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Saturday 24 December 2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!



BagPurse would like to thank EVERYONE for a great 2011.   Your support and friendship has been fabulous and I hope everyone has a very, very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year xx

ps  January sale starts soon............

Saturday 19 November 2011

Introducing Bagabook

I thought I would tell you a little about our range of Bagabooks - because if you are looking for a Christmas present for someone who is difficult to buy for - and we ALL know someone like this! - a Bagabook could be the answer.

A Bagabook is a very stylish book carrier which is ideal for carrying a book whilst travelling.   But it can be used not only with a book - but for a variety of different items.



A Bagabook can be used for:

a)  Carrying an e-reader

b)  Carrying a notepad

c)   Use it for a diary - create your own personal organiser which can be used year after year!

Inside, there is a handy pocket for a travel card etc, a pen holder and a bookmark.   It also closes very easily with a magnetic clasp.

There are 2 styles available - Bagabook Classic and Bagabook Executive

So, to sum up - this is a fantastic product to buy as a Christmas gift - because of its versatility.

Bagabook is available to buy from BagPurse - with prices starting from £16.95 - and free UK P&P
www.bagpurse.co

Bagabook Classic 
Bagabook Executive
                                                       
                                                         
Bagabook Executive

Friday 18 November 2011

Life as I know it: An introduction ......

Life as I know it: An introduction ......: So I have started a blog - my very own space to bore people to tears. This is my way of keeping a diary of what is going on around me, and...

Sunday 6 November 2011

Gift Box Galore: Christmas Sparkle!!

Gift Box Galore: Christmas Sparkle!!: In my opinion sparkle is always good but at Christmas even more so! Whether its dressing up for that all important Christmas night out, acc...

BagPurse and CHAS

Registered Charity Number SC019724
At BagPurse, we try, on an ongoing basis,  to raise money for CHAS.   What I would like to do is just to tell everyone a little more about who CHAS are and what they do.

CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides vital hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

There are 2 Children's Hospices - Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch.   CHAS also run a home care service called CHAS at Home - where help and support is offered to families when they need it most in their own homes.

At the moment, CHAS are supporting 250 families - including families who need bereavement support.

It costs over £7m every year for CHAS to carry out these vital services - and they rely heavily on public donations.

So what exactly do CHAS do?

The main aim of CHAS is to help children, young adults and their families with support and palliative care when it is needed.

At the hospices - Rachel House and Robin House - children, babies and young adults are cared for along with their families so they can spend time together as a family.

CHAS at Home cares for children and young adults in their own homes between hospice visits or if they are too ill to travel.

Both the Hospices and the CHAS at Home are vital and so, so necessary for any family with a child who has a life-shortening illness.

Every month, BagPurse has a "product of the month" where 10% of ALL sales of that particular product is donated to CHAS.   We also have Charity Events to help raise money too.   This year we have held a Charity Shopping Evening where, with the support of local businesses, we raised £1000.   And, only last week, we had a CHAS Halloween Fancy Dress Party - which again, was supported by local businesses.

From now until Christmas Eve, 10% of all sales from our Christmas Gift Page will be donated to CHAS - so now you can shop from the comfort of your own home - at the same time helping the vital services which are offered by CHAS.

To view our Christmas Gift Page, visit BagPurse at www.bagpurse.co









Friday 4 November 2011

How to Find Balance by Charlotte Morgan


“We can be sure that the greatest hope for maintaining equilibrium in the face of any situation rests within ourselves” (Francis J. Braceland, O Magazine, April 2003).

Today my blog is about finding balance – not any easy task. After having my son Jake and going back to work full time, moving house and getting married (among other things), I realised that I couldn’t have everything, and do everything simultaneously.  Even though most of these events were very happy, every day was a battle and under the strain I went bang!

 Between leaving my child in a nursery full time, other people’s thoughtless opinions and my own perceptions of what I ‘should’ be, I had a break down. The resulting counselling made me realise that I couldn’t be everything that I put pressure on myself to be. I was (and still am but in a more achievable way!) determined to be the best Mum, the best wife, the best housewife, the best daughter, the best friend, the best sister, the best employee that I could be with no mistakes allowed. As I type this, I realise how impossible all of that is – realistically something has to give. I am no superwoman, I am just a person and by being what I thought others needed me to be, somehow I got lost.

So what did I do? Firstly I took that huge step of admitting I wasn’t coping. I knew that one of my worst traits is to never give myself a break, both mentally and physically.  I then spoke to someone, who was outside of the situation. I am a huge believer in counselling, having completed some training and I talked, cried, shared my fears and found my courage and confidence again. Somehow I had lost it when I became a Mum and I’m sure many of you can relate to that.  For me, finding my equilibrium wasn’t simply about organising myself... that I can do. It was bigger than that. It was about relinquishing control that I thought I had over things that were uncontrollable.  It was removing the pressure I put on myself to be what other’s thought I should be. It was about trusting my instincts and having the nerve to take them forward.  It was about readjusting my perception of what I thought was important and finally asking for support. It was and still is about taking the power back.

So how do I keep it?  The balance in my life needs to be constantly evaluated. In the words of Frank Herbet (American Science Fiction Author and Writer 1920-1986) “There is no secret to balance. You just have to feel the waves”.  This completely embodies what it is like for me.  Some days it’s perfect, some days it’s not but I am able to understand and be ‘ok’ with that.  I now know how to regain it and what is pivotal to maintaining it. What is that I hear you ask. It is me just as I am, warts and all.

I would love to hear your views and your experiences on how you find your balance.  Sending you all some peace, love and harmony.

Tuesday 1 November 2011

Guest Blogger - Wee Print!

Wee Print is a graphic design and printing company based in the small village of Menstrie in Clackmannashire. It was set up in January 2010 by Jenny Johnston (mum of two). Let me tell you about the some of the services we can provide.

Design

Your brand is priceless but do you maximise its value? The graphic design of your logo, business card and advertising are what people see when they look at your business. First impressions are hard to change. We can help you stand out from the crowd using graphic design to strategically communicate your messages. High quality graphic design and competitive prices mean we can support or become your marketing department. With great design your brand will work much harder for you.

Contact us today!

Printing

Wee Print prints a wide range of products from business cards to stickers.The Wee Print Store allows you to purchase our customer’s most favourite products online, as well as customising your goods by uploading your own designs! Order today and have them at your door within seven days! If you can’t find what you are looking for simply contact us via our website. We have some great offers on just now for example:

5000 x A5 135gsm glossy leaflets = £89.99 with free delivery

Go to our website, blog, facebook, twitter or linkedin page to get the latest offers.

www.weeprint.co.uk

Thursday 27 October 2011

What's New - with Vogue??

According to Vogue Magazine, the old favourites - Pearls - are set to be "the" jewellery to be wearing this season. The beauty of Pearls is that they can be worn with almost ANY outfit - whether you are dressed up or dressed casually. And as Vogue says "Pearls never fail to appeal to our inner Grace Kelly". This immediately brings to mind a picture of beauty, grace, chic and style! At BagPurse we have a gorgeous Diamante & Pearl Bracelet and Diamante & Pearl Brooch - lovely gifts - or lovely treats!   www.bagpurse.co
£13.99
                                                                                £9.99

Friday 21 October 2011

Guest Blog - Wendi from Cupcakes4you



Hi I am Wendi the owner of cupcakes4you . We are based in the West end of Glasgow and have been in business for just under a year. We aren't just a cupcake business we are a little more unique by offering cupcake decorating parties for the children, Cocktail parties for those who love to party in the old fashioed way and our famed Vintage tea parties are exquisite.

We offer

Vintage Tea and cocktail parties...our themed eras are 1920s through to the 1950s Delectable Crockery, China and Gramophone Hire Fabulous cupcakes,handmade sweeties, clootie dumplings Vintage Inspired Wedding Favours.

When booking your tea party you can be quaranteed that you will be eating and drinking from gorgeous vintage crockery, listening to music playing from our fully working gramophone,eating homemade goodies and having an exquisite afternoon or evening.

Our stunning fully working HMV 1929 and Columbia 1931 Gramophones are available to hire for any event. We offer various packages including half day through to a full week.

Our celebration favours are bespoke and unique JUST LIKE YOU. We will use your own ideas to come up with the perfect gift for your guests.

We offer childrens parties and cupcake decoration classes throughout the year , with prices for these starting at just £5 per child.

Our cupcakes have received rave reviews, and so much so that our latest corporate project war for the Disney corporations' re release of The Lion King in 3D. We supplied 150 simba cupakes on 7th October this year.

We have managed to make many brides/grooms happy on their special day, by providing stunning tiered cupcakes along with a cutting top tier at many venues all over Scotland. We also offer cupcak bouqets and baskets which make phenomally wonderful gifts for mothers of the bride/groom or for a loved one .

Why not browse our website to see what we can offer you.Have a look at our special offers page which is always updated with different offer each month.

Our events page allows you to keep up with where we are displaying our goodies and if we have any open tea parties which you may wish to attend.

We also have an online shop which makes it easy for you buy from us.

http://www.cupcakes4​you.net

Sunday 9 October 2011

Guest Blogger - John SlabAds



Thank you Anne-Marie for having me on your feature blog, and on behalf of the "SlabAds Team", thank you for being an excellent client.

My world changed on January 19th 2009 when my twins Lily & Ava were born; this was a huge change for my family as we already had 3 kids in a 3 bedroom house. Now when I look back I can’t think of how things would be if they hadn’t arrived into our amazing world. It makes me feel so proud when I see them all growing into their own little characters, but most of all it’s their fantastic mother who carried them on their journey, who deserves all the credit.

I had to move jobs to suit our family needs, and even had a dabble into a business idea "Eezy Cabling". It never actually progressed past the Biz Gateway meeting or drawing pad, but it did give me an opportunity to speak with a successful Dragons Den participant, Andrew Harsley (Rapstrap) who had secured a huge contract with a Japanese firm, My idea, however, would have had to be made in great volume for a niche market.

I'm an ambitious person bubbling away underneath, but have had to concentrate fully on supporting my family. One day, however, I helped to get my colleague’s notepad repaired. I called a friend, Alison (The cocktail Queen) whose husband knew a lot about PC/IT workings, but he was really busy. Alison gave me a number to call and this led me to SlabAds. As I learned what exactly they offered, I immediately thought to myself, "This is great, this can really work well for everyone," and I passed the word around, with some businesses becoming increasingly interested in what I was telling them.

The SlabAds team decided to let me further promote the business with the addition of an email address for SlabAds, Twitter & Facebook account and very soon I built an excellent customer base. Building relationships with people is something I really enjoy, even more so when contacting face to face, and my confidence grew with every new client added to the website.

The SlabAds website has received over 300,000 hits since June and continues to show good progress. SlabAds.com is a low-cost advertising site where businesses have their very own custom designed feature “SlabAd”. The ad acts like a mini-website and when users click any SlabAd, they are taken directly to the client’s website. In a short time we have managed to add businesses all over the UK, with one in Australia (who have reported traffic from SlabAds), and with an excellent cost of just £25 per year, for a service that promotes your business via the website, Twitter (tweeting 24/7) & Facebook, we also proactively look-out for business opportunities for our clients, and if they want us to promote particular offers or promotions, this can be done free of charge.

In the short space of time since its launch, I think the "SlabAds family" has grown exceptionally well, and our Google listings are showing great results too, which benefits everyone. If there was a job/business I could say that I truly understand and 100% support in every way, it would be SlabAds, and the people I have met, spoke to, tweeted & emailed are fantastic clients to have on-board. I wish everyone connected with SlabAds a very successful time with us, and welcome the opportunity to expand the range of businesses we promote. If you would like the SlabAds Team working to promote YOUR business, please contact me: John@slabads.com or tweet @JTFaelivi.

"Together We Are Stronger" And thanks again to Anne-Marie for allowing my blog to be featured here.

Sunday 2 October 2011

What I Found in Mummy's Bag - by Parker 21months old

What I found in mummys bag!!!

Hi everyone, My name is Parker, I’m 21 months old and I’ve been asked to be a guest blogger for the wonderful bag lady.

When I went into mummys bag I found a lovely new writing thing, but when I used it on the wall mum wasn’t impressed, apparently its for her lips???? So I found a new brush for the dat & doodle, it was very small I have to say but what was worse was when I tried to use it the got gold marks on them, daddy said mummy uses it on her eyes…… There were things for blowing my nose, I knew how to use them and I put them back when I was finished, hope mummy didn’t mind She had lots of pennies, all shapes and sizes so I put them in my bank, if they can save for a raining day then I can save for sweeties. Afterall it always rains here. She had little white things hidden, uncle Teven called them bullets, but I never saw a gun??? I did manage to eat the nom noms she must have been keeping them safe for me. I found keys, she said I couldn’t have them because they were for the car, so I gave them back as the car is fun.

I fink it was a very confusing bag but it didn’t stop me from trying to see what nana had in her bag but that’s another blog. Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @parkerboy221209

Saturday 1 October 2011

What's the news from New York??

So - what is the "big" fashion news from New York for Spring 2012? MANBAGS! Yes, that's right guys - to be fashionable next year, you will need to sport the ultimate male fashion accessory - a manbag. Sharp, elegant, preferably leather - this is the style the man in 2012 should be sporting.

And why not? A manbag is as useful to a man as a handbag is to a woman. It is somewhere to store and carry your wallet, mobile phone, keys, comb, chewing gum etc. And you can wear one either over your shoulder or cross body - either way, looks good. And ladies, if you want to buy the ultimate fashion accessory for your man, go for a manbag.    www.bagpurse.co

Friday 30 September 2011

Gift Box Galore

Gift Box Galore supply gift box hampers to meet the diverse needs of anyone looking to purchase a unique but modern gift, based in West Lothian, they deliver nationally with orders being placed through an on-line shop.

The initial concept was born October 2010, when time after time searching for the perfect gift box, new mother Louise could never really find what she was looking for. Louise explained, “I would spend ages searching on the internet with an idea of what I wanted in mind but could never really find it, and when I did purchase hampers or gift boxes was sadly disappointed when they arrived.”


After numerous disappointments Louise started to create her own gift boxes to give on special occasions. Always met with an enthusiastic response, friends and family urged Louise to go into business creating and selling filled gift boxes. Although on maternity leave and only having given birth in June, with the support of her husband John, Louise decided to seek advice from West Lothian's Enterprise Centre in Livingston. Following a optimistic meeting with a Business Gateway advisor they left feeling positive about Louise's new business venture. From there Louise spent the next few months sourcing stock suppliers and creating her own website. After busy and challenging days looking after a new baby Louise's evenings were then taken up by her new venture, although tiring and sometimes stressful she was determined to make a go of it. Louise explained, “I didn't know where to start and spent so many hours scrolling through the internet to find suppliers that could provide me with quality and luxury stock at affordable prices. The hours spent have paid off though as I now believe I have products with the quality I was looking for.”

Louise could use a computer well but had never done anything as complex as building a website, however she decided she would attempt this due to the limited start up funds she had. After finding a reliable platform to host her website Louise set to work and has now created a user friendly and inviting website to sell her gift boxes from.

Louise has now returned to work part time in March 2011 and the rest of her time, along with being a mummy is be spent on her new and much loved gift box business. Louise plans and hopes one day in the near future this will be her full time job! Gift Box Galore intend to keep adding to their gift box collection as the business grows, and also offer a Bespoke service for customers to create their own gift boxes from their full product list, and a corporate service for business needs. So if your looking for a gift that is a little different from the usual gift hampers you see, then Gift Box Galore is definitely worth a visit!

Email: info@giftboxgalore.co.uk
website:www.giftboxgalore.co.uk


Wednesday 28 September 2011

Men - When Should You Wear Cufflinks?

Cufflinks are an item that most men possess - even if they don't often wear them! They tend to be given as birthday/Xmas presents - and then put away in a drawer never to be seen.

Can it be that men are unsure as to when to use cufflinks or even, which shirt and how to wear them?

The best type of shirt to wear cufflinks with are ones which have no buttons at the cuffs. Normally you will find that formal dress shirts have no buttons on the cuffs- then it is easy to use cufflinks - or buy a "convertible" shirt - which allows the wearer to use stud cufflinks besides the buttons.

When is it appropriate to wear cufflinks? Cufflinks are not really ideal for every day use - keep them for special occasions ie weddings or parties. And always make sure you have secured them properly so that you don't lose one if you are dancing energetically at a party!

If you decide to wear cufflinks to a funeral, please be careful with which style you choose - make sure they are appropriate for the occasion!!

How should you choose your cufflinks? It is usually best to match your cufflinks with the metal on your belt or watch or the pattern on your tie. And there are so many styles to choose from. Plain silver or gold are best kept for formal occasions like a funeral - but for parties, there are lots of crazy, bright colours and retro cartoon character ones to choose from.

BagPurse have a small range of cufflinks - all priced at £5.99 - which include a presentation box. And look out for the Xmas specials which will soon be arriving - fun, funky cufflinks - ideal as a gift.
www.bagpurse.co



Saturday 24 September 2011

Ladies' Scarves - Your Wardrobe Essential

Have you ever spent ages getting dressed, looked in the mirror and thought "something is missing"? This is where the trusty scarf is your best accessory.

Draping a scarf on an outfit can just be the finish you need to looking good. And with today's choice of scarves, you need never be stuck again.

Have you ever owned a pendant scarf? These must be one of the best fashion inventions ever! A scarf and a piece of jewellery rolled into 1 - what could be better!

At BagPurse we have a wide range of pendant scarf styles and prices - including the uniquely designed Spanish Pendant Scarves from Barcelona. If you want a bespoke pendant, then these are the scarves to invest in. And pendant scarves make an ideal gift too - whether for a loved one or for the Secret Santa at work.

Free UK delivery on all of the pendant scarves on sale at BagPurse - www.bagpurse.co



Friday 16 September 2011

Beware! Where is YOUR Handbag??

It has been reported in the media that women are constantly "losing" their handbags - and making it so easy for thieves to steal them.

How often when we go to a coffee shop or a restaurant and do we just drop our handbags on the floor next to our chairs or on the back of the chair or under the chair or under the table? And then we can be so busy talking/reading a book or magazine/talking or texting on your mobile phone - and completely "forget" about our handbags.

I think we become complacent and don't think about the possibility of our handbags being stolen. Meanwhile a would-be thief will be rubbing his/her hands with glee at how easy it is to steal our bag.

Well, we at BagPurse have the answer to this problem! What about a handbag hook?

At BagPurse, we have a fantastic range called Carrie-Me - which is a range of Handbag Hooks - a simple and elegant solution to the problem of where to put your handbag when out at a restaurant, cafe or pub - hang your bag at the table beside you! A glamorous Bag Hook - with a handy pouch - which can also be used to hang your umbrella, laptop bag or coat - it can hold up to 6kg!!

 Available in 7 different colours - and even a range of Compact Hooks which are also a compact mirror. These are also a great gift idea as you can match up the colour to a birthstone! And if you are at a club and want to dance - it is worth having a Cross Body Bag - which you can keep on at all times - with prices starting at £11.99
    BagPurse - Your One-Stop-Shop for Fashion Accessories -             www.bagpurse.co

Saturday 10 September 2011

What's Hot - Part 3

So what else is "hot" at the moment? Satchels!

And these will be popular right through 2012 too.

Satchels have been popular for decades and will again, top the "hot" list during Autumn/Winter 2011 and through to 2012. Wearing a shoulder bag with a long strap - to reach the hip - and even wearing across body - will be the trend through 2012 - and a satchel fits the bill perfectly.

At BagPurse, we have a lovely selection of satchels from plain brown - to floral - to faux fur. All of these tick the boxes for the latest trends. For fashion ideas, visit BagPurse at   www.bagpurse.co

Thursday 8 September 2011

What's Hot - Part 2

Beautiful handbags do come in small packages - clutch bags and evening bags.

As we approach the Xmas season and party nights, what could be more important than finding THE handbag to complete your outfit?

And what a choice there is this year!

Of course, there is the "old" favourite - black satin - and who can go wrong with a black evening bag? Stylish, svelte and screaming sophistication. However, have a look at the other options too - purple is very popular as is silver! Silver and diamante - dazzle everyone!

At BagPurse, we have a wonderful range of evening bags - from sumptuous black satin - to luscious purple - and don't overlook the sparkling silver options too. And prices starting from £7.99 ;)

BagPurse - Your One -Stop-Shop for Fashion Accessories - www.bagpurse.co

Wednesday 7 September 2011

What's Hot?? - Part One

Big news for this coming winter season?

FUR handbags - whether real fur or faux fur.

We, here at BagPurse, will only be stocking faux fur as we do not believe in killing animals for fashion!!

What's best to choose? It doesn't matter if you choose a clutch bag, shoulder bag or even a tote - all will be equally fashionable.

At BagPurse we have a selection of faux fur handbags - and various styles - to choose from with prices starting from £11.99! If you have any ideas of the type of faux fur handbag you would like to buy, just leave us a comment ;)

Pop along to BagPurse - at www.bagpurse.co  - and take a peek at our handbags

Tuesday 6 September 2011

The "Right" Handbag

Handbags are a great addition to compliment any outfit - the "right" handbag can make you appear taller, shorter, slimmer - almost anything you want!

Have a look at the handbags at BagPurse- and find your "right" handbag! FREE UK delivery and a FREE leather coin purse with every order placed during September -

www.bagpurse.co