A Snuggie for Dogs?

When I first moved to the DC area I remember someone telling me if I were to ever meet someone and had nothing to talk about, discuss traffic. Everyone here shares the same opinion – it sucks, it is awful, and something needs to be done to alleviate the problem. The topic of traffic rarely results in a heated debate, it steers clears of religious beliefs, and for the most part dodges political points of view – Democrat or Republican, no one is in denial of the traffic torment we partake in seven days a week.

Being a new dog owner I now have learned that discussing pets ranks number two on the list of what-the-heck-can-I-talk-about-that-isn’t-uncomfortable. Most dog owners are dog lovers and sharing in your story of how you found your pet, what his or her name is, their breed and age along with swapping potty training tips bands together a whole new group of people I never knew existed before.

With that said, I hope this is a dog loving topic that I never need to broach with a stranger or most definitely not someone I know –

The Snuggie for Dogs.

When I passed by this at Bed, Bath & Beyond I did a double take thinking it must be a joke. Now I won’t lie, I do own three sweaters for my pup but not for reasons of vanity but rather for his health. Both breeds, the French bulldog and the Boston Terrier mix are extremely sensitive to temperatures so come below freezing days, we are prepared. And, I will admit further, I dressed up my puppy for Halloween. He was an adorable Bumble Bee. So I am guilty to some extent to being slightly ridiculous. However, the “Snuggie for Dogs” takes dog/owner humiliation to a whole different level that left me wondering how far industries will go to market and sell just about any product!

My Favorite Things -- NEW!!! (Dr. Katz Therabreath)

The things I can't live without and the things I think YOU need to be living with! Got bad breath? Learn how to fix it quick! Dr. Katz TheraBreath will save you from all that GUM CHEWING!!!!

Nicole Richie's Weird Baby Name Pick

And this is why Nicole Richie & Joel Madden named their second child, Sparrow James Midnight. Well, at least we get an explanation for the first name (via Twitter). James, no explanation needed. Midnight? Who Knows.



I don't get it, really. Do you?

My Favorite Things-NEW!! (Chop Wizard)

The things I can't live without and the things I think YOU need to be living with! The CHOP WIZARD! Who cares how to cut an onion or peel an apple- this will do it for you!

Yard Sale Success

A defining moment in my “grown up” life was hosting my first ever yard sale. I finally have a home, a yard, and a bunch of items that were no longer needed or of value to me. Biased as I may sound, I advertised my sale as “Quality Items” listing a poker table (barely used), dirt devil cone (bridal shower gift), Louie Vuitton handbag (fake of course, but still with the tags!), picture frames (still in the box), jewelry (that was no longer sentimental), comforter sets, bathroom sets, towels, DVDs, sporting equipment – you name it, we had it and were ready to give it away for cheap!

I started the yard sell playing hard nose, negotiating little from the price displayed on the yellow tags I stuck to every single item displayed. How could you think that my foot massager that heats up is worth less than $15?!! And my Nike sneakers, $2? Get off my lawn!

But after my first sale all my “quality items” became negotiable as I quickly realized receiving $2 for my use-to-be-favorite-shirt was better then having to find dresser drawer space for it again. My town home driveway seemed like a cruise line’s first foreign port where visitors and locals barter prices until both felt like winners! By early afternoon I was pulling items out of my drawers and closets that were never intended for sale but were needed to simply to fill up the vacant table space outside (and make a couple of extra bucks)!

6 hours later and $350 richer, the remnants of the yard sale were packed in black bags destined for Goodwill. By my measure, my first yard sale was a success!

Yard Sale Tips:

Be set up by 7 am - people were on our door step by 6:55 am!

Advertise on craigslist.org - it is free and people check here to get addresses and plan their yard sale itinerary for the day!

Convince a neighbor or two to have a yard sale the same day - this produces more traffic to your area.

Price all your items so less questions are asked.

Be reasonable when pricing your items. People do not come to yard sales to spend $20, $30 or $40 dollars on something - that is what craigslist and ebay are for!

Have a watchful eye! Unfortunately I had a nice watch for sale swiped from my table when not looking for a quick minute. Keep more valuable items closer to where you are standing.

My Favorite Things - NEW!! (Mascara)

The things I can't live without and the things I think YOU need to be living with! Ladies, listen up! I found the best mascara...no more flakes, no more raccoon eye, no more stuck together eye lashes - it is my new favorite thing!



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My Favorite Things - NEW!! (Fabric Shaver)

"My Favorite Things" is a new video segment I will bring to you each Wednesday, show day (www.parkersunshine.com)! These are items I can't live without, no matter HOW MUCH they cost. From the dollar store to Sak's - these items make me happy or make life easier and I think YOU should know about them!




Remember to become a FAN on MY FACEBOOK PAGE by clicking HERE!!!!