Monday 25 June 2012

Animal Tattoo Art - Prints by Rachel Jamie Baldwin

Rachel Baldwin (was McCarthy) is my favourite tattoo artist. She's based in Birmingham and I've blogged about her many times on my other blog and she's even been featured as my tattoo artist of the month in June last year (a feature that I will be soon transferring onto this blog, but more about that later.) I have at least 2 big tattoos planned with her, but unfortunately I was a huge ding bat and forgot that her books were reopening on May 30th and I didn't book my appointments :(

So when I was looking for some fun prints to collect and put around my studio (and eventually the salon) I knew just where to go to find some cool tattoo animal art. I already have the chihuahua print from Rachel's Etsy shop but I'm going to buy one of each of all the other dog prints. Aren't they cool!?




 
 Rachel also makes jewellery and phone cases using her amazing artwork so check out her Etsy Shop for more amazingness.

Friday 22 June 2012

Poodles and Pompadours' Shiny New Logo - by Betty Bee Design


Look at our shiny new logo! Isn't it gorgeous?

I'm an avid reader/follower/general internet stalker of Betty Bee and her amazing vintage blog (Tales from Betty Bee Towers) so when I was looking for someone to create my new logo and she mentioned that her husband was a graphic designer I knew I had found who I was looking for.

Nick runs a photography business (Betty Bee Photography) with Betty and also runs BB Design where he creates amazing artwork, including T-Shirt designs and logos. Here's some of his amazing work below...


We talked about what I wanted and I sent him some pictures that I liked for inspiration. He sent me each draft as we went along and I loved every single one. I only made one change to the finished design which was to add a beauty mark to her face!
I can't actually believe how much he managed to give me exactly what I have wanted. I've worked with graphic designers before and no one has ever been able to create something that was so true to my vision (probably because I'm such a fussy control freak!) but Nick just seemed to get it straight away and his prices are so reasonable! I'd really recommend him if you are looking to get any artwork done.

I'm so pleased with the finished design and I can't wait to start using it on all of my products.
If you would like to contact Nick for a quote or to discuss anything you might be interested in you can visit his website and tell him I sent you :) 
Thanks Nick! You're a star!


Friday 15 June 2012

Dog Owner of The Week - Betty Blue - Owner of Betty Blue's Loungerie

 In today's post we speak to fabulous loungerie designer, Betty Blue.

 

P&P - Hi Betty! Please introduce yourself...
Betty Blue - Hello!  My name is Betty.  I run my own loungewear brand, Betty Blue's
Loungerie, aiming to provide a glamorous alternative to ugly sweat pants and
hoodies!  I actually trained technically in Lingerie, Corsetry and Swimwear
Design, but I saw that there was a gap in the market for vintage styled
loungewear so decided I must fill it.

P&P - Tell me a bit about your fluffy babies.
 Betty Blue - Now, you may think me a little mad (god knows what our neighbours think!) but
I actually have 5 dogs.  I live with my parents in Hampshire so 3 are family
dogs and 2 are mine.  We never intended to have so many dogs in one house!!!
I was supposed to move to the city and get a sensible job, but instead
started my own business so I decided to stay with my parents to save money
on rent........so I came with all my possessions including my two little
sausage dogs.

Personally have 2 Dachshunds.  They are brother and sister and called Frank
(short for Frankfurter of course!) and Tess.   
Frank is a silver dapple and
Tessie is black and tan, and they are both 2 1/2 years old.  Oh and they are
both like children to me ;-)

P&P - Any particular reason that you chose Miniature Dachshunds?
Betty Blue - I specifically wanted a Miniature Dachshund because I am quite small (and
weak) so I wanted a dog that I would be strong enough to control when
walking.   

I also specifically wanted a Dachshund ever since I saw a rescue
item on Paul O'Gradys TV show that used to be on.  They had a little
Dachshund called Lucy that needed a new home.  She was a beautiful red long
haired little doggie and was also completely blind.  As soon as I saw her
sitting gracefully and daintily in the handlers arms I fell in love with the
breed.   
On doing some research about the breed I learnt that they were very
good 'therapy' dogs.  Specially trained Dachshunds and especially miniatures
are taken into old people's homes and hospitals as a sort of therapy.  The
breed particularly likes sitting on peoples laps and they sit there quite
contently being stroked and cuddled and loved.  It has a particularly
calming effect on dementia sufferers and people with chronic illnesses.  So
what could be better than having a little doggie that would sit on my lap
and love me from the time I wake up, till the time I go to bed!

P&P - What is the most enjoyable thing about having your dogs?
 Betty Blue - The most enjoyable aspect of having a dog, for me is the unconditional love.
No matter how much I tell them off they still just want to cuddle me.  They
also bring me a lot of laughter, as anyone who has a sausage dog will know,
they have heaps of character!   

Frank is a typical boy.  He plods along,
eager to please, a little bit thick but ever so loving.  Tess is very much
the female of the species, she rules the house.  My parents Springer
Spaniels are scared of her and she can stop them dead in their tracks with
just one look.  She is very beautiful and knows it, and her nickname is
Princess as she expects a certain level of service!  And if she's done
something naughty or wants something, she just rolls over onto her back and
acts all coy and flirty.  It's also really nice to see the interaction
between the two.  As they are brother and sister, they are absolutely
devoted to each other which is really sweet to see.  They sleep in the same
bed at night and I often find them cuddling together and grooming eachother.
Ahhhhh sweet!!!

P&P - How do you fit in having a dog around running your own business?
Betty Blue - Luckily I work from home so having a dog isn't really an issue for me.  If I
need to go anywhere they are small enough to take in the car quite easily.
They also have each other (and my parents dogs) for company so if we do have
to leave them at home alone for any reason, they aren't lonely.  But both my
parents are retired so there is normally someone in the house with them.

P&P - What do you find most challenging about having dogs?
 Betty Blue - The unexpected costs can mount up quite easily.  It is quite expensive
owning a dog with all the vets bills, so I have to be quite careful with
money.  It's also difficult to find the motivation to walk them in the
winter when it is rainy and horrid outside teehee.

P&P - What is your most favourite thing to do with your doggies when you aren't working?
Betty Blue - My favourite thing to do with my doggie is have a nap.  If they're really
lucky I let them nap in my bed with me and they snuggle down under my duvet
and give me lovely cuddles.  Apparently it's a Dachshund trait to sleep
burrowed under a pile of blankets, harking back to the days when they used
to burrow down Badger holes.  They certainly look very cute all bundled up
in a blanket!  I even caught Frank stuck down the sleeve of my dressing gown
once.  He'd obviously tried to burrow down it but was too fat and got stuck.
All I could see was his little face poking out.

Another favourite thing to do is take pictures of my doggies in funny poses.
When they are sleepy you can squish their faces into funny shapes and
sometimes they just do it all by themselves.  As they have quite long
sausage noses I like taking pictures to emphasise their nose.  An endless
source of entertainment

P&P - Do you have any special tips, tricks or products that you would like to share with other dog owners?
 Betty Blue - My sausages FAVOURITE toy is their critter.  It is a long soft toy in the shape of a fox with a squeek in the nose and end of the tail.  The great thing about it is that it has no stuffing, so they don't destroy it.  They LOVE squeeking the squeekers.  Another product I can recommend is breath
freshening tablets haha.  My poor Tess is very petite and beautiful but man she has stinky breath!  If I can get her to eat one, the tablets make her smell sweet again.  Oh and I would recommend training classes.  I didn't
take mine as I had two and it would have been really expensive, but they are
really badly trained (they have selective hearing) because of it haha.

P&P - Any finally, If there was one piece of advice that you could give to anyone thinking about getting a dog, what would it be and why?
Betty Blue - Really think about the breed you get.  If you live in the city in a flat it
would be stupid to get a Collie for example as they need heaps of exercise.
Miniature Dachshunds were perfect for me because I wanted a little companion
and lap dog.


To see Betty Blue's GORGEOUS vintage loungerie you can visit her website at 

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Happy Customers: Skye and Sasha with their Handmade Dog Bandannas

Handmade Dog Bandanna by Poodles and Pompadours
I've been meaning to blog these pictures for ages now but I kept forgetting. A few weeks ago my lovely friend approached me to ask if I could make her 2 doggy bandannas before my website launch in a few weeks, and of course I agreed!

Von picked out some lovely polka dot and tattoo print fabric from my stash and I made her 2 made-to-measure neck scarves for her gorgeous Boarder Collies. She was kind enough to send me these pictures and I'm sure you'll agree that Skye and Sasha look gorgeous in their new accessories.

These bandannas are handmade and slide on to your dog's collar to ensure a safe and secure fit :)


If you would like to get your paws on some of our handmade dog accessories then our online shop and website will be re-launching in a few weeks time. Alternatively, if you can't wait and would like me to make you something nice now, you can email me or contact me via Twitter or Facebook to discuss your order.

P.S Here's Bambi and Bear wearing their little scarves. As you can imagine - they have one in every colour!

Monday 11 June 2012

Dogs Trust Launch New Grooming Products Range

I was looking for a natural product to help to moisturise my dogs paw pads this summer, so I put the question out on Twitter and the lovely @skew_earring suggested that I look at the Dog's Trust website as they have just launched a new range of grooming products.

 I had a quick look on the website and I had to stop myself from buying everything. They have a fantastic range of products, including dry shampoos, conditioners, snout & paw balms and gift sets, and the best thing about it? All the profits go straight to the Dog's Trust so you're helping animals in need as well as keeping your dog looking and feeling great!

My favourite product is the Paw Protection Cream.
It's made from 95% natural ingredients and helps to protect against dry, cracked and sore paws that can often be caused from walking on hard surfaces all the time. It's only £6.99 for a 100ml tub which I think is great value.
"Jojoba Oil and Karitè butter protect the skin whilst Sweet Almond and Wheat Germ oil are special hydrating ingredients."

I've actually ordered a pot of this for Bambi and Bear so I will do a review of it once it arrives and I've had a chance to use it on them.

A few of my other favourite products include the Dry Shampoo (£5.99) which is great for a bit of a clean up in between baths.
Snout Balm (£6.99) which is made from 100% natural ingredients and helps to prevent your little one's delicate nose.

"This balm contains a non-greasy blend of vegetal butters and oils such as Karitè and Mango, BabassĂą and Jojoba to deeply moisturise and nourish. It can be applied either as a preventative measure or to soothe Uses: Dry or Chapped Nose • Cracked Nose • Crusty Nose • Windburn Prevention • Extreme Weather. Also great for humans too! Try it on your lips this winter - no petroleum jelly in this one!"


 



And finally the Puppy Gift Pack (£9.99) which is a must have for any new dog owner.
It contains 3 products that are specifically designed for the delicate skin of a puppy - Puppy No Tears Spritz, Puppy No Tears Shampoo and a Puppy Brush

Have a look for yourself at the great range of products that they have on offer. I really think they are great and can't wait to try them out. And there's no chance of getting your shampoos muddled up with that bright yellow packaging! Brucey Bonus!

The Dogs Trust is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. To find out more about what they do and how you can help, you can visit their website at http://www.dogstrust.org.uk

Friday 8 June 2012

Dog Owner of The Week - Betty D'Light - Burlesque Performer and Alternative Model

This weeks Dog Owner of The Week is the fabulous Betty D'Light, Burlesque Performer and all round lovely lady.
P&P - Tell us a bit about yourself, Betty...
Betty - I work both as a burlesque artist and as the full time assistant to my fiance Chaz Royal helping him to produce and promote burlesque events such as the London Burlesque Festival. Work pretty much takes up all of my time, even when I have some time off from performing and producing shows I'm still constantly thinking about burlesque, I even go and see other burlesque shows on nights off! Its an addiction!

P&P - You're a burlesque addict! Who is your little doggy friend?
Betty -
Our dogs name is Minsky and he is a Chihuahua/Whippet cross (we call him a Whipahuahua but I doubt that the official name, Whippet/Chihuahua is a pretty unusual cross so I don't think they have a proper name!) He is named after the Minsky brothers who where a family of four brothers, famous in the early 1900s for producing racy burlesque shows.


P&P- A whipahuahua! What a mouthful! Was there any reason that you wanted that breed?
Betty - We where looking into different breeds for a while trying to work out which breed would be best for us and nothing really stuck. We liked the look of certain breeds but when we went to research we discovered that there where no breeders in our area and the breeds that where easily available to us just didn't feel right.

In the end we went to see the Chihuahua/Whippet puppies on a whim, I've always loved whippets and greyhounds but both would have been too big for is, we're lucky that Minsky has kept most of the whippet traits while staying super small like a Chihuahua! We knew as soon as we saw him that he was our dog, he's perfect for us!

P&P - What do you find most enjoyable thing about having a dog companion?
Betty - The bond you feel with your dog for me is the most enjoyable thing for me. I've always had cats and although I am completely in love with all of my cats, (we have 3) you just don't get the same bond that you do with a dog, Minsky is like my baby and he relies on me so much. The cats are my babies too but they are more like older kids that love you but only want to hang out with you now and again, the rest of the time they think they are too cool for you.

P&P - You're a very busy lady. You're always performing or working on the burlesque scene. How do you fit in having a dog around your working life?
Betty - I'm really lucky that I work from home and also live right next to a huge park which means that Minsky is spoiled rotten as he gets taken to the park at least 3 times a day! Whenever I have a show to do whether it be as a promoter or as a performer Minsky comes right along with me, he is always back stage with me at gigs or snuggling front of house with Chaz. There is never a shortage of people at shows to watch him, he loves the attention and likes nothing better than a cuddle with a glamorous burlesque performer, he even gets up on stage with the host now and again! He is a show dog through and through!
Minsky on stage at the World Burlesque Games with burlesque compère Ivy Paige





P&P - What do you find most challenging about looking after him?
Betty - I don't find having a dog challenging as such because its just so enjoyable but it does completely take over your life. There is always that responsibility there, whenever we travel we have to think about him, source dog friendly hotels, check with show venues that I'm allowed to bring him along etc. You get used to it and you learn to just factor it into your life but it is a big change.

P&P - What is your most favourite thing to do with Minksy?
Betty - Cuddles! Minsky loves cuddles and he's so little and cute to cuddle! He has very little body fat and a very thin coat so he gets cold really easily and loves to snuggle up next to you, sometimes I like to wear a baggy jumpers so I can carry him around inside it to keep him warm.
Painting by Gary Crozier of Betty D'Light with Frankii Wilde and their dogs for his Broken Doll series www.garycrozier.com 
P&P - Do you have any special tips, tricks or products that you would like to share with other dog owners?
Betty - Pigs ears! They are possibly the most disgusting thing I have ever seen but Minsky loves them and when he is hyper they are pretty much the only thing that will keep him occupied. I hate touching them though, it literally is just a pigs ear, sometimes they even have some pig hair still on them, its gross!

P&P - If there was one piece of advice that you could give to anyone thinking about getting a dog, what would it be and why?
Betty - Think long and hard about the commitment you are making. Even really small dogs like Minsky take a lot of work, I know I would find it really hard to cope with a dog all alone. Having a partner and doing it together means the burden is shared and makes things a bit easier. Its also a really nice thing to do as a couple, having Minsky has really brought me and Chaz closer, we've become one of those annoying couples who's dog is like a baby substitute! 
 
If you want to find out more about Betty D'Light & Minksy you can visit her website at www.bettydlight.com.
 
For more information on the amazing London Burlesque Festival which Betty runs with fiancé Chaz Royale please see www.londonburlesquefest.com

Monday 4 June 2012

Keeping Your Pets Safe in Summer - Pet Sunscreen

I've blogged before about the importance of keeping your pets safe in the summer months. They should have access to fresh clean water and shade at all times during the day so that they don't overheat. Whilst we are becoming more and more aware of the sun's dangers to our skin, we rarely think about what it is doing to our pet's skin, and the fact is - animals get skin cancer too.

If you pet has very fair hair, or areas of skin that are easily exposed to the sun, you should be applying sun cream or sun block to their skin at regular intervals throughout the day, especially on their ears and the tips of their noses.



I've read online that anything that is safe for very young babies can be used on animals, but I'm not entirely sure if that is true as babies tend not to spend the majority of the day licking themselves. If you are thinking of applying baby suncream to your dog or pet, please check with your vet first to see what they recommend.

Alternatively you could always invest in some pet safe sun cream. Yes, that's right! Sun cream for dogs!

I usually buy my dog food from http://www.medicanimal.com because they carry the specific chihuahua food that my dog's like as recommended by the vet and they always have good prices and great deals and it's much cheaper than buying directly from my vet or pet shop.

When I was ordering my dog food this month I decided to do a quick search of the website to see if they had any pet sun cream available as the weather is getting very warm. They do! Result!

I've ordered a bottle of this Petscreen SPF23 Sun Lotion. It only costs £10.39 with free delivery.


Petscreen SPF23 Sun Lotion is a sunscreen specifically formulated for animals. Factor 23 comes in a pump, is non-greasy, lick resistant and quick drying.
PETSCREEN SPF23 is a clear liquid sunscreen agent especially developed to protect susceptible animals from the sun. When high levels of sunshine are present, skin cancer and sun-related tumours are a very real possibility. Light-skinned or white-coloured animals are particularly at risk from skin cancer. 
PETSCREEN SPF23 contains 4 different sunscreen agents in a quick-drying base, giving a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 23 with broad- spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB components of sunlight.

PETSCREEN SPF23 should be applied liberally to susceptible areas once a day. For animals that don't like sprays, PETSCREEN SPF23 can be sprayed onto a cotton-wool swab and then wiped onto the desired areas. PETSCREEN SPF23 must not be used on sensitive areas, like noses. It should not be applied to broken skin.
Perfect for doggies who want to enjoy the sun safely!

Friday 1 June 2012

Dog Owner of The Week: ReeRee Rockette - Owner of Rockalily Cuts

I'm introducing a new blog feature to show off some dog owners who I think are truly awesome. This will include a variety of people who I think are pretty cool and they are obviously even cooler because they devote most of their lives to looking after their 4 legged friends. These people could be alternative looking, vintage inspired, business owners, designers, performers or just generally all kinds of awesome.

We're kicking it off today with the lovely ReeRee Rockette, who is proud owner to new arrival Ellington (Oh, and Rockalily Cuts, of course!)

 
P&P - Tell us a bit about yourself, ReeRee...
ReeRee - I own Rockalily Cuts, and I blog about my life journey along the way (fashion, beauty, hair, rockabilly, business and vintage). I love relaxing in a coffee shop with a new book; not much else makes me happier!

P&P - And who is your little doggy friend?
ReeRee - Ellington is a Yorkshire Terrier. I was told he was 5, but I'm convinced he's a bit older. Others say he looks like a teddy bear, but I think he's a bit fox-like!
 

P&P - Was there a particular reason that you chose to have a Yorkshire Terrier over any other breed?
ReeRee - I knew I wanted a small dog, and they would have to fit into my life! He is a rescue though, so I think fate found me the right buddy!

P&P - What is the most enjoyable thing about having Ellington in your life?
ReeRee - I love how many people come and chat to me. It's pretty constant, and it makes London a much friendlier place!
 
 P&P - You're a very busy lady. You run your own hair salon, networking group and you blog about your alternative lifestyle. How do you fit in having a dog amongst all that?
ReeRee - Ellington is a working dog! He gets on the train each morning to work, and hangs out in the salon with me. He likes people, and is very easy going, but he does relax most when he's near me.

P&P - What do you find most challenging about having a Ellington?
ReeRee - Having to plan my needs around his. If I need to pop into a shop, but they don't allow dogs, for example. His vet bills can mount up too!
 
P&P - I know the feeling! What is your most favourite thing to do with Ellington when you're not working?
ReeRee - Just hanging out in bed really. He likes a quick snuggle, real close to my face, and then goes and chills out at the other end. I like seeing him relaxed.

P&P -  Do you have any special tips, tricks or products that have made being a dog owner easier for you?
ReeRee - I love my poo bag, with a little hole at the bottom, so that I can just pull a bag out. It makes the whole process a lot faster, as you don't need to open your handbag to find a poo bag! I'm not a fan of spending too much money on things he doesn't care about, so I have used a doll bed, and a picnic basket as his beds. 

 
P&P - Very resourceful! Bambi had a bed made from a wicker basket when she was a puppy. If there was one piece of advice that you could give to anyone thinking
about getting a dog, what would it be and why?

ReeRee - Trust your gut, but just be aware of how much of a commitment they really are. If you fancy staying out all night having a mad one, the dog may not be super happy being left alone....you do have to consider the dog first most of the time.
 
Great advice, as always from ReeRee. And isn't Ellington such a cutie? I'm sure he'll be very popular in the salon. 
If you'd like to meet Ellington and get an awesome haircut in the process, why not pop into the Rockalily Cuts salon at 205 Kingsland Road, E2 8AN 
or visit their website: http://www.rockalily.com