I live with two amazing dogs – Norman, a very handsome Jack Russell Terrier and Harry Kalas, an odd-looking, but undeniably cute Welsh Corgi/Queensland mix.

Norman & Harry Kalas

And I’m not sure why, but I like to think they have refined palates.  They are vegetarians and enjoy seaweed, raw almonds and edamame for snacks.  Don’t get me wrong… they also go bananas for the occasional piece of cheese (my husband eats dairy) and they live for veggie lunch meats and Gardein goodies.  On top of all of that, they eat vegetarian dry and wet foods – so they’re definitely fed.  The one thing that was lacking, however, was delicious & nutritious treats!  Enter Max & Ruffy’s Natural Organic Treats for Dogs.    I was drawn to the line, not only because of the treats themselves, but the mission behind them:

Mission – To be the preferred source of vegan, eco-friendly, non-outsourced, and nutritious dog treats that lend to the health and well-being of our clients’ companions.

Max & Ruffy’s treats come in wonderful, inventive flavors – using savory and sweet ingredients like, butternut squash, ginger and coconut oil and are available in 2 sizes,“original” size and “mini bites” which are perfect for small dogs or training treats.  So… why not do a taste test with my little guys and find their favorites?

I started with Mother Quinoa’s Pumpkin Patch. Harry Kalas could not get enough, Norman not so much (but he’s quite finicky).  The next day we tried Molasses Explosion 1919 – both dogs loved so much… that I had to try myself (why should the dogs have all of the fun?).  Seriously tasty!!!  In the following days, they went on to enjoy the Powerhouse Sweet Potato & Alfalfa and the Kelp Highway.  Neither pooch was too crazy about the Five-Star Blueberry, but I gave them a try – and you can really taste the ginger!  I saved the flavor I thought they’d enjoy the most for last… and man, was I right.  They went so nuts for the W.P. Pizza that I actually caught Harry with his head in the box.

Not only are they great for you own brood, but in this day of doggie birthday parties… How amazing would it be to give a gift basket of Max & Ruffy’s Dog Treats and cool toy or 2?!

We at Green With Glamour LOVE doing our monthly giveaways… AND my new personal obsession is the brand new feature, “Green Goodie Review”, so why not combine the two every once and awhile?!  I’ve always been a great fan of hostess gifts and small sweet nothings… you know, those little gifties (to others or even yourself) that don’t cost a hole lot of money, but are particularly special.  Anyone can bring a bottle of wine or a candle – not that either are bad gifts, per se, just expected. The Green Goodie Review is here to bring you the unexpected, the exceptional… and the reasonably priced (most under $25)!

I grew up watching my grandmother entertain both great and small numbers with an easy elegance I’ve forever tried to replicate.  And I’ve since realized that living quite sustainably can also mean relishing yesteryear niceties like cloth table linens, non-disposable dish & glassware and herbal  home fragrances.  So, I guess the reason why I’m such a fan of Hammocks & High Tea is not only because the designs are so chic (and of course “eco”), but because the designer, Karen Young, is also inspired by her grandmother.

We’ve carried Hammocks & High Tea at Green With Glamour for about 2 years now and each season, I’m increasingly impressed with Karen’s keen design eye, but it’s only been very recently that I’ve come to learn she’s got an incredible knack for creating the most divine home fragrances!

Now for the GIVEAWAY!  For August, we’re giving one lucky reader the following (which since their arrival at the office has made everything smell incredible!):

A 100% organic cotton, gorgeously printed turquoise Linden sachet, filled with bold & uplifting 100% Certified Organic Lemon Verbena & Lemongrass herbs/essential oils. The hanging loop takes this delicious piece from closet to wherever you need a scent boost. You can even try them in a car to replace those icky chemical air fresheners (not that you would ever use one of those).  $20 for a pair.

AND a lovely laser cut, recycled Perfume Box filled with super scrumptious-smelling, 100% Certified Organic Lavender & Bergamot  herbs, florals, and essential oils.  This is a perfect piece for your closet – to make your clothes smell divine, but it’s so attractive… you may want to leave it on a table top or shelf! $28.

Leave a clever comment and you’re automatically entered to win!

We’re stepping it up, People!  As our retail big sister, Green With Glamour, grows and grows… we’re keeping in stride as any younger sibling might.   We’ll still be bringing you major, eco-chic bargains, letting you in on fantastic “green” design finds and ooh-ing & ahh-ing over all amazing things vegetarian and vegan, but now you’ll be getting more than just our 2 cents.  We’ve enlisted some serious (& delightful) experts to cover what you love!

Meet our new (& seriously stylish) team:

Celebrity hairstylist & make up artist, Vanessa Rose Price, will be schooling us all about sustainable make up, hair and skin care with The (Eco) Beauty Biz.  Not only does she tame those famous Justin Bieber locks (along with a scrolling list of other celebs), but Vanessa will be taking time out of her ridiculously jet-settery schedule to bring us “eco” beauty tid bits along the way.

Vanessa Price

Switching gears from the fast-paced hullabaloo to the bucolic countryside, comes our new foodie team, Abby Lutz and Shane Walsh.   A clothing designer and photographer respectively, this couple traded in their edgy Brooklyn address for a bit of paradise on a farm in rural Vermont.  With a slower paced life now (though they still both work and turn out insanely gifted work), Abby and Shane have found themselves lingering in the garden and creating in the kitchen.  The result?  Mouth-watering, inventive concoctions crafted from the very food they grow.  Whatever is ready to be picked is what goes on the plate…  the very reason why they are The Accidental Gourmands.

Abby Lutz & Shane Walsh

And from the moment I met writer Tiffany Romigh in her well-appointed home in the Hollywood Hills, it was obvious that she was a woman of style.  Seamlessly fusing Street Art with French antiques, bold pop colors with delicate metallics, Tiffany has a knack for merging genres and mediums – and boredom is her enemy.  Never one to ask others to do what she can, Tiffany rolls up her sleeves and dives right in – whatever the task might be!  Having recently relocated to Austin, TX… she’s now faced with a whole new house to grace with her good taste – and a whole new city to explore.  With Chic Re-do, Tiffany shows us how turn the simple into the sublime and the unexpected into the unbelievable!

Tiffany Romigh

Professional TV producer (and semi-pro shopper), Katie Vaughan, has traveled many, many miles and shopped her way across multiple countries in her young life.  And though her career is a demanding one, she always manages to find time to take several trips a year, snagging chic (and sometimes hilarious) thrift store finds all along the way.  By writing 2nd Hand Spotlight, Katie will be sharing with us her favorite vintage shops, thrift stores, flea markets and hidden shopping spots… and maybe she’ll even explain what possessed her to get those metallic high tops!

Katie Vaughan

Of course, I’m still here… wrangling stories from the inspirational, unique and supremely talented bunch above!  I’ll also still be covering divine architecture (both old and new) and must have interior design pieces (as some of you know… I’m an Interior Designer by trade).  On top of that, I’m writing a  new piece called Green Goodie Review. With it I explore great, sustainable finds that are exceptional and moderately priced (under $25).  Everything from brilliant hostess gifts to vegan dog treats to organic room sprays.  Stay tuned… it’s going to get fun!

Deana Bracken (pictured with very understanding husband, Nadim)

Read on, Friends!