great lakes shirts :: just the lakes

For all you Great Lakes lovers Great Lakes Shirts is a fantastic find. I came across them on Facebook when a friend of mine had one of their t-shirts tagged in a picture. I LOVED the simplicity of the shirts and how crisp the screenprinting looked.

Here's what Great Lakes Shirts have to say about their shirts: These shirts have nothing but an outline of the Great Lakes on them. No promo for your friend's indie band. No logos. No cities, states, or any other political boundaries in the design. Just the lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. No explanation.

It's just that simple.

As soon as my Pink Girl Fit T-Shirt showed up I noticed what an excellent quality t-shirt was used. The cotton is thick and I know from past experience with shirts of this type that it is going to hold up well with regular washing and wear. I also have to mention how excited I am with the quality of ink used for screenprinting by Great Lakes Shirts! I've washed and worn the shirt twice now and the ink hasn't cracked at all. This is pretty significant since a lot of screenprinted shirts tend to crack very badly the first time you wash them.

Sorry I couldn't do a self-portrait of the Girl Fit T-Shirt in use, but you've all see a similiar style before so use your imagination... ;) These Girl Fit T-Shirts tend to run on the small size so I'd recommend ordering a size up to accomodate this as well as the fact that the shirt is cotton and will shrink slightly with washing.

Girl Fit T-Shirt :: $20-$30

A SIMPLE COUPON!
Through August 31, 2011 use the coupon code SIMPLE to get 10% off any purchases from Great Lakes Shirts. You can even outfit the whole family because besides for the Unisex T-Shirts and Girl Fit T-Shirts for the adults, Great Lakes Shirts has Kids and Youth sized shirts as well as Onsies!

*I received product to facilitate this review and promotion. The opinions expressed are my own.*

with the rain :: slugs

I love my wellies. I purchased them because I adored the way they looked, but I love them because they make negotiating life as a mom doable in ALL weather. My only complaint with a good pair of rubber boots is that they don't offer a lot warmth when the cold sets in. But there is a solution! Instead of hibernating your favorite wellies for the winter you now have the opportunity to warm your toes with a super comfy pair of SLUGS from With the Rain.

With the Rain is an Etsy store based out of Ketchikan, Alaska. The company was started out of a desire to jazz up boots while keeping feet warm and dry. And, at HALF the price of other brands, these fleece boot liners not only offer amazing patterns, colors and designs but also deliver great value.

Fun patterns, solids, plaids... even sweaters -- SLUGS come in just about any desired style you could imagine. You can use them to coordinate your boots with outerwear or add some fun and color to an outfit. When you feel how comfortable they feel on your feet you may very well fall in love and find yourself wanting multiple pairs. That's the beauty though -- it is as easy as changing socks to change up the style and personality of your boots. I am hooked. Now I don't just love my wellies, I LOVE my SLUGS!

With the Rain :: $22.00 :: SLUGS

A SIMPLE COUPON ::
For ONE WEEK, from now until July 6, 2011, SIMPLE readers can get FREE SHIPPING with a purchase on the With the Rain Etsy site by using the code SIMPLEAK! Have fun shopping!
*I was provided a pair of SLUGS to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

natures paradise :: huge sale

Natures Paradise would like to inform you of their biggest online sale of the year.  Our summer sale begins Wednesday June 29th to Wednesday July 6th. The sale 50% OFF their entire order! All they have to do is enter the promo code "summer2011" upon checkout.

Don't forget to enter to win some Natures Paradise Organic Shampoo.



*I was informed of this great sale and had to pass it on to my readers!*

maternitique :: hot mama gowns

This is my 3rd go round with labor and delivery. I'm not excited about the labor and delivery, HOWEVER, I am very excited about the end outcome! :)

Well this time I thought it would be fun to have a little different twist than the ordinary, blagh, boring hospital gown. I found a fantastic one at Maternitique. They actually carry the Hot Mama Hospital Gowns. I have always just worn the typical hospital gown, so I figured, why not do it a little different this time. :) Here is a little more about these fabulous gowns:

With easily accessible nursing panels, flexible fit, and full coverage, Hot Mama Gowns help you feel more like a woman and less like a patient. After all, you're not sick—you're having a baby!

These organic maternity hospital gowns come in colorful prints ranging from cheerful to elegant to dramatic, so no matter what your personality, there's a Hot Mama Gown perfect for you.

Plus, with your Hot Mama Gowns organic maternity hospital gown, your newborn won't be taking his birth breaths against materials that have been washed a hundred times in harsh hospital chemicals.

Now Maternitique doesn't ONLY have the hospital gowns from Hot Mama. They have SO much more!! See for yourself:

• Adorable Clothes for nursing and maternity
• A beauty section
• Wellness
• Postpartum
• Breastfeeding
• Baby
  
• GIFTS!!
  
• Just to name a few...

Follow Maternitique on Facebook and Twitter to hear about special they currently have going on as well as new products!

Maternitique Hot Mama Hospital Gown :: $59.00-89.00

A SIMPLE DEAL ::
You can get 10% off your entire order online by putting in coupon code ProjectBaby10 at checkout! Every little bit helps! And after you take a look around her site, I am sure you will find some things you need for sure!

*I received product to facilitate this review and promotion. The opinions expressed are my own.*

comfy creations :: neck wrap i pillow set

We've all had one of "those days". You don't have to be a Mom to feel the weight of the world sitting on your shoulders. But, as a Mom, I seem to be feeling this weight on a more regular basis -- let's just say daily. Short of winning the lottery and hiring a full-time masseuse I wasn't sure there was anything that could relax me out of the stress I seem to carry physically in my body. Comfy Creations, a wonderful Etsy store founded by a licensed massage therapist and Oriental Body Worker, has given me the hope I needed that relief doesn't only come in the form of a $90 massage session.

Developed to help ease her clients from the effects of chronic pain due to daily stress, strain, fibromyalgia and arthritis, Comfy Creations products can be used on just about any aching body part. Each product is carefully constructed to include ingredients known for their effectiveness in combination. Long grain white rice is most effective in creating moist head to penetrate muscles. Flaxseed helps retain heat. Aromatherapy through lavender helps calm and ease stress and tension (and of course it smells absolutely amazing).

I received my Comfy Creations Neck Wrap and i Pillow set in the mail after one seriously trying week. I immediately (as in, straight from the packaging) put the neck wrap on and started soaking in the delicious smells of lavender while feeling the comforting qualities of the gentle pressure from the rice. The cut of the pillow allows for a personalized and comfortable fit whether standing, sitting or lying down. After waking up STILL wearing the neck wrap I can attest that relaxation is a claim this product can stand behind.

At under $20, these products make amazing gifts. Do you need a gift for a Mom-t0-be or new mom? Why not shower her with the gift or personal relaxation. Really there isn't anyone who wouldn't appreciate these pillows. And you have to check out the many, varied and fun patterns offered -- I had a hard time choosing which one was my favorite. Life may deal you stressful times but that doesn't mean you have to suffer the physical effects of stress.

Comfy Creations :: $19.50 :: Neck Wrap i Pillow Set

A SIMPLE COUPON!
SIMPLE readers can take advantage of the great 10% discount at Comfy Creations Etsy store by using the coupon code COMFY10 with a purchase! Have fun shopping!

*I was provided a Neck Wrap and i Pillow Set to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

toytoy :: cardboard armchair

Simple. Eco-friendly. Reasonably priced. Playful. Colorful. Portable. Lightweight. FUN!

When I first saw the ToyToy armchair design I immediately started thinking of all the places my son would have fun sitting in it. Part of the beauty of this simple product is how versatile it can be in the ever evolving life of a child.

Created by two parents who wanted products that would help build the world instead of taking away from it, ToyToy products help families consume less and use materials in a smarter way. The ToyToy armchair is constructed out of one piece of cardboard. It comes in a flat package (incredibly portable) that you can quickly assemble anywhere. With solid attention to design engineering this piece cardboard transforms into a very functional and fun chair. From a parent's perspective it's a little bit awesome.

• My son and I are able to transport this chair anywhere (it is incredibly lightweight)


• I don't have to worry about my son tumbling off the chair or scratching the floor as he pushes it around -- the design is child-friendly and very forgiving


• Creativity is inspired through the design -- I have watched my son climb on it, use it as a table, hide things in the cubby hole, push it around like a car, store his stuffed friends on it and flip through countless books while sitting atop this very cool chair
  


• It is at a price that any parent can love -- children work hard to tear things apart, but at this price that idea doesn't induce fear

Again, there are so many great ways to use this chair and places to sit in it. And think of what a great gift this could make -- it comes in transport friendly packaging (gift when visiting friends or relatives with kids), it is at a very reasonable price point (all those neighborhood birthday parties), it can be stored easily just about anywhere for occasional use (grandparents homes).

You can visit ToyToy over on Facebook as well!

ToyToy Cardboard Armchair : $14.99

A SIMPLE COUPON:

The ToyToy chair is already reasonably priced at $14.99, but today through June 30th, 2011 you can save an additional 25% off! At such a great deal you might want to consider getting one in each color -- and don't forget those gifts. Just make sure to use the coupon code: SIMPLE at checkout.

*I was provided the chair shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

woodland belle :: jewelry and hair accessories {giveaway}

I love jewelry and I love nature, so when I came across Woodland Belle, a nature-inspired innovative line of jewelry and hair accessories,... well it wasn't long until I was building my wish list. Gorgeous, simple, delicate, easy-to-wear, whimsical and timeless -- pieces from the Woodland Belle collections will compliment any jewelry lover's assortment.
I was immediately drawn to the Branch Collection and its unique and beautiful hair pins. Each hair pin is created out of a cast or mold from real specimens collected on nature walks near the artist's home. The designs are well crafted and made with quality details and materials that stand out from the moment you touch the piece.

While I adore the hair pins I was almost equally as enamored with the packaging I received containing the beautiful jewelry. Perfection. I giggled as I held the precious box which was adorned with a seal and tidy bow. I can already imagine giving a Woodland Belle piece as a gift and watching the recipient's face light up just as mine had.

I promise you will not be disappointed by the playful and distinct pieces offered through Woodland Belle. Each design is a tiny little treasure. Whether you acquire pieces as a gift to yourself or for somebody you love, Woodland Belle designs are a gift that will be very appreciated.

Woodland Belle :: $20.50 :: Tiny Twig Hair Pins

A SIMPLE COUPON ::

From now until June 30th, 2011, SIMPLE readers can get 20% off the total purchase on the Woodland Belle website by using the code SIMPLESUNSHINE! Have fun shopping!

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY! ::
One SIMPLE reader will win a pair of Tiny Twig Hair Pins from Woodland Belle. Here is how to enter:

• Visit Wooldand Belle and come back here to tell me in a comment which designs you would most like to add to your jewelry and hair accessory collection (Required)
• "Like" SIMPLE on Facebook
• Facebook :: Daily - Leave a link :: Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and this giveaway
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: #Win a beautiful pair of tiny twig hair pins over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/mkulsd #giveaway
• Sign up for our daily emails
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect
  
• "Like" this review on Facebook below (make sure to leave a comment telling us you did)

The winner will be randomly chosen on June 29, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I was provided Woodland Belle Tiny Twig Hair Pins to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

clarity :: amplify your life

I don't know about you, but my grandparents have struggled for the past few years with being able to hear what we are saying. They get frustrated because their ears aren't what they used to be. Then I feel bad they are frustrated!

When I was first contacted about the Clarity products, I really didn't know what to think. But after researching their products and having the opportunity to use them first hand, I am a believer. Great gift idea for aging Dads!

“Every Father’s Day, we celebrate with quintessentially paternal gifts – fishing equipment, books, ties and so on,” said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. “For dads in their 70s and 80s, these types of gifts are not as helpful as they once were. Seniors are looking for security, independence and peace of mind, which is exactly what the P400 and C410 phones provide.”

Here is a little about the phones being featured in this review:
"Such features include the phones’ amplification technology for those with hearing loss; and large, simple buttons that make dialing painless on arthritic fingers and easy to see for those with reduced vision. The P400 even features PicturePerfect Dialing, which allows dad to dial more easily by having photo memory dial buttons pre-programmed to the phone."

Clarity is the leading manufacturer of amplified telephones and specializes in technology geared for seniors with helpful features and functionality for age-related disabilities.

You can read more about Clarity HERE and when it was established and what all they offer!

Clarity P400 and C410 :: $49.99

A SIMPLE DEAL:
Clarity is offering two of their phones - the P400 and C410 (both pictured above) – for only $49.99 for a limited time to honor dads. From June 10 to June 23rd, these two phones will be the special price of $49.99. They can be purchased at Radio Shacks across the US or online.

*I was provided with a model D613 phone to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own!*

ajj cornhole :: your one stop cornhole shop

It's that time of year. Time to get out of the house!! Time to enjoy the beautiful weather. Well, for some of you that is year round. But unfortunately for those of us in Michigan, we have to jump for joy with the 4 months of nice weather we get blessed with!

When the weather gets nice, we get outside...all the time! We now have a new activity to do with our family! And not only does our family enjoy this, when we have family and friends over, this is one of the first games we have been grabbing!

AJJ Cornhole makes a superior product. Great time is taken from what I can tell and the quality is spot on! They don't only offer Cornhole sets - there is more. You can check it out by clicking HERE.

If you're looking for great cornhole sets and accessories at affordable prices then you've come to the right place! All of our cornhole sets are hand-made at our warehouse in Cincinnati (the city that cornhole originated from) and are shipped to your door in days.

And don't forget, get this ordered in time for a fantastic Father's Day gift! Read below how you can get 20% off just by mentioning simple at checkout! This is something fun that dad can do outside with the kiddos - or you can make a family affair out of it too!

Not only is their site great for purchasing - but you can find out what Cornhole is as well as rules, and more!

Stay up to date with AJJ Cornhole on their Facebook page!

Striped Cornhole Set with bags :: $134.99

A SIMPLE DEAL:
AJJ Cornhole has extended a special coupon code for SIMPLE readers when purchasing a striped cornhole set with bags. At checkout, mention "simple" and you will get 20% off! Great deal!! Plus, their striped sets are already on sale right now too!

*I was provided with a striped cornhole set to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

KinderBike :: major coupon code!!!

So I am sure you remember the KinderBike review. How could you not? It was super awesome, I must say so myself! :)

(You can read the full review if you don't know what I am talking about.)

Keep reading below to see what KinderBike has offered SIMPLE readers. Pretty fantastic!


A SIMPLE DEAL:
Just because you all are SO awesome and the activity that was received for the KinderBike giveaway, the awesome folks over at KinderBike decided to offer a coupon code to all that didn't win. Shhh, don't tell! It's explicitly for you all! FYI - they never do this! :)

The promo code is simple71 - all in lower case letters - and this will get you $30 off at KinderBikeUSA and is effective 6/6/11-7/1/11. Enter the promo code at checkout! How awesome is that!!!

*This coupon was run in conjunction with the bike I received for my previous post with KinderBike! This post is simply for the great deal!*

arbonne :: skin care {giveaway}

I am pale. This means two things -- I look really washed out in pastel colors and I have sensitive, temperamental skin. The sensitive skin has me in a constant search for products that will cleanse but not dry out, moisturize but not clog, protect from the sun but not irritate. It really is a constant search. Luckily I have come across a great line of skin care products that have been proven to be safe and beneficial for all skin types. Arbonne is a high quality line of patented products developed in Switzerland and focused on being pure, safe and beneficial. While it is important to know what products are... I think it is equally important to know what products are not.

Arbonne products are created WITHOUT:

• Animal products or animal by-products (and they are never tested on animals)
• Formaldehyde donating preservatives
• Petroleum based ingredients
• PABA
• Dyes, chemical fragrances, GLUTEN or mineral oils
• SD alcohol or acetone

So, what ARE Arbonne products?

• Botanically based
• pH correct
• Hypoallergenic
• Dermatologist tested
• VEGAN certified
• And the "non-technical" stuff -- they smell DELICIOUS. Honestly the first time I washed my face with the cleanser I wanted to eat it. It really smells that good. And Arbonne strives to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for all paper packaging (again, the brand is committed to environmental responsibility) -- so you can feel good about bringing these products into your home.

Arbonne also offers an amazing children's product line, ABC Arbonne Baby Care. I have used the wash, lotion and sunscreen on my little guy daily (he inherited my sensitive paleness) and have loved the way it protects his soft, baby skin. With summer kicking into full swing sun protection is a big concern of mine. I am grateful Arbonne sunscreen does a great job of protecting delicate skin without irritating it.

Arbonne has done the hard work for us by putting their scientists, ethical and environmental standards and quality ingredients to the test to develop superb products. We get the easy task of just ordering and waiting for it to arrive at our doorstep. Sold!

ABC Arbonne Baby Care products :: $14 -22

A SIMPLE COUPON!

From now until July 8th, 2011 SIMPLE readers can get 20% off the total purchase. To receive the discount you need to email Arbonne contact, Beth K., directly at cbkrenzel@me.com. Make sure to mention SIMPLE when placing your order. Have fun shopping Arbonne!

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One lucky SIMPLE reader will win a great adult and child sunscreen combo from Arbonne! This is the perfect way to guarantee great sun protection during the hot summer months. Here is how to enter:

• Visit Arbonne , sign the site's guestbook with your email address (on the right hand side of the page) and come back here to tell me in a comment that you were a guest of the site. (Required)
• "Like" SIMPLE on Facebook
• Facebook :: Daily - Leave a link :: Post a status on your Facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and this giveaway
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: Protect your family's skin by entering to #win a great family Arbonne combo sunscreen pack #giveaway @simplereviews: http://tiny.cc/2oxzj
• "Like" this review on Facebook below
• Sign up for our daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect
  

The winner will be randomly chosen on June 22, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I was provided Arbonne products -- including the RE9 and ABC Arbonne Baby Care products to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

first time books :: personalized children's book

Last month my son, Eli, turned one and we're beginning to explore new territory around here. After months of zero interest, my husband and I are finally able to sit down and read to our son, which is great since reading is so important for a child's development. And not only is Eli enjoying books, but he's also beginning to associate himself with his name. He can easily understand the difference between "mama's nose" and "Eli's nose" and when looking at photographs, Eli is well aware that he's starring at himself. So, when I was given the opportunity to review a personalized children's book from First Time Books, I was really excited. This was the perfect chance to combine these two accomplishments.

First Time Books allows you to create a book specifically about your child. The process is really simple. Once directed to their website, I was able to enter personalized information such as my child's name, gender, ethnicity and hair color. Within seconds, the preview was right on my computer screen and showed exactly what my book and the cartoon version of my child would look like. I decided to go with the ABC book since I think this is excellent for Eli's age, but you can choose from other great stories such as a birthday book, christmas book and even a potty book! You also have the option of ordering hard cover, soft cover or even just a PDF if you're willing to print the pages yourself.

























The quality of these books is excellent. We received a hard cover version and I loved how big it was (each page is 8.5 x 11 inches) and how vibrant the colors were. Eli just loves this book too and I think he has taken such a liking to it since it's about himself. This adds such a fun dimension to any story and is a great way to keep your children interested!


Personalized Children's Book :: $5.00 - $40.00, depending on story and book cover

A Simple Deal:
First Time Books would like to offer our readers a free PDF of their ABC book. Just use promo code FREEPDF at checkout. Afterwards, you will receive a promo code for 50% off any First Time Book purchase if you like what you see!


*I was provided the personalized children's book shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*