PortaPocket Notebook
Welcome to the Party...! (part 1)
Ah, yes..... time flies when you're having fun! We've been in this space for years, and the more we go along, the more we see other products introduced into our category...it's a veritable cornucopia, but we're actually glad to see it. Competition is actually good as it just proves the need for what we do. After all...who doesn't have something small and important to carry, right?!
While we're on the subject, we might as well share a few things you might see out there, and how they differ from PortaPocket...
First up, let's talk about those who have affinity to stash that phone (etc) in their bra. Not sure why people would want to get their stuff so sweaty, but if they want, they can find a host of companies out there touting this very thing. Of course, all of this stems from the thought that often putting a cell phone on your chest area is a good idea. ;/ Hmmmmm....well... the obvious problem with this is twofold...
+
!
1. sweat can kill your cell
and
2. health concerns
As far as #2... while it's true nobody can yet realistically claim with certainty that cell phones stored there cause breast cancer (as technology's too new to have a history...) why would you even risk it? Especially as there are viable, convenient options to allow you to hands-free carry things without relying on that bra, why deliberately put a cell phone and its emissions on top of your heart+chest?
There are plenty of articles on the matter...here's one example. Here's also a segment 'Keep your cellphone out of your bra' from Dr Oz, including testimonial from a 21 yr old cancer victim. And yet more evidence.
Fortunately, with PortaPocket, you'll have much more choice in where you wear what you need...without relegating you to use that bra to do the job at all, thankfully! Nevermore will your money get moist, or your skin get indentations from your keys, please ;) Plus, we can suit both gals and guys, too.
Stop on by, and we'll continue with part 2.
So how about you?
Have you ever stashed your cell in your bra?
Why or why not?
Planning to brave Black Friday?
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?
PortaPocket...Rescue Me!
Did you just drop your cell in the toilet? Or did it fly off that roller coaster? Maybe it broke from sweat since you stashed it in your boot or your bra. How about your purse...was it ever stolen... or your wallet pickpocketed? If you have medical needs...do you ever feel embarrassed about wearing that insulin pump with your prom dress? Or carrying that EpiPen to the festival?
There are so many different reasons why people seek us out, and we are always grateful for their interest and appreciation. We just wish it wouldn't have to be, so often, the result of them having gone through bad experiences.
While we wish everyone in the world was kind and decent, there are opportunists who prey on others. We can't make them disappear, but we CAN improve upon the risk of our becoming a victim by simply thinking ahead. Of course, simple things are often anything but, and many people don't think this way until it's too late. Yet it's the bad experiences that prompt ACTION.
Which is why we'd like to pay it forward.
Today we're introducing PortaPocket...Rescue Me! It's an on-going program we'll be running several times a year to offer help to those who've "been there." Simply nominate yourself or a deserving someone by telling us about what happened on our facebook page along with #PortaPocket #RescueMe (please share that post to your own page, too), and/or tweet:
I nominate ____ for a
#PortaPocket #RescueMe (add info here)
Photos will help, too. We'll choose the most compelling story and gift that nominee (and you, for sharing him/her) a 2pc PortaPocket kit of their/your choice! Entries now being taken through Thanksgiving Day, Nov 27, 2014 at 5pm CST.
We look forward to your contributions
...and being of service!
Jared Leto & Matthew McConaughey: Fanny Pack Lovers
Ah yes.... what's old is new again, including that ole mainstay from the 80's. Have you seen these A listers rocking the fanny pack lately? Boldly. Proudly. With no shame. I say power to them! Who says function can't be fashionable, and these two stud muffins certainly have their share of appeal, no matter WHAT they've wearing ;) Well...
how about you? Are your sporting one of these vintage gems? We totally get it...they're uber handy and let you walk around without having to drag a bag. But, hmmm... why not move on over to the 21st century, sweethearts, and rock something that's a little more au courant? PortaPocket will give you a more versatile way to keep your goodies where they're good, and the option to swap out pocket styles to suit your mood.
That's it. Do you hear that, Jared and Matthew?
We've got some little beauties here with your names all over 'em.
Coming at ya!
Photo Credits: Splash News; Getty Images
So... did you think you saw us on Shark Tank...?
Like so many others, we love the show. And watch it often. But when people ask us, "weren't you on that show...?" well... the answer is... that wasn't us. It was another company that overlaps a bit into the space of where we are...but not really.
And it's a company which pretty much has ceased business at this point. http://sharktanksuccess.blogspot.com/2012/12/partie-poche.html
We'd actually been called by producers for the show, and they liked PortaPocket a lot. So they asked us to apply, and then...
they said no.
And the next season, we tried out again.
And then...
they took on the other company.
And then we tried a third time and ...
no dice either.
All we got that last time was one of the ABC staff members running over to take a picture of THE LEG,
and of course a bunch of smiles / stares...
but that was it. ;/
*sigh*
Ah, well....what can you do. We're just going to keep going...
making solutions to the lack-of-usable-pockets-in-our-clothes problem,
and will continue to be here to help you...
help YOURSELF! ;)

What to do about that NFL Bag Ban...

You've probably heard by now that there are new rules on what fans can now acceptably carry into stadiums. After the Boston Marathon bombing, pro sports organizations have had their hand forced to make changes in order to improve safety of the situation...or at least make an effort to. And although it really may be just that, it can come off as rather anti-women with these restrictions on purses.
Here's info on the whole enchilada:
http://www.nfl.com/qs/allclear/index.jsp
SO are you thinking you can't carry what you need now?
No worries... PortaPocket to the rescue! Although women may be griping about having to carry their unmentionables in those NFL approved clear bags, you really don't have to. Just think of it like you're going on vacation to an unknown...and maybe not the safest....area. "Concealed carry" is the key. And you'll never be forced to expose your time-of-month things, again ;)

YES, we fit iPhone6 /iPhone6Plus and Galaxy Note 4 (& ends 'BendGate'!)
With apple's new lineup of iPhones now out, and Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 here...people are trying to figure out how they're going to carry the larger devices around with them. Clothing pockets are often ill designed to handle the size of these smartphones, and even if you're able to (barely) squeak one in there, no doubt it's ready to fall out, or you're trying to sit or bend there (hmmm...comfy yet?) No problem. We can help.
Our XL PortaPocket pocket is sized to be able to handle either iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, the 6 even with a case on it first, and the 6 Plus, perhaps also with a sleeve. Or the Galaxy Note 4, too. And of course this means you can WEAR your phone, as well. No theft, loss, bending damage or droppage. yay! Here's a photo showing this pocket size along with a Galaxy Note, and one with the iPhone 6:
Video demo showing how iPhone6Plus fits in the XL pocket: http://youtu.be/Je9BL5Qj6EA
As soon as the 6Plus is more readily available, we'll see what other possibilities there are with sizing (phone+case). Stay tuned for more info... and photos... as we have them. But either way... freedom is YOURS!
*Recommended kits for carrying iPhone6/6Plus or Galaxy Note, try our Combo Kit or our Waist Belt with Pocket Kit (choose an XL pocket)...examples of how to wear it (on these very small gals ;), below:
Renaissance faire, anyone?
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?
Who's been watching the World Cup?
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 ;)
Grad Gown Got No Pockets?
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
the star of our new video had a seizure last weekend...
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....
woof!xo
it's Coachella time...
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?