A work in progress

I went to a knitting class at Americo Original back in July. I decided that I would make a bag. It is the end of August and I am still not finished. I really have to push myself in September. I would love to use the bag before winter.

Coach Wallets at Winners

When you go to the store Winners you never know what you will find. That is what I love about the store. Today I went in just to see if they had anymore summer clothes on sale. The store was a mess with all of the summer items on clearance, and new fall/winter clothes on the racks. I was tired and did not want to spent too much time browsing, so I went over to the bag section. I did not see anything interesting. I went over to the wallet section. I always change my wallet a couple of times a year out of boredom. I found two coach wallets in the pile. I got excited for a moment. They were both $99.99. The logo wallet was regular $228 and the brown leather was regular $218. I decided not to buy them as they were not the styles I was looking for. No more impulse buys. They will most likely be gone by tomorrow.

What bag do I use?

It is less than 2 weeks until the start of the Toronto International Film Festival. Every year I have to decide which bag I will carry on those long days. When I am not watching a film I am running from one theatre to another and standing in long lines. I need a bag that is not too heavy, but can hold all of the basics items as well as a my Sigg water bottle, snacks, camera and a note book. Last year I bought a brown Lululemon bag pictured above. It has become my go to bag when I need a big bag on days when I don't want to carry two bags. I prefer to carry one large bag to keep the other hand free for any purchases that I make.

I'm Not a Plastic Bag

Today I finally purchased the "it" bag of 2007 "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" by Anya Hindmarch. I tried to purchase the bag last year when it was available at Holt Renfrew. Little that I know that there would be so much interest in the bag, that buy the time I arrived at the store in the afternoon that it would be sold out. I was told that there was a line up outside of the store before the store opened. The bag that I purchased is probably a fake, but I don't care. It is not too big and not too small. A great size to fit a book, lunch and a newspaper. The handles seem very sturdy. It will come in handy to carry the book that I am currently reading - Breaking Dawn which is over 700 pages.

The bag is available on ebay. The price ranged from $48 to $118 (Canadian). I paid $23.99.

Serenity Now

For three hours today I was relaxed and pampered at the Elmwood Spa. It was my first visit to the Elmwood Spa since their renovation. When you walk in you are greeted by friendly staff and a nice warm towel. On each floor there are staff to greet you. When you want to get away and be stress free, the best thing to do is to go on vacation. If you don't have the time or money to go on a vacation the second best thing to do is to go the spa where someone else will look after your needs. I experienced the Serenity Spa retreat which included a manicure, pedicure, light lunch and water therapies. This is only my second pedicure. The first pedicure was years ago also at the Elmwood Spa, so I am not able to compare it to other experiences. I was hoping for a more relaxing massage. That was the whole point of getting the pedicure because my feet are so tired. I do not get manicures as I do not want to ruin my nails when I was dishes. This was my third manicure for the summer and each time my nails smudged before I left the premises. Overall, it was a very relaxing afternoon. I would recommend the Elmwood spa if you are looking for a spa experience in Toronto. However, the Ste. Anne's Spa would be my first choice if you want to get out of the city.

All hands and feet services include a home care kit. At checkout I was given a gift bag which included the Elm Line Herbal Tea and the Elm Line Hydrating Body Lotion.

The Man Purse

The Seinfeld episode where Jerry carries a man purse was hilarious at the time. Little did we know that it would become a fashion statement. Now it seems more men are carrying bags of various shapes and sizes, and this does not include messenger bags, backpacks or gym bags. Women carry their wallets, keys, glasses, make-up, cellphone, MP3 player, or a book in their handbags. I would really like to know what men are carrying in those bags. Has it become acceptable for men to carry bags or is it just a fad?

Shoppers Optimum Points

It is that time again at Shoppers Drug Mart when you can receive 20x Shoppers Optimum points when you spend $50 or more on cosmetics or fragrances. This includes all brands of make-up, facial skin care, women's and men's fragrances, jewellery, hair colouring, bath foam and gel and nail care.

The offer is valid from Saturday August 9 to Friday August 15, 2008.

Last year I had accumulated enough points to purchase a digital camera. It is a great opportunity to get extra points for those large purchases that you have to make at Shoppers Drug Mart. I have over 50,000 points. I don't know what I am saving up for yet. However, they do carry handbags at the Shoppers Drug Mart near my workplace. Something to think about.

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AUGUST EVENTS CALENDAR Toronto - Bloor

BURBERRY PRORSUM Trunk Show | August 16

CHANEL Black Carpet Makeup Event | August 21-23

DIOR Fall Look Makeup Event | August 21-23

PRESCRIPTIVES Colour Story Makeup Event | August 21-31

For other locations you can go to the OUR EVENTS page on the Holt Renfrew website.

30 day challenge is over

The 30 day challenge is finally over. I did not buy any new bags in the month of July. I actually gave three bags away.

The following is what I was able to do during the month:

1) I read a good book Twilight by Stephenie Meyer and I am reading the next book in the series New Moon.

2) I got a manicure at B.Skin event, but I did not let my nails dry and my nails smudged.

3) Took a knitting class at Americo Original. I am knitting myself a bag.

4) Took my SLR camera out of the closet. It is very big and heavy. I have not purchased film yet.

5) Still need to find a bathing suit.

6) I took another yoga class using the Passport to Prana. I would like to take another hot yoga class.

7) I did not purchase the iPhone. I am happy with my iPod Touch.

Task for August - search for the perfect bag!!!!!!!!!

Countdown to TIFF

It is only five weeks until the Toronto International Film Festival. Ten days of movies, poor food choices and long lines. It is also the week that I spend a lot of money while browsing the stores on Bloor Street and Yorkville. I must save money for my vacation in the fall. I usually take a week off of work during the film festival. It is like my mini break in the year, but I always go back to work more tired than I was at the beginning of the festival.