100,000.00 liability insurance sounds fairly reasonable. I think that any dog can be considered vicious if not taught appropriate social behavior or not being socialized with other dogs or people. Being a responsible dog owner takes effort. Bringing a dog into the community means understanding that we all must be considerate of everyone that lives in our community and I strongly encourage people to socialize their dogs, read about appropriate behavior, follow dog park rules and enlist the help of a trainer like Andrea Arden to help make your dog a good citizen.
Thank you!
I wanted to thank Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible for that wonderful message she put in my book. It was a present to me and I really loved it. I cannot wait to read through and learn more. I've heard so many wonderful things about this book and it has come highly recommended by many including a whole bunch of people I met at the last AKC dog show I attended.
Special thanks to Arden Moore for sending me a copy of her wonderful book "Dog Parties" I'm so excited and want to say it has some really funny illustrations so if you don't already have a copy, go get one because it's really a fun read!
http://blubandoo.com/product_info.php?cPath=20&products_id=42&osCsid=45f093123a11d40abd9414e6193a74a2
I gotta get going...so much to do and already the day is passing by!
I've been revising my cake recipe since I began creating these pawty cakes. I dream about peanut butter and the perfect cake. Eggs and honey, mixing it all together, how to get it just right. I watch as the cakes rise in the oven and opening the door to a cake that is just right is an experience that I can only compare with possibly hitting a golf ball with just the right lift, and watching it plop with a gentle thud on the fairway exactly where you want it to fall. It's beautiful. The aroma of a fresh baked peanut butter cake is just delicious. For those of us who love peanut butter, it's a sliver of heaven that gently wafts in through your nostrils, tickles your mind with a warm fragrance of peanutty goodness that makes the mouth form a tiny circle of "ohhhh." It's THAT good. I think the satisfaction of baking is truly my relaxation. It's my yoga. It centers me and it keeps me focused on my passion. I adore it. I can sit for hours reading through my cookbooks and searching for tips on baking. I love blogs that are about baking. I'm reading one now that is about cupcakes. There is a following for cupcakes that would astound those who do not share our interests. I welcome you to the world of cupcakes...take a look at these blogs:
http://dontmesswithcupcake.blogspot.com/
http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/
This site lists a whole lot of cupcake blogs:
http://www.squidoo.com/cupcakes/
What do you do on a beautiful day?
I've got a billion things to do including bills...oh what fun. But truly I have a list of fun fabulous things to get done including:
1. bills
2. change my watch battery
3. design my new promotion cards
4. bake apple cupcakes
5. devil's food cupcakes (none for Katie)
6. haircut
7. go through mail from this past week
8. read Sunday papers (Newsday and NYT)
9. blog
10. catch up with friends
11. write press release
12. get new cake pans
13. work on new recipes
14. clean out one dresser drawer (Martha Stewart made me feel guilty!)
15. read four magazines
16. Plan Howl-o-ween parties for October
17. design gift baskets
18. finish cake models for displays
19. Read a chapter of Cesar Millan's book.
20. Finish business advice book.
Okay. Now you know that this list is absolutely impossible to do in one day. Yes, but I do that. I plan way more things to do than I could possibly do and then it overflows to the next day.
I did run 2 1/2 miles yesterday and that was really cool.
Imperfections
I made a cake this week that was perfect except for one thing. The top tier was just too big. It looks like a mesa more than a two tiered cake. I now realize that the people really like these two tiered birthday cakes. They look really cool but since the tier on top is too big, I now need one size smaller cake pan and I cannot find one. It seems like there are no cake pans that are smaller than the size I've got and big enough to write a friendly "Happy Birthday [Your dog's name here]." So I'm cake pan hunting today amongst the other 20 odd things to do today.
Controversies
Last Sunday, there was an article in NYT about Pit Bull Laws in certain towns. I remember how difficult it was to find a dog friendly apartment but imagine what it would be like to buy a home and then be told that you cannot keep your dog? As well, there are places in the U.S. that have euthanized dogs of the pit bull breed due to a ban that was started in May 2005. The CDC has statistics on the pit bull that state the breed was responsible for 66 of the 238 dog bite fatalities during the period of 1979-98. Rottweilers were next with 39 deaths. There are other communities that require leashes to have a minimum of 300lbs of strength and be kept at most 3 feet in length. As well, the requirement of $100,000.00 liability insurance sounds fairly reasonable. I think that any dog can be considered vicious if not taught appropriate social behavior or not being socialized with other dogs or people. Being a responsible dog owner takes effort. Bringing a dog into the community means understanding that we all must be considerate of everyone that lives in our community and I strongly encourage people to socialize their dogs, read about appropriate behavior, follow dog park rules and enlist the help of a trainer like Andrea Arden to help make your dog a good citizen.
Thank you!
I wanted to thank Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible for that wonderful message she put in my book. It was a present to me and I really loved it. I cannot wait to read through and learn more. I've heard so many wonderful things about this book and it has come highly recommended by many including a whole bunch of people I met at the last AKC dog show I attended.
Special thanks to Arden Moore for sending me a copy of her wonderful book "Dog Parties" I'm so excited and want to say it has some really funny illustrations so if you don't already have a copy, go get one because it's really a fun read!
http://blubandoo.com/product_info.php?cPath=20&products_id=42&osCsid=45f093123a11d40abd9414e6193a74a2
I gotta get going...so much to do and already the day is passing by!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Electrocuted dogs
I was just watching the evening news, channel 4 featured a small dog that got electrocuted by a manhole cover that had been touching an electrical wire. The dog got zapped then fell over, luckily off the manhole cover. The owner was safely able to get the dog to medical care and the dog was happily munching on a treat on the camera during the interview. I found this article online that is a useful little guide to what procedure should follow if this should ever happen to your dog. Dogs get into things like wiring in the home and might chew on it so this comes in handy for those dog owners who have that kind of pet at home.
http://www.somervilledog.com/archives/000379.php
Cake!
I love my new cake recipe. I baked a cake and last night I was actually thinking that if anyone could possibly be in love with a cake, I was in love with this cake. It was a two tiered cake and I had not even frosted it yet and it was simply beautiful. Perfect in every way, rose exactly so, texture was perfect, color was perfect, it was just gorgeous. I frosted it today with my very special cream cheese, cinnamon, vanilla and honey recipe and it was just so pretty. Then I added the message on top. I've gotten better at writing so it looked legible and yummy. I've been using a carob frosting for the writing and it makes a tasty and yet rich appearance to the cake. Topped off with my Banana Bliss bones and Ruffy Road Cruisers and this cake was well, wow. Birthday cakes for dogs is a fantastic concept. I was thinking about it in the shower how dogs aren't humans. I am not one of those people that tries to humanize their dog. I think Katie is simply a member of the family and she deserves to be treated like one of the pack. She's got her place in the pecking order of the family and she knows it. She also gets special treats to tell her we love her. Dog birthday cakes are really just a celebration that we are happy you are a part of our family and you make our lives special. We celebrate that.
I will be posting photos of my cakes soon but this is a photo of the cakes I did for a party last night, the Barkin' by the Bay party with NSALA's Party Animals. It was a lot of fun! There were so many dogs there and Katie made a couple of new friends. A whole bunch of labs were in the corner, Katie's buddy Emma was there with her owner, Heather. Maggie the Basset Hound, and Jilli the trick dog was there with her owner Rick. I love going to these parties and seeing the same crowd and new faces each time. Peanut, a French bulldog was the cutest of all. His smile stretched from ear to ear and he was the cutest little thing, all of thirty pounds but the sweetest face I've ever seen. We also met a gorgeous little Corgi named Duke who just made you smile whenever you looked at his little face. I love short dogs. Katie's slightly taller than most Shelties but I still call her shorty because she is like a little table running around. The photos will be up on our website of the party. Everyone had a good time and there was good cake so definitely a good party.
What did we serve? We served our little boat treats because it seemed to go with the theme of the party and mini peanut butter & carrot cakes with our special frosting, topped with a little boat. Here's the photo.
The Honeybark Bakery's very special mini cakes with creamy cinnamon/vanilla & honey cream cheese frosting. So...tasty.
We served about 2 dozen dogs at the party. It was really a great time and I look forward to the next party!
Paws for Parkinson's
Our next event is going to be the Paws for Parkinson's event, info will be listed on our website.
I had a dream about a new treat that is in development. I dreamed of Italy so I guess you can imagine what I am thinking of. The other thing I dreamed about was hot steaming cinnamon rolls. I used to make the flakiest most delicious rugelach with cinnamon/brown sugar and walnut, chocolate chip and walnut and I also made one with apricot jam. I tell you they were eaten before they were even done being rolled up. So I'm thinking up more treats.
The return of...the veggie roll?
I took the veggie rolls off the menu because basically they were too hard to make. I've been working on the recipe and it's just a hard treat to do. There is a whole long process to make these things and it takes way longer than any of the other treats. So I said, well it's going to have to be a party platter item only. Now I'm starting to rethink this because I love making it. You're probably saying, "But you just said..." Yeah, I know. It's a labor of love really. All of the stuff that I make that is more labor intensive ends up being something I really enjoy. For example, the dessert cups or Sweet Blossoms. Those are really labor intensive but I love making them. I actually do a little dessert cup dance while I'm putting them together. But I didn't tell you that. It's just that I keep the Food Network on my tv while I'm baking and it is a fun time. My bakery has become inspired by Willy Wonka. I've got my own little Oompa Loompa action going on. I wear bright orange crocs whenever I'm in baking mode and sometimes I forget that I've got them on and go out in them. That always gets attention. I've been pointed at by kids who say, "Mommy! Orange feet!" Yeah, it's the crocs! I got the crocs because Martha Stewart had suggested that they are so comfortable and wonderful. She is totally right because these things are to live in. Seriously, they just allow you to walk miles and miles, up and down stairs hundreds of times. My feet and legs feel great. I'm also in love with the colors. I'm going to keep writing to Martha Stewart until she answers my letters. I've been hoping to send her treats for her chows and Francesca, who I adore.
Dirt Dog
iRobot has developed a new robot called "Dirt Dog" I found it on HSN and it was a fantastic little device that I hope to see in action one day. It sweeps and has some sort of cool little barrier so that you can limit it's area of cleanup. Very cool. I love the concept of robots but then I think of Terminator and get scared. Then I think of cleaning my closets and I get even more scared. One day I hope that iRobot invents an "i-hate clutter-bot" that just takes a laser and eliminates your clutter by completely obliterating it like on those old time science fiction movies where the laser beam would disintegrate anything in it's path. I need that. I'm a clutter freak and I keep almost everything until there is absolutely no room on my desk then it all goes into the circular file. Usually that parting of the desk piles happens on Sundays because that is the day of being closer to you know who. And cleanliness is next to you know who-liness. Of course, there should be a setting that says, closet to be cleaned every...whatever number of days, say a month or three months. That way, you could go a season without any issues. And, if that "i-hate clutter bot" destroys all your stuff, you can just go out and get new stuff. Just like George Carlin said. Simple. It's the Honeybark way.
http://news.com.com/iRobot+launches+Dirt+Dog+shop+vac+and+military+PackBot/2100-1041_3-6115360.html
I was just watching the evening news, channel 4 featured a small dog that got electrocuted by a manhole cover that had been touching an electrical wire. The dog got zapped then fell over, luckily off the manhole cover. The owner was safely able to get the dog to medical care and the dog was happily munching on a treat on the camera during the interview. I found this article online that is a useful little guide to what procedure should follow if this should ever happen to your dog. Dogs get into things like wiring in the home and might chew on it so this comes in handy for those dog owners who have that kind of pet at home.
http://www.somervilledog.com/archives/000379.php
Cake!
I love my new cake recipe. I baked a cake and last night I was actually thinking that if anyone could possibly be in love with a cake, I was in love with this cake. It was a two tiered cake and I had not even frosted it yet and it was simply beautiful. Perfect in every way, rose exactly so, texture was perfect, color was perfect, it was just gorgeous. I frosted it today with my very special cream cheese, cinnamon, vanilla and honey recipe and it was just so pretty. Then I added the message on top. I've gotten better at writing so it looked legible and yummy. I've been using a carob frosting for the writing and it makes a tasty and yet rich appearance to the cake. Topped off with my Banana Bliss bones and Ruffy Road Cruisers and this cake was well, wow. Birthday cakes for dogs is a fantastic concept. I was thinking about it in the shower how dogs aren't humans. I am not one of those people that tries to humanize their dog. I think Katie is simply a member of the family and she deserves to be treated like one of the pack. She's got her place in the pecking order of the family and she knows it. She also gets special treats to tell her we love her. Dog birthday cakes are really just a celebration that we are happy you are a part of our family and you make our lives special. We celebrate that.
I will be posting photos of my cakes soon but this is a photo of the cakes I did for a party last night, the Barkin' by the Bay party with NSALA's Party Animals. It was a lot of fun! There were so many dogs there and Katie made a couple of new friends. A whole bunch of labs were in the corner, Katie's buddy Emma was there with her owner, Heather. Maggie the Basset Hound, and Jilli the trick dog was there with her owner Rick. I love going to these parties and seeing the same crowd and new faces each time. Peanut, a French bulldog was the cutest of all. His smile stretched from ear to ear and he was the cutest little thing, all of thirty pounds but the sweetest face I've ever seen. We also met a gorgeous little Corgi named Duke who just made you smile whenever you looked at his little face. I love short dogs. Katie's slightly taller than most Shelties but I still call her shorty because she is like a little table running around. The photos will be up on our website of the party. Everyone had a good time and there was good cake so definitely a good party.
What did we serve? We served our little boat treats because it seemed to go with the theme of the party and mini peanut butter & carrot cakes with our special frosting, topped with a little boat. Here's the photo.
The Honeybark Bakery's very special mini cakes with creamy cinnamon/vanilla & honey cream cheese frosting. So...tasty.
We served about 2 dozen dogs at the party. It was really a great time and I look forward to the next party!
Paws for Parkinson's
Our next event is going to be the Paws for Parkinson's event, info will be listed on our website.
I had a dream about a new treat that is in development. I dreamed of Italy so I guess you can imagine what I am thinking of. The other thing I dreamed about was hot steaming cinnamon rolls. I used to make the flakiest most delicious rugelach with cinnamon/brown sugar and walnut, chocolate chip and walnut and I also made one with apricot jam. I tell you they were eaten before they were even done being rolled up. So I'm thinking up more treats.
The return of...the veggie roll?
I took the veggie rolls off the menu because basically they were too hard to make. I've been working on the recipe and it's just a hard treat to do. There is a whole long process to make these things and it takes way longer than any of the other treats. So I said, well it's going to have to be a party platter item only. Now I'm starting to rethink this because I love making it. You're probably saying, "But you just said..." Yeah, I know. It's a labor of love really. All of the stuff that I make that is more labor intensive ends up being something I really enjoy. For example, the dessert cups or Sweet Blossoms. Those are really labor intensive but I love making them. I actually do a little dessert cup dance while I'm putting them together. But I didn't tell you that. It's just that I keep the Food Network on my tv while I'm baking and it is a fun time. My bakery has become inspired by Willy Wonka. I've got my own little Oompa Loompa action going on. I wear bright orange crocs whenever I'm in baking mode and sometimes I forget that I've got them on and go out in them. That always gets attention. I've been pointed at by kids who say, "Mommy! Orange feet!" Yeah, it's the crocs! I got the crocs because Martha Stewart had suggested that they are so comfortable and wonderful. She is totally right because these things are to live in. Seriously, they just allow you to walk miles and miles, up and down stairs hundreds of times. My feet and legs feel great. I'm also in love with the colors. I'm going to keep writing to Martha Stewart until she answers my letters. I've been hoping to send her treats for her chows and Francesca, who I adore.
Dirt Dog
iRobot has developed a new robot called "Dirt Dog" I found it on HSN and it was a fantastic little device that I hope to see in action one day. It sweeps and has some sort of cool little barrier so that you can limit it's area of cleanup. Very cool. I love the concept of robots but then I think of Terminator and get scared. Then I think of cleaning my closets and I get even more scared. One day I hope that iRobot invents an "i-hate clutter-bot" that just takes a laser and eliminates your clutter by completely obliterating it like on those old time science fiction movies where the laser beam would disintegrate anything in it's path. I need that. I'm a clutter freak and I keep almost everything until there is absolutely no room on my desk then it all goes into the circular file. Usually that parting of the desk piles happens on Sundays because that is the day of being closer to you know who. And cleanliness is next to you know who-liness. Of course, there should be a setting that says, closet to be cleaned every...whatever number of days, say a month or three months. That way, you could go a season without any issues. And, if that "i-hate clutter bot" destroys all your stuff, you can just go out and get new stuff. Just like George Carlin said. Simple. It's the Honeybark way.
http://news.com.com/iRobot+launches+Dirt+Dog+shop+vac+and+military+PackBot/2100-1041_3-6115360.html
Electrocuted dogs
I was just watching the evening news, channel 4 featured a small dog that got electrocuted by a manhole cover that had been touching an electrical wire. The dog got zapped then fell over, luckily off the manhole cover. The owner was safely able to get the dog to medical care and the dog was happily munching on a treat on the camera during the interview. I found this article online that is a useful little guide to what procedure should follow if this should ever happen to your dog. Dogs get into things like wiring in the home and might chew on it so this comes in handy for those dog owners who have that kind of pet at home.
http://www.somervilledog.com/archives/000379.php
Cake!
I love my new cake recipe. I baked a cake and last night I was actually thinking that if anyone could possibly be in love with a cake, I was in love with this cake. It was a two tiered cake and I had not even frosted it yet and it was simply beautiful. Perfect in every way, rose exactly so, texture was perfect, color was perfect, it was just gorgeous. I frosted it today with my very special cream cheese, cinnamon, vanilla and honey recipe and it was just so pretty. Then I added the message on top. I've gotten better at writing so it looked legible and yummy. I've been using a carob frosting for the writing and it makes a tasty and yet rich appearance to the cake. Topped off with my Banana Bliss bones and Ruffy Road Cruisers and this cake was well, wow. Birthday cakes for dogs is a fantastic concept. I was thinking about it in the shower how dogs aren't humans. I am not one of those people that tries to humanize their dog. I think Katie is simply a member of the family and she deserves to be treated like one of the pack. She's got her place in the pecking order of the family and she knows it. She also gets special treats to tell her we love her. Dog birthday cakes are really just a celebration that we are happy you are a part of our family and you make our lives special. We celebrate that.
I will be posting photos of my cakes soon but this is a photo of the cakes I did for a party last night, the Barkin' by the Bay party with NSALA's Party Animals. It was a lot of fun! There were so many dogs there and Katie made a couple of new friends. A whole bunch of labs were in the corner, Katie's buddy Emma was there with her owner, Heather. Maggie the Basset Hound, and Jilli the trick dog was there with her owner Rick. I love going to these parties and seeing the same crowd and new faces each time. Peanut, a French bulldog was the cutest of all. His smile stretched from ear to ear and he was the cutest little thing, all of thirty pounds but the sweetest face I've ever seen. We also met a gorgeous little Corgi named Duke who just made you smile whenever you looked at his little face. I love short dogs. Katie's slightly taller than most Shelties but I still call her shorty because she is like a little table running around. The photos will be up on our website of the party. Everyone had a good time and there was good cake so definitely a good party.
What did we serve? We served our little boat treats because it seemed to go with the theme of the party and mini peanut butter & carrot cakes with our special frosting, topped with a little boat. Here's the photo.
The Honeybark Bakery's very special mini cakes with creamy cinnamon/vanilla & honey cream cheese frosting. So...tasty.
We served about 2 dozen dogs at the party. It was really a great time and I look forward to the next party!
Paws for Parkinson's
Our next event is going to be the Paws for Parkinson's event, info will be listed on our website.
I had a dream about a new treat that is in development. I dreamed of Italy so I guess you can imagine what I am thinking of. The other thing I dreamed about was hot steaming cinnamon rolls. I used to make the flakiest most delicious rugelach with cinnamon/brown sugar and walnut, chocolate chip and walnut and I also made one with apricot jam. I tell you they were eaten before they were even done being rolled up. So I'm thinking up more treats.
The return of...the veggie roll?
I took the veggie rolls off the menu because basically they were too hard to make. I've been working on the recipe and it's just a hard treat to do. There is a whole long process to make these things and it takes way longer than any of the other treats. So I said, well it's going to have to be a party platter item only. Now I'm starting to rethink this because I love making it. You're probably saying, "But you just said..." Yeah, I know. It's a labor of love really. All of the stuff that I make that is more labor intensive ends up being something I really enjoy. For example, the dessert cups or Sweet Blossoms. Those are really labor intensive but I love making them. I actually do a little dessert cup dance while I'm putting them together. But I didn't tell you that. It's just that I keep the Food Network on my tv while I'm baking and it is a fun time. My bakery has become inspired by Willy Wonka. I've got my own little Oompa Loompa action going on. I wear bright orange crocs whenever I'm in baking mode and sometimes I forget that I've got them on and go out in them. That always gets attention. I've been pointed at by kids who say, "Mommy! Orange feet!" Yeah, it's the crocs! I got the crocs because Martha Stewart had suggested that they are so comfortable and wonderful. She is totally right because these things are to live in. Seriously, they just allow you to walk miles and miles, up and down stairs hundreds of times. My feet and legs feel great. I'm also in love with the colors. I'm going to keep writing to Martha Stewart until she answers my letters. I've been hoping to send her treats for her chows and Francesca, who I adore.
I was just watching the evening news, channel 4 featured a small dog that got electrocuted by a manhole cover that had been touching an electrical wire. The dog got zapped then fell over, luckily off the manhole cover. The owner was safely able to get the dog to medical care and the dog was happily munching on a treat on the camera during the interview. I found this article online that is a useful little guide to what procedure should follow if this should ever happen to your dog. Dogs get into things like wiring in the home and might chew on it so this comes in handy for those dog owners who have that kind of pet at home.
http://www.somervilledog.com/archives/000379.php
Cake!
I love my new cake recipe. I baked a cake and last night I was actually thinking that if anyone could possibly be in love with a cake, I was in love with this cake. It was a two tiered cake and I had not even frosted it yet and it was simply beautiful. Perfect in every way, rose exactly so, texture was perfect, color was perfect, it was just gorgeous. I frosted it today with my very special cream cheese, cinnamon, vanilla and honey recipe and it was just so pretty. Then I added the message on top. I've gotten better at writing so it looked legible and yummy. I've been using a carob frosting for the writing and it makes a tasty and yet rich appearance to the cake. Topped off with my Banana Bliss bones and Ruffy Road Cruisers and this cake was well, wow. Birthday cakes for dogs is a fantastic concept. I was thinking about it in the shower how dogs aren't humans. I am not one of those people that tries to humanize their dog. I think Katie is simply a member of the family and she deserves to be treated like one of the pack. She's got her place in the pecking order of the family and she knows it. She also gets special treats to tell her we love her. Dog birthday cakes are really just a celebration that we are happy you are a part of our family and you make our lives special. We celebrate that.
I will be posting photos of my cakes soon but this is a photo of the cakes I did for a party last night, the Barkin' by the Bay party with NSALA's Party Animals. It was a lot of fun! There were so many dogs there and Katie made a couple of new friends. A whole bunch of labs were in the corner, Katie's buddy Emma was there with her owner, Heather. Maggie the Basset Hound, and Jilli the trick dog was there with her owner Rick. I love going to these parties and seeing the same crowd and new faces each time. Peanut, a French bulldog was the cutest of all. His smile stretched from ear to ear and he was the cutest little thing, all of thirty pounds but the sweetest face I've ever seen. We also met a gorgeous little Corgi named Duke who just made you smile whenever you looked at his little face. I love short dogs. Katie's slightly taller than most Shelties but I still call her shorty because she is like a little table running around. The photos will be up on our website of the party. Everyone had a good time and there was good cake so definitely a good party.
What did we serve? We served our little boat treats because it seemed to go with the theme of the party and mini peanut butter & carrot cakes with our special frosting, topped with a little boat. Here's the photo.
The Honeybark Bakery's very special mini cakes with creamy cinnamon/vanilla & honey cream cheese frosting. So...tasty.
We served about 2 dozen dogs at the party. It was really a great time and I look forward to the next party!
Paws for Parkinson's
Our next event is going to be the Paws for Parkinson's event, info will be listed on our website.
I had a dream about a new treat that is in development. I dreamed of Italy so I guess you can imagine what I am thinking of. The other thing I dreamed about was hot steaming cinnamon rolls. I used to make the flakiest most delicious rugelach with cinnamon/brown sugar and walnut, chocolate chip and walnut and I also made one with apricot jam. I tell you they were eaten before they were even done being rolled up. So I'm thinking up more treats.
The return of...the veggie roll?
I took the veggie rolls off the menu because basically they were too hard to make. I've been working on the recipe and it's just a hard treat to do. There is a whole long process to make these things and it takes way longer than any of the other treats. So I said, well it's going to have to be a party platter item only. Now I'm starting to rethink this because I love making it. You're probably saying, "But you just said..." Yeah, I know. It's a labor of love really. All of the stuff that I make that is more labor intensive ends up being something I really enjoy. For example, the dessert cups or Sweet Blossoms. Those are really labor intensive but I love making them. I actually do a little dessert cup dance while I'm putting them together. But I didn't tell you that. It's just that I keep the Food Network on my tv while I'm baking and it is a fun time. My bakery has become inspired by Willy Wonka. I've got my own little Oompa Loompa action going on. I wear bright orange crocs whenever I'm in baking mode and sometimes I forget that I've got them on and go out in them. That always gets attention. I've been pointed at by kids who say, "Mommy! Orange feet!" Yeah, it's the crocs! I got the crocs because Martha Stewart had suggested that they are so comfortable and wonderful. She is totally right because these things are to live in. Seriously, they just allow you to walk miles and miles, up and down stairs hundreds of times. My feet and legs feel great. I'm also in love with the colors. I'm going to keep writing to Martha Stewart until she answers my letters. I've been hoping to send her treats for her chows and Francesca, who I adore.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
The Canine Cruise
I was unable to go to the canine cruise because I had personal obligations, a friend had a bridal shower and because it was a surprise I didn't want to mention it here until after the event just in case she were to come over and read my blog. My friends do that on occasion and they read stuff then call me about it. That would have been a surprise spoiler for sure.
I did hear from my brother, Geoff, the official cruise videographer, that it was a fun time all around, lots of dogs got to enjoy our treats and it was a huge success. Congratulations to Rece Reid, the cruise organizer for doing something spectacular. Dogs from as far as North Carolina were here just to attend this event. It was the first NYC canine cruise and I think it will be one of many to come.
What did we serve? Here's our sign:
PARTY!
Yes, there are a lot of party dogs out there. Birthday cakes are so cool and I'm actually doing a party tonight out in Freeport, NY. It's called Barkin' by the Bay and it's a little gathering of people called "The Party Animals" and we will be socializing and sharing treats. It's all good fun.
I've baked cakes for the party and I put my little cruiser boats on top. It's all very cute. I'm frosting them with my incredibly delicious creamy creamy cheese cinnamon/vanilla/honey frosting. It is absolutely "de-lick-ious!" Ask Katie. She licks all the frosting til it is all gone, then she eats the cake. I gave her one the other day because I did a sweet little individual sized birthday cake and she was waiting for me when I finished boxing the cake. She had the, "Where's MINE?!" look on her face so I gave her a mini one. She doesn't get cake every day. It's just on special occasions. That day was the, "I haven't had cake in a week," day. Ha. I do not kid you. She gets cake once a week at most. I bake cake every week for the weekend parties so she gets whatever is left over from that. Except on her birthday or a holiday. I also donate the cake that is left over from an order to shelters. I've done it a few times and it's a real feel good type thing for me. I've brought two tiered cakes over and it looks really cool for the shelter dogs to get a yummy cake like that. I think they like it. It's peanut butter so why wouldn't they?
I'm developing two new cake flavors but I think that for now peanut butter is the hit. I wish more people would try the carob cake and see that it is pretty yummy. I might bake that for tonight just to give people a taste of carob cake. Hmm...
I've noticed something interesting. People say stuff about being organic. I don't make any huge claims about my product. I tell people that I use organic ingredients. That's it. I don't use any additives or chemicals or preservatives. Why? It's just the fact that I bake the same stuff, the same treats that I developed just for Katie. These are wholesome goodies. It's the truth.
I came across some websites that say they are entirely organic or that they are members of ORGANIC ASSOCIATIONS. Um...sorry to be technical but, ANYONE can be a member of this just by paying dues. You receive newsletters and pay an annual membership fee. Just try it yourself and you will see this is true. I get a little disappointed by these treat makers that make these huge claims about their product. Why don't they just say their stuff is just good and leave it at that? I think that my product is the most amazing treat your dog will ever try. That's my deal. It's simple. Our treats appeal to people because they look good, cute, kind of adorable even. They smell good. There is cinnamon and nutmeg and fresh fruits, apples, bananas and real peanut butter. Real peanuts, carob chips and I use fresh meats, eggs, cheese. It's everything that a person wants to eat for themselves and I bake it all into my treats. It's good stuff. I designed them to look appealing because I think that you just need to feel good about what you eat and what you feed your dog. Some people say, "eh, I just give my dog a ----bone and he's fine." Okay. Let's just think back to the good days of our childhood....school cafeteria lunches. Remember those? Remember how they used to send us home with a calendar for our parents to see what we were eating each day? I remember it well...pizza on Monday, meatloaf on Tuesdays, spaghetti on Wednesdays, chicken cutlets or meatball heros on Thursdays and Fish sticks on Fridays. They would mix it up a little bit each week but basically it was the same, all year. After a while you wonder if there is anything else out there. Kids would have food fights with the food or just dump it. It gets boring. If you remember this, this is why I created Honeybark treats. You need to shake it up once in a while. Giving your dog something different and a real treat, a reward is a nice thing to do. It isn't a meal replacement. It's a treat. Treats are good. You like your occasional box of chocolate right? That's what Honeybark is about. Give your dog some Granny's Apple Pie, Peanut Butterfly treats, Banana Bliss pies or Ruffy Road (that's my carob chip/peanut butter treat) and watch your dog stop and sniff it. They need to investigate it first then they will try it. It's a totally new experience. It's like trying sushi for the first time. Sometimes people are skeptical. They sniff it. They wrinkle their noses. They look at it, examine it and then watch other people eat it. Then they try it, and they love it. They are hooked. But you don't eat sushi every day. Not even in Japan do they eat sushi every day. But it's a treat. Same concept, only your dog deserves a treat. You gotta take some home and let your dog try some on his own terms. Then you will really see how much they enjoy it. That's my two cents.
Junk mail rant
I'm getting a lot of junk mail since I started Honeybark. People find me. I've got a whole bunch of pet products just loading up my junk box. Wow. I know occasionally my email gets directed the wrong way so I check it for occasional customer questions and whatnot. I've found out that there is a guy out there who knows how to virtually rob banks. I don't know why he isn't in jail. Or maybe he IS in jail and he is emailing people telling them how to rob banks. Geez. Isn't THAT ironic. Then there are the people who tell me I've won stuff. Oh boy. I've won a lot of stuff according to these folks. I've won trips, homes, free dinners and all I have to do is answer five zillion questions. Then I get to sign up for a new credit card. Like I need another one of those. Watch out for those emails. I've also been approved for many loans. A multitude of people who want to help me with my business needs. I'd be Bill Gates if this were true. I have free Hoodia samples waiting for me and people in Africa who want me to earn thousands of dollars in a week just by depositing their checks for them and sending them a smaller amount. It's a wonderful service called a BIG LOAD OF SCAM! I cannot believe these people. They tell you how you can earn so much money by sending them a smaller amount after you deposit their check because they cannot exchange their money in the U.S. from their customers. So you send the money to them and then it turns out to be a scam and you actually have sent them your own money AND you have been penalized a huge amount from the bank for sending a bad check to them. Tsk tsk tsk. Shame on these crooks. Oh how I long for the happy days of ignorant bliss where you can trust everyone and doubt few. That reversal of opinion seems to be what growing old is all about. Am I jaded? Yes.
The check is in the mail.
Doing business has taught me that this is such a funny statement. Now, we have direct deposit from our computers and we no longer need to use the USPS for such things. We can send a payment at midnight to someone anywhere. No need for postage. So there is just no excuse anymore. Don't even say it. It's a waste of your breath.
Katie come!
Katie has learned a new trick. She has learned that she can get my parents to say, "Katie COME! about fifty times before she actually has to do it and she STILL will get a treat. This makes me laugh because my mother will hang out the back door calling, "Katie? Come!" like twenty or so odd times until Katie comes jingling around the corner from our yard. It's about 50 feet but she can run it in like 8 seconds if she smells something she wants. I find the peanut butterfly to hold the record of like 7 seconds actually and Granny's apple pie sadly is 8 seconds consistently. So who is teaching who? I picked up Andrea Arden's pamphlet the other day and was reading her tips. I like how she teaches and I am really anxious to meet her one day soon. She seems really knowledgeable and I just want to learn from her.
Food food food!
THPG is another website I've visited recently and I have a packet of her stuff in my freezer for Katie to try this week. I'm happy to say it looks delicious.
Advertising
I've talked with so many advertisers and gotten the same message. What I cannot believe is how slick some of these people are. They try to get you to pay these exorbitant sums to put your ad out there. So if you really want to know the scoop on how much advertising costs, just try it yourself. You will see what I mean. It is expensive. I understand why a lot of people just do not go into business. I've been very lucky to be able to do this for my bakery. Watch for us in the upcoming dog magazines. We will be out there with a modest display but like I said, our treats really do speak for themselves. No pitch needed. It's simple and good. Cute too. Did I forget to say cute?
I feel I've ranted enough. Back to the baking;)
I was unable to go to the canine cruise because I had personal obligations, a friend had a bridal shower and because it was a surprise I didn't want to mention it here until after the event just in case she were to come over and read my blog. My friends do that on occasion and they read stuff then call me about it. That would have been a surprise spoiler for sure.
I did hear from my brother, Geoff, the official cruise videographer, that it was a fun time all around, lots of dogs got to enjoy our treats and it was a huge success. Congratulations to Rece Reid, the cruise organizer for doing something spectacular. Dogs from as far as North Carolina were here just to attend this event. It was the first NYC canine cruise and I think it will be one of many to come.
What did we serve? Here's our sign:
Get treats here!
Compliments of
The Honeybark Bakery
Gourmet Dog Treats & Pawty Cakes!
“The Canine Cruise Collection!”
A delectable collection of our treasured treats!
Ruffy Road “Riverboats”
Peanut butter & carob, two flavors that rock the boat!
Banana Bliss “Dreamboats”
It’s simply banana nirvana.
Peanut Butterfly “Powerboats”
No peanut butter lover can resist it’s power!
&
Granny’s Apple Pie Mini Bones
Our bestselling treat and a huge hit at Zoomies!
So all around, I think it was a big hit because I've gotten some great response from people who were on the cruise and said they really liked the treats we served.
PARTY!
Yes, there are a lot of party dogs out there. Birthday cakes are so cool and I'm actually doing a party tonight out in Freeport, NY. It's called Barkin' by the Bay and it's a little gathering of people called "The Party Animals" and we will be socializing and sharing treats. It's all good fun.
I've baked cakes for the party and I put my little cruiser boats on top. It's all very cute. I'm frosting them with my incredibly delicious creamy creamy cheese cinnamon/vanilla/honey frosting. It is absolutely "de-lick-ious!" Ask Katie. She licks all the frosting til it is all gone, then she eats the cake. I gave her one the other day because I did a sweet little individual sized birthday cake and she was waiting for me when I finished boxing the cake. She had the, "Where's MINE?!" look on her face so I gave her a mini one. She doesn't get cake every day. It's just on special occasions. That day was the, "I haven't had cake in a week," day. Ha. I do not kid you. She gets cake once a week at most. I bake cake every week for the weekend parties so she gets whatever is left over from that. Except on her birthday or a holiday. I also donate the cake that is left over from an order to shelters. I've done it a few times and it's a real feel good type thing for me. I've brought two tiered cakes over and it looks really cool for the shelter dogs to get a yummy cake like that. I think they like it. It's peanut butter so why wouldn't they?
I'm developing two new cake flavors but I think that for now peanut butter is the hit. I wish more people would try the carob cake and see that it is pretty yummy. I might bake that for tonight just to give people a taste of carob cake. Hmm...
I've noticed something interesting. People say stuff about being organic. I don't make any huge claims about my product. I tell people that I use organic ingredients. That's it. I don't use any additives or chemicals or preservatives. Why? It's just the fact that I bake the same stuff, the same treats that I developed just for Katie. These are wholesome goodies. It's the truth.
I came across some websites that say they are entirely organic or that they are members of ORGANIC ASSOCIATIONS. Um...sorry to be technical but, ANYONE can be a member of this just by paying dues. You receive newsletters and pay an annual membership fee. Just try it yourself and you will see this is true. I get a little disappointed by these treat makers that make these huge claims about their product. Why don't they just say their stuff is just good and leave it at that? I think that my product is the most amazing treat your dog will ever try. That's my deal. It's simple. Our treats appeal to people because they look good, cute, kind of adorable even. They smell good. There is cinnamon and nutmeg and fresh fruits, apples, bananas and real peanut butter. Real peanuts, carob chips and I use fresh meats, eggs, cheese. It's everything that a person wants to eat for themselves and I bake it all into my treats. It's good stuff. I designed them to look appealing because I think that you just need to feel good about what you eat and what you feed your dog. Some people say, "eh, I just give my dog a ----bone and he's fine." Okay. Let's just think back to the good days of our childhood....school cafeteria lunches. Remember those? Remember how they used to send us home with a calendar for our parents to see what we were eating each day? I remember it well...pizza on Monday, meatloaf on Tuesdays, spaghetti on Wednesdays, chicken cutlets or meatball heros on Thursdays and Fish sticks on Fridays. They would mix it up a little bit each week but basically it was the same, all year. After a while you wonder if there is anything else out there. Kids would have food fights with the food or just dump it. It gets boring. If you remember this, this is why I created Honeybark treats. You need to shake it up once in a while. Giving your dog something different and a real treat, a reward is a nice thing to do. It isn't a meal replacement. It's a treat. Treats are good. You like your occasional box of chocolate right? That's what Honeybark is about. Give your dog some Granny's Apple Pie, Peanut Butterfly treats, Banana Bliss pies or Ruffy Road (that's my carob chip/peanut butter treat) and watch your dog stop and sniff it. They need to investigate it first then they will try it. It's a totally new experience. It's like trying sushi for the first time. Sometimes people are skeptical. They sniff it. They wrinkle their noses. They look at it, examine it and then watch other people eat it. Then they try it, and they love it. They are hooked. But you don't eat sushi every day. Not even in Japan do they eat sushi every day. But it's a treat. Same concept, only your dog deserves a treat. You gotta take some home and let your dog try some on his own terms. Then you will really see how much they enjoy it. That's my two cents.
Junk mail rant
I'm getting a lot of junk mail since I started Honeybark. People find me. I've got a whole bunch of pet products just loading up my junk box. Wow. I know occasionally my email gets directed the wrong way so I check it for occasional customer questions and whatnot. I've found out that there is a guy out there who knows how to virtually rob banks. I don't know why he isn't in jail. Or maybe he IS in jail and he is emailing people telling them how to rob banks. Geez. Isn't THAT ironic. Then there are the people who tell me I've won stuff. Oh boy. I've won a lot of stuff according to these folks. I've won trips, homes, free dinners and all I have to do is answer five zillion questions. Then I get to sign up for a new credit card. Like I need another one of those. Watch out for those emails. I've also been approved for many loans. A multitude of people who want to help me with my business needs. I'd be Bill Gates if this were true. I have free Hoodia samples waiting for me and people in Africa who want me to earn thousands of dollars in a week just by depositing their checks for them and sending them a smaller amount. It's a wonderful service called a BIG LOAD OF SCAM! I cannot believe these people. They tell you how you can earn so much money by sending them a smaller amount after you deposit their check because they cannot exchange their money in the U.S. from their customers. So you send the money to them and then it turns out to be a scam and you actually have sent them your own money AND you have been penalized a huge amount from the bank for sending a bad check to them. Tsk tsk tsk. Shame on these crooks. Oh how I long for the happy days of ignorant bliss where you can trust everyone and doubt few. That reversal of opinion seems to be what growing old is all about. Am I jaded? Yes.
The check is in the mail.
Doing business has taught me that this is such a funny statement. Now, we have direct deposit from our computers and we no longer need to use the USPS for such things. We can send a payment at midnight to someone anywhere. No need for postage. So there is just no excuse anymore. Don't even say it. It's a waste of your breath.
Katie come!
Katie has learned a new trick. She has learned that she can get my parents to say, "Katie COME! about fifty times before she actually has to do it and she STILL will get a treat. This makes me laugh because my mother will hang out the back door calling, "Katie? Come!" like twenty or so odd times until Katie comes jingling around the corner from our yard. It's about 50 feet but she can run it in like 8 seconds if she smells something she wants. I find the peanut butterfly to hold the record of like 7 seconds actually and Granny's apple pie sadly is 8 seconds consistently. So who is teaching who? I picked up Andrea Arden's pamphlet the other day and was reading her tips. I like how she teaches and I am really anxious to meet her one day soon. She seems really knowledgeable and I just want to learn from her.
Food food food!
THPG is another website I've visited recently and I have a packet of her stuff in my freezer for Katie to try this week. I'm happy to say it looks delicious.
Advertising
I've talked with so many advertisers and gotten the same message. What I cannot believe is how slick some of these people are. They try to get you to pay these exorbitant sums to put your ad out there. So if you really want to know the scoop on how much advertising costs, just try it yourself. You will see what I mean. It is expensive. I understand why a lot of people just do not go into business. I've been very lucky to be able to do this for my bakery. Watch for us in the upcoming dog magazines. We will be out there with a modest display but like I said, our treats really do speak for themselves. No pitch needed. It's simple and good. Cute too. Did I forget to say cute?
I feel I've ranted enough. Back to the baking;)
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Smoking the banana? What?!
So, my favorite place, Wikkipedia has never ceased to amaze me. I was looking up information about the banana today to just clarify that whole concept of trytophan "dreaminess" when I found this little blurb about people smoking banana peels. Yikes. That's just weird.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana#Smoking_banana_peels
Labor Day Pains
I am working this weekend so no rest for the weary. Blah. It's rainy so I feel kind of smug but no, not really. I wish it weren't so glum out. I wanted to BBQ. I've just spent way too long on Dog.com forums. It's just a way to pass the time. Also, spent some time reading about bananas (see first paragraph). I should be working, yes, but I'm procrastinating.
Gift Wrap
The cake orders have calmed down a bit. Whew! I'm working on my Fall line of treats and getting some ideas for the Canine Cruise. Fun stuff. I found some gorgeous treat jars that are plain but very cool looking. Plus I am really excited about the gift giving season. I have always loved wrapping gifts and presents and packing gift baskets. I've done quite a few in my time. I love the idea of putting together a theme basket. I have made picnic themed baskets, housewarming baskets, baby shower baskets and wedding/honeymoon baskets. I am not the basket Queen but yes, I do make a mean basket. Well, it's actually very pretty and sweet, not mean but you know what I'm saying. So now with my little doggy treats, I can do themes too. Okay, I'm getting a little doggy woggy but it's fun. Really! Since I have so many treats, I can really design some funky themes for my gift baskets. So keep your eyes out people...the gifts are on the way!
Dog's got rights man...
Came across this article and just had to comment on it. Well, it's about time somebody stood up for our furry friends. I've been rallying troops about dog owners' rights and apartment living. Why? I mean, yeah, I'm not living in an apartment anymore but I went through so...much trouble finding a pet friendly building before I got Katie and it was a nightmare. I was showed some really awful living spaces that needed some serious renovations. Half the time, I think that when a realtor sees a person in their twenties or thirties, they will think, "Oh good. That one can work on this apartment and do a lot of the fixing up." Yeah right. I was showed an apartment with the kitchen all blown up and the no counter or stove and the realtor was like, "Oh yeah! You could totally redo this kitchen space to your specs." I was thinking...um so that means take-out for months before this gets finished? Nuh uh. I like cooking and that just won't cut it. I also remember seeing an apartment that had a backdoor facing the complex pool and literally it was like 4 feet from the pool. I could imagine the traffic running by my patio every day during the summer. Kids are fun but poolside life was just not the kind of action I wanted to deal with on a daily basis. It's cool when you are actually visiting the pool but living there would be OOTQ. Let's get back to the article...so this lawyer practices animal law, helps to set up trusts, fight for the dog in dogbite issues and basically works to fight for tenant/pet owners rights is one of a group of lawyers that practice animal law. This is taught by about 70 law schools in the country now. I'm fascinated by this because it is and has been a much needed arena. I like the fact that these people are not necessarily animal rights activists but they are people, lawyers, that stand up for the rights of animals such as in cases of animal torture and setting up the pet trusts. That's very cool.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/fashion/03lawyers.html?pagewanted=1&ref=style
So, my favorite place, Wikkipedia has never ceased to amaze me. I was looking up information about the banana today to just clarify that whole concept of trytophan "dreaminess" when I found this little blurb about people smoking banana peels. Yikes. That's just weird.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana#Smoking_banana_peels
Labor Day Pains
I am working this weekend so no rest for the weary. Blah. It's rainy so I feel kind of smug but no, not really. I wish it weren't so glum out. I wanted to BBQ. I've just spent way too long on Dog.com forums. It's just a way to pass the time. Also, spent some time reading about bananas (see first paragraph). I should be working, yes, but I'm procrastinating.
Gift Wrap
The cake orders have calmed down a bit. Whew! I'm working on my Fall line of treats and getting some ideas for the Canine Cruise. Fun stuff. I found some gorgeous treat jars that are plain but very cool looking. Plus I am really excited about the gift giving season. I have always loved wrapping gifts and presents and packing gift baskets. I've done quite a few in my time. I love the idea of putting together a theme basket. I have made picnic themed baskets, housewarming baskets, baby shower baskets and wedding/honeymoon baskets. I am not the basket Queen but yes, I do make a mean basket. Well, it's actually very pretty and sweet, not mean but you know what I'm saying. So now with my little doggy treats, I can do themes too. Okay, I'm getting a little doggy woggy but it's fun. Really! Since I have so many treats, I can really design some funky themes for my gift baskets. So keep your eyes out people...the gifts are on the way!
Dog's got rights man...
Came across this article and just had to comment on it. Well, it's about time somebody stood up for our furry friends. I've been rallying troops about dog owners' rights and apartment living. Why? I mean, yeah, I'm not living in an apartment anymore but I went through so...much trouble finding a pet friendly building before I got Katie and it was a nightmare. I was showed some really awful living spaces that needed some serious renovations. Half the time, I think that when a realtor sees a person in their twenties or thirties, they will think, "Oh good. That one can work on this apartment and do a lot of the fixing up." Yeah right. I was showed an apartment with the kitchen all blown up and the no counter or stove and the realtor was like, "Oh yeah! You could totally redo this kitchen space to your specs." I was thinking...um so that means take-out for months before this gets finished? Nuh uh. I like cooking and that just won't cut it. I also remember seeing an apartment that had a backdoor facing the complex pool and literally it was like 4 feet from the pool. I could imagine the traffic running by my patio every day during the summer. Kids are fun but poolside life was just not the kind of action I wanted to deal with on a daily basis. It's cool when you are actually visiting the pool but living there would be OOTQ. Let's get back to the article...so this lawyer practices animal law, helps to set up trusts, fight for the dog in dogbite issues and basically works to fight for tenant/pet owners rights is one of a group of lawyers that practice animal law. This is taught by about 70 law schools in the country now. I'm fascinated by this because it is and has been a much needed arena. I like the fact that these people are not necessarily animal rights activists but they are people, lawyers, that stand up for the rights of animals such as in cases of animal torture and setting up the pet trusts. That's very cool.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/fashion/03lawyers.html?pagewanted=1&ref=style
Friday, September 01, 2006
Animal CPR
This is important. I'm not a vet but I wanted to post a link to the information here because many of us know that our dogs will oftentimes gobble down their food really fast. Yesterday, Katie ate at a recordbreaking speed! I guess too much parade festivities made her a little bit HUNGRY! Whoa.
http://members.aol.com/henryhbk/acpr.html
Charlotte Reed?
I just spoke with Charlotte Reed this morning. She called me and it was like an old friend calling. She launched immediately into conversation in such a way that it made me feel like my friend was calling. How very cool. So we talked about life in the pet business, her speaking schedules and social engagements and it was really fun. It struck me then that I was talking to a genuine pet celebrity at the time but now, I'm a little starstruck. Wowsers! She even invited me to come to her next party...whenever that will be, I'm not sure but she did extend the invitation and well, I'm okay with that:)
The Canine Cruise is coming into the dock for passenger boarding...
I'm still pretty excited about this event. It looks like it is going to be huge. From all the hype and publicity it's getting, this will be a groundbreaking event for NY. Very cool.
Freebies
Samples are cool. I am okay with sending people treats to try out on their dogs. I'm also alright with stores asking me for samples too but it gets a little expensive. A friend of mine was asking me if these people pay for shipping or what? I just shrugged and said, "Um, no. I just send them some treats." Well, then my friend looked at me in shock and horror like my head had exploded and said, "But Geri, you send out how many freebies a day?! You just sent out a ton of packages the other day!" Yes, true but what can I do? The people demand samples and I gotta oblige. Fortunately, I think that almost everyone who has asked me for samples has been really cool and ordered treats. That rocks!
Is anyone out there?
I'm so curious as to if anyone has seen my advertisements in The New York Dog or our Fido Friendly blurb. Part of me feels like it was just tossed into the wind with no real focus and thus brought no traffic back to us. I'm just not sure. So lots of lovely people have been offering me advice about "Focused advertising." I am not a marketer nor do I claim to be. I've been thinking of getting help on this topic but I don't know where. Besides that, all I really want to do is bake some healthy treats and get them out to the dogs. I've got some outstanding recipes and the dogs really love them. I just don't know what else I can do.
This is important. I'm not a vet but I wanted to post a link to the information here because many of us know that our dogs will oftentimes gobble down their food really fast. Yesterday, Katie ate at a recordbreaking speed! I guess too much parade festivities made her a little bit HUNGRY! Whoa.
http://members.aol.com/henryhbk/acpr.html
Charlotte Reed?
I just spoke with Charlotte Reed this morning. She called me and it was like an old friend calling. She launched immediately into conversation in such a way that it made me feel like my friend was calling. How very cool. So we talked about life in the pet business, her speaking schedules and social engagements and it was really fun. It struck me then that I was talking to a genuine pet celebrity at the time but now, I'm a little starstruck. Wowsers! She even invited me to come to her next party...whenever that will be, I'm not sure but she did extend the invitation and well, I'm okay with that:)
The Canine Cruise is coming into the dock for passenger boarding...
I'm still pretty excited about this event. It looks like it is going to be huge. From all the hype and publicity it's getting, this will be a groundbreaking event for NY. Very cool.
Freebies
Samples are cool. I am okay with sending people treats to try out on their dogs. I'm also alright with stores asking me for samples too but it gets a little expensive. A friend of mine was asking me if these people pay for shipping or what? I just shrugged and said, "Um, no. I just send them some treats." Well, then my friend looked at me in shock and horror like my head had exploded and said, "But Geri, you send out how many freebies a day?! You just sent out a ton of packages the other day!" Yes, true but what can I do? The people demand samples and I gotta oblige. Fortunately, I think that almost everyone who has asked me for samples has been really cool and ordered treats. That rocks!
Is anyone out there?
I'm so curious as to if anyone has seen my advertisements in The New York Dog or our Fido Friendly blurb. Part of me feels like it was just tossed into the wind with no real focus and thus brought no traffic back to us. I'm just not sure. So lots of lovely people have been offering me advice about "Focused advertising." I am not a marketer nor do I claim to be. I've been thinking of getting help on this topic but I don't know where. Besides that, all I really want to do is bake some healthy treats and get them out to the dogs. I've got some outstanding recipes and the dogs really love them. I just don't know what else I can do.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
The Dog House
Our pets, companion animals, however we describe them, they are a part of our family. Many new families have "furbabies" or "furkids" and these members of the family have integral parts of our lives. Pet owners on Long Island and in NYC are thinking of their pets when they buy pet furniture such as that described in the Newsday article entitled, Pet Chic by Carol Polsky in today's paper.
Find it here:
http://www.newsday.com/features/printedition/ny-hocov4870351aug31,0,4034708.story
At Pet Fashion Week, I found an amazing array of pet beds out there ranging from the simple plush bed to extravagant pieces of furniture that were finely crafted and would make any interior designer go "Oooooh." I myself allow Katie up on the furniture. She sits wherever she pleases but like the pretty princess that she is, or not, she will most often choose the simple comfort of our beautiful hardwood floor. It's really great to see her lying there sleeping soundly or running in her sleep. She will basically sleep anywhere so long as she is close to one member of the family. She will park herself right below me on the carpet of my office, just to be near me while I'm tappity tapping away at my blog. I will in fact get Katie a pet bed someday but for now, she sleeps on several of my throw rugs that I've piled up in her corner. It's like an elevated bed for her and she likes it just fine.
Nice comment in the article there by Susan Bartholomew from Zoomies.
The truth of the matter is that pet owners are spending more on their dogs, cats, birds, fish, anything that keeps company has become really important. Was this a natural progression? I'm sure. This is an important part of survival. Animals all stick together for the most part in packs or herd or flocks or gaggles. It keeps us alive. We need each other. So why not spend some more on your family member if you can. We all deserve a little pampering once in a while and that's a good thing.
I gotta think bigger
I'm starting to need to rev up my production. With business happily chugging along, the orders piling in slowly but like little soldiers, it's lining up and I will need more help. I've thought about enlisting students from the local trade schools. These are some really bright kids but I think I'm going to just try to revamp my efficiency and work on my little assemblyline for now. I've organized a lot of my packing and the treat making itself is like a finely choreographed dance. For those who have seen me dance, stop laughing. No really. Stop.
The treats look good though. That's what counts right? And Katie is still following me around for one of the "Big Dudes". Give it a rest girl. You'll get one soon. If somebody just read the last three sentences, I don't know what they'd think. No wait, I do.
What are my products?
They are treats, yes, but they are healthy so is that food? My father was just talking about my business and kept saying, "dog food this and dog food that." But really, it's food but it's not food. It isn't essential and it isn't going to be giving the dogs everything they need but there are healthy components to it. So is it a supplement? Not really. But it is healthy. Notice, I keep coming back to that part. I'm not sure. I'm planning on consulting a few vets for their opinions when I have time. Ha! When will THAT be? When my cake orders calm down I guess.
My fake cake
I've been asked by stores to build a fake cake to be placed in the storefront for orders. So, what did I do? I went and looked it up online and built one. Actually I built six but they all look different and are made of different things. Do bakeries do this too? Not the one in my neighborhood. My old time Italian bakery which I adored since childhood has always had fresh cakes baked on premises and they have been my cake for birthdays, graduations, celebrations all my life. How do they do it? I'll have to figure that out when I start my own little bakery someday. Oh, but back to my fake cakes...they are heavy! I built them out of wood and plaster and it's a big old block of fake cake. Unbelievable. I'm so glad I don't have to ship it. That would be a lot. But it does look good enough to eat. That's cool.
I gotta go bake for this afternoon's Love on a Leash Parade. That will be so much fun. I'm bringing my camera. I can't wait. Plus, Katie will get to meet some dogs in the Hamptons.
I'll bring back some photos from it.
Our pets, companion animals, however we describe them, they are a part of our family. Many new families have "furbabies" or "furkids" and these members of the family have integral parts of our lives. Pet owners on Long Island and in NYC are thinking of their pets when they buy pet furniture such as that described in the Newsday article entitled, Pet Chic by Carol Polsky in today's paper.
Find it here:
http://www.newsday.com/features/printedition/ny-hocov4870351aug31,0,4034708.story
At Pet Fashion Week, I found an amazing array of pet beds out there ranging from the simple plush bed to extravagant pieces of furniture that were finely crafted and would make any interior designer go "Oooooh." I myself allow Katie up on the furniture. She sits wherever she pleases but like the pretty princess that she is, or not, she will most often choose the simple comfort of our beautiful hardwood floor. It's really great to see her lying there sleeping soundly or running in her sleep. She will basically sleep anywhere so long as she is close to one member of the family. She will park herself right below me on the carpet of my office, just to be near me while I'm tappity tapping away at my blog. I will in fact get Katie a pet bed someday but for now, she sleeps on several of my throw rugs that I've piled up in her corner. It's like an elevated bed for her and she likes it just fine.
Nice comment in the article there by Susan Bartholomew from Zoomies.
The truth of the matter is that pet owners are spending more on their dogs, cats, birds, fish, anything that keeps company has become really important. Was this a natural progression? I'm sure. This is an important part of survival. Animals all stick together for the most part in packs or herd or flocks or gaggles. It keeps us alive. We need each other. So why not spend some more on your family member if you can. We all deserve a little pampering once in a while and that's a good thing.
I gotta think bigger
I'm starting to need to rev up my production. With business happily chugging along, the orders piling in slowly but like little soldiers, it's lining up and I will need more help. I've thought about enlisting students from the local trade schools. These are some really bright kids but I think I'm going to just try to revamp my efficiency and work on my little assemblyline for now. I've organized a lot of my packing and the treat making itself is like a finely choreographed dance. For those who have seen me dance, stop laughing. No really. Stop.
The treats look good though. That's what counts right? And Katie is still following me around for one of the "Big Dudes". Give it a rest girl. You'll get one soon. If somebody just read the last three sentences, I don't know what they'd think. No wait, I do.
What are my products?
They are treats, yes, but they are healthy so is that food? My father was just talking about my business and kept saying, "dog food this and dog food that." But really, it's food but it's not food. It isn't essential and it isn't going to be giving the dogs everything they need but there are healthy components to it. So is it a supplement? Not really. But it is healthy. Notice, I keep coming back to that part. I'm not sure. I'm planning on consulting a few vets for their opinions when I have time. Ha! When will THAT be? When my cake orders calm down I guess.
My fake cake
I've been asked by stores to build a fake cake to be placed in the storefront for orders. So, what did I do? I went and looked it up online and built one. Actually I built six but they all look different and are made of different things. Do bakeries do this too? Not the one in my neighborhood. My old time Italian bakery which I adored since childhood has always had fresh cakes baked on premises and they have been my cake for birthdays, graduations, celebrations all my life. How do they do it? I'll have to figure that out when I start my own little bakery someday. Oh, but back to my fake cakes...they are heavy! I built them out of wood and plaster and it's a big old block of fake cake. Unbelievable. I'm so glad I don't have to ship it. That would be a lot. But it does look good enough to eat. That's cool.
I gotta go bake for this afternoon's Love on a Leash Parade. That will be so much fun. I'm bringing my camera. I can't wait. Plus, Katie will get to meet some dogs in the Hamptons.
I'll bring back some photos from it.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Denise Flaim Article about Katrina Dogs
There was a recent article in Newsday about the dogs that were rescued from Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. This is a sad reality. There is so much controversy here. I can see where the owner would definitely want to reclaim their dog but then the adopters side is that some of these dogs really were sick and not well cared for at all. These adopters took on the responsibility to rescue this dog, pay for these medical bills and help to make the dog healthy again, and now the original owners want to take back their dogs. Maybe we could chock some of it up to ignorance. Not all dog owners are very bright. Some are just loving people but again, not too smart. So they may very well buy a dog or adopt a dog from a shelter and then not realize that they have to take care of the dog with regular medication and physicals each year. We all could be a little more tolerant of each other but also encourage each other to do the right thing. If there were government assistance programs that would allow people some coverage for their pet care should they need it, like a grant that would help people who have lost their jobs or had a death in the family to keep their dog's care costs at a reasonable level, we might have something good to work with. There are free clinics though. There are vets that are so kind and so generous you wonder why medical doctors were not more like them. (I'll tell you why, medical doctors have to deal with malpractice every day. Whereas, I'm not really sure exactly how many lawsuits arise that are related to veterinary malpractice.) But anyhow, I do feel for both parties involved. I won't take a stand on this issue because I believe that each case is different and perhaps it should be decided by a judge if it comes down to it. Yes, it is important to have the finances to be able to care for your pet properly but do we not honor that story about "Tiny Tim?" (Is that totally off the wall as a reference?) Love is worth so very much but well, food is important, heartworm pills are important and being humane is very important. Not every rich guy or family is loving and caring and will provide the attention to a dog. Not every poor or lower middle class family is either. It's a hard decision. I'd hate to be the judge for these types of cases. How can you sleep at night?
Spam has a totally different meaning now
My love for Wikkipedia grows each day. Last night, I had the pleasure of looking up the term "Spam" because I was accused of spamming a dog forum. Ugh. I actually WAS and didn't even know it. I do apologize to all those folks out there who do know and hate SPAM. I even found this interesting site that explains the evil of what I had done. Now I understand the difference and what they mean by the evil "Spam." But I didn't think that mentioning that I had started my business was such a bad thing. I wasn't advertising, I was just saying. It's strange. There are so many rules now and I guess we all have to do the right thing and educate each other huh? I didn't really appreciate that email saying, "WE WILL BAN YOU FROM THIS FORUM IF YOU DON'T STOP SPAMMING!" (What they really wanted to say was, "STOP YOUR &^^%$$&@@! SPAMMING YOU STUPID SPAMMER!" I think that admin people have to consider the fact that if one is a "puppy" to a site and new at this, you don't have to smack them on the nose with a newspaper. Cesar Millan would agree on that, I'm sure. Anyhow, I've learned my lesson. I was bad so I'm off to the corner to sit and think about my bad behavior.
http://spam.abuse.net/marketerhelp/
I always thought of Spam as that funky pink squishy loaf of mystery meat from Hawaii. I grew up on Spam. We had Spam sandwiches, fried Spam for breakfast, Spam and cheese, Spam on toast, Spam and rice, the list goes on...I am a Spam expert. Of course, I don't eat it much anymore if at all because I just cannot handle the salt but I hear they make low sodium Spam now so maybe my childhood memories can be rekindled.
Oh yeah, would be wrong of me not to lead you to the site that so kindly educated me on the various definitions of SPAM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam
I love Wikkipedia...I love it;) I read it almost every day and learn something new every day.
Treats and timing of eating
I was watching a morning news show recently, I think it was NBC's Today show and they were standing around cooking something very delicious, fish I think. It was about 9AM and the lady commentator was saying, "I'd love to try some but I just can't eat right now." This made me think about all those people out there who bring their dogs over to try our treats at parties and then when the dog doesn't want to try it, they say, "OH! HE/SHE DOESN'T LIKE IT!" Yeah...Lumberg would agree. Yeah, no. See, it's the same concept. I don't eat a cheeseburger at 5AM because I just don't feel like it. I love cheeseburgers. I would be hard pressed to refuse one if offered to me at say, LUNCHTIME or DINNER. I speak in caps and it's annoying me too so I'll stop...but truly, I've learned to tell people to perhaps consider taking the treat home with them, give it to their dog when their dog is relaxed and perhaps, hungry? I dunno...I mean it might be a good way of eating, "Eat when you are hungry." Snacks also. "Snack when you are hungry." Eat in moderation. If your dog is not eating, he's just not hungry. Dogs eat a lot but they also know when they aren't hungry. Well, most dogs know when they are not hungry. Some dogs, like some people, eat until they're sick. They often say after a huge, gi-normous meal, "ohhhhh...I'm sick!" As if this surprises them that they ate 3 lbs of chicken breast on a salad and now they are sick? "But I ATE a SALAD!" Yeah, a mega salad that could feed a town maybe?! I am just ranting now. It's too early for ranting. My point, bring the treat home if your buddy is not interested because you might see them eating it and enjoying it in the peace of their own home. It's like eating while standing up. Nobody WANTS to eat at a counter but we are forced to eat that way because of time constraints, crowds, whatever...it's not the ideal eating setting at all is what I say.
I love a good puppy photo
I came across this in my email and I love it! Check out this one, the huskie is just so sweet and adorable you just want to cuddle him all day.
http://pets.aol.com/galleries/puppies
Day 4 of frozen pupcake log...doing well. They are still looking good, yummy and Katie is going to get one today. She's sleeping now. I'll treat her later.
Don't forget to vote for the best book for the Quill Awards
You know I picked Marley and Me by John Grogan.
http://www.nbc4.com/thequills/index.html
I never thought I'd see something like this. Again, a Wikkipedia magical tidbit of trivial wonder. I love useless pieces of information to clutter up the mind but did you know that the guy that created E.T. is the same guy that write the "Walter the Farting Dog" series of books? Amazing.
Check out my little Wikki link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Kotzwinkle
I scour the web for treat jars that might be cool in someone's kitchen and I found this cool site.
They have Betty Boop jars, Beatles Jars, jars that are shaped like a chef or like cars, it's unique and interesting stuff. I like that.
http://cookiejarcollectibles.com/dalmation_cookie_jar.htm
There was a recent article in Newsday about the dogs that were rescued from Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. This is a sad reality. There is so much controversy here. I can see where the owner would definitely want to reclaim their dog but then the adopters side is that some of these dogs really were sick and not well cared for at all. These adopters took on the responsibility to rescue this dog, pay for these medical bills and help to make the dog healthy again, and now the original owners want to take back their dogs. Maybe we could chock some of it up to ignorance. Not all dog owners are very bright. Some are just loving people but again, not too smart. So they may very well buy a dog or adopt a dog from a shelter and then not realize that they have to take care of the dog with regular medication and physicals each year. We all could be a little more tolerant of each other but also encourage each other to do the right thing. If there were government assistance programs that would allow people some coverage for their pet care should they need it, like a grant that would help people who have lost their jobs or had a death in the family to keep their dog's care costs at a reasonable level, we might have something good to work with. There are free clinics though. There are vets that are so kind and so generous you wonder why medical doctors were not more like them. (I'll tell you why, medical doctors have to deal with malpractice every day. Whereas, I'm not really sure exactly how many lawsuits arise that are related to veterinary malpractice.) But anyhow, I do feel for both parties involved. I won't take a stand on this issue because I believe that each case is different and perhaps it should be decided by a judge if it comes down to it. Yes, it is important to have the finances to be able to care for your pet properly but do we not honor that story about "Tiny Tim?" (Is that totally off the wall as a reference?) Love is worth so very much but well, food is important, heartworm pills are important and being humane is very important. Not every rich guy or family is loving and caring and will provide the attention to a dog. Not every poor or lower middle class family is either. It's a hard decision. I'd hate to be the judge for these types of cases. How can you sleep at night?
Spam has a totally different meaning now
My love for Wikkipedia grows each day. Last night, I had the pleasure of looking up the term "Spam" because I was accused of spamming a dog forum. Ugh. I actually WAS and didn't even know it. I do apologize to all those folks out there who do know and hate SPAM. I even found this interesting site that explains the evil of what I had done. Now I understand the difference and what they mean by the evil "Spam." But I didn't think that mentioning that I had started my business was such a bad thing. I wasn't advertising, I was just saying. It's strange. There are so many rules now and I guess we all have to do the right thing and educate each other huh? I didn't really appreciate that email saying, "WE WILL BAN YOU FROM THIS FORUM IF YOU DON'T STOP SPAMMING!" (What they really wanted to say was, "STOP YOUR &^^%$$&@@! SPAMMING YOU STUPID SPAMMER!" I think that admin people have to consider the fact that if one is a "puppy" to a site and new at this, you don't have to smack them on the nose with a newspaper. Cesar Millan would agree on that, I'm sure. Anyhow, I've learned my lesson. I was bad so I'm off to the corner to sit and think about my bad behavior.
http://spam.abuse.net/marketerhelp/
I always thought of Spam as that funky pink squishy loaf of mystery meat from Hawaii. I grew up on Spam. We had Spam sandwiches, fried Spam for breakfast, Spam and cheese, Spam on toast, Spam and rice, the list goes on...I am a Spam expert. Of course, I don't eat it much anymore if at all because I just cannot handle the salt but I hear they make low sodium Spam now so maybe my childhood memories can be rekindled.
Oh yeah, would be wrong of me not to lead you to the site that so kindly educated me on the various definitions of SPAM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam
I love Wikkipedia...I love it;) I read it almost every day and learn something new every day.
Treats and timing of eating
I was watching a morning news show recently, I think it was NBC's Today show and they were standing around cooking something very delicious, fish I think. It was about 9AM and the lady commentator was saying, "I'd love to try some but I just can't eat right now." This made me think about all those people out there who bring their dogs over to try our treats at parties and then when the dog doesn't want to try it, they say, "OH! HE/SHE DOESN'T LIKE IT!" Yeah...Lumberg would agree. Yeah, no. See, it's the same concept. I don't eat a cheeseburger at 5AM because I just don't feel like it. I love cheeseburgers. I would be hard pressed to refuse one if offered to me at say, LUNCHTIME or DINNER. I speak in caps and it's annoying me too so I'll stop...but truly, I've learned to tell people to perhaps consider taking the treat home with them, give it to their dog when their dog is relaxed and perhaps, hungry? I dunno...I mean it might be a good way of eating, "Eat when you are hungry." Snacks also. "Snack when you are hungry." Eat in moderation. If your dog is not eating, he's just not hungry. Dogs eat a lot but they also know when they aren't hungry. Well, most dogs know when they are not hungry. Some dogs, like some people, eat until they're sick. They often say after a huge, gi-normous meal, "ohhhhh...I'm sick!" As if this surprises them that they ate 3 lbs of chicken breast on a salad and now they are sick? "But I ATE a SALAD!" Yeah, a mega salad that could feed a town maybe?! I am just ranting now. It's too early for ranting. My point, bring the treat home if your buddy is not interested because you might see them eating it and enjoying it in the peace of their own home. It's like eating while standing up. Nobody WANTS to eat at a counter but we are forced to eat that way because of time constraints, crowds, whatever...it's not the ideal eating setting at all is what I say.
I love a good puppy photo
I came across this in my email and I love it! Check out this one, the huskie is just so sweet and adorable you just want to cuddle him all day.
http://pets.aol.com/galleries/puppies
Day 4 of frozen pupcake log...doing well. They are still looking good, yummy and Katie is going to get one today. She's sleeping now. I'll treat her later.
Don't forget to vote for the best book for the Quill Awards
You know I picked Marley and Me by John Grogan.
http://www.nbc4.com/thequills/index.html
I never thought I'd see something like this. Again, a Wikkipedia magical tidbit of trivial wonder. I love useless pieces of information to clutter up the mind but did you know that the guy that created E.T. is the same guy that write the "Walter the Farting Dog" series of books? Amazing.
Check out my little Wikki link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Kotzwinkle
I scour the web for treat jars that might be cool in someone's kitchen and I found this cool site.
They have Betty Boop jars, Beatles Jars, jars that are shaped like a chef or like cars, it's unique and interesting stuff. I like that.
http://cookiejarcollectibles.com/dalmation_cookie_jar.htm
Monday, August 28, 2006
Lassie come home!
I never saw the original Lassie. I feel like I'm lucky that I scraped by with the "Must see" list of movies and did fortunately see E.T. Otherwise I'd join the ranks of those scorned by all. The look of dismay and disbelief clouding their faces as they say, "You've never seen...yadayada?!" Yes, it's true. I've never seen Lassie's original movie. What kind of dog lover am I?! Yes, goodness I am really a faker. I love dogs but I'm not a real dog movie lover. I like the reality of a dog, the dirty, fun, slobbering, hair shedding everywhere life of being a real live dog owner/companion. Well, I think the whole terminology of being a dog owner is truly alright. I know there are people out there IRL who think that the term "dog owner" is poorly stated and truly, we are companions to our animals. But actually, I purchased Katie. And as sad as it may seem, I do own her. She owns me too though and in my heart I will always know that.
I gotta go stock up on some Kleenex before I see this movie. I know I will love it and I will probably go see it alone. Coming soon, September 1, 2006 opening.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14559203/
For another review, check out this one:
http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v_id=316519
Uh oh, this site is something to see.
http://www.lassie.net/
I opened up the site just to see what it was about and that music just came pouring through my laptop. I practically sobbed right there listening to that sad wistful tune. It's haunting I tell you.
Hey wait a minute...
http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v_id=28268
Alright, I needed to know more about the whole Lassie story. I always did wonder why male dogs had been cast as Lassie. Well, apparently female dogs shed a lot when they are in heat and so the directors could not cast a female dog because of that unsightly truth. Hmpf. I'm sure that Timmy would have loved Lassie anyway despite her mood swings and hairlessness.
I had to quote this guy from a NYT article,
“They’re too smart to jump through hoops the way those dumb dolphins do,” he said. (Dr. Domning of Howard said this in ths article:)
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/29/science/29mana.html?hp&ex=1156824000&en=c0eaeb3c6996fa02&ei=5094&partner=homepage
This is a fascinating article about Manatees that brought to mind a few questions. What makes us "smart?" Who is smart and who isn't. Why are some dogs considered smart and others are just dumb. Perhaps these dogs just don't want to do that stupid dog trick for a dried out cracker. What if they were to be bribed with a say...Honeybark treat? Haha...I hate my shameless plugs. But seriously, I have been thinking about the whole concept of smart animals that we consider so brilliant...like dolphins and then this guy goes and says that Manatees don't jump through hoops like dolphins do because perhaps they aren't enticed by fish? Manatees actually are not into fish at all. They like carrots. Sadly, they get killed by motorboats. That stinks. They are like the roadkill of the sea. Another interesting point was that their brains were outgrown by their bodies such that they need a big insulation to keep them warm and their brains just stayed the required size for survival purposes. I mean, they don't hunt so they don't need the brain of say, a 15 year old adolescent male that plays computer games like "Hunt and kill for fun?" I jest. I think it's okay to play video games and the like if that is what you like to do. It supposedly is great for hand eye coordination. It helps you develop survival skills so that you will be an expert at killing things when you really need to. Um yeah...and like WHEN are you going to need THOSE skills? But I digress...the manatee is a beautiful and misunderstood gentle giant of the ocean. And it shares the common vibrissae with our friend, the dog. This is a structure that can convey information to the brain in such a way that it can tell the animal about it's environment in a way much more indepth than our senses can. The rise in blood pressure makes it even more sensitive. Amazing. The dog has vibrissae only on it's face whereas the manatee, this incredible creature is basically hypersensitive and has vibrissae all over it's body, therefore it is highly aware of surroundings. Perhaps the motorboat causes such a disruption that the disturbance of the water causes the manatee to get confused and this might very well be the cause of the death of the innumerable manatee that perish each year due to mankind.
You have to check out the videos on the NYT vows section. These stories are so wonderful and amazing. I love it.
I'm going to go watch a few right now. It's sweet and a great way to put yourself in a good mood.
I never saw the original Lassie. I feel like I'm lucky that I scraped by with the "Must see" list of movies and did fortunately see E.T. Otherwise I'd join the ranks of those scorned by all. The look of dismay and disbelief clouding their faces as they say, "You've never seen...yadayada?!" Yes, it's true. I've never seen Lassie's original movie. What kind of dog lover am I?! Yes, goodness I am really a faker. I love dogs but I'm not a real dog movie lover. I like the reality of a dog, the dirty, fun, slobbering, hair shedding everywhere life of being a real live dog owner/companion. Well, I think the whole terminology of being a dog owner is truly alright. I know there are people out there IRL who think that the term "dog owner" is poorly stated and truly, we are companions to our animals. But actually, I purchased Katie. And as sad as it may seem, I do own her. She owns me too though and in my heart I will always know that.
I gotta go stock up on some Kleenex before I see this movie. I know I will love it and I will probably go see it alone. Coming soon, September 1, 2006 opening.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14559203/
For another review, check out this one:
http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v_id=316519
Uh oh, this site is something to see.
http://www.lassie.net/
I opened up the site just to see what it was about and that music just came pouring through my laptop. I practically sobbed right there listening to that sad wistful tune. It's haunting I tell you.
Hey wait a minute...
http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v_id=28268
Alright, I needed to know more about the whole Lassie story. I always did wonder why male dogs had been cast as Lassie. Well, apparently female dogs shed a lot when they are in heat and so the directors could not cast a female dog because of that unsightly truth. Hmpf. I'm sure that Timmy would have loved Lassie anyway despite her mood swings and hairlessness.
I had to quote this guy from a NYT article,
“They’re too smart to jump through hoops the way those dumb dolphins do,” he said. (Dr. Domning of Howard said this in ths article:)
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/29/science/29mana.html?hp&ex=1156824000&en=c0eaeb3c6996fa02&ei=5094&partner=homepage
This is a fascinating article about Manatees that brought to mind a few questions. What makes us "smart?" Who is smart and who isn't. Why are some dogs considered smart and others are just dumb. Perhaps these dogs just don't want to do that stupid dog trick for a dried out cracker. What if they were to be bribed with a say...Honeybark treat? Haha...I hate my shameless plugs. But seriously, I have been thinking about the whole concept of smart animals that we consider so brilliant...like dolphins and then this guy goes and says that Manatees don't jump through hoops like dolphins do because perhaps they aren't enticed by fish? Manatees actually are not into fish at all. They like carrots. Sadly, they get killed by motorboats. That stinks. They are like the roadkill of the sea. Another interesting point was that their brains were outgrown by their bodies such that they need a big insulation to keep them warm and their brains just stayed the required size for survival purposes. I mean, they don't hunt so they don't need the brain of say, a 15 year old adolescent male that plays computer games like "Hunt and kill for fun?" I jest. I think it's okay to play video games and the like if that is what you like to do. It supposedly is great for hand eye coordination. It helps you develop survival skills so that you will be an expert at killing things when you really need to. Um yeah...and like WHEN are you going to need THOSE skills? But I digress...the manatee is a beautiful and misunderstood gentle giant of the ocean. And it shares the common vibrissae with our friend, the dog. This is a structure that can convey information to the brain in such a way that it can tell the animal about it's environment in a way much more indepth than our senses can. The rise in blood pressure makes it even more sensitive. Amazing. The dog has vibrissae only on it's face whereas the manatee, this incredible creature is basically hypersensitive and has vibrissae all over it's body, therefore it is highly aware of surroundings. Perhaps the motorboat causes such a disruption that the disturbance of the water causes the manatee to get confused and this might very well be the cause of the death of the innumerable manatee that perish each year due to mankind.
You have to check out the videos on the NYT vows section. These stories are so wonderful and amazing. I love it.
I'm going to go watch a few right now. It's sweet and a great way to put yourself in a good mood.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
The best way to save your dog
With all the news lately about dogs that are ferocious and attacking other dogs and small children, I've found an interesting site that addresses the problem. One solution to offer those dog owners who have a dobie or a pittie that they need to protect from public ridicule.
http://www.users.bigpond.com/daniel1977/kits.htm
Oh man...
I just found out that Katie is one of the top 20 most popular names for a dog. I always thought it was so original. Geez.
To look up your own dog's name, check out this website. It's also very cool for FYI.
http://www.petvr.com/index.php/pages/TopDogNames.html
With all the news lately about dogs that are ferocious and attacking other dogs and small children, I've found an interesting site that addresses the problem. One solution to offer those dog owners who have a dobie or a pittie that they need to protect from public ridicule.
http://www.users.bigpond.com/daniel1977/kits.htm
Oh man...
I just found out that Katie is one of the top 20 most popular names for a dog. I always thought it was so original. Geez.
To look up your own dog's name, check out this website. It's also very cool for FYI.
http://www.petvr.com/index.php/pages/TopDogNames.html
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
More dogs driving!
I really liked this photo because it looks like your typical group of buddies, hanging out with the one guy driving looking all serious.
That guy in the back looks drunk. Maybe a little too much dog beer...
Speaking of dog beer...
Whoa. Whoever thought up this costume must've got a lot of dog beer into their dog before they hoisted 'em into this outfit. Man alive. I never thought I'd ever see something like this. Although, it's cute because the kids has a costume on too but wowsers.
Saw a great movie this weekend.
I won't spoil it for you but just go get outta your house and see "Little Miss Sunshine." It's hysterical and you will enjoy it. I promise you. And if you don't, you can email me and tell me why. I doubt you will hate it but just see it and understand the dynamics. It's great.
I'd have given anything to see this...
All of these great photos were found on http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/strange/main500523.shtml
I really enjoy this website for funny news stories and it's really great stuff. They do a wonderful job with finding the latest and most interesting stories.
I really liked this photo because it looks like your typical group of buddies, hanging out with the one guy driving looking all serious.
That guy in the back looks drunk. Maybe a little too much dog beer...
Speaking of dog beer...
Whoa. Whoever thought up this costume must've got a lot of dog beer into their dog before they hoisted 'em into this outfit. Man alive. I never thought I'd ever see something like this. Although, it's cute because the kids has a costume on too but wowsers.Saw a great movie this weekend.
I won't spoil it for you but just go get outta your house and see "Little Miss Sunshine." It's hysterical and you will enjoy it. I promise you. And if you don't, you can email me and tell me why. I doubt you will hate it but just see it and understand the dynamics. It's great.
I'd have given anything to see this...
All of these great photos were found on http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/strange/main500523.shtmlI really enjoy this website for funny news stories and it's really great stuff. They do a wonderful job with finding the latest and most interesting stories.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
The Star Ledger
We made it into a Sunday newspaper! Amazing! I was so excited I drove all the way out to NJ and made my friend take me around to find the paper and then tore through it until I found our review. It's here:
http://www.nj.com/living/ledger/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1156047935237870.xml&coll=1
Pet Fashion Week
Had a really good time at this event. I have not had the chance to go through the information that I had collected. There were a lot of vendors and many of them had some unique and wonderful products that I would highly recommend as gift items.
The organic toys made by a company in Brooklyn, NY. A great concept and I definitely want to work with them in the future on gift baskets for our customers. The owner/inventor of the product was really friendly and nice. Her product is adorable and would make a fabulous gift for a baby basket as well!
The pet beds that looked like furniture, very nice touch. I gotta go find the company information to share with you. I loved it. In a small NYC apartment or even a small home where you want your dog to be a part of the living area but not be too intrusive, or you have very little space and need to use the area for a table, you can use this small doghouse that looks like an end table and it is perfect for both the dog and keeping your living room looking great! I loved it. Plus, the owners of the business, really nice people;)
I have to add that the vendors who were kind and considerate, friendly, personable were the ones that I would love to work with on future products and I thank them all for their patience and working so hard to make Pet Fashion Week a big success. I am definitely looking forward to next year.
We made it into a Sunday newspaper! Amazing! I was so excited I drove all the way out to NJ and made my friend take me around to find the paper and then tore through it until I found our review. It's here:
http://www.nj.com/living/ledger/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1156047935237870.xml&coll=1
Pet Fashion Week
Had a really good time at this event. I have not had the chance to go through the information that I had collected. There were a lot of vendors and many of them had some unique and wonderful products that I would highly recommend as gift items.
The organic toys made by a company in Brooklyn, NY. A great concept and I definitely want to work with them in the future on gift baskets for our customers. The owner/inventor of the product was really friendly and nice. Her product is adorable and would make a fabulous gift for a baby basket as well!
The pet beds that looked like furniture, very nice touch. I gotta go find the company information to share with you. I loved it. In a small NYC apartment or even a small home where you want your dog to be a part of the living area but not be too intrusive, or you have very little space and need to use the area for a table, you can use this small doghouse that looks like an end table and it is perfect for both the dog and keeping your living room looking great! I loved it. Plus, the owners of the business, really nice people;)
I have to add that the vendors who were kind and considerate, friendly, personable were the ones that I would love to work with on future products and I thank them all for their patience and working so hard to make Pet Fashion Week a big success. I am definitely looking forward to next year.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Sam I Am
This is a great blog. I'm going to check it out further when I have less work to do. But definitely I recommend it to all.
This is a great blog. I'm going to check it out further when I have less work to do. But definitely I recommend it to all.
A very dear friend of mine has been talking about scooters recently and then I saw this.
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4115/
I have always thought that Katie would make a great scooter driver. She has tons of energy and she is great at pulling. Though, I think I'd need two Shelties because she tends to poop out during play and probably would leave me stranded and causing a major dog scooter traffic jam, with my luck in the middle of an intersection.
Oops. Katie is still outside, gotta go get her.
Nope, she is absolutely basking in the sunshine and lying on her back in the yard, rolling in the grass now. She looks like she is in a state of bliss. It's like I gave her catnip or something, and if she were a cat. She's getting high on grass. Wow. That sounds bad...but it's true. Katie eats grass, rolls in it, digs it up and sprays it on herself, runs around in the yard after it's been freshly mowed. She is a yard lovin' dog. She won't come in now til dinner time so I will leave her to her state of bliss. Plus, I gave her some carob cake before we went outside to play and she wanted to do some crazy running around and now I think I can shorten my treadmill time today. Whew! That dog is a bundle of energy!
We have Pet Fashion Week to attend this weekend. Should be fun. I'm hoping to meet a lot of nice folks who are interested in Parties and I've already done two cakes since I started selling cake. Wow. That's really fast considering my treat business took weeks to really get going.
I still love that carob cake.
I built a fake cake for the stores that are selling my dog cakes. It's funny because it looks almost edible all by itself. I am in the process of building three more cakes for the other places. I love arts and crafts. I used to be the kid that stayed late in art class because I wanted to finish my project. Maybe I will have an art class for kids someday. That would be fun! I'll post a photo of my fake cake soon. It is kinda funny looking but hey, I'm not a food stylist...yet:)
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4115/
I have always thought that Katie would make a great scooter driver. She has tons of energy and she is great at pulling. Though, I think I'd need two Shelties because she tends to poop out during play and probably would leave me stranded and causing a major dog scooter traffic jam, with my luck in the middle of an intersection.
Oops. Katie is still outside, gotta go get her.
Nope, she is absolutely basking in the sunshine and lying on her back in the yard, rolling in the grass now. She looks like she is in a state of bliss. It's like I gave her catnip or something, and if she were a cat. She's getting high on grass. Wow. That sounds bad...but it's true. Katie eats grass, rolls in it, digs it up and sprays it on herself, runs around in the yard after it's been freshly mowed. She is a yard lovin' dog. She won't come in now til dinner time so I will leave her to her state of bliss. Plus, I gave her some carob cake before we went outside to play and she wanted to do some crazy running around and now I think I can shorten my treadmill time today. Whew! That dog is a bundle of energy!
We have Pet Fashion Week to attend this weekend. Should be fun. I'm hoping to meet a lot of nice folks who are interested in Parties and I've already done two cakes since I started selling cake. Wow. That's really fast considering my treat business took weeks to really get going.
I still love that carob cake.
I built a fake cake for the stores that are selling my dog cakes. It's funny because it looks almost edible all by itself. I am in the process of building three more cakes for the other places. I love arts and crafts. I used to be the kid that stayed late in art class because I wanted to finish my project. Maybe I will have an art class for kids someday. That would be fun! I'll post a photo of my fake cake soon. It is kinda funny looking but hey, I'm not a food stylist...yet:)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Marley and Me
I finally finished Marley and Me, by John Grogan. I know it took way longer than expected but I kept getting interrupted AND I really did not want to end it. I savored it til the end like a Tootsie Pop. But yes, all good things must come to an end. So sad, so true. I loved that book! I think that for all those folks out there who read animal themed books, like I devoured the James Herriott books when I was younger, then you will love this book. John Grogan, really good writer...I'm going to look for more of his writing. AND, I hope he does another book.
Let 'em eat cake
I got an emergency order for cake today. Bright and early, I got a phone call from a nice man who needed a cake. I whipped up a little one for him and got it all nice and frosted and ready to go. That was the fastest order I've done. I've been timing myself on order preparation. I'm trying to beat my time each time I get an order. I get it off my computer, process it in my little primitive ordering system, gather my ingredients and ready, set, go! I've only burned myself twice so far in my rush to get the treats going. It's been good. Plus, since Katie was such a good girl during her bath today, she got to lick the leftover yogurt icing out of the bowl. It was just like that "Coldwater" joke. She was one happy little cake fed doggy today.
I saw stars?
I walked into my bedpost yesterday and just reflecting on it now, I didn't see stars. I saw nothing. My mind went completely blank, just black, and I heard nothing and saw nothing for a few seconds, then the pain registered and I let out one of those howling screams that could perhaps break a hole in the ozone layer. Yes, that was real pain. Did you ever have one of those? Well, I stopped screaming and then gathered some ice and elevated my knee but ouch. I am still suffering from that horrible mishap today. It stinks to get old and I've got achey joints whenever it rains but I can still run on the treadmill so despite the nasty bruiser I have on my knee, it's still cool.
Who's your baker?
I always said that I wanted to bake cake and my whole intention of becoming a pastry chef, yeah well, now all of a sudden I am actually baking cake but for dogs? What is happening with the crazy road of my life? It makes me so happy though to be able to use my creativity in making these really adorable little cake creations. I'm designing one right now for a big party on Sunday and next weekend is another birthday party. The whole concept of gathering with friends, eating good cake, chilling out with your dog, that is just the fruit of life. It's da bomb. Gosh, did I really say that? ;) Yeah, I did. Cuz truly it IS da bomb.
I once told a chef that one of my specialties was a chocolate/orange brownie that people would practically orgasm over and he laughed and said, "BROWNIES? That's just goop in a pan. That's easy. Geez." Gotta tell you that that comment made me feel like, "Hmpf, well I guess I'm not such a great cook or baker as I thought?" But wait, I've had people drooling over my apple pie (with lattice crust, I must add.), gazing at my blueberry cobblers, and savoring every last crumb of my devil's food cupcakes and I cannot forget my brother hoarding my coconut cupcakes, nor my own hoarding of the peanut butter cupcakes with icing so light and yet so rich it was dubbed, the mousse icing by my mom. So alright, I feel better now. I just love baking and food is so fascinating. I started reading "What Einstein told his Cook." It's awesome.
I finally finished Marley and Me, by John Grogan. I know it took way longer than expected but I kept getting interrupted AND I really did not want to end it. I savored it til the end like a Tootsie Pop. But yes, all good things must come to an end. So sad, so true. I loved that book! I think that for all those folks out there who read animal themed books, like I devoured the James Herriott books when I was younger, then you will love this book. John Grogan, really good writer...I'm going to look for more of his writing. AND, I hope he does another book.
Let 'em eat cake
I got an emergency order for cake today. Bright and early, I got a phone call from a nice man who needed a cake. I whipped up a little one for him and got it all nice and frosted and ready to go. That was the fastest order I've done. I've been timing myself on order preparation. I'm trying to beat my time each time I get an order. I get it off my computer, process it in my little primitive ordering system, gather my ingredients and ready, set, go! I've only burned myself twice so far in my rush to get the treats going. It's been good. Plus, since Katie was such a good girl during her bath today, she got to lick the leftover yogurt icing out of the bowl. It was just like that "Coldwater" joke. She was one happy little cake fed doggy today.
I saw stars?
I walked into my bedpost yesterday and just reflecting on it now, I didn't see stars. I saw nothing. My mind went completely blank, just black, and I heard nothing and saw nothing for a few seconds, then the pain registered and I let out one of those howling screams that could perhaps break a hole in the ozone layer. Yes, that was real pain. Did you ever have one of those? Well, I stopped screaming and then gathered some ice and elevated my knee but ouch. I am still suffering from that horrible mishap today. It stinks to get old and I've got achey joints whenever it rains but I can still run on the treadmill so despite the nasty bruiser I have on my knee, it's still cool.
Who's your baker?
I always said that I wanted to bake cake and my whole intention of becoming a pastry chef, yeah well, now all of a sudden I am actually baking cake but for dogs? What is happening with the crazy road of my life? It makes me so happy though to be able to use my creativity in making these really adorable little cake creations. I'm designing one right now for a big party on Sunday and next weekend is another birthday party. The whole concept of gathering with friends, eating good cake, chilling out with your dog, that is just the fruit of life. It's da bomb. Gosh, did I really say that? ;) Yeah, I did. Cuz truly it IS da bomb.
I once told a chef that one of my specialties was a chocolate/orange brownie that people would practically orgasm over and he laughed and said, "BROWNIES? That's just goop in a pan. That's easy. Geez." Gotta tell you that that comment made me feel like, "Hmpf, well I guess I'm not such a great cook or baker as I thought?" But wait, I've had people drooling over my apple pie (with lattice crust, I must add.), gazing at my blueberry cobblers, and savoring every last crumb of my devil's food cupcakes and I cannot forget my brother hoarding my coconut cupcakes, nor my own hoarding of the peanut butter cupcakes with icing so light and yet so rich it was dubbed, the mousse icing by my mom. So alright, I feel better now. I just love baking and food is so fascinating. I started reading "What Einstein told his Cook." It's awesome.
Monday, August 14, 2006
It gets better each day
I keep getting more orders each day and I am so amazed by the range of customers. I've got people ordering from all over the place. I guess the word spreads fast when you do parties and that whole six degrees of separation concept means that each person that I've met somehow could potentially reach another six people and this turns into a huge exponential explosion of customers.
That boggles my mind and it also makes me say, "Cool."
I showed off my little cake creations today and people were impressed then I donated them to the North Shore Animal League for the dogs there. I donated three cakes and after explaining what was in them, I am hoping that I could do some parties for the shelter dogs and their adoptathons at the shelter as well as the parties I've been doing for the Party Animals. I do like that organization a lot because the dogs always seem very well cared for and the volunteers are always really nice.
Another good thing, I got word from a few stores that are interested in stocking my treats. That's adding up and it helps a lot that they are in really different and remote places. I'm trying to expand as much as possible outside of the NYC area because it just seems like there are a lot of people out there who have no clue about parties for dog owners and their dogs. I went to a party planner today and told her what I do and asked her if she does anything like dog parties and she looked at me like I had a cactus growing out of my head. Then she cocked her head to the side, much like Katie does when she is listening and perhaps trying to comprehend my nonsensical blatherings, and she said, "You do dog wha?" Then to make things a little more bizarre, she called her colleague into the room and said, "Hey! You know, she does dog parties?!" The man looked at me and said, "You bake for humans too?" Obviously, they are looking for a baker to do their events, so I said, "Yes, I do." I really do bake pretty well actually for people. I've made some sinfully amazing devil's food cupcakes for Valentine's day. "My dog only eats dry stuff." I said, "My treats are really dry." He laughed and walked away. Oh well, so much for my sales pitching. Well, the lady wished me good luck with my "business" and sent me on my way.
I got some nice raves about my treats from two very prominent news type people. You can see it on my website here:
http://www.honeybark.com/speak.html
The newspaper, the Star Ledger also is going to have a little nice word about my treats this Sunday, August 20, 2006. I'm really excited to see that. I wanted to thank Joan Smith for making that happen. She said her Husky really liked the Banana Bliss treats. Those are the little miniature banana pies.
I ate the top off Katie's Carob cake and she really gave me a hard time about it. She stepped on my foot and just looked at me. I mean she gave me a long hard stare. Then she ran over to her kibble and ate a whole lot of it as if to say, "You aren't getting ANY of my grub!" Wow. Talk about sharing and caring? Geez. You'd think that if I share my dinner with her, she'd share her dried out little nutritious pellet stuff with me. No way.
Katie go BOOM!
Katie and I were horsing around today with her little ropey toy when she decided to make a break for it and ran into the kitchen with me chasing her. I know. You aren't supposed to play chasing games with your dog but well, I've been playing this with her since she was a puppy and she loves this game. Plus, she is way too old to stop playing it and we have a good old time, I get to run around, she gets to run around and we have a lot of fun. Well, today we were running and she turned around to see where I was in the catching up to her part of the game and she ran right into the seat of a chair. She's short so it whacked her right in the temple. I heard the clunk. It was a sick kinda hollow "thunk." and she dropped the rope toy from her mouth and sorted of sproinged off the chair like a little pinball. She stopped and shook her head then took her paw and swatted at the side of her head that she had hit for a minute, shook her head again then looked at me with her big tongue waggling grin. I looked at her, checked her out, rubbed her head a little then watched her just kind of wander off. She had left the rope toy on the floor where it had dropped out of her mouth. I picked it up and was going to put it away when she saw me out of the corner of her eye and ran right over to grab it and tug. Wow. I wish MY head was that sturdy. Katie is such a trooper. She wanted to play for a little bit longer then we both pooped out and I went back to my emailing and she went to lie down on the floor.
Ugh. I have to report for jury duty tomorrow. Blah. Not that I hate it but it's kind of boring. I guess I will just bring a book with me or work on recipes or something.
I keep getting more orders each day and I am so amazed by the range of customers. I've got people ordering from all over the place. I guess the word spreads fast when you do parties and that whole six degrees of separation concept means that each person that I've met somehow could potentially reach another six people and this turns into a huge exponential explosion of customers.
That boggles my mind and it also makes me say, "Cool."
I showed off my little cake creations today and people were impressed then I donated them to the North Shore Animal League for the dogs there. I donated three cakes and after explaining what was in them, I am hoping that I could do some parties for the shelter dogs and their adoptathons at the shelter as well as the parties I've been doing for the Party Animals. I do like that organization a lot because the dogs always seem very well cared for and the volunteers are always really nice.
Another good thing, I got word from a few stores that are interested in stocking my treats. That's adding up and it helps a lot that they are in really different and remote places. I'm trying to expand as much as possible outside of the NYC area because it just seems like there are a lot of people out there who have no clue about parties for dog owners and their dogs. I went to a party planner today and told her what I do and asked her if she does anything like dog parties and she looked at me like I had a cactus growing out of my head. Then she cocked her head to the side, much like Katie does when she is listening and perhaps trying to comprehend my nonsensical blatherings, and she said, "You do dog wha?" Then to make things a little more bizarre, she called her colleague into the room and said, "Hey! You know, she does dog parties?!" The man looked at me and said, "You bake for humans too?" Obviously, they are looking for a baker to do their events, so I said, "Yes, I do." I really do bake pretty well actually for people. I've made some sinfully amazing devil's food cupcakes for Valentine's day. "My dog only eats dry stuff." I said, "My treats are really dry." He laughed and walked away. Oh well, so much for my sales pitching. Well, the lady wished me good luck with my "business" and sent me on my way.
I got some nice raves about my treats from two very prominent news type people. You can see it on my website here:
http://www.honeybark.com/speak.html
The newspaper, the Star Ledger also is going to have a little nice word about my treats this Sunday, August 20, 2006. I'm really excited to see that. I wanted to thank Joan Smith for making that happen. She said her Husky really liked the Banana Bliss treats. Those are the little miniature banana pies.
I ate the top off Katie's Carob cake and she really gave me a hard time about it. She stepped on my foot and just looked at me. I mean she gave me a long hard stare. Then she ran over to her kibble and ate a whole lot of it as if to say, "You aren't getting ANY of my grub!" Wow. Talk about sharing and caring? Geez. You'd think that if I share my dinner with her, she'd share her dried out little nutritious pellet stuff with me. No way.
Katie go BOOM!
Katie and I were horsing around today with her little ropey toy when she decided to make a break for it and ran into the kitchen with me chasing her. I know. You aren't supposed to play chasing games with your dog but well, I've been playing this with her since she was a puppy and she loves this game. Plus, she is way too old to stop playing it and we have a good old time, I get to run around, she gets to run around and we have a lot of fun. Well, today we were running and she turned around to see where I was in the catching up to her part of the game and she ran right into the seat of a chair. She's short so it whacked her right in the temple. I heard the clunk. It was a sick kinda hollow "thunk." and she dropped the rope toy from her mouth and sorted of sproinged off the chair like a little pinball. She stopped and shook her head then took her paw and swatted at the side of her head that she had hit for a minute, shook her head again then looked at me with her big tongue waggling grin. I looked at her, checked her out, rubbed her head a little then watched her just kind of wander off. She had left the rope toy on the floor where it had dropped out of her mouth. I picked it up and was going to put it away when she saw me out of the corner of her eye and ran right over to grab it and tug. Wow. I wish MY head was that sturdy. Katie is such a trooper. She wanted to play for a little bit longer then we both pooped out and I went back to my emailing and she went to lie down on the floor.
Ugh. I have to report for jury duty tomorrow. Blah. Not that I hate it but it's kind of boring. I guess I will just bring a book with me or work on recipes or something.
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