If you are like me, choosing a handbag is a process.  Personally, I look for several different components. 

Color - I like bright, interesting colors.  If I find a purse that I am in love with and it only comes in black, I might settle for that but overall I like pinks and purples.  I just feel like if you get the right color of a handbag, it will pop no matter what colors you wear.

Material - I am not picky about material.  It can be any kind of material as long as the design of the bag looks good.  By this I mean, if it feels nice and also, if you can see the material from far away, EVEN BETTER! I used to go for "faux" croc patterns just because I like the texture they bring to your everyday bag.  I like the washed letaher look and I also love canvas!

Pockets - I need pockets inside my bags!  I like to have a cell phone pocket, the extra pocket (which I normally put chapstick in), and a zip pocket inside.  I used to like when my bags were divided, but now they have so many cool organizational products for inside your purse that it doesn't really matter.  I don't like if a bag doesn't have a zipper pocket inside.  That's normally where I put my gum, hair ties, clips, etc. 

Handles - I need at least an 8 inch drop. Don't you hate how in the winter it's like nearly impossible to put your purse on without it getting caught on your coat?  I can't stand that! I need a decent sized drop so that I can comfortably carry it on my wrist, or on my shoulder. 

Material and Shape of Handles - Yes, this is a major thing for me.  There were times that I was completely in love with a bag, but when I tried it on, it either slid off because the handles were too rounded, or I couldn't stand it because the handles "stuck" to my shoulder.  I need to have a somewhat flat handle on any bag I wear.  This helps hold it on my shoulder, because there is nothing worse than trying to carry something big, and then your handbag slips off your shoulder and yanks your arm down, causing you to nearly topple over!  Material-wise, as long as it's not any material that sticks to clothing, I'm okay with it.

Embellishments - I like my bags to be....different.  Whether it's a funky pattern, a cool chain, or big gems, I just need it to be something that I won't get bored with.  I especially love the buckles that come down from the handles. That's a major selling point for me.

Size - I don't care how big a bag is, as long as it's not too tiny to get a small agenda book in and out of.  I get super frustrated when I try to pull my wallet out and it's stuck inside because the opening of the purse isn't big enough.

Shape/Style- I tend to like shoulder bags the best.  And anything that cinches at the top, but just slightly, will really catch my eye.  Also, the more rectangular the better.

Weight - This is the most important thing.  There have been times when I have weighed my bags down so much, it pulls my shoulder and I get a migraine later on.  Seriously! (sad, huh?)  So if a bag is super heavy with nothing in it...it is NOT for me!

Brand - I don't care whta brand it is, but I do tend to lean towards official brand bags.  I've purchased handbags with no label, from small boutiques, but they never feel....sturdy.  It's hard to explain, but you can really see that when a well known brand makes a handbag they want the to earn a good reputation in the fashion world.  My favorite bags are from Guess.  Ever since I was a teen, I loved Guess handbags.  Kathy Van Zeeland was my next favorite, but Guess has the best sized bags, by far. I have owned more Guess bags in my life, than any other brand of clothing, shoes, bags, etc.

Price - After everything is said and done, I look at the price.  If it's way too expensive, I note the things I liked about it, and I look at a cheaper bag with some of the same features.  Normally, Guess bags run just under $100.  I never have a problem paying that much, and that's because of one thing...the durability of the bag.  I have had Guess bags for over 5 years and they still look brand new.  If you care for your bag, it will last.  I consider handbags as an investment.  You take it everywhere with you, it's a fashion accessory, and it basically contains your everyday life and beauty routine.  I mean honestly, when people ask me what is one item I'd take to an island, I say my bag...inside it contains all the little things you need on a daily basis.

I can't even pick a favorite bag because as the years go by, I start looking for different things.  A bigger bag, longer handles, etc.  It changes over the years but I still have to say Guess bags are my favorite.  My bags mean everything to me... they are almost like a security. There have been times where I get into a really awkward situation and I will notice I'm clutching onto my bag with a death grip.  LOL!

I would love to hear what you guys look for in a handbag.  What's the most you've spent on a bag? Do you still have your most favorite bag? What is the deciding factor when searching for a bag? What brand do you like best? Comment and let me know!!

Sleepypod Pet Bed/Carrier Review & *Giveaway* Ended

The Sleepypod is a pet carrier that helps keep your pets safe and comfortable whether it’s on the go or at home.

The Sleepypod Air adapts to the various under-seat storage requirements set by different airlines. This way, you can rest assured that you will be able to keep your special friend right by your side while you travel!

The Sleepypod Air’s patent pending folding system actually allows pets to travel in the largest space possible while the airplane is in the area, yet you can still stow it away under the seat during takeoff and landing. If the captain tells you that you can recline your seat, you can actually rotate the Sleepypod Air so it’s between your feet and then you can expand the ends so that both you and your pet can stretch out comfortably for your flight. I have to admit, it wouldn’t be fun to be a pet and be cramped inside a tiny carrier while on a scary plane ride.

The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is amazing. Most dogs, when in the car or travelling elsewhere, love to be able to poke their heads up and look around. But then there are also some (cats included) that would rather just sleep and not know what’s going on. The Sleepypod is super plush inside, and when the top is completely zipped off, it can be used as an on the go pet bed. It’s very comfortable to the touch, and my dogs have slept like furry little rocks in their Sleepypod.

So, I received a Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed and I am so in love with it. It has made travel with my dogs so much easier. I travel a few times a month and bring my girls with me. It’s no more than an hour car ride but still, I don’t like having to worry about how safe they are when they are strapped in. The great thing about the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is that You can use it to transport your dogs to the car, and then just sit the Sleepypod in the car, and buckle it in. It even LOOKS safe from the outside. Within a few minutes of being on the road, I can hear my girls snoring. I alternate which one gets to use it every few weeks. I also love the fact that there’s a shoulder strap which I use to carry it out to the car or carry it in, and then there’s a top handle to help you lift the Sleepypod.

The Sleepypod website is PACKED with information and videos on how to use it. And honestly, I think that this is a great investment. I have went through so many car seats and carrying bags for my dogs. I have cheap junky ones at home that I don’t even use!

Please be sure to check out Sleepypod today!


Sleepypod is giving one super lucky reader (and their pet) a chance to win a Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed of their own!


Requirements:

1. You must publicly follow my blog. On the left hand side of my blog where it says FOLLOWERS, click on FOLLOW.

2. You must “Like” Ask Away on Facebook (if you have it) at:
http://www.facebook.com/AskAwayAdviceBlog

3. Like Sleepypod on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/sleepypod?sk=wall


This contest starts today (Monday, May 23rd) and will end at 5pm EASTERN on Monday, May 30th.

For additional entries:

1. Tweet about the contest including a link (1 entry, limit 1 per day)
2. Post on Facebook about the contest, including a link (1 entry, limit 1 per day)
3. Submit an advice question to me via email. Let me know which contest you would like your extra entry put towards. You must mention in the advice request email that you’d like an extra entry or you won’t receive one.
4. Follow Sleepypod on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/sleepypod (1 entry)
5. Place my blog button on your blog (3 entries)
6. Leave a comment on any advice-related blog entry on Ask Away (1 entry, per day)
7. Go to the website www.sleepypod.com and choose your favorite item then leave a comment on my page noting which item you like best and why (2 entries)
8. Vote for my blog on Picket Fence Blogs by clicking here http://www.picketfenceblogs.com/vote/2975 (1 entry, per day)

Contest valid in US Only.

Disclaimer
All giveaways end at 5pm EST on the date listed above. I will choose a winner within 48 hours of contest end. The winner will be e-mailed and MUST reply within 48 hours or I will choose another winner. Winner will be chosen by www.random.org. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Dear 16-year-old Me

Please pass on. I did :)

My Weekly Shopping Trip - Giant and Rite Aid

Well, I really put some time last night into attempting to make out really well at the grocery store today. I used the weekly circulars and my coupons and I think I made out pretty well. Check it out!

Okay, now to start off, I just want to say that I am going to subtract the cost of the 3 Tick Collars (for my pups this summer when we go to parks! ) and the potty pads because those are a one time a month purchase, if that.)
Here are the deals I got:
3 pack of Puffs tissues for $5
Coupon for $1 off a Febreeze Noticeables Refill
Coupon for a free Febreeze noticeables Warmer Unit with purchase of Refill
Buy two Gatorade recovery and get a regular Gatorade free (Doubled the coupon also)
Coupon for $1 off Cheese Dip
Coupon for $1.50 off of 6 Lean Cuisine Meals (Part of my diet plan)
Coupon for Buy 2 get 1 free SoyJoy bars (mid morning snack)
Coupon for $0.20 off of Dawn
Airwick Plug in unites - $1.69 each so I bought two

My bill came to $67.33
I had a little over $13 in coupons and other savings
So basically my total was about $54.

Then...
I needed some beauty/toiletry products so I went to Rite Aid.  The deals at Rite Aid were better than some of the deals at Giant. After I compare I figure out which store to buy at. I use the weekly circulars to compare.

Here are the deals I received:

Buy one get one free Got2B Hair Spray (use this stuff A LOT)
Buy one get one free Scott Toilet Paper 4 pack
Buy one get one free Colgate Total Toothpaste
Coupon for $1 off Tampax Product which was also on Reward Special
Coupon for $1.00 off a purchase of 2 Colgate toothpastes (this meant that i got 2 for $3 when it done)
Coupon for a free Febreeze Noticeables Unit with purchase of a refill.
Coupon for $2 off Schick Razors - which were also on sale with my Rewards Card



My total would have been $61 but I was able to bring it down to....
$31!!!
And..
I got $1.50 Rewards Coupon back for use on a Tampax Product
and 10% off  my next Rite Aid order!

Overall - I spent under $100 for my weekly groceries.  Pretty Good for a beginner huh? And I only purchased things I normally use.