Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas from me and The Biscuit!  We're Santa's elves!

Only 3 Days Til Christmas...

Dixie here...
Only 3 days until Christmas!  Don't forget to put me on your shopping list!!!

I'm dreamin' of a white Christmas... even though I don't like to be cold, it looks so nice!

Only 5 Days Til Christmas...

Don't forget your furry friends!!!

Our Christmas Tree...

Dixie here...
Only 8 days until Christmas... The Biscuit and I are posing with our Christmas hats on in front of the gallery Christmas tree! 

Dock Square Christmas Tree

Dixie here...
This is the Dock Square, Kennebunkport, Christmas tree, and the view of some shops and restaurants heading toward the bridge.   A little snow would be perfect! 

Decorating...

Dixie here...

Here's a picture of me helping dad decorate the house for Christmas the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Can't you see how hard I'm working hanging the lights?

Snowmen...

Dixie here... I shopped early this year for my Christmas headgear... It was still green behind me when mom took this photo! 

Santa Watch!

Dixie here....

The Biscuit and I got to go see Santa on Saturday at the Animal Welfare Society in West Kennebunk.  I got to go in first and I was an angel!  I wore my Santa Watch hat that I got last year at Scalawags Pet Boutique! 

I met lots of other dogs there and several of my aunties were there... Here I am with the big guy!!!  And of course, The Biscuit laid down so Santa had to get on the floor with him and rub his belly! 

Rudolph

Dixie here...

I had mom take this photo of me ready to go out so you could see the back of my new sweater... Rudolph is on it! I got it at Scalawags Pet Boutique.  I wear it everyday when I go out and sit on my porch chair.  It's a tough life to be spoiled! 

My nose gets red in the cold, too!  I can't fly, but I bet Rudolph can't climb trees! 

Today is the Animal Welfare Society's Christmas Open House, and I hope to go and see Santa.  If I behave, perhaps I'll get my picture taken with him! 

Inside...

Dixie here....

I haven't been on the computer lately, with all the Christmas shopping and decorating... wait, I didn't do any!  That must be me lounging inside on the sofa! 

Today is particularly cold and windy... so I stayed inside.  I do like to look out and see what's going on in the neighborhood! 

Happy Hound Christmas Card 2011

This is my Happy Hound Designs first Christmas Card - Elfin Christmas Magic!!!

To order visit RedBubble.com:  Dog Elf Christmas Card

Dixie

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

What are you thankful for?  I'm thankful for my new forever home in Maine... lots of food, love and TV!  And I'm thankful to have my mom and dad... and My Biscuit! Happy Thanksgiving! 

My New Sweater...

 Here I am with my new sweater on...

There's a reindeer and snowflakes on the back...
Have to get more photos tomorrow.

The hood covers my ears and has a cute red tassle! 

New Sweater, Hats and Cookies...

See the box of cookies with the tennis ball on the bottom shelf?

My profile with reindeer hat...

I'm cute... admit it! 
I don't look at all like the Grinch's dog Max...

'Kiss Me' antlers...

He is handsome in his... I'd kiss him! 

Dixie here... I finally got my folks to bring me to Scalawags Pet Boutique today... I got to try on an assortment of holiday hats... and so did The Biscuit.  I think they all look better on me!  Plus, I got a great new sweater with a hood... I'll post those photos tomorrow! 

And, this is for all my 4-legged friends out there... if you go there and claw at the cookie packages on the lower shelves, you can tear them open and your folks will have to buy them for you!!!  I got a sweet box of all natural cookies - peanut butter bears and cheddar rounds, and a tennis ball! 

A Day at the Tennis Courts...

Mom took us to the tennis courts yesterday after The Biscuit went to the vet to have his butt checked... We had a rompin' good time!  There was a nasty lady there yelling at mom, twice, because she was setting up some dog training and The Biscuit and I were barking at her.  Well, her trainees need to have distractions and after all, it's a public park!  we have a right to have fun!  I felt bad for mom, but she didn't say anything to the lady - she just kept playing and training with us. 

Pay Attention...

All dog and pet owners, please pay attention!  It's getting colder out now...  Your canine best friends need warm, soft sweaters or coats if they plan to spend time outdoors.  I'm going shopping at Scalawags Pet Boutique to get a new sweater... or coat... or hat... and treats... 

Biscuit Thinks He's SO Cute!

Biscuit thinks he's so cute when he poses like this!

Happy Howl-oween!

I'm ready to go trick or treating... hope folks have plenty of dog biscuits - candy is not good for dogs!

The Biscuit is a party pooper... look what he wrote on his sign!

Ready for Halloween!

I'm trying to look devilish... but it's just not my nature! 

It's My Chair!!!

My Biscuit has been laying in my chair when I'm on the couch...

Boho style... Layering

Dixie here... Boho style enjoys lots of layers... but don't over do it.  'Go easy on the color combinations'.  For shapeless or extremely long pieces, use a belt. 

When considering the number of layers think about whatever you are adding in terms of it drawing attention away from your face, dragging your frame down and making you look small, or making you look heavy or heavier than normal in some areas.  We still want our figures to be flattered! 

Don't forget to accessorize and the bling!  Big and chunky diamonds, gold, cubic zirconia or Swarovski crystals... studds and leather chains... designer bags... layered necklaces and bracelets... scarves...

Bohemian Style Tips...

Dixie here... I have gathered a list of tips on Bohemian style clothing - and the most important part of this fashion statement is Balance.  Use your intuition.  If you think it's too long, too short, too much, not enough - you are probably right - fix it! 

As I mentioned in a previous post, recycle clothing shops are great for creating your own individualized boho wardrobe.  Using the colors I mentioned in the last post as your basics, add from there.  Select vintage, Indian and ethnic clothing whenever possible to achieve the look. 

Some ideas: 
Tunics, maxi beach dresses, kaftans, minis and kimonos with a tie or scarf belt... 

Choose tie dyed and tiered skirts... harem and gaucho pants - remember those?!  And pair them with flowy, vintage lacy tops, embroidered peasant tops... 

Jewels is a whole category by itself!  Fun, inexpensive, chunky, glitzy, coordinated and layered. 

Have at least one scarf in your layers, from exotic Indian scarves to florals and folkloric designs.

Finish your look with a slouchy handbag in leather or ethnic print... and don't forget your shoes! I prefer to go barefoot myself - one of my Bohemian fashion statements but bipeds need footwear for most occasions. 

Popular footwear for boho styles include Gladiator sandals, moccasins, suede and leather boots in earthy colors like black, dark brown, tan, ivory and olive green.  Remember those granny boots trend?

Next time we'll talk more about layering...

Basic Boho Colors...

Dixie here... Typical boho colors are rich and warm in color. If you've had your colors done, you will know what to choose and add to your basic boho staples.  If not, now's the time to do it! 

The boho colors basic fashion palette includes black, brown, cream white, khaki and olive green.  Layer and build it from there with gold, silver, grays, dark red, deep purple and other vibrant colors. Keep your color combinations simple with no more than 3-4 colors.  

Wear the colors that you always get compliments in, colors that look fantastic with your particular hair, eye and skin tones.  Colors that look good on you, neither fabulous or bad are OK too, but avoid those tones you know don't work or, using your intuition, avoid those colors you just don't like.

Next post we'll discuss boho style tips!

Why Go Bohemian?

Dixie here... I think bohemian or boho style speaks to my tastes because it is all about artistic self-expression and my mom's an artist!  

A 'bohemian' is usually anti-establishment, is an unorthodox, intelligent thinker, and is also often lacking in funds due to his or her passions.  That can describe many, many people, not just artists!  But, you ask, why would you want to look like a starving artist? 

Ahhh... you can shop in second hand stores - they are treasure troves!  Style is who you are, not what you spend.  Baggy is beautiful and comfy!  The new confident expression of you in boho style is sexy!!! 

You can make clothing and break the rules; your options and combinations are endless; you'll have no more fashion anxiety.

So get shopping and make a statement!  Check back to read more on boho style...

Fall Fashion

Dixie here... I'd like to talk a little about fall fashions.  Colors of choice for fall are 'burnt' colors - burnt orange, burnt reds, burnt yellows ... like the colors of fall leaves. 


Retro fashion trends are emerging in 60's and 70's styles with a little oriental flavor that will continue into the spring fashion arena.  It's either sophisticated glamour or what other fashionistas are calling 'Bohemian' or boho for short. 

Boho is 'free-flowing fashion' that's more about self-expression than just a fashion trend.  It's a state of mind - a casual mix of hippie, ethnic, gypsy and vintage elements.  It is definitely my favorite fashion look - it's eclectic.  

Next post I'll discuss more on creating your boho fashion wardrobe...

Halloween Safety for Dogs and Pets...

Dixie here...  I'd like to talk about Halloween etiquette and your pets....

On Halloween night your door bell will be constantly ringing. I know I don't like the sound - it scares me - and others of my species feel the same way.  My advice?  Either be Scrooge and don't give out candy, or keep us behind closed doors in a room just for us with lots of treats, water, and toys - perhaps a TV or music on.  

Remember chocolate is deadly to us furry creatures in any amount.  We should never have alcohol... keep your partying friends away from us!  Candy wrappers and little foil balls can get stuck in our digestive tracts... be careful where you dispose of them.  Don't leave lighted jack-o-lanterns near us or in a room we occupy - our wagging tails could knock them over. 

About costumes... Just because I like to dress in various outfits doesn't mean all my canine friends do.  Just because you find a cute costume for your pet doesn't mean they will want to wear it.  When you try it on, if they don't like it, don't force them to wear it!  They will become stressed - have diarrhea or worse.  And never put a mask on your dog or cat - you could smother them! 

My last recommendation: Never let your cat out on Halloween night! 

September Flew By....

Dixie here... September was a busy month for my mom and dad, and for me as well.  I got into lots of mischief - remember, that's my job!  My mom and dad went to Wyoming and left me and My Biscuit home with our auntie... She took some photos of us that I've posted. 

I haven't been able to get on the computer... but I hear there are dog Halloween contests cropping up.  I need to get to Scalawags Pet Boutique and see what she has in stock.  My next post will be about Halloween safety for dogs and what to wear this fall...  

Hurricane Irene...

As you can see, I weathered the storm nice and safe inside with My Biscuit yesterday.  You can't see him - he's lounging in my chair - I let him sometimes.  I hope all my canine friends in hurricane-hit areas will be saved and safe very soon.  I am one lucky dog!  

I actually helped myself to a package of pizza dough that my mom was letting rise on the radiator.  (No she didn't have the heat on - but it's a good place to put the pizza pan with the dough - at least she thought so before I ate it!)  She was planning on cooking it yesterday for lunch. 

You'd think I'd be full... but I can always eat!  I don't get to eat 'people food' unless I happen upon an opportunity to help myself.  My Biscuit's so funny... when mom saw the destroyed plastic wrapper and empty pan on the floor, he grabbed her roll of packing tape off the office desk and brought it to her!!!  What was she going to do with that?  I think he was trying to butter her up by giving her a gift!  He's always got some toy or bone in his mouth and bringing it to her.  I try to steal it and then run away with it just because I can! 

Dog Days of Summer IV

This is the life...

Dog Days of Summer III

When it's cold and rainy outside, I like to curl up and take a nap on the couch...

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Happy Birthday dad!!! love your Dixie-girl!

Dog Days of Summer II

I love to curl up in my porch chair... I'm so relaxed... sometimes a cool breeze comes when the sun goes down...

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Happy Birthday mom!!!  love Dixie 

Coon Huntress

I am a treeing Walker coonhound... I was trained to hunt raccoons... at night.  I haven't hunted since moving to Maine February of 2010.  I haven't scented any either... until this summer.  There's been a raccoon across the street in the neighbor's garden... and he's come around on Wednesday nights a couple of times because it's trash collection day. 

Last night he was around - I could smell him!  I was restless and kept trying to get my folks to take me out... but all they'd let me do was go to the backyard to pee.  I humored them and peed but I wanted to go look for that coon - chase him a bit before I got him up a tree!

I howled and kept my folks awake all night!  My poor dad had to get up at 3:30 to go to work... but I needed to catch that raccoon! 

I did this to my folks a couple of weeks ago and did the same thing to my auntie in July.  Now they know the raccoon was around!  Dad suspected it was a raccoon because when he took me out at 1 a.m. this morning, I was pointing.  He told my mom, and mom saw the poor little fella on the side of the road across the street early this afternoon - he was hit by a car. 

I didn't get to run after him... I'm sad about that.  And there will be peace for my folks for a while... unless there are more...

Rhinestone Sunglasses

My mom and dad got me a new pair of sunglasses... not just any sunglasses either - rhinestone studded ones with big round lenses like my idol Elton would wear!!!

Eyeglasses for the Kid in All of Us...

This post never got published with my other fashion eyeglass advice...

Let's be frank... there's a kid in all of us, even if we are eligible for Medicare!  We all want to look youthful and modern.  Save the heavy, dark-colored, retro eyeglasses for the non-seniors making a fashion statement!  Get rid of your oversized, heavy frames!  Donate them to charity...

Think about uplifting shapes and styles... hopefully your optician can give you some advice if you are at a loss of what to choose.  Or bring a younger friend to help.  Don't avoid colors... just stay away from the fluorescent ones like hot pink and lime green.  Coordinate tones with your hair color... nice gold and copper metals, dark reds and violets... 

And, I read somewhere that shinier frames add life to the face, especially for women ... Us girls have to stick together! 

xo Dixie

Dog Days of Summer I

I love the summer... the heat... the sun... the warmth... curled up in my porch chair!