Looptworks: One Year Later

It's been a little over a year since Looptworks sent us an iPad Shaxi case to enjoy.   I wanted to give you an update in case you need a gift for someone.

You might remember Looptworks sent me a Shaxi and gave away one to an Upcycled Education reader.  How fun are they?  If you missed that blog post, you can check it out here.  It is now one year later and I must say, I am totally impressed with the Shaxi.  As you can see from the photo above, the leather (which is all upcycled; you can read more about Looptworks upcycledness here) is still looking great.  There are no stains, scratches, or anything.  And, this iPad gets used every. single. day.  I wish I was kidding, but our family loves its technology.

From the photo below, you can see the inside has received a few stains and some dirt.  But, really, I don't think any human can keep pink gorgeous suede perfectly clean.  Not, when you use the Shaxi and your iPad every. single. day.  (Ha! We need a hashtag #everysingleday).

Probably my favorite thing about the Shaxi is it always closes perfectly (due to its strong magnetic closure).  It always stands perfectly. We used to use a different iPad case before this one and it sometimes would topple over, which annoyed me.  This case is built rock solid.

If you need a last minute gift for someone, I would recommend Looptworks in general.  They sell bags, cases, and even tees.

What's your favorite gift this season?

Jen

PS - My first post about the Shaxi was due to the Looptworks giveaway.  This post is just me saying, they're cool - plain and simple.  I heart cool companies, don't you?

UPDATE:  Looptworks just emailed me....the Shaxi (and your entire order) is 20% with free shipping until January 1st.  Yay!  Click here for more.

Favorite iPad Apps of Lil O {for Tech Tuesday}

After dinner at our house (and sometimes before dinner) can be a true mix of randomness. Well over a year ago, Lil O saved up and paid for half of an iPad.  Mr. UpCyclist paid the other half.  Sometimes I totally despise that piece of technology.  Other times, when Lil O is using the following apps, I enjoy it as the apps below encourage problem-solving, creativity, and music:

Video Star - Lil O is a music lover.  Really she is.  This app allows her to create the coolest music videos.  You should see the videos she produces.  They are time-consuming, creative and totally entertaining (to me, her and just about everyone else she shares them with).

Edjing - This app allows Lil O to mix, edit and spin her own tunes.  She's like a mini-deejay in training.  Plus, I like how this app makes her think ahead, pay attention to beats & rhythms, and be musically creative.

Sing! - For karaoke lovers, this app is hysterical.  You partner up with people from all over the world to sing duets.  I was concerned about the safety of this app, but so far, I'm not seeing anything fishy. I'll keep you posted if I do.

And just in case you want to see the randomness that happens sometimes all at once at our house, here you go.  An annotated photo....

I so love this kid and all the randomness.

Jen

Shaxi iPad Case Review & Giveaway

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER, K. REUSCH!

Ready for a review and a giveaway?!  Woot!  Did someone say give-a-way?!  It's been a while since we've done both on Upcycled Education.

First, meet my new friend.  The Shaxi iPad Case from Looptworks (retail $85).  I. love. this. case.  (I think that sums up my review).  But, seriously, look. at. it.

The Shaxi is made from all upcycled leather!  Yes, you heard me.  That leather was on its way to the dump - it was tossed out scrap leather - and now, it is our family's coveted iPad case - taking the place of our old, blue, roll-up case I paid $50 for at the Apple store (or was that Target) - you know, the $50 case that is falling apart.  Piece of junk - that old case.

But, the Shaxi?  Come on....Look at those lines....Look at the color blocking......

Look at how at how sturdy she is built.....Lil O can drag that Shaxi and iPad around the house and it is totally protected.  

And my very favorite part is this.....the Shaxi can stand up on its own and adjust to numerous angles. Sure most iPad cases can do that, but from my experience most of the other cases aren't as sturdy when they do - the other cases slip, slide, and come apart.  But, our Shaxi champions standing.

I was afraid the gorgeous leather would get stained, torn, or scratched.  Alas, it has been close to a month and it looks like the day it arrived.  The only downfall we can tell is it slightly hard to adjust the volume on our iPad while it is nestled in its Shaxi.  But, one strike against it doesn't sadden me.

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED! 

Today, we start the giveaway:  one Shaxi iPad case of your color choosing!  You can keep it for your lovely self or gift it to a friend for the holidays.  Enter by commenting below sharing which color Shaxi you'd choose.  One entry per person, duplicates will be nixed.  For an additional entry, however, browse the Looptworks website and pick one other product you think is amazing - again, one additional entry per person.  Enter by December 1st - midnight EST.  The winner will be announced on Upcycled Education's Facebook page on Monday, December 2nd.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Yay for cool iPad cases and upcycled products!

Jen

PS - Big thanks to Looptworks and all their Upcycled Education love & support and sharing a Shaxi with me!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!