smag - handpod: Carrying even a tabletop tripod for your digital camera while you're on vacation is just plain inconvenient. Where to put it while you're hiking a trail and how not to lose it are just two of the questions you have to ask yourself. Well, consider the small, lightweight HandPod from Marvin's Camera in downtown Belleville. Attached to an adjustable lanyard you can wear around your neck, the HandPod screws into the tripod socket on the bottom of your camera. It provides stability, keeps fingers out of the lens and allows you to carry the camera on the HandPod -- or not. It's $9.95. Great for guys with big hands trying to take vacation photos with a small camera.
smag - beach totes: It needs to be roomy and cute enough to carry around at the beach or pool. Summer totes can suit a variety of lifestyles, from tropical-themed cotton canvas ($14.99) that can easily hold towels, flipflops, sunscreen, magazines and even lunch, to a madras plaid bag ($12.99) that can double as a shopping carryall when your ship docks in that exotic port. Or, just throw everything in a pink, heart-covered hobo bag ($14.99) and wear it on your shoulder all summer. You'll find all these selections and more at Burlington Coat Factory in Fairview Heights.
smag - shoe bling: OK, you've spent the money on your Crocs (or not and bought knock-offs), but you want to stand out in the crowd at Disney World. How to dress them up on the cheap? Stop in the Dollar Tree store in Fairview Heights (in the same complex as Shoe Carnival) and pick up a five-pack of Shoe Dazzlers for a buck. Butterflies are shown here, but you also can choose from gemstonelike flowers, yellow daisies and collections of sports shoe charms.
