Pet Projectz
How to live a pet friendly lifestyle
Welcoming 2012
Jan 2nd
Happy New Year from the Lifestylist® family! We are really excited about 2012 and the opportunities that will come with it.
A lot of being a Lifestylist® is about being a trend tracker and doing research. Today I read something that was written by someone else titled “Social Media Lifestylist Guidelines for 2012″ – boy does that sound dull! The first thing that comes to mind is a big dusty manual full of rules and regulations, and that is exactly what social media (and being a Lifestylist®) is not about.
The tag line I have always used for my Lifestylist® brand is “It’s All About You”. I didn’t want the brand to be about me telling people what to do – I wanted to listen to people’s wants, needs, and dreams, and help them achieve those even when they didn’t know that’s what they were really searching for. I don’t want to dictate, I want to educate. I’ve learned that listening is so much more important than anything I will ever have to say, because sometimes if you let people express their thoughts they will find their answers.
Social media is such an exciting new frontier because it gives everyone the chance to tell their story to the universe. It’s become a great equalizer because almost anyone on any budget can get access to a computer and a free site and share their thoughts.
There’s a down side to this though as well -there’s not as much editing as we’ve seen in the past. We have to learn that even though someone may have written it, there is the possibility it might not be true. Before we share or depend on information we find we have to be sure and check the facts. As the guardian of the Lifestylist® trademark for almost 10 years now I’ve seen how many people want to tie into my brand but aren’t willing to go through the legal process to acquire a brand of their own.
So what are the real Lifestylist’s guidelines for 2012? Never call them guidelines, live your life to the fullest, listen to those around you and you can never laugh too much or have too much great food and wine!
Here’s to a boisterous 2012!
Lush Cosmetics Works to Stop Shark Finning
Aug 23rd
One of my favorite beauty stores is Lush Cosmetics. I discovered them years ago in England and Canada, and I’m thrilled they now have a store in NorthPark Center here in Dallas. They specialize in natural products, including Henna which is the secret of how I stay a natural redhead 
They are wonderful about bringing animal cruelty to light and promoting sustainable environmental practices and the humane treatment of animals. This summer they have been focusing on Shark Finning, and have partnered with Shark Savers to protect sharks from extinction.
To support this cause they have produced “Shark Fin Soap” – a refreshing blend of lime, lavender and seaweed. Stop in to your local Lush store and buy this great way to cool down this summer and support a great cause. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Shark Savers.
The American Dream
Jul 4th
We all have our own version of what the American Dream is – for many that includes owning your own home.
My dream was to have my own Home Idea Factory – a place where this Lifestylist® could live and work, would have the character that would let me “practice what I preach” and have some room to garden. I was also hoping to have enough space to continue to help with the animal rescue groups I’ve joined. All of my dreams came true, and now I have a space that will never be “done”, but always evolving.
My father told my mother when they got married that some day he would buy her a place on a lake, and he did! Their Hideway Lake home has been the place that many of our family holidays, wedding, and birthdays have taken place, and it is full of wonderful memories.
There are people who are looking for an affordable place with a yard to raise their families, use as a second home or retire to and land lease communities can be a great solution for these people. Land lease communities are those where factory built housing are placed in communities where homeowners lease the land the homes are placed on in a community – many times with amenities such as pools, clubhouses, and tennis courts. I have always believed this is the perfect solution for affordable housing because it can be so cost effective, and I’ve been wanting to be a part of this solution hands on.
The time has come! Lifestylist® Design has been asked to re-brand and enhance the lifestyle options of two communities in Florida – Parkwood in Port Orange, FL and Countryside Village in Tampa. I can’t wait to get started – these communities are a great example of how affordable the American Dream can be. Be sure to get our updates on the progress at Parkwood and Countryside Village Facebook pages.
Animal Rescue Corps Needs Your Help
May 8th
What an amazing week! Lifestylist® Suzanne Felber was able to be part of a very important animal rescue in Kaufman County, Texas that was planned and executed by Animal Rescue Corps. It’s one thing to hear about puppy mills and the horrible conditions these poor animals have to live in, but it’s another to actually be able to see it for yourself. The animals arrive terrified and filthy -many of them have never actually stood on solid ground before because they are kept in wire cages and are surrounded with urine and feces – even the ones with babies. After a few short days of love and attention they leave having hope, and there is no better feeling in the world!
We were able to interview Scotland Haisley – the leader of this amazing organization and find out how others can get involved, especially kids. Take a look at our interview, then go to www.animalrescuecorps.org and become a part of the solution! You can also get up to the minute information by “liking” them on Facebook.
These rescues are very expensive to make happen, and without very needed funds for this group we won’t be able to end the suffering. I’m looking forward to the next rescue and being able to share the results here!
Thanks to Kristina Bowman for the photography of this amazing rescue.
Animal Rescue Corps Shows Compassion to Puppy Mill Victims
Apr 5th
Animal Rescue Corps has been busy in Tennessee this week saving over 120 animals from a life of squalor and sadness. Devoted volunteers have been working night and day to give these animals a better life, and the outpouring of love and compassion from the people of Tennessee as well as others from all over the country has been amazing.
One of these amazing volunteers is Rachel McAuley. She and her severely handicapped daughter run their own non-profit with horses, and Rachel has spent several days at the ARC shelter helping out with this rescue. Rachel decided to do a “Letters to the Puppy Mill Dogs” event, and her daughter Mary who is 9 years old shared the following:
Hello Puppy Dogs,
My name is Mary and I have Special Needs just like you have Special Needs. I can’t walk because I am in a wheelchair and your past has kept you from walking due to cages, but don’t worry because your little paws are about to hit the ground. I can’t talk like you, but I can express myself with my eyes, sounds, and body language just like you. You have special needs that includes someone taking care of you all day with the respect that you deserve. I wear diapers and you use potty pads. I like the couch and you will like the top of a couch someday or a lap to lay on or a pillow to lay above your owners head. I like to be recognized, just like you want to be recognized. I love my parents arms and you are getting that feeling right now being in someone’s arms. Isn’t it nice, warm, and a safe feeling? Don’t worry my friends because you are going to get to experience this world that includes grass, playgrounds, children, and the roam of a house.
Make sure puppy dogs, that you Thank Animal Rescue Corps for coming to get each and everyone of you and the volunteers that are snuggling you up, by not biting when they put their hand in the cage to care for you.
You are Special! Sleep Tight and Hang Tight because your world is about to be full of colors.
“God is always on your side, after all He created you.”
Trust Me,
Mary McAuley (9 years old)
My mom can type my heart!
If this doesn’t make you love and appreciate everything you have and cherish what an amazing role model Mary is to all of us…
Please help support Animal Rescue Corps and the amazing work they are doing. My very own special 9 yr. old Jr. Lifestylist® Jenna made her birthday party a fundraiser for Animal Rescue Corps – if she can help you can as well!
This Lifestylist® is trying to do her part by opening a store on eBay, and at least 10% of all of our sales will be donated to Animal Rescue Corps. All of these haunting photos were taken by the talented and compassionate Kristina Bowman.
Please join us in making a difference!
Petsmart Takes a Wrong Turn
Mar 6th
I am so disappointed in Petsmart – they usually are one of the more compassionate pet supply stores. They have done a great job sponsoring adoption events with local shelters and groups, and I was really surprised when I saw this promotion yesterday.
Apparently if you bring in your movie stub from the new Nickelodeon film Rango you can get $10.00 off the purchase of any reptile. Supporting the impulse buys of any animal is such a bad idea, and if potential pet owners think their new family members are going to be as cute and entertaining as the ones in the film, they are in for a letdown. As someone who has owned quite a few snakes (the things you find out about this Lifestylist® here!) I can tell you they are very difficult to take care of, don’t eat things you would normally want to feed to anyone or any thing, and if taken care of will be a member of your family for decades.
Petsmart -unless you are willing to take back all of the reptiles you sell after the new owners get disenchanted with them, I hope you will rethink this marketing campaign and make a $10.00 donation to the shelters that have to take care of these animals after they are abandoned.
I think the movie looks fantastic, and I know my Jr. Lifestylists are going to be joining me to see it more than once! Let’s teach our kids the difference between what is involved in the real-life responsibilities of bringing an animal into our homes vs. the fun, animated ones they see on the big screen. Rango will be coming into my home, but he will be seen on my television screen not behind the screen of a cage.
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Have You Joined Animal Rescue Corps?
Feb 10th
Finally! A group that is focused on Animal Rescue. Animal Rescue Corps is a new group that was started by Scotlund Haisley and his talented team that has more than 40 years collective experience in animal protection. As a Lifestylist®, I’m thrilled to be involved with this wonderful, important organization.
To make people aware of the group, Animal Rescue Corps is holding a drawing. Simply share your email address with them if you haven’t already, and you will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a Valentine’s gift package that includes: ARC gear, dog & cat goodies, and movie memorabilia from ARC’s own Elaine Hendrix.
Finding Joy 2011
Jan 1st
It’s hard to believe that in a few hours it will be a new year, but I’m ready for it! 2010 was a struggle for many, and I love the fact that each year rings in with it a sense of optimism and hope.
We all make New Years resolutions that we may or may not keep, but this year I’m making one I’m going to work on every day: finding joy. I have so many blessings, and it’s important to remember that. This year I’m determined to enjoy each and every minute I get to spend with my kids and grandchildren, enjoy the journeys I get to take whether that’s to the local Mexican supermarket or to another country, and to slow down and enjoy my gardens, a spectacular sunset and my family.
I’m also going to make a commitment to help stop suffering and have compassion for all living beings – animals and people alike. We have rescued quite a few animals on our own, and the love they share with me every day makes it all worthwhile.This year I’m going to extend that effort and try to do more.
I also am so lucky to be able to love what I do and be able to make a living doing it. Helping as many people have a safe roof over their heads and a clean bed to sleep in is a purpose that I’ll continue to work on. Every day I go past my neighbors new house and know that I helped get them a safe roof over their heads makes it easier for me to sleep as well.
Having a fantastic and successful New Year isn’t just about making more money or being more successful, for me it’s about finding joy, and appreciating it when I find it.
