Official Olympic Red Mittens (Youth)

Within days Vancouver  British Columbia will host the world as the 2010 Olympic Games begin on February 12. This will be truly an event never seen before in this city.

Hound and Handbag Gift Company is proud to offer Official Olympic merchandise for the duration of the games.

Limited edition and rare pins (from the 500day countdown) depicting the mascots and Olympic logos are available as are the famous  Vancouver 2010 Olympic Red Mittens. These mittens are rather a bit of an interesting item. They are sold out at most Hudson’s Bay Stores, and are a little hard to find in the smaller sizes. But what I really like about them is that they are truly warm and comfortable. The inside is fleece lined and if you have smaller hands,you don’t have a lot of space at the end of the fingers. And they are very comfy!

Ever since the birth of my nephew back in May 2009, I have gone up two purse sizes. The reason for that is because I have to carry my camera wherever I go!

However even though I’m carrying more stuff, I do still need to pack lightly and smartly because of the extra weight than can be added with only the addition of a couple of items.

Here is what I used to carry:

This is what I carry now:

The item in the back is the Joey Junior Purse Organizer in red. I also have the Dotz Wallet for business cards. I don’t always use the Kogepan items though. I alternate between those and these items (below) simply because Kogepan items are hard to find and I minimize the wear and tear on them this way.

This was too funny not to share. I don’t know how this dog managed to get a hold of this balloon, but he did!

From www.stuffonmywiener.com

I just hope that balloon doesn’t pop!

From Lavishy comes these fun and adorable wallets and coin purse. Made of simulated/vegan leather these feel so smooth and just feel wonderful in the hand. All are at a very good price point too.

A little brown piebald dachshund sits in front of his doghouse flying a bone shaped-kite (which is the snap that secures the wallet). Another kite with paw prints flies away into the sky. A white picket fence runs around the rear of the wallets.

The large wallet is 7 ¼ inches tall and 3 ½ inches. The smaller wallet is 4 ¼ inches tall and 3 3/4 inches. The coin purse is  3 1/4 inches tall and 4 1/2 inches wide.

The wallets have plenty of storage for credit cards and cash. The coin purse is just right for if you have to dash off and need only your essentials.

Available in black,red and blue. The coin purse also comes in pink.

Ready to purchase from www.houndandhandbag.com

A little late, but here is a photo of Clay the Dachshund showing off his rebellious side. Like most wieners, he doesn’t seem to be that impressed with this attire when he wants to take a nap.

This photo is on the website www.stuffonmywiener.com

My friend and I have done the odd garage sale together. Sometimes, I’ll see something I saw her buy not too long ago and I’ll ask her why she’s selling it. Her response, more often than not is: I bought it when it was on sale, and don’t really use/wear it.

Savvy shopping can yield great results, and my friend has had more victories than duds. But I’ve had that happen, and too many women in my family have had more misses than hits. The culprit: slashed merchandise prices and our temptation to get a good bargain.

But to avoid cramped closets, and dents to your wallet, here are some tips to tame the evil that is a clearance sale.

Clothing:

• Never think that because your size isn’t available,that you’ll be able to reduce more than two dress sizes down. If you are a size 8 and all that’s left on the rack is a size 14,leave it. Unless you know a really good tailor, a garment’s integrity,fit and look can be changed dramatically when taken down too many sizes. Even tailors will caution against such a change.
• If the garment is stained or marked don’t take it. There is no guarantee you’ll get it out if you don’t know how to treat it. And dry cleaners will not necessarily guarantee success either.
• Colour. Even though it’s a good price, how often will you wear that lime green wrap dress with the three quarter sleeves? If you wouldn’t buy that colour  at regular price, a few dollars off shouldn’t change your mind.
• The item should still fit you and look good on your body. If it’s tight or pulls anywhere or you can see through it,the humiliation isn’t worth it,no matter what the price tag.

Handbags

• Damage. To repair any structural damage to the body or hardware to the purse. Will it cost more than the bag itself?
• Colour. As above. But, if the fashion colour really is calling to you, a small amount in an accessory is not a bad idea.
• Always give any handbag a thorough examination. While brand names don’t necessarily guarantee perfection, any handbag should pass the test of a good lining,strong sewing at stress points,strong and comfortable handles,comfort and capacity. See our article “Handbags 101 :Shopping for a Handbag”.

Shoes:

Since I don’t really shop for shoes,other than online (I have really small feet so I have a tough time in the stores)…I’ll leave this one for the experts.

Giftware:

• If the item is for you, it should harmonize (notice I didn’t say match) with what is already in your home. Or think about placing the item in an area that’s not visually dominant (like a small bathroom, den or guest room).
• Structural flaws. Be honest. Is that chip in the top left corner of that picture frame really going to get on your nerves?  Will that crack be too noticeable?
• Is there room for it? Again,be honest.

All that said, you’re ready to do battle with the End of Season Sale and all its minions.

To kick start the blog right, here is Hound and Handbag Gift Company’s first Wiener Spotting Wednesday.

A happy active wiener dog enjoys this innovative catapault. This isn’t new on YouTube, but it’s still fun to watch!

“Jerry Needs No Help Playing With His Ball” by lamgngo

Women have a very  talent /curse bred into them. That is called multitasking. I took on blogging almost a year ago, not really knowing what it really was all about.And of course, if I got sidetracked,well there went the blog,neglected for months.

Since this blog is not a personal-journal-type blog, not every day would be worth posting. I’m sure while you’d love to learn about accessories, you’re not too keen on knowing what I had for breakfast.  So with that in mind, I’m putting in a new layout for Found by the Hound in hopes of not only making this blog easier to read and navigate, but also for me to maintain it on a weekly basis.

Discovery Mondays: New (and current) products by Hound and Handbag Gift Company will be spotlighted here. Also updates on products we may have sold out of . Any sales or markdowns will be announced here. And of course in our Newsletter if you have subscribed (nudge nudge).

Wiener Spotting Wednesdays: We’re about wiener dogs after all. All around the Web are interesting things about our beloved breed.

Factoid Fridays: Tips about handbag care, what to carry in an evening bag, online shopping tips and tricks, and relevant articles are all posted on Friday.

While this layout is easier for me to post good content, it also helps from cluttering up your inbox with stuff that arrives randomly.

So, Happy New Year and Happy New Blog!

Online shopping is probably the safest thing to be taking refuge in when you are faced with the harrowing thought of crossing into Best Buy or Toys-R-Us or (Good Lord! Preserve us!) Wal-Mart. But if you have to go,here are some tips to help you survive the mall jungle.

• Map out what stores you need to hit. Plan a geographical strategy for your gift quest. If you have to buy for someone who is always accompanying you (such as a spouse) this will allow you to sneak out to shop without them.

• Take a cue from Santa and write out a list. Take notes of brand names and model numbers.  If the item was advertised, bring the ad with you. It will allow staff in the store to find the item faster when they know what you’re looking for.

• Be prepared for crashes in debit and credit card machines that have the PIN number verification. Bring a bit of cash with you and a regular credit card without a chip if you have one. This will give you a backup without having to make a return trip. Also it will be handy if you have a  PIN credit card and you cannot remember your number or it’s the first time you have used it.

• Most shoppers are working during the week, and therefore feel they have to brave the weekend crowds. But with holiday late night shopping starting in December, you might find going on a Monday or Tuesday night may be better.

• There is no such thing as a close parking spot. You may be lucky, but let’s deal with the reality of it. EVERYONE is looking for one;be kinder to your nerves and park where you have a chance of getting in and out of the lot without difficulty.

• That said, if you have shopping or other parcels in your car,PLEASE keep them hidden or lock them in the trunk. Don’t give anyone any excuse to steal your hard earned ,hard fought for gifts. Who would take a plastic sleigh or a place setting of dishes? The answer: Anyone who can fence it.

• It’s not a marathon. Don’t feel you have to get it all done at once. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed,take five, grab a breath of fresh air and try again. Or,just head home.

• If you are old enough to remember the Cabbage Patch Doll Craze of the 1980’s than you know there is always a “hot” toy or game for Christmas.This may be the best time to look online for the toy, and pay for shipping. Set a limit for what you’d like to spend and search from the comfort of home.

• Politeness and patience go a long way this time of year. Newly hired staff that are honestly trying to do a good job will be so grateful to you. You will have made their day.

With that in mind,you’re ready to do battle. And at the end of the quest, you can put your feet up,enjoy a latte, and toast your success.

In closing, a little strategic gift giving from The Big Bang Theory.

Starting at 1:00 am Pacific Standard Time, Hound and Handbag Gift Company will launch our Black Friday/ Cyber Monday sale.

Everything in the store is marked down an extra 20% off. Plus our first  12 customers will receive a wiener dog pin with Austrian Crystals,at $ 12.00 value.

Ready,set,shop!