4.30.2007

Celebrate Mothers

There is one day throughout the year that we dedicate to our mother’s. This is the day that we shower them with flowers, jewelry and surprise visits from out of town. For all that they do, mothers should be praised all year long, but have you ever wondered what started this age old tradition?

In the United States, Mother's Day was copied from England by social activist Julia Ward Howe. After the American Civil War she adopted a call to unite women against war and wrote the Mother's Day Proclamation. Howe’s original vision of a holiday celebrated peacemaking by mothers, but now the day is simply a time to celebrate motherhood and give thanks. Furthermore, according to the National Restaurant Association, Mother's Day is the most popular day of the year to dine out.

During this time, we also scramble around to find Mom that perfect gift---the one that will make her smile all day long and feel appreciated. For the Tech savvy mother, consider the new She-Tech totes in this spring’s hottest colors. Also, if you register for the She-Tech sweepstakes to win a Dell Laptop, you will get 10% off any computer tote, messenger bag or clutch. For more details on how to enter, visit https://promo.caffeinenow.com/GW98BE401N3/PN93YE290C5/

Women all possess some sort of maternal traits, and even those without children nurture, support, console and encourage. To all the mothers, daughters, wives, aunts, nieces and girlfriends: On behalf of She-Tech have a Wonderful and Joyous Mother’s Day.

Celebrate whole-heartedly and most all…stay connected!

4.23.2007

Just Breathe

Just recently a friend of mine rushed herself to the emergency room because she felt she was experiencing symptoms closely related to those of a heart attack. The typical chest pressure, discomfort in the stomach, lightheadedness and slight nausea arose almost simultaneously. After spending numerous hours at the hospital, she called me with the somewhat humorous diagnosis: Anxiety Attack. Stress was the culprit of her overwhelming sense of an impending doom. Throughout the course of trying to juggle work, school, single-parenthood, and life, what appeared to be steadfast and balanced was apparently unstable.

This event lead me to begin thinking about the many hats we wear and balls we juggle to maintain our complex lives and standards of living. Women have myriad demands put upon them to be mothers, spouses and elder care providers, while striving to gain parity with their male counterparts.

By the way, did I mention that my friend who experienced the stress-induced anxiety attack is in her early thirties? Not the average age for someone to be experiencing heart problems, but well in the range for someone to be experiencing mind-blowing stress. Statistics show that 4 out of 10 Americans are stressed and those under 50 experience it most. Secondly, 40% of women are stressed compared to 35% of men.

Stress participation is definitely one area where we do not want to achieve nor exceed the levels of men. But in the event a situation becomes overwhelming, consider these helpful tips to pull you through.

B- Be aware of physical symptoms that may be signs of stress.
R- Relax and allow yourself to mentally escape from the challenging situation.
E- Exhale. Let go of any tension you may be harboring.
A- Ask yourself if you are looking at the situation realistically or making it unnecessarily larger than life.
T- Talk it out. Share what you’re going through with close friends.
H- Help. Seek help from a healthcare professional if things are too hard for you to handle.
E- Expect that whatever the situation is, you will get through it successfully.

A little retail therapy doesn’t hurt either. But seriously ladies, to learn more about stress and how to cope, visit WebMD at http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/20070201/stress-squeezes-4-10-americans.

Inhale, exhale, then inhale and exhale again. In short Just BREATHE and don’t forget…stay connected!

4.16.2007

America’s Most Wanted

Although the concept of work/life balance escapes most of us, a recent trend in Corporate America is shaping the way employers view their workforce. Over the years, many highly-skilled women abruptly exited the workforce; conversely, due to popular demand, many are making a much more graceful return. According to Workforce Management, “Thirty-seven percent of highly qualified women and 43% of women with children have left the workforce for a period of time. Ninety-three percent of them want to return to their careers.”

Upon return; however, women are calling the shots and stating upfront that a 16-hour workday is no longer feasible. Flexibility is paramount, and employers are willing to accept a 3-4 day schedule just to acquire and retain top female talent. Interestingly, there is the perception that women generally leave the workforce to tend to their families, but studies indicate that women leave because they feel underappreciated by their employer. Imagine that….underappreciated!

Another critical issue that has caused companies to focus on obtaining women professionals is the impact it has on attracting new female talent out of business school. New recruits and fresh graduates look to see women in higher ranking senior positions and are less attracted to those companies that have diminishing numbers of women at the top. Furthermore, the number of professional women with professional degrees is expected to grow by 16% compared to 1.3% for men over the next decade.

Whether you decide to return to work, be an entrepreneur or a domestic goddess, realize that the choice is yours. Women are greatly desired in Corporate America as well as the home front. For more information about this topic, check out the latest issue of Workforce Management magazine featuring the story “Winning Women Back.” You can find them online at www.workforce.com.

To all of America’s original “Most Wanted”…stay connected!

4.09.2007

The History of the Bag Lady

Have you ever wondered how it came to be that a handbag became such an important accessory? Today so many fashion designers compliment their apparel lines with equally as fashionable handbags in such varieties as hobo bags, briefcases, satchels, coin purses and backpacks.

Years ago; however, handbags did not make the fashion statement they make today. The first documented use of handbags is from the 14th century. Egyptian hieroglyphics depict men carrying little sacks around the waist. Not until the 1400's did both men and women start using handbags, and they became a status symbol for wealth and prestige. Handbags were made with expensive silks and were adorned with jewels and embroidery to reflect wealth. Over time it became evident that handbags served a practical purpose and jeweled accents were abandoned for practical, everyday materials like leather. Men also abandoned the use of handbags because of a creative trouser innovation: Built-in Pockets!

Enter the 1800s and the handbag reemerges, which lead to the development of the "real" handbags--held in the hand and seen as a complement to women’s clothing. Then in the 1900s women had a variety of handbags for different occasions, and used them to carry perfume, gloves, makeup and a fan. The handbag concept really took off in the 50s when certain designers gained the reputation for creating bold and elegant handbags which signaled the emergence of designer houses: Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes.

The last half of the century saw a quantum leap in technology and the introduction of new materials and textiles for handbags, such as canvas, synethics, and faux reptile skin. Handbags are now such a necessary accessory, much like a pair of shoes, you cannot leave your house without them. As a result, fashionable handbags are in such high demand, copy is the most sincere form of flattery and our obsession has given rise to knock-off Kate Spade, Gucci, Fendi, Coach, Dooney, Dior and the list goes on.

Where would we be today without the handbag? From lipstick to lap tops, they make our lives more efficient and thanks to designers like She-Tech, we can look chic at the same time.

Whether you carry an all-weather canvas duffle or rhinestone trimmed designer wristlet, “bag ladies” across the world ….stay connected!

4.02.2007

Spring Fever

According to a recent survey conducted by Kohl's Department Store, 60% of women view spring as the perfect time of year to update their look. By adding new flirty spring fashions to our wardrobes we re-energize our minds and uplift our attitudes. This season, flirty and feminine is the theme. Whether it's in the form of ruffles, lace, floral prints or bright colors, when spring fever hits, instinctively it’s time to turn up the appeal. Although this illness is not documented by the medical community, the symptoms include a flushed face, increased heart rate, appetite loss, restlessness, daydreaming and an overwhelming desire to shop.

Is it a new pair of strappy sandals or that pink eight mega pixel digital camera that’s on your list of spring “must haves?” Either way, everyone has those special items that we covet throughout the winter months. Like most designers, She-Tech also has its list of this season's “must haves” for the true digital diva.


  1. Positivity: Focus on all the things that bring you joy and acknowledge that goodness outweighs the bad.

  2. Creative Spirit: Let your innovative nature shine. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and challenge tradition.

  3. Generous Heart: Extend a helping hand to those in need. Each one can teach one so that we are all successful.

  4. Tech Savvy: Continue to advance, embrace technology and enrich your knowledge base with the latest information.

  5. Confidence: Approach each day with a renewed sense of ambition. Whoever said it was a “Man’s World?”
There isn’t a cure for spring fever, but you may find temporary relief in She-Tech’s new spring line of brightly-colored Arrinna Totes. These flirty, fashionable and functional totes are sure to complement your spring wardrobe. Place your order by April 7 and receive a 10% discount.

Whether winter, spring, summer or fall…stay connected!