PortaPocket Notebook

Congratulations, Grads

It's graduation time!

Who is taking that big step in your family this year?  What an exciting time for the newly minted to go forth and explore our world. Not an easy time out there, but sometimes you just have to jump into the fray.

I know it can be scary and daunting. So many kids have no idea what they're doing, or how they'll fit in. I know I felt like that when I was graduating from University of Michigan (all those years ago!), and I'm sure it's even harder these days, given the state of the world. Despite the "improving" economy, plenty of people are still out of work and wondering how they'll ever get by. All I know is that attitude can make a difference, and a can-do one will serve you well, even in what seems like your darkest days.

Consider life an adventure! Every experience you have shapes you into the person you are today, and who you will become tomorrow. It is a cumulative effect. Nothing that you go through is a loss. Nothing is a waste of time. The things that turn out badly are learning experiences, and the things that bring you joy are your treasured memories, that are with you, always.

Savor today, look forward to tomorrow and realize that nobody has this thing called LIFE all figured out. We all just do the best we can, and go on. And try to make our moments count.  

Blessings to you. All the best. Go with joy and commitment.
And go be the best YOU you can be.

xox

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.... 

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?

Thank you, Black Women's Expo!

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?

Going to SXSW? Take 'me' with you!

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

l

Where are you heading for spring break?

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)! 

Magic for Mardi Gras

Today is Fat Tuesday and NOLA is having the biggest party right NOW! If you're lucky enough to be taking in the festivities on the streets of New Orleans, you want to be sure to keep your important things close. Throngs of people can (and do) lead to throngs of theft opportunities. Don't leave yourself open to a problem by not thinking ahead. 

Now that you know about PortaPocket, you know how to be proactive... and safe. Yay!! Solutions!

We've had Louisianans seek us out and get outfitted with PortaPocket cases before the krewes get going in full swing. What could be better to keep your goodies where they're good, especially while you're riding on the floats, enjoying the parades, and watching the spectacles. Just because you are getting a little tipsy and having a good time doesn't mean you have to end up worrying all night about where you put your things. Just wear what you need, and you're good to go. ;)

Oscars coming! What's the best thing to wear under your outfit since SPANX (... & even for Ellen, too)?

Glam gals walking down that red carpet seem to have it all put together...the dresses are gorgeous and the ensembles impeccable. Who doesn't have fun just taking in the whole spectacle? Even though they may seem to be beyond mortal at times, those startlets are just people. And they suffer from the same human condition that the rest of us do.  To look as fabulous as possible, no doubt many of them are sporting undergarments to accomplish this. With Oprah having propelled SPANX to worldwide success a decade ago, that's probably the brand of choice. But as fantastic and confidence-buillding as those shapers may be, they still can't solve all women's issues or give gals peace of mind in a different category...

WHERE do they put their STUFF?!

Let's be real. How many outfits (and especially dresses) ever have pockets? Or pockets that actually work. And fit the things you need. Like your cell phone, among other things. And sure, while gals do indeed carry designer purses, a bag is rather difficult to mind all night, especially when stars are out dancing or getting a little tipsy at those after-parties.  And don't think their honey is standing right there with that tampon when they make an emergency dash to the restroom!

Smart gals know the solution.
Demo here.

Something else that can save your life...

Did you hear about this interesting new company? Cuff is creating jewelry that houses a small device that can be squeezed in order to alert those close to you when you might be needing assistance. See the article here.

How about that!  Founder Deepa Sood says "We don’t believe that we should be forced to choose between smarts and beauty when it comes to wearable accessories."  (thank you, Deepa!)

Kudos to this creative company that's also bringing function back into fashion (cuff.io).  I applaud their purpose and appreciate the need. It's yet another example of how communications within our world are becoming increasingly intertwined with wearable technology.

It's truly a new age out there.  And we're excited to be a part of it!

What other developments do you use coming down the pipe in the wearable tech space?
Comment to share :)

USA Olympic Speedskaters Performance & Under Armour -- is it the suits?

I'm sure you've heard the controversy at the Sochi Olympics...the US speedskating team's lackluster performance is surprising, so many involved are scratching their heads and questioning why they are winning no medals. The team has been wearing some specially designed "Mach 39" suits from Under Armour, which in concert with defense contractor Lockheed Martin, had created the "fastest speed skating suits in production," specifically for these 2014 Winter Games. But now these suits have come under fire and have been blamed for posssibly adding unnecessary wind drag while the athletes are racing.  So it must be this equipment's shortcomings, right? Well... not so fast...

In a recent race, US women speed skaters in the 1000 meters had covered up the questionable vent on the suit's backside with fabric in order to eliminate the potential wind drag issue, yet ended up with a similar result as when the suits hadn't been adjusted.  It seems that the variable has been eliminated. So what could it be then?

When things don't go our way it is easy to point the finger at external forces and lay blame elsewhere, but never on one's own shoulders. Under Armour has been making high quality sporting gear for over a decade and I personally own and enjoy wearing many of their items. And while no, I'm certainly no elite athlete, and my use of their gear never means my achievements in life are dictated by a fraction of a split second, I've never had a problem with the quality of their garments and feel they are simply getting a bum rap here.

While it's true UA pants never have enough functional pockets (especially for women) and they can't comfortably and effectively fit a cell phone while you work out (which is the exact same problem that ANY sportswear maker's pants have!), I think Under Armour is a good brand. And a decent company. And it's not their fault. Let's not make them the scapegoat.