Back to School With Targus *Giveaway*

In less than 3 days, I’ll be on a plane to New York City!  Because I’m a geek tech mom, I’ll be toting my Palm Pre Plus, MacBook, and my KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera.  And they’re all going to be packed nicely in my Targus Unofficial Messenger bag.

Targus offers a wide variety of stylish laptop computer cases and accessories.  My MacBook fits perfectly in their Messenger bag, which is compact, lightweight, and convenient.  The Messenger bag includes two main compartments…one for your laptop and one for your accessories and necessities.  The bag, which is comprised of nylon, features air-mesh padding for ventilation and protection.

If you’ve ever carried a laptop around for any length of time, you know how heavy and uncomfortable it gets.  I like the fact that this bag has a wide shoulder strap (although it would be nice if it was padded) and doesn’t add much in the way of weight or bulk.  The Unofficial Messenger bag retails for $49.99 and is available in Black, Brown, Red, and Blue.

Targus also offers Laptop Backpacks, like their Spruce EcoSmart Backpack which is made from 100% recycled material and can fit laptops up to 17″.  The backpack is roomy with several pockets to hold business cards, pens, an iPod, and more.  The Spruce Collection is made from recycled plastic bottles and free from nickel and PVCs.

If you’re looking for modern laptop bag that’s stylish and user-friendly, just visit Targus.

Win It! One of you will win a Targus bag!  Simply visit their website.  Then come back and tell me the name of the bag you’d choose.  Comments will close on September 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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No compensation was received for this post.  Items for review and giveaway were supplied by Targus.

BUILT Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Elizabeth.  Congrats!

The first reusable lunch bag I bought was from a company who draws inspiration from “the city that never sleeps.”  When I shop for products that I believe will cut my usage of disposable products, I seek out something stylish because I believe that going green can be fashionable.

“BUILT transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.”  I like that quote because it sums up exactly how I feel about the company.  Their strategic use of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and funky shapes on an unconventional fabric (neoprene) make their entire product line stand out above the rest.  Here is a little more information about the company from the site:

Our design team, headed by two of the founders, starts with everyday objects such as bottle totes, lunch bags, and laptop sleeves—then strips away the unnecessary and the expected.  Our solid roots in the tradition of American industrial design guide us in the belief that form is as important as function, and color is the glue that binds them together. The results from this unusual foundation are original and stylish products that meet the demands of life in perpetual motion.

I received a Renzo Oven Mitt, Scoop Camera Case, and One Bottle Tote to review, courtesy of BUILT.  What’s wonderful about neoprene is that it’s protective and insulates.  And while it keeps cold items, cold, it also protects you from hot items.  The camera case has a rigid back which makes me confident in it’s ability to protect my camera from a very curious toddler.  The bottle tote can insulate for up to 4 hours (impressive!).  My only suggestion when standing it up is to make sure it doesn’t tip (depending on the type of bottle you place in it). The oven mitt can be used with either hand and can withstand heat up to 500 degree fahrenheit (again, impressive).  Who knew neoprene was so versatile?  And, it’s super easy to wash and dries very quickly.  I usually toss my lunch tote in the washing machine and let it hang dry so that it keeps it’s shape.

BUILT offers a wide variety of solutions for food and drink, technology, and even a baby.  I’m already eying the Cushy Tushy Changing Pad for number 2!  The entire selection is affordable and the company has an online store for easy purchasing.  You can also use their store locator for a physical retailer in your area.

Win It! One of you will win a gourgeous Gourmet Getaway in Micro Dot/Fiery Orange.  Simply head on over to the site and take a look at their array of products.  Come back here and leave me a comment with your favorite (not mentioned in my review).  Comments will close on June 2, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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Enter Tanya and Amanda’s giveaways

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Totin’ Your Tot In Style!

The fabulous Metropolitan Mama recently blogged about baby niceties and necessities  in one of her themed weekends and it really got me thinking.  Much of my shopping is done online and I can’t tell you how many beautiful products I’ve seen for babies and toddlers.  I also happen to live in Orange County and grew up in Los Angeles, home to more than a few chic baby boutiques.  All this to say, I’ve seen my share of useful and useless products.  And then there are those products that sort of sit in the middle and I think to myself, that would be really nice to have and I would use it…but do I really NEED it?  And that is where the dilemma for me begins.  I place these products in a separate category…”fabulous gift ideas.” These are the products I’d ask for but may or may not purchase them for myself.

I recently had an opportunity to review a Toddler Car Seat Cover by Baby Bella Maya.  My first thought when I opened this was “It is gorgeous…stunning.” Many baby gear manufacturers attempt to design their high-ticket products to be gender neutral.  I appreciate this because it means that I am able to use products like strollers and car seats for more than one child, regardless of the child’s gender.  I own a Britax car seat and we chose a boring neutral design for this very reason.  Awhile back I remember seeing a gorgeous infant car seat cover, and for a moment, I wondered if a company offered the same type of product for a toddler car seat.  Here is a little more information about Baby Bella Maya from the site:

When it comes to posh designs for baby accessories, Baby Bella Maya was made with you in mind, from soft silky blankets and matching infant and toddler car seat covers to baby booties for boys and girls.

This is the first toddler car seat cover I’ve seen (or any car seat cover for that matter) and it’s very chic and trendy.  My favorite part is the inside because it’s so silky and soft.  I didn’t know that most car seat covers don’t have snaps, but this one does.   The snaps allow easy strap access so you don’t have to remove the manufacturers’ straps (which I wouldn’t want to do!) The covers are available in a variety of designs including fun animal prints and luxurious woven damasks.  They even come with matching seatbelt pads!  The quality is impeccable and the designs are like those seen in a high-end, couture boutique.  The seat covers fit MOST toddler car seats and retail for $70-$80 (depending on the design).  The company also offers matching infant car seat covers, blankets, booties, slings, and more!

Calypso Studios (Updated With Giveaway)

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is CandG~Jill W.  Congrats!

I started thinking about all the changes I’ve made over the last year or so to help make our home safer and preserve the environment my son is growing up in .  I’ve eliminated toxic cleaners from our home, started shopping for local, organically grown foods, ditched the water bottle habit, purchased Energy Star appliances for our home, started using a programmable thermostat, eliminated plastics with BPA, and started bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store.  Whenever I engage in discussion with people about “going green,” two issues usually arise.  Many people think that purchasing eco-friendly products is more expensive (which at times may be true) and that “going green” means giving up style, fashion, and beauty in exchange for a “crunchy” way of life.

*    Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide

*    According to the EPA, over 380 billion bags are used in the USA every year, which is more than 1200 per resident and it takes about 12 million barrels of oil to make this many bags.

*    Over 46,000 pieces of plastic are floating in our oceans worldwide

*    Each reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate an average of 1000 bags over its lifetime.

I recently had an opportunity to review a S.H.O.P (Start Helping Our Planet) tote and a pair of earrings from Calypso Studios.  Once you take a look at their gorgeous array of totes and jewelry, you’ll WANT to go green!  Here is a little more information about the company:

Calypso Studios debuted in January 2007 with a line of jewelry and accessories created from the earth’s natural elements: clay, shell and glass. The new line was immediately embraced and praised for the unique designs and mediums. The designs are on-trend and span the ages in both technique and the persons choosing these distinctive and exclusive designs.

The S.H.O.P. totes come in sets of three with fun Island colors, prints, and themes, and the set retails for $20.00 The company collaborated with American artists, such as Lori Siebert, Emma Hand,  Robin Roderick, Tina Higgins, and Andrea Tachiera to provide beautiful art on the totes.

Each tote can carry 20 pounds, which was impressive since they’re so light!  Americans throw away 100 billion bags every year and they end up in our landfills and oceans.  Some companies (i.e. Whole Foods) have eliminated all plastic bags from their stores and give you a small compensation for bringing in your own reusable bag.  There are tons of reusable bags available, but I’ve yet to see one as cute and stylish as those offered at Calypso Studios.  They store compactly (2″ x 3″ to be exact) thanks to the carrying case.  The bags are made of polyester but that is the only information I have regarding the materials used in the making of the bags. I’d love to know how they’re dyed and whether they’re recyclable.

I also received a pair of stunning Black Vineyard Earrings and they retail for $6.00! They are one inch long and consist of glass and iridescent beads suspended on twisted wire. They’re very stylish and look to be hand-crafted (but made well).

If you’re looking for affordable, fashionable accessories, be sure to check out Calypso Studios. The company donates a percentage of sales towards environmental organizations that help with causes of keeping landfills and waterways free of plastic and paper bags.

*Update* I have been conversing with one of the representatives of the company and she was kind enough to provide more information about the company.  If you remember, one of my questions was whether or not the bags were recyclable and what materials the bags are made of.  Here is what she had to say:

We use a lot of recycled glass & lead free materials.

Our SHOP Totes are polyester.

They (the bags) are recyclable in the sense that you are not using paper and plastic bags.

The bags are not dyed.  Rather, an art plate is used to make the bags.

Overall, I’m content with the response I received from the company.  I know there are many companies who claim to be eco-friendly and I want to ensure that the companies I share with you have evidence to support those claims!

Win It! Calypso Studios has been kind enough to offer one of you a S.H.O.P. tote. Just head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and leave me a comment with your favorite!  Comments will close on May 29, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

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Profuse thanks to Calypso Studios and Mom Fuse for this review opportunity!

Stick Me Designs Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are Helen and Susan.  Congrats!

23.6 million:  The number of Americans who suffer from diabetes.

American Diabetes Association

Diabetes is a debilitating, multi-sytem disese that can affect anyone from childhood through adulthood.  I have a friend who had Gestational Diabetes during her pregnancies and it changed her life forever.  She doesn’t eat, drink, or live the same way.  Every day is a battle to prevent the return of this chronic disease.  If you’ve ever known someone to suffer from diabetes, then you know that management is complicated and involves testing “equipment.”

Diabetes, like most chronic illnesses, is personal…private…  If you’ve ever suffered from a chronic illness, then you know how badly you just want to be seen as normal…even if you don’t feel that way at times.  Rickina Velte, founder of Stick Me Designs, was searching for an alternative to the standard black equipment and testing storage bag.  She wanted a fashionable, functional bag that matched her up-beat personality.  I love this quote from her:

My hopes are that our designs will fill a much needed void where style and medical necessity come together

Her bags are modern, stylish and functional. I received two wristlets to review in Hibiscus Skye and Hibiscus Poppy.  First of all…they’re adorable.  I love how you can’t even tell they’re for Diabetes equipment. No one ever had to know what you’re carrying in that cute little bag.  The wristlets feature five pockets (including one on the outside) and 5 elastic placeholders.  Their are a number of different designs available on the site and the owner is constantly changing them to keep the collection fresh and modern.  The bags are colorful and well-made.  You can purchase her wristlets, which retail for $19.99 d- $36.99 drectly from the site.

Be sure to check out her blog for product and design updates. 

Win It! I am giving away both wristlets (2 winners total).  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here with a different product/design that you like.  Also let me know who this bag will be for.  Comments will close on April 19, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

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eenamaria

I love accessories…sometimes a little too much.  In fact, if you ask my husband, he’ll tell you that I have too many shoes and too many bags.  His nickname for me is the bag lady (as unflattering as that sounds!)  They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right?  I’ll take a purse any day!  

Guess what I just received in the mail?  A fabulously stylish purse from eenamaria!  A handbag from the company was raffled off during Blissdom and we were all drooling over it. Sarah Morgan is the creator and designer of eenamaria handbags and I’ve yet to see a line of bags like hers.  She has been nominated  twice for the Fashion Group International’s ‘Rising Star Award’, and will be airing her new line on QVC this February.  Sarah hopes “to share her new collection with women who are modern, confident and strong. She also hopes to inspire and empower any woman who wears her bag – creating bold looks that represent an attitude and lifestyle that are full of passion and adventure.”  

Here is a little more information about eenamaria from the site:

Eenamaria offers every type of bag from small weekend clutches to large, functional travel totes that can fit all of your travel or business needs! And with bright colors and bold designs these bags are not only practical, but exciting and fun.