Tries, Buys, and DIYs: 5 Things Apartment Therapy Editors Are Loving This Week

"I was recently given this ‘Nothing Matters’ stress ball, designed by artist Adam J. Kurtz, and even the packaging made me smile. The back reads, ‘The planet is billions of years old and you’re stressed about a haircut???’ Which, as an admittedly anxiety-prone person, I'm all about the rather... frank perspective reminder. Its heart shape feels especially spot-on for a cheeky last-minute Galentine or Valentine’s Day gift, too. Because nothing says ‘I love you’ like stress relief!" —Blair Donovan, Style Editor

"I'm a real cheapskate when it comes to plane tickets, so now that airlines are charging extra for overhead bin access, I've been on the hunt for the perfect 'personal item' sized bag that can fit under the seat. There are plenty of boring black backpacks out there, but my pick is the bright hues of the Cotopaxi 28L Allpa pack.  The main compartment fully unzips like a suitcase and includes one large mesh pouch on one side and two smaller ones on the other. There's a padded laptop sleeve in the back and a front zip area that's big enough to fit my quart-sized travel liquids for breezing through security. Plus, it's made with repurposed nylon and polyester fabric. I managed to pack enough mix and match pieces for a recent 6-day trip to New Orleans, and that's something worth celebrating." —Tara Bellucci, News and Culture Director

"Rifle Paper Co is, of course, known for its beautiful journals, calendars, and planners (I can’t go a day without my 12-month spiral planner), but I am here to sing the praises of their candle collection — specifically, this 'High Peaks of the Adirondack Forest' soy wax candle. It smells like stepping out of the fur coat-lined wardrobe in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' and into a magical, snowy, pine-scented forest." —Sofia Rivera, Associate Lifestyle Editor

"Most of the blankets in our home inadvertently become dog blankets, but this one that Tartan Blanket Co. sent me a few years ago is one that I have specifically put out of reach of pups because I love it too much to share. The recycled wool is thick and soft, and the generous size — about 5-foot-by-6-foot — means that I can tuck my whole body beneath it (no chilly toes!). I've been able to wash it at home when necessary — no dry cleaning required — and it's held up beautifully to frequent (human) use, seeming to only get softer over time. We still have plenty of cold days left in my home base, and this is the blanket I'll be curling up under to read my way through them. Psst: Check out the sale section, which has some patterns for up to 60 percent off." —Megan Baker Detloff, Home Projects Director

"I’m a huge fan of Mitzi’s lighting and their designer collaborations in particular. That’s why I was thrilled to see the launch of the newest tastemaker collection, which was released at the start of February in partnership with Anthony D'Argenzio of This Old Hudson and Zio and Sons. Inspired by some of D'Argenzio’s old-meets-new style sensibility, these pieces are the perfect vintage-inspired but still modern table lamps, pendants, sconces, and chandeliers. Prices start at just $198 for some of the sconces, but I personally was captivated by the Havana Chandelier, which is named after D'Argenzio’s daughter. Available in aged brass, old bronze, and polished nickel finishes, the light features traditional globe shades set on slightly squiggly, trend-forward arms and is super-substantial and large, especially for its $790 price tag." —Danielle Blundell, Executive Home Director