Hop to it!

Oh it is that time of the year again where the grass is getting green and the birds are chirping away. Easter is this coming Sunday and my 4 year old niece is on count down to sugar overload. I love Easter- to me it is the Holiday that marks the official start to spring. After Easter I know that the days are going to get longer and warmer (thank god!) I also know that on Easter I am going to eat chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate. My favorite Chocolate find are these Bunny Ears by Bissinger Chocolate. I just think that these are so so clever and cute. I found mine at Eatzi's in Dallas (yes we still have Eatzi's! I know you are jealous!)

Sad about Swoozie's

R.I.P. Swoozie's. For most of us in the industry, we have known that Swoozies has been a sinking ship for sometime- I am sure there is not one rep out there who hasn't heard "You'll get a check when we get our check from Swoozie's..." Oh the feeling in your stomach since you know that check is a long time coming. Last night I received a letter, like I sure most of you did, from the president of Swoozie's explaining that no one has acquired the company like they had hoped and that it was going up for auction today, and will probably start to liquidate their assets soon. Sad. For me, as a customer, there was always something about Swoozies. When you walked in the store your senses go on high alert- so much to look at. You knew that they would have cute paper, and a great initial gift (and most of the time they actually had your initial!) They always had a serving dish for whatever Holiday was coming up, wine glasses for any Birthday, styrofoam cups for any event, and Nams Bits and Candy (that alone is enough to get me in!) Swoozie's operated unlike any other gift store, they moved merchandise in and out seasonally like an apparel store- which is quite the task if you store owners start to think about having to replenish 3/4's of your store every 8-10 weeks. Perhaps this idea is what "sank the ship." With all of that being said I also realize that in a lot of major markets the death of Swoozie's opens up A LOT of business for local retailers which is probably the boost that they need right now in their sales. I will have to admit that I am very sad that Swoozie's is going to be closing their doors. I loved shopping there.

Dog of the Month

Yes Mabry, my Black Lab/Basset Hound mix, was Dog of the month this month at doggy daycare. Oh, I couldn't be more proud. Mabry was an impulse pick up during my second year in college. I went up to a truck giving out puppies at our local Athens, Georgia WalMart (you can only imagine...) and decided it would be ok "just to hold him." Low and Behold 7 years later and I still have my beloved Mabry. Mabry has a funny personality that warms your heart so I am not surprised that he has won everyone over at DDC. We take him every Monday and Thursday because his favorite girl, Jessica, works those days and Mabry gets to roam around their office without a leash...oh the life. Matt and I talk about Mabry like he is our son, and we joke that we aren't sure we will love our kids as much as we love our dog. Don't get me wrong, Mabry is full of his jerk moments like when he pulls the trashcan full of coffee over to the carpet and knocks it over, or when he decides that he is sick of sleeping on the floor and so he musters up the courage to jump in our bed and sleep the rest of the day. We love him none-the-less. So today I am devoted my gifts to things to get your dog lovers! Happy Friday!

{All items can be found on www.muttropolis.com}

Green Things!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! As Americans I think that most people have Irish heritage somewhere along the way, and here is Dallas we celebrate that by drinking green beer on Greenville Ave. the Saturday before March 17th. This year was my first year to participate and over all I would say I had a great experience. Wearing green seems to be the best, and most universal, way to celebrate the Holiday so I thought I would share my favorite green things to wear! Luck of the Irish to all!

{From the top: Gurhan Earrings, Christian Louboutin Heel, Diane Von Furstenburg Dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag}

Spring B

Today in Dallas it is going to be 63 and sunny...Hallelujia Spring is on it way! You can really tell that everyone is over winter here in Dallas, the patios have been busy with people and the stores have had a lot of traffic for people needing spring items. If you are still looking for that great line you need to check out Cinda B. Cinda B is a great Handbag, Luggage, and accessory line with a fun, young, and chic look! I love all the patterns and color combos. I think that Cinda B makes a GREAT graduation gift. When I was in school it seemed like we were always taking weekend trips (oh the life...) and the weekender bag would have been so perfect for me! The bags are all water resistant and stain proof so you don't have to worry about ruining them. I also love this line because there is so much that you can build on. Start with getting a weekender bag, then add on the Extra large cosmetic bag (such a great design!) or the flat iron cover (another thing I would love!) In the baby stage of your life? Cinda B has a great baby bag that I think looks chic enough to carry. So many color combos that you can really get something that fits anyone. The greatest thing about Cinda B, the price. They really have something in all price categories to make it a great and easy gift to give!