Rub-a-dub-dub, Big Boi and Bobbi bring all the Dogs to the Tub

August 8, 2016August 8, 2016 ElissaLeave a comment

News alert: there is a new line of pet shampoo that is pretty much the Kérastase for the canine set. And guess who is behind this line of luxury? Rapper/mogul Big Boi (half of the duo from Outkast) and Chicago entrepreneur and socialite Bobbi Panter.

This duo makes quite the pair and more importantly quite the line of hair products to fit all types of needs for our fellow furry dog friends. Just launching (and already to much acclaim) , dog owners and their canines are chomping at the bit to get their hands on the hottest shampoo on the market.

Here are some of the reasons why this shampoo is a MUST-have beauty need for all the dogs in the park.

Natural
2x more washes
Tear-free (thank you Big & Bobbi because I know my fellow dog buddies just hate it when those tears start coming)
Salt Free
They smell divine!

I mean, how much better can it get when your dog comes out of the bath and feels like a million bucks? Luckily i am just a little Steiff dog, so my fur stays nice and clean, but (and let’s keep this between you and I) I think the real-live dogs living in Habersham Forest could use a little hydration and a good-smelling wash.

But on a more serious note, these shampoos address all types of ailments and hair types (or should i say fur-types) with specific smells and formulas to give your dog the wash of their life. Some of our faves (the canine-set has been abuzz since we got word of this new shampoo) are Hydrate (which smells like Blue Agave) and Invigorate (my personal favorite) which smells like Peach Rose. Can you think of a more delicious smell? And this formula, straight from the website, ” Restores and revitalizes dogs’ skin and fur with kiwi extract, rosemary, ginger root extract and chamomile, to leave your dog feeling rejuvenated.”

Of course we had to reach out to these two brilliant partners, and we have some exciting news to announce in the pipeline. And it has to do with dogs, Canine Companions for Independence, more dogs and Big Boi & Bobbi Dog Shampoo. So stay tuned and make sure to follow these guys on social media and order your own shampoo.

https://www.facebook.com/BigBoiBobbi-Dog-Shampoo-981895131889717/?fref=ts

Brands that Give Back · Canine Companions for Independence · Dogs · Steiff · Stuffed Animals

Spunky and the Summer Stories

July 15, 2016July 20, 2016 ElissaLeave a comment

Hi everyone. It’s been a long time since I got my paws back to the blogging block but here I am !

For those of you who don’t know me, I am a perky Pekingese Steiff stuffed animal by Steiff and I was created by my mom Cathleen Smith Bresciani. I am modeled after the character in mom’s first book Sassafrass Jones & her Search For a Forever Home. Because of my delicate eye condition, I was teased and picked over for adoption many times until my forever family of mice came and adopted me and we lived happily ever after. (That was the very abbreviated version, but I am too excited to talk about me).

But that was all years ago. Now, all grown up, I am one of the main Steiff’s in charge and running the Forest. But back to what I am writing about.

Let’s just start by saying this summer is one that none of us will ever forget. Personally for me, it is the summer where I met my other half, my best friend.

So, ladies and gentlemen and Steiff buddies around the world, meet Spunky. He is the wide-eyed limited edition (just like me) Steiff Golden Retriever to honor Tommy Lasorda’s (baseball VIP, hall of famer, Dodgers superstar) late son Tommy LaSorda Jr. who passed away exactly 25 years ago. Why Spunky? Glad you asked.. My mom, who was his fiancé and was with him until the end, and his family all called him Spunky. That was his name.

Mama Sassafrass, AKA Cathleen Smith Bresciani, works so hard to keep his name out there and leave a legacy that he would have wanted. The legacy he did want. You see, Cathleen and Spunky were engaged and they had a very special place in each other’s hearts . Mama once told me that all this hard work and effort she puts into raising awareness and money for Canine Companions for Independence is all in the name of Tommy Jr. Wow. My mom is really something.

Back to Spunky. He is the real deal. He is so special in so many ways. He is so adorable and i love the way his head turns almost like he is always around and looking at what’s going on. Just seeing the name Spunky on his Steiff tag makes my mom cry sometimes. Only out of happiness though.

He was first introduced to the world at the beginning of June on the field of Dodgers stadium before the team played. He was presented and introduced to the Lasorda family and guess what, Spunky got on the Jumbotron. I was a little jealous!

But here is where it gets even better. Spunky is a Steiff animal made specifically to raise money for Canine Companions for Independence. Each purchase of this cute little dog goes entirely to CCI. This is the real deal, there are no fees taken out, no profit to be made..it’s is all for the amazing organization CCI.

So you see, with Cathleen’s determination and hard work, Spunky AKA Tommy Jr. lives on. He is helping countless people get the service dogs from CCI that will change their lives and give them hope. And these dogs are not cheap. Each dog needs $50,000 to put into the training, raising, placement, and to make sure the dog is the perfect companion to their owner.

Interested in helping out and getting your very own Spunky? Order yours today through Canine Companions for Independence website. Click here…Spunky has his very own page! Www.cci.org/spunky

Company Profile · Obsessions · Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Steiff · Stuffed Animals · teddy bears · Uncategorized

SassySessions: Steiff Key Rings

May 23, 2016May 29, 2016 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.

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

Steiff Panda Ballarina Keychain, $22

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

The cutest little Steiff teddy in a bow and gingham apron

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.

Sassafrass Jones · Steiff · teddy bears · Uncategorized

Teddy Bear Tea Party: Sassafrass Style

May 23, 2016 ElissaLeave a comment

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)

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 .

The little baskets were filled with bear-y cool goodies for the little ones to take home.

Steiff teddy bears dressed in custom Sassafrass Jones outfits were the hit of the party.

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) 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.

Sassafrass Jones · shopping · Steiff · Stuffed Animals · teddy bears

Mini Monday: Little Teddy Bears

May 2, 2016 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.

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

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

Canine Companions for Independence · press · Steiff

BUZZZZZ…Sassafrass featured in US Weekly

April 8, 2016 ElissaLeave a comment

Guess what….our Sassafrass Jones ABCS book…you know the one thatb p features a Steiff animal and a cute poem for each letter of the alphabet is buzzing this week. The children’s book written by Mama Sassafrass ( Cathleen Smith Bresciani) and Steiff master Rebekah Kaufman was in the Buzzometer!!

Check me out…I had to sashay and do a few poses. Thanks US Weekly!

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

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

March 3, 2016March 3, 2016 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 the 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!

And 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.

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

Sassy ‘Sessions: Jada Loveless Handbags

February 24, 2016 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.

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

I jumped right into the bag, and boy did 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…

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

Back to me and our SPECTACULAR JL purse….

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

Gifts that Give Back: For any Occasion

January 11, 2016January 11, 2016 ElissaLeave a comment

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.

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
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.
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.
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.
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!