Leigh on Sea

Yesterday, we woke up to glorious sunshine which made a nice change from the constant rain we've had lately - so we decided to jump in the car with Ted and make the short drive over to Leigh on Sea.

If you're an Essex resident, you'll should know Leigh; and if you're a TOWIE fan, you might have seen Leigh when Mick took Maria there on a date to have cockles! But if you don't fit either category and haven't heard of Leigh on Sea, it's a pretty little seaside place that's nice to visit for a day trip.

I say seaside, actually it's on the Thames Estuary, but it has some nice little sandy beaches all the same! (and the water's fairly clean which is more than can be said for Thurrock!)

 There is a little sea front you can walk along, with a few dog-friendly pubs, some fish and chip shops, and some sea-food bars. There's also a cute little shop that sells all sorts of gorgeous stuff (including cath kidston!), and a sweet vintage coffee shop.

If you're that way inclined, you can pay to learn to fish or you can even rent a little sailing boat and play around in the water! Normally I'd love that but as Ted had come along we decided against it (don't know if he's sea sick yet!)

Ted loved it and was in and out of the sea constantly. Although he did roll in some seaweed so he now needs a bath!

 

I went in a tiny bit with him (I came prepared with my trusty Hunters!). But a big wave came and we got wet (I got wet legs, Ted got a full soaking!)

We found a nice little pub that had a fish and chip shop attached - perfect combination! - so we sat down for some grub. It started to rain a little but it was still SO good! Is it just me or are fish and chips just soooo much better when had at the seaside??

Teddy sitting nicely, waiting for some fish!

 

 

 

 

 After we got him home, Teddy was pooped! Straight off to bed! I heart weekends!

So if you're looking for a nice day out, give Leigh on Sea a try! It's doggy friendly most of the time, but make sure you check the web in advance in case any dates are off limits to pooches!

Has anyone else been? Would you like to visit?

Pedigree Play Again

I was contacted by the lovely people over at Pedigree last week about my older doggy Bonnie taking part in their new Joint Care + trial, 'Play Again'.

They have released a new range of treats, for older dogs, to help with stiff joint. Bonnie's 8 1/2, has joint problems and, being a Labrador, LOVES treats - so I figured why not give it a go!

We received our special welcome pack in the post today - very quick turnaround!

The pack contained a welcome letter, a bright yellow backpack, 6 weeks worth of treats, a tube of bouncy balls with a ball thrower, and a video camera! How cute is the camera?! Can't wait to get some snaps of the pups!

Sadly, we do have to send the camera back when we're done, but it's sweet all the same :) its for recording bonnie's progress and antics. (She's very silly so I'm sure we'll get lots of footage!)

Pedigree's claims about the treats:

See a difference in 6 weeks!

72% of dogs fed Pedigree® Joint Care™+ daily experience a higher level of mobility within 6 weeks

3x more glucosamine per daily stick compared with the number 2 selling joint health dog treat

All active ingredients in a palatable easy to feed stick format -­‐ no tablets or powder

No tablets or powder, just a delicious easy-­‐to--feed stick

Clinically proven recipe

Developed with vets

Low in fat -­‐ small/medium contains 49 calories per stick, large contains 67 calories

Free from artificial colours or flavours

If you have an older doggy and would like to bag this nice little set of goodies and help your dog out in the process, you can get in contact with pedigree on twitter here! There's life in old dogs yet!

Anyone else have an elderly dog who's young at heart??

Cath Kidston Doggy Bits

My Cath Kidston magazine came in the post this morning - cue putting the kettle on and busting out some cake to accompany my read. As always, I was looking for anything doggy themed and this did not disappoint!

As is to be expected, as well as recipes, events and idea, this season's issue is full of gorgeous goodies; so many in fact that I had to share all my favourites with you! (I threw in a few sale and non-doggy items for good measure)

Here's what I'm lusting after at the moment:

 

Left to right, top to bottom:

• Spot Messenger Bag with free Zip Purse £45.00
• Floral Gumboot Socks £15.00
• Tartan Day Bag reduced to £36.00
• Bird Travel Purse £8.00
• Bleached Flowers Pocket Mirror £2.00
• Picnic Check Throw £30.00
• Stanley Friends Charm Bracelet £35.00
• Royal Stan Pocket Bag £30.00
• Bleach Flowers Espadrille £14.00
• Dog Treats Tin £8.00
• Antique Rose Bouquet Eiderdown £120.00
• Provence Rose Roberts Radio £200.00
• Jubilee Apron £20.00

I love the items featuring 'Stanley' the fox terrier. Perfect for me as they look so much like my teddy :) The little bracelet is a must have for me - it has both a fox terrier and a scottie - two of my favourite breeds having owned both myself. Would make a great little gift for any dog lover - something a little bit special!

As for the other items, the thick socks would be great for sticking on under some wellies and walking the dogs - great colours too! The check blanket would be perfect for picnics at the park, and the tartan bag is.. well it's tartan :) my fave!

When I get paid, I will definitely be splashing out on a few bits from this lust list, but I think I'll have to wait for some others!

You can get a free copy of the magazine for yourself here. Just fill in the form and they will send it within a few days :)


Do you like Cath Kidston? Has anything on this list caught your eye too?

The LOVE Cushion - A Perfect Gift :)

When Mothers' Day or my mum's birthday rolls around, I'm always stumped for what to buy. In fact, I actually have plenty of ideas, it's just that she's crazy fussy. She also refuses to tell any of us what she wants - helpful!
So, as there is no easy route, we have to buy her different things that she won't have seen anywhere herself. And, usually including dogs in it somehow is always a winner. After all, dogs make us all smile!

This year I stumbled across a gift I thought she'd really like through twitter. I found a website called Chic Shack, full of cushions, canvases, and other gorgeous items, most of which you can have personalised. There are lots of doggy items on the site, but the item that really caught my eye though was the LOVE cushion.

Some other tweeters had already ordered their own and it came highly recommended. The cushion is handmade by Martin; all you have to do is send him an image of your choice that will fit nicely into the O. And this means any image - so sit your little darlings down and get them to pose! Think of the possibilities (I'd quite like one with Barnaby bunny)

As my mum isn't very fond of me and my brother and sister, at least that's what she wants us to think, I decided to use a photo of our two dogs; my Teddy and Mum's Bonnie. A cushion with the pups' faces on?! Perfect!

I sent the photo off to Martin, paid for the cushion and it arrived in a matter of days. The end result was gorgeous and better than I'd expected. The quality of the cushion is lovely, the size is perfect and the letters are soft and velvety. The picture itself is a little hardier, which is good as it won't wear or get scratched. There's also a little zip at the bottom to wash the cover if you need to (it is white after all!)

Here's the finished product:

It now sits in pride of place on my mum's sofa; one of the only gifts I've bought her that she hasn't wanted to return! (moral = if it's personalised she can't ;))

 

So, if you're looking for the perfect gift for anyone you know who loves dogs this might just be it - who wouldn't love a cushion with their fur baby on it? I'd love it! Hint hint...

Be sure to give Chic Shack a look, like I said they have some lovely doggy themed items!!