Friends Friday

I decided to kick off Friends Friday with someone who welcomed me as a new pup into the neighborhood with plenty of tail wags. His full name is Aubie Doodle. He is a handsome seven year old cocker spaniel with a winning smile and golden silky coat.  I knew we were destined to be great friends from the start-- he is an Auburn fan like me! We can't wait to tailgate together in the fall. We happened to meet one warm spring evening while trotting through the neighborhood. He lives just a few houses away. My Mom always said to go for an older, distinguished gentleman and Aubie is just that. Don't be fooled by his size, what he lacks in height, he makes up for in loads of charm. It makes me so happy to see him when I go out on my evening walk. We chat about our day and the latest puppy scoop around town. He knows everyone who's anyone. Finally, when it's time for us to say goodbye, I give him a little nuzzle on the cheek. I just can't help it, I'm so proud to call him my friend! 

Yawwwwnn....

I'm sorry to be away for so long! I've been catching up on much needed beauty rest after a worldwind vacation with the whole family. We entertained houseguests then traveled to Gamgam & Poppy's house in the country. Lots of people and puppies to socialize with! Now that mom is back at work things are returning to our usual schedule....Rising at 4:45 a.m., breakfast, two walks, then lunch followed by playtime, last comes dinner and two more walks in the evening! Bedtime begins promtly at 9:00. It's no wonder a puppy has to induldge in a nap from time to time. I'm excited to be back home and in the company of my overflowing toy basket :) Stay tuned for a new feature here every week titled "Friends Friday". I want to introduce you to one of my friends and tell you why they are special to me. Until then darlings, Ciao!

Summer Style

Summer is made for being outdoors. Flowers are in bloom, birds are chirping and all my puppy friends are trotting through the streets of my neighborhood. I love taking in all the sights and sounds! But I don't love when my hair gets a bad case of the frizzies due to Alabama humidity. That's why I am adding plenty of chic lightweight scarves to my accessory collection. The scarves add a pop of color and whimsical print to my neutral coat.  With the right size,  they can be tied in numerous ways providing a whole week's worth of pretty hairstyles. Feel free to experiment and have fun with it! And remember, when fall and winter rolls around, the same scarves can be used to adorn your everyday handbag for a soft, feminine touch. Parisians know the secret too---they never leave home without a beautiful pashmina or scarf artfully tied. You shouldn't have to sacrifice style as the temperature climbs, just add a scarf to your do today and look instantly polished. I would love to see your photos of creative hairstyles with scarves!

"Winnie and Skinny"

Today wraps up my visit with cousin Bella the greyhound. She is headed back home to Nashville. This weekend was full of walks, naps in the sunshine and even a pool party.  Bella and I are quite opposite pups at first glance. She has a short sleek coat, a pensive disposition and sleeps 18 hours a day. Meanwhile I have a wild curly coat, silly personality and tons of energy. Luckily my vibrant nature is infectious and we quickly became friends. We sat and shared stories about growing up in two very different worlds. Bella told me all about her heritage of life at the race track. Contrary to what some may think, greyhounds only prefer a short sprint. They do not want to run marathon distances. After said sprint, she retires to the couch for a very extensive afternoon nap. Bella's favorite part of her week is the Saturday greyhound social. There she visits with at least 10 other greyhounds and reminisces about racing days gone by. Even though Bella and I have two different stories to tell, we both know what it's like to be adopted and given a second chance on life. Now we are so thankful to have a large, loving family full of people and other pets. At the end of the day, it's a bittersweet thing having houseguests. While it's nice to have someone to visit with, it's also great to have my mom's full attention again. Bon Voyage Bella! 

Patriotic Puppies

It's the perfect day to reflect and be thankful! There are so many men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that we may enjoy living in freedom. Today my cousin Bella and I sported homemade flag capes during our neighborhood walk to showcase our American pride. You can never say thank you enough to those who have unselfishly served our country. I hope that everyone has a safe holiday today and embraces what is truly important in life....family and freedom! Happy Memorial Day!

Decisions....decisions...

I think I'm going to need a bigger basket to house all my toys! Except the green frog, I borrowed him from my cousin Bella who's visiting for the weekend. Mommy insists that I give it back, but I have other ideas in mind. Before you call me spoiled, I insist that each toy is well loved. Say little green frog, why don't we play a game of hide-and-seek. You start by hiding in the bottom of my toy basket and I'll find you after Bella is gone :) Rrrribbit!

Pamper yourself daily

Oh! Pardon me, I was just stepping out of the bubble bath. My favorite way to wind down from a busy day of playing with my toys is a leisurely soak in the tub. Make sure to wear a turbie twist, cause you don't want water dripping down onto your mint julep mud mask!

Sweatin' with the Duchess

Being beautiful on the inside and outside is important. Now that I've reached my proper goal weight, I'm all about maintaining my ladylike figure. This means plenty of exercise including at least 3 brisk walks a day, hide and seek with my toys and chasing mom wherever she goes. The latest fashion trends only last a season, but a healthy fitness regime is always in style....Work it out ladies!

Daily Drudge

It's Monday already. Where did the weekend go? Mom's back at work and left me with a puppy do list. I can't be bothered to actually work today, so I plan to hide under my desk for a while and take a nap. Studies have shown that workers are more productive and happy after a mid day siesta! Take note Americans. Even better, by the time I wake up, Mom will be home :)

Puparatzzi

It appears that "Old Man Weather"  has forsaken spring and moved straight to summer. Which can only mean one thing in Alabama: heatwave! The sun is bright and beaming down on me as I partake in my neighborhood stroll. All this heat can cause a lady to glisten. That's why I never leave the house without my oversized sunnies. You can stroll under the radar on days where the heat leaves you looking less than perfect. Please, no pictures......

Daily dish

One of the best things about Sunday is homemade brunch with Mom! As ladies we must watch our figures, but we also know the importance of starting each day with a well balanced breakfast. What's on the menu you ask? 

Today is all about eggs benedict and a fresh fruit parfait. 

Bon appétit! 

Diamonds are for Duchess

In the past month, I've gotten plenty of practice each morning helping Mom carefully accessorize her outfit for work. But sometimes it's fun to get all dressed up with no particular place to go. Who doesn't love diamonds and pearls? If I had my choice, I would layer all the fanciful delights I could find on my paws and around my neck :) There are 3 things in life that can never be too big: diamonds, houses and hair. So bling it on ladies and create a beautiful you!

Daily duds

Today I decided to go through Mom's closet. She has worked in fashion for over 6 years now and has developed quite the archive. This beaded vest caught my eye. The way the silhouette nips in at the waistline is very slimming. I believe that sequins and satin should no longer be reserved just for evening wear. As long as you balance them with a matte, neutral base they can provide an effortlessly chic daytime look. So go ahead, rock those sequins with the "vest" of them!

"Where's Winiford?"

Look closely...Do you see me? Here I am. Luckily my dark eyes and nose give me away. Mom decorated our home in shades of ivory, white and taupe so naturally I blend right in! Don't you agree that the embroidery on the velvet pillow shams really brings out the apricot low lights in my fur?

Daily downtime

Today I discovered the perfect place to rest. Downtime is best enjoyed stretched out on the comfy ottoman in my room. Between playing with Pigs Wigs and helping Mom wash laundry, I'm one tired puppy. My job is to jump on the bed and gather up all the sheets into a pile. Equally important is making sure Mom doesn't drop any socks along the way. Why is there always a sad little sock missing his buddy at the end of the day?

It's a new dawn, it's a new do

Last weekend I went to visit my grandparent's house in the country for the very first time. I enjoyed running through the open fields and chasing my tennis ball. While there, Mom and Gamgam gave me a much needed haircut. I feel like a real lady now, very regal and stately. So much so that I shall perch myself atop this down feather pillow while I pose for the camera.

Older? yes, wiser? maybe not

I'm donning this hat today to celebrate Mom's birthday. This is a year of firsts for both of us. She's beginning a new decade and I'm beginning to learn that I better go along next time Mom wants to go hat shopping. Oh and Mommy, for future reference, fedoras better accentuate my bone structure.

Puppy do work?

Every once in a while, I will have to force myself to sit down and clean the spam out of my email account. Alright, you caught me, I'm actually obsessing over Tommy Ton's latest installment of street style on Style.com. I can't begin to tell you how inspirational the fashion is....the stilettos, the hair, the handbags oh my!

A puppy & a pig in a blanket

Turns out that my friend "Pigs Wigs" enjoys my new blankie as well!

Put a bird on it

I may like chasing birds outside, but I really j'adore my new blankie with whimsical birds fluttering about. Mom made this for me out of double bonded fleece with reversible prints catering to my different moods: birdies when I feel silly and floral when I want to be sophisticated. Never start a nap without it!

Daily designer

I always offer my creative feedback to Mom while she is working on her designs. My favorite fabric has and always will be blush colored dupioni silk. There's just something about the slubby imperfections that I find truly beautiful!

The daily dilly dally

When its playtime, I get overwhelmed by my own jubilant puppy spirit. I love rolling around while tossing my toys in the air fancy free!

Little lamb...have you any wool?

I can't wait for my new haircut! It takes a lot of energy to carry this fluff around. 

Bad hair day

Well everyone has those bad hair days they would like to forget. Here's mine while I was napping peacefully with toy monkey and bobo. My belly is still shaved from my surgery and I can have a full bath as soon as my stitches heal. 

A snuggle a day

My favorite part about weekends is my naptime nestled on the couch with mom and toy monkey.

Daily dreams

I'm not fully potty trained yet, so I nap inside my crate while mom is at work. I dream the best when I sleep upside down with my paws in the air.

Long day, New home

Here we are on the long drive back to my new home in Alabama. Car rides make my tummy sick so I try to sleep as much as possible.

The Dutchess discovered....

This is me before I was adopted. I ran away from home and thought life in the wilderness would be fun. A local animal rescue found me wandering alone in a muddy field. Meanwhile, more than 4 hours away, there lived a lady by the name of Emily. She was desperately searching for a sweet puppy to call her own. One day, she stumbled upon my picture and fell in love. She was able to see beyond my dirty, shaggy fur. She knew that with a plenty of love and care I would blossom into the true meaning of a lady, a Duchess. Now a days, we are best friends and live each day to the fullest in our quiet little neighborhood. I hope you enjoy my daily "tails" of being a Duchess!