Here’s yet another gem for less than $20. The sun shape does its part to bring signs of spring into the home.
gram napkin holder, $9.97 (on sale), Crate & Barrel
When one evil eye won’t do, you might just need this print from The Aestate:
evil eye ombre print, $19.14
Okay – so we all know I love school. I have been a student for all of my life (yes, it’s true), and when I have actually taken a pause from wearing a student hat, I have been a teacher and professor. Education is my thing (in addition to design, of course) and back-to-school season is one of my favourite seasons. Yes, I’m that kind of person.
When I started MBA classes in September, I soon realized that I needed a backpack. While carrying a cute canvas tote was okay, I realized that it wasn’t so great for my back once it was stuffed with my text, notebook, laptop, lunch, etc. On top of that, I also carried a separate purse. Anyway, I started my search for a good quality backpack in the fall. I looked at backpacks in a variety of stores, but nothing really caught my attention. Maybe I was too used to purse shopping! These were my backpack requirements: comfortable, sleek, roomy, not bulky, reliable, well-made, lightweight, affordable, and a bit out of the ordinary. When Jeff told me about his positive experience with San Francisco-based Timbuk2 bags, I added this company to my research list (thanks, Jeff).
Timbuk2 specializes in bags that are put to major tests (i.e., cycling and hiking) and its collection include messenger bags, backpacks, and computer-safe bags. I liked the selection of sizes, styles, and colours, but what I especially appreciated from the Timbuk2 website was the demonstration videos of each bag. Since I couldn’t see a bag in person, watching these videos helped me better understand each backpack’s size and features.
I was set to order theEl Rio Laptop backpack in black because I like that it’s simple, has a lot of pockets, and has a sweet interior lining. That’s good design, I tell you! Here it is in white:
I have used my El Rio for a week now, and it has served me very well! It is very comfortable, very lightweight, well-made, and well-designed. This backpack has several useful good-sized pockets on its exterior and interior, and I have managed to make use of them all (chapstick pocket, phone pocket, paperwork pocket, notebook pocket, etc.). The large interior compartment easily fits my laptop, textbook, notebook, other notebook, lunch, water bottle, and a pair of shoes. It has changed how I walk to work – I’m sure I’m faster now!
The size of the El Rio is a good one for someone like me, but there were other ones that could serve more active purposes:
Especial Medio Cycling laptop backpack, $179
Especial Tres Cycling backpack, $209
Terracycle showdown laptop backpack, $99
Timbuk2’s collection includes more than backpacks, and there’s even a custom option that allows you to design a bag with your choice of colours and patterns.
Scrunchie yoga mat tote bag, $89
Express shoulder bag, $59
custom swig laptop backpack, $129
custom envelope tablet sleeve, $39
I also like that there’s a size guide as easy to follow as the one below. These kinds of details in online shops really help to visualize the product in real life, don’t you think?
I have had “buy backpack” on my to do list for months now, and I’m thrilled to say that I have now crossed this item off! Yay!
Many thanks to Defne and Timbuk2 for generously offering to send me the El Rio. So far, so good!
Some of you may already know that Posterjack is a great online resource for photo printing and for photo mounting options that go beyond basic framing (e.g., photo canvases, specialty prints like metal and acrylic). This Canadian photo printing company has certainly grown in popularity over the last seven years, and I’m especially keen on it because it was started by one of my highschool friends, Mr. Tim Faught. I love watching other people succeed!
What I recently learned is that Posterjack has quite an extensive art shop, too. As I’m always on the lookout for interesting art for my home (e.g., in my office), I was thrilled when Posterjack offered me a print of my choice. I spent way longer than I thought I would browsing through the selection. Honestly, just about any keyword search is going to reveal dozens of cool prints. Here are some of my favourites:
Petra, Jordan by Diak
Rorschach Test by Akova
Ears of Wheat by Radist
Audio Cassette Isolated on White by Hayati Kayhan
vintage racing car detail by seewhatmitchsee
Placing an order is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3. Customers can easily select a product, select a size, and upload a personal photo or buy one from the art shop. There is plenty of information available regarding finishes, sizes, and photo quality. My order should be arriving any day now, so I’ll be sure to share with you my complete review once I’ve seen the print in person. It’s going to be a pretty one!
Many thanks to Posterjack for sponsoring this post.Â
I am so impressed by Indigo’s latest home and style collections. When I was in the store last week, I was thinking about how the store’s approach to its lifestyle collection has changed over the years. Stores slowly made room for some carefully curated items for the home, and now the home/style/beauty/jewelry section (in my home store, at least) seems to expand with each new season. At the moment, there are so many black and white products under $20. Case in point – this sweet heart pouch:
lace heart pouch, $16, Chapters-Indigo