I didn't think I would become an obsessed dog mom in to dog apparel and accessories, BUT after Teddy's first winter and the need for a coat and boots - I was transformed. Grey and Teddy wear summer shoes and winter boots (socks too), as well as sweaters, t-shirts, pajamas and random accessories. You gotta start the little fashionistas out young!

My go-to shop is The New York Dog Shop. Grey's Puppia Pinkaholic sweater and Teddy's flamingo shirt (pictured here) are from there. I got the cute cartoon t-shirts at Joom - It takes forever to arrive, but their inexpensive and worth the wait. I purchased Grey's hair bow from Amazon - It came in a variety pack of six. SO CUTE! 

This is the best part - If you hold up two outfits and ask Teddy which one he wants to wear, he will pick one. Grey just wants to destroy everything!

If you want your dog to wear boots/shoes, you gotta start when they're a puppy. Both Teddy and Grey started wearing socks as soon as I got them. Then came the boots/shoes. They're both super comfortable walking in shoes - This is beneficial during winter or if you live in the city where the streets tend to be dirty. 

ALSO, as an avid shoe collector, it's fun to purchase shoes for your dogs.  I usually put lined winter boots during the cold season, sporty (waterproof) boots when we go camping and sneakers during the summer months. Combined, Teddy and Grey will so surpase the number of shoes I own!

Happy Birthday Teddy. You're the love of my life AND a handsome little fella. Loving your "Blue Steal" look. 

My fur baby is 4 today! This little poodle changed my life - I wake up everyday with a smile, cause his delicious face makes me so happy.

Repost from last year - The best gift you can give this holiday season is an Oxfam gift. Oxfam is a nonprofit organization that funds projects worldwide in an effort to end injustice of poverty. 

The gifts you purchase for friends, family and colleagues is an actual donation. Oxfam will apply those funds where it is needed and the person you've purchased the gift for will receive a vibrant card. Your gift will bring attention to this worthy cause, put a smile on someones face and benefit those who are less fortunate. 

This innovative, charitable concept is brilliant. I would love to receive a card with a cute, baby chick that says, "I Bought A Dozen Chicks For You". A donation made in my honor is the best present.

Oxfam gifts has an extensive catalog of charitable gifts that you can choose from. There are animal, sustainable, water, women and children, education, making a living and emergency necessities gifts. The gifts range from $18 to a $2500 investment in a small business. 

When you choose your gift you have the option to print your own card (download a PDF), eCard (sent via email) or no card. The picture above shows how the printed card will appear. I like to email the cards. The thoughtful designs are well done, colorful and informative.

The eCard reads, "Hello (insert name). You received an Oxfam gift from (insert name)". As the receiver scrolls through the card the gift is stated and a brief summary about Oxfam Gifts appears. The receiver then has the option to browse other gifts or share the gift they received.

If you receive an Oxfam Gift this holiday season, please share. Most of my friends live in other cities, and yes, you'll be getting an Oxfam Gift this year..

Being that "glamping" has become the preferred vacation during these "unusual times", a box of individual wines is perfect for the occasion. While your mate cracks open a beer by the fire, you can pop a bottle of red, rosé or brut. 

Usual Wines come in individual bottles of 6.3 oz, which is equivalent to 1/4 bottle of wine. It's a large glass of wine in a chic little bottle. Enjoy by the glass or by the bottle.

I realize this modern way of enjoying wine may be beneath some of you wine snobs, but for the free-spirit wine lovers, it's an innovative method and definitely a conversation starter. AND, just because I'm not a wine connoisseur, doesn't mean I don't appreciate flavor. These wines are delicious. 

I prefer the mini version of everything, so it's no surprise that I love Usual Wines. The red, rosé, brut and rosé brut are equally delicious. The brut is my favorite. It has notes of bergamot, elderflower and lemon AND the bubbles are super strong - I love bubbles.

The red tastes like chocolate and cherry. I'm not usually a fan of red wine, but I like this one. I realize this goes against the usual, but I refrigerate the red - Cold red wine tastes better to me. 

The rosé tastes like rhubarb, strawberry and roses. It's refreshing and perfect for summer. I haven't tried the rosé brut, but I imagine it tastes similar, with those super strong Usual Wine bubbles. 

It's all about the bubbles for me and I'm not a brut connoisseur, but I will say the bubble factor will not disappoint you (like those faux-fizzy wines masquerading as champagne and prosecco). 

Usual Wines have no additives, making them slightly healthier than the average wine and easier to digest. The sustainable production method is not only giving us a "cleaner" wine, but is also good for the environment. LOVE that!

Back to the chic individually sized bottles. This is genius. Not that any of us are having get togethers in 2020, but when we finally get back to socializing, having individual bottles is chic. You can also serve the wine with a straw, but be careful with the brut, cause the bubbles might overflow (it's happened to me more than once).  

Usual Wines come in boxes of 6 small bottles. You can purchase 6, 12, 18 or 24 packs of each or mix and match. The mix-it-up method is a nice feature. There is also a membership program that's easy to navigate, changeable and can be cancelled after two shipments. Of course, I have a membership!

During these unusual times, camping is the safest, social distancing vacation. My go-to glamping outpost is Getaway House DC in Shenandoah, VA. I camped here a few times last year, but had to stop traveling due to 2020 restrictions (and paranoia). A few months ago, I decided to get out of the city and go back to getaway-glamping. I'm obsessed all over again!

The camping outpost in Shenandoah is a 20 acre plot of land with small cabins scattered about. The cabin (Getaway House) is a thoughtfully designed, cozy space, with all the essentials for a relaxing weekend in the woods. 

The small area surrounding the cabin is perfect. There's a picnic table, Muskoka chairs and a firepit with a grill grate. There's a container containing wood and a few startup logs located by the firepit and basic provisions inside the cabin for purchase. 

I've camped at Getaway House in Shenandoah seven times and have stayed in cabins located all over the map. I've stayed in Philip, Hank, Juanita, Carroll, Thelma and Lionel. The Thelma is my absolute favorite. This is the first time I've stayed in this style of cabin and although we only require one bed, now I prefer the double bed cabin. 

It feels like this cabin is larger than the one bed style and it's nice to have a space to keep your belongings out of the way - We put our stuff on the top bunk. If you've stayed at a Getaway House, you know space is limited and these tiny cabins can get crowded.

When you book your cabin (one or two beds), you can request a cabin style or a specific cabin. Although Getaway House doesn't promise you'll get a particular cabin, they will make a note in your booking and do their best to accommodate you.

The location of the Thelma cabin is perfect. It's on the outer edge of the outpost and has a larger area around the cabin. I highly recommend you take a look at the Getaway House map and try to snag a cabin in this area of the outpost.

While you should put your phone, tablet and computer away, I can't help myself. Here I am trying desperately to get service. The reception isn't great, so it does kinda force you to enjoy camping sans electronics. 

I highly recommend packing board games. My favorites are Bears vs Babies, Exploding Kittens, Throw Throw Burrito and Oh Fruck! 

Every camping trip is a little different. Sometimes we explore the outpost, other times we play games all day and I always change up the food and beverage menu. This trip was focused on relaxing, sitting by the fire and taking naps. 

Of course, I had to snap a few camping inspired pics of the cabin, Teddy and I before messing it up. Here I'm wearing a Moschino Couture! Care Label-Print t-shirt and Pook socks. Pook is one of my favorite brands to shop camping-inspired clothing and accessories. My tote is the Gucci Florentia Lorto Di Giove tote. 

My husband, Teddy and I camp at Getaway House at least once a month. It's good to get a change of scenery once in a while, do something different, put down your electronics (discipline required) and simply getaway from everyday life. 

For more info on Getaway House DC, please see my previous posts in the Lifestyle section of b.a.gorgie.com.

I called my daughter, Romi, on a Saturday morning and said "there is a Black Lives Matter march from Dupont circle to the White House tomorrow". Before I could get the words "do you want to join them" out, she said YES! No hesitation. 

I'm proud of her and all of the young women and men for joining these peaceful demonstrations. Even though we are in the midst of a pandemic, this cause supersedes their own well being. 

The march from Dupont Circle to the White House was magnificent. I'd never been involved in anything to this magnitude. Passionate protestors chanted Black Lives Matter, Say Their Names - George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and I Can't Breathe. 

The crowd laid on the street for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in honor of George Floyd. It was a remarkable scene. Whispers of I Can't Breathe quietly echoed down the street.

I wasn't able to capture the length of people covering the street, but you can imagine, this demonstration was significant and meaningful. I will never forget this moment. 

I am fortunate to have shared this historic event with my daughter. We want to thank the black community and demonstrators all over the world for educating us and allowing us to be involved in this historic movement. 

I know there is confusion regarding recent protests. Many people are speaking out about safety and the affect these gatherings will have on the Covid-19 count. I understand your concern, but am frustrated that you are complaining about our involvement. 

Most people at this demonstration were wearing a mask. I know it doesn't look like we're social distancing, but the crowd was slightly dispersed as we walked. Everyone was aware and respectful of each others space.

This past week, protests in Washington, DC have been peaceful. This is a worthy cause and you don't have to participate, but please try to understand and respect us for joining. 

These are photos from the protests in front of the White House and St. John's church on Friday, June 5th. These peaceful demonstrations set the tone for the following weekend..

People from all over have come together to demand change in policies that allow racism and police brutality. Black Lives Matter, Say Their Names - George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and I Can't Breathe are the prominent phrases being chanted throughout the city. 

The St. John's church is located across from the White House and has become a significant background for protesters in Washington, DC.

This location was chaos less than a week ago - it was a terrifying demonstration. BUT, today protestors have filled the area and are peacefully expressing themselves. 

It's wonderful to see parents and their children joining the peaceful demonstrations. It is important that we educate our children - they are the future. 

A vast majority of the people gathered in Washington, DC are young women and men. Their conviction and energy is astonishing. Young folks all around the world are marching the streets, speaking up and demanding change. 

Donations are gathered for every demonstration and handed out to protestors marching the streets of DC. At the final destination, the White House, there is water and snacks being offered to everyone. The food and beverage aspect is organized and incredibly thoughtful, not only those who donate, but the volunteers serving the community. Thank you.

You can also purchase Black Lives Matter and I Can't Breathe merchandise in front of St. John's church. As I mentioned in my last post regarding the DC protests, I purchased a t-shirt and protective face mask. These items are very important to me and will remind me that I was a part of this remarkable movement.

There is a bright yellow Black Lives Matter mural painted along 16th street, courtesy of Mayor Bowser. It was painted on Friday morning, Breonna Taylor's 27th birthday. Thank you Mayor Bowser. I'm not the only DC resident that is impressed with how you've handled these past few weeks. 

It started out as a horrific attack on the city by criminals masquerading as protestors, but the vibe has changed dramatically. This past week, the peaceful demonstrators have shut down the rebels.

There are multiple organized demonstrations everyday of the week in DC. Folks are peacefully reminding us that we need to educate ourselves, speak up and demand change. It is absolutely amazing to see our young generation work tirelessly to challenge the system.

The police presence in Washington, DC has also changed dramatically. Just last weekend, it seemed like there were more police and National Guard that protestors. Now, they have taken to the side streets. There are no longer police behind the White House fence and in my opinion, you can barely feel their presence.  

Albeit, the helicopters haven't stopped circling over the city. I've had many sleepless nights - initially due to the looting and thereafter due to the constant whirring of helicopters. I understand the need, but can't wait for it to end.

These are scenes from the protesting in DC on Tuesday afternoon, June 2nd. Unlike the previous nights, on this day, the protests were fairly calm. So, my husband ventured out to take photos and videos of the peaceful gatherings, destruction from the past weekend and the overall state of Washington, DC.

Old folks, young women, men and even children participated in peaceful protests all over the United States this past week. Since protests in the U.S. began, people living in countries across the globe have joined the cause and are protesting with us. It is truly a magnificent gathering and shows that most of us are united. 

It is unbelievable to witness so many people (especially young people) stand up for what they believe in. People of all colors have joined together to protest the murder of George Floyd. To demand change in policies that allow racism and police brutality to exist in our country and all over the world.

This is the newly installed fence that separated protestors from the authorities protecting the White House. I think this fence was a positive addition to the police tactic. It allowed space between the opposing sides and reduced provocation from either side. A much needed space to benefit the protestors.

It was surprising to see custom merchandise being sold a few days after the protests began. I was more than happy to purchase a Black Lives Matter t-shirt and I Can't Breath protective face mask. These are probably the most important items in my closet. They will remind me that I lived during this time, I was there to witness the mass protesting that changed the future.

I know we haven't seen great change yet, but I know this movement will not be ignored or forgotten anytime soon. In a country that is so divided racially, it is remarkable to see all of us come together in the fight against racism and police brutality. 

I gotta say - there are some brave reporters in DC. I watched live feeds of the protesting every night until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. I want to thank those reporters for educating me and allowing me to stay informed from the comfort of my own home. 

I'm an opinionated person, but I'm not one to protest on the front line. Albeit, I have found other ways to support this cause - Posting photos and speaking up on my blog is just one of them. Using social media to spread the word and donations to organizations and bailout funds are other ways to contribute.

The Criminals masquerading as protestors were selfishly destroying our city and certainly not supporting the Black Lives Matter cause. They vandalized buildings, monuments, shattered store fronts and looted. This small group caused chaos this past weekend. 

The same is happening all over the United States. These rebels are smothering the amazing cause so many peaceful protesters are working endlessly for. I myself was terrified that the rioters would reach my community - just a short walk from the White House. 

It is truly shocking to walk around this beautiful city and see the first floor of buildings boarded up. Thank you to the women and men who worked overtime repairing store fronts and boarding up businesses. You have been instrumental in our fight against vandalism and looting during the protests in Washington, DC. 

Black Lives Matter flags hang outside businesses and residential. This is another way you can contribute to the cause. Show your support any way you can. No gesture is too small and every opinion counts.

My favorite photo - this young girl is sitting alone at the end of my street, protesting Black Lives Matter. Her sole protest brings tears to my eyes. I hope one day she sees this post and knows that this single moment changed lives of the people who were fortunate to walk by. Thank you.

This blog post is a gesture to show that I support this cause. I'm with you in this fight for equality. Our voices have been heard, but we cannot relax until there is significant change. Let's keep marching forward..