Chicagoing: Bank of America Chicago Marathon

This past Sunday was the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. After a whole spring and summer of training, it was finally Ms. A's time to shine. I headed out with Mr. B and Ms. M to see Ms. A at three different spots, mile 11, mile 15 and mile 25. Mr. B and Ms. M were decked out in their marathon spectator gear. Ms. M was sporting a 'Go Runners' sign on her backpack and on her hat and Mr. B was wearing a 'Team Schwang' hat. As usual, they were a hit. A number of spectators stopped to take pictures of them and even with them. We even got compliments from runners while on the course. Overall it was a pretty overwhelming day. The pooches were just as tired as Ms. A when we all got home. Congratulations for completing your 6th marathon Ms. A.

Pooches: Ultimate Kongs

One way that we have been trying to minimize Mr. B's isolation distress is giving him and Ms. M a Kong filled with treats before we leave. This has helped a lot and definitely keeps them occupied while we are gone. To make this ultimate Kong, I spray aerosol cheese or add peanut butter at the bottom of the Kong and then throw in less than a handful of dog food. Then I add bits of salmon skin, jerky treats, biscuit treats, and string cheese. Finally I block the top off with a biscuit and then spray some aerosol cheese or add peanut butter on top. To make the Kong last for more than a few minutes, I make about 6 days worth of ultimate Kongs and then freeze them. The freezing is key to making the Kongs last awhile.

DoggyStyle: Miss M Hates the Rain

Miss M hates the rain. However, she does sport this fancy little jacket from Ruffwear. It's perfect for Bullies because the front is wide enough for their chests, but the overall jacket isn't too long. This jacket has a fleece lining so she also wears it in the snow, because Miss M hates the snow.

Schwang Swag: Rainy Days

Living in Chicago, we are forced to be out in the elements. I made this realization the first year I moved here, misjudging how impossible it was to run a few short blocks from the El to my office. I spent the entire workday waiting for my clothes to dry, and angering a few of my co-workers trying to dry off with a spaceheater that ended up short-circuiting their computers.Since that time I have figured out how to stay dry, while still looking nice.

Tretorn Plask Boots: Not only do these keep you dry, but they are really cute AND comfortable. They look so nice that you don't even have to change out of them. I end up getting a lot of compliments whenever I wear them.

Crocs Prima Ballet Flat: I had originally bought these for a trip to Spain where I needed a comfortable walking shoe that still looked nice. It wasn't until it started raining on their Santa Semana parade that I realized how lucky I was these were waterproof too. Plus they're really lightweight so I can throw them in a purse of bag if I suspect I will get caught in a storm.

Trench Coat: I bought a trench coat from Kenneth Cole a couple of years ago and I still wear it all the time. It's perfect in rain because it will keep me warm and it's long enough to cover my skirts and dresses.

Hat: I had purchased a cloche-type hat from J-Crew a few years ago. It helps keep the rain out of my face, while also keeping my hair dry.
Umbrella: I picked up a travel size Totes Umbrella, mine is peacock blue, that is small and light enough to keep in my purse at all times.
-Miss A

Pooches: Cold Weather Approaching

It's beginning to feel a bit like fall. So much so, even The Pooches are hiding under their Ikea Rens Sheepskins.

Pooches: Dyson vs Hoover

Though most of our house has hardwood floors, the dogs seem to think the best place to throw up, pee or poo is on the rug or on the carpeting in our bedroom. Safe to say that the rug and the carpets were pretty disgusting until we found the two best inventions for homes with dogs, the Hoover SteamVac with Clean Surge and the Dyson DC15 Animal. It is truly amazing to see how much dog hair is on our rug and carpet and they look fairly clean after vacuuming with the Dyson. When we were looking for a steam vac, we read several reviews and finally bought the Hoover SteamVac with Clean Surge. After one use, the carpet and the rug look amazing. Though they will never look brand new, the Hoover took out almost all of the set in vomit, poo and pee stains in our rug and carpet. I highly recommend both the Hoover and the Dyson for homes with pets or even kids.

Pooches: Miss M and Mr B walk 4 Kilometers!

This past weekend, we participated in the PAWS Chicago's Eighth Annual Run for Their Lives 4K walk. Poor Ms. M and Mr. B had to walk 4K. They were pretty wiped out when we got home. At the event was a costume contest, an agility course and a whole bunch of booths with free treats and goodies. Though the weather was cloudy and a little chilly, it was still a great day with the pooches.

Pooches: Jookie Portraits

Miss M and Mr B had a chance to mug for the camera and have professional photos taken. Jookie Portrait Boutique specializes in children's photography, but also does work with pets. They were nice enough to offer a fundraiser for New Leash on Life, Miss M's rescue organization, with proceeds going to rescue homeless pups. The owner and photographer, Jill, was so nice and great with the pooches. We still have to order our pics and will post when we get them. In the meantime, you can view some of the proofs HERE.

Doggy Style: The Pirate Dogs

Miss M pretends to be hard-core. She thinks she's a rocker chic.

She wanted to get a collar to show how tough she is, but she didn't want people to think she was a boy.

That's how she ended up with her pink collar with pirate skulls.

When we adopted Mr. B, he decided to get a matching blue collar with skulls. It matches his grey coat quite nicely.

They get many compliments on their collars as we cruise the neighborhood.

Although we've had more then one child ask why they're dressed like pirates.

Doggy Style: Home Decor as Dogbeds

As we are decorating our place, we wanted to get some dogbeds that aren't complete eyesores. Instead of trying to find the best dog beds, we decided to go the other way and buy home decor they can use as beds.


1. Ikea RENS Sheepskin Rug
We have a couple of these in different areas. They add a nice texture to the room, and the pooches love sleeping on them. I've been able to just throw them in the wash if they get a bit too grey, or at just $20 each I keep a couple on hand as replacements.


2. West Elm Floor Cushions
I scanned West Elm for sales, and I was able to scoop up a nice patterned floor cushion and a couple of their Overlapping Squares floor cushions. These pillows add a nice decor, while Miss M absolutely loves to sit on them upright like a person. They are double-sided, so we will flip them over if they start looking too dingy. The covers are removable, so we can get them dry-cleaned as well.


3. Boots and Barkley Dogbeds from Target
We use these in the dogs' crates. It seems they only carry these in-store, however these are probably the most affordable, functional, and best-looking dog beds I've found. They're made out of a type of "memory foam" which molds to the dogs' bodies. When Miss M first got this bed, she wouldn't get out of it even when I asked her to go for a walk. They are a microsuede material, and they are a tan on one side and a beige on the other. The covers are machine washable, and super-easy to keep clean. I would have to say, I wouldn't recommend these for puppies as the cover zipper isn't very durable. Miss M used to have a chewing problem where she was able to chew off the zipper, and get to the insides, making her very own "snow day". I would also recommend buying the waterproof cover which they sell separately. In case the pooches have an accident, it won't soak into the memory foam. Our dogs have these beds in their crates, and we also have them in our bedroom where the pooches sleep at night.
-Miss A