From this November 1st, we started a daily series we called "30 Days of Thanks to Our Fur Babies". We know our babies love us and we love them too, but how much have we learned or appreciated from them? Everyday we did a little "soul" searching and realized we have actually learned a lot from our pups. They really have changed our lives and made us a better person, less selfish and more giving. It is such a heartwarming and rejuvenating experience for us and we will treasure it forever.
Interview with a creative Halloween costume mastermind
What We LoveCommentHalloween has always been one of our favorite holidays. Not only it is super fun, but also it is the best time to unleash your inside creative genius. We have been a big fan of two little "rocking" yorkies, Rory and Lane, for their unparalleled Halloween costumes year after year. Our curiosity of finding out more about the "mastermind" behind the curtains leads us to this interesting interview with Rory and Lane's proud mommy, Ashley.
Q: Ashley, every year you came up with some really creative ideas for your girls' costumes, where do you usually get your ideas/inspirations from?
A: It really varies. Their Olympic Gymnast costumes were something I had wanted to do for a long time, so when the USA women brought home the team gold this year (for only the second time in history!) I knew it was perfect timing. My husband came up with the idea for the Hooters Girls costumes. I know; I know; shocking. The others were more of a joint effort.
I always try to think in terms of what would be a great costume or couples costume in general, not what would be a great costume for dogs in particular. I think the distinction is important, because often times if you think in terms of costumes for a dog, then you really unintentionally limit yourself. I prefer to think of the costumes and then try to think how I can modify it to work for Rory and Lane. I know a lot of people like coordinating human and dog costumes, but I think it’s more fun and challenging when the pups can stand alone.
Q: Which year's costume is your top favorite so far?
A: That’s a tough one! I think MY favorite costumes were this year’s Olympic Gymnasts. They will always hold a special place in my heart since I was a competitive gymnast growing up, and, even as an adult, I love the sport so much. That being said, I think the overwhelming favorite based on reactions from the public were the Hooters Girls last year.
Q: I am sure you always enjoy the making process, but what are the most memorable difficulties you have encountered during this creative process?
A: There is always something that seems to pop up at the last minute, especially when you create very detailed costumes and add a pup or two into the mix! This year we were about to leave for a costume contest when I noticed one of the sleeves on Lane’s leotard was missing some Swarovski crystals and had wet spots (drool marks) on it! I can only assume she had seen the shiny Swarovski crystals on her sleeve reflecting in the light and determined they were simply too tempting of a treat to pass up. Thankfully, I insisted we buy extra crystals for just such an occasion, and my husband got to work with the applicator applying them before we headed out the door. For anyone concerned, she didn’t ingest the crystals at all (I counted), just plucked them off and spit them out.
Last year, as part of their Hooters Girl costumes, they wore brown pouches with rolls of cash, tiny pencils and waitressing tablets inside of them. We thought we had affixed everything inside the pouches securely, but we quickly discovered that wasn’t the case. When the girls shook, the fake money went flying everywhere, “making it rain” if you will. A few minutes and a lot more tape later the issue was resolved.
A few years ago, Lane was Slimer. (Rory was a Ghostbuster). We stuffed Lane’s Slimer costume so full the first time we tried it on her she couldn’t walk in it! It was a fine line between getting her plump enough to resemble Slimer without restricting her movement. Without a lot of exaggerated and obvious padding, she kind of just looked like a porkie Yorkie in green pajama
Q: How long does it usually take from forming an idea to get the costume made?
A: I pretty much start thinking about what the girls will be for Halloween a year in advance. And yes, I think I’ve already decided on Rory and Lane’s costumes for 2013. The person who takes my horrible drawings and turns them into beautiful creations is quite busy, so I try to start talking with her in July or August to get all the details ironed out. Since I can’t sew (even a button), I rely on her to tell me if something I’m picturing won’t work, or we will both realize modifications will have to be made along the way. Depending on the costume, I can spend a good bit of time looking at the human version and trying to figure out how to make it translate on to a 10 pound dog. The leotards were especially difficult, because there were so many details that I wanted to incorporate. I often pull together the accessories myself, so it can take a few weeks to find regular everyday items in a Yorkie’s size.
Q: How are your two girls, Rory and Lane, feel about every year's costumes? Do they have a favorite of their own?
A: It’s no secret Rory and Lane are exceptionally good sports when it comes to being dressed up in all kind of things.
I often get asked about how they tolerated the ping pong ball enhanced chests of the Hooters Girl costumes, but it really didn’t bother them at all.
Lane didn’t really like the hood on her Little Red Riding Hood costume and froze when I put it on her, but I called her bluff by pulling out my secret weapon, her miniature rubber soccer ball. As soon as I squeaked her ball, she came running and never gave the hood a second thought.
Rory was a super good sport that Halloween balancing granny glasses from Build-A-Bear on her nose, as the wolf in grandma’s clothes.
In general, I try to make sure their costumes fit them well, so their movement isn’t restricted in any way, and they are comfortable. Their favorite costumes probably are the ones that involve the least amount of me fussing with their hair! I don’t think the costumes themselves feel much different than their everyday wear to them. As far as attitude wise, we have always joked that Lane was thrilled to be a career Hooters girl, but Rory was simply working at Hooters to help pay her way through med school.
Q: Do you dress up yourself for the Halloween too?
A: I haven’t dressed up in a real costume for a few years. This year I broke my own rule, about wearing Hello Kitty as more than a shoe or accessory out in public as an adult woman (but I’m so young at heart!), with a Halloween Hello Kitty tee shirt, but that was the extent of it. I think I end up so focused on Rory and Lane that costumes for my husband and me are an afterthought! I am certain none of our costumes have ever been as creative as Rory and Lane’s though.
Thank you, Ashley for taking time to share your super fun experiences with us! And thank you, Rory and Lane, for being exceptionally good sports! We love you girls and can't wait to see your 2013 Halloween costumes!
2013 Mochi & Jolie Desk Calendar is out!
Product ProductCommentOur New 2013 Mochi & Jolie Desk Calendar is out and ready for purchase! It is a super cute desk calendar for the home, office or as a perfect holiday gift for the family and friends!
All proceeds from this calendar sales are going to local shelters and dog rescue groups that are in need. For $1 a month, you can help some very unfortunate pups and bring them some comfort, love and hope. We THANK YOU for your generosity and love!
2013 Mochi & Jolie Calendar
SuperZoo 2012 Wrap Up
MoJo EventsCommentThis September, we headed to SuperZoo in Las Vegas again! It is always a great place to be, showcasing the latest and existing product lines, meeting new customers and hugging old friends. This year's event was exactly the same and more. We were happy to introduce our brands and products tomore boutique owners and buyers. We are working hard for a successful year of 2012 and beyond! :)
Our bosses, Mochi and Jolie seemed like had a great time at the show too! They were so popular at the show, many people came to take their photos and they acted like pros. They gave out many hugs and kisses too! :)
Mochi's birthday pawty!
What We LoveComment
Mochi's Birthday Pawty was super fun and yummy! :) Look at all the delicious food we had! Especially the special homemade all organic coconut cupcakes!! Yum!! Not only it was a big hit for all the 4-legged ones, but also for all the 2-legged ones too! :)
We turned the office into a little "pawty land"! :)
Mochi made her birthday wishes and posed for all the cameras! :) Then the "can't wait for any longer" and "dig in" time started!! The little coconut cupcakes were gone in a minute and they came back for more!! :) Everyone had a great time and so much fun!! Thank you everyone for coming to Mochi's birthday pawty! She is truly so blessed and loved by so many people!! :)
Launching New Brand - MoMo
CornerstoneCommentAfter a long time's designing, planning, preparing, and many samples to work and approve on, the new brand MoMo™ is finally launched! It is officially launched on Mochi's birthday, 8-6-2012.
MoMo™ is a brand we specially designed for all the dog lovers, like us. We want to create something not only unique but also practical, not only easy and fun, but also chic and fresh. We are taking our own spin on improving our daily life products. The first product line we are launching with the new brand is our MoMo™ Watch Collection. The first watch group has five fabulous designs: Maltese, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Frenchie and Labrador. The watches have clear faces and clear bands, not only it is easy to match any outfits, but it showcases the design to the best. A simple red MoMo™ logo is popping out on the watch face with a perfect finish. Such a simple and fun way to tell the time and tell the world how much you love your furry friend!
Puppy Love Photo Contest to Celebrate Mochi's Birthday
What We LoveCommentTo celebrate Mochi's birthday on August 6th this year, we hosted a little fun event: "Puppy Love Photo Contest" on our Facebook page. Many fans submitted their beloved furry children's baby photos and it was really a tough competition! All the baby photos are so out of this world cute! They have brought us lots of smiles and happiness. Thank you for everyone who participated in this event! We had lots of fun!
And here are the Winner and the Honorable Mentions:
Mochi & Jolie Online Store Grand Opening!
CornerstoneComment
After many months' careful planning and designing, our own Mochi & Jolie Online Store is finally here! The grand opening is today - 7.8.2012! We are so excited!! Now not only we can offer all of our fabulous products directly to the customers, but also we can host some special and fun online events in the near future. The possibilities are endless!
Meet JoJo™'s Fantastic Four - Gigi, Lulu, Kiki & Kuma!
Product ProductComment
JoJo™ Launches its brand new Toy Collection this Summer! Meet JoJo™'s Fantastic Four - Gigi, Lulu, Kiki & Kuma!
New Guidelines for Pet CPR
Take NoteCommentOver the weekend, Science Blog reported new guidelines for pet CPR that every dog owner should be aware of. The Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care has published a series of articles that outline the new guidelines.
Recommended Practices:
- Perform 100-120 chest compressions per minute of one-third to one-half of the chest width, with the animal lying on its side.
- Ventilate intubated dogs and cats at a rate of 10 breaths per minute, or at a compression to ventilation ratio of 30 to 2 for mouth-to-snout ventilation.
- Perform CPR in 2-minute cycles, switching the “compressor” each cycle.
- Administer vasopressors every 3–5 minutes during CPR.
Using the new guidelines, the RECOVER team is developing an Internet-based training curriculum to certify clinicians in veterinary CPR. This certification is being peer-reviewed by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, much as the training materials for human CPR are accredited by the American Heart Association. The guidelines will be updated regularly, with the next RECOVER planned for 2017.
Chest compression techniques for medium, large, and giant breed dogs.
(A) For most dogs, it is reasonable to do chest compressions over the widest portion of the chest to maximally employ the thoracic pump theory. Either left or right lateral recumbency are acceptable.
(B) In keel-chested (ie, deep, narrow chested) dogs like greyhounds, it is reasonable to do chest compressions with the hands directly over the heart to employ the cardiac pump theory, again in either recumbency.
(C) For barrel-chested dogs like English Bulldogs, sternal compressions directly over the heart with the patient in dorsal recumbency may be considered to employ the cardiac pump mechanism.
Chest compression techniques for small dogs and cats.
(A) For most cats and small dogs (<10 kg) with compliant chests, the use of a 1-handed technique to accomplish circumferential chest compressions with the hand wrapped around the sternum directly over the heart may be considered.
(B) An alternative chest compression method for cats and small dogs is the 2-handed technique directly over the heart to employ the cardiac pump mechanism. This method may be considered in larger cats and small dogs with lower thoracic compliance, or in situations in which the compressor is becoming fatigued while doing 1-handed compressions.
There is strong evidence, including an experimental study in dogs documenting increased rates of ROSC and 24-hour survival, supporting a recommendation for compression rates of 100–120/min in cats and dogs (I-A).[36] However, there is also some evidence that higher compression rates of up to 150/min may be even more advantageous, and further work in this area is needed.
There is also good evidence to support deep chest compressions of 1/3–1/2 the width of the thorax in most patients (IIa-A), with an experimental canine study showing a linear relationship between compression depth and mean arterial pressure, and multiple human clinical trials and experimental animal studies supporting these compression depths.[37-39] Finally, experimental studies in pigs have documented reduced coronary and cerebral perfusion when full elastic recoil between chest compressions is not permitted (ie, leaning).
Observational studies in people have shown a high prevalence of leaning during CPR. It is recommended that full chest wall recoil is allowed between compressions.
Know your dog's age in "human years"
Take NoteComment
A Dog's Purpose - from a 6-year-old
Take Note1 CommentBeing a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING...
Have a great life.
~Author Unknown
Tiffany blue, a color of particular taste and a mark of sophistication
CommentTiffanyBlue is a specific shade of light blue, very similar to robin’s egg blue. It is a color of particular taste and instant recognition among people familiar with the branding of Tiffany and Co.
TiffanyBlue is very commonly used to produce a cool, crisp, and elegant look when combined with white. When combined with brown or natural wood tones, TiffanyBlue can create a modern version of some retro styles. Though TiffanyBlue is a common shade, and many feel that it’s nature’s color and not Tiffany’s, few would deny the significance of a genuine TiffanyBlue box.
No matter what you want to call this shade of blue, there is no doubt that it draws attention. Its distinctive hue is a mark of class and sophistication. Its name has become a cultural reference, from Tiffany & Co., to the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's," to the history of the company and its role in modern culture. We are just in love with this hue!! Expect to see some Tiffany blue coming out of our fall's new designs! :)
Ivy, our newest team member
Behind the CurtainComment
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ivy Cheng is an aspiring graphic designer who has a love for clean and simple design.
She is inspired by her surroundings and enjoys using bright color palettes in her work. Her favorite part about being a designer is the constant learning process that comes along with every project, as there is always something new to learn.
Ivy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
During her free time, Ivy enjoys indulging in sweets and spending time with her Cocker Spaniel, Butter. Being a dog lover herself, Ivy is excited to be a part of the Mochi & Jolie team! You can see Ivy's debut design products this early Fall!
Just because it's hot, doesn't mean you can't look cool!
In the PressComment
The sizzling Summer is on its way here and we have already got some hot news! Our fabulous Carrie dressand Doreen dress, from the Mochi & Jolie® BIEN-AIMÉ Collection are both featured in "Summer Product Showcase | Wear" -- The Pet Elite Summer 2012 issue! And we love the headline too - "Just because it's hot, doesn't mean you can't look cool!"
Mochi & Jolie has been selected to exhibit at Unique LA Show!
MoJo EventsComment
We are so excited to announce this great news -- Mochi & Jolie has been selected to exhibit at the upcoming 4th annual UNIQUE LA spring show!
Unique LA is the largest independent design show in the country, attendees get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from over 325 hand-selected designers and artists. All of the products at the show are made right here in the USA.
Unique LA is the only event out there that focuses on and features modern, curated, Made-in-America goods. They are passionate about great design and the craft of Made in the USA, just like us. :-)
So mark your calendar and prepare for a super fun May weekend! Come and say hello!
When: May 12 & 13 (Saturday & Sunday) // 11am – 6pm both days
Where:The California Market Center (110 East Ninth Street, LA, CA 90079)
Cost: $10 at the door or online (Kids 12 and under are free), 10% of ticket sales go to the local non-profit organization CicLAvia.
How NOT to greet a dog
Take NoteComment
To learn the correct way to greet a dog is so important. Not only to us, but also to all the dogs out there. Please learn and share.
He is my dog.
What We LoveCommentHe is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being;
by the way he rests against my leg;
by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.
WITHOUT HIM, I AM ONLY ANOTHER HUMAN. WITH HIM, I AM ALL-POWERFUL.
He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things.
HE IS MY DOG.
--- author unknown
Mochi & Jolie® Spring 2012 Collection -- BIEN-AIMÉ has arrived!
Product ProductComment
Vivien Dress and Gigi Bamboo Sweater are featured in the Pet Elite Spring 2012 Issue!
In the PressComment
Spring is on its way here and we have doubled the happy news! Vivien, from our Mochi & Jolie® Esprit Collection and Gigi, from our Mochi & Jolie® 100% Bamboo Knitwear Collection are both featured in "Spring Product Showcase | Wear"-- The Pet Elite Spring 2012 issue! Can't wait for a fabulous and beautiful Spring!