PetSugar

Keep Springin' With Laptop Bags by Toss Designs

GeekSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:15:05 PDT

And the obsession with Spring continues! The Bay Area's Toss Designs has just come out with messenger style laptop bags in light, bright, and unabashedly fun designs. And I like that they're messenger-style, because my poor put-upon shoulders are beginning to revolt (and stoop) against my heavy-bag habits.

This is the laptop bag I want to grab on a sunny day and take to the park with my flip flops and sunglasses on!

My absolute favorite is the green-and-white bag - wait, no, it's the pink and green bag! I can't choose!

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Fashion Week: Let the Animal Out of Baby

babysugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:00:15 PST

I remember seeing these darling animal print moccasins ($42 – $44) when I was pregnant and swore I would buy them if I had a baby girl. Well, now I am eating my words because I missed the boat. My daughter's one and the precious footwear only comes in size 0–6 months.

If you know a pregnant mama who is expecting a girl, these fab shoes are sure to be a hit at her baby shower. The festive prints are adorably highlighted with bright contrasting stitching and lining. Oh, how I wish they came in my size!

Designer Spotlight: Toss Designs

FabSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 09:30:33 PDT

I know I'm not the only one with travel on the mind now with Summer upon us. Toss Designs is a one-stop shop for uplifting travel gear, home goodies and pet stuff. The designs are intended for a "life-on-the-go" gal with its innovative styles, quality materials and updated basics. With sassy prints like animal print, polka dots and cotton candy stripes these designs are also very well priced! This Moc Croc Domino Set, $40, makes me want to take up dominos for the sheer cuteness of it. Enjoy!

For more fun stuff,

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What We're Sweet On: A Razor Worth Putting on Display

Annie Tomlin — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:00:25 PDT

Most of us usually toss our razors in the dank corners of the shower - and that, by the way, isn't a hot idea, since moisture can decrease the life of your blades. But the Schick Intuition Naturals razor (around $9) practically demands to be put on display. With art-nouveau packaging designed by blogger Kelly Framel of The Glamourai, it's about as chic as hair removal gets. But there's more here than just good looks: the razor's four blades are surrounded by an aloe-infused solid skin conditioner that lathers when wet, eliminating the need for shaving gel. If you're looking for a little eye candy in your grooming tools, then give this one a try. But move fast, as the limited-edition design won't stick around for long.

7 Strategies to Build an Emergency Fund

Kiplinger — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:15:32 PDT

Build up your emergency fund with these tips from Kiplinger.

You know you need an emergency fund - easily accessible cash to pay for unexpected expenses. Without one, you could find yourself looking around the house for valuables to pawn, racking up credit-card debt or maybe even considering a payday loan to cover the costs of an emergency.

But you may be wondering how you can find enough spare cash in your budget to set aside for a rainy day. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, I’m sure the thought of saving up enough money to cover six months’ worth of expenses (as is usually recommended) is especially daunting. The good news is that you don’t have to stash that much cash at once.

The key is to start setting aside a little each month to build your emergency fund. And that doesn’t require a big salary. After all, saving is a function of discipline, not income.

Here are seven ways to find enough money - and motivation - to create an emergency fund.

Save - don’t spend - your tax refund. About 75% of taxpayers received a refund last year, and the average amount was $2,913. A refund of that size can get your emergency fund off to a great start. Open an interest-bearing savings account and have the money directly deposited into it so you won’t be tempted to use it.

Pay yourself first. Rather than wait until next year for another refund to stash in your emergency fund, adjust your tax withholding by filing a revised W-4 form with your employer (see How to Adjust Your Withholding). This will put more money in your paycheck each month, and you can set that amount aside in your savings account so it can earn interest and grow. (That money won’t be earning any interest during the year if you leave it with Uncle Sam.) If possible, have your employer deposit the designated amount directly into your savings account so you don’t see the money in your checking account and aren’t tempted to spend it.

Read on for more.

Everything You Need to Consider When Decorating an Entryway

Laura Marie Given — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:07:02 PDT

Entryways tend to be smaller, but that doesn't make them any less important - after all, the foyer is a guest's first impression of your home. For that reason, it's worth your time to design an entryway that nicely reflects your style. Not sure where to start? Follow these quick tips to create a foyer that's both functional and well-decorated year-round:

Go with a statement piece. The easiest way to have a major impact is to choose a unique focal point that visitors will notice right away. A gorgeous mirror is a practical pick, since it allows you to have one last look-over before walking out the door. Other ideas include a large work of art, a striking armoire, or a colorful chair.
Consider your storage options. Are you regularly grabbing keys, hats, or gloves as you leave? Choose a piece of furniture that suits your habits, whether that's a tall chest of drawers or a tiny table to hold your essentials. If you live in a climate with four seasons, think about your Winter storage needs before making any purchases.
Don't forget seating. A chair of some kind is crucial for practical reasons - putting on shoes, waiting guests - but don't choose just any chair: pick one that embodies your personal style. Since there's little else to coordinate with, this is a great place to indulge your creativity and buy a chair that perfectly represents your taste.
Set the mood with lighting. A chandelier strikes a much different note than, say, a table lamp. Since you're dealing with a smaller space, every piece of furniture matters, so pick one that says something. For a fun, eclectic look, try a stark contrast, like a gold, contemporary floor lamp with a rustic wooden table.
Leave space for extras. Don't crowd your foyer with unnecessary knickknacks because you'll need that space for all those random items that you end up tossing aside as soon as you walk in. Prevent a mess before it starts by leaving ample room for everyday accessories.
Make simple seasonal swaps. As the months change, so does your decor. The easiest, neatest way to transition your entryway? Rather than adding to the space, trade pieces - one in, one out. Some examples: a Winter boot tray, a Spring umbrella rack, or a Summer picnic basket. That way you don't have to add extra clutter, just exchange your pieces for other, more seasonally appropriate items.

Do you have any tips for decorating a foyer? Share them in the comments!

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How to Clean Out Your Closet

Laura Marie Given — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:15:56 PDT

Getting dressed is a much more enjoyable process when you have a neat, organized closet to rummage through each morning. Stray belts, mismatched shoes, and a pole lined with tangled, broken hangers makes for extra, unnecessary stress. Sure, cleaning out your closet may be an elaborate process, but the results will have a major, time-saving payoff. Not sure where to begin? Follow this step-by-step guide for a smooth closet-cleaning experience:

Remove and Classify

The first step is to take out everything - yes, absolutely everything. It's the only way to know exactly what you have and exactly what you need.
As you remove your items, sort them into different categories: things to keep, things to store, things to give away, and things to toss. This applies to everything, from clothing and shoes to jewelry and handbags.
Bag up the to-give and to-toss piles, then box up the seasonal items you'd like to stow away for a while. Sweaters, puffy jackets, and Winter boots take up lots of space, so keep them in a different closet or attic until the Fall.

Do a Thorough Cleanse

Once your closet is completely cleared out, it's time to start dusting, wiping, and washing. Clean every shelf and drawer, then sweep and mop the floor.
Consider adding an air freshener that's specifically designed for closets, like the Ornascent by Compac Closet Freshener ($12), to maintain a clean scent.

Keep reading for more closet-cleaning tips.

10 Fun Etsy Finds to Help Mom and Tot Jump Into Spring

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:36:55 PST

Toss the puffy coat and drab Winter colors. Spring is in the air, and it's time for mom and tot to embrace the season. Etsy's independent designers and shops are packed with sure signs of the season - pastels, flowers, and nautical designs. Grab a few of our favorite Etsy finds before its too late!

Nighttime Habits That Are Ruining Your Sleep and Health

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:28:16 PST

You slip under the covers, turn off the light, and rest your head on your pillow. Seems simple and perfect, but here are some things you could be doing in bed that harm your health.

Grinding your teeth: Formally called sleep bruxism, many people unknowingly clench their jaw or grind their teeth at night, which can lead to tension headaches, earaches, irritated tissue on the inside of your cheeks, jaw pain, and permanent damage to your teeth in the form of chips and worn-down enamel that cause sensitivity or cracks. Stress can be a factor, so reducing the amount of worry in your life can help. If it doesn't, see your dentist about designing your own personal mouth guard to sleep with. Not exactly the sexiest thing to wear to bed, it's sure to offer you a more restful and less painful night of sleep.
Sucking on a cough drop: If you suffer from a chronic cough, cold or sinus infection, or postnasal drip, sucking on a cough drop every night may be the only way you can get some sleep without coughing keeping you up. Although soothing to your throat, exposure to a bath of sugar all night long is sure to lead to tooth decay and cavities. Here are other natural remedies for your nighttime coughs. If the cough persists, it's time to see your doc.

Keep reading to find out what else you're doing at night that's wrecking your health.

Lacoste Fall 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:18:02 PST

If the snow outside wasn't enough for NYFW attendees, Felipe Oliveira Baptista provided a few snowflakes of his own for Lacoste's Fall runway show this morning at Lincoln Center. As fake snow blew into the audience, Oliveira Baptista set the tone for his sporty chic ski-inspired line. Mixing in the old - Oliveira Baptista referenced uniforms the brand designed for France's 1966 national ski team - with the new, the designer conceived a smart mix of body-conscious pieces fitting for any après-ski occasion. One can easily head to the slopes, or to the cabin, in one of Oliveira Baptista's rugby-meets-ski minidresses and jumpsuits or sport-striped leggings paired with chic oversized parkas and coats. Leather quilted vests and jackets injected a luxurious touch to the overt sportif theme. With a play on fashionable function, Oliveira Baptista experimented with zippers, some of which opened up all the way up to the shoulders to replicate the look of a cardigan tossed over your shoulder, while others served as pockets for hoods disguised as a stylish oversized collar. More details from the collection below.

Trends: Oversized parkas, colorblock, sporty zipper accents.
Colors: Blue, red, off-white, gray, navy blue, black.
Key Piece: We loved the oversized parka jackets and luxurious quilted leather jackets and vests.
Accessories: Leather platform boots, wool and leather bucket bags, snow goggles/sunglasses, leather gloves.
Who Would Wear It: Anyone looking for a sporty play on Winterwear or otherwise, heading to a ski retreat or chic après-ski event.