TJ Maxx Adventures

The older I get the more deal-focused I become. Recently (by recent I mean within the past year) I've become addicted to the clearance sections of Nordstrom's Rack and TJ Maxx. Overall, I enjoy these stores no matter what, and Ryan can attest I'll spend hours trolling the racks looking for deals. Sometimes when I'm bored I'll just troll around looking for deals. Today I went to TJ Maxx searching for a reusable wine tote, similar to the Built totes, to no avail, only lunch pails to be had.

But I wasn't disappointed instead I scored a pencil holder for my desk on clearance for $3 and it's cute. I strongly considered purchasing a Gaiam yoga mat tote bag on clearance for $3, but then realized I already have a tote that can also carry my yoga block thus the mat-only bag is useless. Other products in consideration from the TJ's clearance rack: 2 red doggie dishes with dog prints for $3/piece. My willpower won here as Jillie's current dish works fine and I couldn't tell if they were dog prints or cat prints. Whenever I need party gifts or prize gifts my first stop is the TJ's clearance area, for a recent party I scored a candle, a bath/body set, and a stationary set all for $3-$4/each. Considering they were all cute and/or smelled nice that was a win in my book. My key to gift giving is to always make my money so as far as possible and get the most for my money. How appropriate that the Rue La La Final Sale is today & tomorrow.......

Blog Blackout

I know I've been MIA in the blogging world for 2 months! That's craziness....how are all my old friends and co-workers supposed to keep up-to-date on my life without my blog. Well have no fear wedding season is here. And boy, will I have lots to blog about. I'm in 3 weddings this summer and last weekend was the start of a long wedding season to come. My dear friend Angie had her bridal shower last weekend or I should say I hosted it! That's right the hostess with the mostest...c'est moi!

During my 2-month blogging hiatus Jillie graduated from intermediate dog class and is now a dogcamp regular boss. She was also attacked by a bitchy Shiba Inu at the park. Jillie is sort of a wimp or princess, as I like to think. Basically she's not guard dog hence my desire for a second canine companion with guard dog qualities. I'm voting for a doberman. Better than Brinks, because it will kill a burglar.

Dog Daycamp Week 3!

Jillie will be starting week 3 at Petsmart Doggie Daycamp this week! She goes once a week and spends the entire day at camp. The first week I was really nervous, maybe she wouldn't make friends, what if the other dogs didn't like here. Well no worries here, Jillie made lots of friends, as usual. Her first 2 weeks have gone well and all the employees at Daycamp know Jillie and I well now. (Probably know Jillie well and I am probably just Jillie's Mom.)

Week 1 her "pawgress report" said she made 3 new friends and week 2 she had made 5 new friends....she has to be the most popular dog in camp by now. I'm going to attribute this to her being maniac. Jillie is rarely worn-out...not after daycamp, dog parks, runs, walks, etc. Last Monday, while completing our taxes (and evidently neglecting my dog) she ate a pair of my work pants. Yes, literally ate a hole through them. Awesome. Ah, the joys of being a dog owner. At the moment, she is quitely sitting in my lap (clearly, she loves this blog post) but at a moments notice that cuteness changes into her being a maniac.

When Allergies Attack!

This weekend was quite eventful in the land of dogs. Jillie had an allergy attack. Yes, my poor baby got very sick and had to go the puppy ER. We don't know what caused the attack, and most likely never will. For the next time we are armed with meds, in case of a puppy emergency.

I had never seen an allergic reaction in a dog before, but right away I knew that's what was happening. How can an 11-pound dog get so sick and swollen so fast, only one thing, a severe allergic reaction. Since we were out-of-town it was doubly difficult, as we couldn't contact Jillie's regular vet. We called literally every vet office in Southwest Michigan to find someone who would treat our dog on a Saturday night. Finally we got ahold of Dr. Ed in St. Joe, who paused spending time with his kids to come and rescue my kid. First, we gave Jillie a 25 mg Benadyrl for the ride to the vet. This helped stop the swelling increase (at this point Jillie looked like a Basset Hound). At the vet Jillie was given a shot to reduce the swelling, itching and vomiting. We were given pills in case this ever happened again. Like an ever-ready mom they now get prominent positioning my purse, which is always with me.

Why do I share this story with my 5-10 followers. To let you know all know what a puppy allergic reaction looks like and how to treat it....immediately give your dog a Benadyrl and call the ER vet.

Turbo Tax Adventures

It is looming on the loved/hated tax season. Some people love it because they get large returns, some people hate it because they owe the taxman money. I'm indifferent, but I hope for a big tax return....new shoes, jeans, sweaters or that new parka I've been dreaming of...well a girl can dream. Most likely my tax return would buy my dear dog Jillie for new toys & treats.

Ryan and I are advocates of Turbo Tax and this year we upgraded to Turbo Tax Deluxe (I'm hoping for a bigger return as a result). Retail value of Turbo Tax Deluxe was $59.99, but being the bargain shopper I scored it at $39.99. Thank you Office Depot, for price matching the lowest found price. Saving money is like getting something for free, it's a win-win, win for the company because I bought their stuff, and a win for me because I saved money.

There is an indoor outlet mall near my house, yes it is problematic. Last time I was shopping there at the Off Saks Fifth Ave (yes, as great as it sounds) I signed up for their loyalty card. (Yes, I own many loyalty cards.) In my email last week I received a 25% off entire purchase. Now, I definitely need to hurry back before the coupon expires. I just can't pass up a good sale, never have been able to and never will.

Dogwalker Search

Yesterday was my first official dogwalker interview, and boy was it interesting. Through care.com I've had about 20 applicants to walk Jillie. My first interviewee had a nice profile, dog sitting experience and seemed legit. However, her profile went over much better than she did in-person....waa waa....so my dogwalker search continues.

This Friday I won't be able to let Jillie out during lunch so she is going to Doggie Daycare at PetSmart. I think she'll do well there, small dogs are separated from the big dogs, which is good because she is scared of big dogs. If doggie daycare goes well I might opt for that against a dogwalker unless my search improves. I emailed a few applicants back, we'll see how that goes.

Yesterday, we had a quick vet trip and Dr. Corey informed me that Jillie is probably part Italian Greyhound, which is far more interesting than a Rat Terrier (well, interesting sounding). After doing some research on Italian Greyhounds, I can definitely see that in my Jillie. Typically, they are very cat-like in nature and want to be lap dogs....Jillie covers all these....although she is a selective lap dog....she has LOTS of energy. They can also run up-to 25 miles/hour, and let me tell you...Jillie can run fast. I wouldn't clock her in at 25 miles/hour but she also isn't a purebred Italian Greyhound. They typically weigh 8 - 18 pounds whereas a Beagle weighs between 18 and 30 pounds. This could account for Jillie weighing in at 11 pounds.

Somewhere in her DNA is a mix of a few different doggies, but they all make one cute little doggie for me.

Doggie Weekend

Last weekend my sister and Kraig came to visit with Linus (their mini dachshund) and it was Jillie's first weekend with visitors in the house. Luckily, it was a success and Jillie made a new doggie BFF. The video is one of their many wrestle fests. I was really proud of Jillie for doing so well with a new dog. She was able to even wear Linus out because she has so much energy (borderline insane). This Friday she starts doggie classes with the beginner class at PetSmart. I think she'll be the best dog in the class because I've been working on training her myself. She has been able to pick up some commands pretty quickly. Some 10-year old girls at the dog park taught her how to sit. They were doing a class project and wanted to meet Jillie, who was happy to oblige.

My current task is working on Jillie's separation anxiety, which has steadily been improving. Instead of letting her go insane when I get home from work, I make her sit and wait till she calms down before I give her attention. I also leave the TV on while I'm gone, it's my classic conditioning sign that I'll be back. I'm sure her separation anxiety will get better as we continue the routine.

We have some solid dogwalker candidates finally, one even works at the Kennel Club down the road, she's my current top-runner.

Dogwalker

Last night I began my search for a dogwalker for my new best friend Jillie or Jillie Beans. She is a 10-pound beagle/rat terrier mix (we think), we got her last Wednesday from the Humane Society and I fell in love with her instantly (as did my entire family). She is a 10-pound ball of fury. The vet thinks she is at least a years old based on her teeth. Unfortunately, no one fixed my soulmate so Thursday is a big vet trip for Jill. Last week we took her in for her Rabies shot and this week it's mircochipping, fixing, and distemper shot. Big week for lil' Jill.

Still working on getting her adjusted to her new home. I'm pretty sure her former owners had a fenced-in yard because Jillie loves to run off the leash. Fortunately, Lake Orion has a 14-acre dog park! Despite the snow and cold weather, Jillie still loves being outside and seems to love the snow.

I joined Care.com to find some potential dogwalkers, although I think it's crap I had to pay to join. Hopefully we'll find some winners on the site.