misosouper, a shopping blog

I know you can fill in the blank of your t-shirt with something more clever–and prescient–than that.

In addition to being comfy, cozy, and very effective at softening a work uniform, this hand-knit cardigan is made of organic cotton from an artisan network engaging in fair trade practices (see the Fair Trade Federation for more info).

Supporting fair trade is a good start; for more ways to do something about poverty right now, check out the resources at Blog Action Day.

For my friend Janine, whose Facebook updates often refer to her losing the remote control (and then being forced to watch The Breakfast Club in Spanish because she can’t change the channel): attach one transmitter to your keys/cell/small child/dignity, and the main box to your fridge–so you’ll never lose it, natch.  When you can’t find your stuff, press the button, and an alarm will sound.  Like the page button on your cordless phone, but infinitely more useful.

I understand that plastique purses serve a purpose:  done well, they can offer the cheap, broke, and/or vegan an alternative to pricey leather bags.  But in practice, the pleather often reeks of, well, pleather.  Their vaguely chemically smell and rigid texture have disqualified them from my closet.

Until I scooped up this faux-woven bag from Kohl’s.  My new beloved is huge, slouchy, and odorless, which makes for an amazing work or school bag beyond its obvious “so what if it touches the disgusting subway floor because it only cost $13.50″ statement.

Dear Future Me,

I hope that four years from now, your 401k doesn’t read -4256.39,  Barack Obama is finishing up his first term, and Sarah Palin isn’t out shaking her beehive on the presidential campaign trail.

It would also be great if you have a robot maid/bartender named Sparky.

Love, Anna

Disclosure:  I have a friend whose letter is included (not that he gets any money if you buy the book).  So yes, that makes me totally biased.