I'm starting a new feature here at The Bold Soul™ called Fabulous Stuff I've Found. The "stuff" in question are things I've found while browsing around Amazon.com, with selections I've hand-picked based on my own experience (or in some cases just because I think it's something too fabulous not to share). The items will range from books and reading-related accessories (I finally broke down and got myself a Kindle Paperwhite and so far I'm thrilled with it), to useful and practical items that make traveling safer and easier, to things I just plain think are fun or cool or beautiful. Eventually I may expand this beyond what Amazon has to offer, although since they have so darn much and at such good prices, I may never get around to looking elsewhere.
There is now a permanent "Fabulous Stuff I've Found" box over in the sidebar, and for now I plan to limit it to four items at a time, and rotate them out periodically. Whenever I'm changing things around, I'll also write a little post to tell you a bit more about why I like the items I've selected. There is also a new category called "Stuff I Recommend" which you can use to read all archived posts on this subject. I love it whenever I find great stuff on other people's blogs, and figured I might as well share some of my personal favorites with you. Hope you enjoy!
For the début of Fabulous Stuff, I have selected:
The Kindle Paperwhite. I was rabidly against e-books when they first came out, and even once I came around to accepting them, I saw no point in purchasing the Kindle when Amazon offered free apps for my computer and iPhone. But finally, with the new mid-range model Paperwhite -- which has touch screen capability and an internal light so I can read at night if Georges is sleeping (me and my damn insomnia), and also because my eyesight is getting worse as I age (sigh) and reading on my iPhone isn't as easy as it used to be -- I decided to take advantage of being back in the States to order it at the cheaper U.S. price (the same thing on Amazon.fr costs about the equivalent of $20-30 more after currency conversion). So if you, too, have been holding out from getting a Kindle, maybe now is the time to reconsider.
Of course, my Kindle needed a cute protective cover. Amazon has a ton of covers for all the various Kindle models, but I was looking for cute on a budget, and voila! The Moko Cover Case for Kindle Paperwhite at only $14.99 and in 15 colors! It's padded, it has an interior pocket where you can stick some notes, and it automatically turns off your Kindle when you close the cover, to conserve the battery life. When you open the cover, the Kindle restarts automatically as well!
Another thing I have become very interested in, especially when traveling, are these new RFID-blocking wallets. Perhaps you aren't aware, but there are criminals out there who have special scanners with which they can capture YOUR biometric passport and credit/debit card data just by passing near you with their scanners! They don't even have to steal your wallet to steal your identity! Yikes! (Here's an article on Consumer Reports that discusses this problem.) There are many good brands of these wallets available -- PacSafe makes a lot of excellent security products, some of which I'll feature in a future post -- but I especially liked how chic this RFID-blocking leather wallet from Access Denied is. It comes in a number of colors and finishes, too. I mean, why not have a pretty wallet while protecting yourself at the same time?
Last but not least, if you've never packed for a trip with packing cubes, then you can't imagine how easy it makes packing and finding things in your luggage -- especially if you're in a situation at the airport where you have to open your bags for an additional security screening. I mean, do you really want someone rummaging through your underwear and shuffling everything around? These adorable packing cubs from eBags come in a set of 3 sizes with 16 different looks to choose from. I never travel anymore without my "cubes".
Et voila! My first recommendations for Fabulous Stuff I've Found. I'll do something new about once or perhaps twice a month. If you miss the posts, just check the sidebar for the Amazon widget in green.
