All Decked Out

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INSPIRATION 2014 #78: This guy just makes me laugh ~ I wonder how he would get along with two scottish terriers? 

Scottish Terrier Humor

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INSPIRATION 2014 #50: From The Argyle Sweater comic strip by Scott Hilburn. Always thought Argyle would be a good name for a scottie.

Four Letter Humor

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INSPIRATION 2014 #20:  A friendly message cleverly wrapped up in a four letter word! Seemed appropriate today as I am feeling a bit behind with my "daily inspiration" as well as all the other things on my "to do" list!

Design by Gulshan Kishor and Mellin Paulo Bernardo.

Holy Smokes!

{listed on ebay, but no longer available}

After spotting the smoking children photos that I posted about a couple of days ago, I came upon this cute little cigar tin above ~ how dare someone use a cute little scottie to promote smoking cigars! After that, I just seemed to find smoking dogs everywhere I looked! Here are a few of my favorites ~ credited where possible.

{Teddy Roosevelt lookalike from here}

 {Statham Cook Collection found here}

Now, do these elegant chaps make you want to go out and buy a pack of smokes so you can emulate their style?

At least I doubt any of these guys are chain smokers ~ dogs are smarter than people when it comes to smoking ~ even if they do look debonair! Plus, I'm sure it is extremely difficult to light up your pipe, cigar or cigarette if you are a dog.

{those photos without credits are from my pinterest board on dogs}

Stylishly Smart Secret Accessory

Don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining, but over the last couple of months I have lost more than 30 pounds. So, while I am ecstatic about losing the weight, it has caused some problems with my wardrobe. Needless to say, I am my father's (thrifty engineer) daughter, so I have come up with the perfect solution so I can continue wearing many of my pants and skirts ~ the binder clip, medium size!

As you can see above, the simple binder clip keeps everything together firmly and is comfortable to wear ~ plus as long as you wear a shirt or jacket untucked, no one will ever know! Then again, this could give you some trouble at airports ~ I haven't tried it out yet.

When I was in junior high, I remember coming up with similar solutions to avoid sewing ~ I'll bet there are others out there who have masking taped up a hem now and then, right? Well, just thought this would be a helpful hint for someone ~ binder clips are now a permanent part of my wardrobe ~ try one, you'll see!

Exercise Attire

{link from here}

In general, we have been lucky this year to have a pretty mild winter, although on the cold days I have been bundling up both at home (to keep my heating bills at a minimum) and when I go on my daily walk. As it seems to take me hours to get dressed with my multitudes of layers, I am looking for a more simple solution ~ something like the above.

Anyone know where I could acquire such a workout suit? As long as I keep warm I don't think I will mind being mistaken for the Michelin Man or the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man ~ plus, I could probably make some extra cash making appearances at parties and events. Win, win ~ now, just to find a suit in my size! Maybe some roller skates too!

PS. I generally leave the cigar at home when exercising as it is quite a fire hazard.

A Solution for the Easily Distracted. . .

Don't think I have enough bowls!

Are You Afflicted with AAADD?

I think I had an episode over the weekend, but I can't remember. Nice to know there is a name for the affliction! Any of you have this too?

Enjoy the Weekend!

Start your weekend off right with some humor! This video makes me laugh out loud every time! Now that you're laughing ~ or at least smiling, have a great weekend!

Brush Up on Proper Dental Hygiene for Your Opossum!

Have some extra time on your hands this weekend? Why not brush up on some proper dental hygiene for your opossum? This video will provide all of the details (and more) that you will need in order to keep your opossum's teeth looking white, shiny and gingivitis free. If only I had had this knowledge back when Scurvy was visiting ~ perhaps he would have been a more congenial houseguest?!

C or D? What works for you?

Don't know about you, but I could use a laugh today!

Happy Halloween 2010!

{Beelzebub (Speck) & Lucifer (Sprocket)}

Happy Halloween from Beelzebub and Lucifer ~ my very own Scottish devil dogs! The boys are very patiently modeling my Devilish Dog Accessories ~ aren't they hideously handsome?

This year we had to give up on costumes for home as it has just been too busy to squeeze another project in. I did manage to whip together a quickie costume for work though ~ and found a way to incorporate Sprocket as well. As I am the art director for the American Girl Crafts line, we went as an American Ghoul Doll and her pet, Lucifer the devil dog. Beelzebub remained at home ~ he's not one to embrace the corporate life. Another coworker showed up as an American Girl Doll, so we were a great pair - we both won prizes ~ I won for scariest, Kristen for most creative.

Sprocket did very well on his first (and only) day on the job ~ he wore those devil horns all day long with no complaints. He also cleaned up after the breakfast party, managed at least 10 rooster crows, and networked with everyone at the event. After the long day at work, he too was looking forward to a good night's rest! Happy Halloween!

A Sizzling Compromise

{image from here}

I think I just might be able to interest Dick in some formal wear!

Brrrrrrrrrrr! It's Cold Out Here!

{Image from here.}

Love the tagline! Wishing you all a cozy and warm weekend!

Fun With Mad Men

What better way to start the week than to waste a little time finding out which Mad Men character you are! Spotted this over at the always entertaining The Bedlam of Beefy ~ looks like he and I have lots in common! The housewife gig does sound pretty good to me right about now ~ two out of three times my answer was Betty, so it must be right. Take the quiz and see who you are here.

If you are still looking for more excitement, Mad Men yourself here.

Cheers! Have a good week!
xoxo ~ Julie (aka Betty)

Clickity, clickity, click

Sorry for the unannounced blog break ~ I had hoped to post a notice, but ran out of time. Lately, I am always scampering around at the last minute ~ especially when it comes to packing a suitcase and catching a flight! I have just returned from a short trip back to Pennsylvania to visit my family, meet my new niece and attend a college reunion at Bucknell ~ had a great time, but it was pretty hectic!

As I settle back into my regular life, I happened to come upon this short film ~ a friend had shared it with me years ago as she knew I love to knit and had become somewhat obsessed with knitting ~ especially scarves. It is rather long, but if you have a bit of patience it is entertaining and beautifully done ~ especially if you appreciate short films or are a knitter. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do......The Last Knit by Laura Neuvonen.

Fabulous Find #7 ~ Kiddie Koop

Look what D and I came upon this weekend ~ an original Kiddie Koop! When I turned the corner in the basement level of the River Market Antique Mall and saw this, I had no idea what it was until I saw the xeroxed copy describing this crib/bassinet/playpen from the 1940's. The photo of the baby in the advertisement drew my attention as it looked like some sort of circus attraction ~ it really looks like a cage as it has mesh screen. This one seems to be missing its top ~ yes, there is actually a lid on this contraption! Aside from the wire screen, the chipping lead based paint and the multiple pinching hinges, it seems a wonderful place to keep your baby entertained ~ and contained. What mother wouldn't love to keep her little monkey locked up in a cage while she cooked dinner or caught up on the laundry ~ plus, the rolling wheels would make it easy to transport the little tot anywhere ~ as long as you live in a one story home. I was so entranced by the oddity, that I never did even look at the price ~ also, I've already bought my sister and her husband a baby gift ~ I'll have to put this on the back burner for someone else!

While looking for visuals to go along with my photo, I found out that the Kiddie Koop was, by some accounts, designed by none other than Buckminster Fuller, the father of the geodesic dome. You can read more about the Kiddie Koop here and here. The advertisement above and the images below are all from daddytypes.

Now for something completely different . . .

While I was searching for the video performance of Susan Boyle, I came upon this ~ not of the same caliber, but certainly entertaining. Gave me a good laugh!