I believe that everyone needs a good work bag.  Whether it’s for business or school, you need a large bag that carries everything you need for the day.

I first spotted the Michael Kors large Hamilton Tote in Montreal in February and was tempted to buy it, however, I had my heart set on the Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo, so I chose to wait.  Being the savvy shopper that I am, I picked up my Michael Kors bag in the States because it retails for $348 compared to $395 in Canada.  Now $348 is still pretty pricey, so I chose to pick it up at Macy’s where I got an incredible deal on it – 25 per cent off, plus another 20 per cent for signing up for a Macy’s card – so I only ended up paying US$225.

I chose to get the bag in black leather with gold hardware because I find that I often wear more gold than silver.  Plus, I like the juxtaposition of the gold with black better than the gold with silver – it looks more expensive. Note, this bag also comes in rosegold hardware, which would have been my first choice, but I heard that it’s only available at the MK boutiques.

The bag is very roomy being 14 inches in height by 13 inches wide with a 6-inch diameter. It features top handles, as well as a shoulder strap with the MK signature chain detail.  Inside there is a cell phone pouch, a wider pouch, an inside zip pocket with another interior pocket underneath, and a lanyard to clip your keys onto.  The lining is beige with the MK logo embossed all over.  At the bottom of the bag there are four feet so it protects the bottom of the bag.

The leather on mine is nice and supple, however, I have found that after some wear the lock tends to weigh the bag down.  For example, if I am just resting the bag on my desk it will flop over a bit.  It’s not a big deal to me, however, that seems to be a common problem that has been mentioned in a lot of reviews.

As for the exterior of the bag, I find it is similar to the Hermes Birkin bag.  The front features a lock and a hanging luggage tag which contains the key.  I have seen in a few YouTube videos that you can unlock the lock to make the bag a little wider.  Note, that this tote comes in two versions, the boutique version– which is the one I got, as well as an outlet version, which replaces the lock with a Michael Kors nameplate.  I checked out the outlet version at Las Vegas Premium Outlets North but I much prefer the boutique version more.  The outlet version is a tad cheaper in price (although I got mine for way less than the outlet price) but to be honest, it’s not as nice, at least in my opinion.

To me, this is the perfect work bag.  It carries all my essentials plus enough room to throw in my iPad, magazines, magazine proofs, and more. This bag is also perfect for traveling.

I highly recommend this tote as it is timeless, well made, and very versatile.  Although C$395 is a lot to spend on a handbag, it’s not as much as some others (for example, the MBMJ Hillier Hobo retails for C$448).  Plus, it’s a bag that will last you forever if you take care of it and it will never go out of style.  Michael Kors offers this style in a variety of different colours, fabrics, and hardware depending on the season, but I myself love the standard black (I did see a gorgeous turquoise in the spring time).  MK also offers the Hamilton in a satchel style, however, I prefer the large one, plus if you are going to spend the money, you might as well pay the $50 or so to get a larger bag.  But hey, that’s personal preference.

If you are interested in picking up this bag, for my American friends, I would check your local department store first (such as Macy’s, Nordstroms, Saks, etc.) to see if they have it on sale or if you can find a discount for it (such as signing up for a credit card).  Also, Bloomingdale’s is offering their 20 per cent off friends and family sale going on now.  also, if you buy it through an Ebates link, you can get some cash back for it.

For my Canadian friends, finding this bag on sale is a little harder.  You can always order it online from an American department store but then you will be dinged in taxes and duty.  The only two places that I know of that sell this bag are Holt Renfrew and the Michael Kors boutique (and Ogilvy in Montreal – however, I believe it’s a store within a store).  Holt Renfrew offers gift card events, where you get a percentage back in gift cards, a few times a year.  As for the MK boutiques, I’m sure they offer sales every here and there (although I’m sure it will only be seasonal colours on sale).  Or you can just do what I did and pick it up in the States (FYI Macy’s offers an 10 per cent off international discount for those that live outside the U.S.).

Do you own a Michael Kors large Hamilton Tote?  If so, what are your thoughts?

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When it comes to eyeshadows I typically either choose something from MAC, Urban Decay, or Inglot.  I have always had a fascination with NARS eyeshadows but they are so expensive for what you get (for example, it’s C$28 for one eyeshadow) that I could never justify the purchase.

I have been wanting NARS Galapagos for a while because Michele1218 on YouTube always raves about it.  When I was in Vegas I threw it in my basket but then saw the NARS Cordura duo and the colours were so similar so I decided to pick that up instead (the duo retailed for like $10 more).

NARS Cordura is comprised of a shimmering warm brown and a shimmering dark brown. This is my first foray into NARS eyeshadows, a brand most known for their blushes.  To be honest, these eyeshadows aren’t are soft and creamy as some MAC eyeshadows or even Urban Decay. They do blend and apply beautifully though.

The colours are pretty staple shades but they are just so gorgeous when applied.  I usually wear this duo in a few different ways.  For the daytime I’ll apply a lighter shade over my eyelids (like MAC’s Nubile Paint Pot or MAC Naked Lunch eyeshadow) and then apply the lighter shade in my crease and then the darker shade in the outer edges to darken it up. I then use the lighter shade again along my lower lash line.

For a nighttime look I will apply the lighter brown all over my eyelids and then the darker shade in the crease.  I also apply the darker shade along my lower lash line.

I love the selection of NARS eyeshadows as the colours are really gorgeous, however, I don’t know if I would pick up another shade as they are so pricey.  I mean you can buy two single eyeshadows for more than the Urban Decay Naked Palette.  With that being said, I really love this duo and I am glad that I picked it up as they are staple colours that can be worn for either day or night.

Have you tried NARS Cordura?  If so, what are your thoughts?

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I thought I would share another recipe I am currently loving for this week’s health post.  I found this recipe for homemade oat bars with no sugar added from hautepnk.com. I found Maya’s blog through Veronika’s Blushing, which I usually browse through on my lunch hours.

Anyways, this snack seemed easy to make and I had a lot of the ingredients already, so I decided to make a batch.

From Hautepnk.com:

• 3 cups of large flake oatmeal
• ~ 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
• ~ 1/4 cup Thompson Raisins
• ~ 1/4 cup of Dry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
• 1 cup of Unsweetened Organic Applesauce (I used plain unsweetened applesauce by No Name from the Real Canadian Superstore)
• 1/2 cup of Skim Milk
• A dash of Salt
• 2 tbs of Vanilla Extract
• 2 Omega-3 eggs
• 2 very ripe bananas

You can also add in nuts or other fruits if you so wish.  I had a bulk bag of pecans so I threw some in the mix.  I also added a dash of cinnamon for some extra flavour.

1. Pre-heat the over to 400°F
2. Add all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well
3. The consistency should be well blended; not too wet or too dry
4. For this recipe, I use a 11″ x 9″ glass baking dish. If you want to make more or less, simply adjust the ingredients respectively
5. Spray the dish with some cooking spray and then line it with some parchment paper. I use the cooking spray to ensure the parchment paper adheres. (TIP: Parchment paper is an amazing way to save yourself from having to use sprays or grease when baking)
6. Bake for 23 minutes or until it is light golden brown
7. Let cool for about 15 min
8. Cut into desirable squares
9. Remove from pan and pack them away into a tupperware while they’re still slightly warm. This will ensure they stay soft.

These bars came out perfect and they are just so yummy to eat!  I ended up using a longer pan as I didn’t have a 11″ by 9″ one.  My pan was also aluminum, so I guess it’s just personal preference on which material pan you want to use.

I have to add that although there is no sugar added, there is, of course, sugar in the mix; it comes from the bananas, cranberries, raisins, etc. so they can be sweet.

I picked up my ingredients from the Real Canadian Superstore/Loblaws as they have a pretty big bulk section.  It’s a relatively inexpensive recipe to make and you get a lot of bars once it’s baked and cut up.  I will definitely be remaking this one once I eat them all.  I have been munching on them as dessert after my lunch and dinner.  I’m not sure on the calorie information but with all these good ingredients in them, these bars are not only yummy to eat, but healthy for you too.

Make sure you check out hautepnk.com and let me know if you try out the recipe.

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