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!

Direct Something Wonderful with the Kodak Playfull Video Camera

I've never had a video camera before, but now with a burgeoning online presence, I felt a real need to be able to capture some things on video as opposed to just writing about it or taking a myriad of photos. And with all the cool things I get to do - interview celebrities, hang out with chefs and taste their wicked food - I wanted to capture these things in real time.

I sussed out a lot of affordable handhelds and I choose the Kodak Playfull Video Camera because it has incredible features that are insanely easy to use, all in one cute, compact little package. 

I love that this Full 1080p HD video camera comes with a "share' button. You can email your video to your friends or your Kodak Pulse Digital Frame or upload directly to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and other sites in just seconds (a built-in USB arm makes it lightning fast). That's not only a fun feature, it comes in handy for work events too!

There are some  neat editing dimensions too, like on-camera editing lets you trim and extract still pictures from video and 4 effects that you can add to give your video a whole new look like B&W, sepia, high saturation and a 70's vibe that will no doubt get your video noticed.

Thanks to built-in digital image stabilization, your videos will look less blurry, no matter how green you are at this. Are you going to be shooting in the sun? Not a problem with the LCD glare shield. Need more room?   The expandable SD/SDHC card slot holds up to 32 GB, so go ahead and record your cover of "Party Rock Anthem" for YouTube.

The only difficult decision you have to make is what colour do you want - Silver, Blue-Silver, Purple-Silver or Blue-Black?

The incredibly cool Kodak Playfull Video Camera is available at major retailers and Kodak.ca.

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.

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.

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.

Count Down to Better Health With New Balance's Via Slim Pedometer

Did you know that you can walk your way to good health merely by eating well and walking 10,000 steps a day? According to The Walking Site:

"The average person's stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long. That means it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk one mile, and 10,000 steps is close to 5 miles. A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day."

It sounds like a lot, but once you track your steps throughout the day, you might be surprised.

I put on my amazing new New Balance Via Slim Pedometer to track just my walk to the grocery store, library, post office etc. In other words, my usual route through the neighbourhood. Here are the results:

4951 steps

1.56 miles

149.5 calories burned

2.38 miles/hour

Now imagine if I'd worn it all day! There is something so invigorating having a pedometer along with you. It really does feel like you've got your own personal coach, egging you on to go that one bit farther. I felt like I just wanted to keep going!

And it's so easy to use. You just clip it onto your waistband and it does all of the hard work of counting and tracking your steps. It displays the time, sensing if you're walking or running, tracks how many miles you've gone and how fast and my favourite feature - tells you how many calories you've burned.

My Mom and I go walking once a week and it started out at just a few hours and this week was our longest yet - 8 hours! Luckily I had my trusty New Balance Via Slim Pedometer with me. Here's how we did this week:

15842 steps

5 miles

478.4 calories burned

2.34 miles/hour

I think I'm just going to keep this l'il baby on my at all times. In fact, I'm going to go for a long walk now and see how many steps I can go!

I've finally found the motivation to walk everyday and work off these last few pounds that just won't leave with my New Balance Via Slim Pedometer.

Get one too and we'll do it together!

eos Hand Lotion is Designed to Go Where You Go

I am a big fan of the eos - Evolution of Smooth - line. I am completely addicted to their lip balms (one of the best I've ever tried) and their shaving lotions are sublime.

Now a new Hand Lotion has been added to the collection, and as I'm sure you can guess, it's incredible.

The eos Hand Lotion is made to fit in your hand, purse, pocket or desk. It's small and rounded, like a smooth rock you'd find at the beach, so it feels good to hold. It comes in the very pretty shades of minty blue and green, so it looks charming wherever you stash it.

eos Hand Lotion has everything you want in a lotion - it goes on light and airy, absorbs superfast and doesn't leave a slick of grease behind. Using 97% natural ingredients, including shea butter, oat extract, aloe, vitamins C & E, you don't have to worry about any chemicals. It's dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic and paraben-free.

I love the fresh cucumber scent (though it makes me want a gin and tonic, but that's just me) and that it makes your skin soft all day long, no matter how many times you wash your hands.

It's also crazy cheap, so I say get one for home, one for the office, one for your bag, one for your luggage...

Shop 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.

Want a Truly Fun & Original Case for Your iPhone 4? Get the Arkhippo from ARKWHAT

Many iPhone 4 cases look the same.

Don't you want something that stands out, that says "I am not just a follower?" Don't you want something that rocks as hard as you do? I've got to say, that's extremely hard to find.

But then I found Arkwhat's ArtHippo I and it was like when you meet someone that likes the same band out of Utrecht or read your favourite book more times than you ever did.

It was love at first sight.

There is something so freakin' amazing about this design. Arkwhat's ballsy, inventive move to make something this big, with  this much impact... it's like no other case in the world.

Using a material called EVA, it is firm, yet a little squishy, making is super comfortable to talk on the phone. And because it's got such a wide back (think of old televisions), you can use it as a stand - either vertically or horizontally - so watching videos or your favourite shows is now a helluva lot more fun.

And while this is one of the most incredibly unique cases I've ever seen, it's still got all the protective power you want and need for your phone. There's a speaker and mic opening at the bottom and to adjust the volume? You push on the case. Now that's fun.

 

There are 7 colours to choose from. I got the hot pink, which isn't girly in the least. In fact, it looks more Andy Warhol than Legally Blonde.

 

This is going in my pick of best gifts and designs of 2011.

If you want to get an amazingly original gift for someone, I recommend the Arkwhat ArkHippo I. They'll think of you every time they use it.

Shop the ArkHippo I Collection now.

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!

You'll Never Run Out of Dinner Ideas with One Big Table

Author Molly O'Neill writes: 

"One Big Table is the nation’s community cookbook, the result of my journey of more than 500,000 miles across the U.S.—during which I conducted over 5,000 oral history–style interviews and consumed untold calories—to discover why we eat what we eat."

This is no mere cookbook - this is a nation's autobiography with recipes.   

With over 800 pages offering  personal stories, recipes and photos, it is one of the most moving cookbooks you'll ever own. Just think - you'll begin to tell these people's stories as you make and serve their dishes. And then your guests will tell those stories and so on...

Because this is a book focused on the U.S., it is a veritable bible of different cultures and the way they eat. 

It includes recipes from home cooks, farmers, fishermen, pit-masters and even famous chefs that you may know. I know I  saw Daniel Boulud in there somewhere...

And the recipes, my God, the recipes - Mavis Lowe's West Indian Pumpkin Soup, Jamie Pagana's Rich & Herby Cornbread, Sicoutris Family's Greek Orzo Salad, Rachele's Haitian Shad in Green Peppercorn Sauce, Thomas Jefferson's Chicken Fricassee, Mill Pond Plantation's Beer and Bacon Quail and well, there's 600 recipes in the book, so I can't list them all (but I'd like to).

I think aside from being introduced to so many amazing people, ingredients and dishes, the part that gets me the most is that I have been handed down hundreds of people's tried-and-true family recipes.

And for a girl that doesn't have an extended family, it makes me feel like I've just found  the very best one of all time.

Buy your copy of One Big Table: A Portrait of America Cooking now.

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.

Old School Meets New School with the Fun RetroFit TV

Sometimes I miss the old way we did things.

Like slipping a fresh piece of paper into a typewriter and clacking your way through a letter or rotary dial phones, where calling someone long-distance required a fare amount of finger strength.

I still dress up for dinner's out, prefer diner coffee to Starbucks, and send letters and cards by mail, so I remain a little old-fashioned, despite loving HTML, SEO and all of my technological gadgets that keep me tuned in and locked down.

RetroFit TV is the perfect marriage of past and present. Suitable for iPhones and the iPod Touch, you simply pop your device into the old school looking TV tray, slide the tray into the sleeve, prop up the stand and sit back and enjoy watching TV the way you used to.

Whether you're at home, on a plane or train or having a party, RetroFit TV is the best way to watch videos, movies and TV reruns.

I suggest having a TV dinner while you watch to complete the experience.

In Need of a Fascinating Read? Get a Copy of A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary

I love people-watching, and one of the best places to do it is at an airport.

The rush of emotions as long-lost friends and family see one another after a long time, the way people wile away time in between flights, how they carry themselves, what they wear - it's all so darn captivating.

Renowned author Alain de Botton has been observing folks all of his life, it seems. He has been studying the way we work and live and writing about it in a very original way in books such as The Architecture of Happiness and Essays in Love. But I think it's his book A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary that is the most absorbing, that gives the most in-depth look at how people are in a specific environment.

In the summer of 2009, Alain de Botton was invited to, as he explains "spend a week at Terminal 5, situated between the two runways of London’s largest airport. This artist, who was sonorously to be referred to as Heathrow’s first writer-in-residence, would be asked to conduct an impressionistic survey of the premises and then, in full view of passengers and staff, draw together material for a book at a specially positioned desk in the departures hall between zones D and E."
 

It is there that he spoke with staff, passengers and other folks in Terminal 5. 

Now just imagine for a moment, if you can, working in the middle of a gigantic airport terminal ("the size of 4 football pitches").  At a lone desk while people go on about their business. Would you be able to do it?

It is a fascinating idea and Alain does a tremendous job of pulling you in, making you feel like you are right there with him. 

His writing is sparse, but nonetheless astonishing:

"I showered, ate a fruit bar purchased from a dispensing machine in the car park and wandered over to an observation area next to the terminal. In the cloudless dawn, a sequence of planes, each visible as a single diamond, were lined up at different heights, like pupils in a school photo, on their final approach to the northern runway."

He witnesses exquisite life moments that we pass by everyday, but rarely stop and take stock of - a beautiful woman breaking down, a man who missed his flight by just a little and a man who has been thinking about his vacation for what seems like forever. 

He introduces us to the terminal's staff and shows us corners that go otherwise unseen. 

It is a remarkable, heart-stopping account of human nature and the striking photography by Richard Baker make it even more stunning.

I would like to say more about it, but at only 112 pages, I'd rather you discover it on your own.

Buy it now. For yourself. For gifts. For everyone you know. 

This is one book you'll never forget.

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.

GoLite Shoes Aren't Just Comfortable - They Change the Way You Walk!

As much as I enjoy strapping myself into a teetering pair of heels, I need a shoe that I can actually walk in. And not from a limo to the door of a theater (which is the only way I can imagine celebs walk around in those towering beasts), but something that I can walk a good couple of hours in. 

I mean, it can't keep snowing, right? Shoe weather is here, as far as I'm concerned!

One of the best shoes I've ever come across are from GoLite Footwear.

GoLite specializes in outdoor performance footwear, so you're not getting a shoe as much as a technological wonder! You can feel the difference as soon as you put them on. Your shoe moves with your foot, not the other way round. They support and relieve you and actually change the way you walk! My back and feet don't ache like they usually do and I can walk for hours in these without feeling any fatigue whatsoever.

I am completely and utterly addicted to my Aura Lites (pictured above). These ballet slip-ons in Griege (finally someone made Griege shoes - thank you!) are so comfortable that I won't go for a long walk without them. The dual density PU midsole  keeps you feeling as if you're bouncing along, instead of the usual trudging.

And they look fabulous! I love the funky crimped-edge bottoms and the nubuck leather uppers with rounded toe are quite feminine. I rock them with everything from wide-legged jeans to yoga pants. I get compliments each and every time I wear them.

 

Get a pair of shoes that you can live in.

It's the most amazing feeling in the world!  

reBloom Helps You Get a Good Night's Sleep, Naturally

I'll be honest. I haven't been sleeping all that well lately.

After coming off of an intense 3 month work project, I now stay up worrying about all the things I've  got to catch up on. That, along with all the things I want to accomplish this year and well, you get the idea... It's lead to months of horrible sleep and never really feeling caught up.

Until reBloom.

I was skeptical actually. I mean, I know lavender is calming and soothing, but could it along with a few other natural ingredients really induce sleep?

I am thrilled to report the answer is yes!

All you do is drink the tiny bottle (or half if you prefer) 30-60 minutes before bed. I actually brought my work and blackberry with me (I know, I have some serious issues to work on) and about an hour later, I started to get sleepy. Now granted it was almost 1 a.m. so I should have been drowsy, but here's the thing: I actually slept through the night for once and awoke feeling rested.

Using just valerian (a natural sleep aid used since Roman times), chamomile, the aforementioned lavender extract, melatonin (which you've no doubt already tried for curing sleepless nights) and l-theanine (an amino acid in green tea), filtered water and salt, reBloom did the trick.

It tastes like a slightly thick herbal tea or like an aloe drink from the health food store. Pleasant enough, but you'll be so distracted by lack of sleep that I doubt you'll think much about the taste. You know that cycle where you're just trying to get through because you are so exhausted?

Like you, I've tried many natural remedies in the past, but they never worked. I'd toss and turn as if I'd just downed a coffee, not a herbal elixir. But reBloom is different. Maybe because Jonathon Bunt, CEO and Founder made it outta love. For his wife. So she wouldn't have to take Ambien for the rest of her life. Or maybe it's because it's the right combination of things that allows you to quiet your mind and find sleep again.

Either way, I am grateful to have found reBloom.

Sleep can be yours again. Naturally and at an affordable price.

Zzzzzz...