Emani Minerals Review and Giveaway

I am a self admitted make up addict and I am constantly looking for new and unique cosmetics to add to my ever growing collection, but the one thing that every piece of make-up I own has to be is cruelty free, I refuse to use any products tested on animals and at times I will tell you it’s difficult to find cosmetics that proudly display they are cruelty free. I’ve also just started wearing mineral cosmetics and I have tried many different brands and only a handful have been what I would call effective an beautiful. In the past the mineral cosmetics I’ve tried either make it look like I am wearing no make-up at all and leaves my face kinda oily and looking like it did before I took time to put on the foundation/powder or they don’t wear all day and I end up bare faced before the day ends…which I hate!!! But, recently I was introduced to the wonderful cosmetics from Emani Minerals and they have completely changed the way I look at mineral cosmetics!

About Emani Minerals (taken from website):

EMANI STORY
The Green Professional Cosmetic Range
EMANI MINERALS was established in 1998 with one objective – to provide a clean, green and high performing cosmetic range that exceeds the high standards of the professional makeup industry, while remaining suitable for everyday use. EMANI combines the natural pigments and certified organic extracts with the latest science & technology to push the boundaries of artistic and performance abilities.

* A noticeable healthier complexion in 4-6 weeks
* EMANI bases work with skin care and not against it
* Free of harmful dyes and harsh chemicals
* High performing & long lasting by utilizing natural silicon technology
* Paraben free and talc free
* Vegan & Gluten Friendly
* Cruelty Free, PETA approved
* 100% recycled paper used on 98% of EMANI packaging
* Makeup artist approved

CHEMICALS IN OUR BODIES
Emani Minerals was established in 1998 with a single-minded objective – to provide a line of cosmetics to a wide range of people that goes above and beyond the high standards of the professional makeup industry. Emani Minerals top priority is to incorporate the benefits of mineral-based products and formulate these products that are paraben-free, talc-free and do not have starches, dyes, and perfumes. A leading cause of damaged skin (wrinkles, breakouts) is the heavy use and constant application of chemical-based makeup. Years of prolonged exposure to these types of products drains the skin of its natural vitality. The development of mineral-based makeup resolved this undesirable situation. Both plastic surgeons and dermatologists praised this innovation. They knew that minerals formulated in products that come from the earth are the most natural and healthy products you can put on your skin. Mineral-based makeup integrates elements and inorganic pigments that exist in nature. These ingredients are finely milled and purified. They are then treated with additional pigments to create a vast array of colors and effects. These effects range from a matte finish, those effects that offer a slight shimmer, and even those that bring a lustrous brilliance to the skin. Emani Minerals products also address skin conditions that are uniquely relevant in today´s toxic world. The popularity of cosmetic surgery and the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun can cause permanent skin damage. Chemically based sun block can produce a negative reaction to the skin. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists alike recommend either a titanium dioxide or zinc oxide based product to combat the harmful UVA and UVB rays. However, these pricey creams are prescribed for medicinal purposes, not cosmetic ones. They are chalky and leave the skin a pallid white. Even worse, traditional liquid foundations contain unnatural ingredients that can unbalance or irritate many skin types. EMANI MINERALS understands the benefits of mineral-based cosmetics and the desire to use these types of natural cosmetics everyday, regardless of the sensitivity of the skin.


My Thoughts:

The kind folks over at Emani Minerals gave me the amazing opportunity to choose three of their cosmetic products to review and after much debate on what I wanted to try I finally decided on the Liquid Mineral Foundation in natural beige, their Mineral Concealer & Powder in fair/medium and finally their Rock Groupie Lip Shine (all pictured above). Once I made my decision, my product samples arrived very quickly and I was on my way to treating my skin to some wonderful cosmetics that not only made my skin look movie star great but it actually helped improve the overall look and feel of my skin after a few short weeks of use.

Even though I love all three of the products I was sent and don’t see myself using any other foundation, concealer & powder or lip shine, I have to say that of the three my absolute must have is the concealer & powder combination. I just love how well the concealer covers my occasional blemish and the powder is absolutely fantastic! The way my face looks with this powder is simply amazing, it has so a light and glowing finish that even if I didn’t get a full 8hrs of sleep the night before my face looks fresh and well rested…I know it sounds crazy that a powder can do such things but this powder is well…kind of like magic, and it’s such a beautiful color and gives my face a warm summer glow that I’ve never gotten from another powder.

The foundation is pretty awesome as well, I love that it goes on silky smooth and does a very good job covering up the small imperfections so I don’t always have to use the concealer and to be completely honest I’ve never had a mineral foundation liquid or not that covered so well and gave me that natural look I love but also covered the imperfection that I can’t stand to be showing when I wear make-up. Oh, and by the way this foundation lasts me all day even during the hot summer days…I LOVE IT!!

Now last but not least is the Rock Groupie Lip Shine. While I only wear lip color on occasions (I typically wear a lip balm) I love the Rock Groupie! Not only does it leave my lips silky smooth but the color is amazing! I’m really into rock music and I like to think of myself as a rock diva and well…before “Bug” was born I had the whole rock diva look daily because I actually had time to do the dark dramatic eyes and have my big hair and oh how I wish I would have had the lovely Rock Groupie Lip Shine from Emani when I was doing the whole look. But since I received this lip shine I have done the rock diva look several times and the lip shine looks amazing with it. I love the pinkish purple glitter color that really sets off a set of smokey black eyes!

Bottom Line:

I love….love…..love Emani Minerals! I can’t even say enough good things about this company and their cosmetics. As I mentioned in the past mineral cosmetics and myself have not always seen eye to eye and most of my experiences with it ended in a make-up disaster but not with Emani Minerals the products I was send did just was they said they would do and more, before Emani I didn’t think I would ever find a mineral make-up that would look as great as my regular brand but move over Emani now has a permanent place on my make-up counter.

If you are a make-up diva like me or if you are just looking for a wonderful line of cruelty free mineral cosmetics that will leave your skin looking and feeling wonderful even after you take it off I highly recommend checking out the amazing products at Emani Minerals….I’m pretty positive you won’t be sorry and it will be love at first wear!!!

Buy It:
To purchase any of the Emani Minerals products mentioned above and so many more visit the Emani Minerals website!

Win It:
Emani has kindly agreed to offer one of my lovely make-up divas their starter kit in med 1 (pictured below) and a lip gloss (ARV $100)!!!!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Emani Minerals and tell me what one product is a summer must have on your make-up counter! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Emani Minerals be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” Emani Minerals on Facebook

6. Follow Emani Minerals on Twitter


Giveaway ends July 05, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Emani Minerals products mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Sublime Stitching Review and Giveaway

I am very very excited about this post today because I get to share a company with you all that is absolutely awesome! I don’t know that I have been this excited over a review and giveaway in well….EVER!!! I don’t know if many of you know this but I love to craft and I am constantly dabbling in something here or there but recently I was introduced to Sublime Stitching and their amazingly adorable embroidery kits. I can remember when I was younger my grandmother and I doing embroidery together and it has literally been years since I even picked up and embroidery needle but as soon as I seen the designs and kits at Sublime Stitching I immediately got the itch to do some embroidering and I was beyond thrilled when they agreed to let me do a review and giveaway!

About Sublime Stitching (taken from website):

Sublime Stitching was founded independently in Austin, Texas in 2001 by Jenny Hart, due to an overabundance of bunny-n-duckie patterns and outdated, overly-difficult instructions for embroidery. After first trying embroidery in the summer of 2000, Hart was unable to find any alternative patterns for stitching ("alternative" meaning: anything other than cutesy teddy bears, duckies, bunnies and scarecrows). Instead of waiting for the craft industry to do something new, she did it herself. Jenny decided to create the company she wished existed: introducing her own designs in non-traditional themes, with new education and new anything for embroidery.

Sublime Stitching introduced edgy embroidery design, all-in-one embroidery starter kits and entertaining, now-I-understand-it instructions to bring embroidery back to life for a new generation of needleworkers. Hart's pioneering take on an ages-old handcraft was met with worldwide press, and hordes of loyal crafters, thankful for finally having the first alternative to geese in bonnets. (Things got a little crazy after that.)

Hart's vision for updated embroidery has grown from her first line of four design sheets to over fifty themes, including the collaborative Artist Series, and a complete product line that includes quality tools and textiles for embroidery. Through Sublime Stitching, Jenny has taught embroidery to thousands with her uniquely clear instructions, books, workshops and appearances. The tremendous success of Hart's signature embroidery style led to a series of titles of the same name with Chronicle Books.

Even though Sublime Stitching is based deep in the heart of Texas, it's a tiny, independent company right here in Austin. Its success has been firmly rooted in public support, and the reach has been worldwide. That's why Sublime Stitching endeavors to maintain fair-trade relationships both locally and internationally and to collaborate with communities of other independent crafters, artists and locally-owned businesses whenever possible. All for embroidery and embroidery for all!

My Thoughts:

I was sent one of Sublime Stitching’s Ultimate Embroidery Kits that I was able to customize for myself and let me tell you I was like a kid in a candy store! But, before I go into that let me tell you what the Ultimate Embroidery Kit includes:

Comes Crammed With:
- 5" Plastic Embroidery Hoop
- 4 Embroidery Needles w/ Magnet
- PINK all-metal embroidery scissors
- Complete Embroidery How-To and Stitch Diagrams by Jenny Hart ♥
AND YOU PICK:
- Your choice of one Pack of Patterns from 50+ themes
- Your choice of Embroidery Floss in 7 colors
- Your choice of one Textile

And I gotta say all this for only $30 that’s an insane deal!!!! I could not wait to choose my poison if you will so after trying to decide what pattern, embroidery floss and what textile I wanted I finally decided on the Forest Friends Transfers, Primary Floss Combo and the Most Awesome Tea Towel as the textile.

I can tell you I was so excited that it seemed to take years for me to get my kit but in reality it was just a couple of days. I was a bit nervous when my kit arrived because it had been so long since I picked up an embroidery needle but thanks to the wonderful Embroidery How-To and Stitch Diagrams by Jenny Hart that came with the kit I was off on my adventure in no time. I must say though that embroidery is much easier than I remember from when I was younger or maybe it was just Jenny’s wonderful and to the point directions that are super easy to follow.

I know I got the most awesome tea towel in my kit to embroider but after having a couple of test runs on the tea towel I got brave and picked up some new dish towels from our local Dollar Tree and this is what I ended up with after I put the adorable Forest Friends transfers:


The transfers are extremely easy to apply and all you need is a bit of knowledge about how to use an iron and your on your way. All the pieces you see above took me less than 20 min to apply to the items and most of that time was waiting for my ancient iron to heat up enough. I don’t know about you but I just love these little forest friends in this kit….the Deer is my favorite but the owl and squirrel is adorable as well but I can’t leave out the cute little porcupine J! Just to let you know what I chose this kit, I did so because we have been remodeling our home and our kitchen is fixing to get Barn Wood cabinets and our counter tops are made from rusted tin so all of our décor is woodland friends such as deer, bear, moose and well cabin décor and I have been unable to find the decorative dishtowels so I decided to make my own.

I’ve only had time to finish one of the pieces but I can tell you I am already in love…..just have a look at how amazing this little guy turned out:


Isn’t is just lovely! It’s perfect in everyway and I’m so proud that I embroidered myself and it looks just like if I would have bought it!! I have already had so many friends and family members compliment the pattern and my work that it is unreal! I’ve also had a couple of my good friends wanting me to make them each a set of decorative dish towels and kitchen mitts, but like I told them they can do it themselves with the help of Sublime Stitching and I am very confident that with the Ultimate Embroidery Kit and Jenny’s awesome instructions theirs will turn out just as awesome as mine!

Bottom Line:

I could not be happier with the results from the Ultimate Embroidery Kit from Sublime Stitching and I can’t wait to get the rest of the set finished but I was just so excited that I had to share this incredible company with all you crafters out there and no matter what level you are at…you can do your own awesome embroidered pieces. I have my eye on a couple more pattern transfers from Sublime Stitching for some Christmas gifts for some of my family members and I can’t wait to get started on those pieces as well.

Not only does Sublime Stitching offer adorable transfers but they have every theme you can imagine so I’m pretty confident you are going to find the perfect transfers for your kit. Also, their prices are awesome as well because let me tell you after doing this review I’ve looked at other transfers and kits from other places and you are going to get a heck of a deal at Sublime Stitching and their products are high quality!

If you are looking at trying your hand at embroidery or maybe you’re a seasoned vet at it, I highly suggest checking out the transfers and kits at Sublime Stitching because you won’t be disappointed!

Buy It:
To purchase Ultimate Embroidery Kit mentioned above and so much more visit the Sublime Stitching website!

Win It:
Sublime Stitching has very generously offered one of my fabulous readers one of their La Petite Embroidery Kits (ARV $20.00) so you can try your hand at embroidery! The La Petite Embroidery Kit includes:
* 4" Wood Embroidery Hoop
* 1 Embroidery Needle SILVER Embroidery Scissors (may vary from shown)
* Complete Embroidery How-To Embroidery
* Floss in 4 colors
* Your choice of 1 Pack of Patterns from 50+ themes!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Sublime Stitching and tell me what pattern from the 50+ themes you would choose if you won! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Sublime Stitching be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. Follow Sublime Stitching on Twitter

6. “Like” Sublime Stitching on Facebook


Giveaway ends July 03, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Ultimate Embroidery Kit mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

PJ Greetings Custom Ink Stamps Review and Giveaway

Are you tired of hand writing your return address on every letter or envelope you send out? Well I can tell you after having numerous birthday parties, holiday parties and baby showers over the last 6-8 months I can tell you I was and yes, I am aware of the cute little return address labels you can order but lets face it those can get pricey and especially if you send lots of mail. But, recently I was introduced to PJ Greetings Custom Ink Stamps and I immediately fell in love with their wonderful selection of cute address ink stamps that could save lots of writing and time, so naturally when they agreed to let me do a review and giveaway here I was thrilled and could not wait to get started!

About PJ Greetings Custom Ink Stamps (taken from website):

Custom, Eco-Friendly, Self-Inking Stamps Last 30,000 Impressions
Long-Lasting, Handmade and Personalized...PJ Greetings Ink Stamps Are Completely Unique

PJ's ink stamps are unlike anything on the market. She and her staff create each stamp design by hand. Make the designs your own by choosing your own information for your stamp.

Her stamps are pre-inked so there's no need to worry about messy stamp pads. Each stamps lasts up to 30,000 impressions--nearly a lifetime! Compare that to most self-inking stamps, which only last 5,000 impressions or evaporate when not in use. PJ's stamps are more economical than mailing labels. When you do the math, each impression costs you about $.0013 !

Stamp impressions measure 1 1/2" in diameter. Choose from round or square.
*8 inks give your stamps even more personal touch: red, blue, green, black, chocolate, orange, hot pink or purple.
*2 Day turn around to get your custom stamps
*Zero extra charges--the price you see is the price you pay

Our Thoughts:

(Note: this is not our address, it's just the design we chose picture taken from website)

I was given the opportunity to choose a custom ink stamp to review and after much debate on what design and color I wanted I finally settled on the Square Swirl address stamp with purple ink. Once I made my decision it didn’t take but a few days for my stamp to arrive and I immediately put it to work on the stack of bills, giveaway prizes and letters I had that needed to be addressed and set. After spending some time on their website making your favorite stamps personal is quick and easy….just a few simple steps adding your preferred address and such and it’s ready to go and turnaround is lighting fast!

I can tell you that this stamp was love at first use, not only is it super easy to use and make putting our return address on envelopes and boxes super quick and saves us time but it also looks so cute and just gives our envelops a more fancy look. I have had several friends and family members comment on how cute our return address stamp is and they have all wanted to know where to get their own and I happily send them straight over to PJ Greetings!!

I have now been using this stamp for a few months and I am still happy to say I am thrilled with the stamp and I am simply amazed at how long the ink has lasted and it still has a lot of life left in it. Not only does PJ Greetings offer address stamps they also offer several other adorable stamps that you can personalized for holidays, weddings and well the possibilities are endless!

Bottom Line:

As you can tell I love my custom address stamp from PJ Greetings and I would highly recommend PJ Greetings to anyone looking for adorable one of a kind custom return address stamps. I can’t wait to order another stamp for this coming holiday season for our Christmas cards and I think I will even order one of their kids stamps for “Bug’s” party invitations next February!

Buy It:
To purchase the adorable custom address stamp mentioned above and so much more visit the PJ Greetings website!

Special Offer:
Right now PJ Greetings is offering all of my fabulous readers 20% off one stamp with the code: CARTOON (expires July 5th, 2011)!

Win It:
PJ Greetings has generously offered one of my lucky readers a stamp of their choice (ARV $39.95), to dress up their envelopes!

Mandatory Entry: Visit PJ Greetings and tell me your favorite stamp! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to PJ Greetings be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” PJ Greetings on Facebook


Giveaway ends July 03, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the personalized address stamp mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Winners Announced!!!

Thank you to everyone who has entered the following giveaways:
It Cosmetics Nail Love Pen
GoodBoyRoy Prize Pack
GeoSafari AntZone from Educational Insights

And the lucky winners are:
It Cosmetics Nail Love Pen goes to comment #20 Sarah

GoodBoyRoy Prize Pack goes to comment #22 lily

GeoSafari AntZone from Educational Insights goes to comment #65 karenmed409

Congratulations to you all and I have sent each of you an e-mail so be sure to respond within 48hrs to make sure you claim your prize.

Stay tuned for lots more giveaways coming this week and be sure to enter my current giveaways on my right side bar.

Soft Clothing Review and Giveaway

As I’m sure you all know by now I am totally addicted to finding new and cute clothing online and to me there is nothing better than finding a website that offers unique and different clothing for children! Recently I was introduced to Soft Clothing, a clothing company dedicated to offering parents a line of clothing geared toward children with sensory or tactile sensitivity, a common symptom of Autism, Aspergers, and Sensory Processing Disorder. My son does not have any of those disorders but I just could not pass up the opportunity to work with the Soft Clothing company and letting all you other parents know about their wonderful products.

About Soft (taken from website):

Soft was founded in February 2007. We then began a two year market research process and one year sample development and testing phase, and finally launched our first collection in Winter 2009/10! We are a research driven company, therefore we continue to test samples on children with a variety of sensory needs and a range of tactile sensitivity--to ensure that the clothing we manufacture will eliminate the most common complaints we hear from parents and children. No more morning meltdowns, no more spending hundreds on clothes your children refuse to wear. Sign up for our mailing list on the Contact Us page for updates on our collection launches, new styles and for access to exclusive coupon codes.

Mission
Many children are extra-sensitive to the texture and feel of clothing. Soft® is the first line of inclusive clothing designed with the needs of all children in mind, including those with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and tactile defensiveness/sensitivity. We use flat seaming and seamless construction for extra comfort, 100% of the softest combed cotton and our specially developed Soft Sensory Blends , wide collars, encased elastic waistbands, printed labels (tagless), custom fits, and much more.

Created by a Mom and Special Education teacher, our goal is to design clothing that can enhance social skills, sensory organization, concentration, by addressing unique sensory needs, but without sacrificing personal style and self expression.

Jessica E. Ralli (founder, director) has an MA in Special Education from Columbia University, and worked with children with Autism and Sensory Disorders in the New York City school system before starting Soft in 2007. Jessica conducted three years of both qualitative and quantitative research in and out of the classroom in preparation for launching the Soft clothing line. Jessica is also an avid fashion junkie--following her favorite designers religiously, and pulling expertise and inspiration from her close friends in the industry.

Suzy Kogen Friedman (co-founder, partner), is a lifelong advocate for people with developmental disabilities. Her nephew Timmy, now 9, was diagnosed with Autism and global developmental delays at age 3. Timmy's daily dressing challenges were Suzy's inspiration for Soft Clothing. Suzy runs a successful real estate development company in the Chicago area, where she is also a wife and a mother. Suzy is working her creative and problem-solving magic on the development of the Soft Sensory Toy line, to launch in 2011.

What is so different about Soft?
More than 1 in 150 children have sensory needs that are largely unmet by the children's apparel market today. Soft is about to revolutionize children's apparel. We are the first inclusive and universally designed line of clothing geared toward children with sensory or tactile sensitivity, a common symptom of Autism, Aspergers, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Soft is designed and constructed considering the needs of all children, particularly, sensory sensitive dressers.

Soft provides comfort and style for all children. After conducting over two years of in-depth market research, we learned a lot about what parents want and what children like. We have incorporated that feedback to create stylish and comfortable clothes for the people who need it most. We use:

* Flat seaming totally seamless construction throuought (for extra comfort)
* Soft high quality cotton (combed, bio-washed and pre-washed for extra soft and smoothness)
* Wide collars (for a roomy fit)
* Encased elastic (waistbands that don't pinch)
* Printed labels throughout -- printed with water based ink (for a smooth non-plasticy feel that won't itch)
* Vegetable dyes, natural enzyme washes, and water based digital prints (to protect against allergies)


Our Thoughts:

Soft was kind enough to send “Bug” their seamless crew sock 2-pack (white/blue) to review and I was very excited because “Bug” is very particular about his socks, and well to be completely honest he pretty much refuses to wear most socks because he says they make bumps under his feet and hurt him and I figure that’s due to the seams because I have the same issues with my own socks.

Once our socks arrived “Bug” immediate knew that they were sent especially for him so he wanted to try them on right away which was awesome because we just so happened to be headed out the door on our way to town and it was a rather rainy day and I didn’t really want him wearing his flip flops so this was a perfect excuse to get him to wear his tennis shoes J! I decided to let him choose which pair he wanted to wear first the white or navy and I wasn’t surprised when he wanted to wear the navy. Once we got him settled down we put on his new socks and usually by this time he is complaining of the socks either itching, or crumpling up under his toes but he didn’t seem to have a care in the world so I knew right then these may just be the socks we have been looking for. But the real test was the rest of the day that we spent out in town running errands, in and out of the car and lots of walking but he never once complained about his socks or his feet….score one of Soft Clothing!

Since that day anytime he has to wear socks he searching and searching his sock drawer to find the seamless crew socks from Soft Clothing! I love them because they fit him so nicely and of course they don’t bother him to wear them all day so what could be better? As you can imagine I’ve had to wash and dry these two pair of socks quite regularly and there for a couple of weeks when we was having all those storms and flooding here in Arkansas I was washing them every other day so he could wear them out and I’m very happy with the way they stand up to the constant washing and drying. They had not shrank which is awesome nor has the navy socks faded, they still look pretty much like new and still have lots of wear left in them, although we are fixing to order a few more pairs for this fall/winter so I will always have them on had.

Bottom Line:

“Bug” and I both totally agree that the seamless crew socks from Soft Clothing rock! “Bug” has not once wanted to jerk his shoes and socks off in the store or car while wearing these socks nor has he even made one complaint! I love them because he loves them and that he will actually wear them and so far they have held up to heavy wear and tear! I’ve actually noticed Soft has a line of seamless underwear that I’m probably going to end up ordering for “Bug” since he is now strictly in underwear and of course he is picky about which ones he will where when it comes to those too.

If you have a little one with sensatory issues or is just picky about their socks or clothing I would highly recommend checking out the clothing from Soft!

Buy It:
To purchase seamless crew sock 2-pk mentioned above and so much more visit the Soft website!

Win It:
Soft has generously agreed to offer one of my super cool readers their very own seamless crew sock 2-pk for their little ones to try (ARV $12.00)!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Soft and tell me what other item you would like to get for your little one(s)! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Soft Clothing be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” Soft Clothing on Facebook

6. Follow Soft Clothing on Twitter


Giveaway ends June 29, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the seamless crew sock 2-pk mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

ReBinder Review and Giveaway

I started college this spring semester and the first thing that crossed my mind was school supplies, and where I needed to get them and what exactly I would need. As some of you already know our family is trying to be more “green” so naturally when I started looking into school supplies I was wanting to find a company that offered “green” and/or recycled products so when I was introduced to ReBinder I knew that this was the company and products I had been searching for, they have a wonderful selection of recycled binders and many other prodcuts !

About ReBinder (taken from website):

Each year, over 500 metric tons of toxic PVC ends up in landfills as the result of vinyl binders that people use. Today we should expect more. Products should be made in our country, with our workers, out of responsible materials with the intention that no landfill be required. ReBinder meets that demand.

ReBinder is the only true zero waste office supply manufacturer and the brand of choice for customers looking for sustainable, quality office supplies. Assembled by a local, AbilityOne certified disabled workforce, all ReBinder product materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests and verified FSC and SFI certified sources. With each purchase of ReBinder products, solid waste, greenhouse gas, energy, tree and water consumption are reduced. Check out our original recycled binders line.

ReBinder products have recently been nominated for the Best Office Products in North America. Learn more about our product line and how they stack up against traditional vinyl binders.

Making products responsibly means considering the source of the materials, the use of the products and where they end up at the end of their life. When used for Sales & Marketing, Events & Training or simply every day internal use, our innovative, durable and practical products raise both brand and environmental awareness while helping responsible organizations reduce solid waste and lower their carbon footprint.

Together, our customers have saved:
-Millions of pounds of greenhouse gases
-Millions of gallons of water
-Tens of thousands of trees
-Tens of billions of BTUs of energy
-Hundreds of tons of solid waste

As a privately owned business in Seattle, Washington, our philosophy embraces a balanced approach to providing exceptional value to our customers with products that reduce the environmental footprint of our industry and our customers.

Our Thoughts:

ReBinder was kind enough to send me their one of their Green Office Supply Sample Pack to review and this kit included:

RePocket: Our recycled presentation folder that is ideal for reports, media and press kits or back to school. RePockets are thicker and more rigid than traditional recycled folders. Made from 100% Recycled 20 point FSC Certified bending chipboard.

1" ReBinder Original: The original cardboard recycled binder with a removable and recyclable cover. Made from rigid recycled corrugated cardboard, our 1 inch ReBinder is the binder chosen by the industry's top architects, graphic designers and creative agencies. Your presentation and brand is sure to stand out from the rest when you present in a ReBinder.

RePouch -- (IN THE 1" BINDER): When your proposal requires an additional pocket, CD and or business card, the RePouch slash pocket folder fulfills all those requirements. Made from 20 point recycled bending chipboard, RePouch keeps loose paper in place while holding up to continuous page turning.

ReTab -- (5 Tab Dividers): Divide your documents with our rigid brown recycled tab dividers. ReTabs are made from sturdy bending chipboard in a five-cut tab configuration. ReTab is also available in an 8 tab version (not included in the green office supply sample pack).

1.5" ReBinder Select: Rougher and tougher, our 1.5" ReBinder is made from solid 100 point solid recycled chipboard and contains our unique removable ring metal assembly. Just because it's not made of plastic, doesn't mean that it's not durable! Great when used in a presentation, as a sales manual or a general office supply, our ReBinder Select is built to last.

ReSleeve: Our recycled cardboard CD sleeve without the plastic. ReSleeves are made from rigid 16pt bending chipboard to protect your CD/DVD . The perfect off the shelf solution for the software company, music label, the band or the board room. Show off the artwork on your CD through the open hole in the front...or choose the version with no hole.

RePlay: Ideal for one disc or two, RePlay recycled cardboard CD cases come with two open pockets that fit a single disc and a small booklet or two discs. The same size and shape as a traditional jewel case but made from 18 point recycled bending chipboard. You'll want to replace all your broken plastic jewel cases with a RePlay.

ReBadge: Tradeshows, Conferences, and Seminars all produce a lot of waste. ReBadge is sure to be the topic of conversation at your event. Your attendees won't believe that their badge is made from plants and not from plastic! We hope you'll reuse your ReBadge multiple times, but if you can't -- compost it! Comes with a sample our 100% recycled perforated brown cardstock.
ReWrite mini -- LINED: We've created the perfect sized 5" x 8"recycled notebook for taking notes, sketching or doodling. Our ReWrite mini comes with 32 pages of 100% Recycled / FSC Certified paper and a recycled FSC Certified bending chipboard cover. You'll get a sample of our most popular college ruled (lined) version but our ReWrite are available in case quantities in ruled, blank or quad ruled graph paper.

ReBound: Make your presentation a game winner -- go for the ReBound. Document Finishing supplies have been limited to plastic and non recycled paper options. ReBound's clear cover looks, feels and performs like plastic but it's made from plants! ReBound can be used with any comb or coil binding system and comes with a clear PLA cover and a 20 point recycled FSC Certified chipboard back. It's the perfect solution for eco friendly presentations or LEED proposals.

This sample pack could not have arrived at a better time, just as I was attending my first few days of classes and I immediately put them to work. The one thing I have to say that I love most about ReBinder (besides that it’s recycled) is that they are a simple brown color that can be decorated as you wish so it didn’t take me a “Bug” long to customize the folder and binders. I love that I was able to label them with the adorable stickers from the scrap booking section of my local craft store as well as add some stickers from some of my favorite rock bands, (yes, it was just like I was in High School all over again!).

After using most of these items on a daily basis for three months straight I have to say that they held up wonderfully of the active college life and the late night studying and taking them to and from class. Unlike other school supplies, I’ve used (back in high school) I did not have the issue of these products trying to rip and fall apart halfway thought the semester. These are for sure some of the best office/school supplies that I have ever used and I will be sure to put in an order for some more of their binders, folders and recycled notebooks for the upcoming semesters.

Not only are these products very durable and super fun to decorate and add your own “style” to they are also very firm so you don’t have to worry about your papers getting beat up in your bag or during transfer to one office to the other. I also love the RePlay and ReSleeve (cd sleeves) and I am currently looking to order some more of these for my pictures that I keep on disk to keep them safe and unscratched. The ReTabs are also awesome they seem to be quite a bit more durable than traditional tab dividers I’ve used in the past and they stayed put on the divider and didn’t crack or fall apart!

Bottom Line:

After trying all the wonderful sample products in the kit, I am super pleased to say ReBinder you now have yourself a new loyal customer and I have told lots of my schoolmates, family and friends about your products and hopefully they will take my advice and make the switch to the better for the environment and more durable products you offer for their school and office needs! I know my sister is currently looking to put in an order for her next semester college supplies for the fall semester, so I will be sure to update you all on her thoughts!

Help out the earth and add some durable and recycled office/school supply products to your office or locker! I’m telling you, you will not be sorry because these products from ReBinder will save you money in the long run simply because they are made to last!

Buy It:
To purchase the sample kit mentioned above and many more ReBinder products visit the ReBinder website!

Win It:
ReBinder has generously agreed to offer one of my fabulous readers one of their Green School Supply Kit (ARV $39.99)!!

Mandatory Entry: Visit ReBinder and tell me what product you would most like to have! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to ReBinder be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” ReBinder on Facebook

6. Follow ReBinder on Twitter


Giveaway ends June 29, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the ReBinder Sample Pack mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Impel Clothing Review and Giveaway

I just love shopping for clothing online for two reasons! One is that I am always able to fine unique and one of a kind clothing items online that I can’t find at our local stores, since I live in a very small town and the mall is 2 ½ hours away I don’t always get to dress all trendy unless I find them online. Two it’s a time saver to shop from the comfort of your own home and lots more fun too! With that said, you can imagine that I am always on the lookout for great online clothing stores and recently I was introduced to Impel Clothing, which features fashionable layering tees and vintage inspired modest clothing for women!

About Impel Clothing (taken from website):

The story of Impel began in 2005, when my husband’s construction business experienced a brief decline in revenue. As an entrepreneur at heart, I began to search for a way to help secure a stream of secondary income, and still allow me to be a mom to my (now 6) children. One evening I attended a home party offering modest undershirts, and I thought, “This is perfect. But, I can do it better!”

Doors began to open for us as we sought to create a product for the same price, but with higher quality fabric, improved coverage, and a better fit. We first began to market Impel's layering shirts through home parties and we are so grateful for our original Sales Directors who prepared the way for our business to flourish in the modest clothing industry and shared a valuable message with women all over that they can be cute and dress modestly.

Since then, we have transitioned into a modest clothing online boutique, having expanded our clothing line to include a wonderful selection of vintage inspired fashions. We strive to continually offer women what they are looking for: modesty, style, affordability, and functionality. We want to help women feel feminine and attractive while reflecting their true beauty from within.

My Thoughts:

Back in March I was sent a long sleeve tee in blushing pink to review from Impel Clothing. Now I for one love to layer my clothing and especially so in the fall/winter/spring with the weather here in Arkansas is a bit unpredictable at times. But, what I don’t like is to head out of the house wearing two shirts one long sleeve and one short over the top and the temperature starts to heat up and my long sleeve shirt is too heavy and becomes hot quickly. Well, being that I was going to school daily I figured it would be the prime time to test out the long sleeve tee from Impel Clothing. During mid March-April our morning can most of the time be pretty chilly with the afternoons warming up to a comfortable short sleeve temperature.

It was love at first wear with the tee from Impel Clothing, I love the fact that it is longer than most of my other long sleeve tees so it looks amazing with a white or black short sleeve tee over it and it keeps my undies from showing when I bend down (don’t you just hate that ladies?)! I also love that this long sleeve tee is thin and very soft which again makes it perfect for layering. Ever since that first day that I wore the tee to my Chemistry lab it became my must wear tee for Chemistry lab since we had to wear a long sleeve to every lab no matter how hot it was outside.

This long sleeve tee is super breathable and the color was just perfect for my style. Since I wear this tee quite a bit, yes even now, at night, that it’s getting close to the 100 degree mark, you can imagine that I have washed and dried this shirt a lot….well a whole lot LOL! I’m very impressed with the durability of the shirt, it did not fade nor shrink and let me just say lately I’ve had a heck of a time finding tops that I love but that don’t get destroyed in the wash.

Bottom Line:

I love my long sleeve tee from Impel Clothing! I love the way it fits my body just right and the fact that I can layer it with my favorite tees for a super cute and comfortable style.

If you are looking for the perfect layering tees and camisoles that are not only comfortable but stylish as well I highly recommend checking out the selection at Impel Clothing. Also don’t forget to check out their line of jeans, dresses and skirts!

Buy It:
To purchase the long sleeve tee in blushing pink mentioned above and so many more adorable clothing items visit the Impel Clothing website!

Win It:
Impel Clothing has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers a $20 gift certificate to their store (ARV $20)!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Impel Clothing and tell me what you would purchase if you won! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Impel Clothing be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” Impel Clothing on Facebook

6. Follow Impel Clothing on Twitter


Giveaway ends June 28, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the long sleeve tee in blushing pink mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.