With a hip and unique metropolitan style, Tsubo gains extra style points for smartly integrated ergonomic design.

What makes Tsubo shoes unique:
• Traditional bubbles which cushion the soles
• Material durability
• Materials that flex in the right places

There’s never a need (or an excuse) to sacrifice style for comfort again! Order online at www.tsubo.com or at finer retailer outlets.

By a show of hands, how many of you have an uncharged camera battery toiling lifelessly in your dusty, digital camera?

If only I had been aware of the pro-style lenses from Photojo! These high-clarity glass cell phone lenses are like pro lenses for your camera phone, giving you crisp and clear shots every time. With three options to consider: Fisheye, Telephoto, and Macro/Wide Angle Cell Phone Lenses, these finely constructed lenses transform your ordinary phone photos into wide, up-close, and super zoomed masterpieces.

And the best news is they work with any camera phone and attaching them is easy breezy (although do see their disclaimer for attaching to the iPhone 4)! A detachable magnetic ring sticks to your cell, providing a sturdy, shake-free hold between the lens and your phone.

Prices range from $20-$25 per lens. www.photojo.com ….and don’t forget, only 78 days until Christmas!

1. Glitter Candleabra from Pier 1. $30

2. Skeleton Hand Dispenser Stand from Pottery Barn. $39 (in store only)

3. Multi-Skull Beverage Tub from Target. $14.99

4. Spider Web Halloween Linen Napkins (Eco Friendly) on Etsy. $25 for 4

5. Sanguis Blood Soap by amandalouise on Etsy. $6/bar

6. Spider Web Runner at Crate and Barrel. $29.95

7. Mad Mother Psycho Shower Curtain by Prankplace.com. $25.98

8. Flying Witch Doormat by Wisteria. $22.10 (on sale!)

One piece. Infinitesimal looks.

Next is the fun part. Time to select your interchangeable design inserts. With a simple magnetic backing you easily and snugly attach (and remove) to the base of the metal pendant, you can chose from brightly colored florals, playful animal prints, interesting textures and looks and current novelty designs. And, wait for it, you can also customize your own designs. At $5 each design insert, it’s easy to try out a variety of colors and looks. Plus they make great gifts.

Sold at a variety of retailers, why not get started on attracting your new magnetic style today?

Now I can’t speak for you all, but when it comes to cool  little purses, I. Lose. My. Mind. And while on a self-imposed (and nearly practiced) spending freeze, when I saw this little bag, I knew it was coming home with me.

“Not just an amazing accessory, an absolute necessity” reads Lisa B’s home page. And what can I say, she’s right. If you are in the market for a fun, hip and sassy going-out bag, then definitely check out her line. With just enough room to fit a cell phone along with the included credit card holder, you are set for a night of “never having to worry where my purse is“. I opted for a little glam-rock in my bag, but they have all types.

They easily sling across the shoulder or can clip almost anywhere you would like (briefcase, belt, auxiliary bag…you name it!). If you are a size two, you can also double wrap the chain and wear it as a belt. Or, use the chain, which also serves as the purse strap, as a fun necklace with the accompanying, signature Lisa B charm. OK, maybe that’s a little far-fetched, but c’mon…we love the idea of options!

Retailing for around $50, you can absolutely find something which reflects your personality and your mood. See mine in action below (double click on the image for a closer look). Hard not to love it, right?

Woven from 50% recycled cassette tapes and 50% Polyester fabric, you get more than an uber-awesome, recycled accessory…you get a a piece of wearable art. Because the tape retains a magnetic quality, you can run a tape head over the tie and hear an intricate collage of sounds which was recorded prior to weaving. 

Not only will Dad be one cool cat, he’ll always be coming and going on a high note. Retails for $120

Admit it.

Behold: SENA Ultra-thin Ipad Case. No glamour. No Chi-Chi. Just class. Class worthy of the magical and revolutionary Ipad (hey, I didn’t write this copy, Apple did).  With options to customize the  leather exterior, this sleek, velvet-lined, ultra-lightweight case is the perfect companion for those who prefer a “zero-clearance” solution for their electronics.

At $59.99, you (nor can your reputation as a dude) can hardly afford NOT to buy one.

RULES FOR CUSTOMER

–For the most efficient and fastest service the line must be kept moving.

–Pick the soup you want!

–Have your money ready!

–Move to the extreme left after ordering!

And here’s a peek at his menu:

Hot Soups
· One seafood  (Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Seafood Combination, …) bisque.
· One vegetarian (Black Bean, Lentil, Yankee Bean, Lima Bean, Black Eye Pea, …)
· One spicy Mexican chili (Turkey, Beef, Chicken, Sausage, Mushroom, Beans, Vegetarian …)
· One clear broth (Chicken Vegetable, Chicken Broccoli, …….)

  And a few other soups such as:
· Barley (Mushroom, Chicken, Beef, Vegetable, Turkey, …)
· Gumbo (Beef, Chicken, Shrimp, Seafood, Turkey)
· Goulash (Beef, Veal, …)
· Creamless Vegetable (Asparagus, Mushroom, Potatoes & Corn, …)

Chilled Soups (in season)   

· Gazpacho, Cucumber, Vichyssoise, Fruit, Borscht, …

· And many more exotic, authentic and inventive soups.

AND, the best part, even if you don’t live in Manhattan you can still enjoy what’s being served up by the Soup Man because you can order online. Yep. Tis true. Makes everything seem a little mmmm, mmmm, better.

I’ve always said “design is my life.” And, til now, that’s always referred to interior design. But I’ve found a new creative outlet in Chocri, where I can design my own chocolate. Be still my beating heart!

Starting with fair trade, organic chocolate from Belgium, you can concoct more than 10 billion (yes, you heard me right…billion) custom candy bars. Simply start with your preferred type of chocolate—white, milk, dark or a combination of white and milk. Then add your choice of toppings, including fruit (papaya…yum), spices (bourbon vanilla anyone?), nuts (wasabi peanuts!), confections (yes, even gummy bears), décor (real gold flakes!) and grains (how about candied lilac?).

Don’t worry if the dizzying array of options is enough to send you into a spin. Chocri has you covered, also offering hundreds of pre-configured confections. Consider the “Dream Beach Vacation” made of milk chocolate, banana chips, mango cubes, papaya cubes and coconut shavings. Or “The Firemaker,” which consists of dark chocolate, ginger, wasabi peanuts, jalapeños and cayenne pepper (and comes with the recommendation to have a glass of milk ready).

 I think I’ve died and gone to chocolate heaven!

Heather Paper is a freelance writer/editor who specializes in all subjects design-related. A contributing writer for Miscelaney, she’s a dog-lovin’, wine-slurpin’ resident of Atlanta who considers Seattle her second home.