Sweet memories

Who says kids have to wait until Halloween to get their fill of sweet treats? Not the kid-friendly manufacturers behind the coolest USB flash drive we’ve ever seen. Back-to-school shoppers will get rush from the new Hershey’s Miniatures-inspired memory sticks that pack anywhere from 1GB to 4 GB of school projects, reports, research presentations, video, slideshows and so on. Depending on your kid’s personality---and sweet tooth---check out the USB drives that look like mini versions of milk chocolate bars, Krackel, and Mr. Goodbar. Twizzler and Bubble Yum look-alikes also are available. Priced from $14.99 to $29.99 at Best Buy.

Luxe look worth the price

News about the economy has many would-be shopaholics in a funk, but every now and then, we all come across an item or two that makes us wanna splurge. I'm all about saving money, cutting corners and putting cash away for (the next) rainy day. But no good girl should go unrewarded. So if you're doing due diligence by cutting back on your daily soy latte or finding 99 ways to reinvent chicken, then just maybe you'll enjoy Elspeth's luscious leather handbags without any guilt.

There are those among us who are constantly in search of the perfect purse and the soft, indulgent and stylish line from designer Elizabeth Phillips does not disappoint. In her own words: "I wanted to design a collection that transcends cultural fads,” says Elizabeth. “ELSPETH handbags are functional fashion; designed for the contemporary woman offering versatility and convenience with unmatched style.”

We couldn't have said it better. The company loaned us the roomy East Village Tote, which is available in magenta, dark teal, silver grey and chocolate. At $342 MSRP, it's definitely a purchase you'll want to think through. But it feels wonderful on the shoulder and is drop-dead gorgeous with its oxidized brass hardware on the outside, striking stitching and spacious interior pockets. Works well as a daily handbag or as an all-purpose piece that is perfect for work and casual outings. And did we say that it's indeed a head turner? The kind of bag that makes strange women dare to ask, "Where'd you get that? Who's it by?"

See for yourself at elspethnyc.com. The bag is available this August and pre-orders are being taken online.

It's in the bag

Homemade Simple offers excellent tips on making cool totes for friends interesting in everything from bargain shopping to beach outings. Image by massdistraction via Flickr

It was bad enough being covered up by junk mail in real life, but now it seems, my email inbox is flooded with stuff I neither want to read or need to have.

And I'm not talking about crazy spam, porn or foreign lottery winners who want to borrow my bank account. My box is full o' stuff that I signed up for---coupon alerts, e-newsletters and umpteen Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and RSS alerts.

But every now and then I'll come across something so absolutely delightful, appealing and worth sharing that I quit all my moaning and groaning.

Enter Homemade Simple, the mostly useful P&G-backed e-zine that offers helpful, if not entertaining, information on everything from household organization to effective ways of clearing the cluttered mind.

What's so cool in their latest edition? Homemade Simple writers offer cool ideas for gift bags/baskets that friends might like. My favorite source on this topic is Tawra Kellam's Dining on a Dime Cookbook, but I couldn't resist sharing this HS article on Totes to Go---ways to create a gift bag for bargain hunters. Their suggestion follows:

A Bargain Hunter’s Bag---From Homemade Simple
Some people just have a knack for finding the best deals. If that’s your friend, then we’ve got the perfect way to make her shopping even more fun and easy. This bag will help keep everything she needs for hunting down a great buy, plus it provides room for carrying her finds. When choosing a bag, look for a large durable, canvas tote with thick straps so it’s comfortable to carry. Here are some things to consider including:

• Make list-writing simple with a pen and a small notebook that she can keep in her shopping bag.
• A small accordion folder can help her keep coupons organized.
• Include a small, inexpensive calculator for adding up her savings.
• Consider tossing in a few extra foldable bags for bigger shopping trips.
• To make it extra special, include a gift card or two to your friend’s favorite stores inside a charming, inexpensive change purse.
  

Keep reading

• Your Inbox Is Full: Managing Email Overload (blogs.wsj.com)
• Too many tote bags? Here are 3 ways to recycle them (timesunion.com)
• DIY Gift Bags: Save money by reusing newspapers (queercents.com)

Creative Thinking: Your Edge

For all you creative types who color outside the lines, Australian writer/business coach Joanna Maxwell has put together a simple, provocative and highly cool slideshow that will make you think. Hard.

If you like it, pass it on.

Creative Thinking: Your Edge

View more presentations from Joanna Maxwell.