I adopted my schnauzer-poodle mix two years ago, named her Lucy, and went through the painstaking process of house-training a puppy...my shag rugs are still recovering. Just as I was celebrating the end of the puppy phase and Lucy was becoming a dog we absolutely adore, my boyfriend Dan brought home a 4-month-old pup. While skeptical at first — puppy PTSD is real — I was smitten as soon as I met the little guy. He was super sweet and gentle with the most earnest of puppy eyes.
We named him Diego after Dan’s hometown San Diego. He also has the personality of a chill surfer dog compared to my slightly neurotic Lucy (above left, wishing she had her giant dog bed all to herself). His genetic origins, however, were somewhat vague. The adoption shelter suspected he was a German shepherd mix with maybe a smidge Boxer. We were certain of the shepherd part as he was always trying to herd Lucy into a corner — an action often met with fierce objection, but they've since grown to tolerate (and even sort of like) each other. Side note: Diego broke his leg falling down the stairs soon after we brought him home. Highly recommend pet insurance right after adoption!
Over the weeks and months, as he started to grow into his actual size (50 lbs-ish), we guessed maybe he had some pitbull in his heritage. When strangers inevitably asked what he was, Dan would jokingly reply, “American Fence Jumper.”
Meanwhile, my daughter was in dog heaven and kept declaring that when she gets old enough to have her own dog she is getting a Siberian Husky (she’s in the wolf phase of kid animal obsessions).
We used the at-home dog DNA kit, Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry, to crack Diego's DNA code. The test was pretty simple – easier than a Covid test – and required that we just swab his inner cheek for a saliva sample and mail it off.
We anxiously awaited the results and joked about having a breed reveal party (any excuse to gather, right?). We also wanted to know what we were in for in terms of health and behavior issues. Four weeks later, we received the email that would unlock the mystery.
The test revealed his behavioral traits like willingness to share (yes), separation anxiety (nope), possessiveness (not at all), noise sensitivities (calm), and more, helping us understand him a little better or just confirming what we already knew about him. We even met some of his genetic relatives!
Then of course was the biggest surprise: His breed. Any guesses?
Turns out, Diego is 49 percent Siberian Husky! My daughter was thrilled. His breed mix also included American Pitbull Terrier (26%), American Staffordshire Terrier (19%), and Australian Cattle Dog (6%). He's super social and loves everyone and every dog and is pretty much house-trained...except for the occasional shoe and rug casualty. We're working on it. 😉
Have you tested your dog DNA? Find more pet stories on our Pets page!
Header image via Theresa Gonzalez
'Tis the season... for giving and getting things you (and your giftees) might not really need. With sustainability becoming a paramount concern for many and the drawbacks of overconsumption entering our collective consciousness, the idea of gifting thoughtful, handmade, and possibly even zero-waste gifts is becoming ever more appealing. The only problem? We're not all as handy as we might like to be. Don't worry though — you don't need to be an expert maker to craft these DIY Christmas gifts! From beginner to advanced, there's a homemade Christmas gift idea for giver and giftee alike.
1. Edible DIY Christmas Gift Ideas
Brit + Co
If you know your way around a kitchen, don't sleep on the opportunity to give your loved ones an edible gift. You know it'll get used (AKA eaten), and it's essentially a zero-waste gift-giving strategy.
We love making pretty desserts that work well as gifts, like this matcha yogurt bark, this peppermint bark, these super easy Christmas cookie recipes, and these edible gift ideas. Package them up with these creative gift wrapping techniques, or forego paper altogether and wrap them with a cute kitchen towel for a zero-waste approach.
2. DIY Craft Kits To Gift
If you're a complete beginner to DIY and handmade Christmas gifts, it might be smart to start out with a kit. A DIY kit allows you to fashion a thoughtful gift that shows your recipient just how much time and effort you put into giving them something special.
This DIY permanent jewelry kit is perfect for someone who wants to give their bestie a one-of-a-kind present this year. You can also DIY Christmas-scented candles, grow your loved one's birth month flower, or construct a super-cute tiny house to be displayed as kitschy decor.
3. Handmade Christmas Gifts
We love a good DIY. Our favorite presents are handmade Christmas gifts, and we've shared a ton of homemade gift ideas in our time.
A cute winter terrarium is perfect for the quirky decor lover in your life, while nothing brings the hygge vibes more than a hand-knit blanket. Give your favorite houseplant lover some gorgeous flora in one of these DIY cement planters, or embroider a pillow that'll add a cute touch of color to your bestie's home!
4. DIY Home Decor
Brit + Co
Speaking of your bestie's home, we've got plenty of ideas for DIY Christmas gifts you can give in the home decor category.
Spruce up a simple IKEA desk to give your work wife a WFH chair that's cute and from the heart. Make magazine wall art in your giftee's favorite colors to add a homemade, kitschy touch to their space. This Anthro-inspired DIY chandelier is another great option for artsy decor lovers.
A friend who loves hostessing will appreciate this pineapple cutting board, and someone who's into the beauty of organization will swoon over this DIY wall organizer.
DIY Jewelry
Brit + Co
Many of us adore jewelry, so why not give someone in your life a cute and colorful accessory this holiday season? These acrylic earrings are super colorful and adorable, while this DIY choker is '90s inspired and totally on-trend. We also love this geode statement necklace and this cute necklace made out of old tee shirts. Talk about sustainable style!
Love these DIY Christmas gift ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for gift guides, recipes, and other holiday inspo!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
You love your dog. You love them even when they’re stinky, sleepy little freeloaders that ask relentlessly for pets. And while it's super important to remember that dogs have different nutritional needs than humans, sometimes you just can’t resist those puppy eyes – and you have to slip them a tidbit of human food. We advise against sharing without doing your research, though. Here are some human foods that dogs can safely consume in moderation.
1. Lean Meats
Photo by Bethany Ferr / PEXELS
Cooked chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef or pork can be given to dogs, but they should be boneless, skinless, and free from seasonings, butters, oils, or spices.
2. Fruits
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS
Many fruits are safe for dogs, such as apples (without seeds or core), bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon (without seeds or rind). Remember to remove any seeds or pits of fruits, as they can be harmful to your pup.
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupes
- Cranberries
- Mangoes
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
🚨 IMPORTANT: Grapes are highly toxic for dogs. It's imperative to avoid ingestion. 🚨
3. Vegetables
Photo by Anna Shvets / PEXELS
Dogs can enjoy a variety of vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet potatoes. Make sure to cook or steam them before feeding to aid in digestion.
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Celery
- Green beans
- Peas
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
4. Rice and Pasta
Photo by Samson Katt / PEXELS
Plain, cooked rice or pasta can be given to dogs, but only occasionally. Plain white or brown rice is suitable for dogs, but you should avoid flavored rice mixes or dishes with added spices that can cause harm. It's important to note that rice and pasta is not really nutritionally *necessary* for dogs, as pups primarily require a balanced diet of protein, fats, and carbohydrates that they can get from their regular dog food.
5. Plain Yogurt
Photo by Mikkel Bendix / PEXELS
Small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt without any added flavors, sugars, or artificial sweeteners can provide probiotics and be beneficial for dogs' digestive systems, supporting digestion, aiding in nutrient absorption, and contributing to a healthy immune system. Yogurt also comes in handy for your fur baby when they’re experiencing digestive issues such as diarrhea or an upset stomach. Furthermore, yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth in dogs, while protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair.
6. Eggs
Photo by Olga Burmistrova / PEXELS
Cooked eggs are considered a good source of protein for dogs, helping build and repair tissues, supporting muscle growth, and contributing to a healthy immune system. Cooked eggs also have a good amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium, which all play important roles in supporting overall health and growth of your doggo. When giving your dog eggs, ensure they are fully cooked and avoid using any oils, seasonings, or additives.
If you have any concerns or questions about incorporating these human foods into your dog's diet, do consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice based on your dog's specific needs. Remember to always introduce new foods gradually and in small portions to monitor your dog's reaction.
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Header photo by Sam Lion / PEXELS
It looks like we'll just be getting Jacob Elordi movies for the rest of time, and honestly, I'm thankful. (Even if that one cringy Kissing Booth scene still runs on a loop in the my brain). Before Swift Horses with Daisy Edgar Jones, Jacob is teaming up with another Hollywood titan you'll recognize from Pretty Woman: Richard Gere. And the movie looks incredibly emotional.
Here's all the latest info on Jacob Elordi and Richard Gere's brand new movie Oh, Canada.
What is the Oh Canada movie about?
Oh, Canada Plot
Oh, Canada follows the life of legendary (albeit fictional) filmmaker Leonard Fife. This story probably approaches Leo's career the way we think about Steven Spielberg's. AKA, he's very important. Leonard decides to tell his life story before he runs out of time. And even though he's got an impressive resumé, he also has to decide if he wants his Vietnam draft dodge and sticky relationships to become public knowledge.
"Leonard sits for an extended interview with his former student Malcolm (Michael Imperioli), relating candid stories about his younger self (Jacob Elordi) in the tumultuous 1960s and beyond," the synopsis says, adding that "at Leonard’s insistence, his wife and indispensable artistic partner, Emma (Uma Thurman), bears witness to it all."
How to watch Oh Canada?
Oh, Canada Release Date
Jacob Elordi's new movie is coming to theaters December 6, 2024 — the same day as Rachel Zegler's Y2K and Amy Adams' Nightb—ch!
Who's in the movie?
Kino Lorber
Oh, Canada Cast
The cast of Oh, Canada includes Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi, Uma Thurman, Michael Imperioli, and Victoria Hill, while the movie is written and directed by Paul Schrader (who also worked with Richard on 1980's American Gigolo!
What has the cast said about the movie?
Uma Thurman has been vocal about how excited she is to be a part of the project and told Deadline the movie feels like a "reverie" and has a "lyrical, sort of loosely knit, poetic" quality about it.
"The cinematic hand of Paul, of course, carried the day, as far as bringing this sort of illusionary dream together into something that you walk away from with the strong impression of a story," she says. "Just the presence of a master like Paul Schrader on a set of any size, is as distinct as, I don’t know, a warm wind. It’s like the wind that hits you when you get off a plane in the tropics. There’s only one thing of its ilk, and he’s kind of a master like that. You could really be anywhere; you can’t miss it."
That sounds like my kind of movie.
Director Paul Schrader revealed he fell in love with Jacob's performance the moment he saw him — which was before he took the world by storm in Priscilla. “I saw his performance on Zoom and, if this was 40 years ago, this is the guy I would have cast for American Gigolo,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
Are you excited to see Oh, Canada? Check out the other New December Movies you can't miss out on!
If you're looking for a winter wedding guest dress, then look no further! Winter is the perfect time to lean into your glam side, with a little shine, a sexy slit, or even a statement neckline on your dress. And while the typical palette may lean towards darker, deeper colors, that doesn't mean you have to opt for the same boring look. Instead, I found a ton of elegant dresses that'll land you the Best Dressed Wedding Guest award in no time — and you'll wanna rewear them as much as possible. Cheers!
Shop all the best winter wedding guest dresses here!
Nordstrom
Betsy & Adam Asymmetric Single Long Sleeve Gown
I'm sorry, but nothing is more elegant (or sexier) than a black gown with the perfect peek-a-boo leg slit down the front. When you pair that with this gorgeous asymmetrical sleeve situation, you really have the perfect winter wedding guest dress!
Abercrombie
Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Cowl Back Slip Maxi Dress
Cowl necks are always a classy look — but what about a cowl back?! This whole dress is giving "simplicity is elegance" at its finest. (And BRIDES: this little navy number comes in cream, making for a fabulous bridal outfit, too!)
Anthropologie
Bardot Adoni Off-The-Shoulder Fitted Stretch Lace Midi Dress
I know, I know — it's controversial to wear red to a wedding. But truly, I've never in my life heard that rule until recently, so it can't matter that much, right? I'll let you decide that for yourself, but while you're thinking about it...look at how gorgeous this off-the-shoulder number is!
Azazie
Azazie Atelier Bellini Grape Jacquard Satin Maxi Dress
I adore this deep, rich eggplant color SO much. It goes so well with this high neckline and jacquard fabric, absolutely emanating elegance. This looks fantastic with strappy gold sandals (like above), but I could also see this looking amazing with some pointed toe velvet pumps.
Lulus
Lulus I'm All Yours Black Tulle Ruffled Maxi Dress
I have this exact dress in burgundy, but I am totally into the black tulle. It gives an edge to the elegance that's so playful and COOL. Plus, who doesn't love a deep v neck like this? It's so freakin' good.
Target
Petal and Pup Womens Anabelle Halter Neck Midi Dress
Asymmetrical dresses are absolutely the moment right now. The draping on this Target dress is totally gorgeous, making you look effortlessly beautiful. Plus, if this shade of teal isn't your color, you have 10 other options to choose from — and at under $100!
Nordstrom
Ieena for Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Gown
My mom wore this exact dress in black to my own wedding, and she looked like a total goddess. The shimmer could seem like a lot for some, but it's really quite lovely and just understated enough when you're in that glittering wedding environment. You'll definitely wanna dance the night away in this look!
Free People
Elliatt Calypso Dress
Looking for a shorter winter wedding guest dress? This Elliatt option is stunning! The body of the dress itself is really quite simple, letting the statement bow on the back do all the heavy (and very stylish) lifting for your look. I'd pair this with an Audrey Hepburn-esque updo and some pointed black pumps!
Azazie
Azazie Atelier Sara Marigold Maxi Dress
Let this marigold dress light up the room at the next wedding you're invited to! The floral pattern is perfect for winter, not leaning too spring, and giving this balloon sleeve dress a little extra life. (And do you see the slit? I'm telling you: it's the perfect way to accentuate your wedding guest look!)
Anthropologie
Norma Kamali Tara Long-Sleeve Deep-V Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress
Norma Kamali knows how to make something simple oh-so sexy. This dress hugs your curves in all the right places, and the ruching gives the sleek silhouette some much-needed texture. Plus, the slightly off-the-shoulder of it all is just everything — it's giving old Hollywood glam meets modern babe.
Nordstrom
Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Pleated Satin Cocktail Midi Dress
Like I said before, winter doesn't me you can't wear color! This shade is just bright enough to make a statement, but just earthy enough to be perfect for the season. The pleats and the buttoned, ballooned sleeves are just gorgeous here too!
Anthropologie
By Anthropologie The Maya Ruched Cowl-Neck Dress: Stretch Velvet Edition
I seriously just love a high neckline! There's something about it that screams class (but a distinguished, polite scream of course 😉), which is totally what you're going for with your winter wedding guest dress. I also love how the stretch velvet will give you the space to sit, eat, and dance comfortably all night long — exactly what you need for a festive wedding eventing!
Nordstrom
Alfred Sung One-Shoulder A-Line Gown
Alfred Sung makes stunning gowns that are perfect for all your winter wedding guest needs! I wore a different Alfred Sung dress a few years back to a December wedding, and it made me feel totally elegant. This sleek design would look gorgeous on anyone, and the A line silhouette gives you plenty of room to hit the dance floor all you want!
Tuckernuck
Tuckernuck Black Clea Dress
She's giving Audrey Hepburn! She's giving Grace Kelly! She's giving EVERYTHING! Seriously, this neckline is incredible, this length is lovely, and the dress itself is the perfect canvas to make your own. Add some fun jewelry, grab a fun shoe, and let your hair down for an evening — in the most elevated way possible.
Anthropologie
Mac Duggal Sleeveless Rhinestone Flower Crepe A-Line Mini Dress
In case you're looking for another shorter option, I love this Mac Duggal dress! The flower on the hip is so unique, yet it's giving a timeless charm that would look amazing on anyone! I could totally see this with some stunning red tights, an updo, and some statement earrings.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.