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!

Indulge Your Love of Making Lists with Curious Lists: A Creative Journal for List-Lovers

I have been making lists since I was a young girl.

I don't know why it brings me such joy, but anytime I'm stuck in any problem that needs solving, a list always brings me peace - and usually a solution not long after.

I know I'm not alone in this. There are a ton of folks who loved to make lists. Like Ashley of the awesome blog After Nive to Five with her "Life List," and Meredith of Penelope Loves Lists.

Curious Lists: A Creative Journal for List-Lovers is a fantastic gift for those of us that love to write things one after another, that like to come up with ways to be more productive or intensify our creativity.

Twenty-six chapters of orderly, fun lists offers hours of fun and merriment for list-makers. And the best part? You simply fill in the blanks! There is something here for everyone - Lists for Rainy Days, Lists for Vacations, Lists for When You're on the Bus...

Ooh, get your pens and pencils out, folks - it's time to list Rural Areas Mentioned in Hemingway Stories, Best-Selling Salt-Water Taffy Flavours and Albums to be Played on a Sunday Afternoon.

Stock up on Curious Lists for all the creative and type A folks on your gift-giving lists. They will love you forever.

My New Life Guide Is Lotta Jansdotter's Handmade Living: A Fresh Take on Scandinavian Living

I have loved Lotta Jansdotter for years and have written about her products at every opportunity. I wrote about her sewing book back in 2007 and her notecard book, labels and stickers back in 2010.

There is such a clean simplicity to everything that she does that I find so calming and simultaneously appealing.So when I discovered her new book, Handmade Living: A Fresh Take on Scandinavian Style, I knew I'd found my new life guide.

What I mean by that is adapted her philosophies and looks into my own life. While there are many similarities to our looks and homes, I am always looking for ways to improve, simplify, declutter and spend more time on the things that truly matter.

Lotta graciously lets us in on her home and office and shows us fantastic ways to decorate, design and entertain. But really, it is more a lesson about a way of life. In the introduction, she writes, "It's my aim to show you that living a stylish life does not require a lot of money. It simply takes some interest, patience, and a touch of creativity."

I really believe that  you can live a full life without spending a lot. It's like a lot of organizing books say - keep only what really matters and you will enjoy those few things so much more. So I am already on board with her on this one. I think I just need a little honing and maybe a little more Scandinavian touches throughout the place.

Lotta also says that for her, "home is not really home unless there is a bit of cooking involved," so she she not only shares some of her beloved recipes, but includes recipe cards at the back.

I think what I find so fascinating is that she lives in bustling New York doing all of these wildly creative, energetic things and yet, her home is a haven of serenity, calm and beauty. This, while she has a husband, 2 year-old son and a cat. It's not a pristine white on white penthouse where things don't get touched and/or moved. This is like our home - where people live their lives and get dirty and have laundry to do and garbage to take out. What a relief to find someone like us (because we all know that people like Martha Stewart has staff and is prickly about mess). Just look at her kitchen - things are stacked and stacked. It feels just like home, doesn't it?

She gives great advice about everything from covering your windows so they still let in light to using up wasted space with baskets and shelves. And now I want "tray slings" and to instill "Fika" and "Smorgastarta" in my life! - you're just going to have to get the book to find out what they are.My favourite part of the book is about her office. She loves it so much that she decorates and reorganizes it all the time. A woman after my own heart.

I know about 20 people that could really use this book and about 50 that would love it just for the beautiful wisdom and ideas within it, not to mention the photos. What a gorgeous gift this makes - both for yourself and for others. 

And really, giving yourself the life you deserve is the best gift of all. Which is why this is going on my permanent holiday and birthday gift list. Because this kind of joy should be spread all around!

Buy your copies of Handmade Living 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.

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. 

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.

Start Your Day on the Right Foot with The Small Object: Today Is Super Journal

Sometimes life can be overwhelming. Deadlines come faster than you can keep up with them, clothes pile up (didn't you just do laundry) and you wonder how you're ever going to manage it all.

I can't grant you more time, but I think this might help:

The Small Object: Today Is Super Journal gives you not only a colourful place to list all of your to-do's and write down your thoughts, but is so cute and fun, you can't help but smile and giggle.

The "Daily Inspiration" page gives you the categories (to make, eat, find, wear, remember, play, ponder, create, see, be visit, match) and you simply fill them in. Easy peasy.

"Daily Expenses" helps you track your money and "Daily Doodles" allow you to goof off when you need to take a much-needed breather.

When you need to write about what's going on, the "Daily Journal" is the best place to be. A little acorn of a guy holding a pencil accompanies you on your journey. Fill in the coloured blocks with the day, date, weather (aww) and how you're feeling. Tracking your day has never felt so good before.

Blank pages give you the room you need to breathe and sort things out. Writing on these colourful wavy lines, it's hard to think that life is hard.

My favourite of course is the "Daily To-Do List" pages. 24 colourful lines blank circles at the end of each that you can fill in with your life stuff. 

That, and the stickers. Because nothing can be too much for a sticker.

Instead of buying a plain ol' notebook get The Small Object: Today Is Super Journal. You'll be so glad you did.

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.

This Book Has A Swear In It, But I Think It's Funny Anyway.

I am a very polite and proper woman.

I always say thank you, offer my seat to elderly folks on the subway and I dress appropriately almost always.

But when I came across Ray Fenwick's  F*** You and Your Blog Journal, I couldn't stop giggling. Maybe it's like he's swearing for me and it's such a relief to have someone speak their mind so blatantly without regard for someone's feelings (I can't even imagine...) or the fact that it's aimed at bloggers, which can attract someone's wrath like nothing else. Or that he's got it so right down to this very moment and time, so that if someone in 2066 were looking at it, they'd be able to track it back to around right now.

It is snarky, I'll admit, and could be construed as mean, but the cartoony balloon and clouds juxtaposed with the swear somehow just make it cute and damned funny. It's a hard balance to achieve, but I think Fenwick's really nailed it with this one.

It's hard to see here, but the 192 pages within have graph paper on the left and lined paper on the right. There's space for the title and date at the top of each page, so you can keep an actual journal or use it however you like. I'm using mine as I do with many of my notebooks, a catchall place for my ideas, deadlines, things I want to do, things I need to do, etc. And because the pages are bordered in 3 different colours - salmon (as pictured above), blue and grey, it makes it easy to categorize all of my many, many things at a glance.

So it's cute AND useful. A rare combination indeed.

Get your own F*** You and Your Blog Journal now and let it do the potty-mouthing for you!

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!

Slice - For When You Want to Just Cut to the Chase, or the Paper!

Have you ever gone to use your scissors to only be shocked by how dull they are? And aren't they just so bulky and uncomfortable to grip onto and use?

Slice has created a line of innovative household items such as Stainless Steel Scissors that are so beautifully designed, you'll wonder why you were stuck with those ugly black ones for all those years! They have paired with world-renowned designers to create objects of not only beauty, but function.

Designed by Karim Rashid, the Japanese stainless steel scissors (pictured above) are a work of art, but no so much that you can't use them. In fact, the hand-polished finger-grips are quite comfortable (whether you use your left or right hand!), despite the flat shape. The blades are sharp, so you can cut your way through stuff without having to use your hand for strength.

It's hard to find a good Letter Opener, but this one just zips through your envelopes, no matter how thin or thick. The zirconium oxide ceramic blade works on the envelope, not on your hand, so no more paper cuts or slicing your hand open. And because it's magnetized, you can always keep it within reach. And I know, just because you can open your bills faster, doesn't mean they'll necessarily get paid any sooner!

If you're at artist or tend to need to cut and open a lot of materials, you're going to love the Safety & Precision Cutters! The Slice Safety Cutter is not only a life-saver, but an immense time-saver. Opening and removing the shrink wrap from CDs and DVDs suddenly takes just one sec. Cut pictures and recipes out from magazines or articles from the paper smoothly and quickly! And there's that magnet again, so you won't lose it, or use the key-ring hole so that you can have it with you on the go.

The Precision Cutter is another Karim Rashid design. He's made this one safe and sharp, thanks the zirconium oxide blade and comfortable handle, so you can work your heart out without worry of it slipping. It also gives you great control so don't be surprised if you start doing intricate paper cutouts amidst the projects you're working on!

And for those of use, forever trying to find a vegetable peeler that actually:

- works

- and feels good in the hand

Slice and Karim Rashid have come up with a superb Vegetable Peeler - the Y-Peeler - that will have you eating more fruit and veggies than ever because it's so much fun and easy to use! The super-sharp ceramic blade gets through both soft and tough skins, and the handle is so comfortable, you'll want all of your kitchen utensils to come with the same comfy grip! That's neat is that the ceramic blade is "non-allergenic, chemically neutral, and impervious to acid, fat and salt. Won't brown food, transfer smells, or leave a metallic taste." I'd never even thought about those things before! No wonder it's recommended by the Cooking Club of America! 

Slice is really onto something here - making our everyday tools work in today's environments with our needs in mind. And despite using famous designers, Slice has managed to keep the tools at affordable prices, so you can have chic items without having to cough up a week's paycheck! 

And it's all for a good cause to boot: Slice was founded in 2008 by TJ Scimone as a way to help fund long-term care for his son, Alex, who is autistic. A minimum of 1% of all Slice product sales is donated to help fund autism research. By purchasing their products, you’re helping to find a cure for the millions of children and their families who live with autism every day.

Shop the entire Slice collection and get tools that fit in with your modern lifestyle. Isn't it about time?

Mini Goals Notepad Helps You Get Stuff Done - In the Most Fun Way Possible!

I have always loved making lists. I love writing things down and then crossing them off when they're done. It's such an amazing feeling to see things you never thought you could accomplish get completed and struck through or checked off!

Lists are something that I think a lot of women cling to to try and get order in our chaotic lives. It helps grounds us and sort through all the various parts of our lives in just a few minutes.

But a problem I run into all the time is my lists get so long and there's so much to do - where to start?!

There's where the genius and delightful Mini Goals Notepad by Mary Kate McDevitt comes in.

There are 100 tear-out to-do lists in this awesome l'il 200 page pad, with 15 different designs to help get you motivated and keep things simple enough that you'll actually get stuff done.

I love the "I will get 2 things done" sheets where there are 2 huge spaces that take up most of the page for you to write down your tasks. After completing those, you'll feel on top of the world!  And the "Today I will kick ass and take names" sheets have got to make you want to shout from the rooftops, "I accomplished some stuff today!" If you need a little kickstart, the "After coffee, I will..." sheets are the perfect solution. And if you like to focus on just a few things at once, then you'll be using up the "Today's about quality not quantity" sheets like nobody's business!

The Mini Goals Notepad makes a wonderful gift. Even if it's just for yourself.

Get yours now. Or maybe 10.

Left-Handed Folks Need Things Too, So Shop Lefty's Left Hand

I am fascinated by left-handed folks. Have you ever noticed how many intelligent and artistic people are "lefties"? Try Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie and Jerry Seinfeld, to name just a few.

Like many right-handers, I tried to switch to writing with my left hand, but couldn't quite manage it. And now I see how hard it is even for left-handers - they have to position their hand in such a way that it won't smear the ink. And you don't realize how many tools are made with right people in mind, such as scissors, portfolios, etc.

So when I discovered Lefty's Left Hand, I thought, "This is what the world needs more of! Why should it be so right-hand dominated?"

The selection at Lefty's is vast. Whether you need a fun gift or something practical, you'll find it all here.

To show what good company you're in, get the Lefties Rule Mouse Pad. Pictures of Queen Victoria, Napoleon and Alexander the Great will be at your side while you type away. It's nice to be surrounded by greatness, isn't it?

And in case you have to make the occasional note by hand, you're going to want to keep the Left Handed Portfolio close by. Lefty's went in search of one that opens to the right that they could offer their customers and when they couldn't find one at a good price, they commissioned one from Random Arts. They're a "small, family run, US company specializing in binders since 1954. The company operates a recycling program for vinyl 3- ring binders, re-using the vinyl in its own products." 

Each portfolio comes with a Yoropen, which I looove, and each part of the portfolio is either "100% recycled, or contains a substantial percentage of recycled content." The lined pad that comes with it is also 100% recycled.

And don't miss out on the Le Chat Backwards Watch (pictured above). The hands move counterclockwise and the numbers are reversed or "backwards" to standard clock and watches. If you hold it up to a mirror, it looks "normal" but some lefties can read it naturally this way. The expandable, adjustable silver band and pearlized face is quite chic, making it a great gift for the lefty in your life.

Shop the whole Lefty's Left Hand collection now.

Simplfy Your Life With Powermat Wireless Charging

Has your life become overrun with cables and wires?

Technology is wonderful, but the tangle of wires around my house drives me nuts, so I decided to declutter and simplify.

Powermat Wireless Charging Products allow you to keep your phones, cameras, mp3 players and whatever other gadgets you've got going on, charged and ready to go, but they are also:

- wireless so you have less cords to deal with  - thank you

- versatile so you can charge more than one item - because who has only one device these days?

- quick and easy to use, because you simply put your device down to begin charging - no plugging and unplugging

- darn smart as they emit a sound and light up to let you know it's charging, won't overcharge your device - hallelujah

- saves energy  as the auto shut off occurs when your device reaches full power - how many times have you left your device charging all night?

- small enough that they don't take up much room at all - goodbye cluttter!

First, select a Powermat Mat that suits you and your family's needs. I got the Powermat 2X Mat, which allows you to charge 2 devices with just one plug. The thin black mat is about the size of a postcard, so you can really put it anywhere. Just plug it in, drop your devices down and pick 'em up charged and ready to go - it's so easy!

Then select your Receiver. If you have a Blackberry Bold 9700 Series, this Receiver Door will allow you to wireless charge it with the mat of your choice. All you do, is replace your existing battery door with this receiver, and you can drop and charge at a moment's notice. Isn't that how charging should be?

If you have an iPhone, you can make it even easier! These Bundled Solutions are a complete wireless charging system - protective case with charging mat. Plug in the mat, put on the case and you never have to do anything but drop your phone down to charge.

Why are you still charging your devices the old-fashioned way when Powermat offers such an amazing solution to cord frenzy?

And because you don't always remember to charge your device when you need to (no one's perfect!), you're going to want to get yourself Portable Power. The power! Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery charges on your Powermat Mat and then allows you to keep your devices charged while on the go. And you can charge 2 devices at once, thanks to the convenient Apple connector and micro-usb.

Powermat's made it so easy to charge your devices, so you'll find yourself with charged gadgets more often and way more space at home, in the office and your luggage.

Shop the entire Powermat collection now.

Special Technology Report: Freedom Pro Accessories Are Can't-Live-Without Items

I have been a proponent of smartphones since the very beginning. I know you know this now, but they really allow you to do so much.

In fact, I wrote about half of my book on my lovely HTC years ago and after I basically wore the keys right down to their wires, I switched to a Blackberry.

Like most smartphone users, my whole life is on here - I email, text and tweet while on the go, have my calendar and contacts with me and I work on this thing as much as I do on my laptop at home.

But as much as I love it, it still isn't as nimble as being on a regular keyboard and it's more tiring on the hands. I am limited to how much I can get done on my phone vs. working on my laptop.

So why I discovered Freedom Pro, it was love at first sight!

Their Freedom Pro Keyboard is a bluetooth keyboard that works with PDA's, smartphones, pocket PCs and UMPC's (in plain language, all that means is that it'll  work with your Blackberry, Window Mobile phone, Android, iPhone and iPad and even netbooks, Playstation3's, your PC or Mac - see the complete list). Basically, you're turning your phone into a laptop.

You initially set up your keyboard to connect via bluetooth (it takes just a minute with just a few steps) and then from then on, all you have to do to connect is press a key on your phone and turn your keyboard on. Instant gratification!

There is a pull out, folding stand that you set your phone on and because the whole set up is wireless, you don't necessarily have the phone right in front of the keyboard. Put it where it's most comfortable for you, or where space allows.

And unlike most accessory keyboards that are too small or hard to use, the Freedom Pro Keyboard is full size and has the most amazing soft keys - you'll want to type on just this from now on!  There are 6 dedicated keys that allow you to work off your phone as if it were in your hand (answer call, end/reject call, open messages/email, open address book, open tasks and open calendar), so that you don't have to give up any functionality while remaining uber productive.

You'll love being able to navigate all around your phone through just the keyboard. Switching back and forth between applications is so fast (faster than on your phone even!) and I have been able to get days of work done in just a few hours because I can be working and talking at the same time.

Sometimes I bring work to bed with me. Either I'm on a short deadline or I just can't sit at my desk anymore, but it's not always conducive to bring my big, bulky laptop to bed either because it's low on battery or it's just too uncomfortable. Now I bring my Freedom Pro Keyboard and work off of my phone and it's so easy! Just imagine how this will change everything for you - working on a plane or train, in a doctor's waiting room, etc. There's not always an outlet available for your laptop and sometimes you don't want to wait through it starting up or it's too awkward to work in such a small place, but this incredible keyboard changes all of that. 

It folds up into a beautiful leather-like case, so you can bring it anywhere with you. It uses just 2 AAA batteries (that are included!) and thanks to LED indicators, you can always tell when you're connected and how much power you've got.

The Freedom Pro Keyboard is one of the best accessories I've ever come across and it has made my life so much easier/better, I can't imagine life without it now.

And to help keep me productive, I keep the Freedom Walk & Talk in my purse at all times.  See, it gives me up to 1 hour of emergency talk time when I really need it.

And I know you've experienced this, when you go to use your phone and it's dead and it's not convenient or even possible to try and fine another phone or computer nearby.  Sigh. It is an awful place to be. But that is a thing of the past when you carry the Freedom Walk & Talk with you!

This small little black box is strong, yet light and will charge your devices with a Micro USB charging port using the foldaway Micro USB power cable. And it had an internal charging circuit that:

• Makes sure it will fully recharge, every time, even when "top up" charging (no need to fully discharge it first) up to 500 times.
• Protects both your phone and the battery from overcharging.
• Allows you to charge both the phone and the battery at the same time; prevents overcharging and ensures optimum charging every time

See? I told you it was great!

Freedom Pro Accessories are absolute essentials if you want/have to work or stay connected while on the go. And really, in this day and age, who doesn't?

Discover PriaVanda's Gorgeous Handmade, Handwoven Day Planners on Etsy!

I know what you're thinking.

Here it is February 1st and you haven't done all the things you said you'd do. You made plans in your head, but you didn't follow through with them. It's too late. The moment has passed.

WRONG!

It's never too late. And who says that you have to be all ready and motivated on January 1st, after weeks of either overindulging or feeling guilty for not completing everything that has to be done?

Nuh uh. You can start right now.

And the best place to start is with the prettiest planner on the block by PriaVanda.

Using satin ribbons and a unique technique to basket weave her handcrafted products, New York designer PriaVanda has found the perfect medium to create the structure for her line.

PriaVanda says, "I began weaving ribbons through plain bamboo mats to dress them up and was suddenly inspired to add this touch to everyday items. I was drawn to stationery because I cannot live without my day planner and that was the first product I created. The line grew from there."

The line includes address books, day planners, journals, notebooks and to do list pads.

The best thing is that she makes these necessities of our daily lives so damn gorgeous and usable that you'll want to use them ALL THE TIME and you'll wonder what you were doing using those ugly black vinyl ones from the office supply stores all the years. 

I knew as soon as I saw the Handmade Weekly Day Planner, that I'd found the perfect system - an organizer to help keep my crazy life straight that's enhances my desktop. I mean a planner this stylish has got to be on display at all times. Or kept in your bag, so you can show it off while you're out and about!

I got the Handmade Diagonal Weekly Day Planner (pictured above) with the most stunning pinks and grays. It comes in a range of colours - blues and browns, orange and black, pinks and browns, blues and grays, black and gold or choose your own colours. How's that for personalized?! And it gets better - start with any month that you want.  Who says you have to start Jan 1st like the rest of the world? Begin with the month of your choosing and your year will follow from there.  Finally, a calendar that works on your schedule, not anyone else's. 

The covers are made from thick, sturdy cardboard, so it won't be all flimsy like those ones you've had in the past. The front is covered in satin ribbons and the back gets covered in paper matching your selection.  The hard wire binding keeps everything neatly together and allows you to not only use the book completely flat, but you can also flip the front cover over and use just one side of the book at a time - great for when you want to use it on the train, in a small cafe, etc.

The monthly pages (one month over two pages) have good size boxes that allow you to plan and schedule ahead. And the weekly pages (one week on two pages) are set up brilliantly - your appointments go in the boxes on the left and your to do list is on the right. With this system, you simply fill in the blanks, so there's no messiness, no trying to scrutinize your notes to see what you wrote is a to do or a place to be. It's all neatly laid out for you. It's genius.

You also get:

- Monthly & weekly motivational quotes

- Notes section

- 2 year reference calendar

- Important holidays

- To do list

- Ribbon bookmark in matching colour

- Integrated folder in matching color

And because the pages are printed on 28lb. acid-free archival paper, you can use fine pens and markers without them bleeding through to the other side, so colour code and highlight your life (I do!).

You can further personalize your Day Planner with the your name. Doesn't that make for a nice gift?

You are going to have to write down your appointments and things to do anyway - why not do it somewhere that makes you happy?

Order your PriaVanda Day Planner now.

Your year starts now!