PortaPocket Notebook

I guess that could refer to a lot of things...

Iron? Gas? Or, how about wearing a certain style shoe? ;)

While all those are fair guesses, we're actually talking diabetes today. We're gearing up to exhibit at the American Diabetes Association's Chicago EXPO and we're excited to share our hands-free solutions with people who wear insulin pumps or who need to carry diabetes equipment. 

Over the years, we've gotten many calls from people who are interested in using PortaPocket for exactly this purpose, so it was high time we focused on bringing these solutions to this specific audience, too.

Whether you have a Medtronic, OneTouch, Animas or DexCom model of pump,
it's almost a certainty we've got a pocket to help you discreetly and comfortably
wear it, so do't be shy...stop on by! 

if you are diabetic and use a pump, where do you wear it on your body and
what do you carry it in? 
How is it working out for you?  
We'd love to know... please comment below :)

Having been on the planet for awhile now, I've been around the block enough times to see this phenomenon on more than one occasion. One big Q for many product developers is: Why do some ideas get embraced like wildfire, and others (even perhaps better ideas) never get their moment in the sun?

It's a strange, even bizarre conundrum that I don't know if anyone has the answer to, but boy don't we wish we knew!  

 A current example is the next bra-with-pockets offering that's about to hit abc's Shark Tank episode on Friday the 13th (perhaps that date's symbolic? ;)) Here's another iteration of the same idea we've seen for the last few years, with more companies excitedly jumping onto this band wagon. Of course no one can adequately explain why the concept of putting one's cell phone (and corresponding emissions) basically on top of one's heart and chest is a good thing to do. There've been concerns raised about this, and the suggestion that one can just turn off one's phone, but in the grand scheme I think both you and I know that people are simply not going to remember to do that.        

Perhaps another reason this particular idea is being heralded is the notion that 'sex sells' and the folks in the Shark Tank episode are choosing to leverage this... otherwise why would there be something called 'B**byPack'? A bit disappointing to see society embrace these kinds of tactics, but seeing how long such strategies have been in use....what can you do.                                                                       Now let's see if they sink or swim...! ;)

photo credit: Environmental Health Trust (ehtrust.org)

For those who have much more tolerance than I ever would, I say go for it girlfriends (or guys, too). Just make sure to have PortaPocket riding shotgun :)

Why risk carting a purse around within the sea of shoppers, given those opportunists in our midst. Schemers are unfortunately part of the equation, and they're out there waiting to take you (well, at least your stuff) for a ride. Don't let them. You already know never to leave your bag unattended, even for a microsecond. But here's something else you may not know...

A couple years ago, I spoke with an experienced ER nurse (with 25+ yrs in the field) who was buying some PortaPocket kits for her family. She shared something interesting I'll never forget: sometimes wearing a purse in a cross body fashion ends up being even MORE dangerous since when a thief is determined to get your stuff, that person will do WHATEVER it takes to get that bag. And that often can mean throwing you down on the ground to get to it, which leads to broken clavicles and shoulders ...things she'd seen time and again while working her job in the hospital.

Better to simply avoid the purse problem in the first place, and keep your valuables safe in a spot they'll never think of. Outsmart those bad boys. And have a happier holiday.

What about you?
Do you plan to shop during the Friday frenzy,
or are you going all on line this time? 

Worry not. Now you can avoid embarrassment and carry all those girly things you need...

Who wasn't been there before? it's that time of the month and you don't want to broadcast that fact that you're on your period to the world, let alone that cute guy you've been noticing at the gym. Now... finally. There's a solution!  Your little secret agent is here...

PortaPocket to the rescue

No more sticking a tampon in your bra or up your sleeve… or having to pretend nothing’s in your hand while you make a mad dash for the restroom. Us gals have constantly needed to get “creative” every month when dealing with that human condition. Why can’t clothing designers recognize the need for women’s clothes to have pockets? And even when they DO include pockets in garments, why can’t they design them so they actually WORK?  

Fortunately there are new ways to manage this common conundrum. Easily and comfortably. No sewing needed. This handy little accessory will help you help yourself. And it’s so lightweight, you’ll almost forget it’s there. Simply wrap the band around where you like, and you’re good to go. Works discreetly around your thigh, calf, ankle, arm or waist/ hip, and under your outfit so noone will even know.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Why not simply be prepared?

Confidence is beautiful!

Last weekend it was time for our annual trek up to Wisconsin and the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Always a treat! We've been going for years now, and this time we took some friends with us so it was double the fun :)

I always have a good time watching how the women in costume get "true to the age" by stuffing their money in their cleavage, which inevitably leads to "the conversation!"

This year Angelina wore her belly dancer outfit she got when we went there last year, and had her dragonfly PortaPocket on her leg underneath so she could have money handy when she wanted to add to her fairy collection :)  Sweet!  Such a proud moment when your kid finally "gets" why you do what you do... 

XO!

Of course, what do cell phones have in common with medieval times? Not much but you know we all need our cameras (and out lifelines) with us, right?  So, inevitably, you'll also see a little bit of things like this: 

    and       and   

Where the pockets aren't big enough, but phones get shoved in them anyway (whether they work or not...) really can't be all that comfortable, and what about when you sit down? hmmm.....maybe next time for those moms...

Anywho...what about you? have you ever been to a Renaissance faire?

What do you wear when you go?

I guess I should know a little bit more about what is going on here (considering it's been in the news everyday), but honestly I really haven't been paying much attention. One thing I do know is there's a big viewing party in Chicago scheduled for tomorrow and I thought of going down there (wearing my leg, 'natch) for the fun of it, but the wee one wants to go swimming, so...

family first!

I hope those who have ventured to Rio are enjoying the festivities and the electric atmosphere...and finding Brazil a welcome host.  One day I'll get down there, too....

PortaPocket riding shotgun ;)

It's the milestone day and you want to catch those important moments.  
Why not have a way to keep your smartphone handy to capture all those shots?
Graduation gowns are notoriously pocket-free and so are many of those outfits
you might want to wear for that Big Day...

Wear PortaPocket under your gown and you're good to go! Keeps your ID, cash, cards,
keys and girly stuff (++) handy, without having to babysit that bag.  Plus, there's no need
to micromanage a friend to carry what you need. :))

Larger smartphones fit in a XL PortaPocket pocket which can work over your graduation dress
(and under your grad gown) by lacing it onto a belt or scarf of your choice, and wearing it
as a complement to your outfit. Otherwise, smaller cells can be worn on your leg under
your outfit with ease.

Congrats on your degree!
Now have a degree of peace, knowing where your important things are, too.

Help yourself ;)
xo

Working downstairs, late at night, and all of a sudden I hear a ruckus from the 2nd floor that sounds like my husband is going crazy. omg. what is going ON? I rush up there to figure out how I can help. And discover the reason...it's my loyal Sasha. on the floor. going through spasms. :((

Our trusted friend has been with our family for almost 14 years. We've been blessed with her presence ever since bringing her cuteness home from the shelter back in the summer of 2000. Oh what a joy she's been! A fabulous addition and now pseudo sibling to our 9 year old daughter. And now a video queen!

Last weekend Sasha rocked the GoPro and worked to make a fun little demo to show how PortaPocket can help people (and animals) carry their own crap. She was perfect and did it all right on cue, thank YOU! Will post soon as you can see...in the meantime, we have to be....ever mindful of her health. because as you know, health is wealth.

The good news is... she seems fine now. This had happened years before and prompted us to get her on a dose of daily phenobarb. Hope her dosage is not too low and is creating the problem...

truly hope we can have her with us for at least a couple more years. She brightens our days and makes every moment a little easier. Makes my heart smile when I walk in that door and hear her.... 

which also means it's time to find a cute outfit to wear so you'll feel good in the crowd. And while you're at it, why not wear something that will make your experience more care-free at the same time? You know where to go...check out our bling styles for a little fashion with your function ( http://www.portapocket.com/collections/bling ) ...and lose the worry not your stuff. ;)

Who are you looking forward to seeing at Coachella this year?

We had such fun at Chicago's McCormick Place last weekend, sharing the love and spreading the word to so many smart women about the joys of PortaPocket. It was a whirlwind (and exhausting!) three days, but we were thrilled to be a part of it and grateful for all the fantastic comments, conversations, and purchases! Know that your kind words are never forgotten, and your support means the world to us. 

GMA 's fabulous anchor (and my personal favorite) Robin Roberts had come in for a keynote, and wish I had a chance to have seen her again, but busy in the booth meant no time to break away. At least the first day was able to run over to a get a couple moments to say hello to ABC network's Janet Davies and (at least a glance with) news anchor Cheryl Burton. Ah, well...maybe next time...!

this was before...now this gal will never need to stick her phone in her bra ever again.

Hallelujah!

How about you? Where you there and will you be going again next year?

Let the fun begin!  Outdoor music festivals and concerts have such energy...can't wait to get there myself!  And they're so much more fun when you don't have to cart that bag around and micromanage it all day (and night), right?

Now that you're here, you know how you can. Secret agent PortaPocket...at your service!

Who are you most excited to see and hear at SXSW? Tell us below :)

xoxo,

@PortaPocketGal

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It's almost that time again!  Even though snow's still on the ground here in Chicagoland, it's only a few weeks before co-eds are out of school and heading off to beaches or bars...(or sometimes both)!  We don't have a college age child quite yet, so not in that mode, but are looking forward to spending some time together doing some fun things in the city.

My 9 yr old enjoys seeing Sue, the famous resident T-rex over at the Field Museum, so this may be our chance for a repeat visit. Of course, you know what will be "riding shot gun" with us! ... ;)  PortaPocket always helps. Keeps my iPhone, ID and essentials safe, and lets me enjoy a hands-free day out with my daughter.

Ahh...freedom! 

So... where are going for spring break this year?  We'd love to hear (...and live vicariously)!