I carry many boxes and bags when I bring props and supplies to a shoot. When I was asked if I would test drive a new versatile tote from Martha Stewart Home Office line for Avery at Staples, of course I said yes, send me the biggest one you've got! I immediately thought I would use it for propping and it has worked wonders. Of course, I love to share here at H+H so I asked if I could get one for you, too! They said "YES" so enter to win your very own large tote from Martha Stewart! Cool, huh?
They have added a whole line of iPad cases, tablet sleeves and accessories with a great selection of totes to the collection. This tote has pockets and pen holders built in to the side, one is even big enough for a 10" tablet. The tote is made from water and stain resistant canvas, is lined and has a great and comfortable handle. It is valued at $100! It arrived just in time for Alt and I packed mine in my carry-on to help me around town when we set up for two parties. Yep, I said yes to decorating TWO dinners on Wednesday night at Alt. I am officially insane. If it weren't for the help of my amazing blogger roomies Cyd (she just launched her newly styled site TODAY so check it out!), Lauren and Sharon, I would not have been able to swing by two restaurants to set up without them. Impossible. Thank heavens for GREAT friends, I am so grateful for them! The parties turned out great, and this bag was awesome. It's huge. I packed it full of the gift bags we assembled in the hotel room and toted them to the restaurants. Then after Alt, I just folded it back up and put it in my carry-on to take home. I just used it last Friday to tote three shoe box sized boxes and a huge stack of fabric to a photoshoot. Which brings me to my point. If you don't have one already you need to have a party and prop toolkit.
I tend to bring extra stuff when I go to photoshoots or events but my basics are simple: scissors, double stick tape, regular tape, fishing line, twine in various shades, a pen, a pencil, plain cardstock, and related items for the shoot. The various items usually depend on what I am shooting, but since my shoot was cupcake related, I brought standard cupcake craft supplies. I have an entire box devoted to lollipop sticks, wood skewers and various drink stirrers that can all become a great cupcake flag or pick. I am lucky enough to be helping with styling and crafting some of the goodies from Trophy Cupcakes and Parties, a book by Jennifer Shea (owner of Trophy Cupcakes) here in Seattle. This is a box straight from Friday's shoot, complete with remnants of cocoa powder on the lid. It was a little more organized on the way there, but essentially it is the same. Bits and pieces of different colorways and things I think I might need. If something needs a little tape or a snip, isn't it easier to have it ready rather than rushing around looking for scissors at the last minute? Exactly. Everyone, even if you are just throwing a party, needs a tool kit. Period.
Want to win a great tote of your very own to carry your new tool kit or just for your next trip? Just tell me what you would use this baby for in the comments below and enter today. One entry per person, contest ends Tuesday, February 12th at 12:00 pm PST. Winner will be chosen by random.
I was given a tote to review and keep. All opinions are mine.
***UPDATE*** Contest closed.
Are you lucky number #18? You won! YAY! Thanks Jaci! Shoot me an email and we'll get this fab tote on her way to you! xo Thanks everyone for entering!
Friday, February 15, 2013 at 7:24AM 
