Pets

It appears that April 10th is the 100th day of the year. Who knew?

I have to admit that today I suffer from fashion fatigue. I know it’s my fault, as I have been spending way too many hours researching sales, looking at department store trends, blogs, etc.  I need a break. With that said, I think it will be refreshing for everybody — myself included — if I switch my recommendations for the day from fashion to home items.

Because we recently purchased a house, I am constantly on the hunt for new things. As it just so happens, today there are three sales that I am really looking forward to.

Starting at 3PM at Ruelala.com: The Gourmet Pantry

Why?

I have to tell you that the best thing about having a house is the pantry. I still remember the joy and confusion I experienced after realizing the pantry was bigger than my whole NYC kitchen. As I love buying great olive oils — there is nothing better than fresh bread, olive oil and a good glass of wine — this is the sale for me.

Starting at 9PM at Gilt.com: Pet Style – LoveThyBeast & P.L.A.Y.

Why?

This sale is a must because there is no limit to the love I have for my dog. Some people might call it obsession. I call it love.

Starting at 9PM at Gilt.com: Trend Alert – Yellow and Gray

Why?

I’m shopping this sale because it’s the color combination I chose for my country home living room and I still need wall art and some pillows to finish up the look. The duo is also a strong trend for 2013. If you don’t have a new house to furnish, but you want to refresh the old one, you can always store your current pillows and curtains and swap in new ones. I personally like to move around my furniture from time to time. I think it’s a good opportunity to clean the areas that may otherwise be hard to reach. It also makes you feel like you have a new space.

Now, put on your Martha Stewart decorating hats and go shopping for your home. What are you waiting for?

WHAT: Buyer’s Picks: Everything for Your Pet Online Sample Sale @ Gilt

WHY: Buyer’s Picks: Everything for Your Pet up to 60% off!

WHEN: 4/3 12pm – 4/5 12am

WHERE: Gilt.com

*To sign up & access the sales, please click here.

Shop Top Designer Brands at up to 60% off retail on Gilt.com

Many of us turn to drugs just to get by in our day to day lives. That might seem like an extreme statement, but think about it. Whether it’s coffee, ‘5 Hour Energy’ drinks or sleeping pills, nearly all of us put various natural and unnatural substances in our body on a regular basis just so we can function. And of course there’s a whole bunch of people who are reliant on alcohol and more serious drugs too.

Life is just too hectic these days, and everywhere we turn we seem to run into problems. If you’re a single professional then you’re likely to burn yourself out at work and possibly become detached and depressed as a result. If you have a family to support then for most people the stress levels are magnified tenfold. So we turn to drugs and other remedies in a vain attempt to counteract the negative effects of our modern lifestyles.

That brings us to the big question on everyone’s lips: What else are we supposed to do about it? Well, we all know that miracle cures for our problems simply don’t exist. But there are healthy, natural ways to relieve stress and regain control of your life, and these can have a knock on effect on your family and your working life too, without the cost and the side effects of drink, drugs and other bad habits.

To cut to the chase, we have recently discovered a particularly interesting way to beat those blues away. It’s a simple, fun lifestyle choice that can benefit you whether you’re single or attached, employed or jobless. Get a dog!

Yes, we know, you probably immediately thought of the negatives when you read those three words – cleaning up poop, buying dog food, house training, barking at night and so forth. But recent studies show that dogs really do brighten up our lives by triggering the release of “feel good” hormones such as oxytocin in our brains and bodies.

Oxytocin is most associated with social bonding. For instance it plays a role in creating the unbreakable bond between a mother and her baby. A similar thing can happen with you and your dog, believe it or not – and you may experience an oxytocin rush when you look into his or her puppy dog eyes.

Here’s the kicker: our oxytocin levels are said to double when we pet our dogs. So it’s not surprising then that there are a whole bunch of health benefits associated with showing your doggy some affection. Among these benefits are:

• A boost to your immune system
• A lowering of stress levels
• An increase in healing and recovery times
• Less pain, such as headaches

So there you have it. If you don’t already have a dog, perhaps think about adopting one from a shelter and giving him or her a good home. This will make you feel good about yourself right away – you saved a puppy!

And if you do have a dog, start giving him or her a little more daily attention. The dog will love you for it, and you will grow to love your dog more too. Encourage your partner and family to do the same and you’ll have a much happier household on your hands in no time at all!

Emmitt was a yellow lab loved by all and still referred to as the “best dog.” Her only living responsibility, my stepmom showered Emmitt with the love of a first born son. He had collars for every day of the week and more toys than her stepchildren. Who knew they made 600-thread count dog beds? Emmitt had the world at his doggie paws and all he had to do was sit and stay.
I never understood until I acquired Mia, a red and white sassy shiba inu. With no children of my own, I poured my love into Mia. Lucky Mia. I walked her and fed her and bathed her and sent her to an expensive doggy daycare. She was adored by the neighbors and adored by yours truly. One day, I spent a pretty penny on her vintage designer doggie coture and walked home wondering if I was becoming my stepmother and, more importantly, was it all worth it.

Long before Paris Hilton (um, Marie Antoinette had gold threaded dog beds) people were pouring their love and luxury taste on their pets. A habit that filled their egos (dogs don’t have egos) and made them feel satisfied in their ability to love something so fully. Mia didn’t know she was wearing Dior. She could have been wearing a collar from the dollar section of Target for all she cared, and only reacted to my fawning attention not the collar itself. I once spent a hundred dollars on a dog bed, and when I came home she was lying on my bath robe reminding me that if she was spoiled, it was only for me.

It’s the people who need reassurance through material items that indeed, they are doting pet parents. But doting or not, puppy love has it’s limits. Sure dogs won’t argue with you, but they also don’t recognize your successes. You thank them for being a good girl or boy, but they won’t compliment you in return. In all honestly, you likely won’t jump in front of a bus to save your dog. You say you will, but you likely won’t. In the end of the day, the replaceable nature of a pet puts a limit on your love.

Emma Dinzebach