Laptop Bag Lifeline

Bag shopping in Belize, I just can't help myself!

My first vacation in over a year and there I am bag shopping and trying to figure out how to have laptop sleeves made in Belize.
The good news is that my friends laughed at me so I decided to have a nice cold beer and chill.  I did however buy that pink bag.

The perfect Rolling Travel Bag and 10 essentials for traveling out of the country

Over the Christmas Holiday after months of planning the perfect trip, it all went terribly wrong.  My wonderful daughter who has a mild case of OCD (just enough to make her need to organize my spices after sunday night dinners) learned a valuable lesson.  No matter how much you plan and how much stuff you think you need,all you can really control is your attitude.

The last text I got was "We are leaving LAX and on our way to Rome. Will text you when we arrive"  The next thing I see is that they decided to fly through Heathrow in the UK and that their trip was delayed.  They could not get their luggage and 5 days later, still with no luggage or any essentials, they finally made it to Rome. They had a fantastic time and learned some wonderful things about themselves, eachother and a few life lessons.

 I am a frequent traveler and always like to carry the latest cool travel item from www.careerbags.com so I usually go very prepared. I have also been know to return home with a local bag from the country I visited because I sold my perfect bag to a woman traveler.

I asked if she could do it all again, what she would have done different and what she would not leave home without.  Here is her list of Essential Travel Items to take on the Plane and also a few of our over 75  Rolling Bags that she should have asked me to send her.

• essential medications

• eye glasses

• important documents

• any electronics with their charger (phone, computer, camera, etc.)

• undergarments

• socks

• shirt

• sweater/second layer

• jacket

• jeans

(basically one other change of clothes)

If traveling to a cold place, even if that place is just your lay over location, bring gloves, a beanie, and make sure your jacket is warm to withstand the outside cold. Those would be my basics. hope that helps! love you.

Now for a few bag choices that can accomodate all of the items on the list. 

 

 Crown Rolling Laptop Tote, faux leather with embroidery, Perfect size for carrry luggage.

 

 

Dimensions: 19"W x 15"H x 6"D
Laptop Compartments: 18"W x 15"H x 5"D

Fits most Laptops up to: 17"
Product Weight: 6 lbs

Exterior Features:

• Unique Design, Durable Grip handles with snaps and faux leather trimming
• Double Zipper
• Bottom of bag has 4 foot rest and clear rolling wheels
• Handle locks in two positions for easy maneuvering,length of handle at it's highest is 22in

Interior Features:

• Durable Hardware
• Handles stores in a zipper compartment when not in use
• Large open compartment inside with one zipper pocket

 

Roll your essentials right to your seat with the Baggallini Rolling Tote. The best part of this tote is that it's one of the lightest rolling tote bags available!

Dimensions: 17"W x 14.5"H x 8" D
Product Weight: 5.5 lbs

Exterior Features:

• Designed to be a rolling carry-on
• Fits under the seat or in the overhead compartment
• Surprisingly spacious - Holds almost as much as a 22" roll aboard
• "Sleeve" on back of bag allows you to slide it over the handle of another suitcase
• Leather handles for when you would rather carry than roll your bag
• Lightweight water resistant fabric

Interior Features:

• Three separate compartments: one designed for your clothes, one for cosmetics and a center compartment for your laptop, paperwork or room for additional clothing

 

 

 

Professional Style Profile- Ellen Degeneres

Pairing some of today's top business women with today's top women's laptop bags

Given my line of work, I tend to see the world through laptop bag lenses. I just can't help it. I see a woman in a suit and I immediately think "Ooo - I can think of at least three Laptop Bags that would pull that whole look together." So I'm back to writing on the blog that I call "Professional Style File", where I'll pair some of today's top business women with - what else? - today's top women's laptop bags!

I thought I'd start with one of my favorite business women (and entertainers), Ellen Degeneres. I'm such a huge fan of hers - plus, we have the same first name, which makes me feel cool. Ellen's on top of the world right now - She's witty, savvy, successful and a true inspiration. Ellen generally sports a classic look but she has a wild and crazy side too, if her daily booty shaking on her talk show is any indication. So the bag I'd pick for her is the Laurex Laptop Messenger Bag It's bright, colorful and stylish, just like Ellen herself.

Plus, Laurex Bags are made of or nylon, so they're animal-product-free - perfect for an animal lover and activist like Ellen Degeneres. So, Ellen, that's my StyleFile tip for you! I think the Laurex Red Blossom Laptop Bag is just the right accessory to help you get your groove on and keep it going all day.

Get Organized and clean up your office, you can do it.

So there I was this morning overwhelmed by my messy office.  Here I am in the business of keeping women organized and looking professional and I was under a huge pile of unfiled paperwork.

It was because you all kept us so busy keeping up with Holiday Laptop Bag orders and following up on our International Shipping customers.

Now, I'm not a person who believes you must have a completely clean desk. But if I do have piles of stuff on my desk (and I do), they have to be piles of stuff I'm going to use soon and can find when I need it (they aren't).

So ... it's time to go through the piles and files — physical and digital.

Fortunately, getting organized needn't take weeks or months. One afternoon or weekend morning could make a big difference in day-to-day productivity.

To start, have necessities on hand:

• Files: I'm a fan of clear Pendaflex file folders for the stuff that's spending time on my desk. But I also use different colored paper folders to use as a coding system (e.g., client-related work, invoices, financial records) for stuff going in drawers.

• File Folder Labels- You type up your list in a hurry. Some people like label makers but i like my sticky file folder labels.

• File drawers

• Clear, large storage boxes

• Plastic zip-top bags: Gallon size to store computer disks and manuals, wires and cords; snack size for very small items-Label them with file labels. All my cables and cords are labels.

• Permanent markers: To mark the outside of the bags

I like a pretty office. I have to be inspired and nothing makes me more inspired than Color!  The Jaime Raquel File Totes are sturdy and beautiful and my office is surrounded by them. I have decided to use them because I travel back and forth to our family's Ranch and need to take my work with me. Yes I have been known to run Careerbags from that porch.

• File Totes     Did I mention that they come in 8 colors?
Pink,Purple, Green, Red, Black, Orange, Blue and Brown.  Also if you type in our FIRST TIME BUYER  code:FIRST, you will be able to get these at a bargain price.

• Portable hard drives (to back up computer files) Mac Time Machine is amazing.........

With those on hand, start tackling:

 Office Stuff

• Files in your desk and file drawers: Archive previous years' files and put in storage. Keep only current or continuing files nearby.

• Pile on your desk: Put in appropriate files or toss. Remember  "When in doubt, throw it out."

• New files: Identify names of files you need now or will soon, use the label maker and set up new files.

Since I don't want to overwhelm you, we will stop here. Enough to get you started.....You will feel like a you can conquer the world so go out and DO It!

Traveling Smart- The woman behind Careerbags Shares Strategies for Traveling Smart

Author: Ellen Hart

In these days of long airport lines, increased security and carry-on restrictions, women travelers need be savvy to arrive at their destination ready for business. Pre Nine Eleven travel was already filled with delays, packed airplanes and inefficient and often surly customer service. Over the past five years airline travel has only become more difficult as security breaches, flaws and threats occur on a regular basis.

Now merely packing for a trip whether for a quick meeting or a four-day conference is a constant challenge. Ellen Hart, president of Careerbags shares how to de-stress your travel experience without compromising on style or your personal and professional needs.

Smart traveling begins with a laptop bags or business tote that also functions as a handbag.  Mary Repke, founder of Coakley Business Class and a designer featured on www.careerbags.com designs and manufactures laptop bags and business totes 'that have a system including a clutch and easy access from outside the bag when it’s on the body.  I can easily unzip the bag without removing it from my shoulder and get cash to buy coffee, present my ID and tickets.' This removes the frustration of setting your bag down and rifling through it. 'Having one bag that you can wear and easily access necessities frees women up to simply feel and look more together,' says Repke. 
Another idea is to try and find the smallest travel bag you can tolerate and challenge your self to pack within that.  You can find many small lightweight travel bags in our luggage and travel bag section. If you’re traveling more than three days consider sending a bag ahead via Federal Express or UPS. It just makes life so much easier to do that. To avoid time in security lanes put as many carry-on items as possible into Zip-lock bags for fast TSA access and scrutiny. 
Take those bulky power cords and chargers and store them in Zip-lock bags in your suitcase and save room for in-flight necessities to carry in your laptop bag. You can’t use them on the plane anyway. Since removing shoes is now standard operating procedure carry thin cotton travel socks in your bag’s side pocket so you won’t have to walk barefoot through grimy security check-points.

Careerbags.com offers a wonderful selection of rolling computer bags and the smartest collection from Clark& Mayfield has a 'Pass Through Pocket' so it fits over your luggage handle. No need to pull two bags on wheels.  Keeping all of your information in one computer is more important these days and Desk Top computer sales have slowed and more people are using 17' laptops. They are heavy so we suggest using one of our fashionable rolling computer bags from Mellow world.

Lightening up is what it’s all about. Boarding an aircraft and getting organized prior to taking your seat is always stressful with anxious travelers at your elbow. Organize all your immediate on-board supplies like reading material, glasses, medication, water and food in zippered cases, pouches and Ziplock bags. This way you simply grab the bags, stow your carry-on and slide into your seat in seconds. Since liquids and lotions are currently capped by the TSA at 3 ounces do take hotel amenities home. If you need a camera simply use your cell phone or a disposable.  For that 'just in case my checked bag gets lost' scenario a change in underwear and a clean top can easily fit in with your laptop bag. Forget your entire day planner if you don’t use a Blackberry or PDA. Just copy those critical pages containing necessary schedule and contact information.

Consider in vesting in a great cashmere shawl or pashmina for traveling. It’s the perfect feel and look good travel accessory. Use it as a cozy blanket for an in-flight nap. It adds significant style to your business attire and works as an evening wrap.  Now you’re ready to travel smart. 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/traveling-smart-the-woman-behind-careerbags-shares-strategies-for-traveling-smart-791881.html

About the Author

Ellen Hart is President of www.careerbags.com. She has been involved in designing, manufacturing and selling laptop bags for women,business totes and for professional women for over 18 years

Does this Laptop Bag make my butt look big?

We all want to look ten pounds thinner don't we? Well I can't promise you that we have laptop bags that will make that happen but there are certain styles to avoid.  We have even put together an assortment of slender fit bags to give the illusion of looking taller and thinner. 

In the past year, the cost of 17" laptop computers have gotten so inexpensive that more of our customers are searching for the perfect 17" laptop tote or 17" laptop messenger bag to fashionably carry that bargain of the century.

 

If you are Hiedi Klum or Gisele then we have an awsome assortment but let's get real.  According to the CDC the average height for American Women is 5'4" and we have actually packed on an additional 25 lbs since 1960. 

If you follow a few simple rules when trying to find just the right laptop bag or business tote then maybe we are on to something here that can make sure that you look as good as you can for work.

 

We also have a function on our site for many of our bags called "TRY THIS BAG ON". Look for this symbol

and when you click on it, another window opens and you can chose your height to see if it's right for you. We're trying to do everything that we can to make sure you look great because when you feel good about the way you look, your confidence level will soar and you'll be CEO in no time.

 

BACK TO THE RULES

 

 

 

• Avoid big bulky bags that fit right under your arm(poor Kate just can't get a break can she?)
• If you are 5'4" or shorter consider a laptop that is 15" maximum 

   

   

• Chose a bag with long straps
• Vertical laptop backpacks are a great option 
• Cross body bags will draw the attention away from those shapely hips
• If you absolutely have to have a 17" laptop then consider a rolling laptop bag                                                                                                         
• We have a fantastic selection of laptop bags on wheels and I promise you will thank me and your back will thank me.  We  offer a line called Mellow world with fun patterns and colors.  I just sent one to Bita our Merchandise Manager for Christmas and she loves it.  

 

I hope this helps you make the right choice for your body type and for all of your needs for that matter.  If you need more help or advice on the best product for you, just give us a call on our toll free number at 1-877-2617953 so that you'll never have to ask "Does this laptop bag make my butt look big?"

How to chose the right size Laptop Bag

In my perfect world all Laptop Computer companies would make each size laptop computer the same dimensions. But my world is far from perfect and for some reason each company decided to make up their own dimensions.

You would think that if you bought a shiny new 17" Laptop computer and you were ready for the perfect laptop bag or Laptop Sleeve you would   go to a website, hopefully www.careerbags.com and the first thing you would look at is Shop by Laptop Size. Just consider that a starting point.

The size of your computer is determined by measuring  the screen diagonally, like buying a TV. So what does that mean? It basically means that when you are shopping for the perfect woman's laptop bag for that 17" computer you still need to think 7th grade Geometry Class, now what would Miss Andrews do?

For example I will list a few brands.

17" Dell Studio-   15.46"  W x 11.36" H

17" Dell Inspiron-16.54"  W x 10.87" H

17" Macbook Pro-15.47"  W x 10.41" H

17" HP Pavillion- 16.35"  W x 10.8" H

So can you see where I'm going with this?  Make sure you know the dimensions of your computer before you purchase a bag.  On each product page we give you as much information as we can to help you make the right choice. Here is how the information looks for one of our best selling Laptop Bags from a company called Urban Junket:

URBAN JUNKET 17" ECO FRIENDLY LAPTOP TOTE

Dimension: 20"W x 14"H x 4"- 6"D
Laptop Compartment: 17"W x 12"H x 2"- 3"D
Product Weight: 2 lbs
Fits most Laptop up to: 17"

So as you can see, the laptop compartment in this particular bag can accomodate any Laptop Computer that was mentioned above. But don't get too comfortable with this yet. 

Ice Red makes a great bag and they call it a 17" Laptop Bag. Below are the dimensions and as you can see when you go back up and look at our short list, only one will work. The 17" Macbook Pro

Dimension: 17"W x 13"H x 4"
Laptop Compartment: 16"W x 11"H x 2"
Product Weight: 2.10 lbs
Fits most Laptop up to: 17"

 

Now it's not that we don't think that all of our customers are brilliant because they are but just in case you didn't know how that world worked, we give you an Intergallactical sized reminder with instructions before you hit that final button.

 

 

If you are still not convinced, just give us a call at 877-261-7953.  I've got a zillion bags all over my office and a drawer full of rulers and tape measurers and a list of the most popular laptop computers with the dimensions on a handy little spread sheet. If I don't have the info on the one that Uncle Jack just bought you, I'll find it and help you chose just the right bag.  My track record is impeccable!

Getting the best Laptop Bag deal on Black Friday

It's a jungle out there in the Internet World, so how can www.careerbags.com compete with all of the larger websites that are selling similar laptop bags and laptop totes? The answer is simple, RELATIONSHIPS!  When we started www.careerbags.com over three years ago, the vision was to connect with only Women owned Laptop Bag and Laptop Tote designers and manufacturers. 

After all, being a pioneer in the business world when things were not that easy for women, gave me a sense of loyalty towards other professional women. If given the need to work with a Lawyer or find a new Accountant or Insurance person, my choice always starts with Gender. I know it's not that way anymore. My daughter is a 32 year old business owner and thinking like that is not even on her radar.

                                                                                                                                                  

The good news for all of our lovely customers is that our designers of Laptop Bags for Women totally appreciated that gesture and that effort.  Careerbags has a very special relationship with most of our vendors so It has given us an advantage that we now get to pass on to you. Laurex just arrived and they will be shipping out the new collection this week.  We are the only online store to be offering a 15% Discount on many of the items and when you combine it with our Black Friday Sale Special, enter code: BLKF10 and that is a huge 25% savings. We have made a few of these www.careerbags.com EXCLUSIVES with some of our best vendors.  
 

McKlein has given us a fantastic deal on a collection of beautiful quality Leather Laptop Totes that originally sold for $180.00. Offered in Sand, Pink and Blue and available in three styles. They decided to put a different zipper on the new designs so all of the bags with the chunky metal zippers are being closed out. The new price is $89.00 and when you add in the Black Friday Sale Code: BLKF10 you will only pay $81.00.  We are actually selling selling the same bag with the matching zipper and it is retailing for $144.00

 

NUO Tech, the company that works with Project Runway Winner Chloe Dao has also given us a Black Friday EXCLUSIVE on some items that they had over stocked.  16" Gray & Pink Pinstripe Sleeve Was $24.99 Now $18.00

The lightweight and protective Nuo Laptop Case is a stylish yet functional way to protect your computer.

Dimensions: 16.5"W x 12.5"H x 2.5"D
Laptop Compartment: 16"W x 11.2"H x 2"D
Fits most Laptops up to: 16"
Product Weight: 2 lbs

Getting the Best Laptop Bag Deal on Black Friday is easy when you shop at www.careerbags.com and we love to be your personal shopper so don't hesitate to call us at our toll free number 1-877-261-7953

Careerbags Event at The Houston City Club

Our Cocktails and Careerbags Event was a great success with a room filled with accomplished women, an amazing Image Consultant, yummy pink cosmopolitans and a selection of products from some of our best designers.

The highlight of the evening was the fantastic Image Consultant Rebecca Matthews who talked about chosing the right bag for your body type in addition to chosing a bag based on Laptop size. I have usually been pretty good about finding the perfect bag for our customers once I find out the following information

• Career
• Favorite Clothing Designers
• Personal Style
• Laptop Size
• Favorite Color
• Budget

but Rebecca Matthews from Rebecca Matthews Image & Style took it to a whole new level.

We have an area on www.careerbags.com that let's you virtually "try a bag on". You just put in your height and you can get an idea if it is going to work with your frame and we also have an area of Slender-Fit Bags.  After Rebecca talked to everyone, our guests flocked to her as she helped them make some fantastic choices.

 

The Theresa Kathryn collection for 13" Laptop Computers seemed to be a very desireable collection for women involved in Fundraising,Non-Profit and Fashion.  The colorful Eco-friendly 17" Laptop Bag collection from Urban Junket was just perfect for our younger customers and the Environmentally concerned crowd. 

 

 

 

Purple, Green & Blue Laptop Bags

 

The Laptop Tote collection from Moonsus was scooped up by a few Realtors like the fabulous Evette Atlas from www.sswfineproperties.com and the Clark & Mayfield 17" Laptop Bags on Wheels seemed to be a perfect solution for Lawyers that wanted to look fashionable without injuring themselves between carrying all of those files and a laptop computer.

Getting to merchandise the bags by color was so much for me. I started with a gorgeous File Tote from Jaime Raquel in Purple, Green & Blue and accented one with our elegant silk scarves from Tepper Jackson. Coakley Business Class Laptop Bags in Signature Suede accented with a Leather Clutch or a set of Accessory Pouches that we offer as a gift with purchase, pulled the groups together to finally show our customers that you can in fact mix business with pleasure.

 

 

 

 

We offer a fashionable and functional solution for every woman. If you live in the Houston area and want us to come to an Event with all of our beautiful products and our favorite Image Consultant just give us a call at 1-877-261-7953. We are happy to come to your Office or Home.
 
 

5 Ways to Get a Man to Listen- Great Article by Renee Weisman

I usually do posts about fantastic new products at www.careerbags.com or the latest 17" laptop bag or state of the art laptop tote but I found this article fascinating and wanted to pass it on to our readers

One of the most common complaints I hear from women is that men don’t listen. Be it at work where their good ideas are ignored or at home when their spouse totally forgets what she told him.

Why can’t men listen? They can, if you follow these five steps.

So the next time you want to talk to your male boss, be heard in a meeting, discuss an issue with your spouse, or connect with your teenage son, remember Renee’s Rules…

1. Speak Loud Enough

 

Men don’t hear as well as women. Honestly. It starts at birth and continues through life. This was first proven studies in neonatal clinics where researchers thought playing soft background music might calm premature infants, enabling them to eat more and gain weight faster. The results showed a major improvement for females and no improvement for males. Further study showed this was because the little boys did not hear as well as the girls!

This hearing difference continues through life. It explains why a woman may feel her boss or coworker or husband is yelling at her when he thinks he isn’t or why teenage boys (and men) love loud music, surround sound, synthesizers, etc and we women run from the room in pain. Bottom line, men don’t hear as well as women so speak up if you want to a man to hear you.

1. Get Their Attention

 

Trying to discuss a topic with your spouse when he is watching the most exciting part of the football game, the last hole of the golf tournament or is in the middle of some project he has been working on, is totally ineffective. Trying to discuss an issue with a male boss or coworker when he is stressed or working intently on his computer or BlackBerry is equally unproductive. If you want then to listen, choose a time when you can get their undivided attention. For your spouse, try over dinner or after their program is finished or whenever the distractions have reduced.

If you want to talk to your male boss, schedule personal time in his office so you won’t be distracted or interrupted. In any case, get their attention by announcing “I’d like to discuss something with you” and make sure they look up and acknowledge you. Call them by name as people automatically listen more when their name is called. Many men (and women) get so engrossed in what they are doing, that they don’t pay attention to what is being said to them. They just nod their heads or say “okay”. Later on they have no idea what they just agreed to. Make sure you have their eyes as well as their ears to get the best communication.

I do have to admit, this applies to men and women. Even though female, I am guilty of becoming so intent on what I was reading or writing, that I really had no idea what someone was saying to me. My children learned the best way to get me to pay attention was to say “Mom, your hair’s on fire!” When I looked up, they’d say, “Now that I have you attention….” So whether it is a man or a woman, get their attention before you start the discussion.

3. Get to the point.

 

We women can spend an inordinate amount of time beating around the bush. Most men, especially in business, want the bottom line. You have to learn to say what you want in thirty seconds or less.

If more discussion is needed after that, at least you have gotten the impact and reason defined. In business, I often advised females who had trouble getting to the point to “think in bullets” meaning make an outline with quick, effective words to state your points. If you do need to think a problem through or work something out by talking about it, go to a woman first. Then when you have your path defined, seek out the man.

4. Say What You Want.

 

If you are asking for something or recommending a change, just say it. Don’t say “I think” or “in my opinion” as that’s a statement, not a request. A man will interpret this as “being up to him” since you just stated an opinion and didn’t actually ask.

Also avoid using the word “but”. If you state something and qualify it with a big “but”, you just reduced its importance.

5. Finally, Stop Talking When You Are Done.

 

I have actually seen women win over a man to her way of thinking but then keep the discussion going. This can bring a new point to the table that causes the man to rethink and change his opinion. I have watched saleswomen lose a sale and young female engineers lose support for their ideas by doing this. When you have made your point and everyone agrees with you, STOP TALKING.

If you follow these simple rules, you will find that men can and do listen. (Of course, your teenage son may still need some extra work but that’s another article).

 

 

"Renee Weisman is the owner of Winning at Work Consulting and the author of Winning in a Man’s World and 5 Ways to Get a Man to Listen. Visit her website to view additional articles. "
You can read more of her fantastic articles at http://www.winning-at-work.net/ and find her books at http://www.winning-at-work.net/publications .