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Calling all doggy devotees: It’s time for my annual summer shopping event!

Woof! Woof! Once again, it’s time for my annual “Dog Days of Summer” virtual shopping day. I’ve hosted this event for several years, starting out by offering my own dog-themed jewelry and accessories. Since then, I thought it would be a lot more fun if I asked other resellers I know who also offer doggy products to join me, so I began expanding on the idea to include several other vendors. Since I’ve written about the event previously, you can read last year’s post here to learn more.

Photo of our Put On The Dog necklace and matching earrings set on a purple background.

For the 2023 event, I’ve invited vendors who will present everything from homemade dog treats, toys, essential grooming supplies, and even doggy motif fashion. Of course, I’ll present my own Elegant Insights wag-worthy jewelry and accessories, so please share this with your friends, both 2- and 4-legged, and join us on Saturday, August 19th. Here are the login details:

When

Time: Saturday, Aug 19, 2023 12:00 PM Pacific Time, 3PM Eastern, (US and Canada). The event will probably last about 4 hours.

Join Zoom Meeting
us02web.zoom.us/j/84733812559?pwd=bm03UmVYR21xaVRVa2U0ZHEvRVJCZz09

Meeting ID: 847 3381 2559
Passcode: 297909

Photo of the Dog Daze Purse Charm, full view

Need the dial in numbers?

One tap mobile
+17193594580,,84733812559#,,,,*297909# US
+12532050468,,84733812559#,,,,*297909# US

Dial by your location:

+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 847 3381 2559
Passcode: 297909

Find your local number: us02web.zoom.us/u/kB7N5vIDX

Hope to see you there.

Laura

Dog Daze Mobility Cane Charm

Photo of the Dog Daze Mobility Cane Charm on purple background

Decorate your mobility cane with this adorable doggy design. From a clip at the top we attached a short length of chain, embellished with all sorts of doggy dangles. A dog paw, a heart charm framing the words “best friend,” and the cutest little dog dish. We added some silvery hematite and steel beads for a bit of shine, and at the bottom, your choice of braille messages on an aluminum dog bone. Overall length is about 4 inches. Clip and chain, stainless steel. Charms, steel and aluminum, range in size from about 1/2 inch to about 3/4 inch. Dog bone, aluminum, about 1 and 1/2 inches wide.

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An event that’s truly wag-worthy: The Dog Days of Summer!

Ever heard someone refer to the dog days of summer? Wonder what it means?

Colloquially, it refers to a time of year those who live in the Northern hemisphere think of as the height of summer, those long, lazy days that seem to last forever, the point at which the season is not yet winding down, and the temps are so stifling, even dogs are crazy with the heat.

Actually, the phrase “dog days of summer” has its origins in astronomy. Sirius, also called the Dog Star, is part of a constellation called Canis Major, which means the “Greater Dog.” During peak season, Sirius rises and sets with the sun, and is bright enough to be seen from just about anywhere on Earth.

There’s lots more lore, so if you want to learn about the history of the phrase “dog days of summer,” which has survived the centuries in spoken language throughout the world, read more from Dictionary.com here, or read more fun facts from The Farmer’s Almanac here.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know about an event I’m planning, perfect for right about now.

Photo of dog bone necklace and matching earrings on a purple background.

There are no holidays to speak of this month, the kids are not yet back in school, although you parents probably wish they were, and things are a little slow, since we’re not quite ready to turn our attention to fall. So, I thought I’d host a one-day shopping event. I’ve been hosting a small campaign like this one for the past several years, mainly for my own customers, but this year I thought it might be fun to invite a few friends, so here’s the scoop:

Guide dog handlers, pet parents, and doggy devotees: Join us for a one day shopping event to celebrate all things dog! Find supplies, toys, gifts, and essentials for you and your precious pup! Featuring vendors such as On The Go Dog Gear, Elegant Insights, and Guidelight Dogs!

When: Saturday, Aug 20, 2022 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada), 3PM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting
us02web.zoom.us/j/87695179333?pwd=dGhsR1FMdm8wTktrYzQ1RGJFU21FZz09

Meeting ID: 876 9517 9333
Passcode: 865094

If you need all the other numbers for phone access, I have them for you. Drop me a note, and I’ll send the complete list.

Here’s the schedule, as it stands now, but new vendors may be added:

12 noon PT: (60 min).

Guidelight Dogs with Kae
KaeAnn Rausch
781-286-1696
GuideLightDogs@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/GuideLightDogProducts.html
Twitter: @GuideLightDogs

1 PM PT: (60 min).

Elegant Insights Canine Crush Accessories with Laura
Elegant Insights Braille Creations
702-605-1265
elegantinsightsjewelry.com
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
IG: @elegantinsights
FB: Elegant.Insights

2 PM PT: (60 min).

On The Go Dog Gear with Julie
On The Go Dog Gear
www.shop-onthego.com
(402) 603-0811
onthegodoggear@gmail.com
Facebook: @OnTheGoDogGear
Twitter: @OnTheGoDogGear

3 PM PT: (30 min).

Elegant Insights dog motif jewelry gifts with Laura

3:30 PM PT: (30 min).

Q and A — get your questions answered if you miss part of the program.

4 PM PT:  End of day.
For more info, send an email to lgsvirtualevents@gmail.com

Sparkle on!

Laura

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Dog Daze Purse Charm

Photo of the Dog Daze Purse Charm, full view

Here is an adorable accessory that will delight any dog lover. All in shades of silver tone, our Dog Daze purse charm features a variety of doggy motif charms, including pawprints, bones, a hematite “ball,” and even a tiny dog collar charm. We added just a touch of sparkle for contrast, and at the bottom, a chunky aluminum dog bone embossed with your choice of “wag wag wag,” or “best friend,” in grade 2 braille. Overall length approximately 6 inches, embossed dog bone about 1 x 1.5 inches. Steel and hematite beads, approx. 6 to 8mm.

Put On the Dog Necklace and Earrings Set

Photo of dog bone necklace, center, with a dangle earring on each side.

Show off your canine crush with this sweet set. On an 18 inch rolo chain, a stainless steel dog bone charm pendant hangs from a toggle clasp, worn in front. The pendant can accommodate either 5 braille characters or an engraved name of your choice. The leverback dangle earrings feature a tiny, three-dimensional dog bone, a hematite “ball,” and two dog paw charms on each earring. All components are shiny, hypo-allergenic stainless steel. Necklace, overall length approximately 20 inches with pendant drop. Earrings are about 1-1/2 inches long.

Doggy Dangle Bangle

Photo of our Doggy Dangle Bangle on a purple background

If the more you get to know people, the more you love your dog, then you won’t be able to resist our Doggy Dangle Bangle! This is one of our expandable, slip-over-the-wrist styles that are slim and lightweight, and are great for stacking. We’ve added two stainless steel charms: The first is a disc charm with the word love stamped into the metal, with a cutout dog paw for the letter “O”. The other charm is a heart shape with a cutout of a dog paw. We’ve also added a textured hematite “ball,” to mimic a dog toy. Finally, all of our expandable dangle bangles feature a tiny Elegant Insights logo hangtag at the bottom, and this time we used a little dog bone. How cute is that? Use your thumb and forefinger to slide the two spiral stations together, and the wire expands just enough for your hand to slip through. When you release the stations, the wire snaps back to its original size. The charms are attached in between the two stations. Bracelet fits up to a 7-1/2 inch wrist. Wire and charms, all hypo-allergenic stainless steel, won’t rust or tarnish, and because it’s nickel-free, won’t cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Dashing Doggy Custom Dog Bone Charm

Photo of 5 dog bone charms

A bespoke accessory for your captivating canine! Choose a custom engraving or braille embossing so your pup can step out in style. This gleaming brass dog bone charm is about 1-3/4 inches long, and about 1/2 inch wide at each end, which will accommodate 7 braille characters or a few more engraved letters. Whether you choose your pet’s name or a “please call” phone number, this dog bone charm is a fun accessory to attach to a dog collar, leash, or harness. Brass dog bone shaped charm comes on an 8mm split ring for attaching to license ring or buckle.

Spot-On Military Style Dog Tag

Photo of Dog Tag Necklaces, various metals

You will love the Elegant Insights version of a dog tag. Ours are the standard “military issue” size, feature a rolled edge, and are available in gleaming stainless steel. Our dog tags can accommodate up to 2 lines, with up to 7 Braille characters per line. We love dog tags, because there are so many creative ways you can use them. What would you like to say? We can create your tag with your choice of carabiner clip and split ring, or 24 inch ball chain. Dog tags are usually used as ID tags, but you can have yours custom embossed in Braille with your name, web site or company name, or even your Twitter @name! Have an upcoming business event? We can “brand” your tag with your company or non-profit info. Use them for fundraising, thank-you gifts or giveaways at conferences or company meetings. Want a more elegant way to identify your keys, book bag, laptop case or baby bag? Choose our Spot-on metal tags with a carabiner clip to securely label your belongings, and do it with class and style. The clip and split ring are made of steel and aluminum, and the 24 inch long ball chain is strong and tarnish-free stainless steel. Standard sized dog tags will accommodate two lines of up to seven Braille cells per line. Spaces, punctuation, and special characters such as the capital letter dot six or number sign must be included in the character count. Consider using Grade 2 Braille to save space! The stainless steel tag has a shiny, mirror finish and is hypoallergenic and tarnish free. Standard Military Dog Tag measures 2 inches long by 1.125 inches wide. Need more space for a longer message? Look for our Spot-on Luggage Tag, also available in your choice of necklace or split ring and clip, but features a jumbo steel tag which can accommodate up to 4 lines with up to 9 braille characters per line.

Dashing Doggy Dog Bone Charm

Photo of 5 dog bone charms

Jewelry for your favorite four-legged traveling companion! Deck out your doggie with our classy collar charm. Available in shiny golden brass, the charm measures about 1-3/4 inches long, and about 3/4 inch at the widest points on each end. We attach an 8mm split ring so you can easily slip it on to your dog’s collar, along with the license tag, or you can use it to adorn the harness or leash. Your posh puppy can wear a charm embossed with guide commands, such as “hop up,” “forward,” “busy busy,” or “good job!” Want a custom option? Search for our Dashing Doggy Custom Dog Bone Charm!

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The 2023 Let’s Go Shopping Holiday Event details are here!

Here’s everything you need to know about the Let’s Go Shopping holiday gift extravaganza! Please join us Friday, November 3rd and Saturday, November 4th for an epic, 2-day, gift shopping showcase. Since 2020, I’ve been hosting an online, accessible, virtual mall crawl where I connect small businesses with the customers who need them. Originally, the idea was a reaction to the pandemic crisis, where my concern over the fate of my fellow entrepreneurs with disabilities compelled me to create an event to support them. Since then, Let’s Go Shopping has taken on a life of its own, and the 2023 event will be number eight. Want to be sure you don’t miss any announcements about the event? You can subscribe to the Let’s Go Shopping groups list by sending a blank email to lgs+subscribe@groups.io and you will be added to the program info list.

Read on for the LGS schedule, vendor directory, and login details for our virtual shopping mall.

Ready for a little retail therapy? Let’s go shopping!

Day one, Friday November 3:

Please note that all times are Pacific Time. Adjust to your own time zone accordingly.

08:00AM: Welcome

08:05AM: Deck your Cane for the Holidays with Glam Canes!

09:00AM: Guidelight Dog Products: Holiday happiness is going to the dogs!

10:00AM: Simple Little Goods Handcrafted Gifts

11:00AM: One Of A Kind Ornaments and Stocking Stuffers By Terry

12:00: Harbolt for the holidays

01:00PM: Ring in the holidays with Elegant Insights

02:00PM: Aille Design (pronounced: eye) Style for the Season

03:00PM: Mystery boxes

05:00PM: End of day

Day two, Saturday, November 4:

Please note that all times are Pacific Time. Adjust to your own time zone accordingly.

08:00AM: Season’s Greetings by Guidelights and Gadgets

09:00AM: Festive Fashion by Blind Girl Designs

10:00AM: Tully’s Treats for your Christmas Canine

11:00AM: Tech the halls with A T Guys

12:00: Wright Turn Only Handcrafted Wood Creations

01:00PM: Stocking Stuffers gifts under $20

02:00PM: All That Glitters by Elegant Insights
02:30PM: Great Gifts for the Guys by Elegant Insights

03:00PM: Harbolt for the holidays

04:00PM: Happy Hour Q and A – Get those questions answered!

End of day.

Your virtual shopping mall login:

Start time:
Friday, Nov 3, 2023 08:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
11:00AM Eastern.
Start time:
Saturday, Nov 4, 2023 08:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
11:00AM Eastern.

Join Zoom Meeting
us02web.zoom.us/j/86492428332?pwd=dVU2d3V3Zi90OEFsZDhZWm9tK2s2Zz09

Meeting ID: 864 9242 8332
Passcode: 600691

One tap mobile
+12532050468,,86492428332#,,,,*600691# US
+12532158782,,86492428332#,,,,*600691# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 646 931 3860 US

Meeting ID: 864 9242 8332
Passcode: 600691

Find your local number: us02web.zoom.us/u/keuo3UY0wE

The Vendor Directory:

Here is the list of fabulous Let’s Go Shopping entrepreneurs, all of whom are passionate about their products, and dedicated to bringing you their best holiday gifts. Please patronize these fine establishments throughout the season, and beyond!

GLAM CANES
Making Independence Glamorous. A chic new look at accessible fashion, the Glam Cane amplifies confidence and promotes sophistication for blind and low-vision fashionistas.

Arthur Gwynne
www.glamcanes.com
team@lachimusic.com
IG: @glamcanes

GuideLight Dog Products, Subsidiary of: GuideLights And Gadgets, Inc.
Holiday Happiness is Going to the Dogs!

KaeAnn Rausch
781-286-1696
GuideLightDogs@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/GuideLightDogProducts.html
Twitter: @GuideLightDogs

Needle Creations
Hand crafted and designed, ornaments, hats, and accessories.
Show off your Elegance!

Terry Powers
terrypowers59@gmail.com
301-916-8549

The Harbolt Company
A little something for everyone!

Brent Harbolt
405-471-1200
www.harboltcompany.com
sales@harboltcompany.com
Twitter: @harboltcompany
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theharboltcompany

Simple Little Goods

Chuck Winstead
502-888-7934
simplelittlegoods@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075977329182&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Wright Turn Only
Wooden keepsakes handcrafted with vision, not sight. Custom orders welcome!

Ray Wright owner
801-560-9866
www.wrightturnonly.com/
wrightturnonly@gmail.com

GuideLights and Gadgets, Inc.
The “Sweet Spot” for Special Surprises!

Barry Scheur
(617) 969-7500
barry.scheur@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/

Blind Girl Designs
Blind Girl Designs- whimsical white cane prints on aprons, totes,
Tshirts and hoodies! Great holiday gifts!!!

Tricia Waechter
862-448-1011
blindgirldesigns.com/
tricia@blindgirldesigns.com
molly@blindgirldesigns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindgirldesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindgirldesigns/ 
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindgirldesigns

Elegant Insights Braille Creations
A distinctive, handcrafted collection of jewelry and accessories embossed in braille or with precision engraving. Get your sparkle on!

Laura Legendary
702-605-1265
elegantinsightsjewelry.com
l.legendary@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
customer.service@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Elegant.Insights
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elegantinsights

Aille Design (pronounced: eye)
Braille fashion is a fashion statement you can feel! Each of our clothing designs feature tactile braille beadwork that is fully legible and customizable. Products are handmade and created with and in support of the blind and visually impaired community.

Alexa Jovanovic
716-201-0302
ailledesign.com
hello@ailledesign.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ailledesign
Facebook: facebook.com/ailledesign

Tully’s Treats
We are a small dog bakery. Our healthy treats are bursting with flavor and made with all natural ingredients. No fillers or preservatives. Dog tested, dog mom approved.

Jennifer Vitacco
630-248-3003
tullystreat.com/
tullystreats2@gmail.com

A. T. Guys
Smart technology for your smart life.

J. J. Meddaugh
269-216-4798
www.atguys.com
support@atguys.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atguys

Subscribe to the Let’s Go Shopping groups list!

To get all the info you need to shop our holiday gift extravaganza, you can either go to this link to opt in, or you can send a blank email to lgs+subscribe@groups.io and you will be added to the list.

Please patronize these incredible businesses, throughout the holidays and thereafter. Don’t forget to use the tag #LetsGoShopping when posting about the event.

Laura