Summer Walking Wardrobe Revamp!

After seeing this article on The Bark Post a few weeks back, I have been thinking a lot about the possibility of a "meet cute" during my morning walks with Holly. In fact, I have a friend who met her husband while they were both out taking their pups on a stroll in the early morning hours. Not only will I know this handsome gentleman is a fellow dog lover, but I also get Holly's immediate read on a potential love interest! Win-win!

Of course, in order to have a "meet cute" with a dashing stranger, I have to actually feel like I look cute. And let me tell you--this can be tough to pull off with no makeup, no coffee, and an eager to walk pup not allowing for any pre walk primping. However, I know I need to step up my game a bit to go from "I just rolled out of bed" to #Iwokeuplikethis. Here are some pieces I'll be adding to elevate my confidence and style without sacrificing walking time:

Clockwise from Upper Left:
Headband, Sweaty Bands
Turban, BabyJulesBoutique12
Leggings, Victoria's Secret
Tee, Megan Lee Designs
Yoga Pants, Victoria's Secret
Sweatshirt, Unit-Y (on sale!)
Sweatshirt, Lululemon (on sale!)

Do you know someone who met their S.O. through their pup? I'd love to hear the story! Share in the comments below :)

Until Next Time, Darlings!

Thought For The Day

Hello lovely followers (new and old)!

I am overwhelmed by the amount of people stopping by after our feature on Bark Post!! I hope all of you have fun being a part of our world, we sure love having you here!

Holly and I have an exciting weekend planned that we can't wait to tell you all about, but as a little treat for our readers old & new who are checking us out this week, I had to share this tidbit from this morning's walk.

There is a woman who we run into many mornings on our way to the park who loves to strike up conversation. This morning, she commented on how cute Holly is (of course), and asked if she sleeps in the bed with me (also, of course!!).

She said:

If you ask me, truer words have never been spoken!

Until Next Time, Darlings!!

The Dog Days of Summer

We can't believe Summer is FINALLY here! There were some days when it was 2 degrees outside when it seemed like we may never get warm weather again, but now we have the A/C blasting! I'm sure we'll be sick of the sticky humidity and praying for snow again by September, but in the meantime it's all early Summer spirit over at LHBW HQ!!

Maybe I was a little overzealous with the air conditioning this day.

Of course with Summer in New York comes an infinite number of pup-friendly activities, such as waiting in the Shakespeare in the Park line (we'll cover that after our first trek for Much Ado About Nothing tickets later this month!), sharing a couple licks of fro yo at Forty Carrots (or a pup friendly custard at Shake Shack), or just enjoying the sunshine with alfresco drinks or dining. But fun in the sun can also mean dehydration, irritated paws from the scalding pavement, and visits from biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Below are some of our tips on how to have fun in the sun while staying safe!

1. If possible, try to do the most walking early in the morning or after dusk, when the temperatures aren't as hot and the sidewalks have a chance to cool down.

We love to take early Summer morning jaunts to the Park, where the "Central Pack" runs off leash until 9am (though we stay on leash to protect the New York squirrel population). The park even hosts "Bagel and Bark" events with breakfast for humans and pups during the warmer months, providing a chance to socialize in sweatpants, which isn't something that happens nearly often enough!

Holly loves Central Park on the weekends!

In hot pursuit of an unsuspecting squirrel.

2. If you must walk during the day, be sure to take frequent breaks for water and paw protection.

I was so excited when I saw these sandals at Petco, thinking that my Summer pavement meets paw problems were solved forever. Of course, if you have ever tried to put a sandal on a chihuahua, you can imagine how that ended (even if you haven't, I'm sure you can guess...not well). So in lieu of proper footwear to beat the heat, I make sure if I am out with Holly during the day that we stop into dog friendly stores en route to our destination to give her little paws a break from the scalding pavement. I also carry a water bottle with me to provide consistent hydration without having to rely on the yucky shared water bowls sitting outside of stores (though Holly, in true Holly fashion, immensely enjoyed the one inside the Ralph Lauren store and proceeded to splash water all over the marble floor). 

This Dog Is Good water bottle comes with a roller ball that allows dogs to lick for water without spilling (much).

3. Prepare for Summer rain with a lightweight, packable coat.

Just because it's warm out doesn't mean Holly enjoys going out in the rain anymore than usual! My mom found an adorable Fab Dog rain coat for her that is lightweight enough for hot Summer days and also folds into a handy pouch that can be tossed in our bag in case we are surprised with a sudden shower. 

Of course an added bonus is how snazzy Holly looks in it!

4. Be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks by protecting your dog before you leave home.

I have Holly on heartworm medication year round to protect her from the harmful parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes. Once it warms up, I use a natural product for flea and tick defense rather than traditional pesticides, because I didn't like the idea of using chemicals on Holly given that she is only in areas with tick danger a few days out of the year. The spray I use is more high maintenance than the monthly application of chemical repellents (it must be re-applied every 3-4 days or after excessive sweating or bathing), but it's natural ingredients include cinnamon which smells incredible, so I don't mind giving Holly a quick spritz before we head out the door!  

Naturally pest free (and smelling like a Cinnabon!)

What are your Summer essentials for your pet? Do you have any tips for keeping them safe when the mercury rises?

Until Next Time, Darlings!

Spring Fling: Our Warm Weather Walking Essentials

As I write this, it is a balmy 37 degrees outside and the forecast calls for snow, but you know what they say, March snowstorms bring April....something.

Despite this week's cold temperatures, a 64 degree high last Saturday was a sure sign that Spring is (finally) on its way. Still, even a promise of an afternoon high can still mean morning walks are brisk, breezy, and sometimes rainy (like we need more moisture after all this snow!). Below, the things we're loving to stay cute while staving off all the April Showers!

1. Barbour Bedale Jacket

To say I am obsessed with my Barbour Bedale jacket would be an understatement. This brand's equestrian-inspired waxed jackets have long been a favorite of British royalty, spotted on everyone from Duchess Kate to Princess Di and even the Queen Mum herself! They are a perfect light Spring layer on brisk days, and the optional zip out lining and snap on hood make sure you are armed for any sudden transitional weather changes. The price tag is daunting, but with trendsetters such as Olivia Palermo making them stylish for streetwear as well as sweatpant-clad strolls, I know I will be getting enough daily wear to make the investment worth it!

The unisex "Bedale" style has been spotted on everyone from Prince William & Kate Middleton to Olivia Palermo

2. So Low Yoga Pants

I first fell in love with So Low's super soft foldover yoga pants at a small store in Boulder, Colorado while I was still in high school. At the time, the brand was a small start up (designed by the owner's sister and fellow Colorado native), and I was thrilled to find the pants worked well on my athletic legs and hips without being too large in the waist (the clever foldover waistband allows you to adjust the fit and rise with ease). Since that day, the brand is booming, and now the pants can be found at major retailers such as Bloomingdale's as well as at solowstyle.com.

3. J Crew Leopard Print Baseball Hat

6:30am walks mean two things: sun in your eyes and less than perfect hair. A baseball hat is the obvious answer, but since I am not what one would call an avid sports fan, I feel a little silly representing a team I know nothing about. That's why I'm so excited about the recent rising trend of pretty baseball hats, especially this fun leopard one from J Crew. The shape may scream sporty and casual, but the print is 100% girly and fun!

Practical and cute for the Spring sun!

 4. For Holly: Weatherbeeta dog blanket

I would be remiss if I didn't mention what Holly will be wearing during our transitional weather walks! We love our equestrian-inspired pup coats, and the Weatherbeeta rainstop windbreaker is a personal favorite for days when it is a bit chilly and rainy. It's got a bit of fill to stave off early Spring breezes, and the rain resistant material ensures that she stays warm and dry. As a bonus, she can match my parent's horse and donkey, and the only thing we love more than equestrian-inspired coats is matching ensembles!

There is a possibility I oversold how willing Holly is to walk in the rain, even in a cute jacket :)

Until Next Time, Darlings!

Holly, it's cold outside: Winter Walking Essentials for You and Your Pooch

From early November decorations to holiday music playing on loop in Petco, New York got into the holiday spirit very early this year. One look at the forecast this morning showed that the weather decided to join in on the trend as well.

I was hoping to wait until Black Friday to stock up on our cold weather walking gear, but a forecast of 23 degrees and wind made me wish I had started a little earlier! Here's what Holly and I rely on for Winter weather walks, and what we hope to add to our closet next week (if we don't freeze by then!). 

For me: I already love my 3 in 1 jacket from Colombia Sportswear, which has a waterproof hooded shell exterior and a zip out fleece liner that allows you to wear it as a windbreaker, standalone fleece jacket, or the way I wear it the most as a fleece lined windbreaker that can also stand up against surprise freezing rain or snow. It also has huge pockets that fit my phone, pedometer, gloves, and spare treats for clicker training. I found mine on Sierra Trading Post for more than 60% off and .99 shipping, and they currently stock many similar styles for the upcoming season. 

This Colombia Sportswear 3 in 1 jacket keeps me insulated from all kinds of walking weather,
and has roomy pockets for treats.

One of the things I have the hardest time with is finding gloves for walking Holly. Many traditional gloves are too thick and slippery, making it difficult for me to have a firm grip on Holly's leash (absolutely necessary for the moments she sees a squirrel and goes dashing through the snow). The best solution I have found are gloves designed for winter horseback riding. They have to be warm enough to protect a rider's hands from the outdoor elements, while thin enough and with enough grip for them to control the horse's reigns and cue their movements. Dover Saddlery offers pairs for under $20 that are warm and have extra grip so your pup's leash stays safely in hand. 

Riding gloves proved the perfect solution to our warmth & leash grip needs.

I have two go-to footwear items for Winter months. The first, for chilly days where snow and ice are not an issue and I want to be able to have the freedom of movement provided by a traditional athletic sneaker, are my Adidas Climawarm Blast Running Shoes. They are designed to keep feet warm and dry during outdoor walks and runs in cold weather, and are still supportive enough for long park treks on the weekends. 

For icy and snowy days when the treads on a running shoe just won't cut it, I reach for my Sorel Tivoli boots. They are just as warm as my favorite Uggs while being much more water resistant, allowing me to tackle icy puddles in the street and muddy paths in the park while still keeping my toes toasty. 

Now for our Winter Walk Wishlist: it became apparent this morning that my standard yoga pants  would not stand up to freezing winds, and I need something more to keep my legs warm. Luckily yoga clothes guru Lululemon has a pair of pants specifically designed for outdoor dog walks in chilly temperatures, the Dog Runner Pant, which features a wind and mud resistant exterior and a cozy "Rulu" lined interior that wicks away moisture and keeps legs warm. 

I was not the only one suffering from cold weather blues this morning, though. Holly had a growth spurt this year that left her backside hanging out of her puffy coat and shivering in the freezing wind!! As a quick fix, we ordered a Fido Fleece jacket from Amazon, which will cover her legs, tummy, and bottom under her current jacket to keep her extra warm on blustery days.

After Black Friday, we hope to add the Ralph Lauren Striped Reversible Dog Vest in pink and navy to Holly's Winter wardrobe, which when combined with the Fido Fleece will have Holly covered from neck to tail and keep her comfy enough to enjoy our long walks even when the weather dips below freezing. 

These cold weather staples should allow us to continue our fun morning routine of long walks even now that New York's notorious Winter seems to be upon us. But if all else fails, Holly knows the recipe for a perfect snowy Sunday is a cozy blanket and a full Netflix Queue. 

Until Next Time, Darlings!

Your Pup-Sonal Trainer

When I first got Holly, she had been a stray on the streets less than a month before. She was underweight, and I fed her accordingly. Of course, I made the classic mommy mistake of continuing to overfeed her even after she reached a healthy weight. A visit to the vet revealed we had gone too far in the opposite direction and Holly was actually overweight--yikes! Since I know all of the health issues that can happen with extra weight in pups, I definitely wanted to correct the issue.

We made a few changes in her diet, eliminating wet food and puppy food and instead feeding adult dry food. I also cut her dry food intake in half. But just like with people, I knew diet alone wasn't going to take the weight off.

I had an exercise routine that I had established pre-Holly that mainly consisted of at home DVDs, but now I felt guilty for making her walk a quick jaunt around the block when I could be combining her workout with my own. So I chucked the DVDs and set my alarm 30 minutes earlier, turning that quick jaunt into a 30-40 minute power walk.

There is a definite difference between a leisurely stroll with your pup and one that actually burns calories. I make sure I am equipped to break into a jog at any time--sometimes we choose to walk blocks and jog avenues, or jog whenever crossing streets, or just to jog when Holly is a little TOO occupied with one thing to sniff. Holly loves running (especially directly in front of me when I am running!), and a quick jog is usually rewarded with her leaping along beside me, all smiles and happy barks.

I wear a pedometer so we can track our distance and measure our success. On weekdays we walk about 1-2 miles, and on the weekends we expand our journey to take advantage of Central Park and walk 3-4. Weekends also find us frequently trekking around the city running errands or just exploring, so typically we end up walking 6-8 miles every Saturday and Sunday (that seems to be the magic number to FINALLY make Holly sleepy).  If there's a chance, I'll come home and I'll do a 10 minute strength session while dutifully throwing Holly's ball for her--she especially loves days with crunches because she can run up and lick my face or bite my nose!

Since we started our exercise routine, Holly has lost 3lbs and is back to a healthy weight. Everyone from our neighbors to her trainer is commenting on how terrific she looks! This Winter a dear friend of mine (and super crazy marathon runner) is participating in a 10k in the Park, and I know Holly and I could power walk our way through without a problem. As long as there's not too many interesting things to sniff, that is! :)

Before: Holly was a little fuller and we worried it would cause health issues.

After: Hard work and cutting down on high calorie food slimmed Holly to a healthy weight!

I'm glad I was able to build a workout routine that benefits both my health and my pup's. Not only is walking with Holly a chance to unplug and enjoy the outdoors every day, but it has given me the chance to check out new restaurants, stores, and landmarks I may never have visited otherwise.

A typical Saturday. Clockwise from top left: Exploring Holly Golightly's Townhouse from the movie, disobeying the rules, and rolling in something fun in the park!

Have you built your dog into your exercise routine? What are some tricks you use to keep your pup at a healthy weight?

Until Next Time, Darlings!