Product Guides 2010 | Faith and Family Reviews

Archive for Product Guides 2010

Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Backpacks

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Product Guides 2010, School

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1.)Vyandelle- Bog Pockets Reliving the classic book bag with a new twist – a perfect carry all bag. Made with certified 100% PET trim on the exterior and reclaimed billboard vinyl and 100% recycled PET on the inside. Includes 2″ heavy duty 3 color adjustable strap and four plastic feet for a perfect standing bag. Two front pockets with inside pockets for gadgets, ipods and MP3s. A larger pocket behind the front two pockets, and then a roomy compartment in the main body as well as a laptop protector padded sleeve. Exterior pocket on the back and on sides. $39.99

billboardinabag

2.) Terra Cycle- Yack Pack This backpack stands out in a crowd because every billboard bag is one of-a-kind. Find one that fits your unique personality! This backpack features an integrated protective sleeve for laptop computers with screens up to 15.6″, adjustable straps, and its vinyl material can stand up to everyday wear-and-tear and is also water resistant. Specific billboard is subject to variability. A great recycled product!

yackpack

4.) Hemp Sisters- Deluxe Hemp Backpack with Laptop Storage riple-stitched construction and heavy duty 17 oz hemp canvas give this backpack superior durability and strength. With its overall dimensions of 18 in. high by 13 in. wide and 9 in. deep (front to back), its six zippered compartments and nine pockets (as well as twin cargo straps and bottle pockets on each side), there’s room for all your gear. The back and bottom of the pack, as well as the shoulder straps, are padded for extra comfort. Additionally, the primary storage compartment boasts an additional padded panel secured by a velcro tab that will safely and securely accommodate most laptop computers. Whether it’s from class to class or track to trail, this backpack will get you where you need to go! ($57.99)

hempbackpack

5.) Four Peas Chocolate and Lime Polka Dot Toddler Backpack- This adorable backpack is great for toddlers and preschoolers. Perfect for daycare or preschool. Toddler Backpacks are made with 600 denier plus nylon, and completely PVC free, and sturdy. The new toddler backpacks are 12.50″ tall X 10.5 inches wide by 5.5″ deep and are perfect for children 3 and over. They contain a zipper 3/4 around bag with a pocket on the front that is 5″ tall and a 3/4″ gusset with zipper. There are also 1 in. wide adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a padded carry handle on top. These backpacks are toddler sized and not intended for school books.

fourpeasbackpack

Happy Shopping!

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Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Fashion Products

Posted by html404 on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Fashion, Product Guides 2010

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Eco-Friendly Fashion Product

1.) Five ACCESSORIES- Messenger Bag this multi purpose bag is wonderful for school! A great laptop, book bag,overnight bag, gym bag, bicycle bag, beach bag a great bag for any high school student! Perfect for boys and girls. Meant to be worn cross body or over one shoulder, the bag closes in front with a big, sturdy buckle. Adjustable strap drop to 57”, with bag dimensions of 15.5” x 15” x 4.5. Interior pockets keeps everything organized. ($75)

messangerbag

2.) Global Goods- Green Hand Embroidered Bag carry the hope and determination of strong Peruvian women on your shoulder this season while being original and fashion-forward. This embroidered bag showcases traditional Peruvian design and is stitched with sheep wool. High quality leather accents this purse in warm olive and orange tones. The bag features a Fully lined, 100% cotton fabric, a Magnetic closure, a Inside Pocket, Real Leather straps and top detail. The Size: 12” x 16” x 5” base. Full strap length 19 ½”.

olive peruvian bag

3.) Charm Factory Charm Bracelet- We chose this company because we thought it was cool they have over 4,000 charms to choose from! You can pick the charms you want online pick a chain and they will make it for you! You can pick as many charms as you want. With charms from animals, to sports, to fashion accessories! These would be perfect for any fashion loving young woman. They have a variety of prices.

silverheartbracelet
amethystcharmbracelet

Almost every product is made in the USA. They are a green company and all their charms are nickel and lead free. Charm Factory products do not contain cadmium. The jump rings attached to pewter charms do contain a small amount of nickel.

5.) Global Goods- The Lightweight Gauze Scarf is a perfectly versatile accessory. The open weave of the gauze makes the scarf perfect for summer nights and can also be warm enough for those chilly fall evenings. You can even wear it as a sarong for those summer beach outings! The gauze scarf is hand-woven on a traditional foot loom in Guatemala.

Purple-Cotton-Gauze-Scarf

Come back tomorrow for our Back To School Product Guide 2010: Technology and Electronics Feature!

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Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Lunch Box Products

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Product Guides 2010

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Eco-Friendly Lunch Box Products (Yes, some of these are repeats from the other day but we thought these where worth mentioning again.)

1.) Reduce- Water Week Kids Water Bottles ($17.99) WaterWeek™ offers the ONLY true solution to end the costly and wasteful purchasing of bottled water without giving up convenience. Just fill, chill & go! They are: BPA free, 10oz capacity, Saves consumers an average of $500 per year!, Includes fridge tray that slides neatly into your fridge, Dishwasher and freezer safe, This size is perfect for school lunches. Choose from 3 sets: girls, boys, and sports.

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Reduce Everyday has a special running on their Facebook page for $5.00 off any of their water bottle sets. Go here to learn more.

We will also be featuring a review of these too. I’ll add the link here once we have it ready.

2.) Easy Lunch Boxes- Check out these great back to school lunch boxes! They’re BPA-free, SAFE and environmentally friendly, too! You’ll find it easy to ‘go green’ by using EasyLunchboxes for a waste-free lunch. You can buy a set of 4 lunch boxes for $13.95 and a lunch box cooler for $7.95

BlackBagTiny

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We will be posting a review of the Easy Lunch Boxes at a later date, so stay tuned!

3.) Pack A Lunch- Caterpillar Waste-Free Lunch Kit cut back on lunchtime trash by packing your little one’s mid-day meal in a Kids Konserve lunch bag (www.kidskonserve.com) made from recycled plastic bottles. Reusable, waste-free lunch kit includes recycled cotton sack, cloth napkin, 304 food-grade stainless steel beverage bottle, food kozy and two 304 food-grade stainless steel food containers. Lunch Sack is 7″ W x 10.5″ T x 4.5″.

The Kids Konserve Resident Chef is a new monthly feature that challenges chefs across the country to design recipes specifically tailored for a Kids Konserve reusable, waste-free product. You don’t want to miss these recipes! http://www.kidskonserve.com/resident_chef.asp.

Also, on August 1, Kids Konserve and Annie’s kicks off their “Being Green is Better” campaign. Visit Annies.com to win a FREE Kids Konserve Reusable Lunch Sack.

And check out this 15% Back to School coupon code for all. Enter coupon code: “school” valid through August.

packalunchkit

4.) Living Green- Green Little Lunch Pack includes products from New Wave Enviro. It comes with a stainless steel water or juice bottle, a stainless steel food tin, and a lunch back made from 100% sustainable bamboo. ($22.95)

Rayon and bamboo lunch bag kit

5.) Terra Cycle- Round Drink Pouch Lunchbox this traditional lunch box is made with a twist, because it’s made from upcycled drink pouches. This insulated dual compartment lunch box allows you to keep your food and drink separated so your drink pouch stays cool and refreshing, while your food stays crisp and fresh. Specific wrapper is subject to variability. ($8.00)

terracyclelunchbox

Check back at 12:00 PM today for our feature of Eco-Friendly Fashion Products.

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A Backpack Made of Billboard Material

Posted by html404 on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Product Guides 2010

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of this product.

About Terracycle

The goal of TerraCycle and Yak Pak is to reduce waste and the use of all our natural resources, all the while creating great products for consumers to enjoy. Their business practices are sustainable.

Terra Cycle also gives back to charity.

Yak Pak Backpack – Retail $23.99

The Yak Pak is made of upcycled, repurposed billboard material. It is super durable, it feels really thick, just think of the material billboards are made of. It is also water resistant and comes with a lifetime warranty. Can’t get better than that, eh?

Their definition of upcycled – “The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use adn value.”

Their definition of repurposed – “To use or convert for use in another format or product.”

Our Review

We love hearing about innovative companies and the way they use or in this case reuse trash. One of my clients does this and it is such a wonderful way to create new products out of things we would normally just discard and fill landfills with.

The Yak Pak is just as they describe. I was surprised to learn that billboards were made out of such a thick material, but once I thought about it I remembered a sign we had made five years ago and realized that billboards would have to be durable with the weather elements that they have to endure.

What else can I say? I have written so many reviews this week and especially today that I fear that I am going to sound redundant soon. But we really like the Yak Pak. We gave it to our son for his school supplies and he’s thrilled with it. Time will tell how durable it is compared to other backpacks we have in the house, as we have a few canvas style ones and then the Disney one our daughter received.

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Intelligence Kids Steel-Cut Oat Bars

Posted by html404 on August 11, 2010
in Food and Treats, Product Guides 2010

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of this product.

Steel Cut Oat Bars

About Intelligence

Introducing “Intelligence for Your Life,” a new line of products created by John Tesh, that embody the same philosophy as his radio show, “Simple Improvements for Better Living.” Enjoy simple, common-sense products to encourage you toward a healthy, mind, body, and spirit. Intelligence is a product of Amway Global.

Our Review

We received the Kids Steel-Cut Oat Bars in Cherry Flavor. There are twelve in a box and each bar is 1.41 oz. These bars, obviously, have oatmeal in them, which is an excellent source of natural fiber. Each bar is all natural with only 120-150 calories, 6-8 grahams of fiber and only 1-4 grams of fat. They are also Certified Kosher.

The individual bar is all-natural cherry-filled bars have three layers of fruity oatmeal mix. One side has a vanilla yogurt base, built up with a crunchy mix of soy crisps and steel-cut oats, and filled in with cherries.

We love these kinds of snacks and found these were very yummy. All of the children liked them. The only one to say they were only “ok” was my husband. How can I say this delicately, he tends to be more on the choosy side anyway.

My only question about the ingredient list is the fact that it lists “natural flavor”. That can hide a number of things. But other than that the rest of the ingredients look ok. They make a great kids snack.

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Disney Princess Products for Back to School

Posted by html404 on August 11, 2010
in Product Guides 2010, School

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

We featured these Disney products earlier in the week in our Back to School Product Guide for School Supplies Part 1, School Supplies Part 2 and Lunches Part 2. However, since we actually received these products we are also writing a review about them too.

These are the products that we received:

Disney Supply Kit this cute kit comes with a pencil sharpener, eraser, a small notebook (50 pages), pencil case, 3 folders, and 3 pencils. Designs are in Cars, Toy Story 3, Fairies, and Disney Princesses. ($12.50)

Disney Princess Supply Kit

Disney Princess Lunch Tote make meal times a royal occasion with this Disney Princess Lunch Tote. Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Cinderella add lots of sparkle to this Disney Princess bag that will keep their food fresh happily ever after, well until lunchtime at least. (Regular $12.50 now on sale for $8.00!)

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Personalized Disney Princess Backpack ($19.50) This adorable backpack is so cute for your little princess. It becomes even more royal when you personalize it with your little princesses name!

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We also received some Disney character snack products – Fruit Crisps, Disney Phineas and Ferb Gummies, Belly Washers Apple Juice and a Cars Grape Juice.

Our Review

Disney Princess Backpack and Lunch Tote

I think our daughter’s smile says it all, doesn’t it? You don’t know how much she has wanted a Princess backpack and when I was asked what I was interested in reviewing, I gave our PR rep two choices and after I had done so, wished I had just outright requested the Princess. Well, as Providence would have it, that is what she sent! Blondie was very pleased and excited. She’s outside playing right now with the backpack on her back. I am sure everything else is tucked inside too!

The backpack and lunch tote both seem very well made with thick material. Again, time will tell how long they last.

The pencil case in the Disney supply kit is made of a plastic material, so I am not sure if it will be easily punctured with pencil tips or not. I am hoping not because a little girl will be very disappointed! The other things in the supply kit – folders, eraser, pencils and notebook all seem to be of equal quality to the better quality items found on the back to school shelves.

The Disney snacks were tried by all of us and all were very yummy. Amazingly, most of these snack items were labeled “All Natural”, even the container of the grape juice was labeled BPA, Phthalates & PVC free. The apple juice contained no sugar or artificial flavors, same goes for the fruit crisps, which were freeze-dried pears. The only thing that is if-y is the gummies, as they are labeled naturally and artificially flavored and since we received an individual sample the ingredients were not included on its tiny package.

FYI:All of the Disney products the Backpack, lunch totes and pencil kits are executively sold at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com. They can’t be purchased anywhere else.

Overall, we were very pleased and happy with the Disney products we received.

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Keeley Crocs for Back to School

Posted by html404 on August 11, 2010
in Kid's Footwear, Product Guides 2010, Shopping

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

If you are shopping for kids footwear, you might want to consider Crocs for back to school. We featured the Keeley Crocs in our Back to School Guide earlier, but we also received a pair to review.

About Keely Crocs

They are odor resistant, ergonomic, lightweight, comfortable, anti microbial, fun, active casual footwear. Available in sizes 4-13 and a variety of colors.

Retail $24.99

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Our Review

We have never owned a pair of Crocs, so these shoes are new to us, even though we have heard about them. Our daughter was thrilled to receive her Keeley Crocs. They are pink – her favorite color and fit her perfectly. She said they are comfortable and easy to get on and off. She now chooses her Crocs first over her old shoes, which are also pink. More time is needed to see how long they hold up over time. They seem well made and sturdy enough. For now, they are a favorite at our house and we think they are very cute!

For more information on additional styles and colors, please visit www.Crocs.com

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Back To School Product Guide 2010- Fashion Part 3

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 11, 2010
in Fashion, Product Guides 2010

backtoschoolfashion

1.) Charm Factory Charm Bracelet- We chose this company because we thought it was cool they have over 4,000 charms to choose from! You can pick the charms you want online pick a chain and they will make it for you! You can pick as many charms as you want. With charms from animals, to sports, to fashion accessories! These would be perfect for any fashion loving young woman. They have a variety of prices.
silverheartbracelet
amethystcharmbracelet

2.) Big Skinny Wallets- These wallets are designed to be a smaller wallet making them perfect for High School and college students. Their products are water resistant and they are green certified.There are a variety of prices but we like the Leather Hybrid Trixie Tri-Fold Walletfor girls ($29.95) it comes in two colors red and black and the Super Skinny Bi-Fold Wallet for boys that comes in 4 colors black, brown, navy, and tan. ($24.95)

Girls Wallet:
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Boys Walllet:
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3.) Global Goods- Fabric Over The Shoulder Tote start a trend with this unique handmade Fabric Shoulder Bag! Stylish and comfortable enough for every-day use. This over the shoulder bag is made from repurposed traditional Thai fabric, giving it eco chic flair. Great for back to school!

4.) Dot Girl- The Dot Girl’s First Period Kit prepare your daughter for a positive first step into womanhood with The Dot Girl’s First Period Kit®, a stylish and discreet carrying case with all the essentials a girl needs for her first period. You can see what the kit comes with here as well as in the below picture. The kit comes in blue and pink and is ($22.99)

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5.) five ACCESSORIES- Half moon Bag this cute and totally chic handbag is perfect for proms, nights out, shopping and oh, so much more! Eco-Friendly. Great for Prom purses. Their 1/2 moon clutch has a colorful flower on the front that gives it eco-style. Constructed out of bamboo and wood. Brown lining, inside pocket, metal clasp closure. Completely distinctive! ($35)

moonflower2

Check back tomorrow for our Back To School Product Guide 2010 Eco Friendly Feature!

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Back To School Product Guides: Fashion Products 2

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 11, 2010
in Fashion, Product Guides 2010

backtoschoolfashion

1.) Olivia Joy Handbags- Rockstar ($98) This handbag is perfect for toting school supplies or everyday necessitates for a high school age girl or even a college student.

Rock Star Handbag ($98)

2.) Olivia Joy Handbags- Full Blood Ruffle Tote ($68) We liked this bag best, out of the three OJH. We thought that because the bag is black it will go with any outfit and any occasion. From parties, to math classes, to shopping with your friends.

OCS010784FJS BLK

3.) Olivia Joy Handbags- Studded Chic Cross Body ($58) This cute little bag is perfect for a evening out or even for just a day of shopping to get ready for school.

OCS010671HJK WHITE

Just so you know……..

This company is so new that they don’t even have a website yet! But, you can go to Macy’s and ask about Olivia Joy Handbags. They are sold there. Their PR rep said that their website is OliveandJoy.com it should be up soon!.

4.) Hershey’s Kiss Jewelry- KISS Silver Small Pendant ($49) We thought this cute little pendant is a perfect back to school gift for a that fashion obsessed high school teen or the first time college student. This pendant is made of sterling silver with Rhodium plating. The Kiss measures 10MM in height by 4MM at the base. The Hershey’s Kiss Pendant includes a 16 inch with a 2 inch extension Rhodium plated chain.

Kiss-10mmpendantfl SCHA1141

5.) Handbag Heaven- Dakota Convertible Bag ($50.96) We liked that this bag was so big and perfect for school. The bag has a cute vintage look to it, and costumer reviews are saying that it’s nice and roomy!

Dakota Convertible

6.) Handbag Heaven- Ripped Messenger Bag ($25.46) This cute little bag is a nice bag to use for school as well as for a casual look. If you like blue jeans you’ll love this purse!

Harmony Messenger (1)

Come back this afternoon for part 3!

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Back to School Product Guide: Fashion Part 1

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 11, 2010
in Fashion, Product Guides 2010

backtoschoolfashion
This is the first of a three part series for fashion products

1.) Crocs- Crocs have a new kind of shoe out! It’s called a Croc Sneak. It is a really cool shoe. We like the Keely ($24.99) for girls and the Crocband Sneak ($34.99) for boys. We thought the colors where fun, and perfect for back to school! Available in sizes c6-j3.
KEELEY-GIRLS_K_FUS-BUB_PAIR
crocsSneaks

2.) Is A Belt JR- The isABeltJr comes in fun and funky styles that lies completely flat making it virtually invisible under your garments. It is also great if you’re just looking to add a touch fun and funky design, style and color to your outfit. To be worn with jeans, pants, skirts, dresses, over leggings and more. This fun fashion accessory is fun and discreet way to wear your clothing. One Size- adjusts down to accommodate smaller sizes (2T -14 girls) and up to womens size 10. ($18.99) We are going to be doing a giveaway with them soon so check back!

SML CIRCLES175 pink

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3.) Bra Pocket- The Rack Trap this is such a cool way not to have to carry around a purse! The Rack Trap is an undetectable one-size-fits-all personal bra pocket that holds everyday essentials including license, cash and credit cards conveniently in your bra. How cool is that? So all of you high schoolers (and college students) who perhaps are athletic and don’t want to have to carry around a purse, but don’t want to get pick pocketed than this is a GREAT option. Although, it probably would not fit your cell-phone, it would fit your ipod and earplugs. Depending on the style the racktrap is $15.95 for a three pack or $7.95 for one.

theracktrap

4.) Go-Pillow Blanket for Preschoolers ($29.95) This blanket is not only a blanket but can be used for a cradler, nursing pillow with cover-up, changing surface, infant pillow with blanket, toddler travel pillow and more!

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