Large bag trend: how large is too large?

I was out with The Gentlemen and A Friend and was teased about the size of my purse: a wonderful woven white tote that holds a week's worth of supplies and paper. Originally intended for travel I couldn't resist using it for everyday. And true fashionistas know how hard it is to score trendy white bags. Now I admit that I'm always prepared so when we needed hand wipes I had some, when we needed Chapstick I had an assortment of lip glosses, and friends know I always have eye drops, so an oversized bag helps keep everything in one place. But by the end of the week my bag is noticeably heavier...time to clean it out.

Is it better to downsize and sort or always be prepared? When I try to downsize I inevitably need something that I conscientiously left behind. But when I take a smaller bag I manage just fine with bare essentials. My solution is to bring both: the small comes with me, the large stays in the car just in case.

My Largest Bags:

• white woven beauty by Guess, was on sale on their website and they also have luggage
  
• blue & gold custom canvas tote bag made by Zoras of St. Thomas, purchased on vacation and never regretted!
• black graphic image luggage tote and matching rolling carry-on from The Limited, purchased 10 years ago and still in service (Express occasionally sells luggage also)
  
• black graphic image baby bag by Nine West, which provides a great laptop pocket (Kohl's sells Nine West luggate regularly)
  

Have you seen the $10 Gift Store? Bijoux Terner

Bijoux Terner is a company with stores in airports only. I first encountered this mecca in Europe many moons agains, then most recently in Puerto Rico: before I reached my destination I had bought 4 purses to match a number of formal outfits. On my return I picked up a few more to make sure I always have a matching bag. At $10 I felt they were a bargain because the styles were "influenced" by high end designs and large enough to hold my essentials. I was recently complimented on one of these gems, which is the litmus test.

The company is great about changing the merchandise to match with current fashion trends, and they sell accessories from scarves to sunglasses, and men's accessories now also.

So while traveling be on the lookout for this great concept store! Or check out their locations before you travel...maybe you can schedule a stopover...it's totally worth it! Just make sure you have enough packing room to bring home all your purchases.

The house is finally done!

So the house is finally done and we finally get to indulge in some serious decorating cravings! I've missed opportunities to purchase great items (furniture, decor, tchotchkes) because of lack of storage while the house was in progress, but something new always comes along and that's the best part! Then again the design aesthetic of the color scheme (brown and Frost and modern) and the space limitations of an older home renovated with the same footprint (small rooms) means I'm going to have to reduce possessions, contain clutter, and keep it streamlined...that's what the house is asking for!

The problem with the carry-on bag and the personal item...

The problem with the carry-on and the personal item occurs when one wishes not to check a bag: chances are high that even if you pack carefully once other people take up all the overhead space you may still be forced to check your bag and risk reaching your destination without your bag. Chances are reduced when the bag is taken just before boarding, but then someone could walk off with your bag. A bit paranoid, yes, but having just returned from a trip where I minimized my carry-on baggage and the checked suitcase with all my gifts and toiletries reached my destination 5 days after I did bears witness to this problem. The other problem is for shopaholics: packing for your trip is not the problem, returning with all your new stuff is!

Friends should be wondering why I'm thinking about my next trip when I just returned from one.

Answer:

(1) always evaluate what worked and what didn't from your last trip,
(2) I was reminded that we are celebrating a friend's graduation and birthday in the next 4 months.

On my most recent vacation, to head off laundry I packed too many clothes: cardinal rule is figure out what you can/will wear more than once and remove other items accordingly to minimize your travel load. I also had issues with my carry-on bags: I packed lightly but my duffel bag's design was cute and cumbersome, and I carried a great purse that was so small I couldn't fit items I use in-flight close to me (read: constantly had to go into the overhead for my in-flight needs).

Solutions:

I'm obsessed with those uber-sized handbags stewardesses (politically correct: flight attendants) carry because they are "personal items": they're these huge purses that can carry SO MUCH STUFF! I just spent 2 hours trying to track one down. They're this great leather and larger than the average purse. I have visions of carrying my toiletries along with my *substantial* arsenal of daily essentials and a carry-on for my next trip instead of a bulky rolling carry-on box to minimize my carryings.

What I found that fit the description was the Stewardess bag from Coach, which explains the great leather, but no generic and less expensive brand. So I'm thinking Coach rightfully patented this design (since they did of course invent it) and no other company reinterpreted it because flight attendants are such a small market. I'll have to investigate this theory further at my local Coach store ;,).

Some NICE alternatives are available from many designers of course:

• Louis Vuitton invented the custom travel bag category: I'm salivating for the XL bag because of it's a cute sack, the Marina GM because it's a structured sack, and of course the Speedy because it's iconic . These 3 options could stylishly stow plenty, you'll just have to eat Top Ramen for a month.
  
• Dooney & Bourke has some great items also: I love the idea of a roll-up tote for inevitable shopping, and this carry-all references LV's Speedy at a lower price point, and I saw this travel tote in a magazine and thought about my love affair with the vehicle of the same name. The preceding are lovely but I blew my monthly fun budget on a Zebra duffel and matching purse, justified because travel bags should be functional and stylish! Why clear? The clear versions are less expensive than the leather or cloth versions and a friend once traveled with an LV clear logo diaper bag (just for its roominess) that was flyy...I've been obsessed since then. Money being no object I would have a Zebra duffel and medium sac in grey/white (medium so there's no question about fitting under the seat in front of you). The Croco duffels are not bad either...
• Diane von Furstenberg has designed some great luggage that you can find anywhere from her flagship, to Macy's, to eBags, to your local Ross or Marshall's. I first saw her luggage in Ross: a black suede with tan leather trim, that came with packing accessories and a brush for the suede. Matching pieces were readily available also. Salivating? The only reason I don't own that piece is the suede would never last if I were asked to check my carry-on. Her luggage is always stylish, on trend, noticeable and admirable.
• Jansport has some VERY CUTE offerings at VERY REASONABLE prices: I saw a blue polka-dot print at a luggage specialty store at my local mall that I had to walk quickly away from, and many are available at eBags. Perfect rolling uprights, backpacks, duffel bags, and personal item bags.
  

All About Light Bulbs

Why about light bulbs? In our energy crisis a simple step to conserve energy is to change your light bulbs to CFLs. According to my contractor I had to have fluorescent in my bathrooms and kitchens; I asked about LED lights and apparently our city code hasn't caught up to the latest technology.

http://www.bhg.com/bhg/printableStory.jsp?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/MH6_LightBulbs_07292004.xml

Get the basics on light bulbs for your home, including tips on types, efficiency, and care.

From the book, Making a Home

Screwing in Lightbulb

Incandescent Bulbs

This is the original filament-style light bulb that has been around for decades and is readily available at retail stores.

The color of the emitted light is warm and flattering, mimicking natural light. The light level is easily controlled with a variety of different wattages, and bulbs are also available in various decorative shapes.

Where white bulbs are the most common, and soften the light to help prevent eyestrain when reading, colored bulbs are also available for mood lighting.

Special use anti-vibration bulbs (also known as overhead garage door bulbs) are a good choice for high-traffic areas in multistory homes, where the bulb on one level is jarred by people walking above.


Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fluorescent

Fluorescent bulbs offer true light, although the light is not as pure and friendly as incandescent. They are more expensive but last much longer and are more energy efficient.

Over time, they generally save money. Because fluorescent bulbs are long-lasting (some up to seven years), they are ideal for hard-to-reach areas.

In addition to the long tube and original ring-shape bulbs, fluorescents are also available as screw-in bulbs that fit many lamp and ceiling fixtures.

Before purchasing a fluorescent bulb for a light fixture, check that it fits the socket and does not extend beyond the shade.


halogen bulb

Halogen

The newer bulbs on the block boast a crisp white light that intensifies the colors of the room. Halogen bulbs are more common and less expensive than they were in the early 1990s, but they are still pricey compared to incandescent bulbs.

They are designed to be long-lasting, but common variables (such as finger oils, airborne oils, and dust) can shorten their life considerably.

To make halogen bulbs last longer, wear plastic gloves or a small disposable plastic bag over your hand when handling new bulbs. Avoid touching them with bare hands, since oils can reduce the life of a bulb.

Also, be sure to dust halogen bulbs frequently with an untreated feather duster or canned air that has no additives. Do this only on bulbs that are completely cool.

Safety Tip: Halogen bulbs get very hot. Allow the bulb to cool completely before removing or handling it!


The Right Bulb for the Job

Incandescent: Classic for warm, soft light or for light tinted by colored bulbs, the easy-to-find bulbs are used for lamps and overhead fixtures.

Three-Way: Used for lamps with three-way switches, these bulbs are an easy way to create mood lighting without dimmers.

Halogen: In fixtures and lamps, these bulbs provide clear white light. Do not use in homes with small children; the bulbs get quite hot.

Xenon Bulbs: New on the market, Xenon is becoming popular for accent lighting and undercabinet lighting because it provides a clear white light. The bulbs are a variation of the halogen bulb, but are cooler-burning than halogen and use less energy.

Fluorescent Bulbs: Chosen for long life and energy efficiency, the bulbs are manufactured for newer lamps designed for fluorescents.

Tubular Bulbs: With a candelabra base, these are used to highlight art and sheet music. They also are used in some small accent lamps.

Find more types below.


04HDT-Dining Room with Glam
More Information: All About Lighting

Chandelier: These candle-shape bulbs, which may be displayed without a shade, are made for chandeliers and some sconces and lamps.

Globes: Clear or white, these round bulbs are sized for lighted vanities as well as decorative indoor and outdoor lantern-type lighting.

Full-Spectrum Bulbs: This type of lighting is a close match to natural daylight. It is a pleasant, natural, and bright light that many people prefer.

Fluorescent Tubes: Cool, long-lasting, and energy-efficient, these tubes are practical for overhead lighting in utility areas.

Compact Fluorescent: Designed for under counter spaces and tight spaces. These generate less heat and last longer than incandescent bulbs.

Reflector: Designed for ceiling or wall track lighting and recessed fixtures, these coated bulbs provide directional light.

Krypton Bulbs: Brighter than ordinary light bulbs, krypton bulbs are often used in flashlights and car headlamps. They are now also available for home use from Web sites such as bulbman.com.