tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37732326641092389412024-03-05T11:50:58.677+00:00Bags - Can you ever have enough?Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-26081507223037959612019-06-17T08:00:00.000+01:002019-06-17T08:25:58.864+01:00What is in my bag in 2019What is in my bag..<br />
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This is my Lowepro Event Messenger 150 bag. It is really a camera bag, but I've used it as a small 'man bag' since buying it back in 2012. <a href="https://bagsey.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-messenger-bag.html" target="_blank">I did a post on it when I bought it</a>. As you can see it is still in very good condition considering how much use it gets.<br />
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The main advantage of using a camera bag is that it has dividers that you can remove or move inside the bag. Also it has a soft padded lining which is ideal for leather planners and plenty of storage pockets for a variety of things. I normally carry the bag on one shoulder, but you can extend the strap and wear it across your body. Or just carry it by the built in handle on the back of the bag.<br />
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This bag is no longer available from Lowepro, although I suspect you will find it available on Ebay and other similar sites. If I ever replace it, I would get something of a similar size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDpQICPcRRDB6uKvFYy_aX7Zh62iteW3YXPh6shZamX393GQHIMZRerBrl4eXREqn7wUapHPzjWtmPmO5wNzfjyPJiAc1WTz0h2To-hoLbuGYRpy2b7UufygTx5MSLflLYp6G3eqEFoc/s1600/IMG_0544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDpQICPcRRDB6uKvFYy_aX7Zh62iteW3YXPh6shZamX393GQHIMZRerBrl4eXREqn7wUapHPzjWtmPmO5wNzfjyPJiAc1WTz0h2To-hoLbuGYRpy2b7UufygTx5MSLflLYp6G3eqEFoc/s640/IMG_0544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bag has an external open back pocket. I keep a shopping bag and my house keys in there. The keys are not normally showing as in the photograph.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5OAx2PMgJqikZk3C3TV0YRmWQaNELgUGCBKriQ5wrpi7oXW5GVB5IxOM1fQUgGNmMUOYowCEC6T7CyiFkJWahk0GhbavWWPjQFxWbf97DpogA0_UsYPRqs-T_43v195raf8ePlqfPD0/s1600/IMG_0547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5OAx2PMgJqikZk3C3TV0YRmWQaNELgUGCBKriQ5wrpi7oXW5GVB5IxOM1fQUgGNmMUOYowCEC6T7CyiFkJWahk0GhbavWWPjQFxWbf97DpogA0_UsYPRqs-T_43v195raf8ePlqfPD0/s640/IMG_0547.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The front zipper pocket has two decent size pockets, a pen slot and a small pocket intended for memory cards.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mouTd67ChakRUjAEaPrWhMXBmpxn0xPpK6oHyQ-zm3lPPGFZu5V2OAnkjj_s_ccWuFBMEAs3PZKWl441GefJf_T8gxvpWRr0VZqRwWigvbtcFy-2QpAMb1OYIwblacXAuWY1XSRgwDg/s1600/IMG_0546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mouTd67ChakRUjAEaPrWhMXBmpxn0xPpK6oHyQ-zm3lPPGFZu5V2OAnkjj_s_ccWuFBMEAs3PZKWl441GefJf_T8gxvpWRr0VZqRwWigvbtcFy-2QpAMb1OYIwblacXAuWY1XSRgwDg/s640/IMG_0546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The inside of the bag has a full width padded pocket intended for an iPad, but it fits a compact/slim A5 organiser. I'm using it with my <a href="https://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2017/07/van-der-spek-special-custom-order-a5.html" target="_blank">Van der Spek Custom A5</a>, but it also is perfect for a <a href="https://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2016/09/filofax-heritage-a5-compact-review.html" target="_blank">Filofax Heritage A5</a> as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziPTnwZ4XjKgRQhNJnvovlIo_pIckaKiH3xRreDSzrrgwHidt8NlrOnr-Kk8NUaTsQB9mS7hAjsv5K7pQLtRWuyeDwK4zjjla1M3UPDYXSXmueB_EsZggza3dHN6a5Wf1VfBC4Ilroq8/s1600/IMG_0545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhziPTnwZ4XjKgRQhNJnvovlIo_pIckaKiH3xRreDSzrrgwHidt8NlrOnr-Kk8NUaTsQB9mS7hAjsv5K7pQLtRWuyeDwK4zjjla1M3UPDYXSXmueB_EsZggza3dHN6a5Wf1VfBC4Ilroq8/s640/IMG_0545.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So emptying the bag here are all of the contents. I carry:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2RiY5a9" target="_blank">Sunglasses</a></li>
<li>Reading glasses</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2INtGgf" target="_blank">A Delfonics small pouch</a></li>
<li>Reusable shopping bag</li>
<li><a href="https://vdsshop.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Van der Spek A5 organiser</a> (if required)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2FeCHxV" target="_blank">Filofax Slim Flex</a></li>
<li>House keys</li>
<li>Hand lotion </li>
<li><a href="https://www.gillio.be/en/leather-items/wallets-cardholders/intelligent-card-holder-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gillio Wallet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.gillio.be/en/leather-items/wallets-cardholders/geldbeugel-2" target="_blank">Gillio Coin Pocket</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IJXU3I" target="_blank">LED Torch</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2IRhyL1" target="_blank">Uniball Vision Elite Pen</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Rlr8tv" target="_blank">Anker USB Power Bank</a></li>
</ul>
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I recently bought the <a href="https://amzn.to/2ILtuhA" target="_blank">Delfonics pouch</a>, it's very handy because it can store a lot of things, it has a lot of different size pockets and I can transfer everything from one bag to another by just moving the pouch to a different bag and I know I will have everything.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ILtuhA" target="_blank">Delfonics</a> do a number of different size pouches and in a variety of colours too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeF-nAJMrwIEErCfjHURCeNrO2VqBaTKVh4LsnJIWXIfgw1XO9W27eTq4-OULoUnCjUgc1ehW19uB74EdQIOiuilWuE417sASBmMXU_s_HoBrm4ncEwTbklKQlW2PkSLrmiWRbFiiyuU/s1600/IMG_0549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeF-nAJMrwIEErCfjHURCeNrO2VqBaTKVh4LsnJIWXIfgw1XO9W27eTq4-OULoUnCjUgc1ehW19uB74EdQIOiuilWuE417sASBmMXU_s_HoBrm4ncEwTbklKQlW2PkSLrmiWRbFiiyuU/s640/IMG_0549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the pouch I carry:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2In9y5O" target="_blank">Filofax mini pen</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2KTHcl1" target="_blank">Rhodia notebook</a> - The pages are lined and perforated so easy to remove if required</li>
<li>Tissues</li>
<li>Decaffinated coffee - I can't drink normal coffee</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ik2GFX" target="_blank">Tape measure</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2FfksZ9" target="_blank">Short and long USB charging cables</a></li>
<li>USB power bank</li>
<li>Filofax Malden Business Card holder</li>
<li>Car Insurance folder</li>
<li>Publicity cards for my wife's books </li>
</ul>
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I hope you have enjoyed the 'tour' of my bag!Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-65058040762908692192016-03-27T23:00:00.000+01:002016-05-10T01:06:16.498+01:00Cabin Zero Bags and Packing CubesI have been living here in rural France for coming up to six years now. I frequently travel back to UK and other European cities by air or train and occasionally by car.
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Travelling can be a joy if you have the right luggage. You don't have those moments at the airport wondering if your bag is going to fit within the restrictions imposed by the budget air carriers or that you will not have any spare capacity for a little bit of shopping from where ever you are travelling to. You also want something that is hard wearing and comfortable to carry, those gates at the airport can be some distance from the train station and I've not mastered using a skate board quite yet!
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My <a href="http://www.cabinzero.com/" target="_blank">Cabin Zero</a> bags satisfy all of these requirements and more. I've had the two bags now for some time (the blue one below and a grey one), on some trips I've used both bags, it has been easier to use two of these bags than one larger suitcase. Traversing the Paris Metro can be a nightmare with a wheeled suitcase, there are lots of steps and rough surfaces in places. Also the Cabin Zero bags fit in to the overhead rack of the TGV trains easily. No contest really.
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Naturally I only use one of them on airline flights, but the Cabin Zero bag was designed around the size limitations for such flights. I've developed a <a href="http://philofaxy.com/files/A6Inserts/travelpackinglist.pdf" target="_blank">packing list</a> that lets me have everything I need for a weekend away and as a bonus it all fits neatly in to the Cabin Zero backpack.
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Cabin Zero bags come in two different styles and a large range of colours, it's best to see the current range on their <a href="http://www.cabinzero.com/" target="_blank">website</a> than for me to try and describe it. Here is the description from the website:
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<blockquote>
The 'Classic' ultra-light cabin and travel bag in features a large 44 litre capacity, side compression straps, top and side handles, a front zipped pocket with inside zipped and mesh pockets.
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Additional standard features include:
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<ul>
<li>Built in Global Luggage Tracker, powered by Okoban</li>
<li>Lockable Zippers on main compartment (lock not included)</li>
<li>10 years warranty (upgradable to 25 years free of charge if you 'like' us on FaceBook)</li>
<li>Thick padded shoulder straps</li>
<li>Fully Lined</li>
</ul>
<strong>Volume: </strong>44L </blockquote>
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<strong>Weight: </strong>760 grams (approx)
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<strong>Dimensions:</strong> Fits 55 x 40 x 20 cm
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<strong>Composition, Outer: </strong>Waterproof polyester, </blockquote>
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<strong>Lining: </strong>Polyester</blockquote>
<img alt="Cabin Zero Ultra Light Cabin Bag" class="aligncenter wp-image-1276 size-large" src="http://steve-morton.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_2417-773x1024.jpg" height="848" width="640" /> <a href="http://steve-morton.com/2016/03/28/cabin-zero-bags-and-packing-cubes/img_2418/" rel="attachment wp-att-1277"><img alt="Cabin Zero Bag reverse side" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1277" src="http://steve-morton.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_2418-802x1024.jpg" height="817" width="640" /></a>
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One issue I had the first time I used my Cabin Zero backpack was trying to keep the contents in order. Making the journey through security easier and without the contents spilling out everywhere. I solved the problem with some cheap packing cubes (small nylon zip bags) these help me organise the contents in to logical order and things stay where they should when you carry the bag and when you have to open it and retrieve things.
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The ones I originally bought in London where 'ok', but I wasn't 100% happy with them. I commented on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CabinZero" target="_blank">Cabin Zero Facebook page</a> that I thought the whole experience and utility of using the bag would be improved with the addition of some packing cubes to the range of accessories. They acknowledged my message and thanked me for the idea and they said they were working on exactly what I had suggested.
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It is always nice dealing with companies that listen to their customers and then exceed their expectations when they deliver a new product. Cabin Zero offered to send me a set of their new packing cubes as a thank you for being a loyal customer, naturally I said yes and I looked forward to receiving them in the post.
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I received a set of three <a href="http://www.cabinzero.com/blogs/news/88572097-cabinzero-classic-cabin-cubes" target="_blank">Cabin Zero Classic Packing Cubes</a> promptly in the post and unpacked them and inspected them. Compared to the ones I bought from a store in Oxford Street store in London, they are a huge improvement on the ones I have been using. They are made from top quality materials and the icing on the cake is that they are fitted with YKK zips, this brand of zips are also used on the Cabin Zero backpacks as well and they are extremely tough and well made. They are acknowledged as being the best zips made. Therefore they should last for years of service.
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The Cabin Zero packing cubes currently come in two sizes of Medium(25 x 17.5 x 8cm) and Large(25x35x8cm) They are made with a nylon outer and polyester interior lining. Each bag has a carrying handle so you could use it easily on its own outside of your bag.<br />
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<a href="http://steve-morton.com/2016/03/28/cabin-zero-bags-and-packing-cubes/img_2414/" rel="attachment wp-att-1274"><img alt="Medium Packing Cube" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1274" src="http://steve-morton.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_2414-1024x728.jpg" height="455" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://steve-morton.com/2016/03/28/cabin-zero-bags-and-packing-cubes/img_2413/" rel="attachment wp-att-1273"><img alt="Large Packing Cube" class="aligncenter wp-image-1273 size-large" src="http://steve-morton.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_2413-1024x857.jpg" height="536" width="640" /></a>
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In common with the Cabin Zero cabin size bags the packing cubes are also equipped with a luggage tracking tag, which lets you register your bags and packing cubes with <a href="https://www.okoban.com/" target="_blank">Okoban</a> which operate a notification service should your luggage go missing somewhere on your travels anywhere in the world.
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The packing cubes are a very practical size, not too big and their dimensions mean they fit in to the overall dimensions of the Cabin Zero back packs perfectly, a set of three (2 medium and 1 large) also don't take up all of the capacity in your bag, there is still plenty of room for a jacket, laptop and other things like your toiletries, or another set of packing cubes even.
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<a href="http://steve-morton.com/2016/03/28/cabin-zero-bags-and-packing-cubes/img_2416/" rel="attachment wp-att-1275"><img alt="Filled Packing Cubes" class="aligncenter wp-image-1275 size-large" src="http://steve-morton.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_2416-818x1024.jpg" height="801" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://steve-morton.com/2016/03/28/cabin-zero-bags-and-packing-cubes/img_2419/" rel="attachment wp-att-1278"><img alt="Filled bag" class="aligncenter wp-image-1278 size-large" src="http://steve-morton.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_2419-1024x682.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://steve-morton.com/2016/03/28/cabin-zero-bags-and-packing-cubes/img_2420/" rel="attachment wp-att-1279"><img alt="Large packing cube below the medium size" class="aligncenter wp-image-1279 size-large" src="http://steve-morton.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_2420-1024x682.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a>
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I'm very pleased with this addition to the Cabin Zero range and I can't wait to use them on my next trip, sadly that isn't until early May... but my wife has been eyeing them up and she has offered to 'test' them out for me in a couple of weeks time. She is a published author and has already tried the packing cubes out for size for her books, it looks like I will have order her a set as well.
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Thank you to Cabin Zero for supplying the samples.Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-64407628962378884532014-07-13T19:35:00.000+01:002014-07-13T19:35:40.407+01:00Switching Bags Made Easier<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">If you’re reading this post, you probably
love bags as much as I do.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">The question
is, do you switch bags as often as I do?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For the most part, my bags are seasonal,
meaning each season I switch out my bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, within those seasonal rotations, I also have occasion bags,
meaning I switch out my bags depending on the occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For each season, I have one bag for work, one
bag for out and about (errands and the like), and another bag for events (going
out to dinner, etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I have that
many bags, though I am contemplating downsizing my collection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In any event, with as many as 2-3 switches
per week, it can get hairy keeping track of what items I have in what bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the most part, everything moves with each
bag switch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two items that
always stay in my work bag and don’t leave (unless it’s a seasonal work bag
switch).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But everything else moves as
one unit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This “one unit,” however, consists of many
smaller items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, for example, when
switching bags, the following is moved from one bag to the other: wallet,
cosmetics bag (full of essentials like chapstick, hand lotion, hair brush and
hair tie, etc.), glasses case, small wallet for my store cards, an extra set of
keys, earbuds, and a few minor other things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not difficult to move these things, but
it is easy to forget and item or two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Enter the purse organizer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">You may have seen them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=purse+organizer&oq=purse+organizer&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60l3j69i61j69i60.2395j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8">Google
search</a>, you will come up with many items and styles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Looking at all of them now, perhaps I should
have done a little more research on which style to choose from.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently bought one from <a href="https://www.lesportsac.com/">LeSportsac</a>, one of my favorite bag
brands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Initially, I bought <a href="https://www.lesportsac.com/Purse_Organizer?color=">this organizer</a>
thinking I might be able to keep my planner, book, and iPad a little more snug
and secure within my work bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon
arrival, though, I knew it would be too small for this purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I decided to keep in it the items I move
from bag to bag, making it that much easier to switch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So without further ado, this is how I’m using
the purse organizer:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">First, here are the specifications of the
organizer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(You can see the actual
dimensions on LeSportsac’s website, linked above.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both the front and back have several pockets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">What I refer to as the front has two smaller
pockets and two pen pockets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">The back has the two smaller pockets, plus
one full-length pocket behind the two smaller ones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkOleFbp8lPJyWydmrK91ASdDPyhzCNMQeqUq4zMVvZOlST0dFjtZY20S5GZmsh8cEHBrY6nfRROi3bY0dgOVkyviwrTgl4Vz3NPoUbV-FKiRMdk9a8HLK77CgrlqeL_nB17nZnLPy1Q/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkOleFbp8lPJyWydmrK91ASdDPyhzCNMQeqUq4zMVvZOlST0dFjtZY20S5GZmsh8cEHBrY6nfRROi3bY0dgOVkyviwrTgl4Vz3NPoUbV-FKiRMdk9a8HLK77CgrlqeL_nB17nZnLPy1Q/s1600/2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">At either end of the organizer is a slightly
bigger pocket.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The interior has a plethora of pockets for
carrying those little items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, of
course, there is the large main compartment for larger items.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9Kvg7drF8fO2nDkHicmI879aWCmtppj9Td6WTu-N_7oT2-K-Avm84QX4ScWjzMcn4n8ORYBu23cRpM1bXXkiJ96eCgl_HP4sOATrrxu3dUoCSlcfKyBHo6u-Iq59BbsvhTWwx-OpS9M/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9Kvg7drF8fO2nDkHicmI879aWCmtppj9Td6WTu-N_7oT2-K-Avm84QX4ScWjzMcn4n8ORYBu23cRpM1bXXkiJ96eCgl_HP4sOATrrxu3dUoCSlcfKyBHo6u-Iq59BbsvhTWwx-OpS9M/s1600/3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">The main compartment is big enough to hold my
planner, with plenty of room to spare.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7qOOzIZkgdfqj8LXaafroM00ZghJMKqlLgWZu5FwOwMK8xnCkjvPUtGHVwkK6dHVoIovrUlPTK85kBfbXQS7MciPsDkq_qg5aaabdv5sHIIeJ8DY4IPE8qnvA836hROXvsUzlcbrZxQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7qOOzIZkgdfqj8LXaafroM00ZghJMKqlLgWZu5FwOwMK8xnCkjvPUtGHVwkK6dHVoIovrUlPTK85kBfbXQS7MciPsDkq_qg5aaabdv5sHIIeJ8DY4IPE8qnvA836hROXvsUzlcbrZxQ/s1600/4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">But it’s not wide enough to hold an iPad 2 in
the landscape position, which is how I tote my iPad.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">(This ensures that it won’t fall out of the
bag or get bumped around.]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsERZhyphenhyphenLxBfaORW48Qk7bmGjniaEY_Urwz70GM-JcNTfVfFF7YBnjy88L6gyncS-Gl-Gz9IWI9pvcui3ih3k56A5jkNhrWNAfsPm279x8IOXiTeQVepW7DToipJyoP4wW1eZE9pQZyKyQ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsERZhyphenhyphenLxBfaORW48Qk7bmGjniaEY_Urwz70GM-JcNTfVfFF7YBnjy88L6gyncS-Gl-Gz9IWI9pvcui3ih3k56A5jkNhrWNAfsPm279x8IOXiTeQVepW7DToipJyoP4wW1eZE9pQZyKyQ/s1600/5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">So I had to nix the idea of carrying my
planner and iPad in the organizer.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Instead, I decided to put all of those items
that I move from bag to bag.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Starting at the top, I have my cosmetics bag,
my glasses case, my small </span><a href="http://www.verabradley.com/" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Vera Bradley</a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">
wallet that holds all of my store cards, a pen, multiple packs of gum, my extra
keys (for my husbands car, my mom’s house, basically keys for other people’s
doors and not ones I need on a daily basis but that I might need at any given
time, hence why they aren’t left at home), my regular wallet, my earbuds, and
an extra phone cord for emergency charging.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">All of the pockets that this organizer has
allows me to keep all of these items safe and secure and of course organized!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The earbuds and extra phone cord go on one
side inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">My extra keys go on the other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">On the back, in the full length pocket I keep
a hand-made coffee cup cozy that my aunt made for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">In both the front and back small pockets I
keep packs of gum.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">(It’s helpful so keep
so many packs on hand at once so that I don’t have to add new ones too often.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qvol0cywewn0Hw4ZbK3aRISe8XpgVlfzd2MG0uY1iGAyryh1lsQiF75W49riGRIyA-gAqlqDdiAFRsRnVCefK-TU_hAClIE6PIUVVyXWhUSn0XtGFVWmQF-zC5JB5PqONs5gL7-qE78/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qvol0cywewn0Hw4ZbK3aRISe8XpgVlfzd2MG0uY1iGAyryh1lsQiF75W49riGRIyA-gAqlqDdiAFRsRnVCefK-TU_hAClIE6PIUVVyXWhUSn0XtGFVWmQF-zC5JB5PqONs5gL7-qE78/s1600/11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">On the front side, I also keep a pen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">In either end pocket I keep my glasses case…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">…and my VB store card wallet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Inside is where I keep the larger items of my
cosmetics case and wallet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpwOPCiQTxQzslsHqv0aDDAiYL6UrV3EMGIN3UnZrurrMiUND9eZMs2OrRrAPqTV1Rejtq5IVPLyuBzZjXjAWN-A2dqTA7n589oYCimNFyJ9OA9LvxpSzhoTMk0lyLMW23w8q8y-4CT4/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpwOPCiQTxQzslsHqv0aDDAiYL6UrV3EMGIN3UnZrurrMiUND9eZMs2OrRrAPqTV1Rejtq5IVPLyuBzZjXjAWN-A2dqTA7n589oYCimNFyJ9OA9LvxpSzhoTMk0lyLMW23w8q8y-4CT4/s1600/15.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">True, I could do away with my cosmetics case
and keep all of the items that are in there in the organizer itself.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">But I prefer to keep these items in a closed
bag—some items aren’t suitable for male eyes and if in the event I need to take
these items to the restroom with me, I can just grab the cosmetics case rather
than taking the whole kit and caboodle.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Once inside a bag, the organizer keeps
everything contained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">It does take up a bit of room, though I still
have room for other items.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxgBG6G3vd2SVjk7kYFTxBciys9BuVAXb5jyRLjWn6ivsR4cYS_tci-NJIRZSJzKwchljxzr3W_9OvmyVVV2S1DoVfhlvu1UQxfI8ULlKu7tg-LI47ouXY8PPIzne1HJWJsd73iXioOQ/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxgBG6G3vd2SVjk7kYFTxBciys9BuVAXb5jyRLjWn6ivsR4cYS_tci-NJIRZSJzKwchljxzr3W_9OvmyVVV2S1DoVfhlvu1UQxfI8ULlKu7tg-LI47ouXY8PPIzne1HJWJsd73iXioOQ/s1600/17.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">The organizer probably takes up more room
than I might need if these items were separated.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">However, the fact that it makes these items easy
to switch from one bag to another all but makes up for it, and I find that the
only additional space I need is for my planner, which as you can see, is not a
problem.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When it comes time to move from one bag to
the next, just grab the handles and away you go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDm2vhFQNHkvFWnpzi34GPhNEpCYc2ljbEoXzf3HUoAJI9UBwoxBtIFWoOZqYAuT5GjYiAUdbcmeO2yqesWK_DhRSzIUjMi8wI89TqFm_10peDw-VIOmAitMlEn7RYemTiVYOb9P0b8M/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDm2vhFQNHkvFWnpzi34GPhNEpCYc2ljbEoXzf3HUoAJI9UBwoxBtIFWoOZqYAuT5GjYiAUdbcmeO2yqesWK_DhRSzIUjMi8wI89TqFm_10peDw-VIOmAitMlEn7RYemTiVYOb9P0b8M/s1600/20.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Et voila!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Easy peasy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The several moves I used to have to make in
order to switch bags is now done in one swift motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saves on time too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But of course, the most important bonus is
that nothing is left behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There you have it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any questions, please leave them in the
comments below.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">*Please
note: I am in no way affiliated with the LeSportsac brand. I am simply a happy long-time customer. All opinions are my own.</span></i></div>
WellPlannedLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639851771653623399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-83606459107158074962013-10-29T22:08:00.002+00:002015-12-27T11:19:13.164+00:00Filofax Architect Portrait Courier BagI had never considered buying a Filofax bag until recently. <br />
<br />
I spotted a Filofax bag on offer in their sale. It was still quite expensive but I had a discount voucher that I could use so it brought the price down a more sensible price.<br />
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<br />
So this is the <a href="http://tidd.ly/52460b62" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Filofax Architect Portrait Courier</a>, it's rather smart don't you think?<br />
<br />
It came in it's own dust bag which I keep it in when I'm not using it.<br />
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<br />
It's bigger than I thought it would be. It has two main pockets which are very generous in size. Turning the bag over there is another slip pocket which will take an iPad or similar full size tablet. There is a grab handle at the top, and also a strap for looping the bag over a wheeled suit case handle. <br />
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<br />
The woven shoulder strap is very generous in width and it is also quite long too but it has a metal buckle to adjust the length. <br />
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<br />
Now in terms of what will fit inside. The smaller front pocket has a variety of slots for pens and cards but still has enough room for other small items too, including a personal size Filofax!<br />
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The leather flap has a zip pocket in it as well, plenty big enough for your smart phone or similar. The flap closes with a magnetic fastener in the middle. <br />
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The slim pocket on the back can take an iPad easily, it has a velcro tab at the top to hold it closed too. <br />
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The main pocket can take an A4 Filofax or an A4 size zipped conference folder easily. I've also tried it for size with my 10" Netbook PC, and it slides in easily with space to spare. In the photo is an A5 Zip Holborn, that goes in sideways with plenty of room too. I think the biggest size of PC you could fit in would be a 11.6" display one, such as a MacBook Air or a similar sized Chromebook. <br />
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A large ring size personal Filofax as shown here also fits inside the front pocket easily. </div>
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As you might be able to see on the detail of the front flap it is made of leather and textile lined inside. But the leather is a smooth finish and a pebbled finish in two distinctive panels.<br />
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Being a vertical format bag compared to the horizontal format of most messenger bags I find it retains it's rigidity a lot better. It also works better when I'm using my <a href="https://cabinzero.refersion.com/c/d2ab" target="_blank">Cabin Zero</a> bag on flights.<br />
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I'm very pleased with it, grab one for the man in your life for Christmas.... <br />
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<br />Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-4594125443681344472013-09-19T23:18:00.000+01:002013-09-19T23:19:39.205+01:00Calipso BagsFilofax introduced the Calipso range of organisers a few weeks ago the organisers have featured on <a href="http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/search/label/Calipso" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Philofaxy</a>. But there are also hand bags and and briefcases/laptop bags available in the range too! The colours are rich and vibrant, I really like the blue briefcase.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 36.0pt;">Spicy Shades!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 36.0pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bring a taste of the Tropics to your desk with the new Calipso range</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Bring a taste of the tropics to your desk this season with the Calipso
Collection – a NEW range of fashionably on-trend organisers and
complementary briefcases in vibrant spicy shades. Made with sumptuously
soft leather with a light grain texture, the organisers
feature a fashionable and subtly contrasting croc print closure and are
available in five must-have colours (Bright Blue, Deep Pink, Burnt
Orange, Solar Yellow and Teal). The matching simply designed briefcases
are available in Bright Blue and Burnt Orange.<br />
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<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Calipso Modern Briefcase, £199 and Calipso Handbag, £139<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Versatile and classic, these simply designed bags come in vibrant, spicy colours - brought to life in a clash of soft full-grain
and contrasting croc print leathers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Material Exterior:</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">
soft leather with a small grain texture<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Material Interior:</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">
external leather and polyester lightly corded lining - colour matched to leather<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8444-kp7eA3nHEdnBSolpHcOMJQo6WoIwHMAlpTT-7pqvlvKLo_eDU5XWn0zYc5YBeVj6Ke5ueiWEuZJhy5luBuGgGMhQgntSgp-EdCON-F79KO9UAnJb1DsPjvwpRhAe6OL-XRNG3ac/s1600/Calipso+Handbag+Burnt+Orange,+%C2%A3139+-+FILOFAX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8444-kp7eA3nHEdnBSolpHcOMJQo6WoIwHMAlpTT-7pqvlvKLo_eDU5XWn0zYc5YBeVj6Ke5ueiWEuZJhy5luBuGgGMhQgntSgp-EdCON-F79KO9UAnJb1DsPjvwpRhAe6OL-XRNG3ac/s400/Calipso+Handbag+Burnt+Orange,+%C2%A3139+-+FILOFAX.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</span></span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Calipso Handbag, £139</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Height</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">:
440mm <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Width</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">:
354mm <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Depth</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">:
85mm <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Closure Detail</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">:
reverse nylon zip with two leather zip pulls <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px; text-indent: -18pt;">Calipso Modern Briefcase, £199</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Height</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: 435mm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Depth</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: 87mm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Closure Detail</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #18191a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: reverse nylon zip with two leather zip pulls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Available now from <a href="http://tidd.ly/11df80b8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Filofax UK</a> in blue and orange. </span></div>
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Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-7842472224776885222013-09-19T23:16:00.000+01:002013-09-19T23:16:20.675+01:00Surprise!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What do we have <a href="http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2013/06/twins-expected.html">here</a>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More to come soon...</span>WellPlannedLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639851771653623399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-53221085610188694462013-07-29T16:00:00.000+01:002013-07-29T16:02:51.540+01:00Post Office Tool Case No. 3Let me introduce you to the British Post Office Tool Case No. 3.<br />
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These tool cases have been around I'm told for over 50 years, I have two of them, one of them is about 40 years old, the other celebrates its 30th birthday this year! Whilst I didn't work for the 'Post Office' or British Telecom as it would now be or BT for short, I did work for a government organisation with close ties to the GPO, PO, BT etc.<br />
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So here are the two cases I have.<br />
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The older one is the one on the left and it's had a hard life! The only main differences between them is the ID pocket on the outside of the older one and the saddles on the handle strap are sewn to the case on the older one, where as they are riveted on the 'newer' one on the right.<br />
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Looking at the older one now in some more detail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuY6D7vfiEcbOjufNf8dPzg9Kk59WzVPsz35TrqKzgSsT_8ZvM7zUKbq20qcrG5sQQgW5giZiFnQsk4mwS7Ru_nGng1jxy_0A4DZ2a7RavFPf8sbmFVc8U_z8El2d43BPrVuAfQU8IS0/s1600/IMG_4288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuY6D7vfiEcbOjufNf8dPzg9Kk59WzVPsz35TrqKzgSsT_8ZvM7zUKbq20qcrG5sQQgW5giZiFnQsk4mwS7Ru_nGng1jxy_0A4DZ2a7RavFPf8sbmFVc8U_z8El2d43BPrVuAfQU8IS0/s400/IMG_4288.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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As you can see the leather is very soft and supple on this one. It's currently empty waiting for me to renew the zip on it. A job I did about 28 years ago as well as redoing some of the stitching. The leather hasn't had any special treatment since it was issued to me.<br />
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So opened out you can see the running loops running across the case for tools to slot in to, these can be varied in size and they tend to stay at the same tension all the time, no elastic is used, just leather.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MD2UAJlZs1dtl7duqtjlcymlVxGq4fdiRtvsDgzQd7fG_eFvj2Hy21Y1-fuZIbn2kJRDGjTilydbVVrIZsBPzivLRDQ6ZhUEB5jOSYYDdLh80aGY1Y7lvD7N42nv4YRLHYiAlkn7TT4/s1600/IMG_4290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MD2UAJlZs1dtl7duqtjlcymlVxGq4fdiRtvsDgzQd7fG_eFvj2Hy21Y1-fuZIbn2kJRDGjTilydbVVrIZsBPzivLRDQ6ZhUEB5jOSYYDdLh80aGY1Y7lvD7N42nv4YRLHYiAlkn7TT4/s400/IMG_4290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The big pocket on the left is for small items and it is held shut with big press studs. <br />
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And moving on to the 'newer' one.<br />
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As you can see from the stitching the design is the same with only a few minor differences. Not quite a supple as the older one, but it is gradually getting there I guess, may be another 20 years and it will be as good. It still has the original zip on this one, but the tag fell off some years ago and a cable tie has been serving that duty since!<br />
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And here is it fully populated with tools, some of the tools are the same age as the older case, still giving good service, no need to replace them. The side cutters are new though, these do become blunt or damaged with use. It didn't come with all of the tools you see, I added to it over the years, hence doubling up on the loops! <br />
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And again inside the pocket are some additional hand tools, bits and bobs etc. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRTtDKv7rGADBcc898vDbEfGvX4f3BIY9zDyf9Rlzbaj_cCxjFebFz036o_VjNFh5okuGYfY_jMywIMMYR67Z-dGvJkcU3zPLLCzEvR8ZgnNetPNSiDKyRkNRzShrT5wEsOupzAI9FzI/s1600/IMG_4295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRTtDKv7rGADBcc898vDbEfGvX4f3BIY9zDyf9Rlzbaj_cCxjFebFz036o_VjNFh5okuGYfY_jMywIMMYR67Z-dGvJkcU3zPLLCzEvR8ZgnNetPNSiDKyRkNRzShrT5wEsOupzAI9FzI/s400/IMG_4295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemS9Fn0F3WhtH1929AhX8-QJUuYljC3nq5ORoL31wD91uX8gbvF5ON5iSAgXofnP71RluabGyctTQdtpn12PzKPDtGgW7Az2feelhAcsuEqEB88jqKVgbS_BIhty6xekM4Gmst6CL4JQ/s1600/IMG_4296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemS9Fn0F3WhtH1929AhX8-QJUuYljC3nq5ORoL31wD91uX8gbvF5ON5iSAgXofnP71RluabGyctTQdtpn12PzKPDtGgW7Az2feelhAcsuEqEB88jqKVgbS_BIhty6xekM4Gmst6CL4JQ/s400/IMG_4296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The remarkable thing about these tool cases is that you can still buy them, not cheap I give you that, but as you can see they will last a life time! They are available from this company<a href="http://www.canford.co.uk/Products/16-383_TOOLMARK-TOOL-WALLET-No.3-Tan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Canford in UK</a> sizing details are in their own <a href="http://www.canford.co.uk/ProductResources/ig/2408.pdf" target="_blank">PDF file</a>.Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-33858489249936891052013-06-02T22:00:00.000+01:002013-06-02T22:02:24.426+01:00BagFindsHere are some bag posts from around the Internet<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://giftieetcetera.blogspot.fr/2013/06/whats-in-my-bag-why-mobile-office-of.html">What's In My Bag? Why, A Mobile Office, Of Course...</a> - Giftie Etcetera</li>
<li><a href="http://www.prettygreentea.com/2013/06/bag-2013" title="What’s in my bag: May 2013">What’s in my bag: May 2013</a> - Pretty Green Tea</li>
<li><a href="http://sparklesandstretchmarks.blogspot.fr/2013/06/whats-in-my-changing-bag-miracle-bag.html">What's In My Changing Bag?! Miracle Bag Review....</a> - Sparkles and Stretchmarks</li>
<li><a href="http://www.daisybutter.com/2013/05/whats-in-my-bag-may-2013.html">What's in my Bag - May 2013</a> - Daisybutter</li>
<li><a href="http://www.sweetelyseblog.com/2013/05/whats-in-my-handbag.html">What's In My Handbag ?</a> - Sweet Elyse</li>
<li><a href="http://www.purpleismyhappy.com/2013/05/filofax-and-coach.html">Filofax and Coach</a> - Purple is My Happy</li>
<li><a href="http://imysworld.blogspot.fr/2011/08/day-11-whats-in-your-handbag.html">Day 11 – What’s in your handbag?</a> - Imysworld</li>
</ol>
EnjoySteve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-22738481290344323222012-09-07T15:17:00.003+01:002013-06-21T15:27:22.344+01:00WebFinds - 7 SeptemberIf you are a <a href="http://philofaxy.com/" target="_blank">Philofaxy</a> reader then you will be familiar with WebFinds. Here's a Bagsey equivalent for your enjoyment:<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.reghardware.com/2012/09/07/sftws_bags/">Emotional Baggage</a> - Reg Hardware</li>
<li><a href="http://anita-lim.blogspot.fr/2012/02/my-cambridge-satchel.html">My Cambridge Satchel</a> - Anita Lim</li>
<li><a href="http://www.caribbeanprincessmusings.com/2012/08/another-handbag-post.html">Another handbag post.......</a> - Musings of a Caribbean Princess</li>
<li><a href="http://mslogica.com/?p=2741">Making an iPad case</a> - Planet Millie</li>
<li><a href="http://thezeitgeistofzoe.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/philofaxy-allstars-guest-post-by-kanalt17-bag-bag-bag-and-another-bag/">Bag, Bag, Bag – and Another Bag!</a> - Kanalt - The Zeitgeist of Zoe</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thoughtsandexploration.com/2012/09/whats-in-my-bag.html">What's In My Bag?</a> - Thoughts and Exploration</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bagsnob.com/2012/09/frugal-friday-vlieger-vandam-skull-print-tote.html" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Frugal Friday: Vlieger & Vandam Skull Print Tote">Frugal Friday: Vlieger & Vandam Skull Print Tote</a> - Bag Snob</li>
<li><a href="http://blog.brooksengland.com/wps/made-in-england/">Made in England</a> - The Brooks England</li>
<li><a class="pad" href="http://pandithnews.com/2012/09/07/fendi-2jours-bag-special-edition/" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" title="Permalink to Fendi 2Jours Bag Special Edition">Fendi 2Jours Bag Special Edition</a> - Pandith News</li>
<li><a href="http://river-driftingthroughlife.blogspot.fr/2012/09/whats-in-my-handbag.html">what's in my handbag?</a> - Drifting Through Life</li>
<li><a href="http://www.purseblog.com/celebrities/the-many-bags-of-dakota-fanning.html" title="The Many Bags of Dakota Fanning">The Many Bags of Dakota Fanning</a>
- The Purse Blog </li>
</ol>
Enjoy <br />
<ol>
</ol>
Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-70980247119148734252012-04-21T17:15:00.000+01:002017-07-30T15:13:00.825+01:00New Messenger BagAs you will recall I'm a happy user of a '<a href="http://bagsey.blogspot.fr/2011/04/new-day-bag.html" target="_blank">man bag</a>' or in my case a camera bag with out the internal inserts, which I use for carrying all of my everyday clutter around with me, I hate stuff in my pockets, and I tend not to forget things if they are in my bag!<br />
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This is still working well, but I recently became the owner of an <a href="http://steve-morton.com/2012/03/18/ipad-my-first-thoughts-and-impressions/" target="_blank">iPad</a> and also I'm in the throws of moving over to the more regular use of the A5 Filofax. <br />
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The existing bag will just about take an A5, but it's a bit of a squeeze, but it will not take the iPad safely. Not quite big enough. I have an old 12" Targa laptop bag that I've used for a few years, it will take the A5 ok and the iPad ok, the main problem with it is that being a laptop case, it has a zip that goes around three sides of the bag, so you are always looking for a flat surface for it before you open it. Not ideal. <br />
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So looking on the Lowepro site I noticed that one of their new product ranges called the <a href="http://www.lowepro.com/eventmessenger" target="_blank">Event Messenger</a> has provision for the iPad in a padded compartment and when I checked the dimensions it was plenty big enough in height and width for an A5 Malden. Perfect, so I ordered the Event Messenger 150 which is the medium size of the range. I hate bags that are too big!<br />
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So this is also a combination of tablet/camera bag, but the internal dividers all come out, so you can reconfigure the internal space as you need. The interior is soft and well padded too.<br />
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I've left one vertical divider in and I can tuck my reading glasses in at the end.<br />
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As well as a broad strap there is also a carry handle useful when you are lifting it in and out of the car. There's also a slim outside pocket on the rear side of the bag, which will be fine for travel documents and the like.<br />
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Here it is with an A5 Malden and an A5 Finsbury, both 30 mm ring models, and tucked in the back section is my iPad in it's leather case.<br />
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In the front there is also a full width zip pocket with pockets for things like mobile phones, iPods, compact cameras, pens, memory cards etc.<br />
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The flap secures with a clip and two velcro strips. The shoulder strap is broad and has a padded shoulder pad as well, so it's quite comfortable to carry fully loaded. There are also elasticated pockets on the outside at each end with expand to take a small bottle of water or similar. <br />
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Like my other man bag/day bag it will take my camera gear... but I have a dedicated Lowepro camera bag for that!<br />
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Why two A5's? Well one for my regular planning and organising... and the other one is my '<a href="http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2011/04/work-filofax.html">work</a>' A5 for when we are doing property searches, so this bag will carry everything I need when we are doing our 'Phil and Kirsty' act around the Loire Valley as part of <a href="http://ltps.fr/" target="_blank">LTPS</a>. Generally though I would only be carrying one A5 (the Malden) which then leaves plenty of room inside for other goodies and lightens the load a bit too. <br />
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Here is a video from Lowepro about the range...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/32976960?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><a href="http://vimeo.com/32976960"><br />
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Event Messenger</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/lowepro">Lowepro</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</center>
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In case you are wondering the iPad case is a leather one made by Kavaj, their 'London' model. Unlike some that are on sale it is real leather not PU leather!<br />
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<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=philofaxy-20&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B0077B3E5S&asins=B0077B3E5S&linkId=e2ff05798119433e5d2e3615ade94356&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=pemburyvillag-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0077B3E5S" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=pemburyvillag-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B007IFZTS8" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-32831718886900129032012-03-01T12:00:00.001+00:002012-03-01T14:27:05.175+00:00One bag for everything?Wouldn't it be great if we could have one general purpose bag that we could use for different assignments. I'm not talking about hand bags here. Yes I know they have to match your outfits etc etc.<br />
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But if you are thinking about say a travel bag or a bag you use for work, wouldn't it be great if we could find a bag that was big enough for small enough to use for various loads. I hate having a bag that's way too big for what I'm carrying, or way too small when I need to carry a few more things. Does such a thing exist?<br />
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Looking around on the net I came across a few bags that might suit. I particularly like this one called the 'One Bag'<br />
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It's available here: <a href="http://www.undfind.com/">http://www.undfind.com/</a><br />
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I also discovered Unit Portables. This one is even more modular allowing you to add different 'units' to the bag to build up the configuration you need. You could also remove units when you aren't using them.<br />
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You will find the details here: <a href="http://en.unitportables.com/">http://en.unitportables.com/</a> I particularly like the bright colours in this range. Nice definite colours, bold and cheerful.Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-7694629562495950092012-02-28T23:55:00.003+00:002012-02-29T00:00:57.232+00:00Guest Post - Filofax Sketch Bag - Review<i>Thank you to Frédérique for sending in this review of the Filofax Sketch bag. </i><br />
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I live in France, and had already purchased a few accessories for my Filofax through the French website. So, when they launched a - 70% sale on a large selections of bags a few weeks ago, I realized that I really needed a new laptop bag. After all, the one I had and used from time to time was an old leather purse which I couldn't close completely due to the bulkiness of my laptop, which barely fit in it, that I really wanted to try out a new Filofax product and, well, did I mention there was a big sale ? Couldn't hurt to browse, right ?<br />
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I hesitated a long time between the <a href="http://www.filofax.fr/store/businessdetails.asp?catId=3&productId=459" target="_blank">Sketch Zipped Briefcase</a> and the <a href="http://www.filofax.fr/store/businessdetails.asp?catId=3&productId=460" target="_blank">Sketch Modern Briefcase</a>, but even after intensive research, I couldn't find any real pictures, videos or anything from real users! I could only look at the different pictures on the Filofax website, and their ridiculous videos : instead of inserting paper-replicas of laptops, apples, or cellphones, they could have used real props, this would have looked much more professional, wouldn't it ? Therefore, I held back for almost two weeks... <br />
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Of course, there are only a few shops around where I live (Mulhouse, in France) with Filofaxes; most of the time, they only some binders, a few folders sometimes, but never the bags; so apart from driving insane distances, there aren't many possibilities to actually touch and look at the items before you buy.<br />
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I finally decided in favour of the Sketch Zipped Briefcase, partly because it looked more like a purse/week-end bag than strictly a business/laptop-carrying case, but mostly because the two clasps for the detachable shoulder strap of the Sketch Modern Briefcase were attached only on one side of the bag. I feared the tensions from the weight of the bag would eventually rip the fabric. I might be wrong, but I didn't want to take the chance. So, Sketch Zipped Briefcase it is ! Grey looked cool, but I really like red, most of my bags and accessories (wallet, filofax...) are red. So not much hesitation there.<br />
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And this is what came through the mail less than a week after my order : this huge package, filled with air-filled bags for protection !<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sjT0elYhkEk0b8QuI05dMBIfXLPdiG25SOEYmRRjhU0QOGtOSLa6zet_lEl7LBAiBwmjsdpDwNqk7aIoD7Kyc0GMQOW7U_5RT8bzHI8K1wdkc8BwviqjvVdts1hN0HuTwABFz52DHhE/s1600/filobag_sketch_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sjT0elYhkEk0b8QuI05dMBIfXLPdiG25SOEYmRRjhU0QOGtOSLa6zet_lEl7LBAiBwmjsdpDwNqk7aIoD7Kyc0GMQOW7U_5RT8bzHI8K1wdkc8BwviqjvVdts1hN0HuTwABFz52DHhE/s400/filobag_sketch_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
To my surprise, the bag was wrapped in a black Filofax-branded protection bag ! I really like that, that gives the feel of a luxury item, like my Longchamp bag which also was wrapped neatly in its protective fabric bag, or like the leather Filofax binders that come in their sturdy black boxes, whereas my Slimline Metropol is sold with a simple and thin cardboard box/wrap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqozrev6-1cyNDsvbxhPLb7Z7lfd5ZPayHMYw8ieasZedUFfyIUk1sATYP_QhCuEUTx8d-pr7pxiy577Q5AeSJZoctjSXOCJtNNa8EjCc7jPbG2gaH7e6WqNdtp-TTv94dKjRfuHjN3Y/s1600/filobag_sketch_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqozrev6-1cyNDsvbxhPLb7Z7lfd5ZPayHMYw8ieasZedUFfyIUk1sATYP_QhCuEUTx8d-pr7pxiy577Q5AeSJZoctjSXOCJtNNa8EjCc7jPbG2gaH7e6WqNdtp-TTv94dKjRfuHjN3Y/s400/filobag_sketch_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And here is the "briefcase" itself, directly out of its bag : the French website mentioned the colour "Bordeaux Foncé", and the UK site "Maroon", but it's more like a rich "darker" red, which I really like and is a really great surprise for me, as you never know exactly what the real colour is. The "front" of the bag has a little rubber Filofax logo on the right bottom, elegant and discreet (discreet being key here, I really dislike huge prominent branding).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5_QSLd_AGFnYFG61Rf3v7pu5hmjmWgx3pXqxk_qukv5g3RKFULXfxXWCscnfToG-6L634VrlH9YRuM4LGAIu_fQpLx_rNHyGfBsFFTPQAgI4co38s4SM_B4c6qInnOqiZEyZiFI5tJc/s1600/filobag_sketch_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5_QSLd_AGFnYFG61Rf3v7pu5hmjmWgx3pXqxk_qukv5g3RKFULXfxXWCscnfToG-6L634VrlH9YRuM4LGAIu_fQpLx_rNHyGfBsFFTPQAgI4co38s4SM_B4c6qInnOqiZEyZiFI5tJc/s400/filobag_sketch_3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The fabric is "waterproof ribbed nylon" and seems to be very thick and water-resistant, but it hasn't rained so far, so I wasn't able to test it outside. Just like a "good" Filofax is supposed to remain flat once open, I like my bags to be able to stand erect, whether they are full or empty, and this one does ! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0GQZoL2K-3_NDVkYBOsV4c3mNbZKoK-KY9YFNNL2aMzgIeyUIVuYbOHKdOL2lTGxy6D8r1LkyYGBzAS4ff8qylNDHiTNKKUfggp6Ec9trOkYhITqhIP3Ib0RPtX1drH7bCZfCIV0qAU/s1600/filobag_sketch_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0GQZoL2K-3_NDVkYBOsV4c3mNbZKoK-KY9YFNNL2aMzgIeyUIVuYbOHKdOL2lTGxy6D8r1LkyYGBzAS4ff8qylNDHiTNKKUfggp6Ec9trOkYhITqhIP3Ib0RPtX1drH7bCZfCIV0qAU/s400/filobag_sketch_4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The additional detail that told me I would really like this bag are the rubber feet : as it's not leather on the bottom, there's no fear in damaging it and it can be quickly and easily cleaned. The zip-handles are also rubber-covered metal, so you get a good grip when you open and close your briefcase. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyV9MNQISte_in_e9BqotzLdoQmrAFoyd2WxrXXCJaxVXPFL3EBkBHqGLhOVbUqiLbDwuVT9_95yNbIvGMg7ZpFU10uOon6yNH5mUyKQc6P6mE83N7ew5iTaLPvamps7_QCB_Tur8BH4/s1600/filobag_sketch_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyV9MNQISte_in_e9BqotzLdoQmrAFoyd2WxrXXCJaxVXPFL3EBkBHqGLhOVbUqiLbDwuVT9_95yNbIvGMg7ZpFU10uOon6yNH5mUyKQc6P6mE83N7ew5iTaLPvamps7_QCB_Tur8BH4/s400/filobag_sketch_5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Let's sum up so far : the outside is looking pretty, it seems very sturdy, but let's look at its entrails !<br />
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There's one big compartment, a laptop pocket on the back-side of the bag, and a full-length flat zipped pocket (that's quite deep too), along with functional pockets, on the front-side : two mesh pockets (one large, one small), three elasticized pen loops, five card-slots, and an ID-slot : as I said, really practical !<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YgvnCk1cLsvJ-LdZly15Cjj-UyE4AUwkXfDetd0TW6MgywOQ-CHBi3HQ9FD0SrP8pPSugZu1PC2oacAB-bY_eGFkOpeEAHi_aRauMyyoOqPf2jlCL4t4jAZc-0OMWjs5w_afI_-AzSY/s1600/filobag_sketch_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YgvnCk1cLsvJ-LdZly15Cjj-UyE4AUwkXfDetd0TW6MgywOQ-CHBi3HQ9FD0SrP8pPSugZu1PC2oacAB-bY_eGFkOpeEAHi_aRauMyyoOqPf2jlCL4t4jAZc-0OMWjs5w_afI_-AzSY/s400/filobag_sketch_6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The laptop-pocket is separated from the main compartment by a thin padded cushion, so the laptop is protected from the content you have in the main compartment. There are two Velcro sewn on both the sides, in order to keep this pocket thin when not in use, and even when "closed", you can still add lots of documents (A4/letter size will fit perfectly). Please notice the fabric pieces on the sides of the bag : once open, the briefcase is not supposed to lay flat, there are triangular pieces of nylon that keep the content from falling out of the bag, which can be open really wide nonetheless.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3SKulrssT-8eFCeDuPuRbW7obo79sUK1wJOV2nlIF8OK8aDmmg0nZuhbHFs9PrvrzvZYe4lEt_kYUia-ARyAXotH1dM9ljK_6mSSyyzNcDYTWqhB3cErxyCYISH-q4lSOACjY-fUxAg/s1600/filobag_sketch_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3SKulrssT-8eFCeDuPuRbW7obo79sUK1wJOV2nlIF8OK8aDmmg0nZuhbHFs9PrvrzvZYe4lEt_kYUia-ARyAXotH1dM9ljK_6mSSyyzNcDYTWqhB3cErxyCYISH-q4lSOACjY-fUxAg/s400/filobag_sketch_7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now, let's try it in real conditions. I put my laptop, battery, camera and camera-cable inside, and see how it fits : perfectly ! And there's still lots of room for documents, other computer-accessories, or anything you want/need to carry !<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05_1JXlvznWjMa6kcCgJXSUD676xvR5F0A1pv-_Z_g-NXPzsw0t6NQ-RNWOlAHctesv_ZZy1aRKC6TYfw_K_0dRGG8NajXpmsKFtbZTeYccrvIlCK-Sme8i_Lc0sEAL9Iz3N4rr88fs0/s1600/filobag_sketch_8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05_1JXlvznWjMa6kcCgJXSUD676xvR5F0A1pv-_Z_g-NXPzsw0t6NQ-RNWOlAHctesv_ZZy1aRKC6TYfw_K_0dRGG8NajXpmsKFtbZTeYccrvIlCK-Sme8i_Lc0sEAL9Iz3N4rr88fs0/s400/filobag_sketch_8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I tried it first for a couple of nights at the Boyfriend's, and I was able to add some clothes to the aforementioned content (granted, not two full sets of clothes, but at least an additional pants, a thin sweater and other little things) : here's the bag when full, isn't it nice ? I really like it !<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6uKsX4OBWCT3Yl8abyMqicJsjQyCblnLabIeUdT30hRfWwFUqcYHxVP9bwT6bDbS8pgK0qz16AyLAzj25UQ38odh_VLmnBBQZrg1_J5Tw2Ud5nSwY9InC9dyBtIDilaFrfvJatsJAvE/s1600/filobag_sketch_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6uKsX4OBWCT3Yl8abyMqicJsjQyCblnLabIeUdT30hRfWwFUqcYHxVP9bwT6bDbS8pgK0qz16AyLAzj25UQ38odh_VLmnBBQZrg1_J5Tw2Ud5nSwY9InC9dyBtIDilaFrfvJatsJAvE/s320/filobag_sketch_9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
99€ originally, and I purchased it for ~30€ on sale (+5€ shipping). I'm really happy for my purchase, have already tried it in real conditions; the proportions and the way it's organized is just what I needed. A great surprise, really, I didn't expect to be this enthusiast ! I doubt I would have bought it on a whim like this if it was full-price, or even 40% off. But at 70% off, that was a great bargain !<br />
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The only caveat I found is that the handles are a little bit too short for me, they don't allow me to carry this bag on my shoulder; this could be done in spring/summer/autumn with a light/very thin jacket, but with a thicker winter jacket, it's not really practical nor possible, I would say. That doesn't bother me much, as it's quite heavy once it's filled (did I mention that my laptop was more like a huge heavy brick than a state-of-the-art-super-lightweight-laptop ?). When they are full or heavy, I mostly hang my bags from the crook of my arm anyway.<br />
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Both the Zipped and the Modern Briefcases are back to their original prices on filofax.fr, but the UK website is currently having a -40% sale on these models, among others... (Enabler ? Who, me ?) !!Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-18631128648286332502012-01-14T20:50:00.000+00:002012-01-14T20:50:54.668+00:00A Filofax that isn't an organiser....I love receiving parcels in the post... especially when they come in a Filofax box<br />
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But this one is quite small and slim...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzMVeQlwmWOmUiAKrwBW8hw7PcgAz53wVqtm0-5xUHINDEoQeyBiA3kAVgPyxYcxwCMtDMzja-ngYX2lw-tSKSrJzgDoJO9O3WZXVV1gVoZirt_GzLGU10PLa4NV9MmgqJCvzIUZVXc0/s1600/IMG_0700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzMVeQlwmWOmUiAKrwBW8hw7PcgAz53wVqtm0-5xUHINDEoQeyBiA3kAVgPyxYcxwCMtDMzja-ngYX2lw-tSKSrJzgDoJO9O3WZXVV1gVoZirt_GzLGU10PLa4NV9MmgqJCvzIUZVXc0/s320/IMG_0700.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've been looking around for that 'perfect wallet' for a while now. They are either too big (I had several in my chest of drawers) or too small. As some of you will know I've used Filofax organisers successfully as a wallet/note book for some time. But occasionally when I'm not lugging everything around in my man bag then a slim but functional wallet comes in handy. Given my love for everything Filofax... especially when it has the name Malden involved in it... I had to have a look the different ones on offer during a visit to Neal Street in November. <br />
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I saw it... liked it, but didn't buy it. The full price was £40 and I'd already spent about that already that day on a Malden Mini and other Filofax related things! So I left it and slept on it etc.<br />
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Then in the run up to Christmas I was looking around for present ideas and stumbled across this Malden wallet on the <a href="http://www.cityorganiser.co.uk/" target="_blank">City Organiser</a> site, at a much reduced price compared to the Filofax website. So after Christmas I looked again and also discovered they had a 15% off discount code... That was the decider, at £24.65 it was mine....<br />
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It arrived in a nice big padded envelope in about 4 days from ordering which considering it had to come to France was quite good. I got the usual 'What have your brought now' look!!! But some approving words when Mrs M saw it wasn't another organiser!<br />
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So here is the Malden Portrait Wallet, this is the front. <br />
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On the bank there is a slip pocket, useful for slipping in a travel card or shopping note. <br />
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Open it up there is 6 card slots on the left (more than enough for me) and on the right there is a large pocket for change, this is essential and the failing of other wallets I've used, many of them don't have any facility for coins. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGp-HNaJ-6Yc-vrSrJxXz8Lzu0wsbt2dDR3YcaMiLNVm1_GsUv42UZ4p4RlVXHFvfsNDEJ_YG09YXAOO57LLFqSqWZW8XreFdrB5wQFtKCMSO7rSGe1B06496xU8-dBchPdPJ92mKdnk/s1600/IMG_0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGp-HNaJ-6Yc-vrSrJxXz8Lzu0wsbt2dDR3YcaMiLNVm1_GsUv42UZ4p4RlVXHFvfsNDEJ_YG09YXAOO57LLFqSqWZW8XreFdrB5wQFtKCMSO7rSGe1B06496xU8-dBchPdPJ92mKdnk/s320/IMG_0703.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The left hand side folds out again to reveal two mesh pockets, handy for documents. Where are the rings!!! A Filofax product without rings!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f-l7ehdnylclUUmGNVedYbwpbVQdg1c-r3h1_n-u_qaCEDoFhP8VdWVe51Z17HsdmJ0dyT2Gky7_ShYQubLDe-RYpmNwqWjXysdVusbERDOtJJ1F2PqS2ekHwk3KO1Zl4bT9KEeodbE/s1600/IMG_0704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f-l7ehdnylclUUmGNVedYbwpbVQdg1c-r3h1_n-u_qaCEDoFhP8VdWVe51Z17HsdmJ0dyT2Gky7_ShYQubLDe-RYpmNwqWjXysdVusbERDOtJJ1F2PqS2ekHwk3KO1Zl4bT9KEeodbE/s320/IMG_0704.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
From above there is a full width pocket which is divided over it's length to form two slots for bank notes and receipts. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW4D3Hr-GdBPaYNqRDPyIB5QHpSj3_A6_gcwpdYe0HstJRdmaGrwPfENCfreMFGz1J0SRMPuPBWwpE_AivsW6vp2QaRuELEBHq6bNYRAi0tj6zzgn0VjShzDeREZX56CCPMnMoO-RCGU/s1600/IMG_0705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW4D3Hr-GdBPaYNqRDPyIB5QHpSj3_A6_gcwpdYe0HstJRdmaGrwPfENCfreMFGz1J0SRMPuPBWwpE_AivsW6vp2QaRuELEBHq6bNYRAi0tj6zzgn0VjShzDeREZX56CCPMnMoO-RCGU/s320/IMG_0705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So here it is with my cards in place. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlayP2RODKhvdEpWPL31ek1nXgl0g1RbNFLA7vyUXofASZpxPwEuIPbKJHj1Aw2t1mpXjW6CeYrAEBztEmqf6Y5ASxh5N9SsjkxZlI2dB6BxYSr2PrwKBHnkGkRJn7F-esnyYk23B578/s1600/IMG_0706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlayP2RODKhvdEpWPL31ek1nXgl0g1RbNFLA7vyUXofASZpxPwEuIPbKJHj1Aw2t1mpXjW6CeYrAEBztEmqf6Y5ASxh5N9SsjkxZlI2dB6BxYSr2PrwKBHnkGkRJn7F-esnyYk23B578/s320/IMG_0706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And my health documents and drivers licence. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIDVo1Hh4bH31URicBinrbNjvHRyv3HwJRIcTy7w0VmbxXr6UAihGJWdKNznwjyu9wGmwY2Ln9dq6RT7u2TgG6YJvLau28tCp0Y_3n6FGTicqtTprUep1MYat7WxVYxskiK_AL-oakDs/s1600/IMG_0707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIDVo1Hh4bH31URicBinrbNjvHRyv3HwJRIcTy7w0VmbxXr6UAihGJWdKNznwjyu9wGmwY2Ln9dq6RT7u2TgG6YJvLau28tCp0Y_3n6FGTicqtTprUep1MYat7WxVYxskiK_AL-oakDs/s320/IMG_0707.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Malden Wallet and Cuban Zip.. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscTOOsHni_aYAKJxORZwcQ6PFXUfMeArFzwM456L-T2YYHKeGh9t-JlE1IiUsMy6yJ_7OK9y4g7wmijtdyf20rpToQepMZT_j1eERnI9cq-VYSMnxmQYeRAgOJe_j-WBjO4Q9cO2S1jY/s1600/IMG_0712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscTOOsHni_aYAKJxORZwcQ6PFXUfMeArFzwM456L-T2YYHKeGh9t-JlE1IiUsMy6yJ_7OK9y4g7wmijtdyf20rpToQepMZT_j1eERnI9cq-VYSMnxmQYeRAgOJe_j-WBjO4Q9cO2S1jY/s320/IMG_0712.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
Malden wallet and Malden personal Filofax. I should have taken a picture of it with a Malden pocket, the Pocket is taller, and obviously quite a bit thicker. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw45XxfSVR0pycv8Lb0dslTwBMN6zUSGLw0eM8eIq8Fmefs_W6YnWERfFwbyAdfR9-QzJNFCPTy1aCRTAUrQugdodYbe9m8qfxZiTf_dIROf2HGd8f9Olv9LAxI7N8xwUUcnAEszVwQE/s1600/IMG_0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw45XxfSVR0pycv8Lb0dslTwBMN6zUSGLw0eM8eIq8Fmefs_W6YnWERfFwbyAdfR9-QzJNFCPTy1aCRTAUrQugdodYbe9m8qfxZiTf_dIROf2HGd8f9Olv9LAxI7N8xwUUcnAEszVwQE/s320/IMG_0713.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br />
The only down side of this wallet is it's not quite tall enough to also carry my passport, which will fit in to a Filofax Pocket comfortably. So I now put that in my car document wallet that I also have to carry all the time anyway.<br />
<br />
However, like Filofax organisers I'm quite comfortable swapping the contents from the wallet to a pocket or mini Filofax... Maldens in each case! <br />
<br />
So for that guy in your life that wants a practical wallet I can recommend the <a href="http://www.cityorganiser.co.uk/acatalog/Adelphi_Leather_Large_Zip_Purse_Scarlet_by_Filofax.html" target="_blank">Filofax Malden Portrait Wallet. </a>Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-81768095390765981262011-12-20T12:56:00.000+00:002011-12-20T12:56:48.636+00:00What's in my bag - December 2011I've been using my <a href="http://bagsey.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-day-bag.html" target="_blank">Lowepro bag </a>for nearly 8 months now. The contents have fallen in to a settled pattern so I thought I would share with you what I carry. Read the <a href="http://bagsey.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-day-bag.html" target="_blank">original post</a> for details about the bag and why I chose this particular bag. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64nN8hHOjO3sVRHjCUZ7AAPDFcjLzX8F_1K_E1C9FMHkYDRqcQiSnx6oGgTSYl4Khq_ndKzrdP87C0RRW_638bXhr646dXqprH7T8a9hVSI1zGpINCc3BVwo03dRp0HOWHy27KZpsHFI/s1600/IMG_0690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64nN8hHOjO3sVRHjCUZ7AAPDFcjLzX8F_1K_E1C9FMHkYDRqcQiSnx6oGgTSYl4Khq_ndKzrdP87C0RRW_638bXhr646dXqprH7T8a9hVSI1zGpINCc3BVwo03dRp0HOWHy27KZpsHFI/s400/IMG_0690.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br />
So in the front row from left to right:<br />
<ul><li>My iPod Touch 64 GB - I use this a lot for music, checking emails, Twitter etc etc. It is never far from my side!</li>
<li>Nokia C5-00 mobile phone - This is set up as my UK mobile, it has lots of great facilities built in which are great when I'm travelling back in UK</li>
<li>Nokia 6300i mobile phone - This is my French mobile phone, a basic phone which is just used for calls and text messaging. I fitted a new battery to this recently and it works fine. </li>
<li>Sachets of decaff coffee - I've not been able to drink normal coffee for over 20 years now, so I always carry my own with me! These sachets are a simple way of making sure I have some with me. </li>
<li>Pens - A marker pen and a couple of Pilot Frixion gel pens, I like these pens a lot. </li>
<li>Headphones - Just some standard Apple earphones for use with the iPod </li>
<li>Tape Measure</li>
<li>Car Key</li>
<li>Compact Camera - I carry a Fuji Finepix JX200 with me, it's simple and takes reasonable pictures for a compact, when I don't have my DSLR with me.</li>
</ul>In the next row again from left to right:<br />
<ul><li> Headphones for the Nokia C5, useful for listening to the radio whilst on a train or as use as a hands free phone whilst walking. </li>
<li>A pocket magnifier - Sadly my eyes aren't what they used to be, so this comes in handy for looking at very small print. </li>
<li>Mini Malden - My wallet Filofax at the moment. </li>
<li>Personal Malden - My information hub, diary, contacts, information, maps etc. </li>
<li>Hand cleaning gel - Useful after refilling the car with fuel, to get rid of the smell of diesel!</li>
<li>Tic Tac Mints</li>
<li>Small Maglite Touch</li>
<li>Cleaning cloth - This is a multi fibre soft cloth very useful for wiping clean displays or for cleaning my glasses or sun glasses. I just give it a wash every so often and it comes up clean every time.</li>
<li>Not shown, my reading glasses case.. </li>
</ul>And at the back the bag itself, which is shaping up very well. I don't find it too big or too small. Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-44175011522203975992011-07-29T13:48:00.001+01:002011-07-29T13:48:00.542+01:00Filofax Finchley Expandable Tote BagHere are some photos of my new gorgeous red Filofax Finchley expandable tote!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYfIsN8nrt27EKctvS2Lb9z_-nB1hde_7ZxToqFiQJCBjOHgP6QfvnQmfTBhrGUO5PWiEDeFeDZgCPR71bSlzBzuVvmQqS0Ema7VtvPdWrvAAkArF5-mx0yraP6KbIHeHWOSL8Kbgq1uA/s1600/Diaries+2011+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYfIsN8nrt27EKctvS2Lb9z_-nB1hde_7ZxToqFiQJCBjOHgP6QfvnQmfTBhrGUO5PWiEDeFeDZgCPR71bSlzBzuVvmQqS0Ema7VtvPdWrvAAkArF5-mx0yraP6KbIHeHWOSL8Kbgq1uA/s400/Diaries+2011+033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Here is the back, with a zip pocket:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3aJpLbQ432McMQG1LVX9OqcW83EWN-xi9DlVmrV9fVuEwg9RoWcFDiTnB22_FjmIDVUDVs5KmPeH0LH1jcg1eNQ3Md1P8x4UEfRbR_Dwsl2oIYxeV37vnCcSGroljgPS4DfFPjjefHgA/s1600/Diaries+2011+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3aJpLbQ432McMQG1LVX9OqcW83EWN-xi9DlVmrV9fVuEwg9RoWcFDiTnB22_FjmIDVUDVs5KmPeH0LH1jcg1eNQ3Md1P8x4UEfRbR_Dwsl2oIYxeV37vnCcSGroljgPS4DfFPjjefHgA/s400/Diaries+2011+034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOhxzi5aJzDRMr65YtMd-GBq0R07fSkL-ajC9za_bfnrPi6nrinetdNQNeLPkbOnZES6AP9TRXKFezIk-vfF8GwdoeHrUiFydpU67SedUQ10w9lWAsWSfCOptD_dT3YwgLXpbtYewxZ29/s1600/Diaries+2011+041.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOhxzi5aJzDRMr65YtMd-GBq0R07fSkL-ajC9za_bfnrPi6nrinetdNQNeLPkbOnZES6AP9TRXKFezIk-vfF8GwdoeHrUiFydpU67SedUQ10w9lWAsWSfCOptD_dT3YwgLXpbtYewxZ29/s400/Diaries+2011+041.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of buckle and logo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoVio3qWrzWoYIU7KBDcc_K1a8G4gthN56DN7r50HLQvPxPtHLFOUkycsya3dMsp-ni8T0rud-GQougNSGAwEBLSPqjZMJDz47gz2tIi_uwtS2Fy-fSwXexboye2S3CjCCcez4o0CRTbT/s1600/Diaries+2011+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoVio3qWrzWoYIU7KBDcc_K1a8G4gthN56DN7r50HLQvPxPtHLFOUkycsya3dMsp-ni8T0rud-GQougNSGAwEBLSPqjZMJDz47gz2tIi_uwtS2Fy-fSwXexboye2S3CjCCcez4o0CRTbT/s400/Diaries+2011+036.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior pockets</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJYjWL844-cHrydsWmNqeHsVMrYLMwyu1tTAMdIAKef-SyYYCKnf6GF4noANiokqTXRjqMCqVZFyf7SrtHkbhLvmJ1UpnWrYYPcOjxCY_jHJQ-DGi7zp4p-EkKOjb8eYeLYfLHWIvXKaw/s1600/Diaries+2011+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJYjWL844-cHrydsWmNqeHsVMrYLMwyu1tTAMdIAKef-SyYYCKnf6GF4noANiokqTXRjqMCqVZFyf7SrtHkbhLvmJ1UpnWrYYPcOjxCY_jHJQ-DGi7zp4p-EkKOjb8eYeLYfLHWIvXKaw/s400/Diaries+2011+035.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snap at top for tote, or snap at bottom for handbag</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Here it is with the sides snapped down into Handbag mode:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIM5d2MiZHNRZxkRDmrMpXwFEnawJ-RHnmZDIkvrL5k8PL6aHUd16woEKyZgIRo1HVhwvi81ejLRigsrbKcNcRT3NNRcwq0rFC4pNv72ZotcUY7yccAMvEtCYpRQXJ_34-GandsZZeRMb/s1600/Diaries+2011+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIM5d2MiZHNRZxkRDmrMpXwFEnawJ-RHnmZDIkvrL5k8PL6aHUd16woEKyZgIRo1HVhwvi81ejLRigsrbKcNcRT3NNRcwq0rFC4pNv72ZotcUY7yccAMvEtCYpRQXJ_34-GandsZZeRMb/s400/Diaries+2011+037.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPuLMQERyvbG1ey6wTlJVzYpG5Qt9dHkYEifJanmMiaMMz3_SjNvF0Z5wVAwrnyPbtLN8isBkZDjZ1SJZTv4NQ_ug16AWkAzoV0BmeFaxPlmZI_iMjXtBEdxXEjbrrKpk_St_9N8CfJuQ/s1600/Diaries+2011+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPuLMQERyvbG1ey6wTlJVzYpG5Qt9dHkYEifJanmMiaMMz3_SjNvF0Z5wVAwrnyPbtLN8isBkZDjZ1SJZTv4NQ_ug16AWkAzoV0BmeFaxPlmZI_iMjXtBEdxXEjbrrKpk_St_9N8CfJuQ/s400/Diaries+2011+038.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of snap in Handbag mode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Even in Handbag Mode it's still very roomy. Here's my personal Filofax Finsbury at the bottom. Helloooooo down there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2b-nkyJYkL_37u8Jmgc6PMdWcdfmg1LouI3fZ1jbFWUtctXKZ3oR6w4HSz29VtgVzhZn7Iw5rg4j6WZPoONQwd3TNT5HPyYu_K2t5_qt0D0kUMpbDBt5LtgfTJqrDe_ZwXWnfXgSKWI3/s1600/Diaries+2011+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2b-nkyJYkL_37u8Jmgc6PMdWcdfmg1LouI3fZ1jbFWUtctXKZ3oR6w4HSz29VtgVzhZn7Iw5rg4j6WZPoONQwd3TNT5HPyYu_K2t5_qt0D0kUMpbDBt5LtgfTJqrDe_ZwXWnfXgSKWI3/s400/Diaries+2011+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here's my A5 Finsbury in the bag, in Handbag mode. Despite peeking out the top, the bag would actually zip fine. In Tote mode, the bag holds A4 size (letter size) files and notebooks with room to spare.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRWTcQYyZEQ0RAp_RUlcqNQuGMCvLqMDgTgG0z_P-OfOhym7bKbyn6Cs4UmDx7eO_Q788fcCFu_p25-g3yRxc4Jd8KuQPINtLpGw-tiT9qyv_TY07fJwQLtOER3Qdp3LOLsWFlp5yOgOs/s1600/Diaries+2011+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRWTcQYyZEQ0RAp_RUlcqNQuGMCvLqMDgTgG0z_P-OfOhym7bKbyn6Cs4UmDx7eO_Q788fcCFu_p25-g3yRxc4Jd8KuQPINtLpGw-tiT9qyv_TY07fJwQLtOER3Qdp3LOLsWFlp5yOgOs/s400/Diaries+2011+040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As usual with me, there is a backstory...<br />
<br />
A year and a half ago <a href="http://www.plannerisms.com/2010/04/stranded-in-london.html" target="_blank">when I was in London</a>, <a href="http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2010/04/brigitte-at-london-filofax-shop.html" target="_blank">I visited the Filofax shop</a>. Among the other wonderful goodies there, I fell in love with this Finchley tote. I loved the wonderful soft leather, and especially the functionality of two bags in one. It's a handbag! That expands into a tote! I reeeeeaaaaalllly wanted it. And, it was discontinued! EEEP! But sadly, it was way out of my price range so I figured it would never be mine.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago finding it at $100 OFF and suddenly IT'S MINE!! MWAA HA HA HAAAAAA!<br />
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I ordered this tote from <a href="http://www.pensandleather.com/" target="_blank">www.PensAndLeather.com</a>. They are having an <a href="http://www.pensandleather.com/Filofax-Leather-Close-Out-Sale.aspx" target="_blank">amazing Filofax closeout sale, click here to see</a>. Right now there are only TWO of the red Finchley totes left, <a href="http://www.pensandleather.com/filofax-finchley-expandable-leather-tote-bag-red.aspx" target="_blank">click here to nab one before it's too late!!</a> (Sorry for the blatant enabling! I'm not affiliated with Pens And Leather, I just can't resist a good enabling opportunity when I see one. ;D )<br />
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I'm not normally a red person, but I love the look and feel of this leather. It makes me want a red personal Finchley Filofax binder to match!!Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550291806241735598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-23429158692385605842011-06-21T23:11:00.003+01:002011-06-21T23:22:58.719+01:00Wallet or Purse?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3hcrgwcVemCZ_9g0O5N6AzE2JyB7lR7gQAS_QcLkDqXEtB0MQ_11Kh6z_oxxweCl42qu1JY4SuliQuiMKJ_0iJrMebBfEzSd2eFdxb6oAilZ4UgJOwQOP4RweTgk4p4hQhORcngKJ1I/s1600/Malden-LgZipPurse-Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3hcrgwcVemCZ_9g0O5N6AzE2JyB7lR7gQAS_QcLkDqXEtB0MQ_11Kh6z_oxxweCl42qu1JY4SuliQuiMKJ_0iJrMebBfEzSd2eFdxb6oAilZ4UgJOwQOP4RweTgk4p4hQhORcngKJ1I/s200/Malden-LgZipPurse-Black.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What is the difference between a Wallet and a Purse? Both as far as I know perform the same function. They hold your paper money, coins, credit cards etc. But why the different names?<br />
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I know they come in different styles for men and women, but why the different names?<br />
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I was looking on the Filofax UK site and I was looking at their '<a href="http://www.filofax.co.uk/uk/leather+accessories/">leather accessories</a>' section and then I saw Malden... must have a look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F7I3rbD9HuFWc_HfbWVh-ULYe6CPvC8BHRhQiWLlUgJmbK4W6OMpsJquL0y16cWZ-qNflKz7TB4s35-L2WiZfGb_ZCOwDZhH-26NDrOZStCs3AKyn8rvy-GJwcFJ91WNWTW51qD_dpk/s1600/828058_2795599985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F7I3rbD9HuFWc_HfbWVh-ULYe6CPvC8BHRhQiWLlUgJmbK4W6OMpsJquL0y16cWZ-qNflKz7TB4s35-L2WiZfGb_ZCOwDZhH-26NDrOZStCs3AKyn8rvy-GJwcFJ91WNWTW51qD_dpk/s200/828058_2795599985.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Even Filofax has fallen in to this trap though.. I quite liked the look of the this Malden <a href="http://www.filofax.co.uk/store/businessdetails.asp?catId=6&productId=514">'purse'</a> in black. I thought that would be quite smart and secure. I want something that only carries cards, money, coins and my passport. That looks big enough and secure enough? <br />
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However, if you go back a step to the front page and see that you can select on 'gender' click on <a href="http://www.filofax.co.uk/store/businessandsocial.asp?control=processrequest&catId=6&gender=1">male</a> and look everything is a wallet. Click on <a href="http://www.filofax.co.uk/store/businessandsocial.asp?control=processrequest&catId=6&gender=2">female</a> and it's a purse. <br />
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So it looks like I might have to go against convention once again... man bag plus purse... it's a bit worrying isn't it!Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-80042307486413773672011-04-30T16:07:00.002+01:002017-09-05T17:26:11.648+01:00New Day BagIt's nearly a year since we moved here to France and I started using my '<a href="http://philofaxy.blogspot.com/2010/08/carrying-my-filofax-pocket.html">man bag</a>' on a daily basis, I guess you might have read the post I put on <a href="http://philofaxy.com/">Philofaxy</a>. I find this size of bag quite a convenient size of bag to use most of the time and it's perfect of a pocket Filofax and my other clutter I carry.<br />
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However, it it more or less full all the time and it is too small if I also want to carry a personal size Filofax. I have numerous bags that are considerably bigger, but they are almost too big for daily use. I've looked and been tempted by <a href="http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/home">TimBuk2</a> and <a href="http://www.rickshawbags.com/">RickShaw</a> bags, but their availability this side of the Atlantic was one of the limiting factors.<br />
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So in order to look for something slightly larger I started looking at what size of bag I <a href="http://bagsey.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-size.html">actually needed</a>. It was essential that it could take a personal size Filofax in addition to things like my reading glasses (can't cope without them these days!), my mobile phone needed to be easily accessible, space for other things but preferably in pockets rather than rattling around in a mess.<br />
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There are a lot of bags on the market, but in the end I started to look again at my favourite Lowepro camera bags. The one thing I like about this brand is that they make bags in various styles and in many sizes in increments from small to large, so it was relatively easy to choose a bag style I liked and then pick the size I needed. They are also good quality and good value for money. <br />
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I found their customer service people very helpful in answering questions about my target bag to ask if the padded dividers could be removed which they can.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqDwz7dsxNSd_0YZnNt1XL4KQbllgx3qfUFhRRevwavdN70JAYR3Z79zW9OkZQ3UmomqRr2ijf7Ob29INnqIr18mp2mYUyKo8XdAYauBE5AVAs5gMLN-LRFlkxueSgzIvZ71Tg3WU9E8/s1600/DSCF0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqDwz7dsxNSd_0YZnNt1XL4KQbllgx3qfUFhRRevwavdN70JAYR3Z79zW9OkZQ3UmomqRr2ijf7Ob29INnqIr18mp2mYUyKo8XdAYauBE5AVAs5gMLN-LRFlkxueSgzIvZ71Tg3WU9E8/s200/DSCF0529.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I didn't really need another <a href="http://steve-morton.com/2008/10/12/whats-in-my-camera-bag/">camera bag</a>, I have two quite large ones all ready and my camera with it's add-on grip/battery pack is quite a bulky item, so I concentrated on my other requirements first. The grip does detach, but I prefer to use it with the grip on all the time.<br />
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I also found You Tube useful for looking at video reviews people had done about possible bags I had chosen from the range of bags available. <br />
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So the decision was eventually made and I ordered my bag from Amazon, it arrived within 3 days from Amazon UK which I thought was quite quick.<br />
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And here is my new bag, it's a <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0016JA36A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=pemburyvillag-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0016JA36A%22%3ELowepro%20Nova%20170%20AW%20All%20Weather%20Shoulder%20Bag%20for%20Digital%20SLR%20-%20Ultramarine%20Blue%3C/a%3E">Lowepro Nova 170 AW</a> in Ultramarine Blue, yes a bit of colour co-ordination to my new car! But it was also available in black and beige. I am very much a blue person so there wasn't much of a decision to be made there. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OUkGxYnst_9wRn63Z0lK6u7mUrW6deEuVmIZ9I8SHYyzCn7RU-JIXG25EP2CMQ2YSZztbj2a8jpDLCtFMSvhnnJsrGLIaHxERJNF-Kgpv59x_CPrS-IIzLuSPbnQYmJKrV2a3gfQUl8/s1600/IMG_9987.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" id=":current_picnik_image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVf2v8mQzNgVI15BNvWDb-TKbYeLSNdZvlErDODZ6h3zTBFBusEVpX-dVgPeq_QuQAzZe78iNefhC3tTabZqJpiBUo9UL1Gvc6R8sle2eysz_kgO1iX9RSGUCvhdfaIT6TTwWf6jdWSk/s1600/13772478259_tFp6G.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The bag has a main compartment, plus other pockets and additional elasticated pockets at either end. In addition to the carry handle there is a decent shoulder strap too.<br />
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Here it is with my film camera minus it's battery grip and a flash gun. The flap over cover is zipped and there is a buckle too.<br />
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Take out the camera gear and one of the padded dividers which are held in using velcro and it becomes a great bag for a Filofax or two!<br />
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This is my personal Malden and my French English dictionary and there is still plenty of room to the left for my reading glasses to slip in. The outer zipped pocket will hold my compact camera and the zip pocket in the outside flap will be the perfect place for my phone.<br />
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Then I thought I wonder what it will hold without any dividers in it...<br />
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Yes it will take an A5 Filofax, in this case my grey A5 Malden, so there are lots of Filofax possibilities with this bag!!<br />
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I'm very pleased with my new 'addition' I'm sure it will get a lot of use in the coming summer months.Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-46093582083781771042011-04-22T20:49:00.000+01:002011-04-22T20:49:30.911+01:00What size?If a bag comes in different sizes or several sizes, how do you choose which one to buy?<br />
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So excluding looks and colours and that sort of thing, you have decided on that already, but then the bag range of your choice comes in different sizes, how do you decide which size to buy? <br />
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I'm going through this decision thing at the moment. May be I'm taking it too serious!! (Yes ok I am!!).<br />
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I'm looking for a bag that is slightly bigger than the one I use at the moment as my 'Man Bag' which accommodates most things comfortably, but not everything. <br />
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The danger as I see it is going too big, so I have tackled this in a fairly systematic way. OK I've got this bag, what else do I want to carry.... this this and this. Then I realised, ah but if you wanted to carry all of that..... what about this bag you already own...<br />
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OK that solves that problem, but I'm not going to be carrying everything everyday.... so something smaller but not as small as what I'm using now...<br />
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So I have ended up measuring things for their sizes and then looking to see what size bag I actually need. I'm getting close to making a decision, which I suppose is a good thing.<br />
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I'm often accused of having too many bags, but to me they all serve a purpose, I never like to have a bag that is over or under sized. I prefer it if the bag I'm using is about 80% full. Then it's 'just right'<br />
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To me you can never have too many... as long as they all have a purpose then it's ok to have more than just a few... a bit like Filofax organisers I suppose!!!!!!!<br />
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So have I lost the plot..... or do you thing I have found a different way to approach the decision making process.... or just buy it Steve... enjoy it!!!Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-43121545539073291442011-03-26T19:24:00.000+00:002011-03-26T19:25:44.437+00:002 Timbuk2 s<p class="MsoNormal">I was a bad girl last week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I bought not one, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">two</i> new bags.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From the same place.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On different days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So I didn’t even save on shipping fees.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had been eyeing the first bag for a while and decided I would get it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I saw the second, decided I would buy it next month.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the of course, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">right after</i> I bought the first one, I got a coupon in my email from the company.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So I went ahead and bought the second one.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had a coupon!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How could I not?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In any event…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here are my two new <a href="http://www.timbuk2.com/">Timbuk2</a> bags:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first bag is the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5561367445/in/set-72157625306702844/">Scrunchie Tote</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is meant to be a gym bag of sorts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The main attraction to this bag—for me—is its <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5561369369/in/set-72157625306702844/">ability to carry a yoga mat</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For a long time, I’ve been using a mere <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Wisdom-Yoga-Mat-Bag/dp/B001DSX2BW/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_1">yoga mat bag</a>, which is okay but it lacks the extra room to carry anything but the mat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So when I saw this bag I thought it would be perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let me just say that this bag is so great that it will definitely be used as a regular bag, in addition to the yoga mat/gym bag. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This morning I went to yoga but also had some errands to run.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So I used the bag to carry all of my items, plus the mat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It worked perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5561368415/in/set-72157625306702844/">interior</a> is so roomy—I can fit tons of things in here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Plus, there are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5561368871/in/set-72157625306702844/">several small pockets</a> for credit cards, cash, even a key fob for my keys.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The bag is a little large for an everyday bag, but depending on where I’m going and how much I’ll be taking, it’s a great option.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I love this bag already and I’ve only owned it for a little over 24 hours.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The second bag is the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5561369899/in/set-72157625306702844/">Anna Ribbons Tote</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have been wanting a simple tote for some knitting projects.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Even though I already have a <a href="http://lifewellplanned.blogspot.com/2011/01/organization-knitting.html">super knitting supply bag</a>, this one would hold a project or two—easy enough to take with me but without having to cart around <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">all</i> of my supplies at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I saw this, I knew it would be perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The ribbons on the front even make me think of crafty things.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5561945988/in/set-72157625306702844/">interior</a> of this bag is very roomy and simple, without a lot of fuss—just what I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There’s plenty of room for the current project(s), the book(s) I’m working from, my accessories and anything else I need to carry with me (like my knitting Filo – more info on this coming soon to my <a href="http://lifewellplanned.blogspot.com/">personal blog</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It does have <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5561942052/in/set-72157625306702844/">one interior pocket</a>, which will be great for a pencil or two and my needles.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Needless to say, I need these two bags like I need a hole in the head.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m happy with both of them and I’m so excited to use them!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thanks to <a href="http://yvotchkasdailytruth.blogspot.com/">Yvotchka</a> for introducing me to Timbuk2 bags.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’ll be sending her my bills later. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>;)</p>WellPlannedLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639851771653623399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-2873946724481732982011-03-18T22:20:00.000+00:002011-03-18T22:20:16.384+00:00Hand luggage bag for my UK tripI've had the serious matter of deciding which bag to use (out of the many!) for my trip back to UK this coming weekend. Normally I wouldn't agonise over such a thing, I have done the journey so many times.<br />
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However, this time it is with a bit of a twist, we are driving back to UK, then leaving our lease car in UK and then flying back. So for once we are being very disciplined about our packing. Or let me rephrase that... I'm having to be a little more disciplined about what I take, there's no... 'Right we can go now the car is full' type behaviour... What ever we take has to fit with the luggage allowance for the budget airline coming back again.<br />
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Checked in luggage isn't causing me a problem that will be a Samsonite case with my clothes and one or two other things in it. Hand baggage though is limited to 10 kg and a size restriction that is tighter than the normal international hand baggage size (56 cm x 45cm x 25 cm). Ryanair insist that your hand baggage can't be bigger than 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.<br />
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This got a bit serious when I started measuring up bags and then realised how difficult it is to measure a soft-sided bag. So I made a size gauge out of some wood, a simple frame with sides with the internal dimensions as above. A bit OTT I realise, but it proved the point that my usual LowePro Orion AW camera bag because of it's curved shape, to fit your back makes it too deep to fit the 20 cm dimension. It would fit the 25cm dimension but that's not an option for me on this trip.<br />
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So sadly all the camera gear came out of that bag, I laid it out on the bed and selected the absolute minimum set up to carry to reduce the weight and space requirement. This means leaving behind, two lens, one film body and numerous small accessories that I don't use that often. They have gone in to a padded box for safe storage.<br />
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I also want to carry my netbook computer so I needed to consider that in my bag selection. I have a selection of different computer bags from small, through medium to large, shoulder ones, rucksack types... yes I know a little excessive! Whilst they all take the netbook fine, there wasn't enough room for my DSLR camera as well.<br />
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So my other choice is my older LowePro Mini Trekker camera rucksack. So I emptied it of a few odds and ends and set about taking out all of the padded divisions. Then I started to play around with different layouts for my bits of kit until I found a layout that would work. I then put back in some of the padded dividers so the camera was held in place along with various accessories (mains leads, USB leads etc). After about 30 minutes of messing about I think I've found the optimum layout for this trip.<br />
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Netbook in the bottom of the bag, padded dividers in the corners hold it safely in place, then a large divider across the middle with the camera at the top of the bag which makes if easier to get out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v-KoBdkSKb6TP3h4gHHjN9jZ6dX641HbGftmO2w_-CLg1PtTVEXHH7KJGO-2ZOxp7rhV-2VzRn_EauObmmKWk8j74DOWd5OyP76-M0svh4-iEpM8VyghyphenhyphenxRwarcUALxtPg2eI-qu5_I/s1600/DSCF0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6v-KoBdkSKb6TP3h4gHHjN9jZ6dX641HbGftmO2w_-CLg1PtTVEXHH7KJGO-2ZOxp7rhV-2VzRn_EauObmmKWk8j74DOWd5OyP76-M0svh4-iEpM8VyghyphenhyphenxRwarcUALxtPg2eI-qu5_I/s400/DSCF0510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I did a quick size check... loads of space, then I did a quick weigh in and it's just a shade over 5 kg. Now you will have noticed possibly that there is a lot of space above the netbook.... remember I'm going to London half way through my trip to a certain shop in Neal Street.... enough said I think!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7omh9Rad65G0Lszgwl6avONA4_B_eEiCJDP1ZdLrITBUAXi6N6YhksrmpNHI8oMWwSwO_GxeaaaYQhwGbuS6REDTCGlwTOIisbUj10Qg-Y6oEir8u1z4BkuaJGQZsuP-0V-WiSO7udDs/s1600/DSCF0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7omh9Rad65G0Lszgwl6avONA4_B_eEiCJDP1ZdLrITBUAXi6N6YhksrmpNHI8oMWwSwO_GxeaaaYQhwGbuS6REDTCGlwTOIisbUj10Qg-Y6oEir8u1z4BkuaJGQZsuP-0V-WiSO7udDs/s400/DSCF0507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm quite pleased with the outcome, the bag was never originally designed for use with a netbook (they didn't exist!) but it works well and above all it's comfortable to carry as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://steve-morton.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/minitrekker1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://steve-morton.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/minitrekker1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-9735540820363536092011-02-25T15:06:00.001+00:002011-02-25T15:39:26.205+00:00Coach tote with Filofax Deco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h14XAjbYSFeNQIFuxKwkkdRuauo_Ire1iBy-5X-z54NKHUs32bB5NzfoAyQLm1rkMV27vLE-TbaBH-M5ACna__8-Gyt399ebNYEDPk8neWx-zzTG7AnSe_BSMUl4udHdEhxTVenu2v1S/s1600/Diaries+2010+327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h14XAjbYSFeNQIFuxKwkkdRuauo_Ire1iBy-5X-z54NKHUs32bB5NzfoAyQLm1rkMV27vLE-TbaBH-M5ACna__8-Gyt399ebNYEDPk8neWx-zzTG7AnSe_BSMUl4udHdEhxTVenu2v1S/s320/Diaries+2010+327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lately I've been using this leather Coach tote that my mom gave me about 15 years ago. It holds a ton, and all week I've been loading it up with file folders, camera, notebooks, and my personal size Filofax Deco, which I noticed looks particularly good with this bag!<br />
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This shot shows the bag better:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtNAKzE1GpaSXybXpAhBQ_i2-b1zezZc0X98UUV5mdEKvtabqXMlyCD9LQF1kGdj_naeOHLgw3sG5r987fbmUAVMzFOeBBwAad2KzJ6ImGL3jL3uyLBukjgWk91ITQrrBIw80RVMu0fHa/s1600/Diaries+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtNAKzE1GpaSXybXpAhBQ_i2-b1zezZc0X98UUV5mdEKvtabqXMlyCD9LQF1kGdj_naeOHLgw3sG5r987fbmUAVMzFOeBBwAad2KzJ6ImGL3jL3uyLBukjgWk91ITQrrBIw80RVMu0fHa/s320/Diaries+2010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03550291806241735598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-7375928794391953442010-12-05T15:59:00.000+00:002010-12-05T15:59:02.572+00:00Escape to Coach Outlet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPu07uwrc1I/AAAAAAAAAN8/_VVpUfb-p1I/s1600/coach+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPu07uwrc1I/AAAAAAAAAN8/_VVpUfb-p1I/s1600/coach+logo.jpg" /></a></div>After a rousing day with family taking our annual Holiday portrait, my sister and I felt the need for an emergency, sanity-restoring escape to the Coach outlet store.<br />
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I knew we were in trouble when a clerk greeted us at the door with coupons for an additional 30% everything in the store.<br />
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The place was, as you would expect, mobbed. But my sister and I share firmly established Coach addictions and we were well prepared for the gauntlet.<br />
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I headed straight for the "Clearance" table. These items are 50% off ticketed price. With the coupon that would mean they were a whopping 80% off. That, my friends, is practically free.<br />
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I picked up some accessories from the table in a pattern I have had my eye on for quite some time:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuvOn_P_zI/AAAAAAAAANs/O4IQ7pyZ-II/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuvOn_P_zI/AAAAAAAAANs/O4IQ7pyZ-II/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large zip around wallet. Room for all your cards, cash, coin and even a checkbook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuvP7PcGEI/AAAAAAAAANw/i9zRsmltj8g/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuvP7PcGEI/AAAAAAAAANw/i9zRsmltj8g/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large cosmetic case</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuvMvKCl9I/AAAAAAAAANo/BMmHrfVnj6c/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuvMvKCl9I/AAAAAAAAANo/BMmHrfVnj6c/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Technically this is a small wallet, but I use it as a case for my iPod Touch and MiFi</td></tr>
</tbody></table> As you can see the colors are fantastic! Black, grey, some taupe, tan and of course that delicious plum. I thought these an excellent value, as they go well with black gray or brown bags - the majority of my collection.<br />
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Originally I was hoping to find a bag I liked that was NOT black. I have a zillion black Coach bags (for a reason - - - they go with everything and can be carried throughout the year) and since I found the 80% off accessories, I thought a nice plum bag would be nice. Alas, they only had a couple and both were smallish and patent leather. Not my thing.<br />
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It wasn't long before I spotted a large black pebbled leather tote hidden behind many of the same style bags, but in Coach's signature fabric of various colors. It was sturdy and had a plethora of external pockets - a must have in my book. Instinctively I went for it. This would be a fantastic work bag. My sister didn't even give me crap for drooling over yet another black bag. That's how you know it's gorgeous. The leather is very similar to that of a Filofax Finchley - grained yet still buttery soft.<br />
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Here it is with the accessories in tow:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuxCda7SVI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ycMKcLpE-ok/s1600/large+bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuxCda7SVI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ycMKcLpE-ok/s320/large+bag.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large bag with practically free accessories. Note how amazing the Imperial Purple Filofax Finchley goes with this ensemble!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you ask me, that looks a lot like heaven!<br />
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The bag is huge, however, and would not be practical to carry around shopping or going out to dinner. Although perfect for carting files, lunch, a Filo and my netbook to and from the office, it would become too heavy and bulky otherwise. My hunt continued.<br />
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Once again, I ferreted out a great bag tossed in among a pile of uglier ones (if it be fair to call any Coach bag ugly!). Turns out it was the very same bag as my large tote, only a smaller bucket-shaped version. Same yummy pebbled leather, same exterior pockets, same sleek nickel hardware. It was also the last one.<br />
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Simply had to have it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuyN6UEq1I/AAAAAAAAAN4/3N8NLnSzDD8/s1600/small+bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r21L0TTkKKo/TPuyN6UEq1I/AAAAAAAAAN4/3N8NLnSzDD8/s320/small+bag.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smaller bucket bag with my Filo, wallet and iPod Touch case. Perfect for every day use.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Amazingly, all of this totaled $318. Not cheap to be sure, but for investment quality bags, a heck of a deal. I still have Coach bags I carried in High School. That was 25 years ago. These babies last.<br />
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My sister is already bugging me to go back closer to Christmas to see if the discounts get any deeper. Stay tuned, I may have more great deals to report!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-64938953112764913812010-12-03T10:51:00.000+00:002010-12-03T10:51:01.916+00:00Shop Carrier BagsAlthough there has been a marked reduction in the number of bags that shops hand out (at least here in Europe), occasionally I still get given a bag containing my goods.<br />
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Plastic bags I think you will agree hold no beauty at all, we might use them a few times and then they become a bin bag to hold our rubbish (garbage). They litter the streets are often seen hanging from branches like some device for catching falling leaves or rain!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0aTqrhST6QDUnJ239tIceJfTLWBfYQj5kdaN-0G4CTiXty0VGtjO4RRBGTZQznVk_2NZbiJ85yBdVnqDzFCurwmV_x1yj-aq3d60cx1WF0YwmjKsF7LJ2tdfaM9QaR3KgHak2h1nasI/s1600/DSCF0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0aTqrhST6QDUnJ239tIceJfTLWBfYQj5kdaN-0G4CTiXty0VGtjO4RRBGTZQznVk_2NZbiJ85yBdVnqDzFCurwmV_x1yj-aq3d60cx1WF0YwmjKsF7LJ2tdfaM9QaR3KgHak2h1nasI/s320/DSCF0229.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>However, I visited the Filofax store the other week and my purchases were handed over to me in a stylish paper bag. This is a true thing of beauty. I can't bear to get rid of it. I've refolded it flat and it is as if it hasn't been used. It would seem a crime to just throw it away.<br />
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I suppose it will show a weakness in my character to leave it on a shelf in a cupboard until we next have a spring clean. Even worse.. I have two of them!<br />
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What do you do with bags like this?Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-625270299482323482010-11-03T22:26:00.001+00:002010-11-03T22:28:37.208+00:00I’m a Travelin’ Bag…<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeF2L1w7kjTysEBx8jNEJf7BrLa0jAuV1JgZjTvZupbI6Qm9a1a0jviYTuFwry1fea-CUJ1rozddM1a1v893BP3tdxouNQoKV78kdOXMIS6Jt7dR26tImwvOlik0HdSVbFgPAgCd44P4/s1600/SAM_1127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeF2L1w7kjTysEBx8jNEJf7BrLa0jAuV1JgZjTvZupbI6Qm9a1a0jviYTuFwry1fea-CUJ1rozddM1a1v893BP3tdxouNQoKV78kdOXMIS6Jt7dR26tImwvOlik0HdSVbFgPAgCd44P4/s320/SAM_1127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535453958740990962" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">…<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:black"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travelin'_Man">I've made a lot of stops all over the world</a>.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well not really.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I haven’t been all over the world, so my bags haven’t been either.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Although, come to think of it, my bags have been more places than I have because both my mother and my sister shop in my closet for a bag when traveling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My bags have been to California, Washington, and Bermuda while I have never been to any of those places.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maybe someday my passport will have as many stamps as my bags.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Recently I did go away, though it wasn’t via an airplane.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Every summer my husband and I go to Vermont with his family.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This year decided to go in the fall as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And since this is my most recent trip, I will tell you about the bags that came with me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My main bag was a <a href="http://www.landsend.com/">Lands End</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5144168586/in/set-72157625306702844/">tote bag</a> that my sister got for me one Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a great bag because it fits so much.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And the colors are perfect for fall.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The outside has a great little pocket for something small.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I ended up putting my cell phone in here most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5144169034/in/set-72157625306702844/">Looking at the inside</a>, you can see there are plenty of pockets of various sizes for various items.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The big pocket is where I kept a magazine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The snap helps to hold it in place – I love this pocket for this use.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The magazine pages don’t get crumpled.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The smaller pockets on the other side is where I keep random items – sunglasses, wallet, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The key clasp was perfect for placing my keys – easily accessible when I needed them and many times I just flung the lanyard out to unlock doors without taking my keys off of the clasp.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The main compartment was big enough for me to put my planner, book, a box of tissues, camera and many other items.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Because this bag is so big, however, I didn’t want to have to carry it everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If we stopped at a store, I didn’t want to have to lug this huge thing around.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is where my <a href="http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/Home-10551-10051">Coach</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5144169562/in/set-72157625306702844/">wristlet</a> came in handy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In here, I kept cash, important cards, a pen, my cell phone, my iPod Touch, hand lotion, and chapstick.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5143564843/in/set-72157625306702844/">Looking at the inside</a>, it doesn’t look like you can fit much in it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But you can actually fit more than you’d think.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The small pocket on the side allows easy access for cash and cards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the things that drew me to this item when shopping was the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90685181@N00/5143562447/in/set-72157625306702844/">clasp at the top</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It makes it look a little classier than if it just zipped.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I use this when traveling because I can keep it in a larger tote and just grab it and go when the need arises.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This way I don’t have to carry around a big tote bag and the wrist handle allows me to hold it tightly around my wrist and hand. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I don’t worry about dropping it or having it snatched.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This combination works very well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s the best of both worlds really.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have also used the wristlet when going to New York City, though I have since bought a small Coach bag for this purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But more on that another time…</p>WellPlannedLifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639851771653623399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3773232664109238941.post-77470461138004028582010-10-27T11:00:00.000+01:002010-10-27T11:00:06.638+01:00Travelling light<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_102828913"></span><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiUj-g6hq59_3mAbz3-aY55_TGOFxs2kuYgVQpfV4heTHMPFsaZJaWgzvBrsw3x0d64kGK7tmHu8_K05LePL0Cmv1h9kIEw12TqWOOxmgxufrItYKZ9hjKa0fODxgj6Mm2Rt19nexGFw/s200/91018-Red-Oxx-Air-Boss-Carry-On-Bag-hero.jpg" width="200" /><span id="goog_102828914"></span></div><br />
Here in Europe with budget airlines restricting the amount of baggage you can freely carry on-board the aircraft as hand baggage. It is quite a skill to reduce your carry-on baggage to a minimum and to make the most of the space and weight you can take on any short trip, be it for business or pleasure.<br />
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For about five years I used to have frequent short trips to our second home in France, now we live at that house in France the direction of our travel has been reversed, with occasional trips back to UK to visit friends and family.<br />
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One website I discovered was <a href="http://www.onebag.com/">One Bag</a>, I found it whilst searching for Travel Lists for <a href="http://www.philofaxy.com/">Philofaxy</a> (honest!!) but the site does contain a lot of useful information, what to pack, different bag recommendations etc.<br />
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If you are a frequent traveller, I recommend a visit to <a href="http://www.onebag.com/">One Bag</a>.Steve Mortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08062727836545335187noreply@blogger.com0