NYC + Fave Fall Outfits

October 21, 2019

What a week! We flew to NYC, stayed at TWA hotel for one night, then I traveled to Paris by myself for 4 days (the pups stayed in NYC) and finally, back to NYC at 1 Hotel for the weekend.

I felt great flying back to NYC and then the next morning, bam– woke up sick. Why must these things happennnn. I got really down on myself—felt truly disappointed in myself for not being able to do most things other people can do. From my point of view, it looks like people can plan social activities, lunches, dinners with friends and still be full of energy. For me, I become SO drained. I have to be really conscious of my energy and space things out.

But even the most carefully planned schedule can still be too much. I admit this week was definitely overboard—I knew it would be with all the flying and time zones. But still, I had preparations. Immune system pills, CBD oil, calming sprays, turmeric, probiotics, lots of rest + naps.

ANYWAYS, although I napped most of NYC away, I put together these Fall outfits and photos around town. The weather was bipolar, per usual, but there is nooo other city like NYC. By the way, here’s my Dog Friendly NYC Getaway Guide and Where To Eat With Your Dog in NYC. I posted them a couple years ago but there are some good gems in there.

Top: ZARA
Jeans: Frame
Boots: vintage
Leashes + Collars: SAINT RUE

How cute is this little wispy top from Zara?? I also want to wear it with a black silk midi skirt and slides. You can really dress this up or down- it’s so chic and simple.

Next stop: Duane Reade…

This look definitely needed some sheer black tights to finish it off for Fall. 🙂 I bought some cheapies for $3.99 and quickly changed behind a product sign. The surveillance cameras got an eyeful, for sure.

Top, skort + boots: ZARA
Box bag: Topshop
Leashes + collars: SAINT RUE
Dog sweaters: Spotted by Humphrey

Onto a casual look…

Especially for a city like NYC, you need a t-shirt + sneaker look for all that walking. These houndstooth plaid (what is the proper name for this print??) pants are actually thick leggings with a button and zipper. They are SO comfortable and I even wore them on the flight home.

You can pair these with sooo many looks. Throw on a cute puffer jacket or blazer! I ended up wearing a vintage robe I found in Paris.

Tee + pants: ZARA
Shoes: Chanel
Leash + poo bag holder: SAINT RUE

My Nighttime Skincare + Fira’s Routine

October 18, 2019

We’re setting off for some quick travel again! This time we’re in NYC with Weston + Fira and I head to Paris for less than a week. As I was doing Fira’s nighttime regime, I thought it would be such a cute video to share my skincare routine while traveling, along with Fira’s.

Fira is definitely more sensitive than Weston and has a few products that stays on rotation which include wipes and balms. When I travel, I like to pack as lightly as possible—especially toiletries. I take one skincare bag and stuff it with trial sizes and samples. It’s the best time to use up all those travel size tubes, right?!

DHC Face Wash Powder

Perrrrfect for traveling—it’s a powder. Since it’s not considered a liquid, you don’t have to worry about the 100mL rule and fitting it in a clear ziplock bag for international travel; woohoo! It’s really gentle and makes your skin feel really clean.

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50

A cult favorite. My friend is an esthetician and first introduced me to this exfoliating lotion. I’ve been obsessed with it and even got lucky with a facial appointment at their headquarters on Champs-Élysées (usually you have to book at least a month in advance). The toner is not cheap but it is honestly one of those holy grail products that works.

Biologique Recherche Dermapore

This one minimizes the pores and helps with blemishes and problem areas. I use it just over the areas that I’m breaking out or feeling clogged. It sinks right in and doesn’t leave a film.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

I discovered The Ordinary randomly on a skincare obsession forum and a lot of people had these products in their routine. When I found out most products are around 6 bucks, I immediately ordered like 10 of their bestsellers. I use this one a lot for blemish areas (cheeks, around mouth, chin). It’s super light and sinks in, so it’s perfect for those multi-step regimes.

Murad Night Fix Enzyme Treatment

I notice a lot of those overnight sleep masks feel really slippery and add a “layer” on top of the skin. This one feels a lot better and seems to sink in. I actually didn’t know this was a mask because I have the little sample size so I applied it before my night cream. Maybe that’s why it feels like it sinks in. Either way, I really like this stuff!

SK-II RNA Power Radical Cream

Suuuuper nourishing and rich. I always slather my skin at night so I can wake up with dewy supple skin!

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Been using the same jar for a couple years now! It is the BEST. I am so picky with lip balms but this one is so thick, moisturizing and stays on your lips. It also smells delishhh (strawberry)!

SmartLash Eyelash Enhancer

I haven’t really seen a big difference but since I have eyelash extensions, I figure it doesn’t hurt to use this on my lashline to keep my lashes strong.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

My favorite part! I love misting my face all day long—but especially while traveling, on flights, etc.

FIRA’S ROUTINE

Pet MD Chlorhexidine

We noticed Fira got some little bumps on her muzzle a few times and found out from our vet that it could be irritations from the material of her bowl or just food sitting on her muzzle (creating bacteria). So, after she eats, we make sure to wipe around her mouth area with these wipes. Now we don’t do it every single time but at least every few days or so.

We also use these wipes on her paws, especially if she has been in grass. I think she may have some environmental allergies. Her back paws were red and swollen and after using these wipes, they went away.

Maxbone Facial & Tear Stain Wipes

Nice + gentle wipes for whatever general uses!

Natural Dog Company Snout Soother

This stuff is so good. Fira’s nose can get pretty dry so I have to remember to apply this every night or every other night. It sinks right in and keeps her nose sooo soft. It does come in a tin size but I actually prefer buying it in the lip balm size tube so I can just dab it on her nose quickly before she turns her face away, lol.

Natural Dog Company Wrinkle Balm

This one’s good for those folds and crevices. It prevents any bacterial buildup, crusties and the like. Great for the squishy-faced breeds! I don’t really use this for Fira but I have it on hand, just incase.

BTW, 10% off code for Natural Dog Company: wtfrenchie

Pet Potion Calm Spray

A relaxing Calm spray just for pups! It’s basically a waterless spray bath with only 5 ingredients (like coconut oil, vanilla essential oil) but the mist nozzle is soo nice and fine. A great last step! 🙂

Now Fira and I are ready for bed!

[ If you purchase from any links on this page, I will receive a small Amazon affiliate commission! ]

1 Hotel Central Park

October 9, 2019

Sustainable + stylish

1 Hotels does just that with a conscious attitude towards our environment and keeping their footprint small—as much as an upscale hotel possibly can.

Beyond the ivy-covered exterior, enter through the doors of 1 Hotel Central Park, which by the way are composed of 16,000 twigs, and walk into a live terranium. Beautiful hanging plants and even more greenery on the reclaimed wood walls beckon you in.

Rooms are rustic and modern with LEED certification, reclaimed wood walls and accents, hangers made of 100% post consumer recycled materials and even the room keys are made from recycled woods. You’ll find a reclaimed chalkboard for your notes and doodles too!

In front of the elevators, an adorable farm table with fresh market fruits is available to grab on-the-go (free). Such a cute detail!

Location, location, location.

Only a few minutes walk and you’re at Central Park! Perfect for the pups. Weston + Fira couldn’t wait to explore and chased quite a few squirrels. It’s definitely a busy location, as it’s smack in Midtown, but great if you’re looking to do some tourist activities in the city. Our favorite part was being so close to the Park. Did you know Central Park allows dogs off-leash before 9AM and after 9PM? Check out my NYC Dog Friendly Getaway Guide for things to do with your dog.

1 Hotels loooves pets and charges no pet fee! They also provide a cushy dog bed, bowls and toys.

TWA Hotel

October 1, 2019

We just had a 1-night stay at the new TWA Hotel at JFK and I’m already writing this post so I don’t forget anything! I flew the next day to Paris so it was the perfect opportunity to stay right at JFK (the only hotel at the airport) to save time and stress. It was suuuch a relief that the airport was literally just across the way.

I honestly don’t want to stay at any other hotel in NY- lol!

We disembarked from Jetblue Terminal 5, so we didn’t need to take the Airtran (score) and a short walk later, we were strolling through the red-carpeted wings of TWA. Reimagined from famed architect Eero Saarinen’s 1962 TWA flight center, this hotel was made for aviation and design fans.

Ah, 1962—when air travel was glamorous!

Leashes + Bag Strap by SAINT RUE
Top + Skirt by ZARA

Have a layover?

The best feature of this hotel, in my opinion, is that you can book late checkout for only $25 per hour. Check out is at 12pm so we were able to check out at 4pm for $100 more! Sooo helpful when you’re traveling and need the extra time, especially with dogs.

If you have a layover at JFK, you can also book just for the afternoon (4 hour minimum)! Book a room to take a nap, shower, freshen up. I wish every airport had a hotel like this. We asked about the rates but it varies, depending on time and occupancy.

THE ROOMS

For the rates (starting at just $179), TWA hotel exceeded my expectations. It feels first class, from the brand new mid-century Knoll furniture in the rooms, the gleaming “Mad Men” style accents, TWA red branding everywhere, and the expansive size of the hotel itself.

512 sound-proof rooms with either views of the runways or the Flight Center. Every room features floor-to-ceiling windows with power-controlled shades for extra privacy and blacked-out sleep. Pet fee is only $25 per pet but they don’t have any amenities. Right outside the lobby are plenty of grassy areas.

Oh, the gym…

At 10,000 square feet, this is the world’s biggest hotel gym. It boasts a Peloton studio with 20 bikes, TRX machines and tons of training equipment. We made sure to take advantage of it and sweated off the jetlag! If you’re not a guest, day passes at the gym go for $25.

And a rooftop pool, of course.

It was a bit chilly so we didn’t get to use the pool but we had lunch at the Pool Bar. The views were so unique. Watching planes take off right in front of you? So. freaking. cool.

Food options at the hotel were very good and varied. Paris Cafe, by famous chef Jean Georges (one of our faves!) was very tasty and so was the aforementioned Pool Bar. The “Departures Hall” presents a casual food hall with eateries like Halal Guys, empanadas, oat/fruit/acai bowls + more.

Whew! I feel like there’s so much to talk about here. Reading Room filled with Herman Miller iconic furniture, TWA branded gift shop, bars/lounges, lots of photo ops and even a free photobooth.

The Connie

Right behind the hotel is an original L-1649A plane that has been transformed into the cutest cocktail lounge! It’s even fitted with the original pilot cockpit and airplane seats. It’s like going back in time. 🙂 I cannot wait to stay again. I just have to say, this post was not sponsored. I even checked the FAQ before booking and they specifically have a line “NO influencer/special media stay requests” lol!

Would you stay at this hotel?? I already want to go back!

Sofitel Los Angeles

September 19, 2019

French elegance in Los Angeles…

Bonjour, guys! I haven’t posted here in awhile but I’m back with more hotel guides and going to share Fira’s new favorite dog bowl soon. I’ve been wondering if I should go more review/editorial style writing (especially with hotel reviews and guides) or more personal blog style on the reviews with stories, etc.

So anyways, Weston’s big 9th birthday was over a week ago and we had a big bash at one of our favorite hotels in LA: the SOFITEL.

Not only is it all french-themed (perfect for french bulldogs), there is no pet fee! Love a good hotel that offers no pet fees, because let’s face it: paying almost half the rate of your room just to bring your pet is a major drag.

Back to the birthday…

The Sofitel patio is definitely one of our favorite spots to get the pups together. It’s gorgeous, roomy and extra dog friendly. Did I mention, Fira had her 3rd birthday brunch at the Sofitel last December?

We had a great time celebrating Weston (he’s already 9!!!) and his friends. By the way, the food is decadent and delicious–the lobster tacos are a must! I ordered them twice. Last year, I listed Cattle & Claw as one of our favorite hotel restaurants in LA.

The After Party…

More like, we crashed in our room afterward! We’ve been to the patio, private events inside the bar, the rooftop pool + spa several times but this was our first time staying in a room. Walking down the hallways, you immediately feel like you’re in Paris with its cozy, classical, French decor.

The balcony has a nice Parisian touch, the bed is plush and pups are welcomed with comfy amenities, like a custom bed & bowls. Sofitel also offers doggie menu room service (think hand-cut prime steak + chicken stew).

Rooms are fitted with Lanvin bath products and the hotel amenities include a full-service spa and a huge fitness center. Not to mention, it’s literally across the street from one of the biggest malls in LA, the Beverly Center. You can also walk to a ton of local bars and restaurants. The best part of this hotel is definitely the location!

Cocktails + Mocktails For Your Dog

July 30, 2019

Cocktail for you, mocktail for your dog

[ This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of ZippyPaws. The opinions and text are all mine. ]

Who loves a good happy hour? My go-to drink is an Aperol Spritz, which I’m currently sipping on as I sit in a cafe in Paris—à votre santé (“cheers” in French)!

One of my biggest changes in 2019 was cutting down on the alcohol. I used to love a bottle of wine at night but now I have a drink or two a week, usually less, depending on what’s going on, ie: if there are any social events.

Ever since I started antidepressants in December, I sometimes go several weeks without a drink. BUT I never feel “limited” and try not to restrict myself. I just listen to my body and it’s definitely craving less. The changes are amazing! I feel more clear-headed, clean and not to mention, it’s less calories, sugar + money!

ZippyPaws recently sent us their new Happy Hour collection of toys and I thought it would be cute to put together some cocktails and dog-friendly mocktails, especially with us in summer. I’ve been a fan of ZippyPaws for awhile now and love how everything is so beautifully-designed and high quality. All of Weston + Fira’s toys have stood the test of time as well!

The Bloodhound

1 strawberries + 1 for garnish
¾ oz. dry vermouth
¾ oz. sweet vermouth
1 ½ oz. gin
ice

Strawberries are super ripe in the summer, so this is a perfect way to use them. 🙂 Muddle the berries in the bottom of a glass then mix in the rest of the ingredients.

Refreshing and sweet, you can make a dog-friendly version with just water + muddled strawberries!

Onto the next drink…

The Salty Chihuahua

1 oz. tequila
½ oz. Triple Sec
6 oz. grapefruit juice
Salt rim + grapefruit slice

This drink is pink and super adorable! To make it dog-friendly, I just pureed watermelon. I added some of the puree to the human-friendly drink too and think it goes really well as a blended summer drink.

(I was not sponsored by any alcohol brands lol but if any want to reach out, EMAIL ME nikcanvas@gmail.com :))

The French Bulldog

2 oz. gin
2 ¹⁄₂ oz. grapefruit juice
¹⁄₂ oz. St Germain

Yum! I read that gin goes really well with the tartness of grapefruit. I didn’t make a dog-friendly version of this, but had to add this because french bulldog!

The Toys

The pups are LOVING these toys. Why? Aren’t they just like every other toy, you ask? WELL, these squeak of course but the inside contains a special water bottle and you know how much pups adore chewing on those loud plastic things. It’s also removable which you can then throw the cover into the wash! Love.

You could add your own water bottle in it but it wouldn’t have the special noisemaker part. So make sure not to lose the included water bottle. Enjoy!!!

How To Get Rid Of Tear Stains

July 24, 2019

Ahh, the dreaded tear stains.

The one question I get THE MOST, by far, is “how do you get rid of tear stains?”

I have a lame answer: they don’t really get them.

Weston never really had them BUT I was looking at photos of baby Fira and she did have some dark undereyes. Well, I hear tear stains are mostly from diet and/or genetics.

From Pet MD:

“Brachycephalic (short nosed) dogs can be prone to tear stains. “The shape of the head and the way the eyes fit into the socket will affect whether a dog is prone to tear stains,” according to Klein. “This is because the connection to the muzzle can be configured in such a way that the tears accumulate instead of flowing through the ducts that normally drain them away from the eye.”

Now the diet…

When I got Fira (11 weeks old), her breeder recommended she stay on the food she was already on til she was 6 months old. So, she stayed on a puppy kibble but after 6 months, I then switched to homemade cooked foods + fresh human-grade foods from dog food companies.

Fira’s undereyes immediately cleared up and to this day, both Weston + Fira’s undereyes are so bright and white.

Fira at around 4 months old. You can see her wrinkles were very dark. We weren’t really that diligent about wiping them, admittedly, but her eyes did seem to water more when she was younger.

Unedited photo. You can really see them here.

8 months old. Starting to lessen.

1 year old!

June 2019.

I think food makes a HUGE difference. I’ve heard so many stories about switching food and their pups’ tear stains lessening or completely going away.

Making sure their water is only filtered can help. Even adding a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar (I’ve never tried it).

I just posted a new guest post from The Frenchie Journal on WTFrenchie blog covering different wipes, removers and a powder called Tylan that works!

Hopefully some of these tips will help. I know that some frenchies can just have darker underyes genetically but as long as you maintain their folds and keep them dry (in other words, bacteria-free), it should make a world of a difference.

What has helped your dog’s tear stains? Comment below!