Editor's Edition: What's in My Work Commute Handbag?

Essentials I pack for my day commute into NYC.

NYC, NY Ever wonder what us editors pack when we have to cover an event in the city? Well, we've got to be very strategic about space but there are a few things that fill many uses that I take along every time. I will usually take a larger carry all to hold everything and my camera bag is separate but everything fits right in.

My Carry All: Give Love Cycle's Guilden Bag
This carry all is the perfect size to hold everything I need for my commute and a comfortable day away from home. What's really cool is it is made to fit the CityBike's front basket so once I get off the train, I can hop on a CB at one of Kiosks on 7th Ave. Even if I'm not planning to ride the NYC Bike Path, I like having the option to do so and this Guilden Carry All is perfect no matter what. 

The Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle

Pack Your Bag!
I'm notorious for taking WAY too much stuff but I've learned over time to pack "modules" of items. I've learned this from backpacking and camping but it works for commuting too. Items that do similar things can be packed in smaller inner bags so it's easier to access on the road. A few examples would be my Minimergency Pouch by Pinch Provisions which has lip balm, breath freshener, clear nail polish, an emery board, tampon, pain reliever, bandage, a sewing kit, etc. all packed in a tiny pouch. Genius!

Minimergency Kit by Pinch Provisions

My Commuter Bag Contents:
Left to Right-
Minimergency Kit, L'Occitane Almond Hand Cream, Physician's Formula Lighted/Mirrored pH Powered Lip Gloss, All Good Coconut Sunstick SPF 30, GM Collin Eye Contour Corrector, Round Makeup Mirror in Green Leather Case, Neocell Beauty Bursts, Visine Eye Drops, Energems, Benefit Watt's Up? Highlighter, Probar Fuel Energy Bar and Whish Deodorant Swipes.

Tea to Go: Eco Vessel's tricked out thermal bottle is amazing.

Eco Vessel for Hot or Cold Drinks
I also keep a container of hot tea or ice cold water with me on my trip. I'm loving the Eco Vessel Boulder right now due to it's sleek design, cool spring colors and leak-proof triple walled technology. Packing this way leaves room for my bicycle helmet and the Eco Vessel. Just the right size and easy to hold, this water bottle goes with me each time I leave the house. This and my Probar means I'll always have food and water available.  See more bottle styles and types at EcoVessel.com:

Featuring our TriMax® triple insulation technology, the BOULDER has been tested to keep water cold for up to 36 hours and hot up to 8 hours. Perfect for water, tea, coffee, soup or just about any drink. Its tight screw on top will keep your drink securely inside, where it belongs. It has a wide mouth to easily accommodate ice cubes and a comfortable, convenient drinking spout. We've also included a removable tea strainer/ice dam. The Boulder is a sturdy, high quality, stylish vacuum insulated steel water bottle for the office, tennis courts, golf course, on the trails... anyplace, anytime. 

• Cold and hot drinks
• Premium #304 stainless steel
• Free of BPA, phthalates, liners
• TriMax® triple insulation for superb performance
• Removable tea strainer/ice dam
• Sturdy carrying handle
• Recyclable
• 17 oz (500 ml)
• 10.75" high; 3.00 diameter; 1 lb

  
Carry All and Water Bottle c/o Give Love Cycle and Eco Vessel respectively.

Fitness Chic - Lole Separates & Xootr Kick Scooters

Fitness to Go: Xootrs MG Kick Scooter - fitness to go!

NYC, NY It always perplexes me how people jump in their car and DRIVE to the gym or park for exercise. While I applaud anyone trying to make time for fitness, there's a way to multi-task and squeeze in a bit of a workout most anytime. You may need to think outside of the box but if you live or have visited NYC, you know that the natives have made an art form of doing several things at once. Let's start with getting dressed.

Fitness Wear by Lole of Montreal
Studio Cardigan
I'm really impressed with the clean lines and fit of Lole's new Studio Cardigan shown here in grey. Princess seams and finger loops keep the sleeves down during a sprint and the reflective zipper has a soft guard at the neck for extra comfort. The hood flips up for a shower or extra warmth but the joy of this jacket is in the details. What I really like are the super deep zippered front pockets.

Snuggle up to the buttery softness of this versatile hoodie en route to the Pilates studio, on an early morning run… or just hanging out. It gets it done in Lolë’s four-way stretch 2nd Skin Motion Light, a moisture-wicking blend of Supplex® nylon and elastane. • Full zip
• Drawstring at hood
• One zip hand pocket
• Thumbhole at sleeves
• Reflective logo
• Length: 27 ½ in./69 cm 

With these pockets, I'm able to safely stow my cell phone and iPod (for some tunes) for my walk/run. You could easily run to a local exercise class in this cardigan and arrive ready to workout.

Lole Studio Cardigan & Lively Capris.

Lole Lively Capris
I really like the flat lock seams and power stretch going on in these appropriately named Lively Capris! Gorgeous rich blue capris can be scrunched up a bit or pulled down for extra warmth. The wide waistband is genius with a little inside pouch for some cash or plastic. I went running in them today and enjoyed the firm but comfy compression these Lively Capris offer:
  
No wonder… they’re sleek-fitting and super supportive in our four-way stretch, moisture-wicking 2nd Skin Motion Heavy, a superior blend of Supplex® nylon and elastane. The power mesh lining at the abdomen enhances core alignment and prevents “wobbling.”
• Regular fit
• High rise
• Mesh lined at abdomen for better support
• Secret pocket at waistband
• Lined gusset at crotch
• Flat seams for comfort
• Reflective logo
• Inseam: 20 in./51 cm 
Both pieces are perfect for outdoor and indoor fitness routines while offering the most fashion forward comfort for a variety of moves. See more Lole designs online at LoleWomen.com 


Xootr Adult Kick Scooter
Get your "kicks" on Route 66 or anywhere else you'd like to travel in town. I've seen these kick scooters (some not so "adult") on the NYC Bike Path and they are such a cool way to get some exercise while getting around the city. The Xooter MG is super light - weighing only about 10 lbs and stows away in its own signature Carry Bag. 

Stow your studio mat in the bag & arrive by scooter!

Xootr Features

• All-magnesium deck for light weight - less than 10lbs total.
• Lowest deck of all of our kick scooters for efficient kicking.
• Ultra-low-resistance polyurethane tires for a super-efficient glide.
• Award-winning industrial design by Lunar Design.
• Patented sturdy steering and folding system.

Easier to take on the bus or train than a folding bicycle (trust me, I know) you can use it to stow your Pilates mat while riding the scooter to the studio. The Xootr MG easily folds up by way of a large master pin and has a small front hand brake and rear fender brake. No assembly required, it was ready to rock and roll right out of the box. Holds up to 250 lbs so get your boyfriend on it too! See more colors and Xootr models to suit your needs at Xootr.com   


So there's multi-tasking for you! Scooters are SO much fun and an easy way to get a little exercise in your day while helping to save the environment by leaving the car home. Join me on a "low car diet" and get fit this spring!
 
Sneakers - Skechers Night Owls Running Shoes
Kick Scooter c/o Xootr.com
Exercise Wear c/o Lole, Montreal