Pet Boutique’s have become a great business for animal lovers, especially dogs.  Mary Anna from Molly and Max Pet Boutique talks pet nutrition, top sellers and her love of animals.

Q: How long have you worked with Molly and Max?

A: I started in January, of this year, so about 10 months.

Q: What interested you in working at a Pet Boutique?

A: I absolutely love animals, so I thought it would be really fun.  I love being able to take my dog to work with me every day.  Since starting here I’ve also learned that I love working with the public and I’m becoming increasingly passionate about pet nutrition.

Q: Do you own any pets?

A: Yes, I have one dog.  She is a two-year-old Basset Hound named Maddie.

Q: What does Molly and Max sell?

A: We have food, treats, supplements, toys, beds, dog clothing, fits for the pet lover and much more!  We also have the largest selection f dog collars and leads in Birmingham.

Q: What are your top sellers?

A: Definitely treats!  Merrick Flossies, Free Range Bully Sticks, Terrabones and any of the Cloud Star or Zuke’s treats.

Q: What food do you recommend for dogs?

A: It’s hard to recommend one type of food since every dog is different… different conditions, tastes, allergies, etc.  But, for a healthy pet food you want one with NO corn, wheat, soy, gluten, or by-products.  Look for food that has a named protein source as the first ingredient such as chicken, lam, salmon, etc.  The following brands have great food: Innova, EVO, California Natural, Fromm, Canidae, Nature’s Variety and Solid Gold.

Q: Does Molly and Max host events?  If so, what kind?

A: Yes, we have lots of events throughout the year.  Most every event is a benefit for a local dog rescue.  For example, in August every year we have Bingo for Bassets for the local Basset Hound Rescue and Pasta for Puppies for the Two by Two Rescue.

Q: Do you have any tips for dog owners?

A: For a well-rounded dog I firmly believe that training and socialization at the earliest age possible are the two most important things you can do to make for a great pet.

Q: Where can animal lovers go to rescue a dog or other animals?

A: There are many places that one can go.  The local Humane Society is a great place to adopt from as well as rescues such as TEARS (they also rescue horses, livestock and reptiles) and Two by Two, which takes in any kind of dog or cat.  If you’re looking for a certain breed there is usually a rescue for that specific breed.

To learn more about Molly and Max and pet advice, click here.  And also follow them on Twitter for store updates.

Q. What do you like about thrift stores?  

A. I try to be a thrifty person and I don’t mind hand-me-downs. Sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to buy something new when you could get a perfectly good item that has been used and it will save you lots of money. People give such good stuff away to thrift stores.

Q. What has been your greatest find?

A. The greatest find might have been the sofa I found for my daughter. We paid 50 dollars and it was in great condition. I did a little cleaning to the arms of the sofa with some upholstery cleaner and also washed the cushion covers. They came out looking almost new. My daughter used it for four years!

Q. Is there a certain time of day or day of the week that is best for finding things?

A. I think the best time to shop at thrift stores is later in the week. Late on Saturday or Monday morning (thrift stores are typically closed on Sundays) is usually not the best time because they’ve had the most business on Saturday. They have to stock up during the first of the week.

Q. What should a person know before going to a thrift store?  

A. They have to like old and used stuff and like to search through things.

Q. How does someone know if they’re getting a good deal on an item?  Is there a research process or is it just a gut feeling?

A. You have to know how much something might cost when it’s new so you can judge if it is a really good deal or not. Another factor is the condition of the item you find. Sometimes even thrift store items are priced too high.

Q. Do you have a favorite thrift store?

A. My favorite thrift store of all time is the Alabama Thrift Store in Alabaster, Alabama.

9. Do you believe in the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure?”

A. Some people are impulsive buyers and buy things they think they need and then try it out and find they really never use it. Also, over the years people end up with too much stuff and then clean house. So, often times you can find something that you would like to try or really need and feel like it is a treasure to you.

10. Do certain items sell better than others?

A. It really just depends. If it is in good condition and a good price, usually someone will come along that wants it. If an item is in really bad shape, broken or really dirty, like old pots and pans, most likely no one would want it.

Posted by Patience

I’m sure everyone has a bad date story and I am unlucky enough to have one that still haunts me to this day. I’ve tried to block out this particular date, but it still creeps up on me at times and I am forced to relive it.

I had recently broken up with my boyfriend and a friend set me up on a blind date. Right there was the mistake. I had trusted her when she said the guy she knew was really great and I would like him. So I agreed to meet him one Saturday at Starbucks. A casual date, no real pressure. I should have known immediately something was weird about this guy when we walked up to each other and he wouldn’t speak. He just stared at me until I spoke first, managing a, “Hi.” He said replied with the single word of, “Hi,” then became silent again. We decided to travel inside Starbucks where he held the door open for me and paid for my drink. I like a southern gentleman, so I thought maybe my first instincts were wrong; maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

I was wrong. He stayed on the quiet side with me doing most of the talking. I talked for close to ten minutes with the usual first date questions: What do you do? Where did you grow up? Then things stopped being weird; instead, things got full-on bizarre.

Before I knew what had happened, the guy finally started to speak, to really tell me things. By the end of our date, I had learned a mountain of personal information about him that really shouldn’t have been talked about until a lot further down the relationship road. He told me he had heart problems, he’d had surgeries for it, that he had four different doctors, plus numerous other facts that I have tried to block out. I am not a hateful person, but what does a cute, single girl have to do to have a nice, normal date?

My heart of course went out to him, (no pun intended), for having health problems, but are illnesses really a good opening line when you meet a girl for the first time? Some information is best kept private until the timing is right.

At this point, I wasn’t sure what would happen next. But, I found out quickly when he decided I needed to know all of the branches of his family tree. I was glad I liked my drink because I had a lot of time to just sit, listen, let my eyes glaze over and drink. He asked for my number and I couldn’t pretend I didn’t have a cell phone because it annoyingly, yet thankfully rang while he was yammering on about his family. So, I handed over my number.

Why was that a mistake? Because he called me every single night for the next four months at eight o’clock on the dot with the same two questions: How are you and how was your day? A girl can only have so many excuses until she eventually has to lie and say she is engaged to someone.

I repeat: what does a cute, single girl have to do to have a successful date?

Posted by Grace

• Hats: No matter what anyone says, hats are in.  If you want to feel like a sexy snow bunny this winter, try out an eskimo-style hat.  It’ll keep your head warm as well as your ears.
• Scarves: No matter what, a scarf is the one winter accessory that can be worn with every outfit and in any environment.  So wrap yourself in your favorite fabric so you’ll stand out in the crowd.
• Gloves: Mittens are by far the cutest style since petticoats; they look good on children as well as adults.  However, they just aren’t practical.  Try fingerless gloves that merge mittens, gloves and practicality into one.

If you’re looking for tips on how to apply costume makeup, check out this video with Kandee Johnson.  She’ll bring out your inner Tinkerbell, 80′s Diva and Greek Goddess.

If you’re on the lookout for the perfect coat, check out these links for the latest trends that will put the days of hating jackets to rest.

Peacoat

Bomber 

Fleece

In the Office

For Fun

Posted by Patience

The next time your Internet time hits a lull, check out these websites for a boost of entertainment.

Etsy: a creative way to buy and sell homemade items.

JibJab: e-cards that will brighten anybody’s day.

Apartment Therapy: bring out the interior designer in you.

Urban Dictionary: daily words with new and improved meanings that will strike your funny bone.

DailyLit: A way to read books online for FREE.

Posted by Patience

• Yard Sale: With half of us out of jobs right now, a yard sale is a good way to make some fast cash. People are going back to simpler and cheaper ways nowadays. So, while someone is buying something from you in order to stretch a buck, you’ll be stretching out that little piggies belly when you drop your newfound money into it.

• Babysit: Watching someone’s kids is a two in one deal; you’ll not only be doing someone a favor that you can feel good about, but you’ll also have a day where you can actually have a little fun. I’m sure it’s been awhile since you’ve picked up a pack of crayons and drew something pretty you could hang on the fridge.

• Consignment Shops: A little like a yard sale, but definitely higher end. Sell gently used clothing, especially nice jackets and dresses.  You’ll be happy to see your closets nicely thinning out.

• Etsy: etsy.com is a fun and cool way to be creative, while making money. The website isn’t just for buying, it’s also for selling. So, if you’re in the mood to make jewelry, clothing, (the list goes on and on!) then check out this awesome place that will let your inner creative genius blossom.

Posted by Patience

* It’s easy to hide behind others when you don’t want to be seen by that enemy, frienemy or someone you just find irritating.

* You have the ability to maneuver through a crowd with ease and efficiency. This is especially great in high impact traffic such as at a concert. Talk about easy to wiggle your way to the front of the crowd by slipping under peoples arms and in some cases, legs.

* Unable to reach something? Well, what’s a better excuse for having someone help you do something?

* High Heels are much more fun! You won’t end up too tall, but instead, just right!

* Going on a car trip, sitting on a plane or other tight space isn’t so bad. Your legs don’t get as squished as those tall peoples do.

* You’ll rarely ever be as tall, or taller, than your boyfriend or guy you like.

* And lastly, the world thinks you’re cute! And what could be better than that?!

Posted by Patience

Try these ideas for a fun day out:

* Bedhead works. Just throw those locks up in a messy ponytail and you are good to go. Overly groomed hair is too tame and lame; spice it up!

* Wear the highest high heels you can find (as long as you can walk!). Sexy shoes always gives a girl an instant self-esteem boost.

* Make sure you have a fun bag that is big. People will wonder what’s in that overly large bag of yours, which will make you more mysterious.

* Ripped up jeans are always a great addition to any outfit. They’ll make you appear to have not cared what you pulled out of your closet, but scream fashion trend and low-key demeanor.

* Always have that blackberry or iphone out. Whether talking or texting, you’ll look popular and also too busy to talk to anyone less important than you are.

* Bangs are fun! They add a great edge to your style.

* Top off your outfit with big and funky sunglasses. Nothing makes people more curious than when someone’s disguising their eyes and who they are.

Posted by Patience