Luckies of London Limited Has the Most Fun & Unique Affordable Gifts!

 

Oh boy. I've got a ton of birthdays, anniversaries and housewarmings in the next couple of months and I was starting to panic - how am I going to shop for all of these people and occasions? There's not enough time and I don't have a lot of money and ...

It's so easy to get stressed out about this kind of thing because it really does take a lot of time to find just the right thing for each individual if you have to hunt around different stores and rack your brain trying to remember something they need or want or like. 

But there is no need to worry anymore because I've found the most amazing one-stop-shop there is - Luckies of London Limited run by the lovely Jim. And it's all online, so you can shop in the comfort of your own home at whatever time is convenient for you. And boy, are you going to be blown away by the selection!

Check out the extraordinary, affordable finds I got for the folks on my gift-giving list:

- Undercover mini sleeve for mp3 players, cameras, games, phones, etc.

Just like it's big brother, the Undercover Laptop Sleeve, this awesome little padded envelope is actually made of a strong tyvek material,  lined and secures tightly with velcro. So while it looks just like a beat up piece of paper, it's splashproof, tearproof and  a lot heartier than that plastic thing you've been using to carry your phone/camera/etc. in. But be careful - it's so authentic looking that you might just want to pop your phone in the mail!

- Party Animals

Anyone can make a sandwich, but mine is going to be the only one with cool looking one, thanks to these playful sandwich cutters. I want to get the whole lot - Pig & Hen (I have the Cow). And I'm not going to just limit myself to sandwiches with this l'il beaut. Oh no, I'm going to make cow-shaped cookies, cow-shaped polenta and cow-shaped  burgers (or is that too cruel?) for my next dinner parties, to name just a few. And while I'm keeping this guy (I'm calling him Len for some reason), I'm going to get a bunch for my food-loving friends. It's not only great fun, it's something they'll really use too.

- Morris the Memo Holder

Speaking of animals, I love Morris. Not only does he hold your memo notes for you, he'll hold it in his mouth for you so you won't forget your shopping list or reminder to pick up the dry cleaning.  There is something so sweet about this burrow. He never asks anything of you - just that you make him feel useful. Now that's unconditional love! He comes in Red, White and Charcoal.

- Pickmaster

This is the ultimate gift for the music lover or musician on your list! Like the old 3-hole punch from high school, the Pickmaster (pictured above) punches out not holes, but a lifetime of personalized guitar picks out of anything flat - cardboard, plastic, etc. You can recycle materials and rock your way up the Stairway to Heaven! This gorgeous sturdy, chromed metal punch is something that the axe player in your life will genuinely appreciate. Rock on!

- YouToDo

It's as tall as I am, which means there's a lot to get through, but I'm up for the challenge. Are you? This list of to dos isn't a chores list by any means. It's more of a life list and the whole family can get involved. There are easy tasks such as "make and flip a pancake" and harder challenges like "learn the capitol cities of Europe." It comes with stickers so you can mark your achievements and there are a few blank spots for you to write in your own to dos. It's much easier to tackle your goals and dreams when they're right there facing you every day. This is a fantastic gift for anyone of any age.

The best part of all this? These are just a small few of the outrageously great products  Luckies has to offer. Shop their whole collection now and get the best gifts EVER!

Show Off Your New Curves with Bust Up Cups

This might be too much information, but it wasn't until my mid-twenties that I started to get breasts. Until then, I had these tiny little bumps that barely stood out from my chest. And while I never stuffed my bra with tissues (I didn't even need a bra, but a girl's got to have something), I was incredibly self-conscious, especially since all of my friends were very well-developed.

Of course there is nothing to be ashamed of with small breasts. But I was young and all I wanted was to look more grown up. So when I saw Kymaro's Bust Up Cups, I knew that they would be a dream come true for someone just trying to fit into a strapless dress or low-cut top that otherwise sags all roomy around their chest.

What I think is fabulous about these silicon inserts is that they so lightweight, you don't even notice you're wearing them. They mold to your body (just place them under each breast in your bra) and they can be reused over and over again. It's amazing how it changes not only the shape and size of your breasts, but your cleavage too. And it looks so natural.

And you don't have to have raisin-sized breasts like I used to to enjoy them. Want to look a little more voluptuous on date night or dancing with your girls? These will amp up your look just enough to get noticed. 

Bust Up Cups are for anyone wanting to add just a little more oomph to their look.

Hmmm. Maybe I'll just hold onto these...

Get your own pair now.

My HercuGlass Clear Mug is Virtually Unbreakable!

Recently I broke my one and only coffee mug.

It's not that we only have one mug, but it was the only one I used for coffee. I guess because I work from home (freelance writing) and every day is a little bit different, using the one mug brings a little bit of comfort and sanity to my often crazybusy workday.

So to prevent that from happening again, I looked to the glass experts HercuGlass and Santanoni Glass & Ceramics.

I got their best-selling Ultra-Break Resistant 13 oz. Clear Mug (pictured above), which holds enough coffee to get me through my harried mornings and is "thermal shock resistant." That means that it will stand up the usual bumps I put it through the day and won't fall apart at the drop of a hat like a reality show housewife.

Check out this amazing drop-test video and see just how much the Clear Mug can withstand!

And if your mug happens to fracture while pouring in a hot drink, HercuGlass will replace it. All you have to do is send it back to them. They will "analyze to see how it broke, so we can learn more about our process and how to improve it even more and send you a replacement." How awesome is that?!

At prices this low, you can afford to replace all your cups and glasses. I will not only do this at home, but when I open my restaurant, I'm using these almost unbreakable glasses and cups in the dining room. Why would you use anything else?

Shop the entire collection at HercuGlass and Santanoni Glass & Ceramics!

Find Your Way Back Every Time with the Bushnell BackTrack D-TOUR

How many times have you been out to dinner or a movie with a friend and when you get back to the parking lot, neither of you can remember where the car's parked?

And last time you went camping, were you sure you knew the route, but ended up taking a few detours that left you more than a little grumpy and tired?

That's why you need Bushnell's BackTrack D-TOUR. This GPS personal location finder allows you to always be able to find your way back/home. All you do is push a button and just follow the arrow. 

It has up to five storable locations, so if you travel to the same place every year or you have a favourite mall that has 6 different levels of parking that you never find your way out off, this feature will come in handy.

What's amazing is that you can upload up to 48 hours of data to your computer (it works with both Macs and PCs and comes with a USB cable - sweet!) to see your journey again, thanks to the self-calibrating digital compass. You can overlay your route on Google Maps automatically. It will show you not only the course you took, how long it was, the speed, elevation and temperature of your adventure!

This sweet little safety net is smaller than my phone and incredibly light at just 6 oz., so it won't weigh you down. It's also weather resistant so even if it's hailing out, you'll be able to get to cover. And I love that whether you're a millennial or boomer, military personnel or civilian, you can set the time (12-hour or 24-hour clock), temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius) and distance (yards/miles or meters/kilometers) to what makes sense to you.

You just have to decided whether you want it in red or green. What a fabulous year-round gift!

 

Get your Bushnell BackTrack D-TOUR now.

Theom Design's Measuring Tape Ring is Oh So Couture

I am very particular about the jewelry I wear. I don't like to wear pieces that you can find just anywhere. I like to seek out individuals who are doing something a little different.

Theom Designs by Menelaos Theodosiades out of Cyprus, does extraordinary work. Menalaos is both an Interior and Fashion Designer, so one day he is designing the exterior off a restaurant and the next, he's making fascinating jewelry and clothing.

Check out the amazing photos of his chairs, Granny Bag and necklaces, to mention just a few items.

My favourite pieces are his rings because when I wear jewelry, I like to rock a big statement piece and let it be the focus of my ensemble.

This stunning measuring tape ring (pictured above) stands high on my finger. It's like a bouquet, really, or fireworks that move with your every gesture. It says, "I love fashion and I'm not afraid to stand on the outer edges to prove it." It screams, "I know what I like and this is it." It alights when I raise my glass of wine or when I reach to shake someone's hand. It shimmies and shakes when I dance and it remains in the spotlight no matter how dim the lights.

Want to be noticed? Then get yourself  Theom Design Jewelry. Because there's nothing else like it.

Make Drinks Like the Pros with Lime Tree Cove Cocktail Salts

Mixology has become one of North America's favourite pastimes.

My fella has become an excellent drink maker in recent months. Frothy, boozy concoctions from the 20s and 30s are a current fave.

But I do love classics such as Margaritas and Bloody Marys. The key to these fabulous beverages is in the rimming. If you don't line 'em with salt, they aren't the real deal. The problem is, how do you do it without making a huge mess?

I found the solution at Lime Tree Cove.

CEO Tim McCaffery writes about how the company started:

"We began when my fiancè asked me, 'Can you re-salt my margarita?' The concept of a better way to prepare rimmed cocktails was born."

Tim and his crew have created the perfect tools and ingredients (all natural) to rim your drinks with ease. 

The Barmaid (pictured above) takes drink rimming and salting to a whole new level. This handheld device allows you to make margaritas, mojitos, martinis, pina coladas, and whatever else you like to sip on. Just wet the rim of your glass with lime, lemon , etc. Place the Barmaid on the rim of your glass, press the button and go around the edge. The Barmaid does the rest, dispensing just the right amount of salt the the glass' edge. You can control the amount of salt by pressing more for more and less for less. Sooo easy!

Want something a little fancier than just plain salt? The Gourmet Samplers allow you an exciting range of spices and seasonings to try.  I taste-tested the Margarita Fiesta Sampler. Offering 4 variations to whet your whistle, there's something here for everyone: Tangy Lime Salt, Spicy Chili Salt, Sea Salt and Fresh Lemon Sugar for those wanting a sweet finish to their drink.

Next time your friends want to go out for drinks, tell 'em they can have handcrafted, personalized drinks at your place. Just see where you all end up.

Shop the entire Lime Tree Cove Collection now.

Step Into Comfort with Sof Sole's New Airr Performance Insoles and Orthotics

With the arrival of the warm weather, you're probably outdoors more than usual, walking and running before the intense heat of the day.

What are you doing to keep your feet feeling good and happy? Most of us have running shoes from years ago and haven't given it another thought since.

That's why you need Sof Sole's New Airr Performance Insoles.

For us ladies:

- The Airr Performance Insoles (pictured above) gives you maximum air cushioning for high-impact activities.  A built-in encapsulated air chamber in the heel and arch and polymer gel forefoot cushioning gives you a hearty bounce and that cushy feel that makes you feel like you can do anything.  The Coolmax fabric top gives your feet room to breathe and keep 'em from getting wet - perfect for running in this heat.

- If you're going to be kick-boxing, jumping rope or running marathons, the Sol Sole Airr Orthotic Insoles are for you. These insoles have the same air chamber as the Airr, but here it's in the heel.  Again, gel forefoot cushioning ensures your complete comfort, but with the Orthotic, you get the addition of a  reinforced stability plate and energy rebound foam. Something tells me you'll be outrunning your mates in no time with these.

- I have a high arch, which can mean that flat, hard shoes can be quite painful. The Airr Arch is the first insole that I've seen that is almost the entire length of a shoe. Which means it won't slip out from under your arch like others in the past and can be worn in any kind of shoe, not just sneakers. Smart.  The anatomically engineered foam based hugs your foot's every curve and the heel and arch encapsulated air chambers will have you wondering how you got this far without it.

And for the guys out there who are sprinting your way through the week, there are styles for you too! Check out the New Airr, Airr Orthotic and Airr Arch for men.

Once you try Sof Sole New Airr Performance Insoles, you won't we able to slip on a pair of shoes without them.

Shop now at a retailer near you. In Canada, look for them at select Sports Chek and Mark's Work Wearhouse stores.

Check Out PUMA's New Collection of Lifestyle Socks

Socks can make a huge difference to how comfortable you are throughout the day, whether you're walking running, going about your regular day at work or running errands and picking up the kids.

That's why you should check out the new Lifestyle Sock collections from PUMA. There are a number of styles and a variety of colour combinations for men and women (pictured above), so no one has to be jealous of the other for having cool socks.

They are made of  70% cotton, 28% polyester and 2 elastene, so you never have to worry about slouchy socks again.  And with 3 to a pack, you've got enough to take you from home to work to the gym or soccer field and back home again.  

The style is short and spunky with the awesome PUMA logo, so you can have them peek out over your shoe, but not be too long to make you look like a dork.  And for once in your life, when you have to slip off your shoes while visiting someone at home, people will notice your socks in a good way.

I've never had anything PUMA before, but I'm telling you - I'll be getting these socks from now on. My other supposed sport socks never last more than a month or two before there's a hole or tear. And they certainly don't look this good. Who knew a sport sock could be so sexy?

These awesome PUMA 3-pack sock collections are available at all major retailers across Canada including The Bay, Sears and sports stores.

The New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle - The Only Bottle You Need

It's sweltering out. I bet you're drinking tons of water.

Are you still buying bottled water? Sure, that $1 or $2 might not seem like much when you purchase just the one, but think about how many you've bought this week. That's a trip to the movies!

I'm guilty of buying bottled water too. Often tap water doesn't taste fresh or clean to me, even though I know it's just fine.

The best solution I've found is the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle.

It has a filter right in it, so you can use plain old tap water. The filter gets rid of chlorine, making it fresh and tasty, as well as saving you tons of money and saving the environment from all those disposable plastic bottles.

Each filter provides the equivalent of 300 bottles of water, so you really get your money's worth and don't have to worry about changing the filter every few days like many on the market.

I love that it holds 600ml (20 oz.) of water! It's more than the regular bottles you buy, but not so much that it weighs you down.

The bottle is BPA-free and can accommodate all kinds of ice cubes. The screw tight lid is leak-proof, so whether you're commuting by subway, car or mountain range, your water stays in the bottle. And there is a nice sized twist on cap that allows you to drink and hydrate comfortably (I don't know how people drink from those wide-mouth ones without it dribbling all down their front).

This is my new favourite travel companion as it fits in cup holders (hallelujah!) and has a fun finger loop that makes it easy to carry, even if your hands are full (and when aren't they?)

I stopped buying bottled water, thanks to the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle. I've already saved a ton of time (no need to search out a store for water anymore), money (it's safely stashed in my wallet ) and the environment (no recycling anymore bottles).

What seems like a teeny switch actually makes a helluva difference.

Make the change too! Get the whole family/office/posse  New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottles.

Cover Up in a Snap with Cleava

This thing is a lifesaver.

I always, always want to dress appropriately. I wear knee-length Mad Men-type dresses or modern pant suits to meetings. No cleavage, no nothing.

But some of my tops and dresses are a little low cut for during the day. We're not talking Jersey Shore popping-out kind of thing, but enough that I need something to cover up and look professional.

Up until now, I've been wearing tight, bodice-tight bandeau tops and layers camisoles and tanks underneath my dresses and tops. The problem with these options is either I can't breathe or I get rolls underneath my top or dress from my underthing bunching. 

 

Then I found Cleava and all my wardrobe malfunctions disappeared!

First of all, I have to tell you that it looks much better in person, than on the website or packaging. And secondly, once you use it, your wardrobe options will double, maybe even triple.

I love that you can put it on before or after you get dressed, so you really can go from the office to drinks on the patio in one fell swoop! Here's a video on how it works. It's so easy: the triangle-shaped fabric (it kind of looks like a thong) snaps into place around your bra straps and through the front part, in between the cups. This gives you a smart straight line across the top of your chest, keeping your cleavage undercover until you decide to reveal it.

And the best part? You no longer have to wear an entire other layer under your outfits (just think of how much cooler you'll be in this sweltering heat!). There is no bunching or bulging of tops or underthings. It stays in place even when you don't, so you don't have to ever readjust your clothes again.

I got the Original Classic in Black, but I'm telling you - I'd love a bunch of 'em to extend my wardrobe through the seasons. Just imagine the possibilities: different colours, different materials - lace, rhinestones, ooh la la!

Cleava is a complete wardrobe saver. My dresses and tops that I could only wear out after work? Now they're doing double duty. All thanks to this little fashion hero.

Get yours now.

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.

IdeaStream Has Everything I Need to Get Organized

Being organized gives me a great sense of calm and peace. If I'm organized, I can then focus on the task at hand. I have everything at my disposal and I don't have to waste time hunting around for anything.

And while 70% of the time, my desk is an oasis of order, the rest of the time, it looks like my desk went on a 24-hour bender. So I am always on the hunt for fun, innovative products that will help me stay on course. 

I found amazing, affordable stuff at IdeaStream Products! They create items that I am always searching out, but can never find in regular office supply stores, or as they say it best, "ground-breaking products that change the way people think, live and work."

One of the best organizational tools are index cards. They allow you to do anything from create lists to plot out an entire book. But how to store them? The Vaultz Acrylic Index Card Box - 3x5 (I got White) is a sturdy, secure place for your pictures, recipes or valuable notes. It holds 350 index cards, so you can save desktop space by storing them all in this one great looking container, complete with steel corners and aluminum reinforcement.  And if you decide to use it to stash money, passport and other valuables, you can lock it up, safe and sound. I bet your wooden recipe box from the '60s can't do all that!

Another great find is the 5 x 8 Locking Storage Clipboard. This mini clipboard has so many superb features - the storage is huge and includes a net pocket, pen loop and elastic to hold back of notepad or anything else; there's an optional shoulder strap which makes it a valuable asset during garage sales, meetings, etc.; it comes with a notepad, so you can start using it right away; it's tough, so take it out onto the field; lock away your money and your secrets! Why would you want a regular 'ol clipboard when you can get this one? 

And because not all file folders are created equal, I am now completely addicted to the Find-It File Folders. I got the All Tab 80 Pack of Letter, Assorted (pictured above) and they are so far superior to what I've been using. Here's why:

- Each folder can have the tab in any of the 3 positions - left, middle and right - you just fold the scored spine to whichever position you desire. This has huge implications to your productivity:  if you can see the tab wherever you are, that means you'll find it faster.

- The box of 80 folders is only $16.99! This means that you can redo your entire home and office within your budget. Woo woo!

- The assorted pack has 5 bright, fun colours, so you can colour coordinate your projects, clients, etc. There is nothing that makes it easier to organize yourself than assigning something a colour. Try it. Just watch how much of a difference it makes.

You can see why I've fallen hard for IdeaStream. Affordable and inventive products that keep me on my game.

You should see my desk.  It's a thing of beauty now.

Cake Vintage Kitchen Papers Turns Your Dinner Party Into the Event of the Season

I love to entertain, but truthfully I'd rather spend my money on ingredients instead of the decorations. But I do like to spruce the place up a bit. It really needs a lift when company's coming by.

That's why my new favourite dinner party accessory is Cake Vintage Kitchen Papers.

This line of beautifully-styled vintage looking papers dresses up your table quickly and without a lot of expense. And you can choose to reuse or recycle them, meaning they'll take up less space than your Grandmother's linens.

Perfect Serving Placemats elevate your food so that everything has the feel of a fine French meal. Whether your tableware is handmade in Portugal or from Ikea, your guest will at least know where which fork goes where. And there's 50 of 'em, so that oughta get you through the summer.

And since doilies are so passe, update your look with 8" Serving Papers (pictured above).  This pad of 25 tear-off sheets means that you can use them under everything from your leek and cheese souffle appetizer to your homemade rhubarb crumble dessert.

For the food lover who's always dabbling in the kitchen, the Cook's Journal is a phenomenal gift. It has a table of contents and each recipe is numbered (space for 40-hand written dishes), with room for the ingredients and directions. With vintage images throughout, it is the most beautiful journal and an instant cookbook - just fill in the blanks and you've got your best-seller completed!

Using soy based inks & 30% recycled content, these are treasured items that make not only wonderful entertaining accompaniments, but incredibly memorable gifts too. 

Shop the entire Cake Vintage Kitchen Papers collection now. A portion of all of proceeds are donated to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund at Vanderbilt.

The New Sharpie Gel Highlighters Will Outlast Your Taxes, Notetaking, Etc.

Whoever invented the highlighter really should be commended because sometimes underlining or bolding just isn't enough.

The problem with most highlighters is that they run out or dry out just as you're getting your calendar in order or marking the important lines of a text. And if they don't run out, they smear, which means your whole page gets highlighted, and that's kind of beside the point.

But the new Sharpie Gel Highlighter has this clear, wide, crayon-like tip that goes on the page dry. So no need to worry about messy smears. Not even with a page fresh outta the printer.

And you can write on slick surfaces for once, so whether you're highlighting a quote from a magazine or a title you want to change on photo paper, it will keep up with you. Oh, and if you forget to put the cap on (I'm sorry, but what kind of person would do that?), it won't dry out, because it's gel, not ink. Which means it just glides over everything beautifully. It feels so good to use.

To advance the gel stick, just twist the bottom. It's like having a fresh highlighter each time you use it.

You should see my calendar now!  Available in three colours – pink, yellow and orange - at Walmart, Staples and Grand & Toy. 

Wake Up Ever So Gently with The Philips Wake-Up Light

 

My fella and I are full-time writers, so our days can be pretty wonky depending on our deadlines. And while I am a fierce early morning person, if I've been up writing until 2, it can be almost impossible to get myself outta bed for 6 or 7.

But the PhilipsWake-Up Light has saved me. It's the most fascinating, gentle wake-up system I've ever come across.

Whether I need to get up early to get something off to press for the west coast or if I'm heading out to review a new breakfast restaurant, I am the lucky girl who gets to awake to a soothing light and the sound of chirping birds.

See, the Wake-up Light simulates sunrise by gradually filling a room with bright light. For example, if I want to get up for  6:30 a.m., I set it to start at 6 a.m. The 250 lux light increases its brightness (there are 20 brightness settings to choose from) over a 30 minute period, allowing your body - and mind - to prepare to wake up even while you're still asleep! What happens is that instead of your body being startled into waking, it slowly works it way into getting up. 

You wouldn't believe the difference it makes.

If you like to get up to FM radio, by all means set the Philips Wake-Up Light to your favourite station (it remembers 3 of 'em so awake to NPR during the week and new hip-hop on the weekends). Me, I'm getting up with the birds. Literally.

I set it so that I get up to the sound of birds, one of the sounds you can choose from. It is amazing to have that be the first thing you hear. We have real ones right outside our bedroom window, but the Philips birds are the only ones to get me up.  It's hard to tell they're not real though. As soon as I turn them off, the real ones are chirping away and really, there is little difference except that the sound now comes from inside the window.

And because you set the brightness settings on your light, you can set it to work as a bedside lamp too. The halogen lamp is replaceable, so you'll never have to go back to the old way of jarring yourself out of bed again.

Why would you want to get up any other way?

The Wake-up Light (3470) is available at a number of places including Amazon.ca and BestBuy.com and The Wake-up Light Plus (3485) is available at Personal Edge and Amazon.ca. 

p.s. Watch how it works for an Arctic town that's often in the dark.

Celebrate William & Kate's Royal Visit with The Coaster Company!

The  Royal Couple: William & Catherine - Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting Canada. How will you celebrate and commemorate this epic event?

No one has better mementos than England's The Coaster Company!

These UK-made Royal Wedding Commemorative Products give you a wide range of photos and products to choose from.  

I think coasters are the way to go, because you get to not only see and enjoy the images, but they come in handy if you like to have a cuppa while you're at your desk or while you're watching the telly (writing about the UK has definitely brought out my English side, as you can see!).  But all of their designs are also available in placemats and mousemats as well.

And because they are so affordable, you can get a bunch for yourself and give the rest as gifts. Such a handsome couple should be displayed, shouldn't they?

The Balcony Kiss on Union Jack Background (pictured above) or without the background preserves that moment in time beautifully. Or perhaps you prefer them waving on the Palace Balcony. Leaving Westminster Abbey is a lovely shot, as is the close up of William & Kate in the Wedding Carriage.And the inclusion of the Crest on this Wedding Commemorative Coaster makes is a wonderful souvenir for Royal's fans.

For those of you who are history buffs, you'll know that according to history files, Keep Calm and Carry On was a poster produced by the British government in 1939 during the beginning of World War II.   It was intended to raise the morale of the British public in the event of invasion, but it never really caught on until its rediscovery in 2000. Since then, it's become a popular catch phrase that actually resonates well in our technologically-laden world.  So I recommend getting a Set of Six Keep Calm and Carry On Coasters  (I love that they come in a variety of colours) for yourself and then a bunch to keep on hand for gifts. You know your friends are going to love 'em as much as you do!

And for a fun take on that, be sure to get these amazing coasters: Calm Down You Can Still Marry Harry, Don't Panic There's Still One Prince Left, Don't Panic You Can Still Marry Pippa and I'm Just Wild About Harry.

Shop The Coaster Comapny's entire collection and commemorate the Royal Visit with something that you'll actually use and you can actually afford (take that, overpriced coins or plates). 

If You're Going to Write, Use a Turtle Pen

I am one of the few writers left that uses paper and pen.

While I can be found working away on my computer for a good 10-12 hours a day writing to deadline, I still use a notepad to take notes while interviewing a chef or celebrity, make lists upon lists (upon lists  - you should see them all) of all the things I need to do and pick up/drop off as well as I keep a paper calendar and agenda that tracks all of my appointments and deadlines. Oh, and I also write old-school thank you notes and send cards through the mail, so you can imagine that I'm always in need of a great pen.

Turtle Pens are unique in that they not only have a great weight to them, not to mention a fantastic stainless steel body, but each pen features SNAPback mechanism and extendible nib casing or "Turtle Head" as the company calls it.

To "activate" the pen, or bring the pen point out of its shell, you pull the top of the pen back, like you're reloading a shotgun (I've never done this, but I've seen it on TV). It's kind of a cool factor, as is the hearty stainless steel case it comes in. But really, it's a heckuva lot of fun to use.

Turtle Pens come in a variety of colours (I got Black) and are refillable. I love the smoothness of the ink and the point of the pen - not too wide and not too thin. If you write at all, even if its just grocery lists, you'll know what I mean.

If you still use pen and paper like I do, get yourself a pen that looks and feels good like a Turtle Pen.

p.s. It makes an awesome gift too.

Luxuriate in Linen Towels This Summer from the UK's LinenMe

Linen is a timeless fabric. 

I remember seeing black and white photos of Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn in linen pants and suits and yet, here they are today at stores like TopShop and Banana Republic.

But perhaps you've never considered linen for your home. Linen Me in England has a whole online shop dedicated to not only linen clothes, linen scarves and linen fabrics but bed linen, throws & blankets, kitchen linen, table linen and bathroom linen.

Inga, an interior designer who graduated from London’s KLC School of Design, explains her love of linen:

"Over years I have come to the conclusion that pure linen, like any other natural fiber, has some sort of magic powers, and I love to share my expertise, skills and passion with LinenMe customers. Making our luxury products affordable and available to any home and taste has always been one of the highest priorities at LinenMe. I’m a regular visitor and exhibitor at interior design fairs in the UK, Germany, France, Japan and USA, so I do try to produce home interior accessories suitable for various tastes, fitting different size standards and as much up-to-date as possible." 

In addition all of the designs at LinenMe are produced in a small, family owned facility in Lithuania. 

I love looking through this site because it shows that linen can be extremely vibrant and colourful like the Silk Wool Orange Scarf and this stunning Purple Linen Dress! And while looking through all of the beautiful items, I was surprised to learn that there are thick and luxurious linen bath towels. I had only seen linen tea towels and cloths before.

So I was really excited to try a Natural Striped Huckaback Linen Bath Towel Lucas (pictured above) to greet me after an energizing shower or a relaxing dip in the tub. This 100% organic linen towel is so super soft (it's been pre-washed, so it's even softer than you can imagine) that you'll wonder why you've been buying cotton towels all these years. The size (70 x 130 cm, 100 x 150 cm) means that everyone in the family will get to envelope themselves and have that spa-at-home feeling and the stripes lend a decidedly modern and exciting look to an otherwise ordinary bathroom.

I'm making the switch over the linen everything - what about you?

Shop LinenMe's incredible collection now.

Get Organized with Scribble on Everything's Incredible Chalkboard Weekly Calendar Decal

I bet you're thinking that you could totally get organized for once and for all, if only you could find a system that not only allows you to customize it to your needs but is big enough to go on the wall.

Because you've got some big ass ideas and nowhere right now to put 'em!

Enter the most fabulous chalkboard of the decade - Scribble on Everything's Chalkboard Weekly Calendar Decal.

It is the most fabulous for so many reasons, including:

- The blocks (8, 12x13.5" chalkboard decals and 8, 12x3" diecut days of week chalkboard decals) are so big that when I unfurled them all on a sheet, I held it from ceiling to floor and it was longer than my walls (and I have fairly high ceilings, so you can just imagine that these are really something). This is really worth noting because sometimes you just need a really big space to allow your mind to open up and this is one of the only calendars that I've seen that really does hold everything that you could possible need to put in there (Octomom, I'm talking to you).

- The other amazing feature besides their ginormous size is that you can put 'em exactly where you want 'em. This is truly a genius feature because not everyone works Sun-Sat. Some people like the week to start on Monday. And who says that they all have to be in one row, starting left to right? Put your calendar blocks where it makes sense for you. If that means all around your armoire and sewing machine, then hells yes, that's where it shall go.

- The decals are made from matte vinyl, which doesn't leave a permanent mark or residue and yet they work like a real blackboard.  And it was made for us modern folks - clean the dustless chalk (you get a twelve pack included with your decals) off with a damp cloth - no mess like the primary school classroom you remember. Thank goodness!

There is no excuse not to be organized thanks to Scribble on Everything's Chalkboard Weekly Calendar Decal.

They have other really cool stuff too - check it out!

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.