PortaPocket Notebook

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!  

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 

Now that Halloween is just around the corner, the thought of how you're going to carry your cell phone, ID and keys+ to the party may be inciting some frightening ideas...

hmm.... let's see...
stick it in the ole underwear? 
how about that waistband trick?
inside the boot?  ...or in the bra?

no. no. no and no
Don't let those things happen to you...
PortaPocket to the rescue! 

Here's your costume fashion fix.
Help yourself. ;)

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! ;)

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:    

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?