Woofstock 90210 Hosts Dogs of Virtually Every Size and Breed for Annual Festival for Canine Lovers

Dogs



The annual Woofstock 90210 dog festival in Beverly Hills last weekend was a sight to behold for dog lovers, their owners, families and especially kids. Lucky my two teen dog-loving daughters, our miniature pinscher Dexter and I were on hand for all the festivities. No where else but at the Westminster Dog Show -- which just took place in New York a few short weeks before -- would you get the chance to see a wider variety of dog breeds ranging in size from the under 5 pound teacup tiny dogs to the giants that looked more the size of ponies than canines.

A Woofstock 90210 Dog in Costume
As a matter of opinion, I think that in many ways the California style annual dog fair was a step above that other world famous canine-centric event.

10 Woofstock 90210 features that set itself apart from Westminster
  • Both AKC breeds and designer mixes as well as a wide assortment of mutts were represented here at this well-attended free event open to the public, proudly leading their human owners around the vendor booths and entertainment areas
  • Dogs of every hair or fur color and style, both natural and not, from hot pink poodles to funky pups sporting punk hairdos to a chihuahua dressed as Santa to at least one doggie wearing eye glasses -- all characters in their own rights, added to the carefree pet-enthusiast atmosphere

Poodle Girl in Playsuit & Hat at Woofstock 90210
  • Families with kids of every age and energy level were actually permitted at all the festivities with dads pulling older kids in wagons while moms pushed the babies in  strollers
  • Every event took place outdoors on the green grass on a sunny Sunday afternoon in one of Beverly Hills' most beautiful and accessible public city parks

    Handsome, well-behaved Boxer at Woofstock 90210

It may be March but this chihuahua is decked out as Santa
  • Mutley Crew K-9 entertained festival goers with flying disk dogs and other stunts you'd never see at a major formal dog show
  • An Old English Sheep Dog Parade followed by a Dogs in Costume Parade with lots more variety led by actress Shari Belafonte and including awards for the Most Owner-Pet Look Alike -- and what else -- the Best BH Bling. jetBlue Airways tickets were also given away to random Pet Parade participants
  • Opportunities for pet owners to talk informally to local veterinarians including Beverly Hills Small Animal Hospital and Rancho Park Veterinary Clinic
  • The chance to bring and donate clean used and new blankets to Operation Blankets for Love for dog adoptions
  • Free swag for dogs including branded pet dishes from State Farm, kibble scoop-clips from jetBlue and John Paul Full Pet Body & Paw Bath Wipes.
  • Tasty treats and dog food samples including some in full size package giveaways courtesy of Blue Buffalo, Natural Balance, Lotus, Fromm Family, Nature's Select and other pet food purveyors were abundant
Uber Cool Woofstock 90210 Swag That Dog Lovers Like Me Truly Appreciate
From the happy looks on all the canine and dog-lover's faces at this year's event, I'd say that a great time was had by all four-legged creatures and their doting humans. Westminster may be the home of Best in Show as well as Best in Class and Best in Breed, but Woofstock 90210 was the place to be for an entertaining old-fashioned family outing at a home-grown West Coast dog festival.

What's the wackiest dog or dog in costume that you've ever seen? Please leave a comment and tell us about it!

FTC Disclosure:  I disclosure that I'm the dog-crazy mommy of a miniature pinscher. My family and I attended this free festival and we received the SWAG and dog product samples pictured. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.


Pet Digital ID Tag QR Scan for GPS

Pets


Recently there has been some very exciting news for the cat and dog worlds. What transpired is a historic partnership forged between an Australian quality pet accessory manufacturer called Red Dingo and PetHub, an innovative business in the Seattle area focused on reconnecting lost pets with their owners via the tapping all the power of current and new technologies.

The result is the trendy new Red Dingo Pet Adventure QR Pet Tag powered by PetHub's digital ID platform offering a unique QR code for each dog or cat. This is designed so that it can be scanned when your animal is found, automatically linking the finder to an online account that stores the contact and pet profile information needed to reunite you with your four-legged friend.  

Optional add-on capabilities offered for nominal annual additional fee include the functionality to track your beloved pet with smartphone GPS and emergency insurance coverage to cover your animal's injuries while lost as well as the ability to help pet owners send out shelter alerts when their animal goes missing and to share PetCards with your trusted circle of pet care providers.

Dexter, our family's Miniature Pinscher (AKA Zwergpinscher and Min Pin), isn't just a Houdini in the house with all his secret hide out places. He is an escape artist that gets out the door too frequently and can even out run Olympic athletes I think. 

So, I was glad to learn recently that a new kind of dog ID tag with advanced technology now exists and was even happier when PetHub sent me their Skull & Cross Bones tag in Black to test out on my little 10-pound speed demon.


This sleep dog can outrun any of us


The tag arrived via First Class Mail quickly. Soon after receiving it I completed the short and easy to fill out online form with basic information, uploaded a JPG of my little guy and activated his one of a kind QR code -- all in less than 5 minutes. Then, to see if this really worked I scanned his tag with the QR app that I have loaded on my iPhone and within seconds I was connected to a picture of Dexter and the contact information one would see if they had been the one to find my pup.


Good Thing He didn't Chase the Mailman 


Obviously he didn't actually get away for the test. I'll give you an update the next time this fast four-legged fellow takes off -- and I don't think you'll have to wait long based on his past track record -- and tell you how the GPS function works that comes as an option with the Silver upgrade I received from PetHub. In the meanwhile, read on for more about where to purchase these nifty pet-tracking inventions, the tag styles you can choose from and the various service upgrade add-ons available.

Dexter's PetHub Profile Photo - If you find him, scan his QR code!






In addition, you can buy tags directly online from PetHub starting at $15.90 each with shipping included.
  • Paw Print - Red, Blue, Pink or Black
  • Dog Bone - Red, Blue, Pink or Black
  • Heart - Pink or Black
  • Skull & Cross Bones - Pink or Black



Two upgrade options for pet owners purchasing Red Dingo tags embedded with PetHub technology include
  • A Silver Subscription ($3.95 per month or $39 per year) which not only helps owners notify local animal shelters if the pet gets lost but also sends owners an email with the exact location of where the tag got scanned with a GPS-enabled phone.
  • A Gold Subscription ($4.95 per month or $49 per year) includes all the benefits of the Silver subscription plus a collectible PetHub ID tag each spring and $3,000 emergency insurance that covers the pet for injuries sustained while lost.


RedDingo PetHub
QR Digital ID Tag

$54.90 value

HOW TO ENTER
Required (Mandatory) Entry
Optional Extra Entries 

Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest in Issaquah, Washington, Pet Hub is focused on getting lost pets home faster than ever using their innovative QR code pet ID tags, GPS mapping and real-time notifications. In December 2011 the company's hot new lineup of products received recognition from both Dog Fancy Magazine and Pet Age Magazine.


Dexter models a RedDingo PetHub Tag Style


Red Dingo PetHub QR ID Tag Skull & Cross Bones style


The new Red Dingo PetHub enabled tags may be purchased at 50 select retailers and will be completely rolled out in the U.S. and Canada by Summer 2012.  

Available in four different styles and in a variety of colors
Each Red Dingo Pet Adventure QR Pet Tags come with free unlimited storage data as well as access to educational articles, relevant event listings, and local destinations added by the PetHub community and experts.



w/ FREE 1 yr Silver PetHub Subscription
GIVEAWAY


Prize: RedDingo PetHub QR Tag Style + Silver Subscription


Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends April 29, 2012 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. Winners will be selected at random from all entries and notified via email. Prize is winner's choice of RedDingo Pet Adventure QR Tag Powered by PetHub plus one year Silver Subscription, total value $54.90.

Simply leave a comment below this blogpost saying which style tag you'd like to win. Don't forget to include your email address, Facebook and/or Twitter contact info in the initial comment section so the winner can be contacted.
Earn extra entries to win for doing one or more of the easy options listed below. Just be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert (MBE) to leave an additional comment after each individual extra action you do to confirm so we can record all your additional chances to win.

1. Like @mommyblogexpert on Facebook
2. Follow @mommyblogexpert on Twitter
4. Follow @pethub on Twitter
5. Like @pethub on Facebook

You can earn even MORE chances to win each time you TWEET the message below, up to 3 times each day. Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for each of your RTs.

Hip Dog & Cat GIVEAWAY RedDingo Digital ID Tag w/ PetHub QR & GPS #Tech if your pet gets lost $54 ARV #pets http://tinyurl.com/73766j2


LOTS More 
Family-Friendly Giveaways!
Currently Being Hosted by Mommy Blog Expert
ENTER Them All HERE



About PetHub, Inc.

FTC Disclosure: PetHub provided me with the product mentioned as well as an upgrade to Silver subscription to facilitate this review. In addition, PetHub is providing the prize and shipping for this giveaway. I further disclose that I'm a dog loving mommy blogger. This blog did not receive any other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Bells of Ireland Fresh Flowers from the Farmer's Market for St. Patrick's Day

Celebrations



All images in this post by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day to MBE readers who celebrate this holiday today.

Picked up this beautiful bunch of Bells of Ireland earlier this week in the Century City Farmers Market which is located among the high rise office buildings of this business district just a few blocks from Beverly Hills in the Los Angeles area. Spring green is my personal favorite color and also the official color of Mommy Blog Expert so I just couldn't resist getting these for our dining room table. The best part is that they were -- drum roll please -- only $4 for the bouquet I bought. It's always nice to save some green on fresh flowers, especially flowers that are naturally, not dyed, green. Farmers Markets are definitely my go-to source for the freshest flowers and produce at the best prices, too.


Bells of Ireland Just $4 at a local Farmer's Market - Vase is my own
After I got home I did some research and was surprised to learn some fun facts about Bells of Ireland that you might find fascinating, too.
  • These don't even grow in Ireland
  • This flower's common name comes from the green color of its leaves and bells
  • The green bells with white veins aren't technically flowers, they are calyxes
  • Bells traditionally symbolize good luck and are popular for St. Patrick's Day
Bells of Ireland Closeup

Facts in this post from WholesaleWeddingFlowers.com

Luck 'O the Irish to You!

How are you spending St. Patrick's Day this year? Leave a comment and share.

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar With Prizes March 19-25

Twitter Parties


Here's the family-friendly Twitter Party list for the coming week of March 19 - March 25 that I think moms and women would appreciate knowing about. Lots of Twitter parties are already on this week's calendar offering prizes for women, moms, kids and the rest of the family young and old. Check back frequently so you don't miss updates and additions to this list as the week goes on


Celebrate Spring With a Week of Twitter Parties

THIS WEEK

Monday, March 19

Glade #Happiair Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Prizes include Glade Prize Packs and more. RSVP

Last Minute Travel is the topic of the #TMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Panelists include @TravelingMom @KimOrlando @DebMomof3 and @CindyRichards. Win a set of Sports Floor Mats for your car.

Another Melissa and Doug Twitter Party at 9 pm EST with special guest Melissa. Sponsored by @MelissaandDoug with prizes. #mdparty RSVP

Join the #TravelinStyle Twitter party hosted by @BabyCargo, @CitrusLane, and @ThePeninsulaNYC and organized by @TrumpetingMedia 8:30 pm EST.

Tuesday, March 20 - First Day of Spring

You're invited to the two hour @Freschetta Rally for Real Pizza #PizzaRally Twitter Party 7 to 9 pm EST.  @MomSpark is hosting Among 35 giveaways prizes include 10 chances to win Freschetta Pizza for a Year #PizzaRally. There's also a week-long Twitter event going too for the chance to win even more.

Are you signed up for the @Gogirlfinance #greengirlfriends Twitter Party at 9 pm EST? If not you will want to because they're giving away some cool prizes!

Wednesday, March 21

Come to the #CuriousGeorgeMoms Bilingual Twitter Party from 1 - 2:30 pm EST. Hosted by @OhMariana @Sarann @SocialSavvyMom @MamaLatina @SassyScorpYM and moderated by @LBConnect. Prizes Two (2) $50 Michael's Gift Cards and One Kindle Fire

Join @USFRA, @theMotherhood and @mombloggersclub at 8 pm EST for the US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance #FoodD Twitter Party to discuss where beef comes from and consumer issues. Prizes include FIVE (5) skillet pans and Grand Prize winner gets full set of pots and pans.

Thursday, March 22

If kids spring fashion is your thing you'll want to pop in to #MyHartstrings Twitter Party  at 1 pm EST to chat about children's spring fashion. Follow @CleverPirate @KathleenHenage and @PlusSizeMommy. Prizes include three (3) $25 Hartstrings Gift Cards and one $100 Hartstrings GC. 

Got Kids? Don't miss the @Chuggington Season 3 Twitter Party at 2-5 pm EST. Loads of Traintastic prizes according to the brand.

You're invited to the MSN Now Twitter Party hosted by @momcentral at 3-4 pm EST. Special guests include @KinseySchofield @msn and @msnNOW. Prizes: SIX (6) party participants win $50 Amazon Gift Codes plus TWO (6) people who Tweet before event each win a $50 Amazon GC. Use #msnNOW 

Love shoes? Then be at @Kidsumers #AlegriaShoes Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Shoeaholic Dream Prizes a pair of Alegria Shoes (ARV $139.99 each) for each of SIX (6) winners!

Join the #TysonBreakfast Twitter Party Chat with hostesses @Bigbinderblog and @Lomargie at 9 pm EST. Prizes include three (3) $25 Sam's Club Gift Card and one (1) $100 Sam's Club GC

Organize Your Tech with #AMDSpringClean at 9 pm EST. With @AMDNotebook  @TechSavvyMama @HomeEverAfter @LittleTechGirl and @ScrappinMichele. Prizes include Four (4) $25 American Express Gift Cards and grandprize is an AMD-powered HP dv6 laptop. 

The Hunger Games @Fandango Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Awesome prizes to win if you follow hashtag #FandangoHungerGames during the event including THG soundtrack, THG Trilogy boxed set of books, $100 in Fandango THG gift cards, Nook Tablet 8GB and $400 Fandango THG Gift Cards.
Friday, March 23

It's another weekly Verizon Insiders Twitter Party with @theonlinemom at 3 pm EST. Prizes. #VZWbuzz


COMING SOON

Tuesday, March 27

Via @MamaSarahJane Midnight Velvet Fabulous Twitter Party w/PRIZES at 8 pm EST. RSVP by tweeting "RSVP @ShopMV #MVFabLooks Twitter Party"

Wednesday, March 28

You're invited to the #NotaMoneyTrasher @CVS_extra Twitter Party at 1 to 3 pm EST. Hosted by @ConsumerQueen. Get a gift by sending in your

Thursday, March 29

Join the Eggsciting @Smarties Easter Twitter Party at 7 pm EST with @LizatSmarties and hostess @SweepsMama. Prizes: Smarties candies for spring #HopOnSmarties

Come to the #CraveBox Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Prizes given away every 10 minutes include @CraveBox contents as well as some full CraveBox packages.

Thursday, April 5

Mark your calendar for the Tropicana Pure Premium 100% Orange Juice Twitter Party hosted by @SocialMoms at 7 pm EST. Follow Social Moms and @tropicanaoj before party. Prizes: Twenty (20) Amazon Gift Cards, randomly selected 10 winners for Tweeting before party, 10 winners for Tweets during event #TropFloridaOJ.

Tuesday, April 1o

If you've got a baby, don't miss the #AbbysLane Twitter Party at 9 pm EST centering around diapers, baby wearing and parenting. Hosted by @Clothdiapergeek. Grand prize is a Limited Edition BabyHawk Mei Tai in Tori of Tokyo print, valued at $99 with other prizes from sponsors just as cool.


Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar please email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line & including all the details and links in the body of your message. 


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend someTwitter Parties as a Guest. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

How to Get Involved as a Mom in World Water Day March 22 & Help People Around Globe in Need

Community



Just received an email and call to action from my friend Jennifer James, founder of Mom Bloggers for Social Good. World Water Day is coming up next Thursday, March 22. I invite you to join me in learning about ways you can make a difference by participating in one or more of the activities planned for next week.

World Water Day, March 22, 2012 - Image from Water.org

Here in the U.S. families like mine often take water for granted. But others are not so fortunate elsewhere in the world. A child dies every 20 seconds of a water-related illness or disease. This is just one of the many tragic statistics where non profit groups like Water.org hope to make an impact.

What is World Water Day and Who is Water.Org?
World Water Day was founded in 1992-3 by the United Nations with a variety of groups over the years engaging with it to highlight a wide spectrum of impacts of water. Water.org is actively participating in development and supporting World Water Day, a designated day for building awareness about the global problems revolving around water issues and discussing solutions that will bring about positive changes. 

How Can I Get Involved?
World Water Day is an excellent way for the American public to be introduced to what the water crisis is all about and how regular people like you and I can help. 

First, you may want to watch this YouTube interview with actor and Water.org co-founder Matt Damon about the water crisis to understand more about some of the water issues of greatest concern.



A few other easy and quick ways to participate in World Water Day

Donate Your Voice. I've already authorized access to both my Twitter and Facebook pages so that daily messages about World Water Day will be automatically be published in my feed over the next week to spread the word to MommyBlogExpert followers in both social media communities. You can sign up until March 22 to donate your voice, too, if you wish.

Give Water. Take part in the World Water Day fundraiser. A donation of just $25 provides clean water for life for one person.

Update your Facebook Timeline Cover Photo with images like this provided by Water.org
Change Your Facebook Homepage for a Day. Save one of the provided Water.org photos (such as the one above) to your computer. Then change out your Facebook Timeline Cover Photo on your profile with one that celebrates and helps promote Water Day.

Tweet Using the #WaterDay hashtag on Twitter. Mom Bloggers for Social Good offers two suggested Tweets (listed below). You're welcome to copy and paste either for broadcasting over Twitter -- or use your own choice of words -- just be sure to use the #WaterDay hashtag for maximum message impact.

Tweet 1
On average, women walk 3.7 miles a day for @water around the globe. Raise your voice for #WaterDay #socialgoodmoms 

Tweet 2
Help girls spend more time in school, less time carrying @water. Raise your voice for #WaterDay  #socialgoodmoms

This is just the tip of the iceberg of things you can do to take an active part in World Water Day. There are so many more ways to support World Water Day so definitely check them out.

About Water.Org
Water.org is a non-profit organization that has transformed thousands of communities in Africa, South Asia, and Central America by providing access to safe water and sanitation over the past twenty-one years. Founded by Matt Damon and Gary White, Water.org works with local partners to deliver solutions to those in need.

Mom Bloggers for SocialGood's Jennifer James in Kenya. Photo Credit: Elisa Morgan

Join Mom Bloggers for Social Good
Not a member of Mom Bloggers for Social Good yet? Here's how to join us. Also, don't forget to follow on Twitter @socialgoodmoms and on Facebook at facebook.com/mombloggersforsocialgood

FTC Disclosure: I disclose that I have been a member of Mom Bloggers for Social Good since this socially responsible group for moms who blog professionally was founded in 2011. However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this  blog, including this one.