Review: Maqnifiscent Grooming and Finishing Splash

It's summer time, a time for swimming and carnivals and cotton candy.
Delicious cotton candy.



I don't know about you, but I think cotton candy smells amazing. So sweet and pleasant.
More things should smell like cotton candy.
For example, Collies.
Collies should smell like cotton candy.

Today we're reviewing Maqnifiscent Grooming and Finishing Splash in the Cotton Candy scent.
Yes, my dogs smell like cotton candy.



Maqnifiscent Grooming and Finishing Splash comes in many different unique scents such as Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Bubble Gum, Pina Colada and others. They even offer custom* fragrances!



Here's what they have to say about their product:
"Maqnifiscent Grooming & Finishing Splash is a non-toxic multi-purpose unisex formula that has been designed to keep your pet and home smelling Maqnifiscent. This product instantly eliminates odors and conditions and detangles your pet's coat while keeping your loved one fresh between baths.  Our preparation contains a long-lasting, non-sticky, first of its kind, scratch-n-smell formula that is immediately reactivated when you comfort your pet or they rub themselves.  All of our fragrances are alcohol and paraben free. It can be used as often as necessary."
You can read a little more about the company here.


Made in the USA! Yay!

When I was first contacted about this product I had my doubts about it's scratch-n-smell ability. I was worried about what would go into this bottle to give it such an ability. But according to their FAQ page all their splashes are made up of "... a food-grade based gelatin, water, and Virgin Coconut Oil which conditions the skin while keeping the coat shiny."

Sounds good to me!

And guess what?

It works. And it really does smell like cotton candy. I crave it every time I spray it.

I sprayed some on Petal's back, chest, each side, and back end and rubbed it in. Probably didn't need that much, I went a little crazy with it. But it made her smell wonderful and it lasted for several days, nearly a week, even after being rolled through the dirt by Penny. Several times.

And it really does work like a scratch and sniff!

One day my sister buried her face in Petal's hair and claimed she couldn't smell the cotton candy. I told her to try petting her a little first. She looked at me like I was insane. "What is she, a scratch and sniff?"

I smirked, we were about to find out, "Just try it!"

She did and her eyes were rather wide when it actually worked.

The more you pet Petal the more she smells like cotton candy.
Love. It.

While the bottle claims that it works best on short haired dogs, it seemed to last longer on Lassie and Petal than it did on Penny. The spray lasted 5-7 days on both Petal and Lassie, but on Penny it only seems to last about 2-3 days. I really feel that that may have something to do with the fact that she hates to be sprayed with anything. So while Lassie and Petal get 3-4 spritz on various parts of their body, Penny gets 1 or even just half a spritz before she runs off. It's too bad, because she needs it the most if you ask me. Smelly dog.

"I resent that. I do not smell."

Regardless of that, it is the most effective dog body splash I have ever used on my dogs. It's also the best smelling one and the most cost effective one, too. I've had previous sprays that were $9.99 or more for a tiny little 2 or 4 ounce bottle. This bottle was a very impressive size at 8 fl. oz. for $12.99 and a little goes a long way so I think it's going to last us a good long time.

We give Maqnifiscent Grooming and Finishing Splash 5 out of 5 hearts for their wonderful cotton candy fragrance and effectiveness.


4 hearts for their excellent prices.


And the dogs give it 4 out of 4 paws up for being gentle on their skin and not sticky in their fur.


We really love this spray. Go check them out here and tell them we sent you! ;)

*When ordering custom fragrances, they require that you order two bottles minimum.

Discloser: I was sent one bottle of Maqnifiscent Grooming and Finishing Splash free of charge for review. I was not paid or otherwise encouraged to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own based on my experience with the product.

Wordless Wednesday: Clean dog





22 years, goofy dogs & memorial day

Yesterday I turned 22. I had a great, busy, day at home with my family and goofy dogs. It was lovely.

Speaking of goofy dogs...
I caught a few silly pictures of Petal a few days ago.
Hammin' it up for the camera and stealing the spotlight for herself.


"Hey, don't take his picture!"


"Take mine!"





Thinking of all those brave men and women who died for our country this Memorial Day,
and all those who are still fighting for it.
Thank you.
♥

Dog Hair

Unless you own a hairless dog/a dog that doesn't shed, you've probably found dog hair in plenty of places. There's the obvious places and then there's the How In The World Did That Get There? places.

Obvious places include:

Clothes

Furniture (it is called furniture after all)

Car

Floors

Bedding

Purses

Your face

Food

Drink

etc. etc. etc.

I don't know about you, but when I first saw this saying (or one similar to it) on a mug a few years ago, I laughed. How perfect. Every dog owner should have one.

(image source: Amazon)

We pick dog hair out of our food and drink more often then we'd like to admit.

Sometimes I find a Collie hair in my food when I'm dining out. Just a subtle reminder from Lassie and Petal that I left them home with nothing and I had better bring them a doggy bag.

To keep the hair from taking over, we keep an abundant supply of lint rollers (we get a big package of them from Costco, yay Costco), we vacuum and sweep often, and I do my best to keep up with their grooming by brushing them daily (usually). I also feed them the best food I can (homemade in our case) and, though I can't be sure, I think that helps too.

But there's still dog hair, of course. I don't mind it. It completes my outfits.

However, it does wind up in some odd places from time to time.

Last night, as I got ready for bed (already half asleep, might I add), I glanced in the mirror and noticed a grey hair poking out from my curls.

Now my 22nd birthday is approaching, but c'mon, I'm not suppose to get grey hairs yet.

But there it was.

I started to freak (half asleep, remember).

I looked closer and noticed it was actually white. Very white. Like Petal's fur.

I reached up and pinched it between my index finger and thumb and it came out easily. It definitely wasn't attached to my head.

I laughed and tossed it to the ground. Collie hair.

What a relief.

;)

Where is the oddest place you've found dog hair?

Wordless Wednesday: Nap time

(Yes, that is a body pillow behind her and a toy under her elbow. What can I say? My dogs are spoiled (and body pillow thieves)).






Why EVERYONE should own a Collie

aka the (short) list of reasons why I love my two Collies. ;)

1. They're warm.
Freezing your tail off? With a Collie you won't! When winter comes along, Lassie gets much more cuddly and I stay much warmer. ;)

2. They love to bark.
What? Do you not see this as a positive thing? Well, you'd be wrong! Do you know how many creepers I've possibly been saved from because these two can hardly keep their mouths shut when a person approaches?
Besides, when you talk to a dog that actually talks back you look less* insane.
*You still look insane, just less insane.

3. They will protect your children and family.

For example, when I was fourteen or fifteen I was out walking Lassie with my friend of the same age, we were having a great time walking to the little market not too far from home. We were going to buy candy, lots of it. As we got there a middle aged man (who was clearly in the middle of working his construction job), left his work behind to run up to me and my friend. At first I thought he just wanted to pet my dog; who doesn't love Lassie, right? I'm sure it's possible that was all he wanted, but the closer he got to us the more uncomfortable I felt. At the time I was walking Lassie on a Gentle Leader and the man stopped just far enough that Lassie couldn't reach him and asked, "Can he bite with that thing on?"

Now I was a little freaked out. I was (still am) very small and young and this guy was rather large and he was all gung-ho about approaching us until Lassie noticed him.
Now many people mistook Lassie's Gentle Leader for a muzzle, but they always asked, "What is that? Is it a muzzle?" or "Aw, does that mean he's not friendly? I was hoping to pet him." To fifteen year old me, those were much more friendly ways to ask that question. His question of, "Can he bite with that thing on?" made fifteen year old me a little suspicious. Why was he asking? He didn't ask to pet Lassie, so what did he want?
I assured him with the truth, "Oh yes! He can still bite." I put plenty of emphasis on that word as I tightened my hold on Lassie's leash, as if I was afraid I would lose control of my mellow Collie at any second. Right on cue, Lassie looked the man straight in the face and gave him his most fearsome chorus of barks. The man immediately left and my friend and I proceeded to smuggle Lassie into the little market we had walked all that way for. I hid behind the candy shelf with Lassie while my friend made our purchases, then we wasted no time getting home.
Whether Lassie barked at him because he really was up to no good or because he (Lassie) could sense how nervous I was, I'm not sure, but either way I was very grateful.

 And let's not forget Petal, who also has a perfect example for you.
A few months ago my laundry was hanging up to dry in several places in the kitchen (think open cupboard door handles). The lights were out and at first glance, it looked as though there were many tall people lurking in our kitchen. It was a bit freaky, I'll admit. Petal can attest to that. She got a glance at this scene and charged at my clothing, barking and growling and ready to rip to shreds those that threatened our home. She has never behaved like that before and has never behaved that way since. After further inspection she realized they were innocent, body-less clothes and no real action was needed. She calmed down and went from Petal-The-Vicious-Man-Eating-Dog to her usual happy, lighthearted self in 5 five seconds. It was nice to know that she was willing to spring into action if need be. I'm sure she made Ella very proud.

4. They're up for just about anything!
Wanna go hiking? So does your Collie! Wanna go for a leisurely walk? So does your Collie! Wanna be a couch potato for a few hours?* So does your Collie!
*Notice I said a few hours. In some cases you can get away with a whole day of couch potatoness (but you better give your Collie a good reason for this, like sickness or injury or bad weather). But if you want to be a couch potato for a whole week, your Collie will not allow this. Which is also a plus side; exercise is healthy!

5. They won't roll in dead things.

"And risk ruining this lovely coat?"

"Dude, I don't think so."

6. They're excellent models.
Looking to photograph dogs? Collies are always* up for a photo shoot!
*Not to be taken literally. ;)

7. They have plenty of hair to brush and play with.
This is a plus side in my book. I just love burying my face in their fur and brushing and stroking it. Granted, it's a lot of work, but it's work worth doing.

8. They have a Smooth (short) coat variety.
If you happen to disagree with reason number 7 or just don't have the time for all that grooming, you can still have all the fun of owning a Collie without hours and hours of grooming work!
This is my "retirement" plan. ;) If I'm well off and can afford to take my Rough Collies to a good groomer regularly, then I'll continue to have Rough Collies even when I'm old, otherwise, Smooth Collies all the way!

9. They are goofballs.
Really, they are. I know Lassie looks all serious for the camera, but even he is a major goofball. He'll throw tantrums if you tell him to do something he doesn't want to do; kicking his feet around and moaning and groaning in complaint.

He likes to poke people with his nose. He really loves it when he leaves a booger-y nose print on your shirt. If you're a guy he'll poke you right in then... well... you know (this is probably why I'm single, thanks Lassie), it's like his stamp of approval (yes, it does mean he likes you). He likes to sniff your bum and then snort and shake his head as if to tell you you smell bad. He likes to flirt with blonde women (not kidding, he likes meeting new people, but blonde women have a special place in that Collie heart (traitor)).

And Petal, well... I think everyone knows what a goofball she is.

She's also a flirt. She likes certain man voices. If she hears a voice she likes on TV, she'll watch it for a little while.

10. LOOK AT THESE FACES.

I rest my case.

Note: this list may not apply to every single Collie out there. This list was made just for fun. But if you are interested in owning a Collie, search for a Collie rescue near you.

Lassie books

In yesterday's Black and White Sunday post I mentioned that we got a new book.
We actually got two new books.
Both of which are Lassie books and both are from the generous Jade.



She sent me Lassie and the Cub Scout,


She also sent me a copy of Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight.
I could not have been more excited about this one.

When Jade tagged me in her Instagram of these lovely books and asked me for my address so she could send them to me, I think I had stars in my eyes. Was that seriously Lassie Come-Home? It can't be.

I contained my excitement as best I could when sending Jade my mailing address. 

Why?

Because I didn't want to jinx anything, but mostly because I am going to be 22 and the 12 year old girl inside me was screaming at the top of her lungs with excitement. 12 year old me use to check this book out from the library over and over again. She couldn't wait to get her hands on this book.
However, I am an adult now (don't laugh), I did not want to look ridiculous. So I kept my excitement at a reasonable level.

But forget that because OH-EM-GEE, YOU GUYS, I OWN LASSIE COME HOME! OWN IT. 

I own it! I own it! I own it!

Ahem.

Enjoy these pictures! :)

"What are we reading?"


I had a "I can't believe this handsome Collie looking up at me use to be nothing but a dream." moment while taking this picture.


Long nosey nose.

Some of you may remember when Jade sent me my first Lassie book. Since then I have received four more Lassie books making a grand total of five. I went from having zero Lassie books to five in less than a year thanks to kind friends.


Bottom two are from my best friend Carly and top three are from my lovely friend Jade.



Who would've thought that one day I wouldn't just be reading about and dreaming of owning a Collie, but writing about and being loved by two of them?
I'm incredibly lucky.


Thank you again, Jade!

P.S. Love vintage stuff? Check out Jade's Etsy shop for vintage treasures!

Junk in Da Trunk Girls Pre Loved Vintage

Just a quick note so you guys know: I was not asked to share a link to Jade's shop in exchange for these books. I was not asked to blog about them or Jade or her shop. Jade sent them to me out of kindness. I'm just sharing the link to her store for anyone who may be interested (she's got some great stuff in her shop!) and as a small token of my appreciation.

Black and White Sunday: Lassie & Lassie

We got a new old book. More about that later. ;)




Today we are participating in the Black and White Sunday blog hop hosted by You Did What With Your Weiner, Dachshund Nola and My Life In Blog Years.

Review: Ropes 4 Dogs

We are reviewing two great leashes from Ropes 4 Dogs, an Etsy shop.

They make leashes, toys, and leash hooks too!
And for every 3 products you buy from Ropes 4 Dogs, they will contribute one free toy or leash to a non-profit animal shelter or rescue group. How wonderful is that? Very!
Their leashes and toys are handmade using recycled climbing-grade materials, so they're strong stuff!



We received the orange 4 foot lead for large sized dogs and a training lead for medium-large dogs to review.

We'll start with the 4 ft. lead.


The 4 ft. lead
is 9mm in diameter with a high-quality snap hook imported from Europe.
The snap hook does indeed feel very sturdy to me, sturdier than a lot of snap hooks I've seen/had.
The rope feels very strong and sturdy. Not a single snag after 2+ weeks of (very nearly) daily use, not even with Penny Piranha taking a snap at it on multiple occasions (I have had other rope leashes that snag very easily, especially when puppy teeth grab it, so I was impressed).
I love the knot at the hand loop. It's great to hold on to, to keep your hand from slipping, or if you just like having something to hold. It feels nice, not uncomfortable at all.



My dogs don't tug... most of the time, and when they do, it's not much (except in special cases, but we won't get into that since Petal has been trying her hardest to contain herself and has yet to have one of those "moments" while wearing either one of these leashes), so I can't tell you if hard tugging would be extra painful (let's face it, being tugged on is uncomfortable/painful regardless of the leash) with this leash or not. But for me, light tugging didn't cause me any rope burns or discomfort at all.



While the leash isn't super soft, it isn't rough either. When it first arrived it was a little bit stiff, but after a few uses it softened up a bit, not to a point where it feels less sturdy, just to where it feels more comfortable and easier to roll up.



Now onto the training lead.


The Training lead
is 18 inches long and 7mm in diameter with a high-quality snap hook imported from Europe.
This training lead is for medium-large sized dogs.
I'll admit that when I first pulled it out of the box I thought it looked a little too small, but I was completely wrong. It's the perfect length for a training lead.



We received this training lead at the perfect time. I was really wanting another. The one I have is one of the only things I have with Ella's name on it. Call me sentimental (or just mental), but I don't want to use it. I like to see it hanging on her leash hook.



This training lead has been extremely useful already. Penny has this... charming habit of tying anyone and anything up with her leash, even on a short walk to the mail boxes. This leash is too short to do that with, thankfully.

It's great for Petal (the lovely model) too. We often like to walk around Main Street and the neighborhoods nearby and with summer coming, the crowds are returning as well. We live in a fairly small town, so it doesn't get insanely crowded or anything, but it's nice to keep the curious, excitable dog close when people are walking by. Not everyone appreciates being nudged or licked by a random dog, apparently (strange, I know). I also like to keep the dogs close when crossing a busy street or taking a trip to the vet; it'll be extremely helpful then.



Though much smaller than the 4 ft. leash, this training leash feels very sturdy.
It's very comfortable to hold and I really like that I can easily toss it into my purse on the way out the door, just incase I need a short leash while we're out.
I also love the colors in this rope leash.

Our Personal Ratings:

The dogs give the 4 ft. leash four out of four paws up for durability.

I give the 4 ft. leash 5 out of 5 hearts for comfort.

And 4 hearts for style.

The Training leash gets 3.5 paws for durability (simply because it would get chewed through faster if left out, so be careful).

Comfort.

Style.

Cost.

Personally, I don't think either leash costs all that much for what they are (handmade, very strong), but they certainly are not your extremely cheap leashes. However, that being said, they aren't made like your extremely cheap leashes either. They feel and look like they're built to last, so they're worth the price tag.

I highly recommend these leashes. They're comfortable, strong, well made, and cute too!

I've got my eye on the tug toys made of the same recycled climbing rope, too. Bet those are nice and strong!

Go check them out! Tell them we sent you!

Ropes 4 Dogs.

Disclosure: I was sent two leashes from Ropes 4 Dogs free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid to give a positive review. All opinions shared here are entirely my own and not influenced by any outside party.