I Am Not A Fanny Pack

Photo: www.roots.com

Let me begin by saying, I am not being ironic, sarcastic, or otherwise insincere with this post. After recently wrapping up an excessively busy few months, I have a renewed appreciation for a much-maligned item: the fanny pack.

This highly functional and sensible item is now referred to as the "Urban Tool Belt". Many designers over the years have created versions of the Urban Tool Belt but Roots produces my favorite so far. The "Village Pack" is a leather satchel that attaches to a wide canvas belt with a cool, silver-tone buckle.

Worn facing forward, the cool factor is questionable. However, worn low and side-slung or facing backwards, it is utility-hip. This is a great item for anyone who need to be hands-free. Also useful for anyone with a tendency to lose/misplace keys, purses and wallets (no one I know!).

Roots Village Packs come in a multitude of colors but online availability is limited to brown and black.

YAYOBA: The Celine Dion Workout

(You Are Your Own Best Accessory)

The holidays are a tough time for us girls. Believe me - I'm feeling it. I'm feelin' it in the waist band. And we haven't even hit "prime-time" yet.

So to battle the holiday girth-growth, I give you, The Celine Dion Workout.

Required equipment:

• a fine pair of high heels (leg warmers optional)
• a fan (of the air-flow variety)

Optional equipment:

• back up dancers
• fans (of the hand clapping variety)

Keep fit.
Stay Healthy.
Be strong.
The Celine Dion Way.

Pouncing Tiger, Hidden Gem

Howard, The Naked Chef

Percy the Penguin

I know you ladies (and gentlemen) are eschewing the generic in favor of unique, thoughtful retailers and products this season.

I'm here to help - check out Pouncing Tiger. Jhyl of Pouncing Tiger creates whimsical, hand-stitched characters for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. Check out the character descriptions - so funny!


"Howard is looking for someone who will accept his passion of cooking naked. He wears his apron to avoid any unfortunate accidents but loves leaving his bum hanging out for all to see. His nakedness is partially to blame for his difficulty holding down a job as a chef, but probably more to blame is the fact he refuses to cook with anything but rubber chicken.

Howard is a silver fox and looking for someone that doesn't mind and old bum hanging around." Pouncing Tiger, Etsy

Pouncing Tiger is for the art collector, the young, and the young at heart.

We're So Vain: Tired Eyes

A friend arrived last night at 12:30 AM. Then of course, we stayed up until 2:00AM chatting. Ugh.

Eye cream is my friend today. My BEST friend lately is Kiehl's Cryste Marine Firming Eye Treatment. Very nice.

Perhaps it's just wishful thinking on my part, but this cream really does moisturize the eye area and reduce lines. I love it and don't leave home without it.

One Easy Piece

American Apparel

Danskin

Capezio

Whenever I use the term "one-easy-piece", it's usually in reference to polyester, 70's attire. But, I've recently been searching out a "one-easy-piece" AKA "unitard".

Tights. Maybe it's just me but they never seem to stay up. So, why not wear a unitard to solve the problem? Unitards aren't super-easy to find but I did locate a few options. American Apparel's version is probably the most accessible but it's also 95% cotton which means it will fade more than it's synthetic sisters.

One obvious draw back of the unitard? Full undress when nature calls.

Rrraaarr!

Love, love, love all the animal prints and exotic skins that are strong again for fall. Bought a leopard fedora recently - to be worn on "brave" days. Two rules apply when wearing animal prints:

1. Best with black (or at least a solid color like the red above).
2. Keep to a minimum (1 piece).

It won't be tough to find animal print at all price points this fall so take your pick and wear it proudly!

We're So Vain: Healthy Lips

I visited the The Brow Studio last week for my usual 15 minutes of suffering for beauty. While in the torture chamber/waxing chair, I was rubbing my poor, chapped lips. The technician stopped and said, "Do you want to get that?", referring to the huge chunk of dry skin hanging off my lower lip.

Gross. And embarrassing.

When my eyebrows were finished, the lovely lady recommended a few lip-care products. She told me if I used B Kamins Lip Balm, my lips would be moisturized and fabulous within 24 hours. I was skeptical.

Guess what? She was right. This stuff is money. And I do mean MONEY - $21 bucks worth. Totally worth it. Especially going into the deep, dark, desert winter.

Bonus Points: SPF 20