Archive for the ‘Life as we know it’ Category

Well, we’re back. To be honest, we were back a week and half ago, but we’ve been up to our eyeballs in back orders and mile long to-do lists (that’s what happens when you take off for 3 weeks, apparently). So much so we have barely had time to come up for air, let alone post a wrap up of the big day. And our apologies for that. We were so excited about everything that had happened and couldn’t wait to get back and tell all of you just how amazing it was, and to thank you all for your congratulations and well wishes. :)

The wedding, to say the least, was perfect.

Right down to the last detail…

In true Pattern & Paw spirit, we had an ‘incident’ with a runaway dog twenty minutes before the ceremony began. If you look *real* close you might be able to see the dirty pawprint right smack on the front of my dress…

A fitting accident, to say the least. But if that was to be the only thing to go wrong that day, you know what? I’ll take it.

Want to see more? Check out some more images plus a truly awesome photo slideshow (set to our, um, “slightly alternative” wedding song) at www.kern-photo.com, the fantabulous website of our equally fantabulous photographers, R.J. and Nicole Kern.

And speaking of R.J. and Nicole, the superb talent behind the lens, you may recognize their name. In fact, they won our pet photo contest the first two years we held it. Their dog, Dash, has graced the pages of our website more times than we can count (and he’s got quite the collection of P&P collars to show for it). In fact, that’s how we first met them. They were our customers before they were our photographers before they were our friends. And when we first got engaged, R.J. was one of the first people we called, as we could think of no one better to photograph our big day. I think the images speak for themselves. They did a fabulous job, even including Kitty in the photo shoots (despite the fact that R.J. is allergic, poor thing). So, you know, if you’re looking for a photographer in Colorado (or beyond – they travel!) give them a call. You won’t be disappointed.

Good news is now that all is said and done, and all the back orders have been shipped, we’re now back to our regular shipping schedule. And stay tuned – we’ve got some great new things in the works, including a pretty awesome contest, and some great new designs you’re sure to fall head over heels for (see those lovely lilac skulls Kitty is sporting up there? Yep. That’s one of ‘em. You know, she gets first pick of all our new designs).

Seeing that today is Earth Day, I thought it would be fitting to share the ways that we are trying to make our business more earth friendly.

- Reduced packaging. We don’t use any more packaging than necessary. Your order will be shipped to you wrapped in tissue (made from 75% Post Industrial Recycled Fibers) and sealed with a sticker. No unnecessary plastic or padding. We use USPS certified Priority boxes, and our bubble mailers are entirely recycle-able. We encourage our customers to re-use and recycle the mailing boxes and envelopes. We do ourselves – we reuse shipping boxes and materials that are still in good condition, including packing peanuts and bubble wrap when they are needed.

- No invoices. We’re not forgetful, we don’t include an printed packing slip or invoice in retail orders on purpose. It’s extra paper that is just not needed. You’ve already received an email version. Because of this we’ve been able to save countless reams of paper.

- No commuting. We happily and proudly operate Pattern & Paw out of our home, which means we don’t need to drive to work every day. We feel very strongly that our decision to do this has made our business that much more eco-friendly.

- Natural/fluorescent lighting. We work mainly during the day, and utilize as much natural light as possible. For the few stormy days or evenings where we do need to work, our office is outfitted with compact fluorescent bulbs.

Personally, we also try to make our lifestyle as green as we can. Recycling, using reusable grocery bags, combining errands into one trip, being conscious of our water and energy use, and using non-bleach and chemical free cleaning products in our home.

What are you doing in your own home/life to be more green?

This is exactly why I left Colorado…

… to avoid scenes like this. I knew that it occasionally snowed in Tennessee, but I never thought it’d actually stick.

Waking up to the sound of ice-scrapers on windshields is something I can surely live without.