The Limited Edition Schlep Bag by Roots Canada Ltd

How much do you schlep around in your handbag? The Schlep Bag, a limited edition tote bag by Roots Canada Ltd., was a handbag or purse that was perfect for toting or schlepping around whatever it is that you carry to work, to play or to the gym. The only problem is that it was a VERY limited edition bag. Roots only made 10. Yes, you read correctly. Ten bags. Period. Which means, of course, that most of us cannot have one no matter how badly we want one.

Why only ten? I believe it was done in the name of marketing. Limited edition offers appeal to people on a couple of levels. They offer an exclusive product and they offer an opportunity to own something that not very many other people will own. For retailers though, who are finding times tough, they help create a sense of urgency on the part of the consumer. If you liked this bag when it became available, you could not hesitate. You had to act right away.

One other benefit of such a limited edition bag, of course, is the free publicity it brings. Roots has built its success on some smooth marketing moves; I would say this fits right in with some of their other success stories.  

If you love Roots leather, you should check out the Roots leather bags here on eBay.

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

Leather photo by Felipe Santana on Unsplash.

Jellycat Christmas Tree Ricky Rain Frog

For frog collectors, Christmas fanatics and Jellycat collectors alike, this I am Christmas Tree Ricky the Rain Frog plush toy is one of the most adorable pieces I have seen in awhile.  

At 11 and 1/2 inches tall, Ricky's squat green form is dressed in a Christmas tree costume with a star on top. He is sure to make your family and friends smile despite his grumpy, Scrooge-y, bah humbug-y style. 

Why not add this Christmas Tree Ricky the Rain Frog to your holiday decor? Find your Ricky the Rain Frog I Am Christmas Tree here on eBay. Please note that Ricky has been out of stock at some locations and therefore may be selling at a premium.

Merry Christmas!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

Kathy Van Zeeland Purses

YOU WILL LOVE A KATHY VAN ZEELAND PURSE!

In 2010 when I originally wrote this page on another website, Kathy Van Zeeland bags were all the rage. You could see them everywhere. They had a distinctive look with trendy colors and textures, coupled with unmistakable signature pockets or a belted top.

Kathy was young and hip and came out with innovative designs that other designer labels quickly tried to copy. Many Kathy bags sold for under $100, making her purses and bags hugely popular and sought after by women of all ages.

On this page, learn a bit about who Kathy Van Zeeland is and discover two places to buy them now that they seem to be less available than before. I am actually not sure if they are still being made or not.

WHO IS KATHY VAN ZEELAND?

As a young girl, Kathy loved fashion and accessories and emulated her mother's fashion style. She discovered at a fairly young age that this hobby of hers could become a career. After graduating from college, she gained experience in the fashion world as a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue in New York.

Next up was the opportunity to design accessories for existing fashion labels including Nine West, Enzo Angiolini and Easy Spirit.

In 2010, Kathy was co-president of Kathy Van Zeeland, a company that was created in 2004 to produce high quality, trendy handbags for women. That company then had more than 1,700 stores in North America and had product available in stores around the world. In just a few years, the Kathy Van Zeeland brand became an established and much beloved brand.

In 2008, Kathy won the Designer of the Year award from American Fashion Accessories Association.

Kathy expended considerable effort connecting with her buyers in order to keep producing beautiful, trendy and popular pieces each season. She seemed to have perfect the balance between fashion a function.

KATHY VAN ZEELAND BAGS

When I am shopping for my bags I take care to read the descriptions carefully before making a purchase especially if I am ordering online. I believe that the best way to understand the size of an item is to compare the measurements given directly to an item that you already own. That way, you will have a very good idea if the bag is smaller, bigger or similar in size to the ones you are already familiar with.

See all of the Kathy Van Zeeland bags available now on Amazon. There are not nearly as many as there were in 2010 and I am not sure of the reason.

If I am looking for a retired bag or even just a bigger selection, turn to eBay. I am aware that items there may be at auction and may be one-of-a-kind. When they are gone, they are gone so if you see something you like, don't hesitate.

See all of the Kathy Van Zeeland bags - new, used and vintage - here on eBay.

To be honest now that I am older, I carry a very light, small bag and because of issues with my shoulders and back, it has to be a cross body bag. You will not find me with a Kathy Van Zeeland purse but I still understand why you might want one. Or two...

How many Kathy handbags do you own? 

See you in the

purse section!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

Hallmark's Santa Claus Coffee Mugs for Christmas

There is something simply FUN about these Hallmark Santa Claus-themed Christmas mugs. I love that they are all shaped like his head and focused on his face, the traditional colors that Hallmark used and the glossy finish.

Two of them are formed like a modern-day children's image of Santa, with white hair and beard and red accessories.  One of them features that famous white hair and a red handle and adds on the word Believe, which harkens to the wonderful Chris Van Allsburg Christmas book and movie, The Polar Express. The fourth and final one is more realistic and detailed. You can't help but love his rosy pink cheeks!

They're all fabulous and I can see building a whole collection of Santa Claus mugs with them or just adding a single one to your or their Christmas decor. These mugs would even make interesting vessels for presenting Christmas gifts in.

If you are looking for a specific mug or any face or head-shaped mug, they can be difficult to find. Try looking on this very focused search for Hallmark Santa Claus face mugs by clicking right here to eBay.  

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

PICTURE CREDITS, AS SEEN IN THE FIRST PHOTOGRAPH:

The realistic Santa mug with the rosy pink cheeks picture is shared by and currently available from eBay seller Time After Time Resale.

The Santa with Believe on his beard is shared and available from seller RFTK Resale. 

The mug above the one that reads Believe is shared and available from seller hnbboutique.

The mug on the top left was from my store and has been SOLD.

MORE CHRISTMAS READING:

How to Create a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Gift Set.

Discover whether or not Santa has a daughter named Annie!

Enjoy this page full of Christmas mugs from the movies.

What Makes a Van Gogh a Van Gogh? By Richard Muhlberger

Published in part by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this book shares information about Vincent Van Gogh's life and paintings. It discusses his surroundings and others who had influence upon him; deals with 12 of his important paintings pictures ranging from the Potato Eaters to the very ominous Crows over a Wheatfield; and covers the different types of pictures that Van Gogh painted including portraits, interiors, florals and landscapes. It also talks about his painting techniques and choices of color. This is a handsome, hardcover book that you will treasure forever. It is a young adult book, perfect for someone like you and I who wants to learn a bit more about Van Gogh and who does not already have a lot of knowledge about the painter.

Order your copy of What Makes a Van Gogh a Van Gogh here on Amazon.

See you

at the art gallery!

Brenda