Tag Archives: true love

Love bites

love bites. Ok not talking about vampire romances or zombies dating. Am talking about the fact that there are people who get love marks on their necks (and other body parts) and I cannot think of the name of them at the moment. That is how out of touch I am with a love life.

My day revolves around a certain dog who wanted an encounter with a skunk this morning. No, thanks. Been there, done that. And in Cici-ville, you know all is upside down since that is her perspective from lying on her back looking at the world.

Photo on 2014-01-26 at 13.54 #3

Anyway, romance is not supposed to be dead for those of us over a certain age (50 or even 60). In fact, I wrote a press release for Dr Christiane Northrup, a wonderful woman’s doctor, who had proof that women get hotter and sexier as they age. And our peak sex lives are supposed to happen as we enter our Golden Years.

OK. well, as usual I guess I am missing out on the trend.  I never did get REALLY married (well, I did for four years) but I am talking about FALLING IN LOVE, TRUE LOVE marriage for 10 years PLUS with my Prince Charming, I have been divorced for 15+ years now and Cici has been my only companion. That is sad, don’t you think?

So to add a little spice to my life (and yours maybe), I am going to write about my romantic life or lack thereof, attempts to write about romance and singlehood as a pet guardian. I will also include travel into the mix. Just thought that I would warn you that I am going to be taking this left turn into a new topic arena. Just in case you are interested, have tips, advice and/or are offended by romantic/sexy topics. Not graphic nor erotic stuff. Do not want to invite voyeurs, perverts or child molesters onto this blog. Anyone with an unhealthy appetite can leave now. Thank you very much.

But if you are willing to go along on a new track with me, hop on the bus, Gus. And don’t fuss about it. And if you think Baby Boomers, seniors and old people do not have a love life, think again. Valentine’s Day is soon upon us and we expect flowers and chocolates. We will be posting about love gifts for your dog and for the pet guardians as well as romantic retreats that are also pet friendly (our annual Valentine’s Day gift guides).

I have been trying to get through writing ONE romantic comedy book for awhile now. Think Jennifer Crusie meets Janet Evanovich meets Ciciville. Well, I had some of the elements down that I want in the book. But so far, I have changed the locale four times, from Las Vegas, to a made up town in Arizona based upon an actual town in Arizona, to 29 Palms and now we have landed on Virginia City, NV. Back to Nevada.

The setting is because it is about a romance blooming in the desert. And it has ghosts, a haunted B&B, that was a former house of ill repute, and a dog that goes humping everyone’s leg in the night. The heroine has two romantic interests. One her boss, Editor/Publisher of the newspapers she works for. Oh no no, you did not. Yes I did. And a new reporter. The two of them are to write dueling columns about a topic, to bring the gender wars into focus, gin up controversy and to sell newspapers. She is not sure how she feels about any of it. And she has two old aunties, who raised her, who think she is getting married to a dog. She IS planning a BIG gala dog wedding to raise funds for the local animal shelter. But her aunties are Lucy and Ethel on steroids. So what do you think? Would you read a book like this?  If I can get passed Chapter 3, perhaps you will be able to do so.

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I am also working on the format for the California Travels with Cici guide I wrote, a new travel guide (much smaller) for the Southwest USA, and a chronic pain guide with a pit bull perspective. Perhaps one of these days, I will actually complete ONE of them or ALL of them. It would help a lot to have an agent. But in order to get an agent, I have to complete ONE book. Self-publishing is probably my best option.

In the meantime, if you have any thoughts about dating a dirty old lady (never mind), seniors dating, dogs dating, over the hill writers writing romance novels, (Grandma Moses was in her 90’s when she painted her first painting), then please feel free to comment below (keep it clean). thanks.

oh yeah, love bites… hickeys.  That is what I was trying to remember, the word hickey. Do you think it will be in the dictionary? When you were a kid did you look up all of the dirty words in the dictionary like we did?  what do you know, it was in the dictionary. Bad dictionary. Sit. Stay. Now Go Fetch me the rest of the plot for this book I am writing. Now I definitely have to include hickeys in it, don’t you think?

paw heart

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Filed under Adventure, all you need is a dog, blogging, dog kisses, dogs, romance, self help, travel with dog, travelwriting, true love, women with dogs, women writers with dogs, writing

Five Frugal Valentine’s Gifts for Fido

Dog and cat owners receive the rarest form of affection — unconditional love that is more worthy of Cupid’s arrow than any well-matched couple.

No wonder pet lovers go hog wild over gifts for their four-legged friends during the holidays — and Valentine’s Day is no exception. In 2011, the National Retail Federation expected consumers to spend 54 percent more on their pets than in 2010. Naturally, this represents yet another opportunity for retailers to make a few bucks, so consider these frugal gift ideas to please your precious pets without blowing your budget.

1. Make it Personal
According to the American Pet Product Association, spending on pets in 2010 is estimated at $47.7 billion. That’s a lot of chew toys. Set your gift apart from the pack by personalizing it with your pet’s name or picture. You can get this done professionally for a pretty penny, but consider how easy it is to create a photo of your beloved canine for her treat container or food bowl.

2. Tasty Treats
You can find festive treats for cats and dogs alike at most major pet stores, including Petsmart and Petco. Cut down on the cost of these premade goodies and purchase gift cards at a discount from sites like GiftCardGranny. You can save up to 10 percent, leaving room in your budget for a bit more pooch-pampering.

3. Edible Greeting Cards
It’s high time someone in the greeting card industry thanked all those cute animals gracing the covers of Hallmark cards with a greeting card of their own. Enter Crunchkins, the creator of edible greeting cards for dogs and cats. For less than $5, you can mail a rawhide card to your dog or a catnip card to your kitty, complete with a heartfelt message conveying your love.

4. Cheap DIY Chew Toys
We all know some kids have more fun with the packaging of a pricey present over the actual contents. The same can be said for your pet, who grasps the connection between price and affection even less so than your toddler. Skip the premade wares and go DIY this Valentine’s Day with a homemade tug-of-war rope made of old socks, or a crackly paper bag for your kitty-cat.

5. Baked Goodies
If you bake cookies for your sweetheart, consider baking a special batch for Fido and Fluffy. You can make delicious treats for your pets out of common ingredients, and feel good knowing just what’s going into their bellies. Red Velvet Pupcakes, perhaps? Find this recipe and others at Dogster.com.

 

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. For more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.

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Filed under dog toys, dog treats, dogs, gift giving, gifts for your dog, guest blog, holiday gifts, Valentine's Day

romantic gifts guide for you

Pamper, splurge, and indulge is the name of the game on Valentine’s Day. For that some enchanted evening feeling for all of you busy pet parents, here is a menu of Eco-friendly Valentine ideas.

Everyone deserves lots of love on Valentine’s Day (and every day) so here is a romantic gift guide you can show your sweetie. These gifts have all been k9 approved from Cici and I for you.

1.  Gorgeous Cosmetic Bag Bar None… You are an on the go type of gal who travels with your pooch to posh and not so posh places, right. To the dog park, bank, shopping, work, errands, to a pet friendly city, to visit your friends, family, loved ones, here and there and everywhere. Maybe you wear a lot of make-up or a little bit, like me, but your sweetie should do you right with this incredibly elegant soft cosmetic bag. Now get this. It not only is beautiful but it comes with a replaceable liner so that it stays fresh and clean. No more messy goo, flakes, dust and junk at the bottom of the bag. And this posh bag is also eco-friendly. Vemayca.com is the place to go get one.  It is almost too nice to use, but so convenient. And Veronica touts Eating Your Own Dog Food

2.  Say “I love you” every day with silk pillowcases and blankets on the bed. Silk blankets start at $299 (website is www.manitosilk.com)

Or a “magical” glow in the dark pillowcase like the one below.  Go to http://www.comfycozy.com $16.95

3.  Who doesn’t enjoy a Spaw day?  Joy of Spa (www.joyofspa.com) offers Instant Gift Certificates. Gifts are personalized and start at $25. The gift certificate is sent to the recipient by e-mail, or printed and sent to the recipient by the purchaser. Joy of Spa certificates  are redeemable at any of its 3,000+ partners, all of which are local, independently-operated spas and salons, across the country. Plus, gift certificates never expire, a bonus.

The Joy of Spa sister site, Spa Emergency (www.spaemergency.com), targets men shopping for a last minute gift or who have forgotten your special occasion. This is an easy way for guys to purchase personalized gifts for the women in their lives, and directs them to the Joy of Spa Instant Gift Certificates. No more stress, no more worry or panic.

4.  Fashion First Aid: You walk everywhere and your feet get tired. Footzyrolls are a rollable, foldable ballet flat that can make your life easier.  Rock n Red Soles are available for V-day, as well as the True Red Snake Skin shoe and candy-striped removable bow model. This gift comes with cute pink packaging. Prices range for $20-$30 depending on the style.

Footzyrolls come in handy when:

-The pain from heels is too much

-You need a quick, comfortable shoe while traveling

-You are running late to work from the dog park and need to get to the office quickly

-Your feet are tired from standing in heels all day and you want to change into a comfortable shoe to wear

Go to : www.footzyrolls.com

Relax away !

5.  DaBomb Yummy Soaps: Fraiche specializes in bath bomb swizzles and goat’s milk soaps, Rich Dark Chocolate soap is a special treat under $8.00. Three pak with rose, cherryliciious and rich dark Chocolate soaps. More info at: http://www.myfraiche.com 20% off by using coupon code fraiche20

Chocolate Dreamz Valentines Gift (the yummiest smelling) consists of 4 oz. Chocolate Dreamz Scrubz and matching scented 2 oz. Oilz by Scrubz.  Handmade in small batches.  Jars are recyclable, bags and scoops reusable.  Use only the finest food grade and organic oils in base. Scents are created using the highest standard essential and fragrance oils.  scrubzbodyscrub.com

6. After your massage and spa bath towel off with a Turk towel robe. The Turkish Towel Company sells 100% Turkish towels and bathrobes.  Check out the website at  http://www.turktowel.com

7.  Chocolate Dufflets Crackle, Tumbles, and Morsels are created from entirely natural ingredients. The Crackle is a twist on the classic Florentine that encases toasted nuts within sheaths of layered Belgian dark chocolate. Visit www.duffletsweets.com

8. Why not whisk you away for a weekend to Napa valley in northern California. It’s ok to leave the pooch behind, shhhh for a romantic weekend or you can bring your furry friend and stay at a luxurious pet friendly spa inn like Bardessono’s in Yountville. For the month of February, Ehlers Estate has partnered with one of Napa Valley’s premier Chocolatier’s, Woodhouse Chocolates, to offer a special chocolate and wine pairing.  The charming Ehlers Estate (www.EhlersEsate.com) is located in St. Helena.

Examples of pairings include:

2007 EHLERS ESTATE CABERNET FRANC PAIRED with Woodhouse’s THAI GINGER CHOCOLATE, dark chocolate ganache infused with coconut and lemon grass surrounding a piece of crystallized ginger’ covered in dark chocolate.

2006 EHLERS ESTATE ST. HELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1886 with Woodhouse’s HONEY CHOCOLATE, a milk chocolate ganache whipped with honey butter in a dark chocolate shell dusted with gold.

Ehlers Estate wines are produced using estate grapes and organic and biodynamic farming methods.  Wine and Chocolate tasting sweethearts will receive a small and sweet take-away gift as well as barrel tasting and tour of the Ehlers Estate Vineyards and grounds. The cost is $50 per person and reservations are required in advance.

9.  If southern California sun and beach is what you crave, you must visit the acclaimed AAA Five Diamond luxury Island hotel in Newport Beach. Toll Free: 866-554-4620.

ISLAND SPA AND CHOCOLATE INDULGENCE

When: Available February 4 through February 26

What: Experience a luxurious 60-minute spa treatment at the award-winning Spa at Island Hotel, followed by a decadent sweet finale at Palm Terrace Restaurant’s Cocoa Lounge. Choice of: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Deep Cleansing Facial, Gentlemen’s Fact Therapy, Aromatherapy Facial, Honey Hibiscus Hydrating Facial, OC Facial Drench, or Organic Carrot Vitamin Facial.

Price: $130.00, including the Cocoa Lounge Dessert Buffet (tax and gratuities not included). To book an appointment or arrange to give as a Valentine’s Day gift, please call (949-759-0808).

COCOA LOUNGE AT ISLAND HOTEL

When: February 4 through February 26: Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00 to 10:00 pm

What: Back by popular demand, Palm Terrace’s Cocoa Lounge Dessert Buffet will be serving up chocolate decadence.

Why: Executive Pastry Chef Michael Owens will offer scrumptious creations that include Banana Chocolate Mousse Cake, White Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake, Triple Chocolate Cupcakes, Double Chocolate Fudge S’mores, Manjari Obsession in Chocolate Cups, plus lollipops, peanut caramels, port chocolates and coconut almond bars, and much more – served among displays of chocolate statues and chocolate velour.
Price: $18 per person, tax and gratuities not included.

Insider Tip: Order a two- or more-course dinner at Palm Terrace Restaurant in February, Tuesday through Saturday, and receive complimentary entrance into the heavenly Cocoa Lounge.

For all of you Single gals

Why not have a gal’s night out or weekend? Or have a PJ party, gossip, share makeup tips, spa, eat fun food. Pamper, splurge and enjoy your freedom !

Infinite Love Flower Elixir, Mist, & Serum
Hand-collected flower elixirs that enhance unconditional love through acupuncture meridians … Made by Lotus Wei Elixir cost is 29.00, Mist & Serum cost is 35.00
Taken internally, designed to magnify unconditional love with the secret power of flower essences.
Put five drops of this elixir under your tongue five times throughout the day. Feel a difference in and around you within minutes.

Only the Finest Sweets For You, Sweetie … Distinct Flavors to Make you Drool

Caramel Sprinkled With Grey Salt, Espresso, Cognac, Rose, Jasmine, Cinnamon/Cayenne, Shitake Mushroom, and more

http://gailambrosius.com/explore-flavors/

Also, grab this fun book and read it.

Never Kiss a Frog – A Girl’s Guide to Creatures from the Dating Swamp by Marilyn Anderson is a fun take on fairy tales. Frogs don’t turn into princes—men don’t change—no matter how tenderly they’re handled.  Some are adept at hiding their reptilian views while others seem oblivious to their inner slime. Even an astute, Sex-and-The-City type of gal can be fooled. That’s why every lady hoping for a princely mate needs Never Kiss a Frog.

 

Last but not least, if you want to get your guy a cool gift, consider one of these:

C’mon baby light his fire… romantic and classy gifts for men.

All Natural Non-Toxic Soy Massage Candles made with Soy/Shea Butter and Essential Oils can be used for a massage. Soy Candles are non-toxic, burn cleaner, burn 50 to 60 % longer than paraffin, do not produce black soot, do not contain animal fat, contain 100% cotton wick, are made with Shea Butter, no artificial fragrance.  For more info, http://positivethoughtbrand.com/ $22.00

Light up those candles with:

Bugatti 3 Chrome Satin / Chrome Polished Traditional Flame Lighter $150
A Swiss made lighter a sleek design is not only appealing to the eye, but it also makes for the perfect pocket fit.  In a word: extraordinary.

Colibri “The Don” Black Matte Quantum Torch Flame Cigar Lighter $100
From the built-in cigar cutter to the wind-resistant blue torch flame, The Don has everything you could hope for in a lighter.  Plus, the optional personalized engraving is a perfect extra touch to let him know exactly how you feel.

Xikar “Executive” Torch Flame Lighter $35
This lighter is sleek, attractive and durable.  The button is conveniently located on the side of the lighter, keeping your finger safely distant from the powerful flame when it ignites.

Davidoff “Giant” Cigar Matches $3
Use the perfect match to light your fire.

Love Potion #9

Looking for something special for that sophisticated fella this Valentine’s Day?  How about Love Potion #9? Love Potion #9® is a 60-proof, incredibly smooth, no grain alcohol (30% pure sugarcane alcohol) ‘distilled spirits specialty’ with a blend of 20 exotic tropical fruit flavors, including mango, peach, chocolate, vanilla, pear, apple, cherry, almond and many others.  More info can be found at http://www.lovepo9.com


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Filed under aromatherapy, California, chocolate, chocolate travel, dark chocolate, eco friendly/green, girlfriend getaways, love, organic, passion, Valentine's Day, wine country, women travel

my famous dog, part 2…


 I just realized that you are supposed to pick one magazine cover… duh… anyway, here’s the one I chose… Tru Love…  fitting for my girl… ain’t she pretty… she’s wagging her tail, yes…show off… she thinks she’s real cute… gives herself four paws up… 

you can vote on her here:

http://www.magmypic.com/mags/view/6268565  

6da9eec266f871360e2600fded30dd09_trulove_med.jpg

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Filed under all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animal stars, Dalmatian, dogs, four paws up, K9 approved, mutts, pit bull, smile, spoiled brat dog, travel with dog, true love