Alli's most used iPhone and iPad accessories of 2011

I love my accessories, and while I don't have as many cases as some of the ladies in our forums (you know who you are!), I have racked up quite a large collection of "stuff." I'm going to begin my list of most used iPhone and iPad accessories with my favorite accessory that goes with everything, and then one for each of my treasured Apple gadgets.

Kinies Classic Single Strap Shoulder bag / Cross Body Messenger

A while back I went looking for a bag to carry everything I wanted to carry. Computer bags are too small, and I didn't want a backpack. I finally found what I thought was perfect on Etsy. I bought the first bag in red and loved it. The Kinies Classic comes in a variety of colours and two sizes. After carefully checking the measurements, I bought the first bag in red and loved it - the mini. It was wonderful. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought that if the small red one was good, the large purple one would be better.

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I can fit my MacBook Air, my iPad, my iPhone, my Kindle, my MiFi, a pair of headphones, a flip videocam, a 1 TB usb drive, a screwdriver, scissors, sync/charge cables and power adapters for everything, and a minimum of the other things that women normally carry in a purse - wallet, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and aspirin. I keep the Mac and iPad in the large center pocket, but pretty much everything else has its own pocket. Obviously, not something for men, but if you are a lady geek - can't live without it. (Here's my review if you want to know more.)

GelaSkin

As I've just explained, I carry my MacBook Air in my purse. While it is pretty safe in the center pocket of my bag, I wanted to make sure it wasn't going to get banged up if I threw something else in there. So I got a custom GelaSkin for the cover. Not only does it give me awesome protection, but people always stop me to tell me how cool it is. (Incidentally, it is a design done on the iPhone using the Brushes app.)

X-Stand for iPad Tablet

It took me a minute to get used to using an iPad, but now that I am used to it, I always want it in sight and accessible. Nothing beats the XStand from Brookstone. It holds your iPad up just high enough and swivels 360 degrees around, as well as tilting flat, and even straight back. It comes with a shiny black or red base, and is as beautiful as it is functional. Because it sits up off the base, you can even keep it charging while it sits in the stand. You can also put it in the stand with a variety of cases. (Here's my review if you want to know more.)

The Little Black Book for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

I've been through a lot of cases for my iPhone, but despite the fact that I originally thought of the Little Black Book case as a novelty, I keep returning to it as my daily driver. It's beautiful and protective. Pad and Quill has created a first class case with the Little Black Book - and at first glance, no one ever realizes it's even an iPhone. (Here's my review if you want to know more.)

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Have a hearty meal ready when you get home with the best slow cooker
Get set to simmer

Have a hearty meal ready when you get home with the best slow cooker

It's hard to eat well when we're all so busy with work and other commitments. There are tools that can help though, like a slow cooker that you can set up in the morning and leave to simmer during the day. There's nothing like a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home after a long day. Here are some of the best slow cookers!