Sixth Times the Charm

Since I bought my new kindle last summer I've had a hard time finding a cover I really like. The first one was pretty but the fabric was a cat hair magnet. I then went with a custom cover and though I liked the look, the material was very ridged and uncomfortable to hold. I then tried several inexpensive covers but you really do get what you pay for. I then ordered another with a cute owl motif but it smelled so bad I had to send it back. So finally I deiced to splurge on this Kate Spade cover I'd been lusting over for months.

I am really happy with this one. It is made with a whimsical laminated fabric, it resists both stains and cat hair. 

Light weight but well constructed it holds my kindle securely and the inside cover has a soft suede like feel. It is very comfy to hold and the color makes a pretty background for my kawaii Gelaskin designed by Melody Miller. Now I can finally relax and read.

Spring Reading List 

I love that with my kindle I can read a sample before I buy and here are four books I'm ready to check ou this spring. I am a big fan of Emma Donoghue's and currently reading her lyrical take on fairytales, Kissing the Witch. So when I saw here newest, Astray available I knew I had to check it out. I recently finished Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit and loved Jeanette Winterson's style. If I like an author, I will read every title that sounds appealing and The Passion is considered her masterpiece. Blue Asylum is a historical drama with a unique story so yes please. Finally the newest from Joe Hill, son of horror master Stephen King. I read both his previous novels and though flawed, I enjoyed them. Just released this week, I did not hesitate to download a sample for NOS4R2, not reading too much for fear of spoilers.   

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

new school

I've been asked questions recently that made me realize a lot of people are confused about what many of these new gadgets & gizmos actually do. Though I am no expert, I do have a basic understanding of the differences between two of the most popular and maybe most misunderstood devices, tablets and e-readers. Why would you need both or either? It really depends on you and your needs, so with this post I will try to shed a little light.

Tablets

 The iPad, iPad mini, the Kindle Fire, Nexus 7 & the Nook HD are among most popular & best reviewed. These are basically small computer devices that operate with apps and can do everything most smart phones can do (except make actual phone calls) but with a larger screen. They function as a portable entertainment device allowing you to watch movies, play games, surf the internet, write and receive emails, read magazines & books and listen to music. Some also have cameras but the size makes them a bit awkward to use as an actual camera. They all come with wireless capability and can connect to your home internet or any wireless hotspot. Connecting via cellular satellite usually requires an upgrade and monthly charges to your cellular plan. Many plans now allow you to add a tablet device to your current plan for about $10 a month but this may not include data. Unless you're a frequent flyer, I think just wireless should work fine for most folks.

They can also be effective tools for visual presentations. I use mine to supplement my printed portfolio, showing new work and project specific images at meetings. What a tablet can't do is completely replace a computer, at least not for me. It has no external usb or firewire ports and does not support software such as photoshop, so you are really limited to what is available as an app to work with. I also find the backlit LCD screen, though great for photos, difficult for long term reading, after about 15 minutes I get a headache. 

I have read a lot of reviews and all seem to perform very well, so it really comes down to budget and your operating systems preference. The iPads use a Mac OS system, most compatible with Macs, they also offer the largest variety of apps. The others are android based and though you may have less apps to choose from, they are for the most part cheaper, considerable so. The Kindle Fire is the most affordable, starting at $159, while an iPad mini starts at $329. Either way, you do need a computer to set up & update your tablet. For the budget conscious, you can now get pretty good deals on older models of the iPad. Keeping in mind, it is still a pretty new product, my first generation is only a little over 2 years old and works just fine.

E-Readers 

The Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Nook & Kobo are the most popular on the market and all now include many options like touch screens & built in lights.  While a tablet does a multitude of things an e-reader is meant for just one, reading. This simplicity along with being very light weight and their unique screens are the reason many avid readers prefer them for that task over tablets. Most e-readers use "e-ink", a very different technology than the LCD screens tablet or computers have. The screen is not backlit making it more like a printed page and easier on the eyes, you can also read in bright sunlight, not so easy with LCD screens.

They are also super lightweight, another big plus for me. You don't really need a computer to set up your e-reader, it can operate as a solely independent device. Like the tablets, they come with wireless, with some you can upgrade to get cellular type service but unlike tablets, this does not involve an extra monthly fee. At least not yet. The basic models are now so inexpensive, if you read a lot and don't like a backlit screen then it is well worth it. For many, this and a smart phone are all you really need.

Lovely e-reader sleeve by Borsa Bella.

Groovy Gadgetry Gift Ideals

With less than a week left till Christmas, here are some last minute online techalious gift ideals; 1. Orla Kiely Phone Case 2. Very cool little retro alarm clock by Kikkerland 3. An extra fun iPhone 5 case from Trina Turk 4. Pelle Switcheasy iPad Cover 5. Coach leather iPad sleeve 6. A leather, vintage looking camera case by Fossil 7. A Roku, allows you to stream movies directly to your TV 8. This little Sony-Cybershot point & shoot takes big pictures with 16 mega pixels & full HD 1080/60i for video.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Shiny & New

I am not someone that will pull out my credit card every time they release a new version of one of my favorite gadgets. I am still using my first generation iPhone! So several Kindles have come out since I bought mine 4 years ago and I felt no compulsion to change. Until lately when the battery was having an issue then I heard about a really good deal, if you have an Amazon-Chase credit card, which I do, using promo code KINDLE40 gets you 40% off on Kindles & Kindle accessories through August 15th. Too good a deal for me to pass up.

I opted for the lowest priced Kindle with "special offers", normally $79, I paid just $47! I love it! The glasses above will give you an ideal of the size, it is just 6.5" long (the screen is still 6 inches) and so very, very light weight. The type has more contrast, making it easier to read. The page turn is much faster too and once you get use to it, the navigation is very easy. 

I was also able to use the code to buy this groovy Vera Bradley cover and saved myself another $15. You can also use to buy skins, reading lights and/or chargers, basically all things Kindle, including the Kindle Fire. There is a $100 cap on using the code. If you don't have an Amazon credit card, you can sign up and get a $50 gift card that can also be applied! I really do like this card cause the points you earn show up automatically at check out with the option to apply them to purchases. I am also a big fan of Amazon Prime, I use it more than I ever imagined I would.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

A Win Win

Many of you were probably lucky enough to receive a new gadget or two over the holidays and are now in search of a groovy way to carry it around. Borsa Bella makes beautiful crafted gadget bags, and great little purses in an array of interesting fabrics. They are giving away two $35 gift certificates to Piewacket readers and also offering a special 15% discount with the promo code Pie15 just till the end of January. Want another chance to win? Just "like" Borsa Bella on Facebook where she has weekly giveaways.

How to Enter

Just comment on this post and let me know what new gadget you are crushing on most and why? Whether you own it or it's on your wish list. Be sure to answer the question and include your email in the appropriate box (it will not be public) or you will not be entered. One comment entry per person, the winner will be chosen via random.org. Deadline for entry is midnight pacific time, January 15th. Good luck!

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Gearing Up ✈

When I travel I go into hyper Virgo mode (even though I'm a Sagittarius) and get extra organized. I worry about forgetting something important and have accumulated various accessories to keep all my technology contained. No reason they can't also be stylish! With the exception of #4, I will carry all these in either my carry on bag or purse.

 1. Borsa Bella laptop sleeve (I learned on my last trip, you don't have to take it out of the sleeve before putting it through the security scanner!) 2. Abas iPad case 3. Sanrio case (also fits GPS charger & car mount)  4. Paperchase case (this will go in my checked bag) 5. Kindle in an M-edge cover 6. & 7. Sanrio cases and *More chargers: Laptop and extra iphone/ipad charger which I will carry on with me. If my checked bag were to go MIA, these are the two I must have to get through my trip.

I will also be toting a bento meal like this one I made for another flight, I just don't like to leave anything to chance and most airlines no longer serve free inflight meals. Another tip: be sure to check your seat pocket before you depart the plane! I have read numerous horror stories of people leaving kindles , iPads  and other various gadgets on the plane and you're not likely to see it again. 

Some of you might wonder why I need both a kindle and an iPad. Yes, I can access my kindle library via the iPad but I don't really like reading on it. Too heavy and the backlighting gives me a headache. For me, they are apples an oranges.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Thursday Three: 3 Resolutions

 Drink More Tea

It is not just the soothing effects of it but the rituals that surround tea that I enjoy. In the time it takes to brew a cup, slice a lemon and pull a biscuit from the cupboard, the world slows down and I am reminded how sweet life is. I am also trying new types, right now I am loving this Twining's Lady Grey which has touches of citrus.

 Dance More

Dance is one of my first true loves and the most painless forms of exercise I know. I absolutely love this song and the fantastic performance by Kate Hudson. Nothing like a great song with a good beat to get me motivated to move. At the suggestion of a few readers I just ordered Just Dance 2 for the Wii.

Read More Classics

One of the best things about the Kindle is the easy access to free public domain titles. I have read a few vampire tales lately that were a bit unsatisfying so why not go to the original. Published well over 100 years ago, it is written in the form of a journal and it seems Stoker was a bit of a foodie. He describes John Harker's (the non-vampire narrator) meals in great detail, which of course I love. 

Congrats to Natalie & Betty... winners of the JAVOegde giveaway. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Cup of JAVO

The holidays always means a few new gadget owners who will be on the hunt for accessories. At the top of that list is usually a cover or case. JAVOedge makes some very stylish options for many devices including great kindle covers which I have featured before. They have introduced a new cover for the iPad, the Axis. They have been kind enough to offer up two as Pie's final giveaway of 2010!

Theys covers include a cool swivel easel feature that allows you to stand your iPad up either horizontally or vertically. The two they sent are in a this fun cherry blossom pattern but you can also find them in more masculine options like black and charcol. The iPad is easy to clip onto the base, a hard shelve style holder that holds it securely. The entire case feels sturdy but is light weight. You can also just fold the cover back if you prefer, the closure is magnetic.

Win One!

To enter and win one of these covers just comment below and tell me about your number one New Years resolution. Be sure to include your email in the approipate box, it is not published. Please, just one entry per person. You can get one bonus entry by following Pie on Facebook and are then automatically entered in all Pie giveaways. Contest will end at midnight eastern time Dec 31st. Good Luck!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Merry Bella!

 My friend a wonderful sponsor Melissa of Borsa Bella is putting up not one but two $50 Gift Certificates for Pie's Holiday Giveaway bonanza. You can then choose one of her fantastic handmade gadget covers or maybe one of her super kawaii purses. She is always adding new fabrics and designs and will even work with fabrics you send her. I am so impressed with how well made her bags are and do regret not learning to sew when I had the chance. So to enter, tell me about something you regret not learning or a skill you would love to have. I would love to speak french but have no ear for languages.

Please, one entry per IP, you can earn a bonus entry by commenting on the link to this post on BB's Facebook wall and another by following Piewacket on Facebook. There will be one Pie winner and one FB winner. Entry window closes midnight eastern time, Friday, Nov. 26th. Winners will be chosen at randon via random.org. Be sure to include your email in the box provided, it is not public and I'm not a psychic! Good Luck!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

special thanks to my friend and model Ai

Fossil Giveaway

Fossil has just released this kawaii e-reader cover featured a few months ago here. Pie is coming up on a big milestone, 200,000 hits and to celebrate I plan to do a giveaway a week till Christmas. So first up is this fantastic cover! It fits either the Nook or the Kindle 2 (not the newest 3rd generation) and is also available in a navy version.

To enter: leave a comment on this post and let me know what you're reading right now, one comment per person. Be sure to include your email in the appropriate box, it will not be public. You can earn a bonus entry by visiting Fossil's Facebook page and leaving a comment on their post on Piewacket. The winner will be chosen via random.org. You have one week, contest will end at midnight est time November 19th. Good luck!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Fossil-ize

Fossil has started creating fun and funky cases for e-readers. They sent me their newest "Key-Per" design to test out and review for Pie. It is both the perfect cover for traveling or everyday.

It has 4 credit card slots, several pockets, including a hidden one behind the reader and a secure zippered closure. Both the exterior and interior use a laminated cotton, which I love. It could easily be used on its own as an all in one clutch. Though it is still slim and light enough to fit into a medium size purse.

It securely holds either a Kindle 2 (above) or the Nook. A smaller version for the new Kindle 3 is in the works. It does not fold back but does lay flat when opened. You can also remove the reader easily if you prefer to read that way. 

Love this key charm detail on the zipper. This cover will be available in mid October. Can't wait? Check out this groovy sleeve option.

UPDATE! The cover is now available! Click here to order. Or win this one!

 all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

postcards by Emily Winfield Martin via The Black Apple

The iPad According to Pie

I hadn't really consider getting an iPad when it was launched earlier this year. I could not see the need for it, between my Mac Book(s), Kindle and iPhone, I was set. I did not think the iPad could do anything, these three devices didn't already do. Then I started reading about photographers like Jeff Singer, using it as a portfolio. Bingo!

 There is no question of how beautiful images look on this thing. However it is really the ease of use that is most attractive to me. The ability to show a potential client your newest work at a moments notice in a slick format is big. The search for the perfect portfolio presentation has plagued photographers for decades. Though this may not completely replace a traditional printed book (and I'm not really sure it can't) it definitely makes for a dynamic supplement.

I created a branded home screen image and chose a dynamic favorite for the lock screen. So when I hand it over to an art director this is what they see first. My other apps are hidden on other screens. The built in photo app, though workable, is far from ideal and there is a real need for a good portfolio app that would allow you to customize your presentation. I only found one so far but the reviews are overwhelmingly bad and the website confusing and lacking in information. 

My wish list would include; the ability to customize type, headings and background colors, a choice to hide or show thumbnails, to be able to edit portfolios, also a way to email your portfolio or selected images as a slick PDF and the ability to upload a custom button so it can sit on my home screen. I have this option for my website (above), so anyone can add a direct link as a custom button to their own device, love that.

The other thing I have discovered with the iPad is how amazing magazines are on this thing. WOW! Not only do they look great but the ability to easily carry literally stacks of them with you when traveling, while also eliminating the clutter in my house, just makes me extra happy. I also love having access to a range of unique and foreign magazines, like Dish, a cool food magazine from New Zealand, I'd never even seen before. I think there is incredible potential here for that industry, which has had major trouble competing with the internet. Vanity Fair for example included special iPad only features including behind the scenes video and a feature on Emma Watson. This outlet could be a huge boost for the future of printed media.

I really love how Pie looks on it, it formats perfectly. 

My Must Have Apps 

1. Zinio: this is a magazine store app, like Hudson News in an app! free for the app~ content varies
2. Ebay: excellent! So easy to search and browse, like it much better than the actual site. free
3. Amazon Kindle: Your entire Kindle library at your finger tips (still prefer my Kindle to read on). free
4. NPR: So easy to navigate, lots of interesting content. free
5. Flickr Stackr: Gives you full access to your Flickr archive also allows you to upload from the iPad. 99¢
6. Found: Fun little app with the same content as the online magazine but not the ads. free

 All in all, I am very happy with this device and excited about its potential as both a promotional tool and for research and entertainment. It's also sleek, beautiful and easy to use. I have read where some photographers have even dropped them off for creatives, I admit I find that pretty brave. Though an actual printed book can actually cost much more and dropping these off at magazines and ad agencies is a common practice. I also found some good insights on one of my favorite blogs, A Photo Editor, a must read for serious shooters.

Of course, you need the perfect cover/case as well. Have no fear, I have been on the hunt and will be reviewing some interesting options later this month along with another giveaway.

all device photos & content © Lara Rossignol 

Vanity Fair Cover: Annie Leibovitz, Emma Watson: Patrick Demarchelier Country Living: Miki Duisterhof

Jammin'

My friend, Ai took her daughters strawberry picking at a localfarm. They made some tasty homemade jam with some of the berries and gifted me with a jar! 

Make it!

4 cups prepared strawberries (buy about 2 qt. fully ripe strawberries) 7 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl 1/2 tsp. butter or margarine (optional) 1 pouchSure Jell Fruit Pectin

BRING boiling-water canner, half-full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot, soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling. STEM and crush strawberries thoroughly, one layer at a time. Measure exactly 4 cups crushed strawberries into 6- or 8-quart saucepot. ADD sugar; stir. Add butter to reduce foaming. Bring to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon. LADLE immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

Styled by Emma

Congratulations to our twoKindle cover winners, with almost 300 entries betweenblog comments,Facebook andtweeters, I decided to give away two covers! TheHalsea was chosen by #9 Leslie P. & theJAVOedge went to Elizabeth B. commenter #47!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Kindle Cover Review & Giveaway!

Many e-book users are almost as invested in the covers they use as they are the actual device. Since we carry it with us almost everywhere why not? Covers also add important function as protection and by creating a comfortable reading platform. However, looks do count and I checked out four fresh options for Kindle owners. 

Halsea for M-Edge

  More and more designers are catching on to the Kindle craze and M-edge, one of the top e-cover makers has inlisted the brand Halsea to create some unique ones. This laminated cotten cover in a bold graphic is right up my love for shiny fabrics alley. It also comes in a blue/green option.

It arrived in a lovely protective storage bag and uses a simple but nicely detailed, corner strap system to hold the Kindle. I love the soft brown suede interior and the leather spine folds back easily to make holding it with one hand very easy. It is light but has a nice layer of cushy protective padding on both sides.

 I  especially love this leather seahorse detail on the back, the strap can easily be pulled around to hold the cover in place while folded back. I really love this cover and it is priced well at just 34.95.

Octovo Quilted

This is a high end leather cover who's beauty is in its simplicity. The design is carefully constructed with diamonds of real leather, some more textured than others. I can imagine over time it will only become more beautiful with wear and age.

All this simplicity gives it a super slim profile.

The color described as "nude" has a definite pink undertone, so I would call it more of a "blush". It comes packaged in a lovely box and wrapper and is priced at $75.

Octovo uses the hinge system to hold the Kindle in place, there is also one corner strap to keep it even more secure. Inside is a soft black interior with no pockets, which I really like. I think this design with a colored interior like chartreuse or turquoise would be even more striking.

 Noreve in Baby Blue

Noreve is based in France and does very high end (or as they call it "Haute couture") covers in incrediably soft leather. The super clean design is classic and it is offered in a large variety of colors and even textures.

Noreve uses their own rail system design to hold the Kindle in place and it holds it quite well. I am not really crazy about the "wallet" included on the left, I feel it adds unnecessary bulk to an otherwise sleek design. I think this would be better as an optional feature. 

Still, it is very light weight and the cover folds back easily for one handed reading. Priced at just under $75, each cover is made when ordered and can take a couple of weeks to ship.

JAVOedge Kyoto Flip  

Not only does JAVOedge bring unique fabrics to their covers but along with the traditional book style they have a cool "flip" design.  The perfect cover choice for those that like to multitask. A discreet built in stand allows the Kindle to stand up. It snaps back into place when not in use.

Very light weight, it uses this slip style sleeve to hold your reader securely and a magnet closure system that works really well. It is also the least expensive option at just under $30.

The colors were a bit of a pleasant surprise, on the site the dominant chocolate brown color you see above looks much darker almost black on the site. I much prefer this and there are surprizing pops of pink and blue as well. 

Giveaway

I will be giving away one of these fantastic covers to a lucky reader. To enter answer all three of the questions by leaving a comment below. Be sure to enter your email in the box allocated, only I can see it and this way I can contact you if you win. Only one comment entry per person, please. 

• Are you a Kindle owner (not required) or just thinking about it? 
• What is one of your favorite summer books or authors?
• What cover are you using now and which of these most appeals to you and why?

You receive an automatic bonus entry by following Pie on Facebook or earn one by tweeting about this giveaway. The contest ends at midnight (EST time) one week from today on May 31st, the winner will be chosen viar andom.org.

My Kindle is wearing the Almond Branches in Bloom skin from Gelaskin. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Skin it!

What is a skin and why do you want one? In our shallow, looks obsessed society it's an easy way to give a homely gadget a pretty facelift. They're basically high quality decals that are made to fit a given device like a second "skin". They are also terrific protection from scruffs and daily wear. My stark, white Kindle looks as good as the day I got it over a year ago, despite being continuously handled. It is now on it's third skin (above), a lovely Van Gogh print from Gelaskins that goes so well with my newest Borsa Bella bag. 

My two previous, on top a custom skin from Skinit using a watercolor I scanned by my Great Great Aunt and the bottom, Meadow by Decal Girl. You might notice that each company does the front piece differently. I do like how Decal Girl covers the whole front but I love how Gelaskins doesn't label the buttons, making it feel a little more seamless.

It was the state of my prestine kindle after the most recent skin change that made me take the leap and order one for my Mac Book Pro. I had be admiring this design for awhile, Forest from Decal Girl, for it's retro-ish charm and whimsy. Now my state of the art laptop fits in with my midcentury decor.

 I especially love the decal for the inside. This is where my hands spend the most time and it I like the added protection and flair. I also opted for a matt finish which was a little extra but I think worth it. I think the glossy finish would have be too much for this larger device.

There are skins for all kinds of devices and if applied properly. The hottest right now being for the iPad, a perfect candidate because of how much it will be handled. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Muy Bella!

Borsa Bella has added some lovely new fabric choices and two new case designs to their line of gadget bags. IncludingiPad covers and the new "roo" bag.

A stack of the gorgeous new fabrics... but how to choose? 

I must thank my neighbor Ben Kealy for the loan of hisiPad for the photos, check out hisreview of this uber hot gadget. Be itiPad,Kindle,Nook or even a laptop, there is aBorsa Bella to suit your gadgets and taste. They also do custom orders, so if you don't see what you want on the site, just ask.

The "Roo" bag is a regular e-book case with a pocket. Your reader, in a cover, fits snuggly and then still fit easily in a purse or bag. It also includes a handy little strap if you rather it fly solo. 

I especially ❤ these spring colors!

To help celebrate Pie's one year anniversary (yesterday)Borsa Bella is offering a $50 Gift Certificate to one lucky winner! To enter: leave a comment on this post and tell me what is on your gadget wish list. Please include your email (it is visible to only me) so I can contact you if you win. One entry per person (yes, I do check IP #s) and you have until Sunday the 18th, midnight eastern time to enter. You can earn an extra entry by following Pie onFacebook, allFacebook followers are automatically entered in all Pie Giveaways.

 Congratulations to the winner of Pie's weekend mini giveaway, Angelica, #49. Winners are selected by usingrandom.org

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

An e-Book Cover Guide

Afte the holiday there is bound to be a number of new Kindle, Sony Reader and Nook owners as the recent serge in e-book popularity continues. As users of these devices soon learn, what you choose to cover it with, is almost as important as the choice of device itself. Maybe it is the delicate screen, or the need to have a book like feel or just a desire to make it look fabulous. Whatever it is, there are a number of covers on the market and it can get a little confusing. I have owned two Kindles and have tried many different options, here is my rundown of those that stand out. 

Oberon Cover & Borsa Bella Case

 First, it is important to know the difference between a cover and a case, many confuse the two. A cover is fitted on your reader in some way and provides protection when closed and support as a reading platform when in use. Most fold back so you can comfortably read it with one hand. While a case can be a "sleeve" type container that can protect your reader without a cover or a larger version, designed to hold your reader in a cover for added protection. Anyone that has experienced the aftermath of a leaky water bottle or uncapped pen in their purse or bag, will understand the need for a case for your cover.

The Oberon cover above are embossed leather and a distinctive and popular choice, though pricey at $75 and up. While Borsa Bella makes a variety of cases from sleeves to travel bags and will even customize them with your own fabrics. You can find some sportier options from Belkin and Waterfield  

A "Naked" Kindle Sleeve from Borsa Bella

M-edge Go CoverM-edge is another popular brand with a slick look in a variety of colors and styles. I tried their Go cover, a very simple design offered in a rainbow of colors, that utilizes the hinge system along with elastic corners. I liked this cover, though it was a little heavier than I expected. The gray interior is a little drab as well but soft and comfortable to hold. There is also no closure, which takes away from the security factor. Cole Haan also offers some nice options (for Kindles only), though they are also one of the priciest starting at $99.

Javoedge Flip Cover

 After reviewing Javoedge covers back in August for Pie, they have become my new favorite. I bought this red cherry blossom cover about two months ago and love it. Very light weight and priced under $50, they come in an array of cool styles and colors. I really love the magnetic closure and it holds the reader very securely with a built in sleeve. I also love how comfortable it is to hold and the flip style is incredibly handy, allowing you to stand it up and read hands free. They also have great customer service, when my first cover arrived damaged, they made the exchange process very easy.

All of these, with the exception of Cole Haan, also offer covers for the Kindle DX, Sony Readers and are adding or have added Nook covers to their lines. TheNook also has a variety of interesting covers commissioned by an accessory savvy B&N, who hooked up with high profile designers like Kate Spade and Jonathan Adler. Oh and don't forget to check out etsy for something handmade and very unique. I just discovered these very tempting covers by hob-op.

As a special Pie promotion, just through Saturday, the 10th, use the promo code: Piewacket and get 10% off your Borsa Bella order! 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol