It’s cold outside and thank goodness I have my Violet to cuddle up and sit on my lap to keep me warm. She’s better than a blanket, in fact right now while working on the computer writing this blog she is fast asleep on my lap this close to me at all times, offering me some extra heat and well-deserved schnauzer love.

That said, the sprinkle of snow today reminds me of winters past, and that’s there’s work to be done. Yes, with February just around the corner I’ve already had my trees trimmed and all holiday representations removed. Just a rule I keep, that everything needs to be gone come Jan 15th. Now that that is done, I can begin to review my collection of gardening design books and get inspired during these cold days in Connecticut. I also find myself in the garden studio, playing in the dirt as it were, creating fabulous spring-inspired arrangements to display as a mind trick that spring has arrived in my home. Truth be told, with spring still 50 days away my abundance of vessels are filled with daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses. Lush green textures and fragrances helps hold me over until then.

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Wow, December is here and today I realize Violet’s birthday is on the12th, and she will celebrate her first birthday. She’s a big girl now, fully trained, filled with personally and a collection of fabulous sweaters and rhinestone necklaces. Where has the time gone? It seems as if it was only yesterday when I brought the little bundle of joy home, one that would heal my heart and give me unconditional love and kisses.
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Stars on four legs and two turned it out last night for the dogcademy gala to benefit the North Shore Animal League at Cipriani’s on Wall Street. The green carpet was laid out, grand dog and cat sculptures lined the gorgeous ballroom.

Beth Stern, who is the North Shore Animal League spokesperson and huge dog lover, left her bulldog Bianca at home and brought along husband Howard Stern.

Beth’s dress was also being auctioned off to raise money. Howard was keeping his Tom Ford outfit. He loved Lauren’s vintage Thierry Mugler. Howard talked about Rosie O’Donnell jumping on the Sirius bandwagon, and that it was a good thing to have a place she can say whatever she wanted.

Fashion designers lent their touch to the evening donating dog collars they designed. From Issac Mizrarahi, to Betsey Johnson and even Christie Brinkley. You have a chance to buy one of these fabulous collars at CharityBUZZ and of course it all goes to a great cause!

Along with chatting with Beth and Howard Stern, Lauren was on the green carpet where she caught up Diane Neal from Law & Order, Ron Dipierto, the hunky Islanders goalie, singer Diane Birch, and gala host, Geraldo Rivera.

Catch Lauren’s gala coverage November 17th on Better in your market and on our site!

As I entered my office today preparing to write my blog, my precious little schnauzer followed me into the room and immediately jumped onto my lap, licking my face and nibbling my nose. As if she doesn’t get enough cuddling and loving by the many people who come and take her away for long drives, shopping trips and walks in the park. It’s only when they return that I’m asked, “Oh Mar, how are you doing today?” Good God, Miss Violet has become more popular than I. Okay, I know her schedule is not as tight as mine, but really. This little miniature schnauzer that’s turning eleven months in November brings so many people, including me, such great joy and happiness. But today she has brought me inspiration as she begins to slobber me with wet and wonderful kisses. Read more

Recently my dear friend and former Westport neighbor Barbara asked if I was available to join her on a wonderful mini vacation to Vermont. As a superb destination for country drives, mountain trails and walks both Violet and I were delighted to check our schedule(yes she too has a schedule) and regrettably I was booked for some appearances and unable to say yes. Before I was even done whispering my regrets “no” the question came—the one that any proud Daddy would fear: “Well, what about Violet?” Although I was busy Violet should not be punished and should go without me. And wow, she would be staying at the prestigious Equinox hotel, so of course I said yes. (I tried to train her to take a towel or two as a souvenir for me, but I don’t think she caught on.) Read more

For many of us loving a pet comes with many rewards but understanding our pets can be sometimes challenging—unless you have a dog like my Violet Von Schhnorkenheimer. This now-12lbs bundle of joy has no issues communicating to me or anyone else for that matter.
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It’s time to celebrate Violet’s 8 month birthday with a new photos. Talk about a dog learning tricks! She posed and posed and posed — and seemed to be loving it. She had just come from the groomers so I think she wanted to show off how pretty she felt. What a clever girl I have.

Just like my Mother and her mother before her when getting ready for a night out, they would pack into the car and have their hair done. Violet now continues the ladies’ tradition because rather than calling it “time for the groomer” I have come to refer to it as “time to go to the Beauty Parlor” and that’s exactly what it is: a beauty experience—especially when you take your dog to Grooming By Debbie, located in Norwalk, CT. I felt that it was important to keep Violet on a beauty schedule so I called to make an appointment for a follow-up haircut and blowout for Miss Violet. Debbie took care of my first dog, Corky, since the day I brought her home, so it was fitting that Violet would get the same royal treatment. I picked her up this afternoon to find her smelling and looking fabulous, filled with excitement (and a poop just waiting to explode: she prefers to poop at home!) and she did.

Tonight we are off to a dinner party and both of us are ready and looking fabulous. She’s the perfect date.

There is nothing like a hometown crowd and I was fortunate to have two such occasions this week. Early in the week, I spoke at a local Rotary Club luncheon about starting my own business and getting paid while finding your passion. This was my experience as I started my business while I was a banking executive and passionate gardener. Read more

Finally weather that we can enjoy…..and I have. I took my Vespa all the way to my favorite farm stand in Easton and now daily to the gym. I feel really about the all the gas and money I’m saving while working on my tan. For me, I need all the help I can get. Read more