Company Profile · Crafts · Dogs · Holidays · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Uncategorized

Sassy ‘Sessions: Miniature Maddness

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
Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · Humane Society of New York · Uncategorized

Adopt Buster: The One-Eyed Chihuahua

 

 

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?

 

Company Profile · Holidays · Sassafrass Jones · Steiff · Stuffed Animals · Uncategorized

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

 

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

Company Profile · Dogs · Jewelry · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Uncategorized

Sassy ‘Sessions: Jada Loveless Handbags

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

Company Profile · Dogs · Jewelry · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Uncategorized

Sassy ‘Sessions: Luxury Dog Toys

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. 
Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · press · Sassafrass Jones · Uncategorized

Scott Foley Is Our Hero

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crafts · Dogs · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · Stuffed Animals · Uncategorized

Sassy ‘Sessions: Fuzzberta

Fuzzberta

The Coolest Guinea Pig on the Web.

Sassy Sessions: Fuzzberta

Mama Sassafrass (known to the world as Cathleen Smith) found the coolest thing the other day- and all of us in the Habersham Forest are obsessed. As I am writing this out, I can’t keep a smile off my face or stop my tail from wagging. It is a real-live guinea pig who dresses up and role plays and uses props.  At just two years old Fuzzberta is already an online star thanks to her creative and talented human Monica Wu who makes all the décor and outfits by hand. Let me just say, whether or not you like these little critters, there is no way not to become entertained by this special one.

Monica Wu, the human, chronicles the outfits and setups in photographs across various social media outlets. And people are just eating them up.  Including myself and all my Steiff buddies in that I hang with in the forest. And believe me, we are no strangers to the dress up game. In fact, most of live for the next hand-sewn outfit, or the custom tiara’s that fit just right…oh and when we get our chance to pose in one of the Habersham Forest sets, we could not be happier. But to see a real live guinea pig dressing up in the tiny custom creations is just too cool!  Check out her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fuzzberta/ .  This furry cutie pie has over 66k followers.  Wow!

Here are a few of our favorite  photos of Fuzzberta.  Does anyone else feel a little “Vogue” coming on?

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Another cool thing about Fuzzberta’s outfits is that they are all hand made by her human. Even the tiny little hats and the tiny little Mac computers. Reminds me of mama Sass and the workers in the style studio at Habersham who can make just about anything, well, bite-sized for us little rascals.  So, we can totally relate to Fuzzberta and her human. Yes, I know, I know, we are merely stuffed animals (who happen to be made by hand using the finest mohair) but who cares..we dress up all the same. And most importantly, we all know how to STRIKE A POSE.

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If Fuzzberta’s human Monica Wu happens to see this post, we think that Fuzzberta may be in need of some Sassafrass Jones couture. We would love to make a custom outfit for her…and trust me, once she puts on one of our special tiara’s, she won’t want to take it off.

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Canine Companions for Independence · Company Profile · Dogs · Holidays · Jewelry · Sassafrass Jones · Stuffed Animals · Uncategorized

Gifts that Give Back: For any Occasion

Even though the holidays are over (and there is a short period before Valentine’s Day gift guides pop up everywhere), people are still giving and receiving gifts. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, a thank you or a congratulations…there is always a reason to buy a gift.

As most of you know, the inhabitants at the Habersham Forest love to help others through donations and charity involvements. So much so that the proceeds from our new Sassafrass Jones & Her Forever Friends ABCs book go directly to this great organization Canine Companions for Independence.

So, we decided to a make a list where you can find some great products and gifts, while doing good at the same time.  Let us know if you have any others that you would like us to add to the list. We just wanted to give a few examples to get you started.

 

  1. Toms  We all know that Tom’s brand donates a pair of shoes for each pair purposed. That is their philosophy and they have been doing that forever. But now, they have expanded that into their line of eyewear and handbags.  We, of course, love the eyewear. With every purchase of eyewear, Tom’s will help to give sight to a person. One for one. Check out these Maverick 201 Black shades.   For a mere $139, you get these and you get the chance to give the gift of sight
  2. Yoobi  These fun and playful classroom and office supplies adorable and every purchase you make is for a good cause. For every Yoobi item you purchase, Yoobi gives one item to a classroom or student in need. Our favorite thing right now is The Weekender Getaway Bundle which includes a rubber luggage tag, a 24 pack of gel pens, an aqua colored journal, an aqua duffle bag and blue ear buds in a case.  Our fave part of this item is that it comes with five goodies, and in return, Yoobi donates five goodies when you buy this. Weekend_Getaway_Bundle_1024x1024
  3. Joan Hornig This designer knows how to make a statement. And we mean that in a variety of ways. Not only does she design show-stopping Hollywood-worth jewels but she donates 100% of the profits to a charity of the purchaser’s choosing. How cool? So, if we wanted to purchase something from her amazing silver linings collection, we could pick Canine Companions for Independence as the charity of our choice. Fittingly, I think our favorite is the Bark for a Cause Bone and Heart Charm Pair necklace  One for my collar and one that Mama Sassafrass can wear on the chain around her neck. bone and heart necklaces
  4. Of course, we are partial to Steiff when it comes to Teddy Bears. And we rarely look at anything else just because Steiff is part of the family. But, this company, Bears for Humanity, definitely gives us reason to pay attention. For each organic teddy bear purchased, they give one to a child in need.  Now that, my friends, is very cool. Take the bear, Sweetie, for instance. Sweetie is made with 100% certified organic cotton/hemp fibers and I quote “these bears are infinitely snuggly and are at home at a tea party or a dance party. Plus, our naturally anti-bacterial organic fabric gives you the peace of mind you can’t get from polyester plush toys”   You can even accessorize Sweetie with a bib, a message, a bow tie or a polo shirt. Now we are talking. wp-1452534076618.jpg
  5. Sassafrass Jones & Her Forever Friends ABCs book.  Come on, its not like we could talk about all the brands we love that are giving to charities and not mention our own:)  Did you know that 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of this fun and whimsical ABC book filled with an amusing cast of Steiff animals goes to Canine Companions for Independence?  Order now and help support the best organization in whole world!scan0003
Crafts · Dogs · Holidays · Sassafrass Jones · Steiff · Uncategorized

Holidays in the Habersham Forest

As the days go by, I am getting more and more excited for my favorite day of the year: Christmas. All my family and friends of the forest are going to be there to celebrate, eat, drink and be merry. I simply can’t wait. Check out the decorations we already have set up….and the presents are starting to pile up.

I am getting tired from wagging my tail all day long!  But this…is…just…so…exciting!

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These guys are the coolest. They are so much bigger than me but I just can’t get enough of them. The coolest part is that they stay in the dining room and around the house all year long, keeping the festive vibe alive.

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Here is the tree: the main attraction of the year! Minus the gifts that will be piling up any minute now. 

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Even my friends in the forest are getting ready for the big day. Miss Lynn in the Habersham Style Studio has been hard at work outfitting us in festive reds, greens and all sorts of other patterns that are perfect for Christmas. The mice, since they are the milliner mice and they have their own style studio got to go first with the outfit fittings.

Here is one of my friends.  And of course, here I am in one of my many Holiday Ruffles. 20151112_165157
20151202_132601-2Just another day in the Habersham Forest with my forever friends and forever family. See you soon!

Love,
Sassafrass Jones

#sjforeverhome

Jewelry · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Uncategorized

Designer Spotlight: Natasha Zinko

Hi Everyone,

Since the fabulous launch of Sassafrass Jones & Her Forever Friends ABCs book launch at Verdura in New York, I have been getting emails and calls left and right asking about the coat my mommy wore to the party. Who is the designer, my friends want to know….

It was Natasha Zinkodesigner extraordinaire.   And personally, it is one of the favorite pieces in my mom’s closet. I am sucker for the yellow flowers and the yellow fur collar.  The coat is Natasha Zinko’s Daisy embroidered wool coat with mink collar.

BOOK LAUNCH OF SASSAFRASS JONES & HER FOREVER FRIENDS ABC'S
Cathleen Smith-Bresciani wearing Natasha Zinko

Natasha Zinko is a Ukrainian, London-based jewelry and ready-to-wear designer who is really making a splash in the fashion industry.  Her coats, in particular are drawn from a vintage silhouettes and a cocktail era.  The intricate embroidery is the defining feature along with the signature daisy flower and fun, playful dots.

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Unfortunately, we have done some checking over here at the habersham forest and it looks like this particular coat is sold out everywhere. Click  here
for proof of our search and to get alerts of when and if it becomes available again.

But for similar items, here are some cool choices we found at this store and online site based in London.

 

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Satin Midi Dress  http://www.brownsfashion.com/product/039309830003/128/satin-midi-dress
Satin Midi Dress

 

Have a fashionable and sassy rest of the day!

Love, 

Sassafrass Jones