10 NEW Things That Will Make Your Life AMAZING in 2017

What's IN for 2017?

2017 is going to be a GREAT year, yes indeed! Always looking to improve, I've gathered a few new tools and gadgets which I've ferreted out for you. Each item, great or small is personally tested and fully tried so you get the honest to goodness truth. So here are 10 things that will help put you on the path to an incredible 2017:

Koffiestraw + thermal insulated Klean Kanteen

1.) Koffiestraw + Insulated Reusable Drink Containers
If you really want to keep your teeth white while knocking back those caramel lattes (or an occasional glass of wine), you should check out Koffiestraw. Made of easy to clean, inert silicone, these lightweight little straws go everywhere and will even fit in your favorite Starbucks cap. These nifty little straws keep staining liquids off the front of your teeth and can be used at home or at the coffee shop.  Check them out at KoffieStraw.com

One of my reusable thermal containers.

I say go one better and invest in a refillable, reusable thermos. Many coffee shops will give you a little discount when you bring your own for a "refill" which is what I do with my Klean Kanteen. There are other brands and sometimes the barista shop will carry their own. Save a cup, save the environment!

Holiday Gift Guide - Cozy Comfy Soothing Presents to Relax With

OnePiece Lusekofte Onesie from OnePiece.com

Christmas in New York! Warm, toasty, comfy and soothing all describe this Holiday Gift Guide of presents for you or someone special. Like to be pampered? These are the kind of gifts that work well with: lounging around the house, sipping hot cocoa, having a soothing foot massage or snuggling up on the couch on a cold winter's night. Here are my tried and true comfy favorites!

Ugg Sheepskin Slippers

UGG Women's Rylan Slippers in Chocolate
Everyone knows UGG for their sheepskin boots and many of us wear them around the house. All the same these Rylans are the ultimate bedroom slippers for after a warm shower or bath. Fully lined with soft, fluffy sheepskin fleece, the super soft cuff helps keep cold chills out. These have full rubber soles so they can take a trip outside in the snow to fetch the paper. Available at Nordstom, Lord & Taylor, The Walking Company and other major department stores.

Moccis Swedish Made Wool Sock Slippers

Moccis Washable Wool and Leather Sock Slippers
If you've ever had the pleasure of sampling Swedish woven fabrics like those originally available from Hanna Andersson,you will really appreciate how soft and warm these sock slippers are. Made in Sweden, they are machine washable and have real leather skid proof soles. Hand sewn, they have double elastic cuffs so they stay on.

Moccis Moccasins

Made of 80% wool, 10% Polyamid and 10% Lycra, they do not itch or prickle. These are amazing to wear. Visit them at Moccis.co.uk

Raymond Pettibon 100% Cotton Artist Pajamas

Raymond Pettibon for SMMoA Santa Monica Museum of Art + Bed Head Pajamas
This is a fabulous set of 100% Egyptian cotton, women's pajamas done in collaboration with local artists in support of the Santa Monica Museum of Art. These trendy, designer pajamas are by: Joyce Pensato, Raymond Pettibon and Yutaka Sone with Benjamin Weissman under the "Sleeping with SMMoA" Collection. All are original designs by these acclaimed contemporary artists and produced right in Los Angeles.

Sleeping with SMMoA Collection of artist pajamas

This is the set to wear for that holiday brunch at your place and late night champagne toasts. Has a chest pocket and stylish piping all around. Very roomy and wearing them to bed is like sleeping in a cloud. Simply fabulous! Preview and purchase them at Art Markit

OnePiece Original Slim in Wine Purple by OnePiece.com

OnePiece Original Slim Onesie in this very grapey Wine Purple. Comes in Unisex Sizes XXS-XL 
This is the Norwegian Original OnePiece which will go great with the Swedish Moccis sock slippers! The brainchild of three Norwegians in their twenties, the slimmer fitting OnePiece shown here is 95% cozy cotton so it breathes. The OnePiece Lusekofte in Pink shown in the lead photo has a fuller cut but made of the same cottony knit. Cuffed at the ankles and wrists with a full zippered hood, they keep out the winter chill. Little extras like the front and side zippered pockets make these Onesies stand out. Comes with a black satiny Sleep Mask too. LOTS of gorgeous styles. Check them all out online at OnePiece.com

Big Feet 100% Cotton Flannel Footed PJ's

Big Feet 100% Cotton Flannel Footed PJ's
These are the ultimate in warmth and snuggling up! Made of 100% cotton flannel, they are breathable and soft to wear. I ordered mine with a "rear door" which has a Velcro closure. The Big Feet PJ's are different from the usual Polar Fleece fabric lounge and sleepwear as 100% cotton flannel is so much more comfortable to wear. These are actually TOO warm for bed for my tastes but super for lounging around the house on a snowy winter's night. Add a cup of hot chocolate and you're there! Available from Big Feet PJ's Company.

Monogrammed V-Necked Performance Shirt from MyLocker.com

Monogrammed V-Necked Performance Shirt
This stretchy polyester shirt comes with monogramming on both the front and back. Very flattering fit, it is comfortable against the skin and can be used for layering. Check it out at MyLocker.com

My Locker.com Monogrammed Flannel Pants & Stance Socks

My Locker.com 100% Cotton Flannel Lounge Pants with Monogram
Add a personal touch to your holiday gift with these toasty flannel drawstring pants from MyLocker.com. Creating my unique monogram was really easy and there is a large selection of designs for your business, the holidays, your favorite team and more. Extremely soft and roomy, these will become a wintertime favorite. Pair these up with the V-Necked Performance Shirt shown above plus the Stance Wool Blend Socks above in Winter Camp Wine and you are set for game time! 

Stance Fashion Socks- New Holiday 2014 Collection

Stance Fashion Socks New Holiday 2014 Collection
These are beautifully woven wool and cotton blend socks and just perfect for winter-fun. Part of the Holiday 2014 Collection, you can pair these with fashion boots as there are many mid-calf, knee length and over the knee designs to choose from. On the left are the Reign Design in soft combed cotton. 
On the right are the Archer White Over the Knee Socks. They are the infinity roll Langley Fox Hemingway for Stance style. Soft and cozy they are made with SuPima cotton and have deep heel cups for extra comfort. See all the new holiday 2014 styles at Stance.com

Warms you from the inside. Klean Kanteen Insulated Bottles

Klean Kanteen's New Matte Finish 12oz Vacuum Insulated Container in Coyote Brown
I absolutely adore my Klean Kanteens and take them with me for my commute into NYC and everywhere else. This new 12 oz size in a sweet, matte Coyote Brown is enough for a shot of espresso or a good sized cup of coffee to go. Stays REALLY hot too and for 6+ hours. We take these skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh riding and it is the best thing to warm up with. Check them out at KleanKanteen.com

And after all of that Christmas shopping, a soothing Foot Massage!

Topricin Deluxe Foot Therapy Spa Set
Just what you or a loved one needs after being on one's feet all day! After a warm bath or foot soak, break out this deluxe spa set for the ultimate in tootsie pampering. The Topricin Foot Therapy Cream is amazing as I use it for serious foot pain from running and skating. It has also saved the day after my walk from Midtown to Soho! See this and the other Topricin Pain Cream Gift Sets at Topricin.com. Here's what is included in the Deluxe Foot Therapy Spa Set:

The Ultimate Foot Retreat 

A treat for your feet! Specially formulated to target feet and ankles, Topricin Foot Therapy Cream moisturizes and sooths tired, achy feet while healing the damage that causes pain—naturally, without grease or odor. All Topricin products are safe for diabetics.

The Deluxe Topricin Foot Therapy Spa Set includes:

• 
  
• (1)2oz Topricin Foot Therapy Cream
• (1)4oz Jar of Topricin Foot Therapy Cream
• Callus Remover
• Pedicure Set
• Zipper Case 4pc
• 2pc Toenail Trim
• Foot Reflexology Chart
• Topricin Sample Envelope
• Dark Teal Fabric Bag

Sooth your soles with Topricin Foot Therapy Cream—which is patented for treating fibromyalgia and neuropathy, and is safe for diabetics

Just for ME under the tree!

UGG Rylan Sheepskin Slippers - Mine
Clothing and accessories c/o the respective designers and companies listed herewith.

Your Desk Survival Kit

Keep these survival essentials in your desk and car to be ready for anything!

This is the time of year where people are getting stuck in snowstorms and delayed in traffic. What you need is a Desk Survival Kit that has more than a manicure set. Here are my travel ready office essentials that I take en route to the office and beyond:


1.) First Aid Kits-Smart Travel & Minimergency
I keep a small Ultralight-Watertight .3 Adventure Medical Kit in my cosmetic bag but you should get a larger Smart Travel Kit for the office. It has a full assortment of bandages, first-aid creams and meds. I add my own aspirin and feminine supplies so I'm always prepared.

Smart Travel First Aid Kit for the Office and Trips

Minimergency by Pinch Provisions
The "Her-mergency" mini kit in this NEW red and gold candy striper pattern is so complete! It packs 17 essential womanly must-haves in a very tiny case: Hairspray, emery board, tampon, lip balm, clear elastics, stain remover, nail polish remover pad, deodorant towelette, earing backs, safety pin, adhesive bandage, pain reliever, double sided tape, breath freshener, mending kit, dental floss and clear nail polish. Measures 3.5" x 2.25" x 2.25.
See more designs and colors at PinchProvisions.com

Packing my Minimergency Kit

2.) Good iCoffee
If you have the luxury of access to your own personal office coffee machine, you should definitely check out the NEW iCoffee Machine by Remington. At home, you can program it the night before to start your brew in the morning as a pleasant alarm clock.

 iCoffee makes THE BEST brewed coffee at home or at the office.

The iCoffee Machine makes the best coffee with no bitter taste due to a unique stir and steam process. No need for paper filters either as it has a golden mesh one built right in.
iCoffee's SteamBrew™ technology is unlike the usual drip brewers and you can use any type of coffee you like.

The iCoffee Machine makes Bistro Cafe quality coffee!

3.) Insulated Drink Container Pour yourself a thermos-full to take in the car and enjoy at the office. My Insulated Klean Kanteen keeps liquids piping hot for more than 6 hours. If you are stuck in traffic or break down, a hot cup of coffee or cocoa can go a long way for warming from the inside out.

My Insulated Klean Kanteen with Cafe Top

4.) Food Thermos & Eating Utensils
Heaven forbid you get stuck in your car or at the office (with the power out). I am very particular about my diet so I often pack my own healthy hot meals to take with me in the car. I got this amazing Stanley 20 oz Insulated Food Container from CampSaver, who is also my favorite outfitter. Fill this bad boy with hot soup, stew or whatever you like. There's a metal "spork" inside the lid so you can eat right out of the container. I also like the Baladero Cutlery Set also from CampSaver, that has: spoon, fork, cork screw, knife, can opener and screwdriver all in one!

Hot Won Ton in a Stanley Food Container and compact Baladeo cutlery via CampSaver.com

5.) Non-Perishable Foods
Nuts: High in protein, vitamins and minerals, I especially like SunRidge Farms resealable packets of Tamari Almonds, Pistachios and Organic Fancy Walnuts.

Delicious nuts. Don't forget the hand sanitizer!

Complex Carbs: My latest passion are the Corn and Rice Cakes from Element.  Keep a bag in your desk for a quick energy boost and to quiet a growling stomach at about 3pm. My favorite flavors are the Orange Yogurt and Milk Chocolate covered varieties. Yum!

Dark Chocolate Mini Corn Cakes from Element of Italy 

Dried Fruit: I like dried cranberries or Craisins, prunes, apples, etc. All are delicious and offer much needed nutrients and fiber while keeping very well at your desk.

Avenue of the Americas NYC, New York office.

 

Coffee Brewer c/o iCoffee.com (Remington)
Food Container & Cutlery c/o CampSaver.com

Lunch on the Go: Bento Box Inspirations

Lunch on the Go!  The Bento style box with cool.

It's back to________ time (fill in the blank).  Packing a lunch for school, work or travel just got easier....and cooler.  The Japanese have their increasingly popular Bento Boxes which keep all of their favorite foods separate and un-smushed.  They are often lovely, painted and shaped in unique designs to resemble people and animals.  Children and adults love them!

Japanese Kotobuki 2 Tier Bento Box

Bento Boxes are often used on trains and in public stations where travelers can pick up a quick meal that is similar to what they would enjoy at home: rice, fish, pickled vegetables, rolled egg, etc. Some have a special place for chopsticks but the main idea is to keep the different foods you've packed separate on an easy to eat tray. Some come with their own handle, tote and thermos but I've put together my own Bento Box inspired set.

Like the traditional Japanese Bento Box, the Lunch on the Go has two tiers.

The closest American version of the Bento Box is the Lunch on the Go Set and the optional Telescoping Foon. What I like is that you can quickly freeze the separating shelf and add it to the box to keep everything super chilly.  I haven't seen that innovation in any of the Japanese style boxes but is what sets apart the Lunch on the Go Set from the others.  You can opt to pack warm foods as well, (just don't freeze the separator).  Put the Lunch on the Go Set in a thermal Igloo Lunch Tote and it will stay warm for hours.  This works great for a breakfast burrito or toasted bagel. Simply wrap your warm sandwiches in a sheet of aluminum foil first then place in the Lunch on the Go. 

My Lunch on the Go, snacks and this Klean Kanteen all fit in the Igloo Cooler Tote

Want to take along a chilled salad?  Cool Gear Inc. makes a deluxe salad kit that has a similar theme of two tiers with a freezable separator and a covered cup for your dressing as shown below.

Source: gavethat.com via Marie on Pinterest

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The Igloo Thermal Totes are very compact and fold up easily in my bicycle panniers.  In fact, I keep one on my bicycle just in case I purchase something frozen or cold at the market.  Same thing if I purchase something hot to eat while I'm out.  This tote will keep it warm until I'm ready to stop and eat it.  Perfect for people on the go.

Hot or cold foods will stay that way longer when packed in a thermal tote.  Hot cofee, soups and stews stay piping hot for hours in this 20oz Insulated Klean Kanteen.

BYO: Reusable Lunch Ware

COOL Reusable Lunch ware: Insulated SnapSac, Klean Kanteen & Light My Fire Meal Kit

If you are trying to stay away from processed foods, one of the most proactive things you can do is to BYO. The downside is that many healthy foods, (due to lack of preservatives), need to be kept cold to remain fresh but think of the possibilities.  With the proper lunch ware and thermal tote, the menu ideas are practically endless.

Also the locations where you can eat are likewise expanded. A picnic can be had by the pool, at the beach, in the park or in your car with the top down.  Eating al fresco becomes more like a mini vacation.  Who wouldn't want that?  That's why I was excited to find SnapSac folding tote bags. These are very well made, washable and best of all reusable.

SnapSac Cool Tote in Pop

The SnapSac Cool Tote is very lightweight yet holds up to 3 lbs of ice without leaking.  It has a separate waterproof liner that acts as a barrier from the thermal interior.  Other than a little condensation on the outside of the bag, the SnapSac did not leak and held all of the items you see in the photos. It zips closed and even has a little pouch on the outside for napkins or wet-wipes. VERY well thought out, it can work in a variety of settings.

The Snap Sac Cool Tote holds up to 3 lbs of loose ice without leaking

Klean Kanteen in Living Color
Once you've got the food chilling down, you can focus on other containers for your drinks, snacks and sandwiches. One of my favorites is this 20 oz Insulated Klean Kanteen in Monterey Blue  Made of food grade 18/8 stainless steel, it has a wide mouth and optional cafe or loop top caps.  On its own, the Insulated Klean Kanteen will keep your favorite beverages chilled for up to 24 hours. Add it to the Cool Tote, you can expect to extend that time even in 80+ degree temperatures.

Everything here is reusable so there's nothing to throw away after your picnic!

Come On Baby Light My Fire
Reusable meal kits such as this one by Light My Fire are made in Sweden and are genius for eating outdoors.  This set has two plates, a lidded coffee/soup cup, a spork a small dry container and a colander/cutting board. More geared towards outdoor food preparation, you could use the two plates sealed together to pack your food and then place it in the cooler. Nothing too messy though. A sandwich or pita pocket would work well.  We did that with the meal you see here: carrots, raisins and a Bridgford Apple Turnover.

Very lightweight and compact, the Light My Fire Meal Kit is well thought out and complete.  We added the little red insulated snack container that came with a folding spoon that stores right in the lid. It holds a generous 15.5 ozs (460 mls). Bring along your favorite Chiobani Greek Yogurt, tabbouleh, chicken salad, chilled soups or anything else you'd like to keep cool. You'll save the environment and money with reusables like these. One less piece of aluminum foil, plastic wrap or Ziploc bag to end up in a landfill.

Eating al fresco with reusable lunch ware

Keep Your "Brown Bag" Lunch Cool!

Keep your "Brown Bag" lunch COOL with these chillers!

Summer is all but here and many people are choosing to bike commute and "brown bag" their lunch.  The only problem is that either way, by bike or by car, your delicious lunch may end up spoiling in the heat.  Also, not everyone has access to refrigeration at the office, school or workplace. Then what do you do?  Well since we're expecting record high temps this summer, I say enlist help from some NEW high - tech coolers to go:

Keeping Cold Drinks Cold - Klean Kanteen

Cold drinks not only taste better but studies have shown that drinking ice cold water helps to burn more calories.  Cold drinks actually lower your core body temperature which is one of the steps in combating heat stress.

Insulated Klean Kanteens come in 12, 16 and 20 oz sizes with a choice of tops: Cafe Cap for sipping along the way or the leak-proof Stainless Loop Cap.  No matter which you choose, you'll be able to keep your iced drinks nice and chilly for up to 24 hours. Better still you can avoid artificial colors, flavors and added sugar by making your own iced tea, coffee or fruit smoothies at home. Take them with you...they will be refreshingly cold when you stop for lunch.


Keeping Lunch Fresh - Cool Gear Lunch 2 Go

Cool Gear Inc. Lunch 2 Go

You have so much more freedom of choice by bringing your lunch along.  Cool Gear makes it easy with their Lunch Series chillers.  Place the lid in the freezer the night before and the gel insert will freeze solid.  Fill the sectioned container with your favorite goodies, (don't forget a snack!), lock the lid down and go. There is even a compartment in the top of the lid to stow a spork and knife which are included.

I really like the Lunch 2 Go as it will keep your food chilled for hours.  The lettuce was STILL crispy on my sandwich after 3 hours of sitting in my hot car. No need for a fridge so you can keep your food with you where ever you go.  No more having to deal with pilfering, food stealing co-workers!  Since everything is self contained and reusable, there is no need for plastic wrap or aluminum foil.  These things have to be disposed of adding to the waste stream and ending up in a landfill somewhere. Definitely a must for those wishing to go green AND eat healthy.


Rachel Ray for Target - Insulated Lunch Tote

Super insulated lunch tote available at Target stores!

This Lunch Tote has become my all time favorite.  Just the right size, I can fit my Klean Kanteen and Lunch 2 Go inside with a little room to spare.  This will hold more than enough food for one person and has a little outer pocket to store napkins or wet wipes. Small enough to fit in my bike panniers but big enough to bring along a full lunch meal and 12 oz drink.


The Sixer Travel Cooler by Mountainsmith

The Sixer Travel Cooler by Mountainsmith Co

I'm really sold on Mountainsmith for their rugged, well thought out backpacking equipment.  So it was no surprise to see a lot of their backpacking details added to The Sixer Travel Cooler.  It comes with a detachable shoulder strap, dual easy pull zippers and even a bottle opener!  Built for traveling it has a clear sleeve on top for a map and a tie down cord on front to hold a towel, jacket or whatever.
Somewhat bigger than the Lunch Tote, it will hold a six pack of bottled beverages PLUS your Lunch 2 Go.  Great for picnics and outings when you don't want to bring along a heavy cooler.

The Wrap:

Using an insulated cooler will obviously increase the performance of your Klean Kanteen and Lunch 2 Go so for maximum chilling on hot days, use them together.  It is very important to keep food properly chilled in the summer months.  Bacteria and mold growth are not only unpleasant but can make you very sick.  Don't take chances with food poisoning and spoilage!  Keep it chilly with these cool, reusable solutions.