30 Day Challenge

July 1st is Canada Day, but the other significance of the day is that I will start a 30-day challenge to not purchase a new bag. Yes, I know there are actually 31 days in July. June has been a very pricey month. I am a person with no will power. I will try to devote the month to improving myself. An addict knows when they must make changes in their life. I will have to find other ways to spend my time and not obsessing about the search for the perfect bag. I just hope I don't pick up another bad habit.

Things to do to pass the time:

1) Read a good book.

2) Get a $5.00 manicure at B.Skin 2nd anniversary event and to indulge in some cupcakes.

3) Take a knitting class at Americo Original to learn how to make something besides scarves.

4) Get my old SLR camera out of the closet and learn how to use it again.

5) Find a bathing suit for my vacation in the fall.

6) Take more yoga classes using my Passport to Prana pass.

7) Do not buy the iPhone when it is available for sale in Canada on July 11th.

FIGHT TEMPTATION - I WILL BE RICHER FOR IT (IN THE WALLET)!!!!!!!

Cha Cha Samples

I have lost count at the number of pieces that I have purchased from cha cha in the last year. The quality of the bags are amazing. The cha cha samples site is selling sample pieces and older stock at a discounted price. Of course I could not resist. I had to buy a bag. I can't wait until it arrives.

I love Marc Jacobs

Number one on my dream list of bags to own is a Marc Jacobs bag. On my visits to Holt Renfrew, I would just stare at the bags. I am not a psycho. I took the chance once and touched a bag. I was hoping that security would not jump out of nowhere and throw me to the ground. I can only dream of owning one of the bags.

The less expensive line is Marc by Marc Jacobs. I new I had to have it. It is the Marc by Marc Jacobs "Faux Real" Shopper. It is a faux patent tote with seam, hardware and tag graphics.

I was also lucky enough to purchase the limited edition Marc Jacobs Daisy for Sephora Pretty Pouch Trio. The last time I went to Sephora they were sold out. They are made in hot metallic gold with a daisy pattern satin lining.

Pretty blue box

I accompanied a friend to Tiffany's recently to pick out a ring for her birthday. I had had some bad luck with rings. I lost two rings last year. I have this habit of taking off my rings when I wash my hands in public washrooms. I must have left the rings on the counter and not remembered to put them back on. I stopped wearing rings after the second incident. I lost a cool ring from Moonrox that I bought at the spring One of A Kind Show in 2007. After our shopping excursion, I decided that I wanted a ring. I decided that I would only buy a ring if Birks had one of their 20-60% off sales. Wouldn't you know it, I get an email that there is a sale and the ring that I wanted was 50% off. 

I went to Birks at Bay & Bloor last Thursday. Unfortunately, they did not have the ring in stock. The staff were so nice. I was even offered water - the choice of spring water or perrier. Why can't all sales staff be that nice. The salesperson offered to call other stores to see if they had the ring in stock. I was thirsty so I drank my water while the salesperson was busy on the phone. The Birks in the First Canadian Place had the ring. I went to pick it up on Friday. When I got home I looked at the box. It was so beautiful. I did not want to open it. It was 24 hours later when I finally opened the box and put on the ring. It is quite different. I prefer having items that many people will have. It is quite unique.

Cha Cha bag giveaway

I discovered the accessory line cha cha last year. The designer Lori Chalmers had a studio sale and I cannot pass up a sale on bags. Of course I purchased a bag and it was later named after me. I have since purchased other items. I am addicted.   If you purchase a cha cha bag you have the knowledge that only a few pieces have been made in that style. The bags are beautifully crafted. You can visit the website: http://chachalifestyle.blogspot.com. 

Starting in July cha cha will be giving away a bag a month. In order to win a handbag, you must be on the mailing list. Send your email address to: lori@chachalifestyle.com

Gift with Purchase

The Bay -  Free with any Estee Lauder purchase of $35 or more (before taxes). Choose from your favourite lipstick shade from 4 fabulous colours, plus the tote and companion cosmetic bag. Offer available until June 14 or while supplies last.

Clinique Gift with Purchase at Holt Renfrew. With any purchase of $35 or more (before taxes) receive two flirty floral cosmetic bags, one full and one mini, filled with these goodies:

• Continuous Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer
• Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips
• Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Strawberry Fudge
• Liquid Facial Soap Mild
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
• Repairwear Intensive Eyecream
• Fashion Magazine subscription card for 10 issues of Fashion for $10, plus 3 bonus issues

Offer available until June 15th.

Pucca & Friends

Last fall when I was in Paris I loved wandering the streets. On Sundays there are not many stores open except in the tourist area. I went into a store on my last day to pick up some last minute souvenirs. I found  this box in a novelty store.  I have never heard of Pucca & Friends. It was supposed to be a gift for a friend of mine, but I decided to keep it for myself. It is like a miniature lunch box (4"x3"). 

For a while it sat on my bookshelf and now it has moved to my desk. I am not sure what to do with it. Sometimes we buy things even though we don't need them. 

Jewellery Box

Storage is a problem in my bedroom. A closet just for my bags would be nice. I am a person who likes to have things organized. I have bead necklaces that were in a plastic container for a long time. Not very attractive. I found this box at Winners for $9.99. Great price and pretty to look at. Now I have somewhere to put my necklaces. If only I placed them neatly in the box so they would not get tangled.