Finding the Goldilocks book bag
The best bag you didn't know you needed!
Finding the perfect bag is a struggle–I mean, if you know, you know, right? This bag is too big, this one is too small, too floppy, too rigid, too flimsy, too uncomfortable, too fancy, too cheap, etc., and I just can’t go back to using backpacks like a grade-schooler again!
It’s not like I don’t have dozens of bags to choose from, but there is something sweetly satisfying about finding the PERFECT fit.
Don’t have time to read this article right now? No worries, I’ll read it to you!
*This article contains affiliate links
About a month ago, I took my mom to the hospital for out-patient surgery. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I (rightly) figured I’d be stuck at the hospital for most of the day. So, I HAD to take all my things: laptop, books, Kindle, notebook, planner, water, snacks, lunch, etc. Just in case.
I pulled down a dusty laptop bag from the top of the coat closet. It was from my college days—tall and slender, not very wide or deep. And, it was TERRIBLE. I had things stacked on top of things and couldn’t fit my lunch in it anyway, so I had to carry that separately.
I also forgot that once my mom went back for surgery, I would have HER purse, her bag of personal items, and her water to carry, also…
Anyway.
We can fast forward to me: the crazy bag lady in the hospital waiting room with bags piled at my feet, dropping snacks, knocking over water bottles, pulling out 5 things to find my laptop cord…it was embarrassing.
And obnoxious.
It really shouldn’t be that hard to carry all my stuff together! I just need to find the perfect bag…
Too small, but perfect for book club!
I didn’t know that I needed a special bag for book club, until Kat gifted me this beauty for my birthday! Not only is it pretty, and not only can I add fabulous pins to it, but it DOESN’T FALL OVER when there is only ONE book in it!
I didn’t even know that was possible.
I don’t know where to tell you to buy this one. (She found it in her closet!) It is constructed of thick wool panels with a leather handle–and OMG–the bright raspberry color is divine! (It IS a dog hair magnet, but that’s a small price to pay for such a beautiful and convenient bag!)
However, if I want to bring my 13” laptop AND books and notes, or maybe a snack and water, (perhaps for spending a day in the hospital waiting room) it’s not big enough.
Too big, but perfect for the weekend retreat!
Once upon a time, I tried this LARGE teacher tote bag with a million pockets.
But, I found it too big for casual use. It is VERY heavy if filled all the way with books, and it started feeling like carrying a diaper bag…(I’ve already been there and done THAT, thank you very much). So, I only use it to pack up my office for a long-term event, like a weekend retreat, which works great!
I call it my “office in a bag.”
Just right: The Goldilocks bag
During some late-night online browsing, I found this canvas beauty! It was on the devil’s website (Amazon), but OMG…so many great things happening here!
The canvas has some thickness to it! It’s a great size–not too big or too small. It comes in a dozen (or 9) different colors! The handles and hardware are smooth and strong–and I love the versatile carry styles. There is also a removable panel in the bottom, for structure and easy washing.
It’s perfect for a small laptop (just added a slim, soft case) or bigger books. Oh, and the top zipper gives some added protection, if needed! I can also add all the pretty pins I want.
It is casual enough to take to the beach—and nice enough to take to a job interview!
It is also very affordable. Sheri has already bought herself 2: one for work and one for personal use.
I’m in love!
The BEST part
But, can we talk about the pocketses please, precious? Because, in addition to the lovely outer pockets, there are designated BOOK pockets on the inside, which are completely contained.
What I mean is: the bottom of the book pockets are NOT open to the rest of the bag.
SO, if (for some ungodly reason) a granola bar gets smashed at the bottom of your bag, the crumbs can’t travel into your book space. At ALL. Heck, the books can’t even ding each other up!
They are in little book cocoons!
Affiliate-ing
Several people have recommended I sign up as an Amazon Affiliate–which is where you earn a small commission (pennies on the dollar) for recommending products. I DO have some great products to share with you! But becoming an Amazon Affiliate has been a bit of a process, and I’m not sure about it.
I signed up last year, but then my dad died, and I did nothing with it, so they kicked me out, and then I had to ask to be let back in this year, which they did eventually, but the person (or computer?) wasn’t too happy about it and sent me all kinds of warnings that I need to do it right this time. Also, it is NOT user friendly or intuitive on my side of the setup. Ugh.
But, if I can eke out a few dollars to put towards buying books (hello $2 ebooks!), then maybe it’s a good idea…?
If you feel so inclined to purchase any of these items, I would appreciate it if you used the links included in this article. If not, no worries! It’s a bit of an experiment—perhaps dealing with Amazon it isn’t worth the trouble.
Well, I just HAD to share this great find with you, dear readers!
If you DO try this bag, would you let me know what you think? Or, do you have the best book bag ever? Or a clever book bag hack?
I want to hear all about it—leave a comment below!
I hope you have a lovely weekend, and I’ll see you next week for more book talk,
P.S. The winners of the giveaways have notifications in their inboxes! Thank you for celebrating the 2 year anniversary of this newsletter with me.
*This is issue #28
I just ordered one using your link! It looks perfect and I'm so glad you shared it! Also, right now there is a $4 coupon that can be clipped making it extra extra affordable! Can't wait to try it out.