The Apple Of Your Eye

Aw, cute little apple print--I heart you, too.

Well, Internets, Back To School Month is finally drawing to a close, so seeing as not only is today the last day of the month but also a Friday (and a Friday before a three-day weekend,) how's about we split the difference between posts about school-related stuff and hats and look at some apple-themed hats?  Because, y'know,  apples and academia go together like snicker and doodle and stuff.

Does that sound good to you? Hope so, because that's exactly what we're gonna do, starting with this one:

I'm not sure what I love about this fascinator more: the woodland mix of apples, berries and pine cones, or the presence of those little red birds and the veil.  'Cause it's got birds and there's a birdcage veil?  Get it?

Don't hate on my sense of humor, folks.  Everybody's gotta have something that makes them smile, and that one's mine.

Oh, mini top hats--I missed you so very, very much.  And I'm so glad that one with a little apple decoration showed up in my search for pics for today's post, because that means I can work one of you in without it feeling like a cheat.

And seeing as I've already posted two fascinator-esque things so far, let's go with a beautifully beaded apple fascinator for the hat trick!

Of course, that doesn't mean that I've forgotten about honest-to-goodness hats and how to post them.  Look--here's a sunhat featuring a yellow apple pattern!  I particularly like the little feathery detail off to the side.

And now, to end this on a note in the key of rad, here's a crocheted Applejack hat:

Say what you want--this still counts as an apple-themed hat, dang it.  Besides, it's actually got a crocheted version of Applejack's little straw hat.  You can't beat that.

And on that note, have a great weekend and see you next week!

From The Desk Of

If you consider how often students end up napping in class, it makes all sorts of sense 

that a photo of a trio of desks would be done in a somewhat soft, dreamlike way.

If you ask me, one of the hallmarks of good technology is that--once it's been successfully introduced and integrated into daily life--you have serious trouble trying to recall how you managed for so long without it.  Now normally, I would bolster this argument by naming something fancy, intricate and plugs into a wall as an example (such as the cell phone,) but today I'm going to be talking about something a bit less fancy.  Why?  Because I'm talking about desks, dang it.

See, over the course of my life I only really had a desk at school and in my dorm room and college, so if I needed to use a flat surface for writing, drawing or whatever required a flat surface while in the privacy of my own home, my choices were one of the following:

1. A table, such as a kitchen table, dining room table or even a coffee table (depending on size)
2. A lap desk, or
3. A really, really big hardcover book (AKA a coffee table book)

But then TH went and got me a desk of my own, and after 13 weeks of using a desk daily, OMG--HOW DID I GO THAT LONG WITHOUT ONE?  Let me tell you, Internets: desks are super flippin' handy, and everybody should get one.  Which is why I'm taking advantage of Back To School Month to write a post about desks today, starting with this little-bitty vintage one:

Now, according to the description, this desk is adjustable so that you could fix it so that it would fit somebody bigger than a kindergartener.  However, I'm thinking there is a limit to how large you can make it, so if you're taller than 4' then this may not be the desk for you.  Just sayin'.

Hey--remember a few paragraphs back, when I mentioned lap desks?  This wicker contraption is also a lap desk, and it actually has a compartment for storing stuff in.  Which makes it pretty cool in my book.

This desk is the best of both worlds:  it's a vintage desk in great condition , and it has National Geographic maps covering the seat, the back and the desk parts.  So, y'know, if you're working on United States geography and can't remember the capitol of Montana, you can crib it off your desk.  Score!

And finally, for those who want a whole lotta desk but don't have a whole lotta room, here's a collapsible aluminum desk:

And if you're curious as to why it's collapsible, it was apparently originally made for the US military back in the 1960s-1970s.  So there you go.

See you Friday!

Keeping Sharp

The reason I went with this pic for today's amuse-bouche is very simple: it's 

because it's really hard to find arty-looking pictures of a pencil sharpener. 

Of all the things I miss about being a student, I'd have to say it's having an ironclad excuse to get a nifty little pencil sharpener I miss a lot.  Sure, I could get one just because I'd like to have one, but seeing as my handwriting purposes are mainly served by the use of that writing instrument commonly known as "the pen," getting a cutesy little pencil sharpener seems a bit silly and self-indulgent.  Because, frankly, there isn't a need for one.

Luckily, though, I have this blog and this month's theme of back-to-schoolery that lets me work out that self-indulgence in a somewhat productive manner.  Which is why today, we're gonna be looking at some good old-fashioned pencil sharpeners, starting with this one:

Because if you're going to have a pencil cup/pencil sharpener, you might as have one that looks like a bobby-type fireman (because those are a thing, I guess?  Not really sure, but I imagine someone out there knows the answer.)

Next up, there's this vintage set of pencil sharpeners that resemble four different ducks, because who wants four of the same kind of duck?  Variety is the spice of life, or so I'm told.

Remember pencil sharpeners in the shape of a globe?  I do, and I seem to recall that they were mainly made of plastic. This one, however, is made of tin, and therefore is just a tad cooler.

You know that meme that's going around Facebook, where there's a picture of some obsolete item from the past and you're supposed to "Like" it if you can identify it?  That's what came to mind when I saw the above pencil sharpener, because I'm pretty sure there's a demographic out there that has absolutely no idea what the crap this is supposed to be (flippin' whipper-snappers; they can get off my lawn, too.)

And just because I'm sure there are plenty of folks out there who got themselves a red Swingline stapler for a specific reason, well, now you can have a matching Swingline pencil sharpener:

I think it's safe to say that Milton Waddams would approve.

And on that note, see you Wednesday!

By The Book

Something tells me there's an entire version of Sir Mix-A-Lot's magnum 

opus that goes along these lines.  Care to find it for me, Internets?

You know that old joke about how we often have our best ideas in while we're in the shower?  That's not normally where mine show up.  For the most part, ideas tend to pop into my head while I'm sitting at my computer desk, looking suspiciously like I'm goofing off (meaning, I'm testing how many new tabs I can open in one browser window or simply staring out the actual window,) and I'm pretty cool with that.  But the idea for today's post showed up when I truly least expected it: first thing in the morning.

The reason the time of day stands out is a good one.  We all know that people tend to be divided into two groups; morning people and non-morning people.  Well, I'm a member of the little-known third group, which is made up of people who would love nothing better than to punch mornings in the face.  It's just not the time of day where I'm at my best, and I still consider it my biggest failure that the house rule where anything said between waking and the first cup of coffee should count didn't pass.  So needless to say, it took me by surprise that an idea would have the nerve to show up before I'd even dragged myself out of bed.

What was that idea?  Book covers.  And no, I have no idea where it came from.  It was literally a case of me opening my eyes and that thought jumping right into my brain.  And since I consider it good policy to follow my muse, that's exactly what today's post is going to be about.  Because what better way to protect your books during the school year than with something that lets your personality take center stage?

To be honest, I wondered if I was going to find any paper book covers, but amazingly enough, I did.  Granted, these were pretty much the only paper ones I found, but when you consider how easy it is to make your own out of a paper grocery bag, I'm surprised I found any at all.  But they are very pretty.

However, the problem with paper book covers is that, well, they're made of paper, so they last about as long as paper possibly can.  Which is why I think these knitted book covers are pretty snazzy, as that they seem like you'd be able to get more use out of them over time.

Apparently you can also find fabric book covers like this one, with a vintage screenprint on the front...

...Or ones made from printed fabric, like this one.  And these are just a small sampling of the variety of fabric book covers available out there.  So, y'know, if you want to go looking for yourself, there's a lot of them out there.

But what may very well be the best book cover I found (or best book cover ever, really) would have to be this one right here:

Yes, that is a furry monster book cover, and I think you'll agree that my earlier statement is correct.  Because really, how are you going to top that?

Well, I'm certainly not going to, which means that this is a good place to wrap up the posts for this week.  See you Monday!

Pack It In

Note: I would not recommend packing a backpack with a good chunk of the items shown above.  

Not unless your school has a serious mountain man program or something like it, anyway.

...Well, it was inevitable, wasn't it?  I mean, this month's theme is Back To School, and there was only so long I could dance around what may very well be the most obvious school-related item ever.  Well, next to the ruler.  And maybe the glue stick, or the folder, or safety scissors.  Oh, and the three-ring binder and its fancier cousin, the Trapper Keeper (which for some reason, I seem to recall being banned by my elementary school.  Maybe they were anti-Velcro.) Oh, oh--and highlighters!

...Okay, so apparently there's a lot of obvious school-related items.  However, I only did research on one of them, and it just so happens to be the one I haven't mentioned by name yet.  So before I go any further off-topic, today's post is all about one of the most necessary things for any student: the backpack.

Admittedly, this first backpack is rather simple-looking.  And yet, I think that's why I like it so much.  It's just so beautifully basic (which is all you really need in a backpack, if you ask me) and the little rainbow off in the corner is a nice touch.

All I have to say about this canvas backpack is that, well, it's kind of hard to argue with that sentiment.  Because really--and be honest with yourself--when was the last time you met a trustworthy zombie?

I rest my case.

Note:  I am still not all that terribly fond of owl-themed things.  That being said, I am aware that there are those among you that still are, which is why I'm including this patchwork owl backpack.  Because I like you, and I want you to be happy.

Also, I gotta admit that it is kinda nifty-looking, so there you go.

And finally, just because The Avengers seem to have finally earned their place in geek culture, here's a backpack in the shape of Captain America's shield:

And as an added bonus, this would come in real handy if you wanted to dress up as Cap for Halloween.  Or for any number of upcoming geek conventions.  Just sayin'.

See you Friday!

Get Organized

Anybody remember having a desk like this when they 

were in school?  'Cause I don't, and I think I missed out.

If there's one saying that smacks of cliche, it's the one that baldly states that school prepares you for the rest of your life.  Just typing that made me roll my eyes a little; however, I have to admit that it is kinda true, although probably not in the way that the statement was originally meant.  Because while my academic learnings have come in handy now and again (EX: if I'm watching Jeopardy!) it's the other, ungradeable stuff that I picked up in school that really helped prepare me for adult life.

Think about it--how often have you been stuck standing in line?  How often have you had to sit and listen to a whole lot of boring babble for what feels like eternity and an hour, knowing full well that you're going to be expected to spit back a few key bits at the end?  How often have you had to work on a group project with someone who amounts to little more than dead weight?  These are all things you're first faced with in school, and they're all things you'll be putting up with for the rest of your life, whether you want to or not.

Granted, not all of these lessons are rooted in monotonous suck; for instance, at some point you learn that nothing helps set you up for success like having your stuff organized.  Even if it's just a different take on the old piling system, having some sort of organization method in place comes in real handy.  Which is why today, we're going to be looking at desk organizers, starting with this one:

Because hey--anytime form following function results in something that looks like a skewered coconut is a good thing, if you ask me.

Since things made from salvaged wood seem to be all the rage at the moment, I suppose it was only a matter of time until somebody made a desk organizer from some.

For myself, I kinda like the little magnet attached to the end.  That thing would provide hours of paperclip-related distraction for me.

Of course, if you'd rather your desk organizer actually fit into a desk drawer instead of sit somewhere on top, then you can't go wrong with a tray like this vintage industrial one.  It's even got a handle, so you can lift it out and drag it around the house/office as needed.

Then again, if you've got the space on your desktop to spare, then why not organize your desk with something like this?

And because I'm well aware that most desktop space is taken up by one of these, here's a computer desk organizer:

I particularly like that it's got a drawer, as well as a little niche that you can store your keyboard in so you can free up your desktop for other things.  Like, oh, dinner or something.

See you Wednesday!

Carry It Like A Sack Lunch

The best thing about this print?  It's the retainer over on the bottom 

right-hand corner.  It just gives it that added touch of realism.

Next stop on our Back To School month theme: lunch bags.  Because whether you're still in school or well out of it, I think we all can agree that lunches taste best when they're prepared at home, so it's only right that you carry it with you in style.

Like, for instance, in one of these nifty little lunch totes that just so happen to have one of the most apt things ever screenprinted on the front of a meal-transportation-device ever.  Because let's face it--that is exactly what you're gonna say once you finally get to tuck into the contents of said totes.

For those who like their mid-day meal with a touch of science, there's this insulated lunch bag that spells out its purpose using elements from the periodic table.  Although I would suggest that you refrain from filling the bag with luteinum, nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen--not sure what would happen if you did, but I'm guessing that it wouldn't be good.

Then again, if you prefer geometry to chemistry, then perhaps I could interest you in a recycled canvas lunch bag featuring colorful hexagonal art?  It's really pretty...

Speaking of recycled canvas lunch bags, I'm throwing in this one just because I think it makes a nice contrast to today's amuse-bouche, although it probably goes without saying that you shouldn't fill a lunch bag the same way.  The grapes just wouldn't make it, is all I'm saying.

And just because it's too cute to leave out, here's a foxy little insulated lunch bag:

And there's also the added bonus that it's a bit bookendy when you think back to how I wrapped up Monday's post, which is pretty good way to wind up a week's worth of posts, I think.

And on that note, see you next week!

True Colors

Because when it comes to new crayons, I'm pretty confident 

this image is the first thing that comes to mind.

Maybe it's just me, but the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the phrase "back to school" is a brand-spanking-new box of crayons.  Which is kind of odd when you think about it, as that you're only required to have crayons for probably about four years of your academic career (including kindergarten,) but still, the two are indelibly linked in my mind.

Well, that and the fact that I had to get a new pair of sneakers (which had to last me until spring, natch,) but today I'm focusing more on the crayons bit, because I've got to follow my muse.  So today's post is all about crayons, starting with these:

According to the description, these colorful little nuggets are all-natural crayons made of three different kinds of non-toxic waxes: bees, soy and candelilla.  Never heard of the last one, but apparently it makes the colors a bit more opaque, so there you go.

When I first saw these twiggy things, I thought they were fancy-pants colored pencils, but it turns out that they are, in fact, crayons.  I'm thinking that they might be better suited to older types instead of younger ones,  though.  Especially since trying to get more use out of them is a bit more complex than just tearing off a strategic piece of the wrapper.

This multicolored ring-shaped crayon is intended to "nurture child development through open-ended play," which is apparently part of the Montessori school of thought.  I just thought it looked kinda cool, so I added it to this post.

And now, just to end this post on something awesome, here's a set of crayons in the form of Han Solo, frozen in carbonite:

Hey--there's a reason I saved these for last, and that reason is that I knew nothing else was going to top them.  And I'm pretty sure I'm right about that.

See you Friday!

Running Laps

Note: the above scene  is equally true of bloggers.  Just sayin'.

As universal truths go, "technology marches on" is right up there with "what goes up must come down," "nothing is certain but death and taxes" and "if you're missing a red sock, it's probably in the washer with your load of whites." This is particularly true in academia, where once technology reaches a certain point of ubiquity, the schools will start stocking up on them and you're expected to have one of your own, as well.

Case in point: The computer, particularly the laptop.  While laptops might not feature heavily in primary or secondary education very much, these suckers are right up there with Ramen Noodles for Things You Need In Order To Survive College.  And since college means having to transport said laptop from place to place safely, that means you're going to need a bag or case to carry your precious cargo.

And that's where today's post comes into play.

First up, there's this ruffly laptop bag.  Because anybody can have a plain black laptop bag, but only a brave few can cart their laptop in something red and ruffled.

There's something about this tree trunk-themed laptop bag that just tickles me.  Maybe it's just because it's just so dang whimsical, or maybe it's because it reminds me of a certain animated character.  You make the call.

If you prefer your bags to be a little more along the lines of the old-school leather satchel type, fear not:  there's a laptop bag out there for you.  Like the one above, for instance.  It looks like it got snagged from the costume department of a WWII-era movie or something, but was made with laptops in mind.

There's something to be said for things that can be used for more than one purpose.  I like to think that this shaggy laptop case's secondary use is as a desktop pillow, and no one can convince me otherwise.

And just because I love it, here's a foxy little laptop bag:

Admit it--you love it, too.

See you Wednesday!