The holidays are approaching very quickly and we had some snow flurries here today. I hope you all have finished your yard work. Our leaves are still falling off the trees here in beautiful upstate New York. The Fall foliage was especially spectacular this year.
Chanukah starts sundown, Wednesday November 27th, with Thanksgiving being the very next day. Christmas and Kwanza will at their usual times in December.
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I've finally finished several new gorgeous tapestry tote bags. They are listed in my Etsy shop and are each one of a kind. They feature a top closing zipper, outside pockets lined, adjustable handles, complete pack cloth lining and many compartments inside.
tapestry totes one of a kind
We'll be getting these beautiful totes on to the web site in a couple of weeks. We've got some stunning and yummy new tapestry fabrics and you will be able to customize your tote from either just a plain zippered tote with adjustable handles to a full loaded one with the features that work for you.
I've also been making some beautiful challah covers and tallis bags. Each one is one of a kind so I've been listing them on Etsy. You can certainly contact me for a custom order.
challah covers and tallis bags
I've also designed some really fun and festive place mats and decorative mats. They are quilted and feature a wonderful batting that will protect your furniture from hot, cold and sweaty tableware. You can jazz up your dining room table by adding them to your Shabbat and holiday table. These mats are also perfect for those far away college students, relatives, hostess and teacher's gifts, or treat yourself!
quilted place mats
I will also take custom orders for quilted table items as well.
Enjoy the changing season and as always thank you so much for your patronage of TuffBags, handmade in the USA/upstate New York.
Shalom,
Kate Rachel Lozier
Epinephrine Epi Pen ® insulated cases
weather proof, optional medical alert labels, insulated, options to add, 4 different styles, great colors
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
New products from Tuff Bags and new article
Happy Labor day weekend! I hope that everyone has a chance to relax and have some fun. We will be closed this Monday for the observance of labor and are closing this Friday 8/30/13 at noon EST.
We will also be closed for the observance of Rosh HaShannah on September 5th and 6th, and for Yom Kippur we are closing at 2 pm on September 13th. I wish all of my Jewish friends, relatives and customers a L'Shanah Tovah!
Here is what is new from Tuff Bags!
Bucharian kippahs or Sephardic hat style:
Star Trek and the Simpson Family
new option for the regular epi pen case which also holds the new Auvi-q injectors: a clear pouch window for one to insert medical information, the person's name, address, phone number, physician name, etc.
clear window pouch
new options for the waist epi pen and / or auvi-q case -- medical alert label and/or the clear pouch window
clear window pouch and/ or medical alert label
Lastly here is an article that I wrote that I hope will assist you in purchasing bags and other goods.
Not all Bags are Created Equally
By Kate Rachel Lozier
Bags are everywhere, in every color, fabric, shape, size, and price. Practically every type of store sells some type of bag. The famous and the not so famous have their names on bags. TV shows such as Sex in the City have dramatized the handbag.
With all of these bags flooding the market place, just how do you figure out which bag is for you? Whether you are a person that researches ahead of time or purchases on the fly, I suggest that you ask yourself these questions prior to purchasing. You can also use these tips for other purchases as well as for bags.
1. Determine your needs
What do you need this bag for? Or what do you want this bag for? Is this a want or a need? Will it hold all of your stuff? Does it have enough compartments? Is the fabric suitable for the function? Is the styling, fabric and colors appropriate for you and your lifestyle?
2. Set your budget and Cost versus benefit
Determine what you can afford and what you are willing to spend on the type of bag you are looking for. If this is a want purchase, can you afford it? Comparison shop: will bag A hold and organize all of my items as well as bag B? Will bag A hold up over time and is it worth the price? Is bag B more unique and/or a limited edition? Is a more expensive bag better made and therefore, a better investment in the long run? Is price the most important factor in your choice? Is style more important than function, or vice versa?
3. Access your values and Usability and features
Are you the type of person that wants a new bag for every season, every outfit, and every occasion? Or are you more interested in a bag that will last for a long time? Will the features and fabric of the bag work with your lifestyle? Will the bag at least serve the function(s) that you are looking for? Are the insides as durable and functional as the outsides? Are you willing to have a bag that everyone else has?
4. Manufacturer's and / or store's reputation
Who is the manufacturer and where was the bag made? Does the business have a good reputation? Can you verify their reputation? Are you interested or concerned with where the bag was made? What is the quality like? Are the inside features of the same quality as the outsides? Will the bag be able to hold up to your use?
5. Availability and convenience of shopping
When do you need the bag by? Is the bag readily available or special order only? Does the catalog and/or web site adequately describe the size and features of the bag? Does the bag meet your expectations? Can you return the bag? How is the customer service?
copyright Kate R. Lozier, 1997-2013, all rights reserved.
We will also be closed for the observance of Rosh HaShannah on September 5th and 6th, and for Yom Kippur we are closing at 2 pm on September 13th. I wish all of my Jewish friends, relatives and customers a L'Shanah Tovah!
Here is what is new from Tuff Bags!
Bucharian kippahs or Sephardic hat style:
Star Trek and the Simpson Family
new option for the regular epi pen case which also holds the new Auvi-q injectors: a clear pouch window for one to insert medical information, the person's name, address, phone number, physician name, etc.
clear window pouch
new options for the waist epi pen and / or auvi-q case -- medical alert label and/or the clear pouch window
clear window pouch and/ or medical alert label
Lastly here is an article that I wrote that I hope will assist you in purchasing bags and other goods.
Not all Bags are Created Equally
By Kate Rachel Lozier
Bags are everywhere, in every color, fabric, shape, size, and price. Practically every type of store sells some type of bag. The famous and the not so famous have their names on bags. TV shows such as Sex in the City have dramatized the handbag.
With all of these bags flooding the market place, just how do you figure out which bag is for you? Whether you are a person that researches ahead of time or purchases on the fly, I suggest that you ask yourself these questions prior to purchasing. You can also use these tips for other purchases as well as for bags.
1. Determine your needs
What do you need this bag for? Or what do you want this bag for? Is this a want or a need? Will it hold all of your stuff? Does it have enough compartments? Is the fabric suitable for the function? Is the styling, fabric and colors appropriate for you and your lifestyle?
2. Set your budget and Cost versus benefit
Determine what you can afford and what you are willing to spend on the type of bag you are looking for. If this is a want purchase, can you afford it? Comparison shop: will bag A hold and organize all of my items as well as bag B? Will bag A hold up over time and is it worth the price? Is bag B more unique and/or a limited edition? Is a more expensive bag better made and therefore, a better investment in the long run? Is price the most important factor in your choice? Is style more important than function, or vice versa?
3. Access your values and Usability and features
Are you the type of person that wants a new bag for every season, every outfit, and every occasion? Or are you more interested in a bag that will last for a long time? Will the features and fabric of the bag work with your lifestyle? Will the bag at least serve the function(s) that you are looking for? Are the insides as durable and functional as the outsides? Are you willing to have a bag that everyone else has?
4. Manufacturer's and / or store's reputation
Who is the manufacturer and where was the bag made? Does the business have a good reputation? Can you verify their reputation? Are you interested or concerned with where the bag was made? What is the quality like? Are the inside features of the same quality as the outsides? Will the bag be able to hold up to your use?
5. Availability and convenience of shopping
When do you need the bag by? Is the bag readily available or special order only? Does the catalog and/or web site adequately describe the size and features of the bag? Does the bag meet your expectations? Can you return the bag? How is the customer service?
copyright Kate R. Lozier, 1997-2013, all rights reserved.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Epipen cases and enjoy the Summer!
I hope everyone is still enjoying the Summer. I will not rush us out of Summer, as we still have another 1.5 months of Summer and even more time of fabulous weather.
Epipen cases: this is the time of year when those of us with bee allergies absolutely must carry our epipens and benadryl with us at all times. I learned that I was allergic to all bees, hornets, wasps, and related when I was just 20 years old. I've been carrying epipens ever since (I'd rather not say how long!!). Since then I have been diagnosed with celiac disease (gluten free diet is required) and other food allergies so my doctors really insist that I carry the epipens all year long. When I founded TuffBags, the epipen case was one of the first bags that I developed. My younger son has also had to carry epipens since he was 3. He has severe tree nut allergies as well as other foods.
The bottom line is I personally understand what you are going through as a person with severe allergies and as a parent. I still get nervous in regards to my younger son who is now 21 and does not need his mom hovering over him! So I most welcome your questions and concerns and I will answer them as best I can. Please do remember that I am not an MD or pharmacist, but a mom and person with severe allergies.
All of my epipen cases can be found here---now with neon pink (the color of my case!). You can select the basic case and several options such as the medical alert label (you can use a Sharpie to write your child's name on the case), a removable sling strap, and the optional zippered pocket).
http://www.tuffbaggs.com/product/epipen_case.html
the waist style ones are here (soon to be upgraded and offering the medical alert label)
http://www.tuffbaggs.com/product/epipen_waist_carrier.html
I hope all of you with these horrible allergies will continue to enjoy the Summer despite the bees! In regards to food allergies and celiac disease, the FDA is increasing its requirements on the labeling. I always read every label when food shopping and I am very cautious when eating out. I have found that many small family owned restaurants will cater to one's special needs and are more than happy to do so -- just ask!
Enjoy early August!
Shalom, Kate
Epipen cases: this is the time of year when those of us with bee allergies absolutely must carry our epipens and benadryl with us at all times. I learned that I was allergic to all bees, hornets, wasps, and related when I was just 20 years old. I've been carrying epipens ever since (I'd rather not say how long!!). Since then I have been diagnosed with celiac disease (gluten free diet is required) and other food allergies so my doctors really insist that I carry the epipens all year long. When I founded TuffBags, the epipen case was one of the first bags that I developed. My younger son has also had to carry epipens since he was 3. He has severe tree nut allergies as well as other foods.
The bottom line is I personally understand what you are going through as a person with severe allergies and as a parent. I still get nervous in regards to my younger son who is now 21 and does not need his mom hovering over him! So I most welcome your questions and concerns and I will answer them as best I can. Please do remember that I am not an MD or pharmacist, but a mom and person with severe allergies.
All of my epipen cases can be found here---now with neon pink (the color of my case!). You can select the basic case and several options such as the medical alert label (you can use a Sharpie to write your child's name on the case), a removable sling strap, and the optional zippered pocket).
http://www.tuffbaggs.com/product/epipen_case.html
the waist style ones are here (soon to be upgraded and offering the medical alert label)
http://www.tuffbaggs.com/product/epipen_waist_carrier.html
I hope all of you with these horrible allergies will continue to enjoy the Summer despite the bees! In regards to food allergies and celiac disease, the FDA is increasing its requirements on the labeling. I always read every label when food shopping and I am very cautious when eating out. I have found that many small family owned restaurants will cater to one's special needs and are more than happy to do so -- just ask!
Enjoy early August!
Shalom, Kate
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
July News From TuffBags! Neon pink epipen cases and zippered pouches, new tapestry yarmulkes, and more!
Greetings!
I've added neon pink pack cloth to our colors-- customers have asked and I've listed! The pink is just awesome in our epipen cases, making your case very easy to find. You can also select the medical alert label as an option for your epipen holder.
The pink is also great in our zippered pouches.
I have obtained Ohio State fabric and now have kippahs available ...this team fabric was finally re-released. The picture of the kippah should be up on the site within a day.
I've added outside zippered pockets to both the flat waist packs and the regular fanny waist packs to the list of options. You can select the options that work for you!
If you are not familiar with the fantastic fabric that I use for the almost waterproof and definitely weather-proof Tuff Bags please read about our materials.
I have a line of handcrafted by me lovely silver jewelry which is on the web site. My one of a kind pieces can be found in my etsy shop which I discuss below.
My etsy shop, Racheltreasures, has my unique line of handcrafted jewelry, one of a kind tallis bags, challah covers, Judaica table decor, and other unique Judaica.
I hope you are all enjoying your Summer and drop me a line / post comments! Shalom, Kate Rachel Lozier
I've added neon pink pack cloth to our colors-- customers have asked and I've listed! The pink is just awesome in our epipen cases, making your case very easy to find. You can also select the medical alert label as an option for your epipen holder.
The pink is also great in our zippered pouches.
I have obtained Ohio State fabric and now have kippahs available ...this team fabric was finally re-released. The picture of the kippah should be up on the site within a day.
I've added outside zippered pockets to both the flat waist packs and the regular fanny waist packs to the list of options. You can select the options that work for you!
If you are not familiar with the fantastic fabric that I use for the almost waterproof and definitely weather-proof Tuff Bags please read about our materials.
I have a line of handcrafted by me lovely silver jewelry which is on the web site. My one of a kind pieces can be found in my etsy shop which I discuss below.
My etsy shop, Racheltreasures, has my unique line of handcrafted jewelry, one of a kind tallis bags, challah covers, Judaica table decor, and other unique Judaica.
I hope you are all enjoying your Summer and drop me a line / post comments! Shalom, Kate Rachel Lozier
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Organizing Your Daily Bag
Most of us would be lost without our daily bag
- -whether our daily bag is a briefcase, back pack, tote, or pocketbook.
The tone of our day is often set by how well organized and together we are when we go out to do our daily things - work, school, errands, shopping. How many of us have been frustrated with forgetting our bills to mail, not being able to find our keys, or not being able to grab our phone in time to get that call.
Our TuffBaggs team has brainstormed some ideas that we'd like to share with you to keep your daily bag your friend and "right arm" and not your nightmare.
(1) Select a bag that works for you.
Thankfully, each one of us is different. You should use a bag that works the way you want it to.
(a) size -- choose a bag that will hold all of your essentials and that will be fit your physical size.
(b) style -- select a style that works with your style and your needs.
(c) features -- consider the features that you need for your gear and for your personality style. Consider waist versus sling wear, how you want the bag to open and close, the number of compartments.
(d) materials - choose materials that are durable and that will meet the demands that you will place on this bag.
(e) comfort -- how are you going to carry this bag?
(f) color -- what color do you want or need? Do you need a color that is visible so that you can locate your bag easily?
(g) quality -- evaluate how the bag is constructed and how durable it is. Will it hold up to the job?
(2) Carry only what you need.
The medical studies have shown that the human body is not a schlepping machine! So be good to yourself and carry only what you really need in your daily bag. When you have to carry other items consider whether you should carry them in a separate bag or not.
(3) Keep your bag organized.
(a) Make a list of all the items that you absolutely need each day in this bag.
(b) Then empty out your bag with what you are carrying now.
(c) Weed through the items, removing what you don't need to carry every day.
(d) Repeat this once a month or more often.
(e) Go to the next step for repacking the bag for the maximum efficiency and organization.
(4) Pack your items consistently.
Place your essentials in the same place every time. Designate a compartment or section of the bag for each item / groups of items so that you can locate them quickly. Here are some helpful tips for packing your essentials:
(a) put your keys in the outer pocket of the bag or on a hook / D ring every time you are finished with them.
(b) place your phone in the same compartment based on how quickly you'll need to get at the phone.
(c) put your wallet / money / checkbook in a separate compartment / location for safeguarding and ease of access.
(d) have your pens handy for making notes, writing checks, giving your autograph when needed.
(e) carry your sunglasses / glasses in a place where they won't be damaged and you can easily retrieve them.
(f) keep your personal papers separate from your work/school papers by using separate files or separate compartments.
(5) Store your bag.
(a) When you are not using your bag put it in the same place every time.
(b) Select a location that is easy to remember and that is easily accessible by you.
(c) Your bag's location should not be in a location where the bag can be kicked, buried under other things, or moved by someone else.
Kate Rachel Lozier copyright: 2007 to 2012
The tone of our day is often set by how well organized and together we are when we go out to do our daily things - work, school, errands, shopping. How many of us have been frustrated with forgetting our bills to mail, not being able to find our keys, or not being able to grab our phone in time to get that call.
Our TuffBaggs team has brainstormed some ideas that we'd like to share with you to keep your daily bag your friend and "right arm" and not your nightmare.
(1) Select a bag that works for you.
Thankfully, each one of us is different. You should use a bag that works the way you want it to.
(a) size -- choose a bag that will hold all of your essentials and that will be fit your physical size.
(b) style -- select a style that works with your style and your needs.
(c) features -- consider the features that you need for your gear and for your personality style. Consider waist versus sling wear, how you want the bag to open and close, the number of compartments.
(d) materials - choose materials that are durable and that will meet the demands that you will place on this bag.
(e) comfort -- how are you going to carry this bag?
(f) color -- what color do you want or need? Do you need a color that is visible so that you can locate your bag easily?
(g) quality -- evaluate how the bag is constructed and how durable it is. Will it hold up to the job?
(2) Carry only what you need.
The medical studies have shown that the human body is not a schlepping machine! So be good to yourself and carry only what you really need in your daily bag. When you have to carry other items consider whether you should carry them in a separate bag or not.
(3) Keep your bag organized.
(a) Make a list of all the items that you absolutely need each day in this bag.
(b) Then empty out your bag with what you are carrying now.
(c) Weed through the items, removing what you don't need to carry every day.
(d) Repeat this once a month or more often.
(e) Go to the next step for repacking the bag for the maximum efficiency and organization.
(4) Pack your items consistently.
Place your essentials in the same place every time. Designate a compartment or section of the bag for each item / groups of items so that you can locate them quickly. Here are some helpful tips for packing your essentials:
(a) put your keys in the outer pocket of the bag or on a hook / D ring every time you are finished with them.
(b) place your phone in the same compartment based on how quickly you'll need to get at the phone.
(c) put your wallet / money / checkbook in a separate compartment / location for safeguarding and ease of access.
(d) have your pens handy for making notes, writing checks, giving your autograph when needed.
(e) carry your sunglasses / glasses in a place where they won't be damaged and you can easily retrieve them.
(f) keep your personal papers separate from your work/school papers by using separate files or separate compartments.
(5) Store your bag.
(a) When you are not using your bag put it in the same place every time.
(b) Select a location that is easy to remember and that is easily accessible by you.
(c) Your bag's location should not be in a location where the bag can be kicked, buried under other things, or moved by someone else.
Kate Rachel Lozier copyright: 2007 to 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Welcome to 2012 and see what is new at TuffBags!
I trust everyone had great holidays with their families and friends.
I am especially thankful to all of our customers for our best holiday season at TuffBags.
What is new at TuffBags
Our micro and mini waist bags now have an optional outside zippered pocket. Our simple small, medium and large flat micro OR gusset mini waist pouches can now sport a front zippered pouch. One can also add small credit card slots to the inside and choose a belt size that is best for one's body type. Full sized credit card slots can be added to the large micro model and the medium and large mini models.
micro waist bag pack
mini waist pack
What to use these pack cloth waist pouches for:
travel, walks, shopping, jogging, small electronics (cameras, ipods, etc.) camping, skiing.
TuffBags Coupon Savings
We have just posted these coupons on our web site and they are good through 2/29/12:
Save 5 % on any order of $ 14.95 or more using TBSAVE5 good through February 29 2012.
Save 10 % on any order of $ 49.95 or more using TBSAVE10 good through February 29 2012.
Here is a special coupon just for Blog readers--it is NOT on our web site:
Save 10 % on any order of $ 29.95 or more using TBBLOGGER10, good through 1/31/12.
Please see all of the information regarding coupons on our web site here
Lastly, I wish you all good luck with your new year resolutions...mine is to exercise more!
Peace, happiness, and good karma to all,
Kate R Lozier
Owner/Designer
TuffBags Boutique
www.tuffbags.com
I am especially thankful to all of our customers for our best holiday season at TuffBags.
What is new at TuffBags
Our micro and mini waist bags now have an optional outside zippered pocket. Our simple small, medium and large flat micro OR gusset mini waist pouches can now sport a front zippered pouch. One can also add small credit card slots to the inside and choose a belt size that is best for one's body type. Full sized credit card slots can be added to the large micro model and the medium and large mini models.
micro waist bag pack
mini waist pack
What to use these pack cloth waist pouches for:
travel, walks, shopping, jogging, small electronics (cameras, ipods, etc.) camping, skiing.
TuffBags Coupon Savings
We have just posted these coupons on our web site and they are good through 2/29/12:
Save 5 % on any order of $ 14.95 or more using TBSAVE5 good through February 29 2012.
Save 10 % on any order of $ 49.95 or more using TBSAVE10 good through February 29 2012.
Here is a special coupon just for Blog readers--it is NOT on our web site:
Save 10 % on any order of $ 29.95 or more using TBBLOGGER10, good through 1/31/12.
Please see all of the information regarding coupons on our web site here
Lastly, I wish you all good luck with your new year resolutions...mine is to exercise more!
Peace, happiness, and good karma to all,
Kate R Lozier
Owner/Designer
TuffBags Boutique
www.tuffbags.com
Saturday, December 3, 2011
TuffBaggs at the Troy Victorian Stroll December 4, 2011
TuffBags aka Kate will be at the Troy Victoria Stroll in the Troy atrium from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, December 4th. TuffBags will join many other hand made artists in the heart of Troy, NY.
The Troy Victorian Stroll is in its 29th year and the weather is looking great for this year's festivities.
You can download the Stroll's program at
http://www.victorianstroll.com/images/stories/forms/troystrollprogramforweb.pdf
or see their web site at http://www.victorianstroll.com/
Please stop by, browse our wares, new jewelry creations, new bags, new tapestry fabrics, and many great bargains for your holiday shopping.
Kindly,
Kate R. Lozier
Owner/Designer, TuffBags Boutique
www.tuffbags.com
The Troy Victorian Stroll is in its 29th year and the weather is looking great for this year's festivities.
You can download the Stroll's program at
http://www.victorianstroll.com/images/stories/forms/troystrollprogramforweb.pdf
or see their web site at http://www.victorianstroll.com/
Please stop by, browse our wares, new jewelry creations, new bags, new tapestry fabrics, and many great bargains for your holiday shopping.
Kindly,
Kate R. Lozier
Owner/Designer, TuffBags Boutique
www.tuffbags.com
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