Category: Sassafrass Jones

Tails in the City: Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Your Dog
Canine Companions for Independence · Company Profile · dog toys · Dogs · Holidays · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Stuffed Animals · Uncategorized

Tails in the City: Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Your Dog

ElissaLeave a comment

Now that we have a few seconds to breathe before the holiday rush is upon us, I just had to take a minute and talk about my favorite all time favorite-like can’t live without kind of thing- boutique. For dogs of course.  Hey, just because I happen to be a Perky Pekingese Steiff named Sassafrass Jones does not mean I don’t get to enjoy the finer things in life…or at least admire them like a doggie in the window.

This window: Tails in the City.

Located in Chicago, this dog boutique is about as chic as they come. The owners, are Mama Sassafrass’ good friends, Phillip and Bruce. And boy do they know how to spoil the pooches. I have heard all about them over the years, but I actually got to meet these two genius’ at Dry Bark, our big party to raise awareness for Canine Companions for Independence in Atlanta. Can you believe they came all the way down to Atlanta just to support the cause.

And since the holidays are almost here (We have already started counting down the days), I decided A Holiday Wish List from Tails in the City just what the doggies ordered. So, Mama Sassafrass (AKA Cathleen Smith) please take note, these are the top five gifts for our pampered dogs that we are lusting for this season from our fave retailer Tails in The City.

  1.  Dog Perignonn Champagnehdd-dogpn-2

    because what dog can resist this plush squeaker toy from Haute Diggity Dog? It’s always Happy Hour at Habersham Forest. Click here to buy!

  2. Red Monkey Face Pajamas  kli-12000004-2

    Because these are beyond adorable and they are so comfy for your little pups. I mean what dog would resist a PJ made from super cozy polar fleece?  And, they are only $32 here

  3. Hugglehounds Hannukah Bear Dog Toyhh-hkbr-2

    For our friends that celebrate Hannukah, we choose this Hugglehound.  Whether you are big or small, there are two sizes you can pick but they both are from the ultra plush Holiday dog toys at Tails in the City. And this little sock teddy is wearing an oh-so-adorable Hanukkah sweater.  And don’t worry, we won’t eat right through this one. It is lined with Tuft Technology for added strength

  4. Animal Matters Shag Fur Snuggi (White with Brown Tips)

    Need I say more?  Comes in large and small and is for the ultimate cuddle dog…Be warned, you may have to pry your little one out of here to get in your own snuggle time. I mean look at this Snuggi.  Who would ever want to leave? Click here to purchase
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  5. Doggies love Couture…So here is our final pick…a couple of designer pieces from Haute Diggity Dog

    Maybe the Black Americanine Express dog toy for those big spenders, a Chewnel classic for the prissier pup, or an Hairmes Gift Box for the dog who enjoys only the finest things in life.ddd-amx-2 ddd-cnlb-2t ddd-hgb-2All of these an more are available online at www.tailsinthecity.com or in the flagship Chicago store.

SassySessions: Steiff Key Rings
Company Profile · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Steiff · Stuffed Animals · teddy bears · Uncategorized

SassySessions: Steiff Key Rings

ElissaLeave a comment

Guess what? You can carry a little plush Steiff animal everywhere you go.  How you may wonder….with a Sassafrass Jones Steiff keyring. We took the plush little Steiff cuties into our Habersham Forest Style Studio and dressed these animals in top-notch fashions.

Okay, so maybe I personally can’t take credit for these guys, but I was there watching it and I did have some say in who should wear what. Like the panda in the tutu, that was all me.

Okay so here they are:   The best way to upgrade your set of keys or even your purse or backpack. Just hook these little cuties and get ready to go.  All of these are available for purchase on our website.

 

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Ms. Cupcake in a Gingham Apron Keychain, $22 http://www.sassafrassjones.com
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Steiff Panda Ballarina Keychain, $22

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Check out this little guy’s custom Sassafrass Jones collar, Calico Cat, 

 

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The cutest little Steiff teddy in a bow and gingham apron
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Bunny in a vest, $20

Which one will you choose?  A must-have gift for yourself and for all of the friends in your life. Makes sure to check out our website, http://www.sassafrassjones.com for a brand new selection of custom-dressed Steiff Forever Friends by Cathleen Smith-Bresciani.

 

Teddy Bear Tea Party: Sassafrass Style
Sassafrass Jones · Steiff · teddy bears · Uncategorized

Teddy Bear Tea Party: Sassafrass Style

ElissaLeave a comment

 

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Thom Baker Photography

In case you missed our magical afternoon last week, we figured we would give you all the fun details, so you can feel like you were there. Of course, we held the tea party at Mama Sassafrass’s favorite Atlanta neighborhood French Bistro: Café Lapin.  (A big thank you to the owner of this amazing place: Mattie Hines)

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Steiff North American Authority Rebekah Kaufman gives tea party guests the history of Steiff teddy bears . In this pictures she is holding a Steiff made in 1906 and she calls it her “travel buddy”. Kaufman is also a regular Steiff consultant for etworks including HGTV, CBS (Inside Edition), History.com (Pawn Stars), and E! Entertainment (Clean House), among others.   Thom Baker Photography

 

The star of the afternoon was special guest Rebekah Kaufman, who came all the way from Boston, with three of her teddy bear buddies from Steiff. After tummies were full, Rebekah gave a little talk about the history of Steiff and the teddy bears, and we got to meet some  of the coolest and oldest Steiff bears ever.

Her travel buddy was made in 1906, and boy was he in good condition. He was adorable, dressed in LEE overalls that were actually made as a salesman sample in the late 1920s. She gave the people and us Steiff animals the secret formula for identifying the age and value of the Steiff. All the guests were fascinated by the “secret formula” but we will be respectful and keep it a “secret” because that makes it more fun.

The second bear she brought was called a Doll Bear. It was so cute. It had these big lips and open mouth. Steiff made these to  look more like a doll and we all oohed and aahed over this little guy.

Some of the guests asked questions about other Steiff animals and there values.  Here are some crazy things we learned.

Name an animal of any kind, and Steiff has made it at some point.

 

They even made five fleas in five different colors at some point in the 90s.

And the worst: there is a cockroach Steiff. Yuck.

But back to the good stuff.  Thom Baker, photographer extraordinaire, snapped away at the guests and captured the bears and the ambience in a very magical way. Children that came got to leave with a little basket filled fun items like bubbles shaped like a teddy bear. And of course, people could not get enough of the custom-dressed Steiff animals made by Sassafrass Jones .

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The little baskets were filled with bear-y cool goodies for the little ones to take home.
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Steiff teddy bears dressed in custom Sassafrass Jones outfits were the hit of the party.
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People and their kids nibbled on fun teddy bear bites and teddy bear-shaped sandwiches at Café Lapin. And, of course, there was endless cups of tea.


Rebekah Kaufman and Cathleen Smith Bresciani (aka Mama Sassafrass)
Rebekah Kaufman and Cathleen Smith Bresciani (aka Mama Sassafrass) and host of the magical afternoon. 

Mama Sassafrass (Cathleen Smith Bresciani) wanted me to make sure to thank all the people who attended the magical afternoon of tea and teddies. An extra special thank you to Thom Baker, the photographer, Mattie Hines, a friend and owner of Café Lapin, and Rebekah Kaufman, who travelled from Boston for this delightful afternoon.
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Mini Monday: Little Teddy Bears
Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Steiff · Stuffed Animals · teddy bears

Mini Monday: Little Teddy Bears

ElissaLeave a comment

Happy May!   As all of us at the Habersham Forest are counting down the days to our Teddy Bear Tea Party in Atlanta, we have all types of cuddly bears on our mind.
Today, we love our Mini Steiff Teddy Bears!  They are just as cute as can be and are the best little travel buddies.

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Of course, these little teddy bears are tres chic, all dressed up and designed by our couturier in the Habersham
Forest Style Studio.

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Stay tuned for more details about the tea party and a lot more fun  teddy bear facts, pictures and more to come.  Don’t forget to visit our site at http://www.sassafrassjones.com

Brands that Give Back · Dogs · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Uncategorized

Sassy Sessions: CAT EYE GLASSES STEP-IN-HARNESS

Elissa

If you don’t know this already, we sell designer duds for your dogs on our website (in addition to the books and Steiff friends and of course my very own Sassafrass Jones stuffed dog).  Mama Sassafrass has always made sure her pets, both real and of the Steiff variety, are dressed to the nines with everything fitting and feeling just perfect.

 

But we are most excited to introduce a brand new item:  The Sassy Harness. FireShot Capture - CAT EYE GLASSES STEP-IN-HARNESS_ - http___www.sassafrassjones.com_CAT-E

Made for the hautest canines, this step-in harness will make any dog realize just how special they are. The red polka dot leash, made of cotton, is embellished with a leather version of our signature Chartreuse cat-eye glasses for a touch of glamour.

Be the cutest canine and order your leash today…(click on the link below to order now).

Source: CAT EYE GLASSES STEP-IN-HARNESS

Hope you enjoyed this SassySession!

Sassy ‘Sessions: Miniature Maddness
Company Profile · Crafts · Dogs · Holidays · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Uncategorized

Sassy ‘Sessions: Miniature Maddness

ElissaLeave a comment

Last weekend, Mama Sassafrass took me along with her to the annual miniature doll house  show.  It was so much fun! You would not believe how many fabulous miniatures there are out there. Of course, Mama was on a mission, picking this and that for her next book, but I still had a few hours to peek around the show. Here all the best tiny miniaturist and artisans sell their pieces to a group of doll house enthusiasts among other types. I just like how everything is so bite-sized. I mean, some of the things I saw were even too small for me. But I had a blast and got to see the talent of so many fabulous designers and sellers who must have the best eyes and tiniest little fingers to make the things they do.

***SassyFact:  The two books by Cathleen Smith Bresciani (AKA Mama Sassafrass) are filled with colorful and real life vignettes made with Steiff animals and miniature pieces. With the talent of mini architect Chris and the other talented minds in the Habersham Forest, Mama Sassafrass creates magical displays for everything. The ABC book, Sassafrass Jones’ ABCs pictures each Steiff with a little poem. The pictures are photographs of the real animal in its own little miniature set.  You may already know that, but if you didn’t, it’s something that is too good not to check out.

But back to the show…

Mind if I join you two?
Mind if I join you two?
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These books are all handmade by this cute girl who we buy from on Etsy. She even has kits that show you how to make your own miniature books.

 

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Look at these fabulous sterling silver minis. I will eat my kibble out of one of these stunning pieces for sure.
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                                     Perfect for a Sassy Picnic!
Miniatures Galore!!!!
Think I would look good in this necklace?

 

Perfect vanity table filled with gorgeous jewels and trinkets. Don’t mind if I do…
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Let’s play some pool.

 

Wow! These miniaturists really love to “pickle”
The perfect totes and hat boxes for all of our goodies

So it was a fun-filled day as you can see, and we went home with bags and bags of new things. I think Mama Sassafrass even bought me a few gifts, because she would not show me everything.  I can’t wait until next year’s show. Until then, of course, we can always go to our favorite playland of miniatures, Miniature Designs.  This store always has the best of the best and we can spend hours in there drooling over their latest finds.

Glass wonderland
A Pekingese Picnic with the Habersham Family and the New Steiff Picnic Teddy Bears
Company Profile · Holidays · Sassafrass Jones · Steiff · Stuffed Animals · Uncategorized

A Pekingese Picnic with the Habersham Family and the New Steiff Picnic Teddy Bears

ElissaLeave a comment

 

With the weather so gorgeous in Atlanta, we are really getting ready for a fabulous spring filled with great weather, beautiful flowers and one of our favorite pastimes: picnics. Just the thought of a picnic brings a smile to my face and wag to my tail. And since we live at the Habersham Forest, all we have to do is pack a basket filled with goodies, grab a blanket and some other fun things and find the perfect spot to get settled outside.

It’s so much fun to go with our family and friends in the forest…..sometimes we all get to go together…and if you have ever been to the forest you know that is a whole bunch of stuffed animals…lambs, bears, giraffes, mice, etc. The list goes on.

So you can imagine our excitement when we got word of the newest Steiff Picnic Collection. Looks like we will have some new friends joining our crew this spring.

The Worldwide Limited Edition 2016 Steiff Picnic Collection includes Picnic girl, Picnic Boy, Picnic Mama and Picnic Papa. They are so new and there are only 1000 of each of these bears made. So, we recommend you get these guys soon.

Here is a little big from the newest collection and our soon-to-be newest members of the Habersham Forest Family.

The Picnic Girl (of course she is my favorite)

The Picnic girl is made of the finest cream-colored Schulte mohair and is the most stylish of th021527_l__82042.1452142027.1280.1280e bunch, donning a lace collar tied with a bow. She also carries a working parasol, made out of cotton white lace that open and closes easily. I bet she would not mind sharing the umbrella over my little body if it gets too sunny. Maybe I could loan her a pair of my sassy shades.

 

The Picnic Boy comes ready to play with his very own kite. He seems ready for anything sporting a blue and white-collar in case there is a post-picnic dinner. Picnic Boy is sen from gold-colored Schulte Mohair and is the friendliest bear of the bunch. At least that is what I am hearing from people outside of the Forest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can’t wait to meet our new friends from Steiff and take them on a Habersham Picnic!

 

 

 

 

021473_l__76476.1452142023.1280.1280And then comes Picnic Papa.  He is made from the finest auburn mohair, wearing a straw hat with a burgundy satin ribbon, a beige linen vest and has a wooden wine bottle (because it lasts that much longer). When Papa Picnic is out and about he is always with a bottle of red wine. Couple that with a Provincial picnic spread including a baguette and some cheese, he loves to feel that he is surrounded by the lavender scented summer breeze from his favorite landscape in Provence.

And last but not least, is Picnic Mama Teddy Bear She loves to enjoy fruit in the countryside. In her basket she carries a half melon, strawberry and a pear (all made of wood). Mother Bear is wearing  a plaid shawl, with red-laced edging. Her hand embroidered nose in pale pink, makes a nice contrast to the fine-vanilla-colored mohair. 021480_l__25167.1452142024.1280.1280

Sassy ‘Sessions: Jada Loveless Handbags
Company Profile · Dogs · Jewelry · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Uncategorized

Sassy ‘Sessions: Jada Loveless Handbags

ElissaLeave a comment

Today, and just about every day, we are obsessed with Jada Loveless and her stunning handbags.  Chic, bespoke, modern ,my mom’s friend and Atlanta resident Jada Loveless is an inspiration to all of us in the Style Studio at Habersham Forest. Using only the finest leathers, unique textiles, and American Alligator, eveyone here wants to get their paws on these fabulous bags.

So the other day, Mama Sassafrass, took out her own Jada Loveless bag, custom made for her…and I started doing my poses.20160209_111929

My mom brings out this gorgeous clutch to wear with this special coat she has.

I jumped right into the bag, and boy did 20160209_111939_001 (2)it feel good. Of course, I had my shades on and my flower straw hat.

But Back to Jada Loveless and her timeless, handcrafted purses and accessories that are one-of-a-kind. From the fine leather to the gemstones and metal detail she uses on the clasps, her pieces are always Red Carpet-worthy.  Stars like Mariska Hagitay, Brooke Shields, Kate Hudson and Eva Longoria Parker agree…have all been photographed toting a Jada Loveless piece of art.

The local Atlantan has her own flagship store in Nantucket, but you can buy the bags at Neiman Marcus and Jeffrey Atlanta. or. online, Taigon.com is a good option.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some of our faves we wanted to show off…12654521_1061039550605539_6100882804197555967_n

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Estella Crossbody bag in Bordeaux. Alligator with vermeil and ruby studs. A true gem. 

Back to me and our SPECTACULAR JL purse….20160209_111745

Sassy ‘Sessions: Luxury Dog Toys
Company Profile · Dogs · Jewelry · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Uncategorized

Sassy ‘Sessions: Luxury Dog Toys

ElissaLeave a comment

We have fallen in love with these designer luxuries for all our canine pals. Made by Haute Diggity Dog as well as from the house brand at Tails in The City pet boutique in Chicago (and online), these toys are so on our radar right now.

These plush toys are designed for the truly pampered pooches of the world.   We have two doggies living with us in Habersham Forest (I mean real-live dogs, because as you know I am a dog, just happen to be stuffed) and those dogs go crazy over these luxe dog play toys.

This is our list of the must-have toys  that we order from our favorite pet store Tails in the City. They have the most amazing selection of items for the pampered pooch (and even for the catered-to cats). From dog jewelry and fashion to the toys and ultra-luxe pet carriers and grooming products, there is something for every dog (and cat) in this designer pet boutique.  Think fashion luxury for the canine set and check out our faves.

 

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Chewy Vuitton Purse in two sizes. Updated with the Checker design. A classic for your furry friend. 

 

 

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Sniffany & Co Dog Toy….A Perfect Valentine’s Day gfit for the pampered pooch and jewelry lover. 
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If you really want to spoil your baby, this is the toy to get. A Black Americanine Express Dog Toy. Can you think of anything better?  Here is what Tails in the City says about this latest toy they have for purchase “Your dog will love having its very own credit card toy to carry around- especially when it’s the Americanine Express Black Credit Card. 

 

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Furcedes Car is the latest and hautest designer dog toy from Haute Diggity Dog

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Pawtier Watch Toy  This adorable toy from Haute Diggity Dog will match your Cartier and provide endless hours of fun with this plush watch with squeaker inside. 

 

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Koko Chewnel Perfume Toy  Pretend that your pooch has the Coco Chanel pefume aroma whle they go crazy playing with the squeaker inside. 
Scott Foley Is Our Hero
Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · press · Sassafrass Jones · Uncategorized

Scott Foley Is Our Hero

ElissaLeave a comment

As you know Canine Companions for Indepedence is a cause near and dear to our hearts. In fact, we have lots of exciting things and new products that will be released this year with all the proceeds going to CCI.  But enough about us, let’s talk about the adorable Scott Foley.

Because we couldn’t say it any better, we grabbed the press release from CCI’s website to give you the run down on Scott Foley’s latest good works….

And we quote:

“Actor Scott Foley, star of ABC’s hit drama series Scandal, has a new best friend named Esther. Esther is an adorable Canine Companions for Independence puppy being raised to be an assistance dog to help a person with a disability. Scott wants to tell you how great it is to be a volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions.

While Esther can only use her wagging tail and cute wrinkles to talk about becoming a Canine Companions puppy raiser, Scott has her covered. In addition to lending his voice to Canine Companions’ new puppy raising public service announcement (PSA), Scott Foley has chosen to become a celebrity ambassador for Canine Companions.

“It’s such an amazing non-profit and I’m happy to help increase awareness of Canine Companions,” Foley tells CBS News in a recent interview. His ambassadorship will help raise awareness for Canine Companions, including its puppy raising program. Foley explains in the new PSA that Canine Companions is looking for dedicated volunteers who are willing to turn a fuzzy fur ball into a well-socialized and obedient Canine Companions dog ready for professional training.

“Volunteer puppy raisers are the heart and soul of Canine Companions for Independence’s mission,“ says CEO Paul Mundell. “We couldn’t offer life-changing assistance dogs to people with disabilities entirely free of charge without the dedication of each volunteer puppy raiser.”

Loving volunteer puppy raisers care for a Canine Companions puppy for 14-18 months, exposing the puppy to real-life scenarios and attending fun training classes. Each pup is returned to Canine Companions for professional training where they learn 40 commands to enhance independence such as opening doors, retrieving dropped items or alerting a handler who is deaf or hard of hearing to sounds in their environment.”

 

Here is the PSA: https://youtu.be/AO4VeT-9Lh8