Category: Uncategorized

Need holiday Cheer, Buy Spunky, My Dear
Brands that Give Back · Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · Holidays · Obsessions · Steiff · Stuffed Animals · Uncategorized

Need holiday Cheer, Buy Spunky, My Dear

ElissaLeave a comment

For the person who has everything what will you buy?

We know, a great idea, get a Spunky dog from  CCI. wp-1480348447674.jpg

These adorable Steiff plush Goldens are each made by hand.

Also 100% of your purchas goes to changing lives and taking a stand.

Spunky is adorable plush little animal full of spirit and funk.

For yourself, for a kid..this gift is a slam dunk.

Buy an original Spunky sporting  a Dodgers blue cap.wp-1480348136766.jpgOr a Rat Pack styles Spunky who is one cool cat.wp-1480348266998.jpg

Opt for the Royal version with a cape and crown for the king.wp-1480348129131.jpg

This one wears his outfit with boldness and bling.

Step up to the bat for the fab CCI.

And remember these doggies are in limited supply.

Join Team Spunky, hop on board our train.

Is there anything more that I need to explain?

Www.sassafrassjones.com, $55

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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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
Adopt Buster: The One-Eyed Chihuahua
Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · Humane Society of New York · Uncategorized

Adopt Buster: The One-Eyed Chihuahua

ElissaLeave a comment

 

 

The Humane Society of New York is one of our favorite organizations around. They save countless dogs and cats, nursing them back to health and finding them forever homes with loving families. In fact, Sassafrass Jones, myself was inspired by a Pekingese with one-eye who My Mama adopted from the Humane Society years ago and named him Sammy Davis Jr. She fell madly in love, as did the perky Pekingese and Sammy Davis lived a full and happy live in the Smith Bresciani family.

Years later, the Humane Society of New York is still doing fantastic things and stories of abandoned dogs and cats finding forever homes continue appear on their website. And still they hold events and fundraisers all around the city, to make sure they stay current and no puppy dog or cat gets left behind. Personally, I have a special place in my heart for the Humane Society of New York. My mom, myself and all our family in the Habersham Forest do whatever we can to help with awareness and donations.  In fact, we donated proceeds from many of our sales to this organization (along with Canine Companions for Independence).

Last night, as I often do, I was pawing around the internet and decided to check out the latest on the HSNY Homepage and see what dogs and cats were up for adoption.

And there he was…Buster, the one-eyed adult male Chihuahua. I barked and howled trying to get mama Sassafrass’ attention. “It’s another one-eyed dog, just like Sammy Davis Jr., and what if he doesnt get adopted,” I whined to mom.  “With tears in her eyes, she sat down next to me and we found out a little more about little Buster.

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Buster

How much he reminds the Habersham Forest Family of the late Sammy Davis Jr. Sadly, Buster was brought the Humane Society of New York in bad condition. He was underweight, and one of his eyes was in terrible shape when he was found and brought to the HSNY.  He is neutered and in good health (who needs two eyes anyways?) and his birthday is December 16, 2013, so he is still young.

But, sadly, he is not the pick of the litter and needs an experienced adopter because he is not good with kids, not good with dogs and not good with cats. But we pet he has a whole lot of love to give to his human.

Buster was underweight and one of his eyes was in really bad shape when he was found by someone and brought to us. Now that he is all cleaned up and healthy again, he is ready to find a home. His birthday is December 16, 2013.

We really appreciate your wanting to give a shelter animal a home. The Humane Society of New York was founded in 1904. The Vladimir Horowitz/Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Adoption Center is a no-kill shelter. Our on-site clinic and staff of skilled Veterinarians looks after the health and well-being of every animal here. We offer FREE Vet care for the first 3 weeks after adoption. We also have a great adoption matchmaker who will gladly take your profile and match you or your pet with just the right cat or dog companion. Please feel free to submit your application!

If you’d like to sponsor this pet, please email sandra.hsny@verizon.net. You can give as much or as little as you like. Your donation is tax deductible. Thank you!

FOR APPLICATION, please visit http://humanesocietyny.org/adoptions/ and download then email it to sandra.hsny@verizon.net, fax it to (212) 752-2803 or bring it in to the adoption center.

I think Buster needs a pair of chartreuse cat-eye glasses to help with his eye sight. Maybe even a little crown would make him feel better.  What do you think?

 

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

Music Video:Parody on Call Me Maybe
Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · Uncategorized

Music Video:Parody on Call Me Maybe

ElissaVideoLeave a comment

This is a must watch!  So adorable. It is a take on Carly Rae Jepsen’s song “Call me Maybe” and it’s called “Trust Me Baby”. It was created by Southeastern Guide Dogs.