A slightly less expensive option for brightening up your daily wardrobe, this Mabel Into the Wild tote from Marc by Marc Jacobs will help to satisfy any 'urban jungle' cravings you may be having. Taupe cotton-canvas with brown and black leopard print is layered with a contrasting bright green Marc Jacobs logo graffiti. Goldtone buckles make for adjustable handles and a little (but bright!) yellow logo plaque adorns the front. Magnetic closure and an equally bright black and white logo-lined interior round out this statement tote. $190

Scarves are a great way to dress up an otherwise drab outfit and can be layered with everything from a silk blouse to a cotton tank top. Some women have a knack for throwing on a scarf and instantly looking totally pulled together and gorgeous, but most of us have to make a deliberate effort in order to pull off the look successfully. The real key is confidence -- wear the scarf however you feel comfortable, in whatever way you think looks best, and in a color and material that flatters your skin tone. Truthfully, wearing a scarf isn't as complicated as it seems and is actually pretty difficult to get wrong, but there are a few rookie mistakes to avoid.

DO choose a material that fits the season. Lightweight scarves look great year round but save the heavier fabrics for fall and winter only.

DON'T mix too many patterns together. If you have a lot going on already in terms of prints or patterns on your outfit choose a solid colored scarf -- simple is usually better.

DO wear scarves to both formal and informal occasions -- just be sure to match the styling to the event. For something dressy try a sleek 'neckerchief' or an elegant butterfly wrap. For a more casual look the bandana is gaining popularity with celebrities.

DON'T be afraid to experiment. Scarves can not only be worn around your neck but also around your waist as a belt, on your head as a headband, or tied to the handle of your bag to add a punch of color and feminine flair.

DO collect scarves in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes so you have options when you're looking to accessorize. Although scarves are amazingly versatile they aren't all created equal and each has different strengths. The right scarf for the right occasion makes all the difference.

The Rivet Detail Tote by Michael Kors is a blend of toughness and femininity. A girly shade of deep plum purple contrasts nicely with goldtone hardware and rows of rivets running up either side and laced through to the top. A pair of large leather tassels decorate the front, a large goldtone logo dangles off to one side, and large gold rings connect the braided double handles. Neutral logo-printed lining showcases a 3-compartment interior (two open ones divided by a zip-close center) and pockets galore. Also comes with a key fob, £425.

Massages are a wonderful luxury and also one of the few traditionally "guilty pleasures" that aren't so guilty after all. Massages are a great tool for relaxation and stress management, as well as beneficial in treating a host of other problems and giving some unexpected health benefits.

Pain Science has yet to discover exactly how massage helps with pain but somehow it does. Theories surround the fact that massages relax muscles, reduce stress hormones, and stimulate good hormones. Pain due to fibromyalgia, migraines, and back pain respond particularly well to massage therapy.

Self-Esteem Believe it or not regular massages have been shown to raise self-esteem in some people. Direct contact in the form of touch can help a person feel connected and cared for, and as a result have a greater feeling of self-worth and higher self-esteem.

Mood One of the most common benefits of massage is a decrease in stress hormones and an increase in 'feel good' hormones, which means decreased stress, anxiety, and depression, and improved relaxation and overall mood.

Immunity The stress hormone cortisol impairs the body's immune system, but massages reduce cortisol and so give your immunity a boost.

Sleep/Alertness Massage, depending on what kind, can either stimulate deeper sleep or improved alertness.

Chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world yet it has a very elusive history -- so many enjoy it but have no idea how, when, or where it first came to be.

Origins in the Amazon
The cacao tree is thought to have originated in the Amazon about 4000 years ago. The word chocolate can be traced back 2000+ years all the way to the Aztec word "xocoatl," which meant "bitter water" and referred to an unsweetened drink the Aztecs brewed from cacao beans. There's also evidence of an ancient alcoholic brew made by fermenting the fleshy fruit that surrounds the cacao beans in old pottery remnants from Honduras.

Magical and Divine
Cacao beans were also considered by the Mayans and the Aztecs to be divine and magical, with legends attributing the origins of the tree and beans to various Gods in the heavens. Cacao beans were considered valuable and often used as currency for the ancient tribes, in addition to being incorporated into many sacred rituals.

Over to Europe
When Europeans discovered the Americas they didn't like the bitter chocolate drink at first, but when they tried sweetening it (with honey or cane juice) it was another story and the new beverage quickly became popular and spread throughout Spain. Throughout the 17th century chocolate continued to gain popularity as a drink for the rich and affluent all over Europe, credited with nutritional, medicinal, and aphrodisiac qualities.

The first chocolate bar
In the early 1800s 'dutch cocoa' was born when a chemist learned how to make powdered chocolate by removing some of the natural fat, then pulverizing what was left and treating it with alkaline salts to remove the bitterness. Several years later a man named Joseph Fry took dutch cocoa and added melted cacao butter, thus inventing the first modern chocolate bar.

And the rest is history
Cadbury was the first company to market chocolate candies in 1868, followed quickly by Nestle who came out with milk chocolate just a few years later.

Zingerman's Bakehouse of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is the Readers' Choice Winner in the Best Bread Bakery category. Zingerman's is one of the 'younger' nominees, having just come into existence in 1992 as a way for the Zingerman's Deli to have their own freshly baked bread. First there was bread (1992), then there were pastries (1994), and eventually a retail shop opened (1996). Today the Bakehouse is comprised of a group of 130 dedicated foodies and skilled artisan bakers that use traditional methods to hand make all of their breads and sweets and sell to over 100 wholesale customers in addition to a growing crowd of retail shoppers.

Zingerman's Bakehouse prides itself on being run by regular people that simply love to bake, and love to share their baked goods with others. And when it comes to sharing they don't stop at simply selling bread, in 2006 Zingerman's launched BAKE!, a hands-on teaching bakery where experts and newbies alike can learn to make their own scrumptious breads, pastries, and cakes at home.

Zingerman's Bakehouse goods can be found in their in-house shop or in any number of retail locations and restaurants (only in Michigan), or you can buy most everything online through Zingerman's Mail Order.

Some women meticulously choose an outfit-coordinated handbag every morning, while others carry the same bag for months (or even years) until it finally wears out and falls apart. Because they're such a daily necessity and an ingrained part of our everyday lives, handbags say a lot more about their owners than just announcing their taste in fashion. Big, small, hobo, clutch, flashy or plain -- what is your handbag saying about you?

Shoulder Bag Shoulder bags denote a thoughtful, practical nature and careful decision-making.

Designer Label Women that carry expensive, designer handbags enjoy the finer things in life (and want others to know it).

Knock-Off Carrying a knock-off bag can say that you're putting a fake front to the world and not always being true to yourself. But at least you have good taste.

Clutch Those who carry a clutch or very small handbag on a daily basis don't need to have their entire life with them at all times and give off an "I am a jet-setter" vibe.

Over-sized Large hobos and tote bags say that you don't want to ever have to go without. They say "I am prepared" and "I can take care of myself."

Flashy Bright, bejeweled, sequined, or otherwise very flashy bags denote confidence and a desire to be noticed.

Neutral Soothing, comfortable, neutral bags often belong to women with open, personable, friendly demeanors.

Do agree or disagree? What do you want your handbag to say?

Few things can ruin a trip faster than having something precious get lost or stolen. Although the best policy is to leave valuables at home while traveling (do you really need to bring those diamond earrings?), sometimes you just can't do without. When that's the case here's how to protect your irreplaceables while traveling:

• Document your valuables before you leave for insurance purposes, in case the worst happens. Take a copy with you and leave one with someone at home.
• Make a point to be (and look) alert Pickpockets and theives often target those who look preoccupied and innattentive.
• Never pack valuables in checked luggage. Keep them with you in your carry-on instead.
• Use see-through bags when packing your carry-on so the TSA inspectors can easily see what's inside without needing to directly handle the contents and potentially spill, drop, or pocket anything.
  
• Don't put items loose into the TSA bin Anything small (like watches, cell phones, etc) should be put into a coat pocket, handbag, or ziplock bag to keep them together before going through security.
• Always keep your carry-on as close to you as possible Make a point to stash it in the compartment either directly above or in front of your seat, if possible keep your most precious cargo in the bag that goes under the seat in front of you, and don't leave your carry-on behind when to go to the baggage carousel to pick up your luggage.
• Have locks on everything You can't lock your carry-ons while they're going through security, or your checked luggage while it's on the plane, but having them locked at all other times (i.e. while your carry-on is stowed in the overhead compartment or your luggage is in the trunk of a taxi) can still help prevent theft.
• Use the hotel room safe Locking items in your hotel room is all but worthless, and locking locked luggage in a hotel room isn't much better. Stash valuables in the room safe, hotel safe (even better), or if neither of those is an option you can always bring your own (check out Pacsafe).
• Don't leave your luggage on a tour bus Just because everyone else is doing it, and the tour guide says it's okay, is no guarantee. Lock up any luggage you must leave behind and take all irreplaceable items with you.

The opera is a wonderful expression of art and music and storytelling, but attending a show can be intimidating if you've never been before. Here are a few basics:

Attire Although traditionally a very formal and glamorous event, operas have become more casual over the years and attire varies to include all levels. Business attire is common but if you're not sure what to wear feel free to call the opera house beforehand to see what they recommend.

Arrive Early Once the performance starts the ushers will not admit you until after the overture or, in some cases, after the first act is over. Allow at least 30-45 minutes to find parking, get your tickets, and be seated.

Stay Quiet Be courteous and refrain from talking, whispering, and eating during the show. Also be sure to turn off your cell phone, PDA, or anything else that might ring or beep.

No Cameras Most opera houses prohibit the use of photography, video, and recording devices of any kind during performances.

Applause Operas are live so of course it's courteous to show your appreciation by clapping at appropriate moments. Follow the lead of the rest of the audience if you're not sure but generally people will applaud when the conductor takes the podium, at the end of the overture, at the end of each act, and when the performers come out to take a bow.

Reminicent (at least to me) of an ancient Egyptian treasure, this Nancy Gonzalez Gold Box Clutch miniaudiere is a great way to incorporate the metallics trend into your fall and winter wardrobe. Hard box styling help set this clutch apart from others you may own and also helps showcase the raised trapunto leaf pattern featured on the front. Crocodile leather makes for a unique texture and pattern on the exterior, which fine stitching detail giving it an understated but hard-to-miss luxury vibe. Perfect for pairing with a LBD it measures 5" x 2" x 3", $525.