Review of the Saky Sack: Green Style on the Go

Living on an island can shape our perspective about how our lives impact the planet and either positively or negatively affect sustainability.  We're not suggesting that we are green experts.  Rather, we are interested in highlighting how we think, shop and spend can evolve so that can sustain the earth's future for our kids.  Plus we're looking at some really cool stuff! Stay tuned!





It’s one thing to use environmentally friendly bags as a way to show your commitment to preserving the Earth’s resources.  It’s quite another to take one on the go because it’s so.dang.cute.  I received a Zig Zag City Saky and the matching Sakcessories pouches for our Going Green Guide.

After I opened the package, I unfolded the City Saky and hung it over a  chair to let some of the wrinkles out. (That’s right, it’s THAT humid in Hawai’i)  The next day when I went to look for it, it was gone.  Poof!  In my house, that usually means that First Born has snaked it out from under me.  Which is what she did.  She was showing off the Zig Zag City Saky in the halls of the local high school.  And that means that the Saky wins the “I live to be cool” teenage award.  Not only are the Saky Sacks adorable, they are Squishable, Scrunchable Squashable, Ultra-Compact and Portable with a patent pending design made from DuPont™  Tyvek ® . The City Saky and  the larger Saky Weekend are

• Machine washable
• Tear, stain and water resistant
• Interior clasp or pockets
• Can carry up to 25 lbs

I love the matching Sakcessories, two pouches that clip on to the bag so that your bag is both a purse (with the Sakcessories) and a carry-all bag.  In fact, I’ve been using the Sakcessories as my “purse central” with my wallet, keys, etc that I can move between my Saky and my work bag.  Another thing I love about the Saky bags are the prices.  The City Saky retails for $20 and is a sizable bag measuring 15” x 14”  x 7.5”.  The larger size, the Saky Weekend, is $25 and measures 15” x 18”  x 7.0”.  These Saky bags will still be stylish and functional long after you purchase them (kind of the exact opposite of supermarket plastic bags).  And if you have a 14 yr old daughter like I do, you can play hide and seek the Saky Sack or just give up and let her claim it so you can get a new one.  (I’m leaning toward the second option myself.)

You can purchase a Saky Sack along with the Sakcessories here.  And right now through 4/5/11, you can use the promo code ALOHA and get 25% off your Saky Sack order!

I was not compensated for this post although I did receive a product sample to facilitate my review.  Any and all opinions here are my own.

LillyMae Bag Review

Remember the fanny pack?  Those went the way of the parachute pants (I bid good riddance to both!).  But there has always been a need for a small, hands-free bag to keep your important stuff in while you shop, work out or travel.  Hooray for the Lillymae bag which combines the utility of the fanny pack with the style of a regular  purse!I was lucky enough to review the Lillymae bag in basic black (see below).  I’d ordered this style so that I could wear it when I walk outside.  I love that every bag has a reinforced hole in one corner to thread headphones through so you can listen to music on the go.   I also love the versatility of the strap which allows me to control its length and convert the bag to a fanny pack or cross body bag.
I was able to test my basic black Lillymae bag when I went with my 3rd grader to camp for two and a half days (some of the longest of my life—yet another story).  I left my big old honkin’ bag at home, packing only my driver’s license, debit card, phone and lip balm in my Lillymae.  Everything else went into the dufflebags we kept in the cabins.  I had my Lillymae bag with me all day as I accompanied 3rd graders to meals, activities, etc.  Other chaperones were carting around backpacks and totebags.  Not me: I wore the bag across the body so my hands were always free.  I loved it!  About halfway through camp, my daughter’s asthma flared up and so her inhaler was another item that stayed with us throughout the day in the bag.  The Lillymae bag can really simplify your life when you’re on the go!
My only suggestion for improvement of the Lillymae bag is that the fabric could be water resistant to protect valuables from getting wet.  Otherwise, the Lillymae rocks!  At the Lillymae site, there are some adorable bags and some innovative possibilities for wearing them!  Right now, when you use the coupon code 15001, you can get 15% off the Lillymae bag of your choice.  Because of their versatility and style, Lillymae bags are practical AND cute.  A win-win!
I did not receive compensation for this post although I did receive a free sample to facilitate my review via Family Review Network.  Any and all opinions here are my own.

Review: The Surf Showstopper Wrist Wallet

My family and I love to spend time at the beach. I enjoy kayaking, my husband is learning to wind surf and my kids love the sand. My only complaint about beach time is that I don't have anywhere to keep my keys and phone.

This is where the newest Surf Showstopper accessory comes in handy. The pouch is a camera case, mobile phone holder, card purse, money pouch, key holder and mp3 player case all rolled into one wrist wallet. The outer material is water repellent and durable for a seaside environment while the underside is constructed of a "toweling" material that absorbs perspiration while working out. The best part about this new pouch is that now my phone will be sand free at the beach!

The one feature that I would have liked the Surf Showstopper to have is a hole for my earphone wire to attach into the phone while in the pouch. I am always listening to music while exercising and with the current design of this wristbag I am still able to keep the zipper open just large enough for the wire to come out but a dedicated feature for earphones would have been nice.

You can purchase your own wristbag HERE as well as other fashion accessories for women, men and children.  If you enter the code SURF when checking out you will receive 10% off your entire order plus FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING storewide.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.