Memorial Day Weekend

For those of you who aren't my facebook friend, Addie and I took a road trip. We went to visit my family in Missouri. It's quite the drive from east Tennessee, and luckily Russ rode with us to Nashville/home from Nashville to help with the driving. I had a great time visiting with my family (my mom flew up for the weekend too!). Addison was Addison. I think that the consensus is that she has gotten a little better.  We picked up Add's dog bed frame from my grandpa's house and it is AMAZING! Definitely glad that I didn't spend the $312 that they wanted at the store. I will do a post on that later this week. Overall, it was a great weekend. I really miss living there, and in some ways it feels just as much like "home" as my hometown does. I wish that I lived closer so I could visit more often. I was not at all photogenic from Friday through Monday so you will see no pictures of me. Sorry. Here are most of the pictures that I took this weekend:

my co-pilot

"get me out of here"

My grandpa's garden was looking good

 Addison developed a fascination with the drink cart at Nan's house.

of course she did!

 After lunch on Sunday, we went to look at "the river" (Mississippi). It made me miss Memphis.

Mom posing

 When we drove back through Nashville, Addison decided to share some of her treats with her "Uncle" Bentley...and by share I mean that she dropped her treat to share his treat

her treat is on the floor

 On the car ride home, someone got a little attitude when I tried to stretch my legs out

giving me her best "child! child, please!" look

It's going to be a low-key week/weekend at our house so I'll have time to blog!

Memphis

I was trying to explain to someone last week why I liked living in downtown Memphis, and all I could come up with was "It's just a feeling and the energy." This video sums up everything that I couldn't think of to say.

from the Memphis Convention and Visitor Bureau

She's Mine

I know that Addison is obviously not genetically related to Russ or me.

(I may be crazy, but I'm not that crazy)

Still, sometimes we (really meaning I) watch her and think "I've seen that look before"

Over time, Russ and I have decided that Addison most definitely 100% takes after my family....probably because she hangs out with me most of the time (don't get me started on the book that I'm reading. I'll do a post later, but I'm pretty sure that a lot of her issues are caused by me)

If she was human or just could talk, I'm sure people would say the same thing.

Does anyone else out there think like that their dogs take after certain family members or am I the only ridiculous one out there?

Birthday Shout Out

Addison is sending a birthday shout out to her grandma....

She is very sad that she can't spend the day with her Doll, but I have a feeling that they'll be getting a lot of quality time soon!

Another Saturday at the Park

Addie went to the dog park on Saturday and got to play with some of her best buds. We arrived a little late so she only got to play for a little bit, but it was certainly worth it.

just hanging out with "the girls"

playing tug of war with Lucy (who graciously let Addie win)

wrestling with Bella

In case you're wondering, she was only wearing one red/white polka dot bow. The other bow fell out and I just didn't have the energy to put it back

May Barkbox Review

Oh my goodness! Addison made out like a bandit with this month's BarkBox. This month's box featured small businesses with unique dog products (including one of my all-time favorites as a pet owner!).  As usual, the italicized description is what was provided by the BarkBox card, and my opinions will follow.

This month's box

descriptions

Charlie Chews: Made in our home city of NYC, these 100% organic treats are good tasting and good for you. No preservatives and all natural ingredients mean no guilt and a happy, healthy treat for your dog. Addison received the venison treats. They are allergy-friendly (for her), and she will be trying them this weekend. My guess is that she will love them! I'll let you know the details after she indulges in a few.

product found here

Cain and Able: Treat your dog at bath time! Try out this hypoallergenic shampoo from Cain and Able on any age and breed of dog. Their all natural formula is gentle on the skin and will leave your pup clean and great smelling. I was actually very excited to see this. I've heard great things about Cain and Able's pet products, and can't wait to try it on Addison. I'm also really excited that it's travel sized and will fit in my toiletry kit when we go on vacation because sometimes sweet Addison gets to smelling kinda yucky especially after long walks.

product found here

Spiral Bully Chews: These are bully sticks...with a twist! They're odor free, all natural, and sources from free-range grass fed cattle. Keep your pup occupied AND promote healthy teeth and gums. Addie loved it. I'm amazed at the amount of different bully sticks available at bestbullysticks.com. Will be buying more.

product found here

Gulpy: This portable water dispenser is perfect for walks, a trip to the park or whenever you and the pup leave home! No more sharing a slobber-covered water bottle with Fido, this one is all his. I squealed when I saw this. This will be Addie's 4th gulpy, and I believe that this is one of the best dog products out there. You fill up the bottle section with water, and screw the top on and close it. It can attach to a strap or be placed in a purse/bag or even just be held (I wore one on my hiking bag last weekend), and when the dog is ready for a drink, you lift the bottle up and water comes out into the trough/bright green portion thus giving the dog a bowl like portion to drink out of (my directions probably make no sense to anyone but me...sorry). They came in different colors. I've got one in my car, one in Addie's travel bag, and one in Addie's room because you never know when she's going to get thirsty! I think that this will be going into Russ' car.

product found here

Katie's Bumpers: The Sqwuggie is an awesome interactive toy made from durable, fire hose material. They're great for tug, fetch or any water excursion. BarkBox agrees with their company's motto - Get out and play with your dog! I tossed this to Addie as soon as I took the tag off, and she took off running with it. I know that this will get a lot of use at our house. I checked out the website and they have some awesome (and what appear to be durable!) toys. I will definitely be looking into buying some more products soon.

product found here

You can check out my reviews of the February box, the March box, and the April box.
If you're interested in ordering a BarkBox for your canine friend(s), use this coupon code TAYBR033 for $5 off your order.

New on My Must Have List

I WANT THESE SHOES!!!! Yes, I'm "yelling" by typing in all caps. 

The Monogram Studio is my new obsession.
My favorite item: monogrammed Chuck Taylors.

image and product information found here at the Monogram Studio website

Could they be any cuter??? And also a great excuse to get rid of my nasty gray Chucks that should have been tossed a while ago.

If family members are wondering what to get me for the upcoming birthday, *hint, hint* I need these shoes.In navy. Deerfield Park initial style. You can pick the monogram color.