Saturday, December 28, 2019

Photos: Saint Kitts

With its almost 4,000-foot dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga, that often has clouds swirling around its peak, stone ruins that provide reminders of the island's sugar plantation past, lush rain forest coating undulating terrain, and numerous opportunities to relax in plunge pools or the relatively calm Caribbean Sea, Saint Kitts in the Caribbean is a picturesque isle. These images provide a small window into the island's treasures.










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Sunday, December 22, 2019

Last-Minute Holiday Gifts for the Traveler

Looking for a last minute gift? Something that’s unique by an small, independent, woman-owned business? Gifts that are perfect for the traveler in your family or office or for a friend who already has journeys planned for the New Year? Below are two small products that fit the bill. These are items that I designed, that are Made in America, and that you won’t find in stores. And, though some of you may think you’ve seen these sorts of wallets and bags before, you haven’t.

The cross-body bag (below), like all my bags and clothing, is minimalist. It doesn’t show off that you are carrying your vitals. It opens vertically -- like all my bags -- revealing three deep zippered pockets. These are perfect for carrying everything from a small bottle of sunscreen to sunglasses. There’s also a special section that keeps credit cards secure. The best seller has been the dark camo, so much so that there is only one left!!












This 7-In-1 wallet allows women and men to have easy access to access to heir vitals, whether you wear it cross body, on your belt, over your shoulder or four other ways. Lots of zippered and Velcro pockets.







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Sunday, December 15, 2019

Gear Review: Stylish Winter Boots with Traction on Ice

When the temperatures drop and the sidewalk and other surfaces are coated with ice and snow, I turn to shoes and boots manufactured by Ice Bug, a Sweden-based company that strives for sustainability. What makes their footwear unique is that many of them have soles with studs that allow for slip-free brisk walking, running or hiking on icy/snowy terrain. One of their most popular boots is the Metro 2 BUGrip, a trademark name for the carbide steel studs imbedded in the outsole. (The traction system is referred to as dynamic, meaning that it adapts to the surface and the amount of pressure your foot exerts on the ground. Each stud is acting independently.) The shoe is stylish with a side zipper; it’s water-repellent, insulated, and allows me to easily walk on most any outdoor surfaces thanks to the stable grip. Of course, once I transition indoors with these boots, I have to remain vigilant, walking carefully on marble or tile flooring because steel studs do not mix well with these slick surfaces. That's the only downside to these boots, but then any studded shoe would have the same problem



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Saturday, December 7, 2019

Holiday Gift Guide

I'm so excited to be part of the NYC Fair Trade Coalition's holiday gift guide. In case you're not familiar with this group, they promote fair trade businesses and retailers in New York City. They also educate consumers about the importance of fair trade. They partner with ethically-aligned businesses, retailers, NGOs, and NYC residents to host events and engage the public in dialogue.

My products are in the "Give the gift of Activism" Gift Guide section. Below are these products -- my photo note cards, cross body bags and AngryJ plush doll -- and the Fair Trade goals they are associated with.










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Sunday, November 24, 2019

Photos: Cascais, Portugal

In the Greater Lisbon area, Cascais is a standout for its beaches fronting the Atlantic that can be accessed by bicycle. But downtown Cascais is an epicenter for museums of many stripes, including the Paula Rego museum designed by the Portuguese star architect, Eduardo Souto de Moura. Don't miss the Pousada de Cascais that was built in the historic citadel and blends the ancient with the ultra contemporary.












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Saturday, November 23, 2019

Photos: Brittany, France

Walking even a portion of France's 216-mile Nantes-Brest Canal in inland Brittany -- I walked  a 60+ mile section over the course of six days -- is a placid adventure through a bucolic landscape. It’s one full of discoveries, as the colors of the sky, foliage, and reflections in the water continually change. The bed and breakfasts vary from chateaus reminiscent of Downton Abbey to country houses in centuries-old slate hamlets.

















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