Arm Candy

I don't understand women who don't carry purses. My sister is like that. She'd rather just tuck her ID in her back pocket and call it good. Here's why I can't get away with that: 1) I need a lot of stuff all the time, 2) I love any excuse to accessorize!

So I was beyond thrilled when April sent me one of her fabulous handmade purses from her lovely shop:

Not only is it super pretty (kind of reminds of me of Vera Bradley, only 100 times cooler because it's handmade!), but it's really functional. It has EIGHT pockets! Four on the outside, a set of three on the inside, and one zipped compartment on the inside.

So I can fit all of my necessities in there: my summer reading, gum, phone, coffee cozy, lotion, business card holder, notebook, lipstick, chapstick, mirror, etc., etc., etc.

If you're looking for the perfect gift (or to spoil yourself!), you've got to check out Apey Lee Designs! Right now she has a coupon for 10% off with code MAYJUNE2011. Even better, if you go like her Facebook page, you can get 15% off your order!!

So how about you? Can you survive without a purse?

Notes from the lunch room

I'm the kind of person that likes to have everything prepared ahead of time, and lunch is no exception. I hate the thought of making a sandwich every night (or morning). So much prep work. So much clean up. Plus, I'm not a big sandwich fan.

A few years ago, I came across this Make Ahead Lunch Wrap recipe and it totally changed my life! Now I only spend an hour or two every three weeks cooking up a big batch of these. They freeze really well, and they actually taste very good when reheated in the microwave.

A problem I hadn't yet solved was how to take my lunch to school. I admit, I'm a bit of a cheap-o, so I usually just ended up bringing my food in a plastic bag. Other teachers bring brown paper bags, gift bags, or practical-looking-cooler-type bags. I'll admit.... there were lots of days where I kinda felt like white trash walking into the lounge with my plastic bag from Kroger.

But not anymore!! Last week, I received a BEAUTIFUL lunch box from Apey Lee's Homespun Designs. I literally gasped when I pulled it out of the box (oh, and I was impressed with the really fast shipping too!). The fabric was so pretty and the inside is made from that wipe-downable material for easy cleanup!

 I'm just learning how to use to my sewing machine -- it takes me all afternoon to make a cloth napkin -- so I was really impressed with the quality of the stitching. That's some serious talent right there, folks!

I've been using this as my new lunch box for about a week now, and I can tell you a couple of things:

1. You can fit a lot of lunch in there: I put in a wrap, a pear, a bag of pretzels, and a small plate, with no problem!
2. It's super sturdy.
3. The velcro helps it to close well.
4. I like that I can hang it on the peg in my pantry and it doesn't have to take up space on the floor or on one of the shelves.
5. It's got little pockets on the front to stash my "emergency" chocolate!

And.... most importantly... I can feel all good about myself when I walk into the teacher's lounge with my pretty new lunch box!

If you're ready to tote your lunch in style, head on over to Apey Lee's Homespun Designs! She's got several beautiful options that will make you the envy of your lunchroom!

Take a peek: