Function Versus Style: A Pet Owner's Eternal Struggle Featuring La-Z Boy Pet Beds

This post is sponsored by La-Z Boy but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Much like with children, having pets in the home presents a unique decor challenge.

It's a constant struggle between practicality and aesthetic. Sure, your new companion will bring it's own unique decor immediately in the form of glitter (fur,) window panes laced with wet nose prints, and inevitably paw prints across the floor, sofa (especially if you have leather or suede!) and your heart.

In the beginning you'll probably want to buy 'only the best,' filling your home, car, backyard, and credit card with the fanciest of modern pet products. But as time goes on you'll quickly learn that there really are only 2 things that matter at the top of any pet product checklist:

1. Is it easy to clean?
2. Does my pet like it?

Because, let's be real, if it's not easy to clean it's not going to last very long in your home, and if your pet doesn't like it all you've done is shell out your hard earned cash for a very expensive piece of decor. Decor, mind you, that you're not even guaranteed to want to look at, as some pet products can be truly heinous on the eyes.

If you have a dog, or two, or three in your family then you know the never-ending quest for the perfect dog bed. There are so many on the market in so many shapes, sizes, materials, and brands. You've probably been in the pet aisle when something flashy, or plush catches your eye and make an instant decision to treat your pup to a new bed. But what was that decision based on? Style? Fabric? Price?

Humans spend approximately 1/4-1/3 of their lives in bed, and the average dog spends a whopping 12-14 hours a day sleeping (senior pets and low energy breeds may spend as much as 20!) You wouldn't drive past a mattress store and decide to buy one on the spur of the moment, so why choose your dog's bed that way?

In fact, how your dog sleeps says a lot about who they are as a dog, and what type of bed they will sleep best on- just like how you prefer your bed to be extra firm and have a fan on it in the middle of Winter while your other half needs to sleep on a cloud covered in 4 layers of blankets. It makes sense, right?

La-Z Boy has created an entire range of thoughtfully designed, aesthetically pleasing pet beds with this very concept in mind. Much like their signature furniture, comfort is the number 1 focus of each bed's design, with a nod to functionality (ease of wear and clean) and the bonus of stylish pet friendly fabrics that match some of their most popular pieces. At last a dog bed made to work WITH your home's aesthetic, not against it!

There are several types of sleepers, when it comes to dogs, and you should definitely wander on over to the Petmate La-Z Boy Pet Beds page to learn all about them and what type of sleeper your dog is. I'll share a little about our pups so you can see what I mean-

• Nora is a cross between a Sprawler and a Flying Dog. Flying Dogs will often lay on their beds in a formation known as the 'sploot' with their front legs directly under their chin, and their back legs spread flat beneath them. They tend to be playful and active, and are usually ready for anything immediately upon waking up. Sprawlers are extremely self confident and will typically leave their belly exposed, often shifting many times, and even kicking in their sleep.
• Gidget is a Donut, one of the most common types of sleepers. Sleeping in a curled, rounded, position not only helps preserve warmth, but instills a sense of security while sleeping. These dogs tend to be protective and reserved.

The La-Z Boy Jacquered Rosie Lounger style bed has the most beautiful Cobalt blue jacquered upholstery and caters to both sleep styles. With a 2 compartment build, the very bottom of the lounger is stuffed with a memory foam blend, while the top features La-Z-Boy's Comfort Select™ fiber fill, a human grade premium fiber with never-flat properties to provide superior loft and support for your dog. Dogs who sleep in the Donut thrive on nearly any type of bed, but especially those with pocket or walls they can cuddle against to preserve heat. Dogs in the Sprawl position do best often on pillows, cushions, and loungers.

In the past we have gotten each of the girls their own dog bed- which was quite absurd when it came to 2.3lb Gidget, who is dwarfed by even the smallest of beds. Gidget is also a very social dog, who wants to be near something living at all times- where as Nora is the 'old maid' who likes space to spread out. For us this La-Z Boy lounger pet bed was the perfect compromise. Both pups have ample space to spread out, or curl up in Gidget's case, and we don't have to constantly move pet beds all over and around the couch.

When we first introduced the La-Z Boy Jacquered Rosie Lounger to the girls it was so plush Gidget felt she was on her very own sofa, and Nora immediately took to the comfort and settled in. But, as sisters are, the peace only lasted for so long as bossy little Gidget declared the lounger more of a wrestling ring, and began trying to take on Nora. But, at the end of the day, everyone found their comfy place and both snooze happily all day long. Check out the video at the bottom of our post!

Each style of La-Z Boy pet beds is thoughtfully designed in fabric and function, this particular style does have a side zipper to allow the memory foam base to easily come out for hand wash surface cleaning. Gidget was a bit upset I was dismantling her new bed in exploration but I promise, it quickly went back together in one piece.

At the end of the day it's a dog's world, and I just live in it. I try to be a thoughtful dog parent and choose tasteful toys, collars, leashes, and accessories that match my personal aesthetic- but if the dog refuses to use those items, who is really winning? Thankfully with the new collection of La-Z Boy Pet Beds we can all reclaim a little bit of our decor aesthetic back, all while giving our pups a great, healthy, sleep!

Don't forget to scroll down to check out Nora and Gidget exploring their new La-Z Boy bed!

D.I.Y. Minions Wreath Tutorial

Momma Told Me: Be a little different.


It's no secret we're a little 'off color' here at Momma Told Me- while we appreciate tradition, there are some things we prefer to break free and stand out from the crowd on. Unique seasonal door decor is one of them. Yes, we're talking wreaths. For year I have wanted to make my own Fall wreath, but lacked the patience, or budget, for the more elaborate 'professional' style D.I.Y. wreath. Don't get me wrong, Martha Stewart is great for most people- but when I sit down to create something I'm going to display in (or on) my home, I want it to be immediately obvious that is' home made. A lot of the gorgeous wreath tutorials out there cost just as much as the store bought one's to make, and look slick enough to be store bought when done. My friends, you will not find a Minion wreath in any store, and it is crazy easy to make.

Start with a medium foam ring from your typical craft store. This will be the bulk of your materials cost, as these can run $6-$8- but I'll let you in on a little secret. If you head online to Micheals/JoAnns/Hobby Lobby you can often print a coupon to save 40-50% on a single item and knock that price to just a few dollars. The second most expensive supply, the boas, are about $3-$4 a piece- you'll need 2. Again, bring the hubby, or the kids and use multiple coupons in your trip (it's usually 1 per person.) The rest of the supplies you likely have hanging around; a hot glue gun, some ribbon (for hanging,) black acrylic paint, a paper plate, a paint brush (I use disposable foam brushes) and some newspapers to cover your work space.

Are you ready? It just might have taken you longer to gather your supplies and protect your work space than to assemble this wreath, because this bad boy goes together with no skill level and faster than I can say 'banana' 3 times. Start by taking the end of one boa and hot gluing it to the back of your wreath foam ring. Next, loosely wrap the boa around the foam ring so that the feathers cover the ring, but there is enough give to move the boa to the side as needed for the later steps. Tack the loose end of the boa onto the foam ring and repeat with the 2nd boa, end to end.

You should have what looks like the beginnings of a fabulous Carnivale hat, or at least a wreath that resembles an abstract Tweety Bird. Go ahead and shake it back and forth like a 3rd crader fascinated by the movement of the feathers (I won't judge,) it's impossible not to feel happy when playing with feathers!

Next, grab your paper plate and cut the ridged rim off of the inner circle. Take your foam paint brush and dip it in your black paint. Place it in the center of your round (flat) plate piece so that the tip and wooden end are vertical- give it one smooth spin while applying pressure. If you want to be less fancy- "Take a paint brush and paint a black circle in the center of your round plate cut out." Cut 5-6" strips from the ridged plate rim and paint those black as well. Allow you pieces to dry, or pull out the blow dryer if you're impatient (like me.)

If you want to get a little fancy pants you can add some detailing to the eye. Using your black paint go ahead and draw a black rim along the outside of your round (flat) eye and make one of the border's edges a little thicker to indicate the traditional Minions goggle frame. Take a daub of white paint/white paint pen/white out and draw a little circle of reflective light in the iris of your eye. Glue your dried black painted plate strips to the inner eye circle evenly.

Attach your goggles/eye to the wreath by gently separating the wrapped boa and gluing the paper plate portion directly to the foam ring. Repeat on the opposite end and even out the feather distribution to hide your handy work. Next, loop a few inches of ribbon and glue it to the top (back) portion of your wreath- paying attention to glue directly to the foam ring again, or the ribbon will not adhere.

Congratulations- you've just made a Minion! Wouldn't these be cute in purple as well for the 'monster' minions from the Despicable Me 2 movie? How about doing this with 2 small foam tubes and chaining them all together to make Bobe, Stuart, and Kevin? The possibilities are endless and the work is truly minimal; just my type of D.I.Y. craft. And you better believe the compliments from delivery workers, neighbors, and friends are plenty! Best of all, this is a fun wreath for the Halloween season that isn't spooky or scary at all! What type of seasonal decorations do you like to make?

What Daughter Says: Fall leaves, ribbons, and acorns are nice, but this wreath truly makes me smile every time I come home!

Harnessing A 'Pop Of Color' With My D.I.Y Floppy Disk Curtain Wall Art

Momma Told Me: How does it make you feel?

 Moving into a house has been a transforming experience. In the condo I always felt I had a defined sense of style and direction, yet I frequently found the small spaces easily felt more cluttered than designed. Now that I have more space then I know what to do with it's been hard to really harness my many visions and determine where to start with such a vast, white, canvas. Thankfully Moll Anderson's latest book, Change Your Home, Change Your Life™ with Color  by Moll Anderson has really helped me identify and pursue my unique color story. As someone who tends to rely on a riot of color to express themselves I've been fascinated to take a journey through my own personal color connections and truly identify how to put pops of color to work in my home.

My biggest fear, when moving into a partially furnished house with rambling white walls was that I would struggle to make my own vision of color style cohesive. It's one thing to dress up for a night with my girlfriends looking like I'm barfing rainbows but my home is an entirely different expression of myself. Color, at it's root, is transforming- and you may be surprised which colors you identify with most, and the power in harnessing them. For example, I always considered yellow one of the boldest statements in the Crayola box, a color I was drawn too, but never really understood how to execute. Change Your Home, Change Your Life™ with Color by Moll Anderson has taught me that there are not only many shades of every color, but many ways to bring color into one's life through playing with textures, light, and more.You may recall, earlier this month, I re-introduced you to Moll Anderson, noted author, dedicated philanthropist and inspiring entrepreneur. Well, her new book Change Your Home, Change Your Life™ with Color by Moll Anderson arrived in stores this week and you can currently find it with the non-fiction best sellers at your local Target. Don't be deceived by the colorful cover, this is more than just another coffee table book. The contents between these pages are life-altering in the sense that they will force you to reconsider the palette around you and how you embrace color as a means of communication and definition. Your color story is something you can change with just a few brush strokes, or an entire renovation. Utilize the book's journal like pages to reflect on your own history with color and unlock the color which identifies you most!

I always considered 'my color' pink. When asked what my favorite color is, I will always say pink. However, through the pages of Change Your Home, Change Your Life™ with Color by Moll Anderson I discovered some of my first happy memories were deeply rooted in the color yellow. I also realized that I, unintentionally, incorporated the color into many routine aspects of my life without ever noticing. In fact, for me, yellow is a grounding color that reminds me of fresh starts and sunny outlooks. It's hard not to look at yellow and feel instant warmth.

It's for that reason, inspired by Moll Anderson's challenge to explore and embrace color, that I chose to add a dramatic, large, pop of yellow to my main living room. As it stands now the living room you first see upon walking into our home is a muted palette of seafoam green, white walls, and oak wood. It's 'safe' and very bare, so I knew I wanted to go BIG with my project, a millennial tribute, a floppy disk wall art installation. Ironically enough I'd spotted over 100 old floppy disks sitting in my father's office when we moved him last year and, at the time, had felt a calling to hoard them for a special project. Some other supplies I gathered included a lightweight curtain rod, wide key-rings, fishing wire, a drop cloth, particle safe face mask, spray paint, and duck tape that matched my paint color as close as possible.

When I began this project I truly was making the entire thing up from some vision I'd had in my mind. I had no way to know if I'd actually be able to pull it off, or the complications that may or may not arise, but I fell in love with the shade of yellow I'd chosen and was determined to see it through. The first step was to remove the metallic clips from all of my floppy disks. With minimal force they will pop off, along with the spring that holds them in place. I had no idea how many I would ultimately end up using (I used 41 in the end) so I prepared well over 60 expecting there would be some hiccups and less than perfect floppies as I proceeded.

Because I couldn't find a curtain rod in the length I needed, with squared ends to match my square theme, I spray painted my rod to match the metallic floppy clips. The process of spray painting the floppy disks themselves took several days- Though I did my best to avoid sticking or peeling, I lost a handful to quality control. The entire process took 3 and a half cans of spray paint for roughly 50 perfect yellow floppies.

Once my disks had dried I reassembled them with fabric gloves to avoid oil smudges and smears on the paint and metal finishes. The clips pop back into place with minimal effort, though some were loose due to the way I'd initially removed them, and those were also set aside.

Next I meticulously measured out the spacing of my floppies, laying the final composition on the floor. I began by duck taping the top of my fishing line to the back of my first floppy, then measuring the correct spacing between the next, and repeating the process. 5 in the first row, 4 in the next, and so on, so forth. I found it was essential to make sure the line was taped as close to center as possible, and left plenty of excess line on either end of each strip.

Before completing my wall installation I mounted the curtain rod brackets and carefully strung my floppies up to inspect their alignment on the wall. With the key-rings I was able to run the fishing line through without actually tying it off- this enabled me to make adjustments in length and get my 'grid' pattern just right. As expected the floppies wanted to 'spin' and turn freely, exposing the taped backs. I wasn't thrilled about this, but, it turns out almost all of the visible backs can be controlled by twisting the wires and manipulating their position. It just takes a little extra time and patience.

While there are a few tweaks I'd like to make, and I may notice a disk has spun towards the back every now and then, my general reaction to seeing this fun pop of yellow every morning is to smile. As it stands, our mantle is entirely empty at this time, but we've left some extra height between the 'floppy curtain' (as we call it) for some extra special finds. I can't say what will end up there, but I know we will recognize whatever the items are when we see them. Thanks to my keen understanding of color, and the power behind it, from Change Your Home, Change Your Life™ with Color by Moll Anderson I'm certain to style bolder than ever before!

We're a long way from being 'done' designing our home. I don't suppose we will ever really be done designing our home, after all, it's a never-ending story that transforms with the seasons of our lives. Wherever my color story takes me I'll surely be more attentive to the impact it has on my life, and more aware of how to harness it for self expression and empowerment. If stringing a curtain of floppy disks feels a bit out of your comfort zone, then maybe you'll want to start with picking up a copy of Moll Anderson's Change Your Home, Change Your Life™ with Color by Moll Anderson book from Target. You never know where your color story will take you....

What Daughter Says: Color can instantly change the mood and direction of any setting- explore how color impacts you and learn how to better harness it within your life.

Simple Ways To Create A Home Atmosphere That Is A Reflection Of You

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GladeAtmosphereCollection #CollectiveBias

 Momma Told Me: Paint a picture with all of the senses.

A home is much more than 4 walls.

For me my home is a work space, a creative beacon, a vehicle for the creation of memories, my sanctuary, and the place where I can truly express myself. Much like putting together the perfect outfit the items you choose to fill your home with are a direct expression of you. The first sights, sounds, and aromas your guests are greeted with paint an immediate picture of the passions that drive and inspire you.That's why it's important to consider the atmosphere of your home on several different levels, to brush an accurate and inviting landscape that is all your own.

Your home's atmosphere doesn't have to remain consistent. In fact, one of the best things about your home is that you can effortlessly change the mood and atmosphere of one room to the next with just a few simple subtractions or additions. Naturally your home's atmosphere will also change with the season, and your own life's focus, as the natural ebb of time inspires personal growth and exploration that truly builds upon layers of time and personality. A well worn home tells a story.

That's why I have long relied on home fragrance products by Glade® to help tell my home's story. Their wide range of everyday fragrances and products allow me to infuse any room with instant emotion. I keep a cupboard stocked full of our favorite fragrances but, every now and then, I want to truly elevate my atmosphere with something special. For a more sophisticated home fragrance experience, with the trusted Glade® brand name, I'm excited to have recently discovered the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ Fine Home Fragrance by Glade® products, sold at Ralphs. This thoughtful collection of 4 inspired home fragrances provides a palette of complicated aromas intended to instantly elevate any atmosphere. It's the perfect solution for busy shoppers seeking a high-end home fragrance experience at home, without the fuss of heading into a specialty store.

Available in 4.2oz Jar Candles and PlugIns® Scented Oil (2 Count) varieties these unique fine home fragrances found in the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ by GladeⓇ cover 4 vastly different fragrance profiles; N°1 Enraptured™, N°2 Bright™, N°3 Free™, and N°4 Tempted™. I was immediately drawn to N°1 Enraptured™'s complex and charming build with notes of jasmine, rose and cedarwood. Much like the name would suggest it reminded me of whimsical forests filled with playful nymphs, and certainly transported me mentally to a very creative and relaxing atmosphere I find myself craving when I sit down to write. For our living room I was drawn to N°3 Free™'s carefree fragrance, which danced through the air on the essence of starfruit, coconut, and beach woods. It's relaxing and creamy cocktail of aromas put a playful smile on my face and solicited a mood of relaxation and contentment.

Both N°1 and N°3 are two distinctly different fine fragrance builds- where as I choose to incorporate the careful and playful notes of N°3 Free in my home's personal living room and entertaining space I find I am drawn to surround my personal creative work-space with the more whimsical notes of N°1 Enraptured™. In fact, the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ N°1 Enraptured™ fine home fragrance is what inspired me to elevate the home atmosphere of my work-space. With the air wafting with notes of jasmine and lady apples I was driven to enhance my emotional experience with an element of sound that would further build upon the complex atmosphere of this room within my home.

I have always found that I thrive, creatively, when my senses are equally engaged. Fine fragrances illuminate one part of my brain, whereas white noise helps engage another. For this reason I usually keep wind chimes, or bird feeders nearby my work-space window, to provide ambient noise that really helps generate a mood. When we recently moved from our small condominium into a full fledged home I knew it was time, at last, to build an atmosphere that was creatively inspiring and all my own. With Glade's NEW N°1 Enraptured™ fragrance in mind I set out to make a simple zen fountain.

The process if quite simple, really- and allows for plenty of creative customization. To start you'll want to acquire the following things:

Small (5-10 gallon) Whisper Quiet Water Pump

2' Appropriately Sized Water Line Tubing

Large Waterproof Bowl

Larger Bowl/Stand For Water Bowl To Rest In

Decorative Elements-Scraps Of Metal/Small Decor/Etc

River Rocks

Water Spout/Fixture of Choice

Optional: Bendable Pipe Length To Hide Water Line

To begin you're going to want to attach your waterline to your pump securely. I only had airline on hand, which was a tad smaller than the output for my pump, so I hot glued the line in place on the pump output valve. 
 

I also chose to use an open structure decorative bowl as my 'base' for the bowl that served as my water basin. My main thinking in this was that I could easily weave the cord for my pump down the size of the bowl, between the two bowls, to help add stability and a clean solution for the cord. Whenever possible anchoring your pump cord (rather than allowing it to drape off the edge) will prove the most stable design.

Because I'd chosen a bowl with such a strong copper visual aesthetic I knew I wanted my decor, and spout, to be copper as well. For a few dollars I picked up a 1' length of hollow copper pipe I could effectively run my water line through to transport my water from the bowl up to my chosen spout. I used some leftover scrap metal to make a flat surface for my water to run down and clipped my water line just short of the edge of the spout. (To create the illusion the water was running from the spout, rather than a plastic line.)

One of the things that makes a water fountain a 'zen fountain' is the freedom one has to play with the pitch of the water. Have fun playing with building rocks to create louder or more subtle patterns of running water. Adding or removing a stone can easily adjust the decibel level to suit one's mood, and instantly impact the atmosphere of a room.

Naturally, the third aspect of transforming the atmosphere of a space is through the objects we fill it with to generate visual interest. I have a very clean, intentional, palette that demands all elements work in harmony. Because of how I am drawn to bright colors and bold visual accents I need home fragrance and sound elements that 'play well' with my existing materials. Sometimes traditional home fragrance products can be intrusive visually, so I'm especially glad that the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ by GladeⓇ has a timeless design with glass jar candles that effortlessly fit into any decor or vignette.

Finding a fine home fragrance that truly helps express who you are can be challenging, and creating an atmosphere that is defined, and harmonious, even more so. When possible I like to tie my rooms together with key elements that I have in some way directly impacted through design or placement. If I can't create a focal point then it's important that the elements I've chosen directly speak to a story. I've definitely felt more confident I'm working towards accomplishing that with the addition of this new zen fountain and the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ by GladeⓇ. Check out these bedroom makeover tips and ideas to help bring a new atmosphere to your bedroom, too!

If your home were an open storybook, halfway written and left open to a random page, could your guests clearly get an image of you as the writer? Heighten your own senses and pout your emotions to work with a beautifully built atmosphere of sights, sounds, and fragrances. Explore the NEW Atmosphere Collection™ by Glade in the air care aisle at Ralphs, and bring home an elevated fragrance experience that truly inspires a whole new atmosphere, today. Do you have a a room in your home with a sight, fragrance, or sound that you feel helps build it's unique atmosphere? Tell me about it!

For more product information, and inspiration, stay up to date with the brand and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.

What Daughter Says: Build upon the atmosphere of your home, or a room, with carefully selected sights, sounds, and aromas.