Many of you love to garden, as do I. Or, at the very least we can appreciate the beauty of one.

Unwanted weeds are a reality, and every time I pull one up I am reminded of a long ago sermon comparing weeding our garden to plucking bad attitudes and habits from your life.

The key point he made was that negativity, much like weeds, are a lot easier to get rid of when they are just a sprout.

He embedded a visceral desire in me to not let defects grow to the point that they become deeply embedded.

Over twenty years later and I still remember his powerful talk!

Even so, as I was clearing out the weeds in some landscaping yesterday, I again noticed the beast of a shrub — once an itty-bitty weed — that was now thriving in the corner.

The reason I originally let it grow was that it had thorns on it. And, every time I was out there watering, I never seemed to have my gloves. Then it got bigger, and situated itself behind a drainpipe and was hard to reach, so I cut it with pruning shears, which of course make it stronger, thicker and more deeply rooted!

But this was going to be the day to clear it away. No more excuses.

Protected with gloves I tried like the dickens to pull it out and quickly saw that brute force and willpower was not the way.

Then I considered again cutting it back… but, my weed demons took over and I considered for a moment that perhaps I don’t really need to remove it at all.

In a moment of inspiration I grabbed my spade and pushed it down into the earth around the roots. I circled it, breaking free the tiny roots that attached to the median roots. Then I pulled a bit more and continued with the spade until the median roots separated from the main root, and I was able to work the whole thing out after about twenty minutes. Phew!

How much of your life is like that? What negative attitudes or harmful habits were too thorny to grab hold of, or tricky to reach so you just learned to live with or manage them?

Have you tried to cut them back, only to find out that they’ve grow back stronger?

Are your difficulties now so established that it seems there is no way to be rid of them root and all?

Perhaps your solution is not will, or force or even strength…

I suggest that applying the spade principle to break apart your outlying emotional  “roots” will loosen things up enough to reach the median challenges and ultimately the core of your troubles.

I offer one simple tool that can be the beginning of your change.

A simple prayer.

If you’re not comfortable with the word “prayer.” Instead use wish, mantra, request, affirmation… whatever is comfortable for you.

First identify your challenge. Are you fearful? Controlling? Arrogant? Jealous? Angry? Avoidant? Lonely? Broke? Insecure? What plagues you?

There may be something completely different, or more than one that you think of. Just pick the first one that comes to mind, and start there.

In my prayer I’ll use angry as an example…

“ Please remove my need to be angry.”

You’re not asking for jealousy, or insecurity or fear to be removed. Your request, is that the need for jealousy, or insecurity or fear, etc... be removed.

I have found that this simple prayer — when said consistently — will always redirect you towards freedom.

It begins by separating you from the edges of your pain, and bit by bit you will be able to pull the problem out by the roots instead of only chopping it off at the ground.

What is your Achilles heel? What is the one thing that keeps you back? Makes you small? Steals your joy?

Asking for the need to be removed is a simple key to happiness that is ready and waiting to work for you.

I look forward to hearing from you on this.

In the meantime, I am most definitely in your corner…

Love,
Thais

photo credit: Mill View via photopin cc

Does this sweet girl make you happy?

For some reason I’ve been wearing my Holy Cow tee A LOT lately.

There’s something about slipping on this specific t-shirt that seems to expand all the goodness I’ve been feeling lately!

It got me thinking about early 2011 when I was developing my brand concept.

Among other things, I wanted to create a t-shirt that made you HAPPY when you put it on… and this sweet (Holy Cow) girl was just the beginning…

Sometimes, I feel like a sweet and mushy Love Bug and sometimes I’m empowered by celebrating being a Night Owl. I believe it’s because I’m embracing truths about myself.

There was a time in my life that how I felt and what I loved depended disproportionately on how YOU felt, or what YOU enjoyed.

Have you ever lived for or through someone else? Or took on hobbies a spouse or friend had even if there was something else you’d enjoy more?

Or, possibly you have a hard time enjoying things unless it is endorsed by another?

Indeed, it is wonderful to share interests with our loved ones. However, when it is to the exclusion of yourself, you run the risk of staying small and eventually growing to resent the other person for what YOU have freely given up.

There are many paths to discovering the key to your happiness.

Whether it’s the company you keep, the work you do, your home environment or something as simple as a fun shirt that puts a smile on your face.

Consider that every choice you make either takes you towards happiness or away from it. Even the attitudes you have.

I encourage you to be deliberate with what you invite into your life and even protective of the people, places, things and practices that build your spirit.

What are the ways you walk towards happiness? I look forward to hearing about your favorite spirit builders.

In the meantime, have a beautiful day and remember that I am definitely in your corner…

Love,
Thais

p.s. If you haven’t already you can check out all nine of our super fun designs HERE:)

Ways to keep your dog cool...

Yesterday we had the first 100 degree day of our Arizona summer!

Once the weather makes its shift to warmer weather there a several adjustments that need to be made…

I swap out my boots for flip flops, sign up for ballet barre (since it’ll be tricky hot to roller blade) and I get out my dog’s summer gear… which I’ll share more about in a minute.

All this got me thinking about how much I’ve had to re-learn about dog’s hot weather health and safety since I got my new pup a couple years ago.

I was stunned by what I didn’t know, and I bet you will be to…

Please read on, share and advocate for our sweet companions whenever you can…

1. Your dog’s paws WILL burn.

If you cannot hold your bare hand to the pavement, sand (or dirt, yes, even dirt) for at least 5 seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s feet. Start checking the ground temperature when the air temperature is around 80 degrees.

DON’T let them stand on hot pavement when you get in or out of the car. Don’t make them run across the hot asphalt into the pet store, the scorching sand to the waves, or to the grassy spot on the other side of the burning hot dirt. And don’t use booties, which cuts off most of their ability to cool themselves.

- DO Carry them, leave them home or walk at a time of day that the pavement, sand or dirt has cooled.

- DO use a paw wax to help buffer them from the heat. NOTE: This does not keep paws from burning on pavement that is too hot, but it does give a small degree of protection and more comfort against minor heat. I use and LOVE Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protector Wax, smearing it on and between the pads of his feet.

2. Panting DOES NOT always cool your dog.

A dog’s body temperature ranges between 100 and 102 degrees. If the temperature outside is hotter than their body, it renders their panting practically useless and they CANNOT cool themselves properly.

DON’T leave your dog, nor take your dog outside if it is 100 degrees or more without a cooling vest (check manufacturer to see how long it cools). I just did some research and ordered a new one by Ruffwear for Vito. It cools through an evaporative effect. Dry on the outside, wet in between the layers and cooling against their skin. Your dog should be dry for it to work properly.

DON’T EVER leave your dog in the car if it’s hotter than 70 degrees. Even when it’s nice outside, the interior temperature of a car can soar 25–30+ degrees in a matter of minutes. Even if it is around 70 degrees outside and you decide it’s safe, always leave windows open and lots of fresh water…

- DO take them inside with you if you can carry them, otherwise leave ‘em home in the air conditioning.

3. Spraying your dog with water DOES NOT cool them down.

Spraying water on a dog may feel cool to them for a moment, but since their skin has no pores – much like a scuba suit — being wet is not cooling like it can be to us. Instead, it’s more of a wet blanket effect.

DON’T spray your dog down to cool them off. It doesn’t work!

- DO take them to the pool, lake or ocean. Swimming can be great summer exercise and loads of fun! But remember. If it’s 100 degrees or more outside, the only thing cooling your dog is the water. Once they are done with their swim it’s like they’re in a rubber suit… they are not cooling as they dry like we do. Dry them and put a cooling vest on them, or get them back inside right away.

4. Hiking, running, biking can literally kill your dog.

Other than greyhounds and some sled dogs, your dog’s systems are not built for long distances… regardless of the weather.

DON’T think that because your dog is smiling he must be happy. Dogs love their humans and want to be near. They will run until their heart bursts to please you. I know two people who have lost their (young & healthy) dogs… one to heart failure from chasing rabbits in the desert and the other from heat exhaustion while on a hike with her owner. Sorry to be bleak, but it’s a reality we need to know about.

If you run them long distances (longer than a few blocks) chances are they may be suffering, or incurring gradual stress on their heart, which can shorten their life (and quality of life) considerably.

DON’T let them run or chase balls at the dog park (even in the shade) for more than a few minutes at a time. They can easily overheat, and flip into heat exhaustion. A cooling vest will help with this, but be vigilant.

–DO take them for a regular WALK before or after the heat of day, and when the pavement is cool.

–DO teach them to walk on a treadmill (never leave them unattended).

–DO make an indoor toy. My absolute favorite is a long fluffy toy tied to the end of a horse’s lunge whip. It looks like a massive cat toy! Not only does my very high energy dog get to burn energy. He LOVES it! But only use it on soft footing (no tile floors, pavers, pavement, etc…because it will tear up their feet) If you don’t have a large enough carpeted room inside, try a shady spot of grass. But, again… watch the time, temperature and use a cooling vest.

5. Cutting your dog’s hair can make them hotter!

There is no doubt that a dog with thick shaggy hair can benefit from a trim. But, DON’T cut it too short. The downy undercoat, can actually insulate them from the heat.

- DO check with your vet or groomer to find the best length. Even so, all of the same tips apply that I’ve listed above.

One final thought... for their nose, ears, bellies and all short-coated dogs a good 30 spf canine sunblock is key. I use, Epi-Pet sunscreen because my vet warned me about effectiveness and toxins in human sunblock when used on dogs. Frankly my dog hates the spray. But, bully dogs like mine are especially prone to skin problems, so I cover his eyes and snout and spray him everywhere behind his shoulders — especially the underneath which often can get burned from the light reflection. Then I spray into my hands and rub a bit on his ears and nose and we’re good to go.

I hope you will use and share these tips…. I was surprised when I realized all the misinformation I had absorbed. And, I am grateful we can let go of those old ideas together and embrace a healthier and safer way to show our dogs how much we love them.

If you have any questions or comments, I welcome them. If you want to know more about my favorite pet supplies click HERE.

But first, I’d love it if we can make this thing viral! Let’s get this out there, educate our fellows and protect our faithful loving companions. Please Email it, Facebook, Tweet, LinkedIn… everywhere.

My pup and I thank you, and we are definitely in your corner….

Love,
Thais (and Vito)

p.s. Just to show you some extra love our “Top Dog” tees are $15 off with the code SUMMERDOGSAFETY15 at checkout. But, only through midnight on Sunday May 5th. Get one for yourself and one for a friend in our shop... as many as you want, $15 BUCKS off each “Top Dog” plus free shipping. Woof!

Blog image photo credit: Amarand Agasi via photopin cc

I know life is pretty good, when I’m bummed out about my hair color!

The colorist kinda missed the mark with my highlights, and if you know me, you know my hair is my pride and joy. It not coming out right, literally made me want to cry.

I’m reminded that this is what I call a luxury problem.

Luxury problems are when positive things in your life go a little haywire.

Plane delays on your holiday, ding on your new car, a wet sofa seat from the kids and dog plopping down after being in the pool, love handles or a bit of a stomach pooch on a disease free body, and yes… an orange undertone on otherwise gorgeous healthy hair.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that just about everything could be included in this “luxury” category.

There’s a wonderful poem I read a while back entitled “I Am Thankful For...” It helps give a vital perspective in finding the key to happiness.

I Am Thankful For...

The mess to clean up after a party
because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

The taxes I pay because it means I’m employed.

The clothes that fit a little too snug
because it means I have enough food to eat.

My shadow that watches me work
because it means I am out in the sunshine.

The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
because it means I am capable of walking.

All the complaining I hear about our government
because it means we have freedom of speech.

The lady behind me in church who sings off key
because it means I can hear.

The piles of laundry and ironing
because it means my loved ones are nearby.

The lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning,
and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.

Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
because it means that I have been productive.

The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
because it means that I am alive.

How amazing is that?

Consider… what it would be like to shift your perspective so that you see every inconvenience, disappointment or delay as something positive?

I’m not talking about a silver lining, but truly giving your life experiences a different meaning than what they’ve always brought up in you.

The example that comes to mind? When a bird poops on ya, it’s good luck, right? Why? Because “luck” is the meaning it’s been given.

So... what if it’s not the outside circumstances that need to change. What if it’s the meaning we give that dictates how happy we can be?

Stay with me. That’s as psych101 as I’ll get.

Here’s an example. The worst thing I could imagine happening to my finances and credit was a foreclosure. I fought it and fought it and fought it. Then came a moment – knowing I’d done what I could — where I stopped fighting. And, in the next moment I remember feeling relief. And, ever since then I’ve been lighter and happier and — free — regardless of my credit score.

This, my dear, is what I want for you. Freedom.

I’m not saying that the gratitude born from difficulties is to be shunned, nor that finding the positive amongst the seemingly negative isn’t important. And I definitely agree that there are some real-deal hardships in this life that need to be fought through.

But, I would bet dollars-to-donuts that most of the time, it’s a luxury problem reminding you of how blessed you are.

What’s your take on this? What’s your latest woe? Was there a moment it became a positive? How would giving new meaning to the seemingly bad affect your outlook and experience of life.

I really look forward to hearing from you…

And, remember, I am most definitely in your corner!

Love,
Thais
photo credit: Lynn Kelley Author via photopin cc

Today was going to be week three of simple tips and inspiration for gettin’ things done...

The first week was an ode to getting and keeping your home environment serene. If you missed it, you can see the article and the awesome cleaning calendar here.

Last week was focused on uncovering your style within the wardrobe you have. You can check out those ideas for pulling your look together here.

This week I’m scrapping my original plan.

As I write, I’ve got a heating pad on my back and an icepack on my neck.

Six words… “I was rollerblading with my dog.”

I guess I could stop there and you could imagine… but, it’s a pretty good story, so here I go.

I was rollerblading with my dog… and, it was gorgeous out. 73 degrees, sunny, a light breeze and hardly anyone on the paths around the lake. He was frisky, I was frisky and I goosed his happy trot into a gallop. We were flying! So FUN!

Suddenly, in one stride he went from full speed to a hunched over pooping position. I sling-shotted past him, the leash tightened and then whipped me around like a tetherball. Hi-larious! We musta looked like a cartoon… I dropped like a 40 lb. bag of kibble.

As I lay there on the ground, he glanced at me woefully as he finished his business and wandered over to see what it was I found so interesting in the dirt!

Amazingly no scrapes or bruises. Just a little sore.

It occurred to me as I dusted myself off; why didn’t I just let go? He’d of had his potty break without the traction on his neck, and I would of glided down to an easy end.

It coulda been because I didn’t want to chase him down if he took off after the ducks. Or, perhaps I was worried he’d run over the hill into the street. Maybe I even thought it would somehow balance me.

But, the reality is none of that occurred to me.

This got me thinkin’ about how difficult surrender and letting go can be.

Yet, letting go has always been the cornerstone for my spiritual growth and key to my happiness. It’s the moment my body relaxes and there’s room to again discover joy.

Is life whipping you around like a tetherball?

Consider letting “them” go do their business while you remember who you are, maintain your balance... and effortlessly glide along.

Nice thought, huh?

Now that I have literally acted out this metaphor for you, I hope it’ll make your day better, your interactions sweeter and your spirit lighter.

What is it they say??? Let go are be dragged? Close enough.

Have a beautiful day and remember, I am most definitely in your corner!

Love,
Thais

photo credit: alexisnyal via photopin cc