Aw, poor Magda had no idea how much she'd have to work it when she was adopted by us almost a year ago. But look how far she's come! This was one of the toughest shoots because she *really* didn't like having to look through the sunglasses, but nothing like a little chicken skin to get a girl motivated, eh? And bless my man Jamie for stepping in as the dog trainer extraordinaire.I don't know about where you guys live, but here in Minneapolis it's been raining for days and days and days and days. We tried to get Mags into daycare a few times, but they were full! So she has a reservation tomorrow. And yes. I have a reservation for my dog at daycare. When did I become this person? When I adopted a Vizsla, that's when. I don't know who will be more thrilled about that, Mags because she can play all day or Merlin because he'll finally have some peace and quiet around the house.And speaking of Merlin! He had his annual vet checkup today and is doing great. He's in a touch more pain now though, so we're going to try some mild pain relievers tomorrow. And we're waiting until tomorrow morning to try them because apparently they have the unfortunate side effect of causing hallucinations in a small percentage of dogs. So, you know, Merlin could start barking or howling at the wall tomorrow. Ah, should be entertaining around here at least.For your internet share of the day, how about we all go check out Prince's mansion in Spain that he's selling for eight million dollars. The only part of this house that resembles anyplace I thought Prince would live is the kitchen (you have to click through to the listing to see that room).
Remember last week when I had that awesome shoot in my new studio? Well I bought a ton of amazing props to entertain the little girls, and some of the props included these helium balloons! So before they lost all their helium, I thought we'd get Magda and a balloon bouquet (of sorts). She is, obviously, thrilled about it. At least she didn't try to eat them.For my internet share of the day, I'm sending you to Houndworthy, a european shop aimed at dog owners -- both stuff for dogs and dog people. I absolutely love the red leather collar for pups. Mmmmmm, so delicious.
So last week I was at Target (of course), and I spied these bunny ears for ONE DOLLAR. Since I have a few kids shoots before Easter, I thought it would be fun to throw one or two in for the holiday... and to force a pair onto Magda. So I purchased one and then left it on my bedroom dresser.And then we found Magda eating the ears yesterday. SERIOUSLY.So then I got two MORE pair (thank god they're cheap) and now they are stored up high in the closet of my photo studio studio (which is shut off from the rest of the house). And then I forced them on the dear pup today. Obviously, she's quite pleased about it.For your internet share today, how about this post on how to clean up your wooden outdoor furniture for the season! I have a wooden bench for my front porch that I love but that looks like hell. Maybe I'll try this... you know... later.
What a goof! Today, I christened my brand new, remodeled studio with a Magda-plays-fetch photo shoot. It was so much fun! Except for that part where I got the studio all cleaned and set up, lights on, camera ready, dog in the room... and realized I had no tennis balls. She had eaten them all.And then my AMAZING and WONDERFUL husband offered to run to Target to get me some more since I was so tired from working all day. You guys? I stole the best husband. Sorry ladies! He's mine.So back we were, with the tennis balls this time, and Mags here had a blast. I couldn't choose just one image, so I thought I'd collage them for you. Originally I thought I would photoshop them all together onto one image, but after 13 hours of straight work today, I just didn't have the patience. Maybe later. For now, I think you get the idea.So what else can I tell you about Magda lately? She ate another block of cheese this week. This time it was very expensive Manchego from Spain (she has champagne taste like her mother), but since it had no onion or garlic flavoring I'm happy to report that she did not get sick. She also got tons and tons of walks now that the weather warmed up, and soon, once it's completely dry, she'll be back at the dog park. I think Magda is just about to learn how precious summers are in Minnesota.For your internet share of the day, how about this issue of GQ with Pharrell on the cover? That Grammy hat was questionable as were the Oscar shorts. But I love this cover!
Today I was working on the computer and I came downstairs for some coffee to find this scene right here. Let me remind you that our dogs are not allowed on the couch without an invitation. That means that we lay their blanket down and then they know it's ok, or we are sitting on the couch and pat the cushions to invite them up. Clearly, they follow this rule completely, and obviously we are totally in charge around here.At least they are sharing, eh?Magda's been pretty happy this week because her long walks have returned, which helps her burn off the INSANE amount of energy that she possesses. Merlin is angry that we won't walk him longer than a few blocks, but he's limping after that, so we call it off and bring him back inside. Hopefully he regains his strength slowly this summer.For your internet share today, I'm sending you to the NASA site where they are letting the public vote on what the newest space suits will look like. I was SUPER excited when I first heard about this! Because, as we all know, I do love space stuff. But you guys? These are all pretty darn ugly.
Today, Magda had her annual checkup at the vet's office (as seen above). You guys, she was AFRAID. I mean, clearly she has been to many a vet office by now, but for some reason this time she was shaking and on her very best behavior. She was so docile and sweet that the techs and doctor kept commenting on what a calm, sweet girl she was. Yeah, that's how she suckered us in as well.Anyway, she had her blood drawn and three shots, so it was a pretty prickly visit, but she was very good during all of it (anything for another treat). Then she came home and CRASHED.The good news is that all of her tests came back fine and she's in excellent health. It's been awhile since I've had a dog with a clean bill of health, and man does it feel good. Nap on, sweet sister.For your internet share of the day, I'm sending you to a delicious spring-time cocktail recipe for the "Benedict Cumberpatch." A friend of mine just started this cocktail blog, and I am loving all of her creations! Enjoy!
First, before we get any further, I have to tell you that as I type this my office window is open and it is FIFTY FOUR DEGREES OUTSIDE. Oh my, this is so exciting. I took the dogs for a walk today, but you guys, it was tragically sloppy out there. I had to double back about five different times due to "sidewalk lakes" that were unpassable. So what did this girl do? She went back home and ordered some cute new rain boots. Glass half full!The photo above was actually snapped late Saturday night/Sunday morning after the Arcade Fire show. I had already blogged, and when I got out of the shower and came to bed all warm in my pjs this was what I found (except Mags was asleep). So I tiptoed back downstairs to grab my camera and when I came back up, she heard me. Ah well, still a very cute snuggly moment.As for this girl, clearly I spoke too soon about the slippers. While she's been hoarding our things for months now, the day after I put in writing that she didn't destroy them, she ate one of my slippers. Grrrr... So now we really have to monitor what she takes to her nest. Also, yesterday we had a monstrous trip to Ikea for basement goods and when we returned, Miss Magda greeted us at the back door. Which was odd because when we left she had been locked in her crate. Ahem.Turns out, she figured out an escape route (likely because it appears Mom forgot to clasp one of the two carabiners). Anyway, we quickly surveyed the home for damage and we were pleased nothing seemed amiss. Until the phone rang and we discovered she had chewed it to bits. Thank goodness one of us works at an electronics retailer and can get another one.Also I should note this was a cordless phone, not a cell phone. Yes, we still have a land line. Yes, we are old-school like that.For your internet share of the day, how about these views of Manhattan from the new WTC building? And you can move around and change your view! And if heights scare the crap out of you (like me), you might get a touch queasy. Sorry about that.
This little lady has become quite fond of our footware. And gloves. And lipsticks. And really, anything that smells like us. Luckily, she isn't really into destroying the goods (yet), but she just likes to carry them with her and sleep next to them. Maybe we should be flattered that she wants our scent around so much. But instead we are annoyed that we can't find our other shoe.For your internet share of the day, how about some Oscars links, eh? Did you see these amazing portraits from the Vanity Fair party? Or how about the hilarious commentary on Oscar fashion from The Fug Girls? Enjoy!