Bhold Shoe Bags Pamper Your Shoes - Each Individual One

Maybe you've been only using your shoe bags for traveling. I have. Because they aren't really all that pretty or that functional for anything more than keeping your shoes separate from your clothes in your luggage.

That's until I got Bhold Shoe Bags.

Proudly made and designed in Canada, you won't be able to resist these pretty little numbers. They come in so many patterns suitable for both men, women and young ladies, so they make a wonderful gift for the world traveler or the never-ending organizer.

Far superior to the ones you've used up until now, Bhold Bags are lined (your shoes have never been so pampered - I call my bags my "shoe spas") and come with a separator, so that each shoe gets its own cushy department and stay in tip-top shape. How swank is that?! The two drawstrings are finished with wooden beads, making it easy to stash and store your shoes in an instant.

And there are so many collections to choose from: Bella, an embellished collection that reminds me of frothy wedding cakes, Bling, for those that want to add a little shimmer and shine with Swarovski crystals to their closet, Top Shelf is a rich collection of sumptuous patterns and colours, Playful is all about whimsical and colourful cottons, and the Active Collection, which oozes city chic.

I got the Pixie Gurl (pictured above) which I use for storing away my lovely towering heels and wedges as well as toting my flats with me when I'm heading out for a night on the town and know that I will only get as far as the restaurant before I'll have to switch out of my teeterting booties.

Of course, you don't have to use them only for shoes - wrap wine or champagne, store your audio equipment (who says you can't still rock a yellow discman?) or keep all of your hair accessories together and organized. The possibilities are endless.

I am thrilled to have found Bhold Bags. They are the solution I didn't know I needed. Next on my list? A Bhold Shopping Bag!

Shop the entire Bhold Collection now.

Pull Together the New Zipit Collection from Cabrelli Inc.

I bet you've never had a pencil case this fun to use.

The New Zipit Collection from Cabrelli Inc. is comprised of products created using a single strip of zipper.  

Yes, you read that right - a single strip. What's amazing is that it's kind of hard to imagine that this single strip makes a full-fledged product. Let me explain:

When I got my pencil case, it was not in the shape of a pencil case (pictured above). Yet. See, when you get , it's a coiled single strand of zipper. You are instructed to pull the zipper and like a set of dominoes gracefully knocking against one another in a mesmerizing row, the zipper takes a soft corner every once in awhile (how it knows to do that, I'll never know) and suddenly, it's made itself into a wickedly funky pencil case.

I love that you get to kind of put it together - and you have the power to take it all apart if you like, like an evil scientist.

And there are many other products available that work the same way. The Classic Go Big Bag works for both home and travel, the shape of Le Gym works for more than just sneaks and tanks and the Student Lap Top Bag is adult-friendly as well.

If you're looking for an original gift, I think this is just about as original as it gets.

Shop the New Zipit Collection from Cabrelli Inc. now.

Stop Bulking Up Your Wallet With Cards & Get the Ultra Slim Saddle-Lite

I have a friend that has so many cards - credit, bank, rewards, business, you name it, he's got it, kind of cards - that he got himself this huge accordion-file type of change purse to put them in. Of course it doesn't come close to fitting in his pants like his wallet does, so now he carries a messenger bag with him wherever he goes, or he brings a jacket so that he can put the purse in his pocket.

All that just to carry around his cards.

I think he should saddle up and switch to Saddle-Lite.

First of all, he's got to definitely get rid of some cards. Or at least leave some at home.

Choosing the 6 or so he uses the most , he can then use them in style with the awesomely designed Saddle-Lite. It can hold 6 or more, depending on the thickness of the cards.

Place your cards face up. That way, you never have to fumble around trying to see which card is what (Doesn't it drive you crazy when you're in line to pay for something and someone is shuffling through all of their cards, asking the cashier, "What does the card look like? What colour is it?" Argh!).

The cool tattoo-designed band and plastic sleeve (available in various colours) keeps them secure and in place, so you can take them in and out of your pocket or bag with ease.

Finally.

Just think how much easier life will be now that you can access your cards - driver's licence, hotel key, transit pass, bank card, gift cards, coffee cards, credit cards, ID, you know, your life stuff.

Saddle-Lites are affordable, so while you're buying yourself one, get one for your friend with the bulging wallet too. 

Everyone will be forever grateful.

MEZZI's Royal Collection Molded Silver Laptop Case Makes a Memorable Gift

Are you still carrying around a messenger bag to haul your computer to work?

It's not 1996, you know.

Sigh. I know - it's hard to find a sleek case that looks good, but won't cost you a whole paycheck.

Well, I think I've got just the thing - MEZZI specializes in all kinds of cases that will take you from looking like you're applying for your first job to looking like the president of the company.

While there are hundreds and hundreds to choose from, I'm particularly taken with the Royal Collection Molded Silver 17.5" Laptop Case.

It oozes James Bond/fashion mogul, without being pretentious or brazen.

This stylin' aluminum case, complete with chromed handles, is a charmer from the get go. The exterior says that you're a professional, but style is important to you. The interior says "Wow!" Oh, and that  you are organized and on top of things too.

See, the soft magenta velvet lining with black leatherette trim is so stunning, that you'll want to keep everything neat and tidy so that you can enjoy the inside as much as the outside.

I love that there are so many dividers (3 with adjustable button straps) and pen slots (3). You can get everything you need when you need it. And to close all of your business deals and meetings, there's a business card pocket too. An accessory pouch keeps your phone, iPod or whatever else you like to carry with you and keep close at hand.

And if you have a big laptop like I do (with a screen up to 17.4"), you'll finally have a case it fits into (good luck trying to get it to fit in other cases, believe me). It comes with customizable foam, so you can pad your computer and other precious items to protect them from dust and bumps. And speaking of protection, there are dual-key latch locks, so you can keep everything safe and sound.

There is a cushiony, detachable shoulder strap as well as a strap inside, so you have a host of different options for carrying the case - which is fantastic for those times you're running for your bus/train/plane.

And little protective feet keep your case off the ground, so when you set it down, you don't have to constantly worry about the bottom getting scratched or dirty.

This is one wickedly handsome case. And it does so much. Can you say the same about that nylon thingy you've been carrying around for the last decade?

What an awesome gift this makes - for yourself, for a friend or colleague or for Dad. Father's Day is coming up...

Shop MEZZI's Royal Collection Molded Silver 17.5" Laptop Case now.

Rock Your Style & Help Japan & New Orleans With what'Surbag - The Most Comfy Tote EVER!

It all started with just one bag.

what’Surbag now thankfully has whole new lines of specially designed reusable tote bags.They are made in New Orleans.

But these are unlike any other tote you've had before - they are super stretchy, uber comfy, completely weightless and extremely fashionable. They come in different sizes so whether you want to head to the beach, the mall, the office or the bookstore, they will keep all your stuff together - medium, large, backpack, pouch, tech tote, travel laundry, travel shoe, travel lingerie, travel toiletry and cosmetic bag.  And all these different looks - metallics, patterns and solids. You won't be able to choose just one!

After you've used a what’Surbag, it's hard to go back to a regular cotton or nylon one. Because the ‘its-laS-tik’ line uses a special flexible nylon and lycra fabric blend, your bag bounces along your side. It is the most awesome feeling in the world. And because it boings along, you feel the weight of your stuff less!

And don't worry, the bag will spring back to its original shape when you remove your items from it. You can wash it, roll it, fold it, scrunch it. It really doesn't take up any room at all!

You can also support and amazing cause while having the coolest tote on the block.  To support efforts to help the Japanese dealing with the multiple disasters in their time of need, what’Surbag created special tote bags to convey a message of HOPE and STRENGTH.

As a member of the Ganbare Nippon Project (Ganbare means “persevere during challenging times” in Japanese),This special charity project has been voluntarily launched at participating retail stores throughout Japan and the United States.

100% of profits from the Hope and Strength Japan effort will be donated to the American Red Cross “Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund.”

I'm rocking the silver Hope Japan Tote (pictured above) and I couldn't love it more. It goes everywhere I go and so does the message.

Get your what'Surbag totes  and help Japan and New Orleans now.

It's more than just a bag.

Are Your Cosmetics All Over The Place? Organize Them In a Snap with Hold Me Bag

Do you have all of your makeup in one place, within reach and organized so that you don't have to cull through everything every morning?

Didn't think so.

That's why you need the Hold Me Bag.

It's a cosmetic bag like no other, with a large compartment on the left and a product and tool organizer on the right. I like that it separates the two so that you can easily access your eyeshadow and brush or lip liner and gloss, all in one fell swoop.

It's big - 22" wide - so you can really put all of your cosmetics in there (and I know you've got drawer fulls, sister!). Which is why makeup bags haven't worked for you in the past - you tried to cram everything into a teeny, tiny little thing. Ugh.

The design genius continues with a little pocket that you can store smaller items in and a removable and reversible bottom liner that you can use to further compartmentalize your products. Hey, if you're finally going to organize all of your stuff, you might as well go all the way! And in case you use Z Palettes - makeup free of packaging! - this case was made with them in mind, so get the perfect fit and stay organized whether you're at home or on the road.

The thick cloth of the Classic Black Bag (pictured above) is actually Knew Suede, a fabric that stands up to travel (it keeps it shape no matter how far you go) and wipes clean so easily, you'll wonder why all your clothes aren't made of it. That means, if your power does happen to implode or your foundation happen to leak, your makeup bag isn't ruined forever. In fact, with just a few swipes, it looks brand new again!

This fold-up, zip-up makeup case will take you from cluttered and disorganized to makeup artist pro in just one day.

Choose from a number of designs and patterns.

What are you waiting for? A new you is just around the corner!

Pack the Prettiest Lunch with Urban Harmonie's Reusable Lunchbags

For a short while, I actually went to an office instead of working here at my desk at the end of my bed.

Working outside the home has many challenges that don't occur here - there's the commute, people other than your cat to talk to and lunch options.

At home, I eat whenever and make whatever, depending upon my time and mood. When you work in an office, you have limited options. And where I was working, there wasn't much around to choose from, so I packed my lunch.

The problem I had was:

1. I could never find a bag cute enough to carry, so I ended up using ugly plastic bags

2. I could never find one big enough to hold my various containers of carrots, crackers, salads and whatever else I trucked in to hold me over for the day

So you can imagine my immense delight when I happened upon Urban Harmonie!

Made with the environment in mind, these delightful lunch bags and snack bags do not contain PVC, phthalates, BPA, lead or formaldehyde. Creator Vicki Davidson says, "The loops and handles on the lunch bags are made from our scrap fabric, we reuse old buttons  and we use only Kraft boxes and envelopes for shipping which can either be reused or recycled."

 

The fabric used are quality quilting cottons "coated to create a durable, water-resistant, easy to clean surface." The interior of the bags use Pro Care Barrier Fabric.  This makes it waterproof and extremely durable. And to clean your sweet l'il bag, you simply need only wipe it with a cloth and hang it to dry!

And let's talk about these fabrics, because you won't find anything cuter than In The City, Kittens and Fun Times. If you like patterns, you'll swoon for Avocado Damask, Lotus and Retro Wave.

The detail and care of these Canadian-made bags is extraordinary. Aside from the fun fabrics, you then have to think about what size you need. Do you want a strap, loop or both? Do you like it short, tall or bento shaped? There is so much to choose from!

I went with the truly awesome Pop Art Tall Boxed Lunch Bag (pictured above). I am a huge Roy Lichtenstein fan, so this bag makes me very, very happy. It also allows me to pack a whack of food (which let's face it, as a food writer, I'm not subsisting on grapes alone...). There is also an insert included, a little bamboo fibre tray that fits perfectly into the bottom, giving the bag a smidge more stability and strength. I also like that it gives a very flat bottom so that my various eats don't slip and slide while I'm navigating my way through subway crowds, etc. The insert is made without chemicals or fertilizers and does not absorb liquids or fibres. When you're done with it, place it in your compost. It will degrade 45-90 later.

I'll let you in on a little secret. Even though I'm back at home, I still pack my lunch in this cutie. And now I take food with me wherever I happen to go.

Because a bag this cute should not be left at home where no one can see or enjoy it.

Shop the entire Urban Harmonie Collection now.

Finally Be Hands-Free with Wallets2Wear!

Look, I take my bag everywhere I go: I don't leave it in the car and even if I'm just popping out for one or two things, I barrel it over my shoulder just in case.

But there are some nights where I want to leave it all behind - I want to be footloose and fancyfree without having to cart my purse around with my all night.

However, my wardrobe presents a unique problem - almost everything I own has no pockets. I rarely wear jeans and all of my tops are streamlined - not a pocket in sight!

So Wallets2Wear is a saving grace for me, because it allows me the peace of mind of having my essentials "on hand" without having to carry a damn thing. You simply fill up the pouch, close the flap and slip it on or close up the sides - depending upon the design. Watch a quick video to see how easy it is!

Plus they are so stylish, I would want to wear these even if they didn't come with the ever-so-handy zip pocket.

I have two so I can dress it up or down:

All That Glitters - I wear this one (pictured above) with LBDs and when I need a little something to perk me up. Large striped silver beads and smaller plain silver beads add chic to any outfit.

White Bandana Wrap - This adds a little flair to my everyday gear. Little does anyone know it also makes my life easier, in addition to making me look good. 

Shop the entire range of Wallets2Wear and get yourself some stylish accessories as well as additional place to keep your lipstick, iPod, etc.

Guard Your Cosmetics Against the Heat with Cool-It Caddy

The other day just after a blizzard, I picked up a bowl of soup-to-go.

It was packed up with a soft roll and butter. When I got back to my desk, the heat of the soup melted the butter all over the container and everything else it in the bag. It was a complete oily mess.

I bet you've had a similar experience with your makeup bag - your foundation melts all over everything, your lipstick dissolves like the Wicked Witch... So not only do you lose all of your expensive and cherished products, it's almost impossible to clean, so you have to throw out your cosmetics case too.

Now thanks to the innovative design of  Cool-It Caddy, you'll never have to woirry about your cosmetics melting again!

See, there is an internal cooling mechanism that keeps your makeup solid, no matter where you are. You pop your Cool-It Caddy into the freezer and then you're good to go!

So whether you're taking a trip to Cabo or simply applying your makeup in the steamy bathroom at the gym, your favourite products are safe and sound.  

It will most certainly be a lifesaver come summer, but use it now in the car, on the plane or at the tennis club. The case itself - available in 3 styles - is waterproof, so you can take it poolside without worry.

I like the 2 zippered pouches and 1 snap pouch so that you can compartmentalize your products and bring your keys and credit cards without having to lug your big purse with you (and we both know how big that bag of yours is). And there's a mirrored flap included, so you can freshen up quickly and on the go.

Buy the Cool-It Caddy and protect your essentials.  There are styles for women and one for the fellas.

Give SWISSGEAR by Wenger For the Traveler or Tech Lover on Your List

This holiday give something you'll know they'll love and use.

SWISSGEAR by Wenger are the same folks that make the Genuine Swiss Army Knife, but you may not know about their wonderful line of luggage and travel gear.

Whether you're traveling near or far, SWISSGEAR has got you covered.

I like their Laptop Sleeves. Made from Neoprene, they are extremely durable and protective. Thickly padded, these were made for travel, but how nice is it that it's not at all bulky? There's nothing worse than trying to weave your way through the airport while lugging your gear with you and feeling like you're carrying an extra 300 lbs with you!

Handles are reinforced with extra padding and material so that you actually carry it comfortably.  and while the slim profile is sleek and fashionable, it can actually fit most 15.6" laptops.

It comes with a limited ten year warranty, so it'll probably outlast your laptop. When's the last time your gear lasted longer than your tech?!

Distributed by Holiday Group, SwissGear by Wenger is the way to go this holiday.

Shop now.

CitySlips Foldable Ballet Flats Are Your Holiday Season Lifesaver!

I am going to a party tonight and I plan on wearing a slim-fitting blue dress and towering gladiator heels.

Which means that roughly around 1 hour after I arrive, I'll be looking around for things to lean against and places to sit down that don't leave me out of the circle.

I know you know what I'm talking about. It's only 2 weeks until Christmas and only 3 until New Years Eve and I bet you've got a whack of shoes and outfits already picked out for all your holiday parties and events. 

And already your feet are hurting...

That's why you've got to get and pack yourself some Cityslips.

Cityslips are sleekfoldable ballerina flats that allow you to wear your beautiful but let's face it, painful heels out and about and go home in complete comfort.

They are designed to fold so that you can stash them in even your teeny holiday clutch that holds little else than your phone, keys and gloss. They come with their own matching carrying case, which you could also use as a to-go clutch, but it expands into a full size tote, so that you can store your heels as well as anything else you may pick up on the way home (isn't always just as your on your way home, trying to decompress that you start to remember that you're out of juice, bread, bananas...).

The shoes are darn cute and come in a range of colours and styles (I am rocking black, but the gold are festive, as pictured above - I like their new snakeskins too.)  The elastic backing keeps them from slipping off and the double sole gives you a little added shock absorber so you're not feeling the concrete and keeps 'em in shape, so they'll last you longer than just a few weekends.

Shop now (US click here, Canada here) and keep the party going this season with Cityslips.

Shop In Style With Radley London's Foldaway Shoppers

I still see people carrying around the ugliest, bulkiest shopping bags.

I know, I know. They are simply using them to tote their wares. They don't care what they look like.

Tsk, tsk.

Life is too short to carry around hideous bags. And while we have all had to adjust to using reusable bags, you want to have something:

- light

- manageable

- handles that make it easy to carry

- and most of all, pretty

Radley London's Foldaway Shoppers are the above, and more.

They are "magazine-sized," which means that they are big enough to carry around your wares. Because they are made of nylon, they'll hold up to the weight of what you need to bring home and thanks to nice long handles, you can toss it over your shoulder with ease, instead of trying to jam it on there, like you've had to in the past.

I love that they fold up into a neat circular pouch, so you can stash 1 or 5 of 'em in your bag and always have them on hand.

And of course, I love them because they are sooo pretty.  

Get all 4 designs - Vanessa, Crazy Dogs, Sayings and Sweet Pickings (pictured above) - in your choice of colour.

The LoPocket - Your Boot's New BFF

Have you felt my purse lately? It weighs a ton.

So any chance to just take a few things with me on a walk or a quick run to the store is greatly appreciated!

But I didn't expect it be look so good.

The LoPocket is a brilliant invention - it allows you to carry your cellphone (it fits the iPhone and Blackberry, for instance), money, keys, cards (so many cards!), makeup and whatever else you deem necessary, while adorning your boot with flair and jauntiness.

The pocket is made of durable, sturdy 100% cotton that closes with a neat gold clasp. A black elastic band wraps around your boot (or pant cuff), keeping your valuables secure and giving your boot added personality.

Made in Portland, Oregon, these little beauties are fun, fashionable and a fantastic Fall & Winter addition to your wardrobe.

Choose your colour and be free, finally, of your heavy handbag!

Kelly Moore Bags - The Most Sumptuous, Beautiful Camera Bags EVER!

Photography has become the it-girl's hobby, even more than jewelry and cooking, I think.

And now that we're building our presences online, photography has become as important as what we're writing about, so to learn and experiment with taking pictures has become something fun to do and also a real asset to our work lives as well.

Kelly Moore is a spectacular photographer who dreamed of having a handbag/lens bag line of her own:

"As a photographer and a woman, I was always left wanting more when it came to my options for a stylish, functional bag that I could use to carry my equipment while I photographed. I sat down and made a wish list of everything that I wanted in a great bag."

Thank goodness for Kelly Moore! She was meant to be a bag designer.

These bags are some of the most sumptuous, luxurious bags YOU WILL EVER SEE.  They come with removable velcro dividers inside so that you can safely and securely pack your cameras and lenses, all in the most fashionable manner.

Take the Kelly Moore Classic Bag, for example. It's huge, but so structured that it's stylish and sleek. And though it looks and feels like leather, it's actually water-resistant, man-made polyurethane. Kelly made it nice and light (2.5 lbs.) because she knows that you don't need any extra weight when you're going to be lugging your equipment around town with you.

One of the features that I think is most brilliant is that it stands on its own - so set it down and get to work. It will be right there where you left it when you need to access your wide-angle lens or change cameras!

It has an adjustable strap (complete with cushy shoulder pad) so that you can wear it across your body (messenger style) or on your shoulder, with 3 removeable velcro dividers so you can create up to 4 sections inside.  There are 2 magnetic snap pockets, 2 side and 1 back zipper pockets so you can stay organized on the shoot.

Kelly says, "I wanted to encourage the photographers out there and give them a bag where they can change a lens at a moment's notice without feeling the pressure of having the client wait. Trust me...I've been there. I want you to feel the freedom of focusing on your craft and also give you more options. I wanted to give my clients "moore". My mission is for you to walk away having more function, more style and of course more fun!"

Oh, how you've done that, Ms. Moore.  In spades.

This bag can carry all of this - 1 camera body; 1 flash; 2-4 lenses (depending on if you stack them); off camera cords; camera batteries; phone; keys; wallet; double AA’s; designed to carry an 8" lens in length and still have room for various cords and accessories.

And seriously, this bag is gorgeous.  No more lugging around ugly black nylon things (Ew).  So use it when you're not on a shoot or carrying around your equipment.  It's much too pretty to be at home on a Saturday night. Take it out, show it a good time. It works hard for you. It deserves at least that!

I got it in Black (pictured above) so it's my new fall/winter big bag. Oh yeah, it's amazing.

But wait, there's moore!

The B-Hobo Bag. It's too pretty to be a camera bag, right?

Well, normally I'd say yes, but it's Kelly Moore, so it's absolutely possible now, thanks to her!

I got it in Heather Grey (oh my!) and it really is just the most beautiful purse.  Sure I'm going to load it up with my gear, but I'm sure as hell also going to use it as my everyday bag, because it's just too lovely not to show off. 

I loooove that it has 2 straps - a purse style and one for cross-body - with that comfy shoulder pad for the ultimate in comfort. Tres chaud, n'est pas?  This also stands on its own (a hobo that stands? get out!), is only 2 lbs., and has jewelry-worthy matte silver hardware.  It's as sexy as George Clooney, I'm telling you...

And with 5 pockets, it'll keep all of my stuff organized - keys, wallet, phone, notebook, lip gloss, etc.

There are 2 removable dividers, giving you 3 compartments, and it can carry up to a 9 inch lens, camera body, flash, phone, batteries & other accessories.

Kelly Moore Bags are not just insanely beautiful and well-designed camera bags. These are bags that you can use in real life to carry your stuff and look good while doing it.

Kelly is a miracle worker and my new hero.

Get these bags before they sell out.

Because sell out they will.

As they should...

Discover Cool Back-to-School Supplies For Grown-Ups at Speck

I get excited at this time of year when kids go back to school.

I like the feeling of possibility of new things, the crisp fall air (maybe not this year, but that's how I remember it), the smell of sharpened pencils, fresh paper and binders.

I've been outta elementary school for decades now, so to bring back that starting anew feeling, I thought I'd show you some amazingly designed supplies for us grown-ups from Speck.

Speck has a really great eye for modern design and they have such a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from, that you can really cater your items and gadgets to your own tastes.

Take the Fitted Case for my Blackberry.

Like most people, after getting my phone I put it in a plastic case to protect it, thinking I would get something "nicer" soon after.

Months later, I saw the Speck Fitted Case and I knew I'd found my beauty.

This smart black-and-white plaid case is unlike any other case I've ever seen.  

First of all, the hard case snaps together, instead of being one piece - which makes it much easier to remove should I need to change or replace the battery.  Secondly, it looks sleeker and smaller (read: more contoured) than when I had that plastic thing on it.  Now it looks positively beautiful! And the material gives it such a modern and unique look as well as making it uber-comfortable to hold onto. 

So now my Blackberry is not only protected, but it looks gorgeous.  

Swoon.

And to keep the sleekness going, I think the PortPack Shoulder Bag is such a fashion-forward design. This upright messenger bag just makes you feel more organized with everything on the vertical instead of the usual landscape format!  And the pixel design is tres moderne, no?

Your 15" or smaller laptop/notebook will be secure and protected, thanks to the padded - and micro-fleeced! - compartment.  Sooo soft!

And all of your necessary items can be stored in the innovative pockets and pouches.  There is media player pocket/organizer with headphone cord pass-through, expandable water bottle pocket and detachable key leash fob as well as lots of other places to store things.  

I like the strength of everything - double-needle stitched bindings, adjustable and removable padded seatbelt-quality shoulder strap, velcro and buckle front flap closure. 

Which means that it will keep up with your life and lifestyle.

Speck keeps your stuff organized and protected but in the most stylish fashion.

So sharpen your pencils and get out your new, clean notebooks. It's time for back-to-school. Woo woo!

Give Your Home a New Look for Fall With Realm Dekor

I get restless when the seasons change.

I want to cut my hair, rework my seemingly static wardrobe and change things here at home.

Thanks to Realm Dekor, I can make things feel new again with just a few, very inexpensive purchases.

To refresh my look for fall, the City Bag oughtta do it.

This is a new shape for bags. It feels both modern and retro all at once, doesn't it? And you're going to love the soft black leather - it goes with everything and gets better the more you use it (good, because you're really going to use it). There is just enough room for your essentials and a back pocket with zipper closure to keep your belongings secure.

All for only $20? Maybe you should get a couple...

To change things up here at home, I started with the DVD Light.

I love the idea of being able to change your environment to your mood. This DVD allows you to "play" 8 different colours. Why leave your flat screen all dark when it can be blue, pink, etc? And I love the idea of playing it at our next party. It's your own art installation, all at an unbelievably low price!

The realistic Sleep Like a Rock Pillowcases adds oomph and edge to your tired looking bedroom.

These are super king size, so you can make a kind of headboard outta them. Much better than that microsuede thing that you got when you first moved in - ew.

These two sided pillowcases allow you to sleep on the rock side, or plain black. And because they're 75% cotton, 25% polyester, you can look like you're sleeping on bedrock and sleep comfortably.

I think these make a great gift.

And to really jazz up our space, the Miami Accent Throw is purrfect. I love it for so many reasons:

1. What a totally hot colour. Seafoam green faux fur is so much hotter than that cream or chocolate brown one you've been using. Really. That's so last year, people!

2. Oh, it is uber soft. There is nothing I love more than cozying up in bed or on the couch under a soft, plush, warm blanket. Mmm.

3. It can be shared with Cosmo.

4. This beauty is only $20!!!!!!

Stock up for birthday, anniversary and Christmas gifts at Realm Dekor. You'll get completely original, luxe items at prices that you can actually afford!

The changing of the seasons never looked so good.

Saky Sacks - A Reusable Bag That's Designed With You In Mind

I have come to realize that my reusable bag that I carry everywhere with me, alongside my purse, has to be three things:

- Durable (Read: Strong enough to hold all my library books including heavy cookbooks, grapefruit, and assorted jars and cans of things I pick up along the way)

- Light (Have you seen my purse? It's the size of a Thanksgiving turkey. I don't need any extra weight, thankyouverymuch)

- Oh-So-Pretty (Look, I'm no fashionista, but I also don't want to be carrying around those ugly plastic things that grocery and retail stores shill)

I found all 3 things in Saky Sacks.

Because they use this incredible material - tyvek -you can pack up to 25 pounds of whatever you need to into this little beauty. A clasp on the inside keeps everything from spilling out (your eggs are finally safe!)

The material is ultra lightweight (your tissues will weigh more), small (go ahead and squash it into your already packed suitcase - it will fit, trust me), tear, stain and water resistant and machine washable.

You can toss it into the machine, which means you'll actually use it (who cares if it gets dirty when you can throw it in the wash?).

It's pretty (I got the Suzani Saky - Pink, pictured above) but not too pretty to put to good use.

Just what you needed, wouldn't you say?

Buy a bunch now.

Vemayca Cosmetic Bags Solve All Your Makeup Bag Woes

How many times have you had this happen:

You buy a really beautiful cosmetic bag. You just love it. You love seeing it in your purse, putting it in your carry-on, pulling out your lipstick.

But your liquid foundation bottle cracks and your makeup leaks all over the bag. There's no getting that stuff out.

Or it's covered in a thin film of bronzer dust or marks from your eyeliners and lipglosses. No matter how many times or how carefully you wash it, there's no saving your bag.

So you give up on beautiful bags and start buying ugly cheap ones at the dollar store, because you're not going to waste your money. You're not going through all that again.

Well, now you can have a beautiful bag that you can keep for as long as you want, thanks to Vemayca Cosmetic Bags.

See, the beauty of these bags is that they come with a removable soft pearl liner. As soon as the inside starts to get grubby, put a clean one in. That way, you get the bag of your dreams and you can house your cosmetics without worrying anymore!

And there's much to love about this bag, besides the amazing, innovative feature of the removable liner. First of all, it's one of the biggest cosmetics bags without being a trunk or case, so you can finally carry all of what you need without crowding everything. I love that there are 2 generous side pockets with zippers and all of the zippers have big metal "o"s that make it super easy to open and close (just think how much you'll appreciate it at places like airport security or those nights after you've had one too many margaritas!

One feature that you might not think of is the flat bottom (for once, ladies, this is a GOOD thing!). It allows you to keep the bag upright so you can apply and reapply your makeup with ease and hands-free. So talk on your cell while you do a quick touch up - this bag will keep up with you.

And of course we've got to talk about how it feels. Veronica M. Mayo, Founder, has selected a soft, velvety fabric that makes it so enjoyable to touch and use. It comes in 2 colours - black and red.

Of course you can use it for more than just makeup. But with a system this brilliant, it's hard not to load it full of your essential cosmetics.

Soooo, maybe you should get two. One colour for your makeup, the other for cellphone, keys etc...

Now that's organized!

Sacs of Life Reusable Bags Are the Only Way to Shop!

Today I'm heading off the to market to stock up on food for the weekend.

Since I'm an urban girl and don't drive, I'll be taking transit and carrying everything home.

Usually I try and balance one big bag of stuff, and come home with a shoulder with a welt in it the size of New Mexico.

But I have since found a truly wonderful and inventive system that is the way I'll shop from now.

Sacs of Life allow you to carry a number of reusable bags in one "system." Each system includes an additional reusable shopping bag in the front pocket, so you are never without and can shop to your heart's content.

There are a number of different styles and prints to choose from, so whether you are food shopping, heading off to vacation or simply bopping about town, there is a system for you.

The Clipster is a great everyday system. This small pouch unzips into a large shopping bag with tons of room and long handles that make it comfortable to carry on your shoulders. You can use the clip to attach it to your purse or bag, making it always easily accessible. And when you're done, just fold and zip back into its little pouch. Easy peasy.

The Insulator must have been made especially for me. This 3 bag system holds the equivalent of 11-13 plastic bags of groceries.

See? They know me well. Have they been watching shop?!

And gosh it's nice not to have to rely on all that plastic.

I love the fact that the pouch opens to become a large insulated bag and includes a shopping bag and their signature expandable bag, all on one cool clutch (all polyester). But it's the huge insulated bag that's got me all excited! It keeps food warm or cold while you're traveling, so I can pack up a picnic lunch of homemade fried buttermilk chicken and assorted salads and desserts to the park with my fella or haul home (as I am known to do) a whack of assorted cuts of meat and fish to cook for friends, family and neighbours over the week.

The clutch format makes it easy to carry the 3 huge bags easily and sleekly (I want to look like a
lady, not a bag lady, thank you very much) and for once, a company has made bags that are big enough and suitable for a food-obsessed writer and cook!

Woo woo!

Oh, all Sacs of Life bags are PVC free, so you can cart home your fresh food safely.

Thank you, Sacs of Life. I can't wait to get to the market!

Go Green With A Planet Forward Stainless Steel Botttle

It's time to get serious about going green once and for all.

So instead of buying bottled water, get a Stainless Steel Bottle from Planet Forward.

They are sustainable, recyclable, reusable, durable, non-leaching, BPA Free and perfect for the warm spring weather, they also accommodate regular size ice cubes!

You ca get them in different sizes and colours, but the important thing is to get one.

It is a small thing, but the effect it has is huge.

Take this small step today and tomorrow will be a better day for all of us.

p.s. Planet Forward has other great green solutions for you and your home like Reusable Bags, Organic Clothing, MIY Green Home Cleaning Kit and Accessories. Have a look around and go green!