One of the most useful pieces of clothing in my wardrobe is a simple black cardigan. I wear it over funky t-shirts or pretty tank tops, if I am going out. Here’s a great, affordable option.

$39.50 from Jcrew

Rowallan of Scotland is known for their classic and classy wallets and bags, and their new line of colorful jewelry keeps are just as lovely. This embossed leather cylinder can hold all of the accessories you need for your business trip, with compartments large enough for chunky bracelets and cocktail rings, snap-closed flaps for storing post earrings, and a seperate section with an inset mirror. Chose from Dove Gray, Winter White, or our favorite, a luscious Raspberry.

$55.99 at Rowallan of Scotland.

Divine Chocolates combines gourmet tastes with Fair Trade sensibilities in their line of delicious chocolate treats. Owned in part by the cocoa farmers themselves, the proceeds from sales of the chocolate allow the farmers to reinvest in their communities, building schools, sinking wells, and setting up medical clinics. Their sample boxes — an assortment of six 3.5-ounce bars in flavors like White Chocolate with Strawberry, Hazelnut Milk Chocolate, and 70% Dark Chocolate with Mint — is sure to please the chocoholics in your life (and you’ll be supporting fair trade in the process).

$22.49 at BuyDivine.com.

I love salt-rimmed drinks, but I loathe dipping the glasses into a plateful of chunky salt. For one thing, I always end up wasting salt. For another, half of the salt from the plate ends up on the counter instead of the rim of the glass. But now, I let The Barmaid do it for me. Or, rather, The Barmaid lets me put just the right amount of salt — or whatever spice I want — on each rim with the touch of a button. Perfect for a summer-in-the-wintertime Margarita, or a salty-and-spice rimmed Bloody Mary at brunch.

$39.95 or $44.95 (including salt) at Limetreecove.com.

I’ve just come back from a business trip where I wished I’d brought a few more pieces of jewelry with me. I like wearing earrings and funky rings but I didn’t have a great way to carry them with me, so just brought two in a plastic bag. This jewelry case has multiple compartments so your necklaces won’t get tangled up with the earrings and it’s still small enough for travel.

$36.50 at Delight.com

I have this tuna casserole recipe which takes very little time to make and is always a hit with my daughter. On the prowl for more casserole recipes (which I think are every working mom’s best friend because they are easy one-dish meals) I found this great cookbook.

$17 at Amazon.com

One of my favorite ways to treat myself when I am feeling completely overwhelmed is with an interesting and relatively inexpensive piece of jewelry. Lately I’m really into funky rings, like this awesome one I found on Etsy.

$75 at Etsy.com

Coghlan’s flint striker is a must-have for anyone reorganizing and restocking their family’s emergency kit. This low-tech gadget allows you to light a fire without matches (Read the review at Gear Diary for a great demonstration of how to use it). As long as your tinder is dry, you can use the rod and striker to start a fire even in wet conditions, and it lasts for years.

$4.98 at Pine Creek Outdoors (via Amazon).

(Wondering what else your emergency kit should have? Here’s a handy checklist for you to print and take to the store.)

Door stops are usually used to hold doors wide open, but did you know that when you travel, you can use them as a low-tech way to keep your hotel room more secure? Close and lock your door, then slip this rubber wedge firmly underneath; it’s virtually undetectable from the other side, and won’t cause damage. The stainless-steel hook handle makes it easy to remove with a quick tug.

$15.47 at Organize.com.

My bath is my sanctuary. It’s where I go to get away from it all, at least until I run out of hot water. This gorgeous bath caddy is made from sustainable bamboo, has a pop-up book holder and — glorious! — a special slotted holder for your wine glass. I figure the soap holder can hold a small plate of delicious snacks instead.

About $30 (regularly $44) at Amazon.com.