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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Party Animals

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

- Morris the Memo Holder

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

- Pickmaster

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

- YouToDo

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

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

Show Your Gratitude with Gorgeous, Inexpensive Cards from Thank You Cards Shop

One of the greatest joys in my life is stationery. And in particular, thank you cards.

There is something about being able to write my sincere thanks and gratitude to someone for their kindness and generosity or friendship.

So thank you cards are a very big deal to me. I don't send just anything. It's got to be darn special.

So when I found Amy Lowry's Thank You Cards Shop, I was absolutely elated. Someone that specializes in thank you's? How amazing is that?! Amy writes about how she came to have the shop: 

"[Thank You Cards Shop] is an expression of my love for stationery and for living the creative life. I cannot tell you how much fun I had designing each card for the shop. I got my start designing stationery for my own wedding, almost 6 years ago and from there I was hooked. Almost everything about our wedding was DIY! When it came time to design the thank you cards for the wedding I found myself short on time – and ended up shopping for cards, but wasn’t totally happy with the selection available and the lack of customized options. Years later, I remembered this and realized that designing stationery would allow me to explore so many different styles – and to design for so many different types of people. I knew it was a perfect fit for me, and I’m excited to be embarking on a new chapter in my career as a stationery designer."

All of the cards are digitally printed on high quality white cardstock and professionally printed and packaged in the TYCS studio. The paper is manufactured in the United States, either from FSC certified forests (ensuring responsible harvesting techniques are used) or from paper recycled from cotton remnants, with 90% of packaging materials made from recycled paper.

When is the last time you had so many thanks you card designs to choose from?

-Flowerburst Patterned Cards are sweet and summery - perfect for sending after this season's events. 

- And I love the bird themed cards - Bird Thank You Cards and Crowned Bird Thanks (pictured above). I can think of a bunch of folks that will really appreciate the beautiful illustration and colour palette of these.

- But I think I love The Birds - Stationery the most. These rendition of a happy l'il forest just makes me smile, so I can only imagine how delighted the recipient will feel.

I don't know how Amy is able to offer such affordable cards! And the more you buy, they more they go down in price. My advice is to get a bunch of your favourites and stock up. I like to have them on hand so that as soon as I want to thank someone, I can send it off in the mail as soon as possible. This week, I'll be sending Amy's lovely thank you cards and thank you notes all around the globe - to a friend in London, to a friend who just got married this weekend, to colleagues in Michigan who opened up my eyes and my world, and assorted family and friends for just being in my life.

Now I just have one problem - how do you send one to a person who makes thank you cards for a living? I'll have to think on this one...

Shop the entire Thank You Cards Shop Collection now.

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.

Why You Should Make the Switch to IQ Cleaners

Not all "natural" and "eco-friendly" cleaners work.

Sometimes they leave behind streaks and essential oil smudges.So it's important to find one that actually cleans well enough that you don't feel like you have to clean afterwards. Been there, done that.

Scent is also very important to me. I want something that smells "clean" but not astringent.There's nothing better than walking into the house and inhaling a big ol' whiff of "this house has been taken care of."

That's why I'm think iQ Cleaners are a smart choice:

- The wicked design  of an empty bottle with a cartridge. You pop in the cartridge and add water. Better for the environment (80% less waste) and a lot easier to carry home.

- They do what they say they do: clean.

- Non-toxic ingredients means that I can feel good about using them at home. After all, our Cosmo has been known to lick the floor on occasion.

- You can finally afford cleaners again. Thanks to iQ, they've created an inexpensive options for those of us who don't want to have to choose between buying a cleaner or pair of shoes...

- The scents are wonderful - flowery, but not sweet, and yes, clean-smelling. Woo woo!

I tried 3 of the 4 cleaners and was thrilled with them all. The All-Purpose Cleaner goes to work in my office and the kitchen without any elbow grease required. I clean our bathroom a lot, so it's nice to know that iQ Bathroom Cleaner is always up to the task. It makes it smell amazing too, which I really appreciate. And with mirrored doors everywhere, you wouldn't believe how much Glass Cleaner I go through. This is one I can actually afford. 

When's the last time you were "thrilled" with your cleaners? That's what I thought.

So get yourself iQ Cleaners and have a clean, safe home that smells wonderful without having to break the bank. It really is that easy.

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

p.s. It makes an awesome gift too.

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!

Vermont Soap Organics Deep Cleans Without Toxic Chemicals

I am trying to rid our house of chemicals and go all natural wherever possible.

One of the first places I hit was underneath the skin where I store my house cleaners. A clean house is very important to me, but now that we have the option of cleaners that use natural ingredients instead of toxic chemicals, I want to replace everything under there.

The problem is, some natural cleaners just don't do the job well enough.

So I'm always on the lookout for something that doesn't just smell good or makes my appliances look good, but really gets in there and cleans.

Vermont Soap Organics produces "USDA Approved, Certified Organic alternatives to the chemical and detergent based personal care products now in general use," and their Farm & Ranch Multi-Surface Cleaner stands up to my vigourous testing.

I like that it works on everything in the bathroom and kitchen, it brings out a shine on the taps as well as the porcelain and countertops. I feel good knowing that its free of artificial preservatives, colours, fragrances alcohol and detergents too.

Not only that, it smells good. Using saponified  organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic orange oil, tea tree and other natural essential oils, organic aloe and rosemary extract, you get that fresh, clean aroma without inhaling anything harmful.

But don't feel you can only use it on your room's surfaces - it works on all washable materials including wood, plastics, leather, cloth, people, pets, car interiors and much more (just be sure to test a small area prior to use).

So instead of having 5 bottles under the sink, have just the one. The good one.

Buy Farm & Ranch Multi-Surface Cleaner 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.

Get the Cleanest Floors You've Ever Had with Rubbermaid's Reveal Microfiber Spray Mop

I've got hardwood floors throughout my home. And then tiles in the kitchen and bathroom.

That combined with my fella and I working out of our one-bedroom home with our cat at our feet leaves our place somewhat overrun. Oh, and when I'm not writing, I'm cooking, so needless to say, our floors need to be cleaned once a day.At least.

That being said, as much as I love a clean house, I don't want to spend hours scrubbing floors. That's why I am head over heels for Rubbermaid's New Reveal Microfiber Spray Mop!

The microfiber pad is phenomenal - I can't believe how clean the floors get, with no need to go over them again (thank goodnesss)! Rubbermaid says it picks up "50% more dirt and dust per swipe than traditional mops," but it seems like a higher number to me.My kitchen and bathroom tiles have these grooves where everything slips into. The Reveal cleaned 'em  right out. All that hair (it's not just the cat, we all shed), dust, dirt, food, everything gets picked up.  And because of the design, it swivels and gets into teeny, tiny corners like no other mop I've ever tried.

I think because of the thick, thirsty microfiber material, it holds more water than most pads and it's able to  clean thoroughly with each swab you do. My floors look amazing (yes, you can come and see them, but please call first). A refillable spray bottle allows you to wash your floors in whatever eco cleaners you like. Me, I like to use just water (try it and tell me your floors don't shine up a storm), so I appreciate that I can fill the bottle and pull the handle and spray as I go (why anyone would still use a bucket in this day and age is beyond me, but all this time, I have been having to go over to the sink and re-wet my cloth - no more!).  That means, that I can clean much, much faster.

I've never seen a velcro stickiness like this before either. You never ever have to worry about the pad becoming loose (a problem I've had in the past with other mops) because you have to use some upper arm strength to tear the pad off when you're done. So mop away knowing that the pad is always safe and secure. I also love the cushiony foam handle, which makes for very comfortable mopping. Why not make the experience as enjoyable as possible?And there's no need for disposable anything with this mop. You get 200 times with each pad. Toss your pad into the wash, not in the garbage like those ones from the drugstore. Ech.

Buy it online at Rubbermaid.com, at Lowes, Loblaws, Home Hardware, Walmart and Home Depot for $29.99 (it comes with one spray bottle and one cleaning pad). Additional cleaning pads can be purchased for $6.99 and spray bottles are $4.49.

Rubbermaid Reveal Microfiber Spray Mop, where have you been all of my life? I know have all this extra time on my hands, thanks to you.

Ahhh.

Hershey's Drops Satisfy Your Chocolate Craving

Doesn't it seem like Easter was forever ago?

You got your chocolate fill then, but now the craving is back - big time. The problem is, it's shorts weather, so you can't binge like you used to.

That's where Hershey's comes in.

Instead of mowing down on an entire chocolate bar, you can satiate your sweet tooth with New Hershey's Drops. 

Because there is no candy shell, there's no mess. Which means you can nibble on them while you're working away at your desk and not have to worry about getting chocolate everywhere for once. The other bonus is that because they are small, you can have as many - or as little - as you like.

Hershey's Drops are available in two flavours - Milk Chocolate and Cookies 'n' Crème.  And with Cookies 'n' Crème coming in at only 200 calories for 14, and Milk Chocolate totaling 210 for 15, you can snack and share these l'il cuties and not feel that you need another sweet all day long.

Much like Hershey's Kisses, Hershey's Drops make it possible to have chocolate and be able to fit into your tankini!

Go ahead and get your chocolate on.

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.

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.

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?

Send the Sweetest Note with Our Love Is Here to Stay: 15 Postcards of Affection by enormouschampion

Sometimes the shorter the note, the more meaningful it is.

As a professional writer, I know the power of just a few words and when you want to convey how much someone means to you, you don't need 7 pages of notes. Just a sentence or two will do.

And there's no more fun way than Our Love Is Here to Stay: 15 Postcards of Affection by enormouschampion.

Brooklyn's premier design studio enormouschampion creates one-of-a-kind stationery and art objects that are all at once beautiful, whimsical and downright lovely. This collection of love-themed postcards are a brilliant way to show that you care.

Printed with silver metallic ink, and with designs that are heartwarming and gorgeous, you'll no doubt have your recipient smiling and feeling pretty good about being so loved.

I love the typewriter note of "a message of my affection" and the unwound cassette tape spelling out "I really like you." You don't need to say much more than "our love is here to stay" or "you+me," which is great if you're the type to get tongue-tied or writer's block when it comes to your feelings.  Or a simple heart design or birds in a tree will do just fine.

I keep this incredible collection in my desk drawer and every so often I send a little love note off to a friend or colleague. It's a little thing, but what a special things.

Get Our Love Is Here to Stay:15 Postcards of Affection by enormouschampion now and share the love!

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.