purse

Today's kids have more than a couple of coins clanking around in their pockets — they tote around toy cell phones, keys, and plastic credit cards.

So, find your lil gal a stylish purse (if she doesn't already have one!) to help carry it all. You'll be glad to lighten your load, and she will love the responsibility.

This yarn-dyed plaid purse ($6.99) from The Children's Place is satin-lined with a bow accent and a snap closure. And, it's a perfect complement for all of her holiday shopping and socializing attire.

Large handbags are great. They look great and you can fill them with everything you could possibly need when you are away from home. That big handbag stuffed to the nines might be more than fashionable. It might be causing you some serious shoulder pain.

The size of the bag really isn't the problem, it is all the stuff you stuff into it. While the folks at WebMD might not be fashionistas they have got your back, er . . . I mean shoulders, covered on this one. Here are ways to cope with the shoulder pain caused by the big bag:

• If you carry a heavy purse, alternate it between both shoulders.
• Switch your handbags so that you're not carrying a big purse every day.
• When you're shopping for a big bag choose one with wider straps, which helps distribute weight over a broader area of your shoulder.
• If you have to carry a lot of stuff, it might be a good idea to invest in a very fashionable backpack.

Flynet

Oversize bags, purses, and gym bags can be convenient, but they're not good for your back, your shoulders, or your neck. O magazine loves to give tips on being both trendy and healthy. And what's more important than a woman's health and her purse?

Here are a few highlights on keeping your bag safe for your body:

• Your weight and your fate: (New York-based chiropractor) Isis M. Medina's rule is that you should tote no more than 10 percent of your body weight—so a bag that's more than five pounds when empty is a bad start. If your load is excessive, your head and neck jut forward rather than staying over your shoulders, which can lead to headaches, neck tension, and back pain.
• Getting a handle: Long-strapped shoulder bags are out: They tug you to one side in a C shape, with the purse bumping at your hip and the strap slipping (so you hunch up your shoulder to keep it in place). Avoid chains, too; they tend to gouge the flesh. Look for short handles, not too flimsy or narrow (with very skinny straps on a hefty bag, you're asking for trouble).
• No feed bags: Slouchy may be in, but Medina likes structure: When items shift around and aren't well distributed, your balance is thrown off. Even an oversize bag can work, the doctor assures us, if it's got a definite shape, a firm base, and inner compartments to keep belongings stable.
• Easy access: If you have to do a major dig to find your phone or comb, you're twisting and distorting your torso. You want possessions to be reachable yet secure—a long top zipper or magnetic closure helps; Medina also likes outside pockets for frequently needed essentials.

Fit's Tip: Check out the Puddle Jumper Bag for all your gym gear, it's one that I think Medina would approve.

Source

I must have snaps on the brain. When I ran across this top snap pouch, designed and sewn by candyargyle, I knew I had to have it. I already use a couple of fabric zipper bags to organize my cell phone, iPod, lip balm, and other purse essentials, but this snap pouch would work just as well. It would also be adorable as a purse for a casual weekend brunch, or as a makeup bag in your bathroom cabinet. And at only $14, it's definitely a Steal of the Day.

Life & Style claims they've found the perfect size bag: the YSL Downtown tote, but I beg to differ. Don't get me wrong, the Downtown tote is definitely gorg and a really good travel bag, but we think it's too big for everyday use. What can one girl possibly store in such a gigantic purse? Notice how tiny Ashlee Simpson looks next to her red tote. She could probably hide in it if she ever wants to get away from her eyeliner-wearing boyfriend, Pete Wentz!

To see our perfect-size bag and why we love it, read more

I have seen a lot of calorie counter books. Usually they give you a good idea of what could be in foods you are eating, but they are never too accurate or familiar with all brands.

The CalorieKing Calorie, Fat & Carbohydrate Counter ($8.00, 2007 Edition) is fab! I love it and it is becoming my calorie bible. This small book has 11,000 food listings, including those from 200 fast food restaurants and contains international foods, carnival foods and fair foods. Ever wonder how many calories are in a churro? I did and now I know that one 8 inch churro packs a whopping 325 calories. Yikes!

It's fun to look through because you'll catch yourself flipping through pages and be amazed at the high calories in foods that you may (or may not) eat on a regular basis. Once you get this book you'll rely on it for everything. I keep mine in my bag so I have it readily available when I am out and about. Buy it directly from CalorieKing.com.

For a sneak peek at some of the pages, read more

This one comes straight to you from my ninth grade crush, who despite never picking up on my flirtatious banter (okay, okay, I was 15 and wore too much glitter, it wasn't his fault!) has become a noteworthy geek in his own right. The Luxe Link is a simple purse link that was invented to keep your precious purse off the icky ground. Any person that's ever considered putting his or her favorite handbag, laptop bag or backpack on the ground in a public place knows exactly why this clever piece of metal is the geekiest thing since sliced bread. I like it because it proves gadgetry doesn't have to be wired for it to be functional, practical and chic.

Described as "no larger than the size of Beyonce’s hoop earring, the Luxe Link is portable, lighter than your cell phone, and easy-peasy to use." The first collection is priced at $45, but if you paid a bundle for the purse itself, I'm sure you're willing to pay that to keep it clean.