Latest news with #Brum
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
No end for Birmingham's rubbish apocalypse: Six months on the city's streets are still buried under mounds of bags of garbage as strike continues
'Apocalyptic' Birmingham is still littered with mounds of rubbish six months into the city's unprecedented bin strikes. Shocking new images show the extent of the litter on pavements including dumped mattresses, boxes, black bags and plastic containers blocking the path. Lengthy negotiations are taking place between the Unite union and city council - but there still appears to be no end in sight. Some locals have complained of feeling 'forgotten about' amid the foul smells and infestations of giant rats dubbed 'Squeaky Blinders'. Student Bethany Campbell, 22, of Selly Oak, said: 'We just can't believe it's still going on, what is taking so long? 'The worst part is that the decision makers probably don't even live in Brum, so they have no idea what a nightmare this is for us. 'The place stinks, it looks atrocious and residents just feel like they are being forgotten about. Nobody should live like this in modern Britain.' Danny Carter, 33, of Tyseley, added: 'It is completely unacceptable this has been allowed to go on for so long. 'We had thousands of visitors from across the globe over the weekend for the Sabbath concert and this isn't how we want people to remember our city.' Student Theo Charlton, 21, also from Selly Oak, said: 'The other day I was looking at everyone moving out and it was apocalyptic the amount of rubbish left behind. 'People don't prepare for leaving, they just dump so much stuff. I thought to myself, 'that's going to be there for ages, it's not going to get collected.' Local councillor Izzy Knowles said residents living in flats in Moseley had little to no recycling facilities and waste was becoming 'contaminated'. She added: 'The recycling is totally full up. It's getting contaminated. 'Some don't have cars, even if they go to the tip they're not allowed in as pedestrians.' The walkout began in January over pay cuts of up to £8,000 impacting around 400 workers who are either former waste recycling collection officers or bin lorry drivers. Workers have a mandate to continue striking until December and last week staged a demonstration outside the Local Government Association (LGA) conference in Liverpool. Some locals have complained of feeling 'forgotten about' amid the foul smells and infestations of giant rats dubbed 'Squeaky Blinders' Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said the union would be 'relentless' in its pursuit of a fair deal. She said: 'John Cotton needs to stop hiding from the biggest issue facing his council - the bin strikes. 'Birmingham residents understand exactly why the bin workers are striking. 'The scale of the cuts being proposed by the council are indefensible. Many of these bin workers face losing their homes. 'It's time John Cotton stepped up, entered the room, and resolved this dispute. 'The protest should also put other councils attending the LGA conference on notice if they are thinking of trying to get workers to pay for mistakes made by politicians: 'Unite will be relentless in the fightback.' Last month Birmingham bin workers voted to continue industrial action - meaning the strikes could go on until December. A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said: 'The council recognises the significant impact that industrial action has had on the people and communities of Birmingham and thanks every resident for their continued patience under difficult circumstances. 'The council is grateful for the community groups who are working to clear waste and helping their fellow residents during this challenging time. 'Since the injunction was ratified we have been able to deploy all our available fleet meaning we have cleared the backlog and are able to implement our contingency plan. 'Residents of Birmingham want and deserve a better waste collection service and the restructure that Unite is opposing is part of the much-needed transformation of the service. 'The council remains committed to resolving the industrial action in the best interest of all parties involved.'
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Merricks vows Birmingham City will give their all in WSL promotion battle with London City Lionesses
AMY MERRICKS will urge Birmingham to give it everything in today's promotion decider with London City Lionesses. And Brum boss Merricks reckons the women's second tier deserves far more attention than it currently gets. 4 4 4 City must win at St Andrew's to deny London the Championship title and a place in the WSL for the first time. Blues whose club's co-owners include NFL legend Tom Brady are bidding to return to the league they helped establish 15 years ago. Ex-Lionesses Under-19 boss Merricks, who took charge of Birmingham City last April, said: "This club was one of the founding members of the WSL and to take it back there would be amazing. "But we have to focus first and foremost on the process to get there. The performance is that process and we're taking nothing for granted." Today's 2:15pm showdown is the first Women's Championship game to be shown live on Sky Sports. Brum have already sold more than 7,000 tickets but Merrick hopes TV coverage will help attract even more fans to the second tier. She added: "My squad are ready to give everything. I'm really excited and what a great showcase for the Championship. "This is a league that deserves so much more attention. We have so much talent here and we are focused on showcasing the best of ourselves." An away win for London City would see them become the only standalone women's team competing in the WSL next season. The club, who share their Hayes Lane home ground with League Two men's side Bromley, have been a force to be reckoned with this term after finishing eighth last term. Since being purchased by USA-born Michelle Kang, the club that was following a May 2019 breakaway from Millwall has undergone an overhaul in recent years. Her December 2023 takeover has been followed by a revamp of London City's squad. A team whose players include senior internationals such as Sweden veteran Kosovare Asllani, 35, and rising young stars such as defender Teyah Goldie currently on loan from Arsenal. And last June the club appointed France-born Jocelyn Precheur as head coach following his one-season stint as Paris Saint-Germain during which he led the team to a Women's French Cup win. Among the younger players who have helped London City register 13 victories and three draws from 19 games is England Under-23s player Isobel Goodwin. The forward 22, is set to win the Women's Championship Golden Boot for this term after scoring 15 goals so far during the campaign. 4 Goodwin said:'The Championship is such a big league now and the growth in it each year is getting better and better. 'Being in the promotion race, it's just so exciting and this is probably one of the biggest games of my career knowing that we could possibly lift that trophy. 'It's every girl's dream is to play in the WSL and get promoted. So hopefully we can do that.'
Irish Examiner
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Louise Quinn led Women's football in Ireland from the front, both on and off the pitch
Niall Quinn ensured his surname left an indelible mark on Irish football. His namesake Louise can take similar pleasure after bowing out of the women's team as third highest cap holder. News of the defender's retirement had been anticipated. A change of Ireland manager and campaign hastened the exits of Niamh Fahey, Julie-Ann Russell and Diane Caldwell in quick succession. Three months later and the 34-year-old has followed, hampered by a hip injury but enthused from herself and partner Eilish O'Gara becoming parents to baby Darragh last month. That combination of personal factors, allied to uncertainty over her future at Birmingham City and the World Cup qualifiers still 10 months away, transposed the inevitably into reality. Ireland manager Carla Ward had wanted to reunite with her former Brum player but she'll retire from the scene with his latest cap being the momentous 3-1 win over France at Pairc Uí Chaoímh last July. The centre-back from Blessington in Co Wicklow was first called for international duty as a 14-year-old in the U17 squad, her Ireland career blossoming in tandem with the strides made on the club circuit around Europe. Stints in Sweden and Italy were forerunners to inroads towards the English scene but her first foray met a shuddering thud. Read More Republic of Ireland centurion Louise Quinn announces retirement from football Notts County were preparing for the top-flight Spring series in 2017 when the club folded. Quinn was one of the fortunate free agents, snapped up on an initial short-term by Arsenal, for whom she played in the FA Cup final at Wembley and won the 2019 league title. Top-level club exposure leant itself to Quinn nailing down a regular spot for Ireland. Alongside fellow centurion Caldwell, and another in Fahey when they opted for three, the central defensive unit proved a critical element of Ireland's progress in reaching the Euro 2021 playoff and eventually a first major tournament in 2023. Their contribution wasn't limited to goal prevention. Under Colin Bell and especially Vera Pauw, Quinn supplied goals from set-pieces. All bar one of the 16 came from her head and though it was a friendly, her winner against Australia in 2021 can be considered a springboard to their successful campaign that ensued. That World Cup in Oz was her highpoint. 'I can let Daragh know his Mam did well,' she said on Tuesday with a bundle of modesty. 'She used to play football for Ireland and she's been to the World Cup. There's really something special about being Irish and I'm incredibly proud of our little country and so proud to have worn that badge on my chest. 'The Ireland team is the reason why I always wanted to play this game. Some of the best moments of my life have been in the green jersey. I've been part of something so special. "The foundations were laid by legends of the women's team before me and for a short period I was lucky enough to play with a few of them too. Then it was up to us to continue that fight to put the Ireland team on the map on the international stage. "We built, we fought ... and the World Cup proved that dreams do come true.' Quinn has already dabbled in punditry but once the maternal duties settle the expectation is for football involvement to be revived. Ward has spoken of her retired veterans assuming mentoring functions around the squad and none better than someone who led from the front, both on and off the pitch.
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Birmingham 'not in decline' despite strikes say residents
"It's just like every other place that has issues. There is good and there is bad." Singer Jonathan Francis was setting up his microphone to begin busking in Birmingham city centre when he spoke to me. The 25-year-old, originally from Grenada in the Caribbean, has made the UK's second city his is a place that has recently found its reputation under the spotlight with a seven-week ongoing bin strike leading to claims of streets being plagued by "rats the size of cats". It has not been enough to put Mr Francis off. "Birmingham is very down to earth," he explained. "It is filled with multiple cultures and I feel connected to it." I spoke to people near to The Square shopping centre, which recently closed indefinitely due to what the owners said were health and safety issues. It is just a short walk from the city's main High Street and world-famous Bull Ring precinct. But it is currently completely boarded up and has featured in a social media video suggesting Birmingham is full of closed shops. While Mr Francis called the look of the closed centre "disappointing", he insisted it did not represent the city as a whole. Alfie Mills, 19, was born and bred in Birmingham and said it was a place defined by its community and culture. "It's my home," he said. "It's a bit dirty but it's all right. "It's a city of art at the end of the day. It's got a reputation but it's not all bad." Lee Edwards, a construction worker, said the city was going through extensive development and he did not believe it was declining."If you look around you see so much going on," the 67-year-old said. "Birmingham is booming." Mother and daughter Lorelle and Kamille Allen both agreed there were "messy" parts of the city but it was not as bad as people made out."Everyone's got a little dodgy part and a dingy little corner," said Kamille."It's all right here. It's safe. It's safe where I live at least." The BBC recently heard from people who said they felt embarrassed to live in the city. The ongoing strike has left bin bags piled several feet high on some streets and an infestation of rats have attracted significant publicity. The industrial dispute has been reported by media organisations around the world, with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation among those running stories about rats on the loose. Advertising executive Trevor Beattie, who is originally from Birmingham, said he believed there would not be too much lasting damage. "Our glory in the Commonwealth Games passed and the horror of the bin strike will pass," he said. "We will still be Brum. It will be resolved but in the meantime we'll address it with our Brummie humour." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Buzz Feed
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- Buzz Feed
From Ice On Your Car To Slippery Pavement, These 23 Things Will Help You Navigate Winter Problems From The Second You Step Outside
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Cold steering wheels, frostbite, and frozen doggy bowls never stood a chance. 1. An Amazon-famous thickened-down jacket that'll make cold-hating folks do a happy dance! It features large, snuggly pockets (perfect for stashing snacks or your phone) and a fleece-lined hood, and it comes in a dazzling array of colors so you can strut your stuff while staying toasty. Be sure to check out our Orolay down jacket review! Promising review:"Very warm and cute. I am actually obsessed with this jacket. I stopped a woman on the street to asked her where she got hers. I immediately ordered one. I wasn't sure what size to get so I ordered the small and medium. I am smaller on the top so actually the small was better because I could open up the zippers on the side." — Susan Alexander Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (available in 12 styles and women's sizes XXS–5XL). 2. A giant snow broom to remove the heaps of snow off your car so you won't be "that person" leaving trails on the highway — keeping you and your fellow drivers happy. It's made from super lightweight foam, and it's gentle on your car's paint, ensuring not a single scratch. Promising review:"The quality was great. We used the Brum all winter in Anchorage, AK. We had 134 inches of all types of snow. Some days pushing 2 feet, a few days later 14 inches, and then maybe another 2-foot dump 10 days later. Never had a concern about it working. Cleaned off FWD 3/4 ton truck, Jeep SUV, 4WD Dodge Durango, even helped friends in the employee parking lot. Using the same one again this year, hoping for less snow though. 😳😎" — Matt Get it from Amazon for $34.99. 3. A pair of spiky ice and snow grips so you can conquer the snow-covered trails with confidence. No more slipping and sliding — each grip is decked out with 19 stainless-steel spikes that dig into the ice, giving you superhero-level stability. Promising review:"I used these on a backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon. The top of the rim was very icy for several miles and these literally saved my life. No joke. If I didn't have these I would've been stuck at the bottom 'til the ice melted. Great price and great product. And easy to put on and take off." — Megan Depper Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in unisex sizes M–XL and two colors). 4. Or a pair of traction cleats you can slip on over your running shoes, making sure snow and ice can't stand between you and your outdoor runs. They'll give you a way better grip to ensure every step is secure, letting you confidently glide through your favorite winter wonderland routes. Promising review:"Off a former teammate's reco I bought these for some winter runs! For some one that's already clumsy, these worked great for running in snow, ice, and even on some blacktop spots! No falling or slipping and the grips stayed put on shoes!! Highly recommend! It came with a pair and two replacement spikes!" — Chelsea Schmitt Get them from Amazon for $17.75+ (available in S/M and L/XL) 5. An *ingenious* bottle of anti-fog spray if you've ever stepped outside in winter and felt your glasses fog up faster than you can go "Brrrr." It's not just for glasses either; give your bathroom mirror, car windshield, or any fog-prone surface a quick spray for a crystal-clear view. Can I get a round of applause for the ultimate winter hack? Promising review:"This is a great product for anyone who wears glasses and has been wearing a mask. I first bought this during the winter, when my glasses fogged and froze over while I was outside wearing my mask. This spray has worked like a charm while wearing my mask, both indoors and out. I highly recommend it." — Sotto Voce Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 6. A rechargeable hand warmer equipped with dual-sided heat so your hands are enveloped in toasty goodness. It has three different heat settings if you need some gentle warmth on crisp evenings or a full-on heat blast when the temperature drops below freezing. And because it's rechargeable, you won't be constantly buying batteries — just a quick charge, and you're good to go for hours. Psst — this is USB rechargeable, and you can even use a power bank or your phone to charge it! Promising review:"This hand warmer is amazing! My hands are constantly cold and I've tried all sorts of products to help keep them warm but nothing has worked until now. I charge the hand warmer every night with a standard USB charger and the next day, I have hours of warmth. The three temperature settings are very helpful — I use the highest setting when I'm outdoors for long periods of time and the lower settings when I'm indoors (e.g., sitting at my desk or in a cold movie theater). I've already given hand warmers as gifts to several cold-handed friends and family members and they're loving them as well. I hope Ocoopa comes out with a foot warmer next!" — RK Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in 10 colors). 7. A car seat cover designed to wrap your little one up in a cozy cocoon. The outer material is similar to that of a waterproof sleeping bag, while the inside is lined with the softest plush fleece, keeping your baby toasty warm even when the temperatures dip into single digits. One parent raves about how particularly helpful it is on gusty days, unlike blankets that never seem to be able to stay put. Amazon, Promising review:"I purchased this for my baby, and it's been an absolute lifesaver during the cold weather. It keeps my little one warm, cozy, and protected from the elements without the hassle of bulky winter gear. I love its convenient design. The front flap zips down easily, making it simple to adjust my baby's temperature without waking her. The elastic edges provide a snug fit that stays in place. The Pink Heather color is adorable and stylish, and we've received many compliments on it! Overall, this car seat cover is a game changer for winter outings. It keeps my baby warm and secure while making my life much easier. Highly recommended for parents dealing with cold weather." — Gi Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in five colors/styles). 8. A bestselling set of long thermal underwear acting as a crucial base layer against the chill. Lightweight enough to feel like a second skin, they'll keep you warm without adding any bulk that would restrict your movement while frolicking in the snow. They're also moisture wicking, so you won't have to deal with any uncomfortable sweat as you stay warm. This set includes leggings and a crewneck top! Promising review:"Bought a set of these thermals in each color for my trip to Alaska over the Thanksgiving holiday. Wore them under jeans, leggings, snow pants, depending on the activity of the day. At -14 degrees they kept me warm and they are super soft and comfortable." — SugarSkull702 Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–3XL, 15 colors, and three neckline styles). 9. Some insulated snow pants so you can tackle snowy slopes or just enjoy a brisk walk in the park without the chilly air creeping in and freezing your buns. With their sleek fit and polished look, they'll banish all haunting memories of those bulky snow pants from your childhood. These come with an adjustable waistband to help you get the best fit possible. Promising review:"I love these insulated pants! I bought them to walk the dog, so I'll have no excuses, rain, sleet, snow, hits I'll be ready. I was very surprised with the quality of the material, craftsmanship, and comfort. These were very inexpensive and hit all my must haves...I cannot recommend them enough. Update — i t snowed this weekend and I walked the dog in 20-degree weather. I was very comfortable, could have stayed outside all day in these pants. Plus they wash well. Still highly recommend!" — Shannon K. Get it from Amazon for $32+ (available in women's standard, tall, and short sizes XS–4X and 34 colors/patterns). 10. Some insulated waterproof touchscreen gloves that'll keep your fingers from turning into icicles because you won't have to keep taking them on and off just to use your phone. Promising review:"I was looking for gloves that were waterproof at a good price point. These gloves fit me well, they're warm, and they passed the waterproof test. I sprayed them with the shower head and didn't feel the water seep through to my hand. I didn't submerge them or anything but I don't think that's a realistic test for how I would be using them. I just want them to keep my hands dry in a bit of rain or snow and it looks like they do the trick. Update: These gloves are warm. Like REALLY warm. I was most comfortable in them in well below freezing weather." — Danielle Dawn Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in unisex sizes XS–XL and three colors). 11. A tub of O'Keeffe's Lip Repair to transform those winter-ravaged lips that are dry and cracking into the softest, most kissable versions of themselves overnight! Reviewers rave about its almost supernatural ability to heal and repair like nothing else on the market. Promising review: "When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It's painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips. I've used other O'Keeffe's products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily. My lips stayed healthy and didn't get chapped at all. This stuff is magic and I won't go anywhere without it now." — Anna C. Adams Get it from Amazon for $8.67. 12. Plus, their extra-moisturizing Working Hands cream, the unsung hero for anyone who's frequently out shoving snow or doing other outdoor work in the winter. This reviewer-beloved cream works wonders on extremely cracked hands, deeply soothing and repairing them while creating a protective barrier that says "No way, Jose!" to future moisture loss. Promising review:"I LOVE this hand cream! My hands are so dry this winter and I'm a dog walker, so I'm constantly washing them, which just washes off any other lotion I use. This stuff is thick, but not greasy, and it's almost waterproof! There is absolutely no fragrance at all and it even helps my dry cuticles. Hands down the best hand cream I've found to date and a little goes a long way, so I can afford it!" — Kindle Mom Get it from Amazon for $8.62+ (available in two sizes). 13. Hunter shearling insoles ready to transform any pair of shoes into a snuggly, winter-ready haven. Those piggies will literally feel like they're wrapped in a blanket. Promising review:"Perfect addition to my rain boot! I was battling cold feet on rainy Connecticut days until I came across this product. It makes a world of difference. I'm not a big fan of chunky socks and this eliminates needing wool socks." — Miss Sarah Get them from Amazon for $38 (available in women's sizes 5–14 and men's sizes 4–13; select sizes unavailable). 14. A satin-lined beanie because you shouldn't have to choose between snuggly warmth and sleek, frizz-free hair. And thanks to this satin material, you actually *can* get the 🎶 bessssst of both worlds 🎶. Promising review:"This beanie is perfect for curly and wavy girls! The entire inside is satin-lined. When I took the hat off, it did not cause any damaged or frizzy curls! I am in love and need more colors!" — Crystal Ingram Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in eight colors). 15. Or a beanie with a hole for your ponytail (or messy bun) so you don't have to sacrifice warm ears for a cute hairstyle or battle with a beanie that's just too snug for your thick, luscious locks. My former colleague Ciera Velarde (that's her on the left above) says: "I got this a few years ago as a Christmas present and it has become my most-worn hat! I like to go on long walks outside, but I like to keep my hair up in a ponytail during those walks. I love that this hat lets me keep my hair out of my face while also keeping my noggin nice and toasty. And it comes in so many cute colors — I might just have to buy another one!" Promising review: "This is probably one of the best purchases I've ever made. I know it's just a hat, but every winter I've fought with my long, thick hair and unless you can relate, you will never understand how wonderful and brilliant this design is... No longer will I have to choose between being cute and being warm. With this hat, I get to be both!...This hat has a hole specifically for my hair! It's like it was made for me! Also, I can still wear it with my hair down and, because of the beanie's design, you can't really tell there's a hole at the end. "The hole is elastic, too, which is a neat feature. Not elastic enough to be a hair tie, but just enough that it stretches over my mound of hair and holds tight to my bun, so no snow gets in if I wipeout, and if I'm going down a massive hill with great speed and my beanie tries to fly off, the elastic hold onto my bun and I never lose my hat. It really is the little things." — Kali Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in various colors). 16. A universal plush cover to keep your freezing-cold steering wheel snuggly warm and feeling ~beary~ fabulous the entire drive to work in the morning. Promising review:"Looks really cute and is just as soft and fluffy as the pictures suggest. Keeps my hands from burning in the summer, and I have zero doubt it will keep them from freezing this winter." — Enoch A. Smith Get it from Amazon for $16.34+ (available in four colors). 17. A pair of fleece-lined joggers for those frosty winter mornings when you just *have* to make a quick coffee run. With their super-soft fleece lining and adjustable drawstring, they're basically a warm hug for your legs. Promising review:" 10,000,000/5 stars!!!!!! I just shoveled our driveway for an hour in 2-degree weather and my legs NEVER got cold. While my hands, face, feet, and arms were were nice and toasty. I am recommending these to everyone!!!" — jc Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 11 styles). 18. A pair of waterproof Columbia snow boots since trudging through snow, sleet, and slush is just unavoidable during this time of year. This practical footwear sports grippy rubber soles that tackle slippery surfaces like a pro. They're cushioned for comfort but also surprisingly lightweight, so you won't feel like you're dragging around bricks. FYI: Many reviewers say they sized up by half a size! Promising review:" Super comfy, very warm, and lightweight. They are not bulky and heavy like some snow boots can be. And absolutely waterproof. I've seen some reviews saying the waterproofing is not legit. Unless you decide to submerge your entire foot in water for several minutes these shoes will never fail you. In the last two years I have hardly worn any other boot Dec–March here in upstate NY. They are still in perfect condition and show barely any signs of wear. I'm looking forward using them this winter again. The worst conditions I ever put them through was trenching and shoveling through two feet of wet snow, my feet stayed warm and dry. The fabric around the toes and sides got a little damp on the outside, but it never soaked past the top layer and dried out by the end of the day." — Simone Fox Get it from Amazon for $67.95+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 (also in wide sizes) and 10 colors/patterns). 19. A heated water bowl for the dogs who refuse to come inside or those adorable neighborhood strays you can't help but love. This bowl will keep their water warm and drinkable, even when Jack Frost is painting the town white. Promising review:"We got this so we could feed our "barn cat" in the winter. Before we got the bowl food that we put out would freeze into a lump before the cat found it. Now it stays soft and edible even if it is zero degrees out with 5 inches of snow (see picture). Our barn cat gives this product 5 stars." — D. Milbradt Get it from Amazon for $26.40+ (available in four sizes). 20. A set of waterproof dog booties designed to protect your pup's paws from ice, snow, salt, and that freezing pavement. No more chilly toes or ouchies from icy patches; just happy, wagging tails! Perfect for keeping those precious paws warm and cozy, these booties are a must-have for any pet parent wanting to make winter walks a breeze. It also keeps their paws protected from salt, which can dry out and irritate your dog's paws if they walk over it. Promising review:"Awesome booties. These babies stay on. She runs, jumps and does everything she normally does except, she can't scratch if needed. (Just gonna have to wait, that's all.) Bought a size 6 for my 50-lb. girl Pitty. She's small but solid. Live in NW 'burbs of Chicago. We walk a couple of miles a day. Our neighborhood has no sidewalks. When it sleets or snows, road salt is an issue. As most dogs do, she likes to off-road it, so it's in the snow, on the street, repeat. These keep her paws from getting packed up with snow and salt. Initially, it's kind of a hassle getting them on, but it gets easier. If you buy them, put them on your dog in the house and let them figure them out. And strap 'em down good." — earshplitten Get it from Amazon for $23.19+ (available in eight sizes and seven colors). 21. Or for pups who refuse to wear shoes, a tub of dog paw wax, which forms a protective barrier so that snow and ice won't irritate their precious little feet. Simply apply it before they dash outside, and watch them prance around pain-free! You can also use this in the summer to protect their paws from hot pavement! Promising review:"I have used this product on the last three dogs I've had. Living in the Northeast, I deal with snow, salt, and ice in the winters and blistering pavement in the summers, and this product is an absolute miracle. I purchased three more containers today for my dog to give out as Christmas presents to her friends. It is that good. In the winter, I put it on her paws two to three times a week and she can withstand the bitter cold and salty walks. In the summer when the temperature is 80 degrees and above, I put it on her paws and she can walk on asphalt without issue. FYI: If your dog is slipping around inside, you have put too much on! You need to work this into the pad, between the toes, and wipe off any excess with a paper towel. I have dark hardwood floors and I have never seen paw prints." — Kat Lanz Get it from Amazon for $15.99. 22. A pair of cozy fur-lined Crocs that are literally the epitome of comfort. Think the OG unlined clogs, but way cozier for quickly going down to check the mailbox (and easier to slip on than boots). Even the crankiest of Croc-haters will fall in love. Promising review: "I work from home and was looking for the perfect comfortable shoe. These Crocs were perfect because they are lined for extra coziness but also if I need to go out to the store or get the mail they are durable for outside. Love them!" — Brooklyn Whitesides Get them from Amazon for $49.95 (available in women's sizes 4–17, men's sizes 2–15, and in 34 colors). 23. A bottle of Rain-X Original Windshield Treatment designed to make snow and ice practically slide off, giving you a crystal-clear view even if you happen to be driving in a snowstorm. Promising review:"This makes driving in the rain SO much easier and safe to drive. The rain literally just flies off the windshield while driving down the highway. Unless it's a downpour, I don't even have to turn on my wipers. Also, when it snows, the snow doesn't freeze to the glass anymore. With your snow brush/scrapper, it just slides right off. I've been using this product for almost 20 years now and it's purely amazing. If you haven't ever tried this trust me. Grab a bottle." — aaron bryant
