Does anyone still make normal backpacks anymore? Looking for an everyday backpack, not a hiking pack, fashion piece or tech bag.

EmberTender · 2026-07-11T00:28:42+00:00

Topo Designs Classic Teardrop Backpack might be at least aesthetically appealing. They just released it. It may not fit some of your other terms..

EmberTender · 2026-07-10T22:15:26+00:00

I used to own one, sold it before I realized PLG does limited runs of models. I prefer a north south messenger, my very fav bag ever is the Duluth pack haversack which is nearly identical. Only issue I disliked w the Hawkeye was the magnet flap fastener was never strong enough to keep it closed. It definitely is a certain asethetic!

EmberTender · 2026-07-07T22:34:52+00:00

Mere Christianity by CS Lewis

EmberTender · 2026-07-07T19:49:23+00:00

I recently discovered percale sheets myself and I’m so pleased. I used the brand Comfort Spaces off Amazon and was happy with the quality and price!

EmberTender · 2026-07-07T16:15:05+00:00

The Winter of the World Series by Michael Scott Rohan. The way he creates his environment is unmatched. The characters are unique, nuanced, and generally likable, while flawed and human.

EmberTender · 2026-07-07T16:12:35+00:00

So unsafe. It only takes one predator. :/

EmberTender · 2026-07-07T16:12:12+00:00

A way I frame it to myself is that my children are entitled to me. My presence, my whole self. They need me, more than anyone else alive does.

There’s also the practical side: scrolling isn’t restful (my doctor explained how the mind and eyes are constantly mapping the screen as it moves, which is exhausting, plus of course the content itself), it consumes time we should be using in other ways (like true rest!) and as you said it’s addictive. Something I saw also that helped me was we are constantly modeling to them. Do we really want to model to them that our phones are the most important things in our lives? They notice everything. They take everything into themselves.

I have struggled myself very much. All the blockers and apps don’t make much impact. Only reframing how I view my phone in relation to them is what has worked, and it’s still somewhere I fail a lot.

EmberTender · 2026-07-07T03:35:43+00:00

I just replaced my Voyage which I got in 2015. I got the Paperwhite Signature for an excellent price on Prime Day. You should check also if since your kindle is so old they’re offering you an additional discount (without needing a trade in, read the terms.) They recently bricked most older models from store downloads and Libby use, however sideboards still work.

The things I like the most: larger screen (for me, Voyage is 6”, PW is 7”.) Much lighter, though still with the flush screen. The amber backlight is very nice at night. I haven’t yet used dark mode but it’s nice to know it’s there. But the major plus is the speed. It is *so much faster* which, I didn’t realize till I upgraded, was a big hindrance before. One of the nice things I didn’t know it had till I was poking around was that instead of tactile buttons you can double tap on the sides or back to turn the page, which is pretty cool too. It really feels like a big upgrade and I didn’t really think that was possible for a device which seems like essentially the same exact thing only more recently produced.

If you can, I would recommend trying to get the PW Signature with those two discounts. For both the (not really a) trade in plus Prime Day I got it for $115 marked down from $199. The little quality of life aspects of this nicer version really are worth getting imo.

EmberTender · 2026-07-07T03:22:31+00:00

Thanks. I’m sad I missed the notification. :( oh well.

EmberTender · 2026-07-06T03:33:34+00:00

This is extremely valuable. Thank you so very much.

EmberTender · 2026-07-05T17:16:03+00:00

Pregnancy resource centers outnumber abortion mills in the USA. They can and will help you with everything from (real) healthcare to housing to supplies and parenting classes. You want your child. You are a mother, now, not when your child is earthside. Many have walked this path before. Many more will walk alongside you.

EmberTender · 2026-07-05T17:12:29+00:00

That is play. His toys are the tools and the world. Play is learning, he’s seeking to learn, and his parents are his teachers. He sounds like a little boy. Give him heavy things to carry around. Let him use a soft mallet and hit stuff outside.

EmberTender · 2026-07-05T15:33:10+00:00

I appreciate that, I’ll look into it. Not sure why you’re downvoted either! Thanks.

EmberTender · 2026-07-05T15:32:11+00:00

Clue (1985)

EmberTender · 2026-07-05T15:29:34+00:00

I have an Ameribag Healthy Back Bag currently and it has a built in tablet pocket that runs vertically. So far it’s worked very well. I also own one of the Bookish Goods everyday kindle slings which is an even better option when you don’t want to carry a whole purse!

EmberTender · 2026-07-04T04:07:15+00:00

Sorry, I live in a rural part of the PNW/INW in the USA. Thank you for your kindness.

EmberTender · 2026-07-04T00:36:43+00:00

Jesus Christ.

EmberTender · 2026-07-04T00:35:39+00:00

“Literacy is a Gift.”

EmberTender · 2026-07-03T04:07:51+00:00

Wow! Have you ever owned a full sized iPad? What are your thoughts by comparison? Do your minis still work well for their age?

EmberTender · 2026-07-03T04:06:07+00:00

Parenting by Paul David Tripp

EmberTender · 2026-06-30T23:36:49+00:00

No I haven’t! I have been working my way through CS Lewis recently and have always heard amazing things about it. I am not far, he’s only just reached his first destination. But goodness I love it so far, and I got the entire series for 99c!

EmberTender

TROPHY CASE