Presents for pet lovers
Some of you out there -- and you know who you are -- spend as much money on your pets as you do your kids.
If shopping at massive pet stores is too overwhelming, there are new in-home parties featuring pet products from Petlane.
Just like Tupperware, Petlane has "pet advisers" who help you organize "pawties" for pet-loving friends at your home. An adviser shows up and talks to everyone about how to care for pets and shows off a variety of pet merchandise, ranging from doggy seat belts to organic cat food.
Linda Parker of South Barrington heads up Petlane's Chicago-area "pet advisers" and calls the company "the pet store that comes to your door." To contact her, visit petlane.com/linda.parker, Call (847) 842-2417, or see her at June 1 in Hoffman Estates at the Wizard of Pawz grooming salon fundraiser for Chicagoland Dog Rescue (chicagolanddogrescue.org).
Petlane also does fundraisers for nonprofit groups.
Puppy dog eyes?
Be the talk of the dog park with sunglasses adorned with dog bone designs, created by Lake Zurich businesswoman Leslie Lipowski.
Lipowski, who also sells Blizzard's Bones, a line of mints and gum for dog-owning humans, says the glasses were a big hit at a recent trade show. They retail for $12.99 to $24 and are being sold at Tail Waggers, 9 S. Old Rand Road, in Lake Zurich; Animal Feeds & Needs, 401 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights; and at blizzardsbones.com.
Lipowski, who owns three dogs and also assists dog rescue groups, works as a Realtor in Barrington where she markets herself as "a real estate agent who can find your dog and you a home."
Lipowski's novelty gift-from-your-dog mints come in 19 different tin designs, some of which feature her Labrador, Blizzard.
"Dogs have strong senses of smell. Now, when you kiss them, you can have fresh breath," she said.
Blizzard's Bones cost $4.95 per tin, and a portion of the proceeds is donated to animal charities and rescue groups.
Eco-friendly suits
Most Earth-friendly men's clothing can look a little hippie-ish. Then there's Bagir Ltd. The clothing company is introducing EcoGir, a new line of tailored and eco-friendly men's suits. Each suit's tag contains detailed information about its carbon footprint.
Since the suits are made from organic and recycled materials (including plastic water bottles), they leave a relatively small footprint.
The suits will be sold under the Covington label at local Sears stores starting next month, or at sears.com. Prices range from $40 for dress trousers to $175 for the suit jacket.
Oh Goody!
Goody has two fun new lines of hair products out. The "Glamorama" line includes '80s-styled metallics and animal prints, while the "Exotic Utopia" features colorful tropical flowers in bright colors.
Goody hair accessories range in price from $1.99 to $8.99 and are sold at major food and retail chains.