Sounds Good

‘Garbage makes for ‘the’ summer bag; ‘Diesel’ dad for Father’s Day
My grade school friend Christy LaCour and her sisters chewed a lot of gum so they could weave never-ending chains of gum wrappers. Those joined looped soda pop top chains that snaked around the back-yard play shed. I’m still impressed when I see woven works. Bazura Biz has expanded its Woven Bag line of eco-friendly bags and accessories that Filipino women in a co-op make from recycled juice containers. They’re turning trash into one-of-a-kind treasures: durable, eye-catching bags that make a summer splash. School children are paid to collect thousands of used juice containers a day that are sanitized to get out of the landfill and become art. I’m crazy for a strong, durable orange shoulder bag and red makeup bag. Wording from the brand and nutritional label peeks through some folds and becomes part of the design, but mostly the eye sees texture and color. I’m not alone in my infatuation. America Ferrera’s “Ugly Betty” character has a big tote. Visit bazurashop.com to see new styles, including: a belt and key fob. New colors: silver and multi. Imagine: “basura” is the Filipino word for garbage. This stuff is usable art.

Diesel for dad
I’ve always loved the smell of diesel — the fuel — because it reminds me of filling up the tank for long, adventurous road trips.
It’s nothing like Diesel’s Only the Brave scent. The packaging is a strong silver fist holding a vial of the fragrance being promoted for Father’s Day. That ought to make a statement on dad’s dressing table. Who knew, but a man can embrace his “inner rebel,” as press info states, with top notes of lemon blossom, mandarin and coriander leaves. I like the stuff. A little will take you a great distance.

Bamboo buys
Light, smooth bamboo fibers are showing up in everything, including towels and T-shirts I’ve shared in this space. The stalks put me in the mind of a relaxed, purposeful, Asian setting. “Tree-huggers” are excited that the plants can grow up to four feet daily, so it’s renewable. The line called “ecotools” thought bamboo would make fine handles for a line of “earth-friendly beauty products. Handles are of bamboo and bristles are of vegan taklon bristles. The line has a range of shapes and makers are especially proud of a retractable kabuki brush. Travel sizes come in a linen and hemp bag. I’m especially impressed with bamboo powder puffs which are velvety soft. They look great and feel great.

Summer skin
Pevonia Botanica smells and feels like something from Marie Antoinette would have used, based on the Sophia Coppola movie I just saw. She had the best of everything. I’ve become addicted to an aromatherapy face oil for combination to oily skin that feels like an instant spa treatment. I’ve never used anything with the word “peeling” in the title, but the so-called peeling cream goes on and comes off smooth. 

P’farm crisping it up
Most people call them “those little cigar shaped cookie things,” but my daughter and I know about pirouettes. Our Canadian relative serves them frequently and we associate those crispy rolls with something special. Pepperidge Farms always keeps up with trends and now has little tins of “petite” pirouettes in chocolate crème and twists in sweet cinnamon. They’re both so sweet and crunchy and designed to be eaten in 90-calorie servings, which is doable, with a modicum of restraint. Go ahead and see if you are the kind of consumer who can know when to say when to an indulgent treat.
ddoiron@panews.com