Hi Ashley! Happy New Year! What did you do to celebrate?

Hey Lacey! Happy 2011 to you too.  I was lucky enough to ring in the New Year on the ski slopes in Canada. I think I’m just starting to warm up…Canada definitely lived up to its winter reputation while I was there! It was a very fun way to start the year.

Lucky you! Now for the age old question- do you make resolutions? If so, want to divulge one?

Hi Ashley! Happy holidays! Before we start, I have to ask, what do you look forward to most when celebrating Christmas?

Wow, my favorite thing about Christmas…that’s tough! I think I’d have to say that I love the festive feeling of the season. There’s just kind of an excitement and anticipation in the air the whole month of December. And since I love to cook, I always look forward to making (and eating) all those delicious goodies.

When you think back on your past Christmases, what was your most absolute, favorite gift?

We recently sat down with our organizing stylist, Ashley, to hear what her favorite gift picks are AND her suggestions on gifting. Read on for Ashley's Picks...

Hi Ashley! How was your Halloween? What did you dress up as?

My Halloween was great – thanks for asking. We threw a big costume party, and I dressed up as Cleopatra, thanks to old white sheets and lots of eyeliner. Not the most original idea, I know, but still fun.

Hi Angela, we can’t wait to hear what your picks are for this holiday season. Before we get started, what are your favorite things about the holidays?

I love to have parties with friends and family with lots of fabulous food!

Sounds fun! Also, this time of year tends to get pretty busy, how do you stay organized during the holidays?

Here's Kim, our Accessories Product Manager, who highlights her favorite selections from our winter line.

What are the hottest trends you are seeing in accessory products this season?
With the current trends in the economy and workplace, we have created a product line of accessories to help maintain organization. For some people that is using a paper planner every day; for others, it is knowing all of their files and projects are in one secure place.

Read on about our Product Manager's picks for the best of our fall products!

Today's Editor's Pick feature is with Kim McKinney, Specialty Products Manager who will be highlighting some of her favorite products from our partners.

First, let's get to know Kim a little better:

What is the hottest trend paper this season?

What is the hottest trend in totes and binders for the summer?

The trend that has surprised us all is the popularity of canvas in bags and binders. Either it’s the durability, the texture, the value, or a combination of the three, but we are continuing to see canvas everywhere for summer going into fall. We love products that give you a stylish, lasting value while still protecting your most important items, and canvas is just about the best at doing that.

See what some of the best Smart Buy picks are of the season with Product Managers Kim and Angela...

First, Angela's picks: