Since moving into my home, I’ve covered almost every wall and ceiling with paint. I’ve gone through an impressive amount of paint tins – and struggled to open them using various tools and hacks.
From screwdrivers and kitchen knives to just plain brute force, I always ended up with a bent-out-of-shape tin, and my hands covered in paint.
There’s nothing worse than doing all the prep work, taping walls and ceilings, and covering your floors, all to realise you don’t know how to open a tin of paint.
That’s the best part about these brushes – not only are they high quality, but they have a small tool on the end designed specifically for opening paint tins.
To open a tin with it, all you have to do is place the tool end into the lip of the paint tin at a 45-degree angle, push down, levering the lid off, and the lid will pop open. If you’ve got a stubborn lid or an older tin of paint, you might need to use the tool in several spots around it.
(Image credit: Future PLC / Layla Al-Ani)
It’s worth saying that I’ve tried this tool with various brands of paint too – it’s not just exclusive to Dulux paint tins. It also works with Farrow & Ball, Frenchic, Zinsser tins, and even tin tester pots, to name a few.
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The brushes themselves are a staple amongst my painting essentials. You’ll get three in the pack, in various shapes and sizes. My personal favourite is the edging brush, which has a triangular-shaped brush carefully designed for painting edges and intricate details, so taping is no longer necessary.
I’ve used the edging brush on everything from skirting boards and door frames to panelling and occasional touch-ups, too. Whatever paint trends you’re wanting to try, this set of brushes is a good one to have in your collection.
(Image credit: Future PLC / Layla Al-Ani)
Like most paint brushes, they might shed a few bristles when you first use them, but I find that with their synthetic bristles, they shed significantly less than other brands I’ve tried before.
Keeping your tools clean will help them last longer. When cleaning the brush end, I find using soap and water for water-based paints sufficient, and white spirit for oil-based paints, like gloss, works great. For the tool end, if you do get paint on it, I’d recommend wiping it off immediately to avoid any buildup.
I’ve certainly put them to good use and can confidently say that they last well – a bedroom, hallway, bathroom, and some experimental murals later, and they’re almost as good as new. The metal tool remains sturdy, and there is no sign of wear or rust.
So, gone are the days of searching for the closest thing you can find to jam open your paint tin. This all-in-one tool means once you’ve got a paintbrush handy, you’re ready to transform your space.
Other paint tin opener tools to try
B&Q
Paint Can Opener
This simple, metal paint opener tool makes opening your paint tin quicker and easier.
Amazon
ProDec Universal Paint Tin Can Opener
This Amazon’s Choice paint tin opener tool means you can open your paint tin mess-free with the push-and-press mechanism.
Amazon
Amazon Basics 14-in-1 Versatile Painters Tool
You won’t have to worry about sacrificing your screwdrivers to open paint tins with this handy, multi-functional Amazon Basics paint tin opener.
The Dulux Perfect Finish paint brush, available at B&Q set is my go-to tool for cracking open my tins of paint. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned expert, it’s worth trying this one out. You might just find it becomes a staple in your painting essentials, too.
Dryer sheets are a commonly used laundry solution, but they aren’t the most environmentally friendly. For those who are looking for an option that’s sustainable and zero waste, there are alternatives you could find right in your home.
These dryer sheet alternatives are affordable, get the job done, and help reduce your carbon footprint.
We’ve rounded up a few options that will keep your clothes feeling fresh while also honoring the environment.
From essential oils to aluminum foil, you’d be surprised what you can do to spruce up your loads of laundry.
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Why Use Dryer Sheets?
Dryer sheets are used for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common uses include reducing static in clothing, releasing wrinkles, softening fabric, and adding a clean, fresh scent.
They’re quick and convenient, offering noticeable results with little effort. They work by transferring a solution (fabric softening agents, for instance) found on the sheets to clothing as they heat in the dryer, and voila, fluffy clothes that smell great!
Are Alternatives Better?
Many of us want are clothes to feel and smell fresh after washing, but at what cost?
Traditional dryer sheets are often filled with toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Sure, these chemicals quickly make your clothes feel soft and smell like roses, but they also transfer those same chemicals onto your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, allergies, sensitivities to harsh chemicals, or simply prefer to be more environmentally conscious, traditional dryer sheets may not be the best option for you.
Beyond personal health, single-use dryer sheets aren’t biodegradable, meaning once they’re used they go straight to a landfill.
Switching to dryer sheet alternatives allows you to cut back on chemical exposure and environmental impact. Many of the available options are cost-effective (or free) and already availabe in your home.
So, how what dryer sheet alternatives will help you toss the chemicals and embrace the natural? Keep reading!
Vinegar
Whenever we think of natural all-purpose cleaning solutions, vinegar is usually at the top of the list. Plus, it’s something you can easily find right in your kitchen.
To make this dryer sheet alternative, apply a mix of 1/2 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup water to a rag or cloth, then add it to clothes during the drying cycle.
Using vinegar will help your clothes feel clean and soft and minimize static.
And if you are worried about a strong vinegar smell, there’s nothing to fear – there’s no lingering scent, but a little essential oil can naturally offer a nice scent boost.
Note: Be sure to avoid using vinegar if you’ve used bleach in your clothes due to any potential chemical reactions.
Baking soda
Baking soda isn’t just for neutralizing smells in your refrigerator; it also works on clothes!
It naturally adjusts to your water’s pH levels, working to eliminate odor, bacteria, and helping clothes feel softer. We recommend adding 1/2 or 1/4 cup (depending on load size) to the laundry before adding detergent, then proceeding with your usual wash settings.
This alternative is a great option for those extra smelly laundry loads, especially thanks to its bacteria-busting power. Just make sure not to mix with vinegar, or else your laundry will turn into a science project!
Ice cubes
This is probably one of the easiest dryer sheet alternatives on the list since it’s using the most readily available item in your home: water.
Just freeze up some ice cubes to get this idea going and add them during the last 15-20 minutes of your dryer cycle.
It probably seems counterintuitive to use ice cubes for all the reasons you could think, but it works. The steam from the ice cubes works to reduce wrinkles and static.
Just a couple of ice cubes will do for a small to medium-sized load.
Aluminum foil balls
Foil as a zero waste dryer sheet option may be the most surprising on the list. But before you skip ahead, here’s why it works.
The negative ions from the aluminum foil discharge static electricity which releases which works to make your clothes static-free.
You’ll want to add two or three small balls of foil to your dryer with your wet clothing. Remember foil won’t soften your clothes or boost scents – but other options on the list will do the trick.
Wool dryer balls
Dryer balls made from wool are a great, eco-friendly option because they reduce static and soften clothes.
This natural fabric softener is loved for being so sustainable because they made with natural fibers and is designed to be reusable with multiple loads. Adding them to your dryer can also reduce drying time and increase airflow as the balls work to soak up extra moisture in fabrics.
Wool balls are also great for sensitive skin because they are free from synthetic fabrics and dyes.
Give them an extra boost by adding your favorite drops of essential oil (like lavender or citrus) to help naturally improve the scent of your clothes without harmful chemicals.
Soap nuts
Soap nuts, or dried berries, are made from saponin-containing trees. They serve multiple purposes: you can use them by adding them to the washer, dryer, or on their own.
Saponin contained in soap nuts helps remove dirt from clothing during the washing process and releases a fresh scent during drying.
Simply add a few soap nuts to a muslin or cotton drawstring bag to use for washing and transfer the same bag to the dryer.
After use, remove the bag and let it completely dry – soap nuts can be reused for several more wash cycles.
Special note: Soap nuts are also compostable and can be added to your garden after you’re done using them.
DIY Dryer Sheets
Feeling ambitious? Try making your dryer sheets.
This is an especially useful option if you’d prefer an alternative that closely matches traditional dryer sheets. All you need is an old cloth – think a worn-out t-shirt or some old hand towels – and cut a few squares to size.
Place them in an airtight container, adding a little vinegar (until damp) and essential oils. Next time you have a load of laundry to dry, you can toss one of these in without any extra prep.
One of the simplest DIY options is just hanging your sheets out to dry. Yes, it’s very traditional, but the sun naturally sanitizes. Make sure to shake your clothes before hanging, and if you have allergies, consider hanging to dry indoors.
Dryer sheets are a commonly used to keep laundry fresh and fluffy post-dryer, but the harmful ingredients may give you pause. If you have sensitive skin or just prefer a more sustainable zero waste option, there are plenty to choose from vinegar to aluminum foil. Here’s to happy washing (with less worry).
We’re just as surprised as anyone that we officially own a cat. And when we jokingly named the stray cat that ran the streets “Jenny From The Block” (aka: “Jenny,” which also made us laugh because it rhymes with our dog named Penny), we never imagined she’d eventually be living inside with a name that we picked in about 2 seconds. Especially given how much we love naming pets! Although her nickname game is pretty great. A few of our favorites are “J-Lo” and “Jennifur”.
And to maintain balance in the universe (since we did a dog naming post) here is the cat version for all the cat people out there – INCLUDING US NOW! WILD! We’ve pulled together 200 ideas for naming a female cat or kitten, along with tips for picking the perfect name… or should I say purr-fect.
And yes, this list makes me want to bring home about 5-7 more cats.
How To Name Your Female Cat
The list of possible names is seemingly endless, so here are some general tips to keep in mind while selecting one for your new cat or kitten.
Stick to 1 or 2 syllables: Short names will be easier for your cat to recognize and respond to, so keep it short or be ready with a short nickname.
Consider longevity: Cats sometimes live up to 20 years (or more!), so pick something you’ll be comfortable using for a decade or two.
Don’t rush: Take time to learn your cat’s personality – are they shy? playful? an undeniable diva? – and pick a name that fits them. You can also take inspiration from their coloring, size, or other physical features.
Be creative: Naming your pet should be fun! Make it as cute, funny, or meaningful as you see fit.
Involve family: Take input from everyone in your household. You want the name to be used easily and happily by all, since consistency is key to helping your cat learn it.
Don’t stress: You can’t really “go wrong” naming your cat, so don’t fret if it takes time, patience, and maybe a do-over or two to pick a favorite name. Also none of the tips above are hard and fast requirements. Go with your heart. Or just whatever feels the most natural.
Where To Find Cat Name Inspiration
Sorting through possible cat names can be easier if you know a category or style of name you want. Here are some popular types of cat names:
Human Names(Gabby, Jessica, Tammy)
Food Names(Anchovy, Dumpling, Panini)
Celebrity Names(Dame Judi Dench, Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue)
Fictional Character Names(Lisa Turtle, Moira Rose, Regina George)
Other Animal Names(Chicken, Jellyfish, Magpie)
Color-Inspired Names (Fanta for an orange cat, Rice Cake for a white cat)
25 Most Popular Girl Cat Names
Let’s start with the names that are most common these days, according to sites like Chewy, Rover, and Nameberry. It clearly shows that feminine human names rule supreme (apart from #4 and #15). Use this list if you’re aiming for something classic… or use it to avoid anything that’ll be too popular at the vet’s office.
Lucy
Luna
Bella
Kitty
Daisy
Lily
Rosie
Callie
Stella
Willow
Zoe
Sasha
Cleo
Nala
Shadow
Chloe
Charlie
Gracie
Hazel
Maggie
Mia
Sophie
Molly
Maya
Lola
25 Food Names for Female Cats
Food is our favorite source of inspiration for pet names (our first dog together was named “Hamburger” – aka: Burger”). Whether it’s a fruit, main dish, or guilty pleasure snack, food names are fun to say and they have a surprising amount of meaning & personality.
Anchovy
Cheerio
Clove
Couscous
Crouton
Dumpling
Dollop
Eclair
Fishstick
Jelly
Kiwi
Marinara (nickname: Mary)
Pancake
Panini
Pasta
Parsnip
Pistachio
Plum
Quinoa
Salt (great for a Himalayan cat!)
Soup
Spinach
Tomato
Tzatziki
Zoodles
25 Celebrity Names for Girl Cats
You can take the idea of a human name one step further by naming your feline friend after a famous person. Think of an actress, musician, artist or even a world leader that you admire (or think matches your cat’s demeanor). It’s probably easier to use the first (or last) name alone on a daily basis. But the full name is fun to break out for introductions and vet paperwork!
Cate Blanchett
Cyndi Lauper
Dame Judi Dench
Donatella Versace
Dua Lipa
Eva Longoria
Farrah Fawcett
Florence Nightengale
Gladys Knight
Gloria Estefan
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jane Lynch
Jennifer Coolidge
Kylie Minogue
Madonna
Martha Stewart
Miley Cyrus
Salma Hayek
Shania Twain
Sigourney Weaver
Taraji P. Henson
Uma Thurman
Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice)
Whoopi Goldberg
25 Character Names for Girl Cats
If you don’t want to forever tie your cat to a real person (and any questionable choices they may make in the next decade or two), consider a fictional character’s name instead. It can come from a favorite TV show, book, movie, or even video game. Fictional roles are often known for clear characteristics, which might make it easier to match with your cat.
April Ludgate (Parks & Recreation)
Bridget Jones (Bridget Jones’s Diary)
Brienne of Tarth (Game of Thrones)
Carmen Sandiego (Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?)
Deloris Van Cartier (Sister Act)
Detective Rosa Diaz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
Hilda Spellman (Sabrina The Teenage Witch)
Holly Golightly (Breakfast At Tiffany’s)
Jo March (Little Women)
Lisa Turtle (Saved By The Bell)
Mabel Mora (Only Murders In The Building)
Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
Michonne (The Walking Dead)
Miranda Hobbes (Sex & The City)
Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada)
Moira Rose (Schitt’s Creek)
Monica Gellar (Friends)
Nancy Drew
Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games)
Regina George (Mean Girls)
Sarah Connor (Terminator)
Selina Kyle (Catwoman)
Sister Mary Clarence (Sister Act)
Tahani Al-Jamil (The Good Place)
Wendy Darling (Peter Pan)
25 Human Names for Female Cats
This is a classic choice because human names are familiar, plentiful, and loaded with personality – plus, we can’t help but personify our pets with human qualities! Just be aware that many human names get overused, so it may be harder to find something unique in this category.
Alice
Amanda
Bethany (Beth)
Cora
Elaine
Gabby
Gretchen
Ingrid
Jessica
Joanna
Kate
Louise
Madeline
Marge
Maeve
McKenzie
Natalie
Paige
Paula
Rachel
Roberta
Tamara (Tammy)
Theresa
Vivian
Whitney
25 Animal Names for Female Cats
Another cute & ironic category of cat names is other animals. This is also a clever way to reference your cat’s coloring, demeanor, or size. Plus, with some of these, you’re bound to find plenty of toys and accessories to match:
Caribou
Chicken
Corgi
Duck
Finch
Flamingo
Gazelle
Goat
Gopher
Hedgehog
Inchworm
Jellyfish
Llama
Magpie
Manatee
Marmoset
Orca
Parrot
Peregrine
Puppy
Quokka (look it up!)
Sphynx
Starling
Toucan
Tuna
50 Color-Inspired Names for Girl Cats
Naming your cat after their fur color may seem too obvious, but this is still a springboard for creative names and unique references. Think of food, objects, or even fictional characters that relate to your cat’s coat – but try to think beyond the more obvious options (for example: Pumpkin, Ginger, and Oreo).
Orange Cat Names
Autumn
Citrus
Fanta
Goldfish
Kumquat
Nemo
Paprika
Persimmon
Rhymes or LeAnn Rimes (because nothing rhymes with orange!)
Sweet Potato
White Cat Names
Aspen
Cotton
Eggshell
Halo
Judy Jetson (The Jetsons)
Mozzarella
Oats
Polar
Puff
Rice Cake
Black Cat Names
Beetle
Hocus Pocus
Lydia Deetz (Beetlejuice)
Licorie
Morticia
Ninja
Olive
Peppercorn
Rebecca Black (singer of viral “Friday” song)
Sharpie
Gray Cat Names
Edith Bouvier Beale (Grey Gardens)
Grandma
Meredith Grey (Grey’s Anatomy)
Mouse
Pencil
Pewter
Quarter
Shades
Squirrel
Twister
Brown / Multi-Color Cat Names
Acorn
Cinnamon
Everything Bagel
Latte
Lassie
Marble
Millie Bobbie Brown
Spot
Tiramisu
Toaster
More Naming Resources
And yes, because I believe in dreaming big, I desire not only to name your feline and canine friends – I truly wanna name your baby. So you are more posts full of names for your baby, human or otherwise:
Before we started this website (way back in 2006!), we actually pitched a dog naming book to a bunch of publishers. This is a completely true story. As in, we wrote the whole intro, many sample chapters, and a full proposal that we sent to agents in the hopes of getting a deal. The impetus for this little side project (we were both in advertising at the time) was essentially just that we had so much fun naming our first dog, Hamburger (aka Burger), it inspired us to write a book with more dog naming ideas. Sadly (but unsurprisingly), our proposal went nowhere… but our love of fun pet names persists. And I randomly get requests for dog & cat names in my DMs on Instagram (likely due to talking about my work as a product namer, but maybe also because Burger ended up being quite an iconic “mascot”).
So whether you’re looking for something creative & unique, or just cute & meaningful, here are 200 girl dog names along with tips to keep in mind when naming your fur baby. Don’t worry, we’ve also got ideas for cat names too!
And yes, we’ll be the first to admit our current dog, Penny, isn’t the most creative dog name… but we’ll share the sweet way she got that name at the end of this post! And I think her full name (Penny Parmesan Petersik) is pretty funny. So sometimes it’s a combo move that can take a very common pet name to the next level. Or even just a fun nickname.
How To Name Your Female Dog
While it’s hard to go wrong naming your pet, there are some pitfalls to avoid and some suggestions for narrowing your selection.
Keep it short: One or two-syllable names are easiest for dogs to understand and respond to (and easier for us pet parents to call out). If your heart is set on a longer name (ex: Sarah Jessica Barker), just be ready with a shorter nickname.
Don’t create “Command Confusion”: Don’t pick names that rhyme with common obedience commands like sit, stay, down, heel, potty, etc. This could make training confusing and less successful.
Avoid something similar to existing household names: Try to avoid choosing a name that rhymes or sounds like another pet (or human!) name that already exists in your home. You want to make it easy for your dog to know when she is being called. We failed BIG TIME on this one (but have landed on nicknames for our cat and dog that do not rhyme, so… crisis averted).
Have fun with it: Naming your pet is a great opportunity to be creative, personal, and even a little bit cheeky. And avoiding common names like Bella, Luna, and Maya will minimize confusion at dog parks, vet offices, canine birthday parties, etc.
Think beyond the obvious: There are a lot of black dogs named Shadow and brown dogs named Coco. So if you’re taking inspiration from your new dog’s coloring, it can be fun to stretch yourself to think of less common color references that might end up being more unique.
Test it out: Don’t be afraid to try out a name for a few days to see how you, your pet, and your family respond to it.
Don’t overcomplicate it: All that said, don’t stress if your favorite pet name breaks all of these rules. As long as you like a name and can comfortably use it for years to come, go for it.
Where To Find Dog Name Inspiration
Don’t know where to start picking a dog name? Sometimes it helps to pick a category or style of name to help refine your search. Here are some popular starting points:
Human Names: Camille, Evelyn, Sutton
Celebrity Names: Anna Wintour, Betty White, Rihanna
Fictional Character Names: Carrie Bradshaw, Effie Trinket, Smurfette
This list should help anyone looking for a tried-and-true name. Or, if you’re looking for a unique name, here are some of the most popular girl dog names to avoid if you don’t want to bump into three others at the vet or the dog park:
We will never not love a food name for a pet (hence our first dog: Burger). They can be so full of personality and, let’s be honest, most aren’t names you can give a child. It’s just a good time to get to name something after a favorite dish, ingredient, or sweet treat.
Arugula
Bagel
Butternut Squash (nickname: Butter)
Cashew
Cardamom
Cheesecake (nickname: Cece)
Dr. Pepper (alt: Mrs. Pibb)
Edamame (nickname: Edie)
Gouda
Ginger
Guava
Honey
Key Lime (nickname: Kiki)
Macadamia (nickname: Mac or Mia)
Mushroom
Nutella
Olive
Okra
Papaya
Peach
Pepperoni (nickname: Pepper)
Pinto
Rosemary
Sardine
Zuchinni
25 Celebrity Names for Girl Dogs
Naming your pooch after a celebrity is an easy way to add extra quirk and meaning to any human dog name. Just make sure you’re comfortable using the first or last name alone for everyday use (like Diane for Diane Keaton). These are especially fun when you hear the vet call out your puppy’s full name in the waiting room:
Alicia Silverstone
Anna Wintour
Awkwafina
Betty White
Beyonce
Celine Dion
Cher
Lady Gaga
Frida Kahlo
Jennifer Aniston
Julia Child
Lucy Liu
Margot Robbie
Mariah Carey
Meryl Streep
Missy Elliot
Mindy Kaling
Oprah Winfrey
Pamela Anderson
Paris Hilton
Reese Witherspoon
Rihanna
Sarah Jessica Parker (alt: Sarah Jessica Barker)
Simone Biles
Venus Williams
25 Character Names for Girl Dogs
Like celebrity names, naming your dog after a fictional character can be a creative alternative to a generic human name. It’s also a way to showcase your love of a particular movie, TV show, book, or other piece of pop culture. Just be careful when plucking something from popular or “trending” media, which can lead to overuse (think Elsa, Hermione, and Zelda – all of which are very popular on dog name lists).
Blanche (Golden Girls)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Carrie Bradshaw (Sex & The City)
Clarice Starling (Silence of the Lambs)
Detective Olivia Benson (Law & Order: SVU)
Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)
Dana Scully (The X-Files)
Dorothy Gale (Wizard of Oz)
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
Effie Trinket (Hunger Games)
Elle Woods, Attorney (Legally Blonde)
Jean Grey (X-Men)
Lara Croft Tomb Raider
Leslie Knope (Parks & Recreation)
Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)
Liz Lemon (30 Rock)
Monica Gellar (Friends)
Olivia Pope (Scandal)
Peggy Olson (Mad Men)
Phoebe Buffay (Friends)
Scarlett O’Hara (Gone With The Wind)
Smurfette (The Smurfs)
Vanellope von Schweetz (Wreck-It Ralph)
Veronica Mars
Xena Warrior Princess
25 Human Names for Female Dogs
Many popular girl dog names double as baby names (Stella, Ruby, Molly). You can consider something that doesn’t end in -a or -y sounds for a more unique dog name (Janet, Alexis, Edith). Here are some of our favorite, less common ideas – including some androgynous names that can work for a boy or a girl dog:
Agnes
Alexis
Beatrice (Bea)
Bernadette
Betsy
Brenda
Camille
Celeste
Charlie
Dorothy (Dot)
Doris
Edith
Elizabeth (Liz, Beth, or Libby)
Esther
Evelyn
Frankie
Gladys
Jane
Janet
Joey
Karen
Margot
Quinn
Rose
Sutton
25 Object Names for Female Dogs
Like food names, inanimate objects can also become cute quirky names for a pet. You can even choose one that nods to a physical feature, like color or size (a tiny Yorkie named Crumb). So take a look around your house, kitchen, or closet for ideas!
Beanie
Blanket
Button
Chestnut
Chopstick
Crumb
Flip Flop
Gadget
Lasso
Lazy Susan
Locket
Molecule (nickname: Molly)
Novella
Pinch Pot
Pocket
Ribbon
Scrabble
Slippers
Tassel
Terracotta
Thimble
Teaspoon
Velvet
Whisk
Wi-Fi
25 Nature Names for Girl Dogs
The natural environment is a rich resource for girl names, even beyond the popular flower and tree names. This is a great category for naming people too, so you can find more options in baby naming books too.
Blossom
Blaze
Briar
Canyon
Delta
Feather
Fern
Ginkgo
Glade
Glimmer
Indigo
Iris
Ivy
Lagoon
Laurel
Meadow
Opal
Pearl
Petal
Puddle
River
Rose
Sprout
Tulip
Twiggy
25 Animal Names for Female Dogs
Another fun approach is naming your puppy after a different creature entirely. Like object names, you can use them as cute (or cheeky) references to your dog’s coloring, size, or personality (like a big dog named Hummingbird).
Bunny
Butterfly
Capybara
Dove
Firefly
Gecko
Gerbil
Grasshopper
Hamster
Honeybee
Hummingbird
Junebug
Kangaroo (nickname: Roo)
Koala
Ladybug
Mink
Mouse
Otter
Panda
Piglet
Pika
Puma
Sparrow
Swan
Tortoise
How We Named Our Current Dog
Our dog is named Penny. We wish it were less overused, but our daughter and our son picked it out (since we got Burger before they were born, it seemed fair to let them have the naming reins for this go around). We all thought an object/food/plant name (not a human name) would be fun for her, because we loved Burger’s name so much. Both of our kids shouted out random object names for an entire evening as we went to Petsmart to get supplies and then to Chipotle to grab dinner on the go. And it was there that our daughter saw a penny on the ground. We all felt so lucky to have found this sweet dog, that the idea of her being our own “lucky penny” had legs. To top it off, she has two distinct copper-colored dots on her head, which actually resemble pennies. Our son was just as into the name as our daughter, so it became official. And that’s how, despite the popularity of the name Penny, we decided it was the perfect name for her! Knowing that it was being paired with Petersik (and squeezing in a funny middle name: Parmesan) made it feel more fun.
More Naming Resources
Believe it or not, I don’t just want to name your pets, I also want to name your baby. Be sure to check out these posts where I’ve shared with some of my favorite names:
We’d never really thought of Dallas as a “vacation” destination, but some local friends of ours used to live there and convinced us that there’s so much to do there. And after our visit – it’s true! We barely scratched the surface on our trip last month. We ate lots of good food, explored fun neighborhoods, and found more kid-friendly activities than we had time for. So here’s a quick recap of some of our favorite Dallas activities and adventures. Plus a few things that we want to return and see next time.
Why Dallas, you ask? It all started because we had 4 nights between summer camps & family visits that were perfect for a quick getaway. We had some credit card points to use, so we searched for a city that would be a short direct flight from the Florida Panhandle. After narrowing it down to 3 cities, we asked some friends (the aforementioned former Dallas residents) if it would be a fun trip. They gave us so many recommendations that choosing that as our destination became obvious.
5 Favorite Things In Dallas
So if you find yourself in Dallas, here are the 5 things our family enjoyed most:
The Museums
The Neighborhoods
The Games
The Food
…You’ll Have To Wait For This One
Yeah, yeah – I know those are very broad. So let’s get into the specifics.
1. Museums We Loved In Dallas
Our friends gave us LOTS of museum recommendations, from The Sixth Floor Museum (history) to Meow Wolf (immersive art). And thanks to knowing what our kids like the most (their ages are 11 and 15 by the way), we ended up at the Dallas Museum of Art one day and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, another day. Both of these destinations are in downtown Dallas.
The DMA is huge and free, apart from a few special exhibits. So it was a great (air-conditioned) place to walk around after lunch while taking in art of all styles and eras. It reminded us a lot of the VMFA, which we used to frequent in Richmond, Virginia. We spent nearly 2 hours there and definitely didn’t see it all.
It’s probably because we got sucked into this activity room where they provided art materials and prompts for kids (and parents) to make their own creations. I think we were there for an hour!
The next morning we hit up the Perot Museum. We assumed our tween & teen had outgrown places like this, but after seeing the building from the highway they both requested that we go.
It was really nicely done, with lots of interactive exhibits and games that kept all four of us captivated. The gemstone room was a favorite, along with the Earthquake Simulator and Human Body room where you could do physical challenges. Also on the top floor you can “build your own bird” which both kids liked a lot.
2. Neighborhoods We Loved In Dallas
Our previous work trips to Dallas only took us downtown, so we enjoyed exploring some more unique and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods nearby. This is definitely the activity we wish we’d had more time to do, since we barely scratched the surface of areas like Deep Ellum, Lower Greenville, and Highland Park.
The neighborhood we spent the most time in was the Bishop Arts District, just south of downtown. It had so many cool shops and restaurants that I’m kind of bummed our Airbnb wasn’t closer to it. Speaking of which, our rental was fine, but we wouldn’t stay there again, so we’re not going to link it. I think if we go back we’ll rent something right within Bishop Arts District.
There are lots of places in Bishop Arts District to shop, eat, grab a coffee, etc. In particular, our family loved browsing this stationary & art store called We Are 1976. Our son bought some art supplies and Sherry picked up an art print to hang at home.
Everyone also made a purchase at Taylor Kingston Mercantile. Our daughter got a shirt, our son a notebook, and Sherry got some glassware that (thankfully) survived the plane ride home!
We also loved poking around the Oasis Plant Shop and Dirt Flower Shop, but decided not to risk flying home with anything living!
I’m certain we could’ve spent waaaaay more time (and money!) in Bishop Arts and many other neighborhoods had we not had other things on the agenda, like…
3. Games We Loved In Dallas
We’re not a big video game family, but somehow they became a theme – and a highlight! – of our trip to Dallas. First of all, our friends recommended Cidercade. You pay a flat entry fee ($12/person) and get to play unlimited video games and pinball games for hours! Think Dave & Busters, but more retro/vintage games (and less paying-to-reload-a-game-card over and over again). Our family spent nearly an hour on the pinball machines. It was so liberating not having to feed quarters into them!
The next day, we played what you might call a series of real-life immersive video games at a place called Activate. They have locations all over the world, but this was our first time we were all in the same city as one. And it was SO. MUCH. FUN.
It’s hard to describe, but there are a dozen-ish rooms with different high-tech challenges that you can play collaboratively together or competitively against one another. Our favorite rooms were “Grid” (shown above), where you run around trying to step on or avoid certain color-changing squares on the ground (think: a real life version of the floor is lava), and “Strike” (shown below) where you test your aim by throwing foam balls at a wall of TV screens in rapid succession.
Each room has several different game modes and levels of difficulty, so it’s fun & challenging for various ages and skill levels. It was actually a great workout too. We were sweaty and tired afterward! And our kids are crossing their fingers that one opens near us soon. (By the way, we loved playing every room collaboratively – it was fun to all be against the clock and we laughed a ton while trying to conquer each challenge together).
4. The Food We Loved In Dallas
Dallas is said to have a great restaurant scene, but when we’re on a family trip we’re less of a foodie family and mostly just into finding something easy that we all like (bonus points if it has a novel or kid-friendly atmosphere). So I’m sure we missed lots of Dallas “hot spots” and true Texans will probably be disappointed we didn’t eat more BBQ. But have no fear, our bellies had a great time!
Katy Trail Ice House
The Katy Trail Ice House is a sprawling beer garden-esque spot right on the Katy Trail, which is a 3.5 mile multi-use path that runs through Dallas. It was a great casual spot with good people watching. Plus, with plenty of shade, fans, and misters, it was comfortable even on a hot & humid afternoon in June!
Snooze A.M. Eatery
Snooze is a national breakfast & brunch chain, but they’re not in Florida or Virginia, so we’d never been to one. Call us basic, but it was our favorite meal of the trip. Probably because we’re suckers for a big warm breakfast. The portions were generous, the menu had a ton of variety, and the restaurant itself had a fun ’50s Jetsons vibe.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Yes, Hopdoddy is another new-to-us chain, but our friends from Dallas said they miss it a lot now that they live in Florida. Burgers are always a crowd pleaser for us, and Hopdoddy had so many fun options that my only regret is that we didn’t go twice. Sherry especially loved being able to get her burger in a big bowl of crispy brussel sprouts.
Halycon
Halycon was another cool breakfast & lunch spot with fun coffees and huge pastry options. It had a very chill warehouse vibe and our kids loved the board games they had available to play at your table. We got in a rousing game of Uno over a breakfast of burritos, acai bowls, and omelettes.
We also had a great dinner at the Mi Cocina located in Klye Warren Park downtown. Somehow we took no pictures, but the restaurant is all glass so you get great views of the park (pictured at the top of this post) as you eat.
I know that doesn’t seem like a very complete list for a 4-night trip, but we ate a few meals at home and also grabbed some random stuff on our way to and from the airport.
5. The Places in Dallas We Didn’t Have Time For
I made you wait for this 5th one because, in a sense, we’re having to wait on it too. Like I said, there’s lots we didn’t get a chance to do to on our short trip, so I wanted to include some of the things we’re excited to go back for next time.
The Bishop Arts District had lots of cool restaurants we didn’t have a chance to try. We were there between meals, so we only treated ourselves to popsicles at Picole Pop and coffee at Village Baking Co. In particular, places like Paradiso (above) and Casablanca (below) certainly looked like beautiful spots to eat. So we’d love to go back and try them!
I’m also eager to grab a pie – like pie pie, not pizza pie – at Emporium Pies. I count as a “Fine Folk,” right?
And of course, besides food there are plenty of other sights and attractions we’d like to see:
Again, we were so impressed by how many fun activities and eating options there were in Dallas that we definitely won’t second-guess it as a family vacation spot.
More Family Trips We’ve Taken
If you’re interested in our take on other destinations or are in search of family-friendly trips, you might also enjoy these posts:
