There’s something strangely intriguing (and respectfully frightening) when in close proximity to a bear—one of nature’s most mesmerizing mammals. From a distance, they appear soft and slow, but up close, the reality of their strength and strategy quickly hits home.

It’s life-affirming, really, the experience of being so close to these unique creatures; and that’s exactly what Natural Habitat Adventures leverages on their four “rare-access” bear-watching adventures. We dig NatHab for their eco philosophy and small group sizes that allow for one-on-one with naturalist guides and experts, as well as their carbon offset program and partnership with World Wildlife Fund, (WWF). (more…)

Here’s a great way to create a new fashion statement from a discarded old tote.  Add some original art and “voila” – a designer tote without the designer price tag.

A hand-drawn cherry blossom tree customizes the front of this eye-catching red satchel.

$74.95 @ ReadySetGo’s etsy shop (the home of many cool-looking bags)