Archives for April 5, 2016

SOZO is a great gift suggestion for babies and toddlers!

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Looking for a great gift idea for a baby or toddler? SOZO has you covered!

SOZO is a whole new world of kid stuff with style! I love the imagination and creativity in their products!

Why SOZO? It’s a Japanese word that means creation and imagination.

SOZO provide stylish and whimsical fashions and other products for your very cool kids!

For the future doctor in your family…

 SOZO’s Doctor Bodysuit & Cap Set

This cute onesie and cap set gets your little one ready for med school…

OK…not really…but it is really cute!

For more information: http://www.sozousa.com/shop/bodysuit-cap-sets/doctor-bodysuit-cap-set/

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SOZO’s Sushi Bodysuit & Cap Set is really cute too! Check this one out!

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Do you REALLY like sushi? Did you ever hear someone say your baby is cute enough to eat?

Well…they may just get that idea with this adorable sushi onesie and cap set.

For more information: http://www.sozousa.com/shop/bodysuit-cap-sets/sushi-bodysuit-cap-set/

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I received the Fish Hooded Towel and it is adorable! Perfect for a Beach baby (or toddler)! This one besides being super cute, is 100% premium cotton. It is the perfect size (30″ x 30″) and it is really wonderful quality! Super easy to wash since it can simply go in the washer and dryer. I am planning to give this one as a gift since I no longer have a little one in the house! It is great for Spring and Summer! Just perfect for the Bath, Pool and Beach!

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received to post and any opinions are my own. Photo Credit: SOZO.

 

 

Books of the Month!

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 Learning to Navigate the Waters Swimmingly
Kathleen Morrissey teaches the importance of listening to your parents

No one likes to learn lessons the hard way. Fortunately, Kathleen Morrissey makes teaching essential lessons to children fun.

In her new book, “Otter Tales,” Morrissey teaches children about otter behavior while instilling the moral that parents know what’s best for their children.

When three young otters are left to their own devices they are bound to get into trouble, not unlike three children. The lessons they learn along the way however, will keep them safe from the hidden dangers in and out of the sea.

Morrissey’s inspiration derives from one particular experience with otters on one of her many family outdoor adventures to the San Juan Islands.

“All my books carry themes related to family, vacations, animals and adventures,” Morrissey said. “They also include being safe, watching out for one another, and following sound safety rules.”

The author hopes children will grow a further appreciation for their parents’ role and discover the many adventures that can be had in nature, whether camping, hiking or picnicking. They are all great ways to experience the wide array of animal and plant life with which we share the planet.

I received a copy of Otter Tales and loved the theme in this one! I highly recommend for young children! It has short chapters and great for beginning readers that want more than a picture book.

“Otter Tales”
By: Kathleen Morrissey
ISBN: 978-1-4969-5304-9
Softcover: $11.95
E-book: $3.99
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and AuthorHouse.

About the author
Kathleen Morrissey is the author of three other childrens’ books, “Walter and Mike Get Their Own Fun Park Pool,” “Bunny Foodie Adventures” and “The Lonely Noodle.” She is devoted to her family and has enjoyed taking trips with them for over 40. Morrissey currently resides outside of Seattle.

3 History Books and 1 How-To from Sky Pony Press!

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FANTASTIC FUGITIVES by Brianna DuMont (author) and Bethany Straker (illustrator) is the second book in Brianna DuMont’s Changed History series. The twelve fugitives in this book annoyed everyone, including queens, presidents and popes. But they didn’t let the peeved or the powerful stop them from breaking laws. They founded countries, won wars, and even ended empires—all while on the run! Follow the twists and turns of these lawbreaking lives to learn how anyone can change the world.

This one is a fun one for older elementary/middle school age children. It’s different and is really fun to read! It is a refreshing way to have children who aren’t thrilled about reading history books actually wanting to read this one!

FANTASTIC FUGITIVES: Amazon, B&N, Indiebound

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I love these next two for Middle School age children!

JUNGLE FIGHTERS by Jules Archer is set during the early stages of the Pacific War, General Douglas MacArthur was expected to prevent the Japanese from taking Australia. With limited forces, MacArthur had to be tactical, and the key to the continent’s defense was the island of New Guinea. In the fall of 1941, at the age of twenty-six, Jules Archer joined the US Armed Forces. A few months later, he joined MacArthur as a member of the small task force being sent to New Guinea.

THEY HAD A DREAM by Jules Archer outlines the three major civil rights movements in the United States. Racism is still a very relevant problem in our country today, and to better understand where we are now and how to make progress in the future, we must first understand where we’ve come from.

These are well-written and a great way to learn history!

JUNGLE FIGHTERS: Amazon, B&N, Indiebound

THEY HAD A DREAM: Amazon, B&N, Indiebound

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And last but not least…CHESS: BE THE KING!

This fun book by Ellisiv Reppen (author) and Flu Hartberg (illustrator) offers something for beginners who have never picked up a chess piece as well as more advanced instruction for experienced learners who are looking to become expert players. Including exclusive tips from some of the world’s best chess players, kids will learn how to become the king of chess!

My son and I found this one really interesting and fun to read! I recommend for ages 7+.

Can be purchased:  Amazon, B&N

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this post.

 

#KidsYogaDay is 4/8

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On April 8, 2016, 45 states and 19 countries and over 23,000 kids are committed to celebrating our youth and their physical/mental fitness by practicing 5 minutes of yoga thanks to the creation of #KidsYogaDay by avid yoga practitioner for over 30 years, teacher and speaker, Teresa Anne Power

An internationally recognized expert on children’s yoga and the author of the bestselling and award-winning book, The ABCs of Yoga for Kids April 8 also marks the release of Teresa’s perfect guide for parents and teachers to introduce yoga to even more children, The ABCs of Yoga for Kids: A Guide for Parents and Teachers[Stafford House Books, April 8, 2016]. 

I received a copy of this book and highly recommend for parents with  young children. The illustrations are great and it is a terrific guide for teaching children yoga. 

About Teresa Anne Power:

A yoga teacher for over ten years and practitioner for over 30, Teresa Anne Power is an internationally recognized children’s yoga expert and the bestselling author of The ABCs of Yoga for Kids. Also available in Spanish, French, Italian and Danish, her book has won multiple awards including The Mom’s Choice Award, Family Choice Award, Living Now Book Award, Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, and National Best Books Award. Since, Power has released yoga pose cards, a calendar, coloring book, posters and, coming in 2016, her newest book, The ABCs of Yoga for Kids: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. This guidebook is scheduled to be released on Kids’ Yoga Day, an inaugural international day Power created to celebrate the health and wellness of our youth worldwide through the practice of yoga. She has appeared on both local and national television and radio, and has been featured in/on Parenting Special Needs Magazine, Parenting.com, MindBodyGreen, Sirius XM, Glamour.com, Yogi Times, and more. She currently writes articles about children’s health and fitness on Examiner.com.

Power’s 10+ years of teaching young children yoga in schools, yoga studios, and local organizations has helped thousands of kids develop a healthy attitude towards their body. She has also spoken at numerous libraries, schools, yoga studio, and school conferences, volunteers her yoga expertise, and works with Children’s Bureau, Choose Health LA Child Care, Let’s Move West LA, Pathways, Connections for Children and the Neighborhood Youth Association. A graduate of University of Southern California, she earned her J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law and has a California Real Estate Broker’s License. In 2002, she completed a yoga training program with Indigo Yoga, and is a keynote speaker and teaches children’s yoga training workshops. She resides in Pacific Palisades, California, and is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Education, Leadership and Change at Antioch University in Los Angeles.

Learn more at www.abcyogaforkids.com and connect with Power on:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-ABCs-of-Yoga-for-Kids
Twitter: twitter.com/abcyogaforkids

The ABCs of Yoga for Kids: A Guide for Parents and Teachers is set for release on April 8, 2016 and will be available for purchase at Amazon and other bookstores and yoga studios. It is currently available for pre-order at www.abcyogaforkids.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to facilitate this feature. No other compensation was received.

2016 Winter Green Scene Mom Awards Giveaway!

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We are very excited to announce the 2016 Winter Green Scene Mom Awards, celebrating Eco-friendly product design and creative innovation. The Winter GSM Award Winners include many products designed to meet a unique need for families with kids and encourage sustainable lifestyles. Enter to win a collection of prizes sponsored by these awesome brands!

Prizes

1. b.box Diaper Caddy + Sippy Cup. Award Details

2. ciao! baby portable high chair. Award Details

3. PouchBuddy food pouch feeding attachment. Award Details

4. Darlyng & Co. Yummy Mitt. Award Details

5. Milkies Milk Trays + Softies Nursing Pads + Milkies Nipple Balm. Award Details

6. Genesis 950 Cleaner – 1 gallon. Award Details

7. Liliputi Buckle Carrier. Award Details

8. Little Dundi Recycled Paperboard Clothes Hangers – 2 sets. Award Details

9. Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap + Cozy Blanket Pouch + Ocean Discovery Box by Revelae Kids. Award Details

10. MAM Baby Brush Set + Cooler Teether. Award Details

11. Silkberry Baby Organic Footed Sleeper – Silver Cloud Owl. Award Details

12. Choice of 1 Zippy OneZ, Zipadee-Zip, Flying Squirrel, or Trendy Teether by Sleeping Baby Inc. Award Details

13. Zipzicle Ice Pop Sleeves – 2 sets of 4. Award Details

14. Wristy Buddy Octopus teething wristband. Award Details

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Winter Awards Giveaway Mommy Scene

Enter to win these fabulous prizes!

This giveaway is hosted by Mommy Scene and the sponsoring brands and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on April 29th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

Other 2016 Winter Green Scene Mom Award Winners

Buttons Cloth Diapers – Award Details

Coco & Kiwi Sydney Diaper Bag & Training Pants – Award Details

Crane smartDROP Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier & Travel Humidifier – Award Details

Winter Green Scene Mom Awards Mommy Scene

Enchanted Slumber All-In-One Organic Sleeper – Award Details

Wicks Beauty Baby Butter – Award Details

Woolino 4 Season Sleep Sack – Award Details

Woombie Air-Wrap & Organic Swaddle – Award Details

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Credit: This giveaway is hosted by Mommy Scene and the sponsoring brands and is open to US entries.

Manischewitz® Partners with Welch’s® To Bring Welch’s Manischewitz 100% Grape Juice to Consumers

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Manischewitz®, America’s #1 Kosher Brand, is proud to announce a special partnership with Welch’s®, America’s #1 Grape Juice Brand.   Manischewitz and Welch’s have teamed up to offer consumers 100% Grape Juice Kosher for Passover and all year round.  Welch’s Manischewitz Grape Juice is blended from a selection of the finest, fresh-pressed Concord Grapes.  Perfect for Passover and other celebrations, Welch’s Manischewitz 100% Grape juice is offered in 64oz and 96oz bottles.  Welch’s Manischewitz Grape Juice is a nutritious and wholesome option for consumers that has no artificial ingredients, no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, no artificial preservatives and is sulfite free.  Welch’s and Manischewitz are also offering a delicious non-alcoholic, Sparkling Grape Juice in a 25.4oz bottle that has no artificial flavors, no artificial colors and is sulfite free.

 

Two long-time consumer trusted brands

Manischewitz and Welch’s together

bring nearly 275 years of Kosher experience

and Grape Juice expertise. 

 

“Manischewitz and Welch’s are clearly focused on product quality and the Welch’s Manischewitz Grape Juice launch reinforces our ability to bring to market a delicious and wholesome drink.” says David Sugarman President and CEO of The Manischewitz Company. “With Welch’s expertise in Grape Juice combined with Manischewitz leadership in Kosher, we are thrilled to offer consumers a quality product from two well respected brands.”
“This product gives us the chance to bring a nutritious alternative to consumers who have only had one option for Grape Juice that’s Kosher for Passover,” says Ike Kim, Senior Brand Manager for Welch’s. “We’re excited to bring consumers our expertise in delivering a unique and delicious Concord Grape taste.”

 

NEW AND EXCITING MANISCHEWITZ PRODUCTS FOR PASSOVER INCLUDE:

 

  • We just added a new flavor to our growing Macaroon lineup.  Hazelnut Chocolate Macaroons has bursts of chocolate made with real hazelnuts. This year our new Macaroon flavor won “Best New Item for Passover” at Kosherfest.

 

  • For your baking and cooking needs we have Gluten Free Matzo Meal and Gluten Free Cake Meal.  Great items for coating and cooking.  Both items have delicious recipes on pack to help you enhance your Passover holiday.

 

  • We expanded our Gluten Free Matzo with a new 3 pack of our 10oz Matzo bundled for convenience at a value price.

 

  • Adding to our line of Gluten Free Noodles we now have a Tri-Color Spiral Noodles with great texture and taste.

 

  • Introducing brand new gluten free cereal for Passover, Magic Max’s Chocolate Crunch Puffs and Magic Max’s Vanilla Crunch Puffs have pockets full of crème that are great for breakfast and snacking!

 

  • For families that are on-the-go we have some great snacking items to offer.  Our Thin Potato Chips and Ripple Potato Chips will now be available with 9 snack-sized bags in a multipack tray.

 

  • We will also have brand new Gluten Free Grab n Go Chocolate Cookies and Gluten Free Grab n Go Chocolate Chip Cookies in a convenient take away cup that comes with a re-sealable lid.

 

  • Blueberry Bran Muffin Mix which include real blueberries to ensure great tasting muffin every time.  These muffins are also a good source of fiber to be enjoyed morning, noon or at night.

 

  • Our Balsamic Vinegar is also our latest item which is imported from the Modena region of Italy.  Manischewitz Balsamic Vinegar is great for vinaigrettes, marinades and glazes. This new item displays the Protected Geographical Indication seal which certifies it is an authentic product of Modena, Italy.

 

Enter the “Manischewitz #Grape4Passover” Contest

 

Manischewitz® invites you to submit a photo of you and a bottle of Welch’s Manischewitz 100% Grape Juice to enter the “Manischewitz #Grape4Passover Contest.”  A panel of judges will review all eligible entries to select the four (4) weekly winners and one (1) Grand Prize

 

From now until Sunday, April 10, 2016; 11:59 PM (ET) consumers can enter the “Manischewitz  #Grape4Passover.” There are 4 chances to be a winner from the beginning to end, with a second chance to be a grand prize winner.  To enter go to the official Facebook page (Manischewitz, www.facebook.com/Manischewitz), you will then see where you can upload one photo per person of your entry.

 

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About The Manischewitz Company

The Manischewitz Company(TMC) is a specialty foods company comprised of 12 authentic kosher foods brands, including Manischewitz®, Season®, Goodman’s®, Jason®. TMC offers a diverse product line that spans over 30 unique product categories.

 

The Manischewitz® brand was founded in a small bakery built to make Passover matzo in 1888 by Rabbi Dov Behr Manischewitz in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1932, Rabbi Manischewitz opened a plant in Jersey City, NJ, replacing the operation in Cincinnati. This move paved the way for the introduction of new products like Tam Tam®Crackers, Chicken Soup, Macaroons, and Gefilte Fish. Today’s Manischewitz offers Broths, Noodles, Potato Pancakes, and Matzo Balls. Manischewitz is matzo and so much more!  See www.manischewitz.com for more product and recipe information!

 

About Welch’s

Welch’s is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Located across America and in Ontario, Canada, the cooperative’s approximately 1,000 family farmers own the company and grow the delicious Concord grape used in Welch’s juices and other grape-based products. Welch’s is committed to research and development that will meet the growing demand for products that address consumers’ nutrition needs. Welch’s products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 40 countries around the globe.  For more information, visit www.welchs.com.

ProFlowers is Giving a Free Trip to the Red Carpet Movie Premiere of Mother’s Day Movie

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From now through April 7, 2016, visit proflowers.com/movie to enter your chance to win a trip to Los Angeles for the star-studded red carpet premiere.* The first place winner will receive two tickets to the Hollywood opening, roundtrip airfare for two, two-night hotel accommodations and spending cash. To learn more about the sweepstakes, please view the official rules for complete entry details.

About the movie:

Mother’s Day, in theatres nationwide April 29, is the latest star-studded ensemble that brings together Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts along with Jason Sudekis, Britt Robertson, Timothy Olyphant, Hector Elizondo and Jack Whitehall. From the director of “Pretty Woman” and “Valentine’s Day,” the film is a celebration of mothers everywhere. This big-hearted comedy invites us all to enjoy the laughter, tears, love – and beautiful ProFlowers arrangements – as three generations come together in the week leading up to Mother’s Day.

Credit: ProFlowers.

Peppa Pig and Muddy Puddles Project Make a Big Splash for a Very Worthy Cause!

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The Muddy Puddles Project is a fundraising platform for the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation, a certified 501(c)(3) that funds pediatric cancer research. The project was inspired by Ty, a little boy who loved Peppa Pig and dreamed of jumping in muddy puddles when his cancer was cured. Since his passing, the Muddy Puddles Project continues to grow by leaps and bounds with families all across the U.S. joining the mission and participating in special fundraising activities.

 

April 1st was officially proclaimed “National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day” by the nonprofit and it kicks off a whole season of special events – including Peppa-inspired Welly Walks to benefit the charity.

Peppa Pig muddy puddle jump

What is a Welly Walk? It’s as simple as it sounds: an organized stroll outside – rain or shine! – in your favorite pair of wellies (rain boots). As Peppa Pig’s Mummy Pig wisely says, “If you jump in muddy puddles, you must wear your boots.”

To find out more, go to the official Peppa Pig website: http://www.peppapig.com/grown-ups/charity

Credit: Muddy Puddles Project and Peppa Pig!

DOG HAUS BRINGS THE ABSOLUTE WÜRST TO CORONA ON APRIL 8th

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Dog Haus, the celebrated Los Angeles-based concept known for its gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers and one-of-a-kind creations, will open its first Inland Empire location on Friday, April 8th in Corona offering free Haus dogs all day.  Additionally, weekend proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire, with five percent of all sales on Saturday and Sunday (April 9 and 10) going to the organization.
Located at 350 N. McKinley Ave., the new restaurant will be franchisee Lisa Chau and her brother Michael’s first location with the emerging restaurant brand, which was originally founded in 2010 by Partners Hagop Giragossian, André Vener, and Quasim Riaz, to recapture the nostalgic childhood experience of eating a hot dog.
“We are so excited to bring the Inland Empire’s very first Dog Haus right here in Corona,” said franchisee Lisa Chau, who is opening the restaurant with her brother, Michael. “Both Michael and I are very committed to making this restaurant an important part of the community and we are happy to be teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire during our inaugural weekend in what we hope will be the first of many opportunities to help local organizations.”
As part of Dog Haus’ introduction to the area and its surroundings, guests can stop by from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 8 to enjoy a free Haus Dog from a selection of Dog Haus’ seven hot dog creations featuring signature all beef skinless dogs served on grilled Hawaiian rolls. Options will include fan favorites like Sooo Cali, with wild arugula, tomato, crispy onions, spicy basil aioli and avocado; Downtown Dog, featuring a smoked bacon wrapped dog topped with caramelized onions, roasted bell peppers, mayo, mustard, and ketchup; or The Cowboy, with white American cheese, smoked bacon, BBQ sauce, and crispy onions.
Dog Haus’ full menu includes gourmet dogs, sausages, burgers, corn dogs, sides, shakes, and beer.  Other Haus items include The Fonz, which partners a spicy Italian sausage with pastrami and melted mozzarella; while Das Brat features a bratwurst with caramelized onions, sauerkraut, white American cheese, and whole grain mustard aioli. Haus Burgers run the gamut from the trademarked The Freiburger®, with white American cheese, a fried egg, Haus slaw, fries and mayo; to Holy Aioli, with white American cheese, caramelized onions, smoked bacon, and garlic aioli.
Lighter eaters and kids can indulge in smaller-sized portions – the dog slider is made with a signature all beef skinless mini dog, Haus made cheese sauce, and bacon; the burger slider has just the right amount of caramelized onions, white American cheese, and mayo; while the corn dog slider features a signature all beef skinless mini dog dipped in Haus made root beer batter. Equal attention is paid to the quality-driven sides, like chili cheese tots or fries with Haus made cheese sauce, cheddar cheese, Haus chili, and green onions; beer-battered onion rings; and sweet potato friesSave room for dessert and finish off the meal with a Fosselman’s premium ice cream soft serve.
Diners can complement their meals with a can of red or white wine, or imbibe from a selection of draught and canned craft beer options. Each canned brew will be served in a Dog Haus koozie, a nod to backyard BBQs; alternatively, all those with a classic PBR craving can get their lager fix with a brown paper bag-wrapped can.
The fast-casual concept, designed to elevate the nostalgic experience of eating that quintessential hot dog or burger, combines this nostalgia with the contemporary aesthetic of its modern industrial space. After ordering at the counter, diners can grab a barstool at the communal tables with exposed I-beams or claim a seat at one of the reclaimed wood and steel tables with benches that boast playful phrases, such as “Nice Buns,” throughout the restaurant. The restaurant is the perfect setting to watch your favorite team play on any of the flat screen TVs or step outside and enjoy your dog on the patio tables.
“Lisa and Michael have been an incredible team to work with for this store opening and truly understand this brand and what we stand for,” said Riaz. “We can’t wait to bring The Absolute Würst to the Corona community and help support an essential charity throughout opening weekend!”
The new restaurant, located at 350 N. McKinley Ave., #102, will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, call 951-279-HAUS or visit DogHaus.com, and follow Dog Haus Corona on Facebook at ­­­ https://www.facebook.com/doghauscorona/ to stay up to date on all location specific happenings.
 Freiburger Hero      The Fonz
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About Dog Haus
Dog Haus is a craft casual hot dog concept known for its gourmet takes on hot dogs, sausages and burgers; premium shakes and soft-serve ice cream; and beer program that spotlights local brews. Founded by partners Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener, three friends who share a passion for creativity, quality and commitment to community, the first Dog Haus opened in Pasadena, California in 2010. The fast casual concept has since garnered critical acclaim and national attention for its signature all beef skinless Haus Dogs, Haus Sausages and premium Haus Burgers made with a proprietary grind of chuck and brisket, all served on grilled Hawaiian rolls. Open for lunch and dinner daily, guests can choose from signature, one-of-kind Haus creations or customize their own from a selection of more than 30+ quality toppings.  Dog Haus currently has plans for more than 125 franchise locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington D.C. For more information visit dogHaus.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at DogHausDogs.