Giveaway Extension!

I've extended the Custom Christmas Stockings giveaway for a couple of extra days to give those of you who thought you missed out the chance to enter!  Head over here to enter to win 1 of 2 'Make-Your-Own' stocking kit from Custom Christmas Stockings Handmade by Aimee (NO SEWING REQUIRED).  Plus, make sure to read my review of Aimee's custom stocking service; if you are looking for special stockings this Christmas that truly reflect your family's interests and personalities, Custom Christmas Stockings is the place to shop!

Good Luck Everyone!

FoldTuk Giveaway!

With a small kitchen like ours, finding storage space is always a challenge! Thankfully, a company called FoldTuk offers a number of collapsible containers that save you space and offer a number of different uses.  FoldTuk containers can easily be used for cooking, serving, food storage, and more!  Currently, FoldTuk offers both 5-in-1 bakeware (you can read my review here) and the 3-in-1 FoldTuk Roaster.  Plus, in the near future, you will also be able to purchase FoldTuk cookware! 

A product that is perfect for the season: The FoldTuk roaster is designed with size in mind; both big and small.  The FoldTuk Roaster can easily accommodate a 18lb fowl/20 pound roast by expanding to 9" in height and collapsing to less than 3" for storage.  This is possible because of FoldTuk's unique "fold and tuck" technology.  This special technology allows you to cook enough to a large gathering, without worrying about creating extra storage for a bulky roaster.  According to the FoldTuk website, "the product is so unique that it has international patents pending."

This roaster comes in three different color choices including red, blue, and grey; one of which is sure to fit your personal style!  Each FoldTuk Roaster is made from food-grade silicone and contains a solid stainless steel bottom and a top rim flange (made from polished stainless steel), both of which add to the elegance of the design.  This roaster contains a interesting elliptical shaped cover that will accommodate a large fowl or roast, while locking in moisture to create a juicy and crisp fowl or roast that is evenly roasted.To make handling easy, FoldTuk has created their roaster as lightweight as possible; the FoldTuk roaster weighs in at a light 4.5lbs.  The practical design of the FoldTuk roaster allows you to cook (in ovens up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), serve, and store all in one dish (either in the refrigerator or the freezer).  And, to make clean-up simple, the FoldTuk roaster has a non-stick surface (PTFE/PFOA-free) and is dishwasher safe!

You can purchase the FoldTuk roaster on the FoldTuk website for $80.00.  Shop FoldTuk's online store from the comfort of your home and have any of FoldTuk's products shipped to your home; whether your home is in Canada, the US, or international!  Or, you can purchase your FoldTuk roaster from one of the following locations: Amazon.com, Target.com,  in-store at The Bay & Zellers in Canada, or at the specialty store named Sylvestres in Lindsay, Ontario. With Thanksgiving and Christmas quickly approaching, now is a great time to get your FoldTuk Roaster for yourself or a loved one. 

Save 20% off your next order when you quote the coupon code "everything up close" during checkout.

This coupon code is valid on all FoldTuk products purchased through the FoldTuk online store (here or here).

This coupon expires on January 1st, 2010.

To find recipes that work great in FoldTuk products, check out their Recipe Page.


What can you win? One winner will receive a FoldTuk 6-cup, rectangular bakeware piece in black.

To enter, Visit FoldTuk's website, then come back here and tell me one thing you learned about the company.  This question must be answered to gain an entry in the giveaway.

Each of the following will give you one extra entry in the giveaway. Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:
-Visiting FoldTuk's recipe page, then coming back here and telling me which recipe you'd love to try if you won the FoldTuk six-cup rectangle bakeware piece. 
-Following FoldTuk on twitter (http://twitter.com/foldtuk). Please leave your Twitter name.
-Friending FoldTuk on Facebook. Please leave your Facebook name so I can verify your entry.
-Subscribing to my blog via email or RSS.
-Adding my button to your blog sidebar.
-Following me on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/ihchicky). Please leave your Twitter name.
-Following me on Blogger / Google Friends Connect (publicly).
-Listing this giveaway on a current Giveaway Linky on another blog.  Only one link per blog post permitted.  Earn 1 extra entry for each blog you post the link on.
-Tweeting about this giveaway (with a link to this page) on Twitter. Please leave a link to your tweet or your twitter name. You can do this once a day.

- Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a link to your blog post in your comment.

- Talking about and linking to this giveaway in any public forum or on Facebook. If you do this, please leave your user-name and a link to the post.

-Donate a minimum of $1 to my BlogHer 2010 Fund using the ChipIn widget on the right hand side of my blog. Earn 1 entry for each dollar you donate! Please leave me your PayPal email address so I can verify your entry.

Important Entry Details: The above entries (main and bonus) can only be submitted once per person (except for the tweet entry, which can be done daily). Please do not use more than one blogger account or add additional anonymous comments to gain extra entries. This is not fair to everyone else and this practice is strictly prohibited. If a person is found to be using more than one account to enter the same giveaway, they will be disqualified from that particular giveaway, as well as all future giveaways.

This giveaway will end on Saturday, November 28th at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US only!

Good Luck!

*Disclaimer: I did not receive any sort of compensation to host this giveaway.  This article contains objective information that can be found on both of FoldTuk's websites.

The Children's Place + Leapfrog Promotion!

Do you love The Children's Place?  Maybe you also love Leapfrog products...  If you do, I have great news!  The Children's Place and Leapfrog is teaming up for the holidays with a special Facebook contest!  Now through November 24th, each day will give you another chance to win a Leapfrog prize package worth $70!  To enter the contest, all you have to do is become a friend of The Children's Place on Facebook.  Then, The Children's Place will draw a random winner's name each day. 

Good Luck!

Custom Christmas Stockings Review & Giveaway!

Are you looking for a special Christmas stocking for yourself or a loved one that will be remembered for years to come? Custom Christmas Stockings Handmade by Aimee offers a number of different custom stocking options, as well as a newly released item called a 'Make-Your-Own' stocking kit.  Custom Christmas stockings are great because you can customize them with your interests and hobbies, memorable events, etc., in mind - the options are endless.  Aimee's goal is to make each custom stocking reflect who you are and ensure that it is unlike any other.  No matter which custom stocking you choose, it is sure to make each Christmas as memorable as the last! 

With the growing popularity of Custom Christmas Stockings, it is back for it's fourth consecutive year!  Here is what Custom Christmas Stockings has to say about their custom designs: "Each member of your family will feel so special by having their own custom stocking that is made to show their unique personalities knowing that it was made just for them. The perfect mix of the traditional and modern, your mantle will be a fabulous conversation piece of all your guests over the holidays."

Aimee tells a bit about how she got started with Custom Christmas Stockings on her 'About Me' page: "Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year. Christmas traditions and decorations, to me, are visual reminders of what the season is all about.....being grateful for all that we have, goodwill towards all, and wishing for peace on earth... and just looking at my Christmas tree with all the decorations I have collected over the years and my mantle hung with personalized stockings for each member of my family fills my heart with joy."

"Guests who have visited our home have always commented on our beautiful stockings. When they found out that I made them myself, I started to get many requests to make them for their families. From there, referrals contacted me and I became a business!"

"I am a wife and mother of two young boys. I love sharing the magic of Christmas with them by having a special stocking for each of them that they can hang on the mantle and dream of Santa filling them. It makes my heart glow to be able to help families with their own Christmas traditions."

Because of the timing of year, Aimee is very busy completing orders for Christmas 2009, therefore, a waiting list is currently in order.  Once you order your custom Christmas stocking and Aimee's consultation has been completed, she will provide you with an expected completion date for your order.

Aimee also has an Etsy Shop for her Custom Stockings, which you can visit here.  Here you will find new pre-made designs (right now she has a number of Halloween designs), as well as custom order options and her 'Make-Your-Own' stocking kits.

Review
Aimee, owner of Custom Christmas Stockings, kindly offered to send me a customized 19" stocking to review.  From start to finish, the process was simple, fast, and flawless.  Aimee was very easy to work with and her directions on how to request a stocking were easy to follow.  I decided to have a custom stocking made for myself that incorporated both my hobbies and some past memories.  First of all, I requested that my stocking be burgundy with a cream cuff, and include cursive embroidery that reads 'Ilissa'.  As for images, I asked Aimee to include the following on my stocking: a Japanese flag, a girl in a kimono, a piano, music notes, and a tent.  These images were meant to reflect my love of music, playing piano, camping, and my trip to Japan as an exchange student when I was a teenager.  To give Aimee an better idea of the type of images I wanted, I sent her a number of graphics that I found online.  With this article, I am including both the images I sent Aimee (shown above) and a photograph of my completed stocking to show you how well Aimee did with recreating the images I asked for.

Overall, I could not be more pleased with the stocking and the service I received from Aimee.  The stocking turned out even better than I imagined.  I am amazed with how close the images on the stocking look to the ones I originally sent her.  Besides the images on the stocking, Aimee also added a number of sequins (almost 100) and a number of little gems.  Both of these aspects add to the originality and appeal of the stocking.  All of the pieces seem to be attached well and the stocking appears to be sewn with care.  So, I am sure that this stocking will remain intact and become a tradition for years to come. 

I am planning on telling some of my friends and family members about Aimee's business because I'm sure this is something they'd also love to have created for them and their family members.  Plus, I am hoping to have a custom stocking created for my boyfriend in the near future so we can both have custom stockings, that truly reflect us, hanging on the mantle at Christmas time!

If you are looking for a custom Christmas stocking, I'd highly suggest Custom Christmas Stockings Handmade by Aimee because of the professionalism, quality, speed, and price of her service! 

How many winners will there be? Two (2).

What can you win? Each winner will receive a 'Make-Your-Own' stocking kit from Custom Christmas Stockings Handmade by Aimee. ARV $18.00 (USD).

NOTE: Don't know how to sew?  No problem!  This prize does NOT require any sewing, which makes it perfect for anyone!

The 'Make-Your-Own' stocking kit contains one of Aimee's pre-made stockings, plus several embellishments (felt, buttons, sequins, glitter glue, etc.) that will allow you to create the stocking of your dreams.  This package is great for anyone wanting to create a special custom stocking or for a child's Christmas activity.

How to enter: On Custom Christmas Stockings' website there is a picture of a stocking that says 'BRIAN' on it.  After looking at the stocking, what do you think he (Brian) does for a living? This question must be answered to gain an entry in the giveaway.

Each of the following will give you one extra entry in the giveaway (unless otherwise noted). Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do. If a certain entry method is worth more than one entry, which will be indicated for methods worth more than one entry, please leave a comment to reflect each entry:
-Tell me which stocking is your favorite on this page (please state the name that is on the stocking).
-Tell me what you would put on your stocking AND who you would make it for.
- Subscribing to my blog via email or RSS feed (Maximum of 1 entry - please tell me how you subscribe in your comment).

- Adding my button to your blog sidebar.

- Following me on Twitter (@ihchicky). Please leave your Twitter name.

- Following me on Blogger / Google Friends Connect (publicly).

- Tweeting about this giveaway (with a link to this page) on Twitter. Please leave a link to your tweet or your twitter name. You can do this once a day.

- Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a link to your blog post in your comment.

- Talking about and linking to this giveaway in any public forum or on Facebook. If you do this, please leave your user-name and a link to the post.

-Donate a minimum of $1 to my BlogHer 2010 Fund using the ChipIn widget on the right hand side of my blog. Earn 2 entries for each dollar you donate! Please leave me your PayPal email address so I can verify your entry.

Important Entry Details:

The above entries (main and bonus) can only be submitted once per person (except for the tweet entry, which can be done daily). Please do not use more than one blogger account or add additional anonymous comments to gain extra entries. This is not fair to everyone else and this practice is strictly prohibited. If a person is found to be using more than one account to enter the same giveaway, they will be disqualified from that particular giveaway, as well as all future giveaways.

NEW END DATE!!  This giveaway will end on Tuesday, November 24th at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of the Canada and the continental USA only!

Good luck!

Kwikset SmartCode Giveaway

Do you hate fumbling around in your purse to find your keys?  Or maybe you hate arriving home when it's dark and struggling to find either the right key, the key hole or both?  With the new line of Kwikset SmartCode™ Signature Series deadbolts, you don't have to worry about any of that!

The KwikSet SmartCode is an innovative keyless entry system that allows you to unlock your door with a completely custoizable access code.  Plus, you can simply lock your door with the click of one button!  For added conveience at night, all the buttons light up, which makes it easy to see what buttons you are or are supposed to be pressing.  In addition to the convenience of this product, it has a couple of security features including a high-quality 1 inch deadbolt and a "break-in-resistant strike plate".  The new KwikSet SmartCode allows you to feel safe and secure in your home while adapting to the fast pace lifestyles of today's families!


Do you worry about having keyless entry?  No need to worry.  Each Kwikset SmartCode comes with a backup keyed entry called SmartKey.  So how does it work?  Here is what Kwikset's PR rep had to say:
"SmartKey is a revolutionary technology that allows homeowners to re-key their own locks quickly and easily without removal from the door for improved home security and access control. Lose a key? Change it yourself in seconds without having to call a locksmith – instant peace of mind!"

According to the Kwikset SmartCode website, here is a few of the benefits of this product:

"-Keyless entry deadbolt - the ultimate in convenience and security

-The only one touch locking motorized deadbolt

-Back-lit keypad for increased visibility

-Installs in minutes with just a screwdriver - no hard wiring required

-Includes SmartKey™ re-key technology"

This product comes in a variety of different finishes, which makes it easy to find a set that perfectly matches your home's décor.

What can you win? One winner will receive their choice of Kwikset SmartCode deadbolt (including choice of finish and handle/knob/lever set design).

To enter, Look through the Kwikset SmartCode products.  Then, come back here and leave a comment telling me which finish and handleset/knob/lever design you'd choose if you won.  Please choose wisely because you will win the design you indicate in your comment. This question must be answered to gain an entry in the giveaway.

Each of the following will give you one extra entry in the giveaway (unless otherwise noted). Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do. If a certain entry method is worth more than one entry, which will be indicated for methods worth more than one entry, please leave a comment to reflect each entry:
- Telling me the name of one store in your area that sells Kwikset products.  The information can be found here.
- Subscribing to my blog via email or RSS feed (Maximum of 1 entry - please tell me how you subscribe in your comment).

- Adding my button to your blog sidebar.
- Following me on Twitter (@ihchicky). Please leave your Twitter name.
- Following me on Blogger / Google Friends Connect (publicly).
- Tweeting about this giveaway (with a link to this page) on Twitter. Please leave a link to your tweet or your twitter name. You can do this once a day.
- Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a link to your blog post in your comment.
- Talking about and linking to this giveaway in any public forum or on Facebook. If you do this, please leave your user-name and a link to the post.
-Donate a minimum of $1 to my BlogHer 2010 Fund using the ChipIn widget on the right hand side of my blog. Earn 2 entries for each dollar you donate! Please leave me your PayPal email address so I can verify your entry.

Important Entry Details:
The above entries (main and bonus) can only be submitted once per person (except for the tweet entry, which can be done daily). Please do not use more than one blogger account or add additional anonymous comments to gain extra entries. This is not fair to everyone else and this practice is strictly prohibited. If a person is found to be using more than one account to enter the same giveaway, they will be disqualified from that particular giveaway, as well as all future giveaways.

This giveaway will end on Monday, November 16th at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of the USA only!

Good Luck!

 

*I did not receive any form of compensation for this giveaway. The information listed above is objective information found on the sponsor's website.*

Kate Quinn Organics Winner!

The winner of the Kate Quinn Organics giveaway has been chosen using random.org! The winner will receive a bodysuit, short sleeve or long sleeve shirt PLUS as a pair of straight leg pants in their choice of size and color. A big congratulations goes out to comment #75 - Baba.


Thank you to everyone for taking the time to enter! Please remember to check back every week for more exciting reviews & giveaways!

Macaroni and Glue Winner!

The winner of the Macaroni and Glue giveaway has been chosen using random.org! The winner will receive a boxed set of "Night Before Christmas" cards from Macaroni and Glue. A big congratulations goes out to comment #3 - Jonnie.


Thank you to everyone for taking the time to enter! Please remember to check back every week for more exciting reviews & giveaways!

Light & Soul Winners!

The winners of the Light & Soul giveaway have been chosen using random.org! Each winner will receive a gift package that will contain 2 large candles & 1 travel candle in the scent and message of their choice. A big congratulations goes out to comment #103 - FatalisFortuna and #156 - TXsunlover.


Thank you to everyone for taking the time to enter! Please remember to check back every week for more exciting reviews & giveaways!

Gliza Review & Giveaway

Do you travel from house to house with wrapped Christmas gifts each year? Do you sometimes skip on the bows because they always end up falling off or getting crumpled anyways? I know this issue all too well. I have pretty much stopped using bows all together because by the time we get our Christmas destination, there is nothing left of the bows. That leaves the gifts from ‘us’ looking ordinary and rather plain.

Recently, I found a great solution to this problem: Gliza® Classic Bows! Gliza Bows are beautiful stylish bows that are made to be flat specially to avoid the problems mentioned above. Because these bows are flat, they will not get crushed, crinkled or fall off. According to Gliza’s website, these bows are perfect for “packages that must be mailed, or for those you take with you — in a suitcase, briefcase, purse, envelope, or on gift certificates.” These bows are a wonderful idea for Christmas, as well as all other special occasions.

Diane told me a story about how her business got started, “When I was very little, my wonderful Aunt Margaret would send much-anticipated Christmas gifts to my four sisters and me every year from Los Angeles. I remember excitedly ripping off the corded brown shipping papers and reaching in to find the gift with my name tag. While still overwhelmed with joy, I would stare at the once-beautiful bow smashed atop my gift. Although I was so happy she had remembered me, the smashed bow always seemed disappointing and incongruent with the otherwise beautifully wrapped gift.

Many years later, as I wrapped gifts to send to family and friends across the nation, I decided to use my degree in fine arts and my interest in design to find a solution to this common problem. Smashed bows and flattened ribbons just wouldn’t do!

While raising three wonderful children, I worked for years in my basement, researching and developing bow design solutions, working to develop my new product. I studied bow ribbons and sketched hundreds of patterns before finalizing this one-of-a kind design. I proofed multiple foil color combinations and emboss patterns to create Gliza® Classic Bows™, an innovation in decorative gift-giving. This design innovation coupled with the individually-named-bow concept is truly an inspiration in gift giving. Finally…gift bows for the modern woman with style, class, and functionality! I invented Gliza® Classic Bows™ because I believe gift giving is an art, and presentation is everything. These bows ensure gift recipients are delighted at first sight.”

Review

I had a chance to see what the Gliza bows were like first hand. From the website, they looked stunning so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a few of them. When they arrived, I have to say, I was really impressed. Even though they look wonderful online, they looked even better up close! Each bow is beautifully decorated with sparkly foil that has a holographic appearance to it. Each bow has two coordinating colors, which gives the bows dimension. All the colors used are vibrant and sure to look wonderful on any gift! Each bow is made from a thin cardboard like material that seems to hold up quite well. In addition, each bow contains a foam sticky patch on the back that allows the bow to easily attach to any gift while lifting it slightly off the surface to give it a 3D appearance. The owner of Gliza told me that these bows could be reused! They come off ribbon and wrapping paper easily enough that you could probably get a few uses out of each one by reattaching them with a small piece of tape. Not only are they reusable, but they are also completely biodegradable. Finally, for those of you with cats, you will no longer have to worry about your cats playing with and taking off with your bows.

Overall, I think this is one of the best inventions in terms of gift wrapping accessories! Finally, I have something that will allow me to wrap my gifts with a bit of style without having to worry about losing my bows on the way to family and friend’s houses.

What can you win? One winner will win a set of six Oh! Outrageous bows from Gliza (see picture below).

To enter, go to Gliza’s product page and tell me which set is your favorite (other than the Oh! Outrageous set).

Earn up to 4 extra entries by:
-Subscribing to my blog. Do not forget to activate your subscription.
-Adding my button to your blog sidebar.
-Following me on Twitter (ihchicky). Please make sure to leave your Twitter name in your comment.
-Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please make sure to leave a link to your blog post in your entry.

For each of the above actions you do, you will receive one extra entry into the giveaway. Please leave an additional comment for EACH thing you have done for an extra entry.

You can have a maximum of 5 entries in this giveaway.

This giveaway will end on Friday, December 5th at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US!

Good Luck!

Beau-Coup Giveaway!

Beau-Coup is an absolutely gorgeous online store that offers many fine event favors. Beau-Coup is named after the French phrase ‘merci beaucoup’, which when translated to English means thank you very much. According to Beau-Coup, this word also signifies ‘a great abundance’ and this is what the company sets out to offer.

Beau-Coup offers wedding favors, bridal shower favors, holiday gifts, bridal party gifts, birthday party favors, baby shower favors and much more! Not only does Beau-Coup offer wonderful favors, but they also strive to offer exceptional customer service. The goal of Beau-Coup is to make those special days a little less stressful while continuing to present a vast variety of items at competitive prices. Beau-Coup “is rich with favors packaging and presentation ideas to help make your day truly picture perfect.”

What can you win? One winner will receive a $25 gift certificate for Beau-Coup.

To enter, go to Beau-Coup and tell me the name of one item that caught your eye!

Earn up to 4 extra entries by:
-Subscribing to my blog. Do not forget to activate your subscription.
-Adding my button to your blog sidebar.
-Following me on Twitter (ihchicky). Please make sure to leave your Twitter name in your comment.
-Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please make sure to leave a link to your blog post in your entry.

For each of the above actions you do, you will receive one extra entry into the giveaway. Please leave an additional comment for EACH thing you have done for an extra entry.

You can have a maximum of 5 entries in this giveaway.

This giveaway will end on Saturday, December 6th at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to everyone worldwide!

Receive free shipping from Beau-Coup on all orders over $150! Just quote the coupon code 'BCFREESHIP' in the promotional code field during checkout. Offer is valid for a limited time only and cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. For full details, visit here.

Good Luck!

IsABelt Review & Giveaway!

“isABelt is the MUST HAVE Fashion “fix-it” accessory. A thin, strong, and flexible belt, that virtually disappears when worn, providing you with the assurance that all is secure without even knowing it's there. isABelt prevents back gap, slippage and of course, BELT BULK. The isABelt solves all of these fashion issues and many more.”

IsABelt is a solution fit for everyone. IsABelt comes in a variety of sizes and they make styles for both men and women. IsABelt even has a line made especially for the younger generation.

IsABelt has been featured in a wide variety of popular media sources such as Real Simple Magazine, Glamour Magazine, People Magazine, Essence Magazine, etc. Plus, IsABelt has even been featured on ABC, NBC and the television show ‘The Big Idea with Donny Duetsch’.


Review
When I first heard about the IsABelt, I knew it would be the perfect item for me. I am very sensitive to different metals and because of that, I cannot wear regular belts that have metal belt buckles. In addition, for most of the pants I wear, I need something to hold them up and keep them closed at the back. I have been ‘blessed’ with an hourglass figure, which means my pants usually fit on the hips but not at the waist; this leads to the infamous back gap.

When I opening the package containing my IsABelt, I was happy to notice that the IsABelt was rather slender and strong but still had a bit of stretch to it. Next came time to try it on. After briefly reading the instructions, I was able to adjust it and put it on easily. I love the clasp the IsABelt has because it is very discreet because of its size and it easily fits under the button on my pants, which allows it to stay in place throughout the day. I also like that the IsABelt is clear. This makes it easy to wear with just about anything.

Overall, I love the IsABelt. I think it is a great idea…especially for people with allergies or sensitivities like me. The only thing that I would like to see in future IsABelts would be a slightly wider strap. I found that occasionally, because the strap is thin, it would buckle up in the back and rest on my skin. I think if the strap were a bit thicker, this problem would be avoided.

How many winners will there be? Two.

What can you win? Each winner will receive an IsABelt in his or her choice of style and size.To enter, visit IsABelt and tell me which IsABelt you would love to win!

Earn up to 4 extra entries by:
-Subscribing to my blog. Do not forget to activate your subscription.
-Adding my button to your blog sidebar.
-Following me on Twitter (ihchicky). Please make sure to leave your Twitter name in your comment.
-Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please make sure to leave a link to your blog post in your entry.

For each of the above actions you do, you will receive one extra entry into the giveaway. Please leave an additional comment for EACH thing you have done for an extra entry.

You can have a maximum of 5 entries in this giveaway.

This giveaway will end on Sunday, December 7th at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US!

Good Luck!

EDUN Review & Giveaway

“EDUN is a socially conscious clothing company launched in Spring 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono. The company's mission is to create beautiful clothing while fostering sustainable employment in developing areas of the world, particularly Africa.”

I think it is really neat that EDUN uses trade to build up economic stability in third world countries. EDUN is currently working in places such as Peru, Tunisia, Kenya, India, Mauritius, and Madagascar! Not only is EDUN doing a wonderful service to those less fortunate but they are also an eco-friendly company. Currently, about 50% of EDUNs fashions are organic!

Please visit the ‘About EDUN’ page to find out more fascinating information about the company.

Review
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to review a lovely item from EDUN: the Organic Knit Scarf – Natural. This Scarf is made from 100% African cotton and is made in Lesotho. This scarf is beautifully decorated with a print of a Rilke poem in cursive.

Other than the style of this scarf, which I absolutely love, I also love the fabric. This scarf is made from a double layer of fabric, which makes it nice and thick. However, because it is made with cotton, it is still light enough to wear in the spring, summer or fall or to wear in the winter as a fashion accessory. Another great thing about this fabric is how stretchy and soft it is.

I also love the length of this scarf. Usually, I don’t like really long scarves, but this one is great! It isn’t too long but it is long enough to wrap around your neck several times to keep you warmer when the weather starts to cool down. This is a great feature since the scarf fabric is a bit lighter weight.

Overall, I was quite impressed with the workmanship of this scarf. It definitely exceeded my expectations. After seeing what they have to offer first hand, I am loving this company even more!

What can you win? One winner will receive a $75 gift certificate for EDUN.

To enter, please visit EDUNs online store and tell me what item is your favorite.

Earn up to 4 extra entries by:
-Subscribing to my blog. Do not forget to activate your subscription.
-Adding my button to your blog sidebar.
-Following me on Twitter (ihchicky). Please make sure to leave your Twitter name in your comment.
-Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please make sure to leave a link to your blog post in your entry.

For each of the above actions you do, you will receive one extra entry into the giveaway. Please leave an additional comment for EACH thing you have done for an extra entry.

You can have a maximum of 5 entries in this giveaway.

This giveaway will end on Wednesday, December 3rd at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to everyone worldwide!

Is there something you saw at EDUN that caught your eye? Save 10% off all orders until December 3rd when you quote the coupon code ‘UPCLOSE’!

Good Luck!

Nimli Review

A while ago, I found this great online store called Nimli that offers a wide range of products that support a ‘natural, organic, & green lifestyle’. “Nimli offers clothing, accessories, home décor, beauty products and much more from independent designers who combine their effortless creativity with our environmentally conscious ethics.”

One thing I really find interesting about Nimli is this: “Nimli is one of the most environmentally mindful retailers due to our practice and policy that requires all designers to ship their products directly to our customers. This results in placing a much lower carbon footprint by eliminating the unnecessary step of shipping items to a warehouse for future re-shipment. Further advancing this model and striving to become completely carbon neutral, Nimli purchases Green Tags to offset the carbon released from shipping, energy consumption and other business activities.”

Review
Recently, I received a beautiful Azuri Cashmere Pashmina Shawl in Crimson from Nimli to review. When I first saw this item online, I loved how many different colors there are to choose from…110 to be exact! To me, that is just amazing. I really love having the opportunity to choose between such a huge array of colors versus just two or three. With this many colors, it is certain that you will be able to find the perfect color to meet your preferences. When I received the shawl, the color was even more beautiful than the picture online. It was so vibrant.

When I received the shawl, the first thing I did was have it cleaned so that I could start wearing it ASAP! When I wore the shawl for the first time, I realized how many possible ways there are to wear this. I have been using it mostly as a scarf. Considering this is an all season scarf, it is quite cozy and warm even now that it is getting chilly outside. Another thing I absolutely love about this shawl is the length of it. This shawl measures 80” by 28”, which I find perfect for me. It is just long enough so that the both ends of the scarf rest at the level of my hands when I have it just draped around my neck. Finally, my favorite this about this shawl is the wonderful soft feeling of it. This shawl is made from 70% pashmina and 30% silk, which obviously explains why it is so soft.

The only thing that I wish this scarf had that it didn’t was fabric information and washing instructions. I did eventually find this information online and noticed that it needs to be dry-cleaned. My only concern is when bringing it to the dry-cleaner, how do they know how to treat if there is no information on the tag? I wouldn’t see this as a flaw but only as a possible improvement in the future. Since this information is available online, it would not prevent me from purchasing another Azuri Cashmere Pashmina Shawl in the future. I absolutely love it!

Do you see something you like on Nimli? Save 20% until December 31, 2008 when you quote the coupon code FALL08 during checkout!

Current and upcoming events at Nimli:

Monday, December 1, 2008 is Cyber Monday. On that day only, you will have a chance to save 25% off all orders. Just use the coupon code CYBERMONDAY08 during checkout.

PLUS,

Giveaways - 11/26

Yummies 4 Tummies is giving away one $5 In-N-Out Burger Gift Cards to 4 lucky winners! - November 29th

Feisty, Frugal, and Fabulous is giving away a $100 gift certificate for T-shirt Monster to one lucky winner! That means you get to pick the prize. How great is that? - December 1st

Feisty, Frugal, and Fabulous is giving everyone the chance to win a pair of See Kai Run OR Smaller shoes of your choice. - December 2nd

Sandier Pastures is giving away 1 cute box of Jazzy Toes socks from Tick-a-too! - December 2nd

Sandier Pastures is hosting another giveaway. This time you'll have the chance to win 1 pair of Shooshoos! - December 2nd

A Bargin Hunting Mommy on the go is hosting a giveaway for Simple & Classy. 3 winners will receive any one item that Simple & Classy sells. - December 2nd

Feisty, Frugal, and Fabulous is giving all her readers the chance to win a Laundry Mom t-shirt in your choice of either Lipstick, Sherbert, or loose-fitting Light Blue color (size S-XL). - December 3rd

The T-Shirt Lady is hosting a giveaway and 4 winners will receive a Heritage Lace Wall Hanging for Christmas Cards! US Only. - December 5th

Chefdruck Musings is giving away $100 of Stop and Shop Gift Cards! - December 6th

Chefdruck Reviews is giving away a super cute DVD that I would love to see: The Flight Before Christmas! - December 6th

Women-peneurs Blog is giving away a wonderful luxious bath bomb from Sacred Herbal's shop. - December 7th

A Bargin Hunting Mommy on the go is hosting a giveaway for ZuZu's Petal Creations. One winner will receive a $25 gift certificate for ZuZu's Petal Creations. - December 9th

Grammy Janet's Place is hosting a AVON Beauty Palette and Bamboo Diffuser Review and Giveaway. One winner will receive a Botanicals Bamboo Reed Diffuser and a Jillian Dempsey for AVON Essential Beauty Palette! US 18+ Only! - December 10th

The Refined Feline Review & Giveaway

Do you love cats or know someone who does? I found a really neat company called The Refined Feline that makes wonderful furniture for cats that is pleasing to the eye and stylish enough to match almost any décor. The Refined Feline makes it possible for your cat to be more comfortable and for you to add a touch of style to your home while keeping it 100% pet friendly!

Are you more of a dog lover? You are in luck! Be sure to visit The Refined Feline’s sister site The Refined Canine for more great products!

“Finally…Cat Furniture with STYLE!”

Review
I had the opportunity to try out a product from The Refined Feline: Kitt-In-Box (winner of the Editor's Choice Award by Pet Product News and the 2008 Cat Fancy Editor's Award). Kitt-In-Box is a unique product that gives your cat a place to rest/sleep other than your keyboard. The great thing about this product is that it allows your cat (or small dog) to remain sitting near you while staying away from your computer screen, keyboard, or mouse.

The Kitt-In-Box is especially designed to attach easily to the side of your desk. The Kitt-In-Box also works well as a resting place on top your desk (for desks with curved edges or ones that do not have enough room underneath them). The Kitt-In-Box has felt protection pads that help to protect both the top and underside of your desk (no need to worry about scratches, dents, or other types of damage). I had a chance to put the Kitt-In-Box together for myself. It would be possible to put it together with one person; however, I found it much easier with two people. I loved how quickly this device was set up and in use (less than 10 minutes).

The Kitt-In-Box also offers tall walls and a cushion to make your cat (or small dog) extra comfortable. The Refined Feline suggests that this box will easily support up to 20 pounds. When I tested the box for size, I found that it would probably fit a medium/average sized cat best but would be a slightly tight fit for a larger cat. The only improvement I would suggest for this product is for it to be a tad bit bigger. Although, with the size that it is now, I still love it!

Since setting up the Kitt-In-Box in my office, I have discovered multiple uses for it. Not only does it serve well as a pet bed but it also works well for adding a bit of extra storage off the side of your desk when your pet isn’t enjoying the luxury of the Kitt-In-Box.

What can you win? One winner will receive a Kitt-In-Box from The Refined Feline in their choice of Cherry, Birch, or Mahogany.

To enter, go visit The Refined Feline and tell me one other item you like besides the Kitt-In-Box.

Earn up to 4 extra entries by:
-Subscribing to my blog. Do not forget to activate your subscription.
-Adding my button to your blog sidebar.
-Following me on Twitter (ihchicky). Please make sure to leave your Twitter name in your comment.
-Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please make sure to leave a link to your blog post in your entry.

For each of the above actions you do, you will receive one extra entry into the giveaway. Please leave an additional comment for EACH thing you have done for an extra entry.

You can have a maximum of 5 entries in this giveaway.

This giveaway will end on Monday, December 1st at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of the US only!

Good Luck!

Tom Bihn Review & Giveaway

Tom Bihn is a wonderful online store that offers a huge variety of bags. Tom Bihn sells laptop bags, messenger bags, backpacks, briefcases, travel bags, knitting & tote bags plus a lot of fun accessories. Not only does Tom Bihn sell great products but they also consider the environment when running their company and creating their products, which I love! Here is what Tom Bihn had to say about their environmental policies:

“We think of our surroundings and the environment as a silent partner; when making decisions, environmental consideration is a top priority. We are currently exploring ways that we can offset the carbon footprint of our products. We only use 100% recycled paper in our offices. Our shipping boxes made with recycled content. Most of the fabrics that we use are made in the U.S.A. (we use a few fabrics made in Japan) where the Environmental Protection Agency has control over how they are produced. The views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains from our Seattle factory and headquarters enforces our commitment to our environment.”

Review
Tom Bihn sent me two items from their store to review, a Medium Café Bag and a Utility Tote.

The Medium Cafe Bag I got a chance to test out was in Black/Cayenne and I absolutely love it so far! The thing I love most about this bag is how functional it is. This bag has lots of room and tons of different compartments that making storing and finding finds very easy. This bag has one main compartment, a zippered compartment in the front of the bag under the flap and a key strap that hides your keys in your bag for easy retrieval. Plus, inside of the main compartment, there are four additional pockets: two perfectly sized for your cell phone and two sized just right for a couple pens. Finally on the back of the bag is another compartment that is great for storing papers. I had a chance to use this bag on vacation and I got use out of every single compartment. The main compartment I used as a regular purse. The two larger inside pockets were used for my camera and camcorder and the two smaller compartments were of course used for pens. I found the front pocket extremely easy for carrying tickets and loose change. Lastly, the back pocket worked excellent for storing travel brochures.

Next, I had the chance to review the Utility Tote in Cocoa/Olive. I especially love two things about this tote. 1.) I love how durable it is. 2.) I love how big and roomy it is. This utility tote is “made out of durable 1000 denier Cordura®, a water-resistant fabric that's used in the military because its tear and abrasion resistance is double that of standard nylon.” I love this because I can tell that it is something that will last a really long time. I also love that it is water resistance because I think I will find most use out of this bag by using it as a swim/beach bag! This tote is set up to have one large main compartment plus an exterior pocket both on the front and back of the pack (mesh material). In addition, there is a small zipper pocket inside the main compartment, which is great for storing your wallet among many other things. This tote also has a handy key strap. Finally, padded handles make this tote much more comfortable to carry.

How many winners will there be? 2

What can you win? One winner will receive a Utility Tote from Tom Bihn in their choice of color. A second winner will receive a Medium Cafe Bag from Tom Bihn in their choice of color.

To enter, you must answer two questions for me. 1.) What is your favorite item from Tom Bihn (other than the Utility Tote or the Medium Café Bag)? 2.) What is your first choice of prize if you win...the Utility Tote or the Medium Café Bag?

Earn up to 4 extra entries by:
-Subscribing to my blog. Do not forget to activate your subscription.
-Adding my button to your blog sidebar.
-Following me on Twitter (ihchicky). Please make sure to leave your Twitter name in your comment.
-Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please make sure to leave a link to your blog post in your entry.

For each of the above actions you do, you will receive one extra entry into the giveaway. Please leave an additional comment for EACH thing you have done for an extra entry.

You can have a maximum of 5 entries in this giveaway.

This giveaway will end on Monday, December 1st at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US!

Good Luck!

Docia Lynn Review & Giveaway!

The Docia Lynn Company emerged when a working mom of two with a Ph.D. decided to start a trendy online boutique dedicated to fashion back in fall of 2007. Docia Lynn was created to help empower women by offering fun unique trendy jewelry at an affordable price! Docia Lynn currently offers a wide range of fashion jewelry including bracelets, chokers, earrings, necklaces, necklace sets, and rings. You will also find an assortment of handbags. Not only is their jewelry affordable, but also, so is their shipping; receive shipping for only $5 anywhere in the US! Plus, be sure to keep your eye open for discounts coming soon for the holiday season!

Be sure to check out Docia Lynn’s blog all about women and fashion called Fashionably Yours!

Review
Docia Lynn offered to send me one of their Silver-tone Texture Metal Cuff Bracelets to try out for myself. I was happy to open the package and find a bracelet that looked exactly the same as on their website. The first thing that impressed me about this bracelet was the fact that even though it is inexpensive, it did not look like it was made that way. The bracelet contains many fine details and is decently weighted compared to most other fashion jewelry. This piece would be easy to dress up or dress down and could be worn with a wide variety of items. From wearing it around a bit, I can tell that it is quite sturdy and will last for quite awhile. I also love that this bracelet fits as if it was made specifically for me!

What can you win? One winner will receive a Silver-tone Texture Metal Cuff Bracelet from Docia Lynn (shown above).

To enter, please visit Docia Lynn and tell me what your favorite item is!

Earn up to 4 extra entries by:
-Subscribing to my blog. Do not forget to activate your subscription.
-Adding my button to your blog sidebar.
-Following me on Twitter (ihchicky). Please make sure to leave your Twitter name in your comment.
-Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please make sure to leave a link to your blog post in your entry.

For each of the above actions you do, you will receive one extra entry into the giveaway. Please leave an additional comment for EACH thing you have done for an extra entry.

You can have a maximum of 5 entries in this giveaway.

This giveaway will end on Tuesday, December 2nd at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to everyone worldwide!

Do you see something at Docia Lynn that you have to have? Or...possibly something that you are tempted to put into a loved one’s stocking this Christmas? Save 20% on all orders when you use the coupon code ‘upclose’. Offer expires Dec. 2nd.

Good Luck!