Halloween Parade of Pets in Costume

October 31, 2010


Instead of talking about ghosts and goblins or trick-or-treating today, we decided to do something a little more fun!

Let's be honest, doesn't it make you smile when you see a cute little doggie or kitty cat dressed in a costume? 🙂

Without any further delay, let's get this parade started!

Katie in Halloween Princess Dog Costume

Nicki's Katie looking precious in her Princess outfit!

Roxy in Halloween Dog Banana Split Costume

Lisa's Roxy is adorable all dressed up as a Banana Split!

Brady Halloween Devil Cats in Hats Costumes

Kristen's Brady is a beautiful little devil! Where's Jerry, Tom??

Bru Devil Halloween Cats in Hats Costume

Bru also calls Kristen Meowmy, and is another little devil!

Beau Cats in Hats

Lauren's Beau is adorable in his Texas Rangers cap!

Beau Tiger Halloween Cats in Hats

Beau again...now he's working the Tony the Tiger look!

Ashy Halloween Pirate Cats in Hats

BigSis' Ashy as a scary one-eyed pirate! Argghh!

Ashy Halloween Cowboy Costume Cats in Hats

Ashy in his Cowboy ensemble! Git along lil' doggie!

Cats in Hats: Devil TomTom

LilSis' lil devil, TomTom

Cats in Hats: Devil TomTom

He is a pretty lil Devil, isn't he?

Gaby Halloween Pirate Costume Cats in Hats

BigSis' Gaby tries the pirate hat on for size! Love the dreadlocks, Gaby!

Gaby Halloween Pumpkin Costume Cats in Hats

Gaby also models a stylish pumpkin scrunchy collar/necklace!

Gaby Halloween Cowboy Costume Cats in Hats

Gaby makes a very handsome cowboy, don't you think?

Gaby Done Being Halloween Cowboy Cats in Hats

Gaby was apparently WAY over the cowboy look!

(Happy Halloween photo credit: Julicath Flickr Photostream)


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~LilSis

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

October 30, 2010

Did Halloween sneak up on you? It did for me. I actually managed to buy two pumpkins a few days ago but they've yet to be carved. Every year we usually do some pretty elaborate carvings and have three or four nice jack-o-lanterns lit up on the front porch but I don't think that's going to happen this year.

If you don't have the time to carve your pumpkin the old fashioned way or just don't feel like making a monstrous mess, it's not too late! Here are a few quick and easy decorating ideas that I've come across.

Painted Pumpkin Faces

To get the kids to join in on the fun, just give them some paints or markers, glue and glitter and let them be creative in making their own punkin' faces!

Painted Kitten PumpkinsThese little painted kitten pumpkins are adorable!

Funny Face Pumpkin Stickers

Or find some cute funny face stickers that they can just stick right on. These are actually printable stickers from Family Fun.

Pumpkin Top PumpkinsAnd who says that you have the cut the top off of your pumpkin to create the traditional lid? I like this idea to just cut out the bottom and carve the top, allowing the stem to be the nose.

Pumpkin BatsWhy not turn miniature pumpkins into cute little winged bats? All you need is black paint and craft foam.

Martha Stewart Candy Decorated Pumpkins

Here's an idea from Martha Stewart on how to decorate your pumpkin Halloween faces with a variety of candies.

Snaggle Tooth Painted PumpkinsAnd it doesn't get much easier than this! Just freehand your snaggletoothed pumpkin face on with a pencil, then finalize the sketch with a black marker in less than five minutes.

Whatever your plans are for this year, we wish you safe and Happy Halloween!

~LilSis

Clarisonic in Pink? Yes, please!

October 27, 2010

I love my Pink Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System.  No, that's a lie.  Let me be completely honest.

I'm actually addicted to my Clarisonic and use it every single day.  Sometimes twice a day.

It helps me keep my persnickety skin clean and smooth.  It enables my serum and moisturizer to work better, since the skin is clear and able to absorb products easier.  I think of it as lessening the barrier of product build-up, dead skin cells and makeup.  Without that barrier, my products have an easier time of getting down into the skin to do what they're supposed to do.

There's only one thing wrong with my beloved Clarisonic.  It's not pink!  It's white!

Clarisonic

Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System in Graphite Gray, Pink and White

I know, it's shocking that there is a pink product on this planet that I don't have.  I truly am the Queen of All Things Pink.

But I don't have a pink Clarisonic.  And I'm just the teeniest tiniest bit pouty about that.

Do I need a pink Clarisonic?  No, my white Clarisonic works perfectly.

Do I want a pink Clarisonic?  Uh, YEAH, of course I do!

Now, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you don't have to wish and pine for a pink Clarisonic like I am.  You can get your very own Pink Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System and donate to breast cancer research at the same time.  Plus you can get it with free shipping!  AND you can add free engraving to your Clarisonic to make it absolutely your own.  Add your name, a nickname, or a fun or motivational phrase.

How would I engrave my pink Clarisonic?  “Queen of All Things Pink”, of course!  😀

~BigSis

MAC Venomous Villians Mean & Green Nail Lacquer

October 23, 2010

I'm known for wearing some unusual colors on my toes but I haven't worn color on my fingernails in years. I usually just keep a clear coat on or maybe a pale, pale pink or an occasional french manicure for a special occasion.

We mentioned the launch of the MAC Venomous Villians Collection last month and luckily both of us got our orders in the day the collection was available online. If you wanted any of the awesome products in this collection you had to act fast because there were items already sold out on the very first day.

MAC Venomous Villians Mean & Green Nail Lacquer

MAC Venomous Villians Mean & Green Nail Lacquer

For some reason, I could not resist this Mean Green Nail Lacquer. The photos just don't do justice to this color. This duochrome polish has a green base filled with a shimmer that flashes rose, gold, copper and pink depending on how the light hits it.  The base color adds a greenish glow at the edges.

I definitely stepped outside my comfort zone when I put this color on my fingers, but I'm so glad that I did. 🙂

This one was taken outside in the sun so it really shows the sparkles!

(Thanks to my budding photographer, HayHay for helping with this photo shoot.)

~LilSis

Clean Floors without Cruelty!

October 22, 2010

It seems like my weekend shopping trips are lots more challenging these days since I can't just breeze through Target and mindlessly grab my usual products.  Making a commitment to purge animal-tested products from my life has been a real project, but I'm committed to it, as LilSis is also.

I've had a longtime love affair with my Swiffer WetJet since the day I laid eyes on it, but alas, Swiffer is a Procter & Gamble company.  Procter & Gamble does animal testing, so Swiffer is out of my house, which made me sad at first.  I envisioned returning to a drippy string mop or sponge mop with a big steaming sloshing bucket full of Pine Sol.  Gah!

Rubbermaid Reveal MopThankfully, there are other alternatives, and I found a nifty one. I bought a Rubbermaid Reveal Microfiber Spray Mop during my last trip to Target.  How much do I love it?  Let me count the ways:

  • As far as I can see, Rubbermaid doesn't do any animal testing.  If I'm wrong, someone please correct me!
  • There are no expensive disposable pads to buy.  The Reveal Mop comes with a microfiber pad that is washable!  Brilliant!  You can buy replacement pads if you ever need to.
  • You can use any cleaning solution you wish!  Brilliant again!  Not only are you free of the pricey Swiffer solution, but you can use a completely environmentally-friendly, green solution!  Use plain water, or water with white vinegar, or buy a natural cleanser from Method, Mrs. Meyers, or Caldrea.  You choose.
  • Another cool thing?  You can buy extra refillable spray bottles so you can switch out your solutions for different surfaces: tile, wood, vinyl, or laminate.
  • No batteries required!

Even though I imagined the worst (stringy ol' yarn mop), what I ended up with is better in many ways than my old Swiffer!

Before you even think about mopping though, you need freshly-swept floors right?  This is the perfect time to introduce you to my new electric broom; the Electrolux ErgoRapido Bagless Cordless Handheld/Stick Vacuum Cleaner.Electrolux Ergorapido

My last electric broom lasted for probably 10 years, but it finally got weary of sucking up all that cat litter and hair, and it just passed away.  After a ton of research, I decided on the ErgoRapido and I'm so thrilled with it:

  • It works well and has good suction.  It will occasionally take two passes to pick up some of the fine bits of clumping cat litter, but I think that material is a real challenge for any sweeper.
  • It's lightweight, cordless and rechargeable.
  • There are no bags, and the canister is easy to empty.
  • It's a stick vacuum cleaner AND a handheld vacuum all in one.
  • It looks really cool!

So with both of these tools in my cleaning closet, there's no excuse for a dirty floor, right?  Now, all I have to do is teach my furkids to sweep and mop while I'm at work, and we're all set!

~BigSis

Halloween Cats in Hats!

October 20, 2010

I don't think we've mentioned lately how much our kitties love wearing hats!  🙂

If you don't believe us, just look at these happy faces from previous Halloweens when all three of them posed in their favorite witch hat!

TomTom looking very sly in his witch hat.

TomTom looking very sly in his witch hat.

Ashy trying to look like he isn't enjoying his witch hat.

Ashy trying to look like he isn't enjoying his witch hat.

Gaby looking very dark and mysterious in his witch hat.

Gaby looking very dark and mysterious in his witch hat.

See. Don't they look like they're having fun?

(We're both animal lovers so we want to assure you that there is never any cruel treatment to our little furkids to get these photos.  Please don't call the authorities on us.)

Since we no longer host costume parties or have little kiddos to dress up, we sisters just get a kick out of showing off our little furkids in their Halloween costumes, their Christmas outfits, and their New Years Eve hats.  We actually don't need much of an occasion in order to torment them with photo shoots.

No, we aren't crazy cat ladies (yet)!  I know we aren't the only ones who like dressing up our pets. I was in Petco today and couldn't believe all the cute outfits for little doggies!

Does your pet have his/her Halloween costume yet? If so, we would LOVE to see them!

Just for the pure fun of it, we thought we would have a little Parade of Pet Costumes here on BigSisLilSis for Halloween. And this parade isn't limited to just kitties; it's open to all pets: dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles…you name it.  We want to see it!  Cats in Hats, Masquerading Mutts, Doggies in Dresses, Incognito Iguanas…you get the idea!

If you want to join in on the fun, just snap a photo of your pet in their hat or costume and email it to either BigSis (BigSis at BigSisLilSis dot com) or LilSis (LilSis at BigSisLilSis dot com) by Thursday, October 28th and don't forget to mention your pet's name.

We'll post the parade here on Halloween, Sunday, October 31st!  🙂

~LilSis

A Kinder, Gentler, Greener BigSisLilSis

October 18, 2010

Kinder, Gentler, Greener

Remember when President George H.W. Bush mentioned a “kinder and gentler” nation?  BigSisLilSis just celebrated our 2nd blogiversary, and those words “kinder and gentler” just seem appropriate as we think about year 3.

The last two years have seen us publish 607 posts, and we hope to continue at that pace.  We absolutely plan to keep posting with a positive attitude and message, and to keep talking about food, health, fitness, fun and anything else that interests those of us girls who are 40-plus.

What has changed in our worlds since we started BigSisLilSis in 2008?

  • We're both focusing on things we can do around our homes to “Go Green”
  • We both made a commitment to purge our homes of all products that are animal-tested
  • After 16 years as a vegetarian, I went the rest of the way to vegan in January
  • LilSis is having to learn how to eat a non-dairy diet
  • Recycling has finally become a priority in my household

The result of these changes is a kinder, gentler, greener BigSisLilSis.   We feel like we're finding our voice; figuring out who we are and what is most meaningful for us to talk about.

What does that mean to our readers?

  • We'll continue to share reviews of our favorite products, but we won't be reviewing anything that we know to be animal-tested
  • Since we both go berserk when we find new beauty products that actually show results, we'll keep sharing our new discoveries
  • You'll see BigSis' recipes here from time to time without animal products (you may have already noticed a few)
  • LilSis will continue to bring you healthy recipes suitable for a family of hungry guys, but also try to adapt some to non-dairy recipes
  • We're both extremely committed to exercise in order to stay healthy and fight the “mid-life, menopausal, almost inevitable, battle of the bulge”.  If we discover anything works for us 40-plus women, you can bet we'll share it!
  • We talk about it all the time, but it's true that LIFE IS SHORT.  Too short to be negative!  As we discover motivational tools or reading that helps us stay positive and encouraging, we'll tell you about it asap!
  • Our overall goal is to bring you information that will enhance your lives in a brighter, healthier, greener, more compassionate way.

Living this way is a daily learning experience for us, and we hope you'll give us your input along the way.  Thanks for joining us!

Photo credit: Ecstaticist

~BigSis

Texas Rangers: It’s Time!

October 16, 2010

Texas RangersWe don't talk much about sports here on BigSisLilSis, but there is no way that I can let this historic moment pass without mentioning it.

LilSis and I moved to Arlington in the late 60s with the whole fam damily, so we grew up there.  Texas and Arlington are home base to us, even though I'm in Big D and LilSis is in California now.

Now, after 39 years, our Texas Rangers have won their first playoff series, AND their first playoff game at home!  It's finally happened!  Yes yes yes!  And this week, we're competing in the 2010 ALCS playoffs against the New York Yankees.

We know that the Rangers have had some tough years and haven't always had a superior team, but this year they do and we're thrilled and proud about that.  They play as a team without a bunch of diva drama, and it has taken them far…this far!

Not everyone is so happy about the Rangers' visit to Playoff Land though.  Filip Bondy of the New York Daily News is a little less than joyous about it.  Check out this gem from Mr. Bondy:

All they've ever had was Nolan Ryan, and they've ridden him like an urban cowboy on a mechanical bull.

Ryan's no-hitters aside, this ALCS represents one of sports' great historical mismatches, 40 pennants versus zero. The Yanks should win this series just by throwing their pinstriped uniforms onto the field and reading from a few pages of The Baseball Encyclopedia.

Oh, ouch, Filip!  That's a touch harsh and – I'm not gonna lie – it stings a bit!  You're certainly entitled to your opinion, and there is no disputing the Yankees' record.  There is also no question that the Rangers are the underdogs in this scenario.

After two games though, each team has won one game each.  Each side has made some errors, and each has had some incredible moments.  It doesn't seem like such an unbalanced match-up to me at this point.  The Yankees took the first game 6-5 and the Rangers won the second 7-2.  I'm not a sportswriter though, so what do I know.  🙂

Even if our Rangers don't win another game in this series – which would be a real bummer – we're absolutely proud of what they've accomplished.  We're proud of how they're playing the game, and we're proud of how they're conducting themselves as men.  What more can you ask?

Ok, well, to be completely honest, it would be nice to beat the Yankees and go to the World Series!  But let's not get ahead of ourselves here.  Let's just enjoy the moment we have.

Excellent job, Rangers!  You've made these old Arlington girls proud!  Now, play ball!  It's time!!

~BigSis

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Shop for the Cure

October 14, 2010

I'm in LOVE with these note cards!

The I Believe in Pink design, created by stationery and graphic design studio Southern Fried Paper, was inspired by Audrey Hepburn's quote stating her love of pink and all things feminine.

20% of the retail price for all “I Believe in Pink” cards, boxed sets, and prints sold online and in participating stores during the month of October will benefit the Dallas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The cards are $3.25 if purchased individually, but the boxed set of 12 cards and envelopes retails for $17.95; making each card just under $1.50 each. That's a great price for such an adorable, high quality, note card!  I love this quote so much, I think I'll frame one to hang in my office.

It's a nice little reminder to laugh, kiss, and be HAPPY! 🙂

~LilSis

Breast Cancer Awareness is more than a Pink Party

October 11, 2010

Breast Cancer Awareness

I love pink more than most people, so I'm totally in my zone during the October pink frenzy in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

I thought this article by Heather Moore titled “Beware Corporate Pinkwashing” was so on target though.  It reminds us that many companies have good intentions, but there are also companies who will take advantage of the “pinkwashing” trend, and are actually selling products that are dangerous or harmful to us.  For example, the article notes that “Earlier this year, KFC even sold its Kentucky Grilled Chicken, which is known to contain carcinogens, in pretty pink buckets.”

Besides reminding us to be aware that not all “pinkwashed” products are pretty and good for us, I think it's really important that the article reminds us to focus on what the risk factors are for breast cancer, and how we should keep that in the front of our minds right now; as much as we love pink and love supporting the pink cause.  Here's what Heather says:

Numerous studies have shown that women who eat mostly fruits, vegetables, and soy foods are much less likely to develop breast cancer than women who eat meat, eggs, and dairy products. National Cancer Institute researchers have found that women who eat meat every day are nearly four times more likely to get breast cancer than those who don't.

Other leading researchers in both America and Asia concur that women who eat a typical Western diet – high in meat, fat, and sugar – face a higher risk of breast cancer than women who eat a typical Asian diet, which is high in soy and vegetables. Renowned nutrition expert Dr. Dean Ornish reports, “In Japan and other countries where the consumption of animal fat is much lower, breast cancer is rare.”

Eating fatty foods, animal protein, and heavily processed foods can boost one's risk of breast cancer and other diseases, while eating plant-based foods can lower it. Plant-based foods are typically low in saturated fat and high in fiber and phytochemicals, which knock out carcinogens and fight inflammation. Going vegan can even help women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer beat the disease.

Studies also show that vegans are nine times less likely to be obese than meat-eaters are, and maintaining a healthy weight is key to preventing breast cancer.

What can we do?  First, go read the rest of the article.

Pink Ribbon Diet

Second, order this book: The Pink Ribbon Diet: A Revolutionary New Weight Loss Plan to Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk which focuses on a plant based olive oil  (PBOO) diet. The PBOO diet concentrates primarily on foods that can lower the risk of breast cancer or prevent its recurrence, while omitting foods associated with risks.

So, my take-away from Heather's article is that while I adore the plethora of pinkness, I should be alert to pinkwashing.  And most importantly, I need to remember that Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn't all about the pink as much as it is about avoiding this disease as far as it is in our power to do so!  That starts with eating a plant-based diet that is low in meat, fat, sugar and processed foods.  We can do that!

Photo credit: pfala

~BigSis