Toting Around

These days schlepping is my middle name.  I would be lost without the over-sized tote that I lug everywhere.  Luckily for me and all you fellow overburdened ladies, there are some gorgeous totes that make being a bag lady downright fashionable. 

What’s not to love about this classic one from Hunter.  Pair it with your Wellies and you can romanticize about frolicking around the English countryside with Colin Firth while sloshing through the pick-up line at school.

This tote from Tory Burch will bring some dazzle to your daily jaunts around town.  Available in metallic navy, silver and gold, it begs for life not to be taken too seriously.

Toss Designs does it again with this black patent and caning tote. It's as functional as it is fabulous with numerous exterior and interior pockets.

Last but certainly not least, the trusty L.L. Bean Tote will get you through anything. Sturdy doesn't begin to describe this tough and tumble bag. It's a catchall for everything life throws at you. Available in over a dozen vibrant trim colors to choose from, personalize one for every family member, including the dog.

A Card to Call One's Own

After years in the professional world, it feels odd not to have a business card.  Then again what title could possibly describe a day in the life?  Enter the modern calling card. 

Take one part tradition, add two dashes of whimsy and you get some seriously cheeky calling cards that make a Victorian concept refreshingly new again.  

Feeling Fun & Flirty?  Try Lobird

Luckily Charmed!  Iomoi

For all you queen bees out there, this one’s for you.

And for a slightly more geometric look, get mod with these circular cards spotted on Etsy.

Finally, a quick shout out for Dabney Lee — and by the way we couldn’t agree more that “snappy is a lifestyle.”  She offers a bountiful and festive selection of cards with customized colors, borders and images.  It’s a happy place to land!

Snowbound

We’re snow bunnies at heart. Any invitation to a wintery retreat and our bags are packed. 

Puffy down jacket √, Uggs √, Cashmere scarf √, something for the hosts…

Hot Cocoa with a Napa Valley twist.  Marshmallows sold separately.

Pass the Gruyère.

Who can resist a touch of stag? 

And a warm welcome for the friend who has it all. 

What's For Lunch?

There's certainly a laudable trend in reusable lunch box containers for kids. But where do you find the good ones? Here are a few of our faves:

Soup to Nuts Kit from CitizenPip.  Great new company from a mom of 3 who promises to help you pack a waste-free lunch that’s also ‘muck-free’ - no BPA, no phthalates, no yuck.

Cool non-toxic metal lunch boxes from PlanetBox with mini compartments for your sandwich, fruit, you name it.  Decorate the outside with fun magnets like Retro Kitty.

There are also a variety of colorful containers for lunch and snack from Pottery Barn Kids.  Our kids argue over who gets blue or green.....

And don't forget to pack some Lunchbox Love for your small people.  Such a treat for them and fun to sneak in there - even if they're not sure they still want to hold your hand.  A note on one side reminds them of concepts like "Be Kind" while giving them a fun fact for the lunch table on the other such as "Did you know that a snail can sleep for three years?"


TTFN!