Holiday Hits: Summer Vacation!

From MrsGrapevine.com

Today is Memorial Day, and for many it is the unofficial start of summer.  The arrival of warm weather means more maintenance work here on our little acreage, and I will have less time to spend on my blog.  I have decided that, starting today, I will temporarily cut back on posting comments except for Wish List Wednesdays and Foodie Fridays, although I might occasionally make an exception.  I may resume my regular schedule in July, or I may need to wait until fall, depending on how much time I have to spare.  In the mean time, enjoy your summer, everyone!

Weekend Wonders: Funny Dalmatian Video #2

Here is another funny Dalmatian video from Japan!  This fun-loving Dalmatian also shows his compassionate side, or more likely his curious nature.  The English subtitles make this video even funnier, but the greatest pleasure comes from watching the sheer joy of a beautiful dog playing on the beach.  Long live Dalmatians -- they will always hold a special place in my heart!

    

Weekend Wonder: Funny Dalmatian Video #1

One of the reasons that I love Dalmatians is because they are smart dogs who learn quickly when handled properly.  Another reason is that they are fun-loving and can be very amusing.  This video of a Dalmatian in Japan who was taught to ride a bicycle highlights these attributes!  Anyone who owns a Dalmatian will tell you that these dogs need a lot of exercise and attention, or they will get bored and could become destructive.  What better exercise for the high-energy Dalmatian than riding a bicycle?  While this dog may never win the Tour de France, at least he will be having fun, as well as astonishing any passersby!

    

Weekend Wonders: Dalmatianville Interior Design

Animal prints are often popular when it comes to interior design, and what could be more perfect for Dalmatianville than Dalmatian print décor?  There are a number of such items available out there for the Dalmatian-obsessed, if you know where to look!

From Fiber Art Furniture

From Amazon.com

Starting off in the foyer, the red Dalmatian chair and Dalmatian tiffany lamp above will really make a statement!

From Designer Sofas 4u Ltd.

From Deseret Furniture

The chair on the left would be perfect for a contemporary living room, with a contemporary red sofa and perhaps a salt-and-pepper shag rug. The chair at right would look great in a more traditional setting -- I'm thinking maybe a burgundy or dark green sofa and an Oriental rug in muted tones.

White Platinum from Silestone 

Moving on to the kitchen, this white countertop flecked with black spots would bring just the right Dalmatian touch!

From Interior Gallery

By Gereb Design Inc.

The Dalmatian Butler at left would be appropriate in a breakfast nook, along with a few of the heart chairs at right, preferably with a round table.

No longer available

From Murano Store

In the dining room, the Dalmatian print chairs at left would be ideal, while the Dalmatian-spotted murano glass chandelier at right would complement them nicely.

From Fancy Finis

The more formal dining room above, with chairs upholstered in a Dalmatian print, is also lovely.

From Werner Studios' Creature Furniture

From eBay

Two Dalmatian end tables (left) flanking a sofa and Dalmatian-spotted valances (right) topping the windows would bring just the right touch to a family room.

From Mattezto Bathware

From Amazon.com

The perfect powder room would include the Dalmatian vessel sink and hand towels pictured above.

From Monster Marketplace

From Imagekind

A bedspread like the one shown at left is a must in the bedroom, with a large sleeping Dalmatian painting like the one on the right hung above the bed.

From My Blankee Inc.

From My Blankee Inc.

For those chilly nights, Dalmatian-spotted blankets can be added for warmth.

From Victor's Villas

If you have children who are crazy about Dalmatians, they would adore a bedroom like the one above!

From Pete Drew and Company

From Big Black Horse LLC

Finally, paint the bathroom walls with Dalmatian spots, and add some Dalmatian-themed towels like the ones at left for good measure!

As you can see, it is possible to add Dalmatian design to every room in the house, so I can rest assured that I've got the interior décor of my Dalmatianville dream home covered!

Foodie Fridays: Chocolate Dalmatians

From Culinary Concoctions by Peabody

While I have no desire to eat a real Dalmatian, these Chocolate Dalmatian cookies are another story!  This variation of the chocolate chip cookie has melted white chocolate  in the batter as well as semisweet chocolate chips stirred in.  Enjoy these tasty sweets, but remember that chocolate can be toxic for dogs, so don't be tempted to share your treats with any canine companions!

Chocolate Dalmatians

4 oz. white chocolate, chopped
3/4 lb. unsalted butter, diced and softened
1 C. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
4 C. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
8-12 oz. semisweet chocolate mini-morsels

Melt white chocolate in double boiler over medium heat, stirring until smooth.  Cream together butter and sugar until light but not fluffy.  Beat in vanilla and cooled white chocolate.  Combine flour and salt and gradually stir into wet ingredients.  Add chocolate morsels.  Roll dough into 48 balls.  Place on nonstick baking sheet, 12 to a sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 14-16 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through baking time.  Remove from oven and cool. Makes 48 cookies.
             

This 'n That Thursdays: Dalmatianville Dress Code

Some people will go to great lengths to satisfy their Dalmatian obsession!  Absurd, you say?  Not if you live in my dream town of Dalmatianville! No one would ever be forced to wear spotted ensembles in my perfect town, but residents would be very impressed if you did.  Dalmatian-inspired clothing definitely seems to be more popular with the ladies.  These spotted dresses are perfect examples (top left: Polyvore; top right: Etsy; bottom left: net-a-porter.com; bottom right: Rakuten):

Then there are skirts, sundresses, and even jeans and leggings (top left: Miss Selfridge; top right: Kaboodle; middle left: YESSTYLE; middle right: Celebrity Pictures; bottom left: Hot Topic; bottom right: Rakuten):

Dalmatian-spotted tops are also available (top left: Kaboodle; top right: my-wardrobe.com; bottom left: SSense; bottom right: ASOS):

Shoes will complete your ensemble, and the choices range from formal to casual (top left: NVISION: top right: Bonanza; second row left: Shoewawa; second row right: shopbop.com; third row left: shopbop.com; third row right: Simply Footwear; fourth row left: shopbop.com; fourth row right: MojoLondon; fifth row left: Zazzle; fifth row right: Zazzle; bottom left: Tra Tutti; bottom right: NursesDNA):

Wow, that's a lot of Dalmatian-spotted shoes!  Of course, for chilly weather a faux-Dalmatian coat is a must, and there are a few of those out there too, also ranging in style from formal to casual (top left: eBay; top right: Etsy: middle left: Miss Selfridge; middle right: DANSK; bottom left: Clothes Fashion; bottom right: JSHOPPERS.com):

The right Dalmatian accessories are needed to finish off any outfit, and the selections available seem limitless (Row 1 left: Belisi Fashions; Row 1 right: 8tokyo.com; Row 2 left: Elegant Designs by Denise; Row 2 right: Rakuten; Row 3 left: Etsy; Row 3 right: Rakuten; Row 4 left: eBay; Row 4 right: Frame Geek; Row 5 left: Crusader Party; Row 5 right: A Million Dresses ; Row 6 left: Ring-O-Blog; Row 6 right: Granny's Jewelry Box; Row 7 left: Etsy; Row 7  right: The Fossil Cartel Inc.; Row 8 left: iOffer; Row 8 right: Passion for Savings; Row 9 left: MyGift; Row 9 right: Vincysally):

Row 1:

Row 2:

Row 3:

Row 4:

Row 5:

Row 6:

Row 7:

Row 8:

Row 9:

Finally, Dalmatian sleepwear will end the day in the appropriate style (top left: Jumpin Jammerz; top right: Kaboodle; middle left: Table & Home; middle right: Crazy for Bargains; bottom left: eBay; bottom right: Amazon.co.uk):

Dalmatian attire seems to be staging a comeback, as seen at the TopShop Unique fashion show during London Fashion Week recently:

From The Independent

With so many Dalmatian-inspired wardrobe options available, it could not be easier to dress in the preferred attire of Dalmatianville, so don your spotted ensemble and join in the fun!

From Doggie Stylish