The Left Lane
Color for charity

The collection lives up to its slogan: Colors with a Conscience. Each purchase of Nicole supports five charities — Starbright Foundation, Rock the Vote, American Oceans Campaign, Gilda's Club Worldwide and Project Hope. To date, Nicole has contributed more than $800,000 to charity.

Nicole has just released its autumn colors, six rich and bold new lacquers that make giving back so much fun. Check these out: "Boys 'n Berry" is hazy purple, "I'm Be-Cider Myself" is a fresh rose-gold, and "Leaf Me Alone" is a moody maple.

You can find Nicole polishes, which cost around $10, at most salons, including Liberty House, Regis Hairstylists, Trade Secret, Salon (808) and Image, A Beauty Emporium & Salon. Or check out www.nicole-by-opi.com for updates and store locator.

Laptop luxuriously

Traveling with a laptop is an upside to modern life. But too often you find yourself sitting uncomfortably on the floor in an airport, or balancing the laptop precariously on your knees in a lobby or park.

The Table Tote was designed by businessman Doug Gibbs for just this circumstance. It is a sturdy, lightweight desk with telescoping legs and an expandable workspace that folds down to fit into a briefcase or backpack (13 inches wide, 11 inches long and 1 inch deep). The devices, priced at $39, weigh less than 3 pounds, and includes a slide-out mouse holder and document tray.

Check out www.pctabletote.com for details. Or call (530) 751-2765.