campus book rentals :: operation smile {a simple cause}

CampusBookRentals.com supports The children of Operation Smile!

Campus book Rentals is ecstatic to announce that they are participating in the 2011 Making a Difference Program. They have officially teamed up with Operation Smile, an out of this world, awesome organization, that performs life changing cleft lip surgeries on children whose families could not otherwise afford it. The long term improvement in quality of life for the children that receive these surgeries is almost incomprehensible. They have committed to donating enough to cover a minimum of 1,000 life changing surgeries. They hope to beat that number, but it's a significant commitment.

So for EVERY book rented starting now, they will donate a portion of those proceeds to Operation Smile with their sights set on meeting and exceeding our goal of 1,000 lives changed. So add that extra book to your cart, and consider this goal as you go back to school this year. Thank you for your support.

etc. jewelry shop :: hand stamped {feature}

Sometimes when you hear about something you just need to let everyone know about it.  When ETC Jewelry contacted me asking to feature her on SIMPLE and tell her story I just knew I had to do it.  The mom behind ETC Jewelry and her family are anxiously awaiting to adopt a child from Rwanda. They are currently #135 out of 150 families "waiting in line" at the minister's office In Kigali.  Her along with her husband's sisters are all adopting from Rwanda.

She wanted to find a way to help raise the money for them to adopt their daughter.  She was introduced to hand stamped jewelry when she received one for herself as a gift. She just really loved the sentimental value of that personalized necklace. It was so special to her to be able to keep her babies initials so close to my heart and she knew other moms would definitely feel the same way. So that started the idea of ETC Jewelry!

ETC Jewelry is gorgeous and very personal.  So many different styles to chose from.  You can get names, initials and/or sayings on these necklace or bracelets.

Visit ETC Jewelry and check out her amazing work.  Make a purchase and you will know it will be helping a good cause.  Help ETC Jewelry adopt their daughter from Rwanda! Once their adoption is complete they will continue to send part of the proceeds from etc jewelry to her sister-in-law in Kigali, who helps the Rwandan people around her with humanitarian and missionary work.

etc jewelry :: starting at $29.00


*Product was not provided for this feature, I wanted to share this great store in hopes it will help*

Kidorable - FREE Umbrella offer!

If you have been reading SIMPLE for a small amount of time now, you will know I love Kidorable (reviewed HERE previously). Their items are made with great quality and the pattern selection is awesome!! They have a great, two-fold deal going on right now.


From March 21 through April 4, Kidorable is partnering with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund to help support a great cause (and get a cool free gift, too). You can get a FREE Kidorable umbrella when you make a purchase of $20 or more. AND...10% of the purchase will be donated to Children's Cancer Research Fund... "bringing kids health, hope and happiness by revolutionizing the way childhood cancer is treated worldwide".

So if you are in the market for any of Kidorable's items, now is the time. Head on over and use coupon code CCRFUMB2 at checkout and you will get a free umbrella as well as the donation to Children's Cancer Research. (You must add the free umbrella to your cart first.)

*I was not provided anything to facilitate this review, I love their products and thought this deal was worth sharing!*

Cookies for Kids' Cancer

CHOCOLATE CHIP OR SNICKERDOODLE?

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer calls for 700 bake sales in honor of Prince Liam the Brave

The Glad Products Company commits $225,000 to match all money raised by Cookies for Kids’ Cancer bake sales in May making every dollar go twice as far

Chocolate chip, sugar, snickerdoodle and oatmeal raisin—what better way to fight, and spite, pediatric cancer than with cookies? Cookies for Kids’ Cancer announced a call to action for 700 bake sales in May to honor what would have been the 7^th birthday of Liam Witt, the inspiration behind the cause. To motivate supporters, The Glad Products Company stepped forward with $225,000 to match all money raised by Cookies for Kids’ Cancer bake sales in the month of May.

All funds raised will go directly to support new, less toxic treatments for kids fighting cancer, the number one cause of death by disease of children in the United States. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded by parents after their young son Liam was diagnosed with pediatric cancer four years ago. Gretchen and Larry Witt learned that with increased funding for treatments, survival rates increase as well. Inspired by their son’s courage, which earned him the nickname Prince Liam the Brave, they founded Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in hopes of giving every child a better chance at beating the odds. Although Liam lost his courageous four-year battle on January 24^th, the Witts remain committed to inspiring others to get involved in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Want to help? Here’s how! Host a bake sale or other Cookies for Kids’ Cancer event. 100% of funds raised from bake sales in May, up to $225,000, will be doubled thanks to The Glad Products Company.

“Glad® is proud to continue its support of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer,” says Bob Hillman, Brand Manager for Glad Food Storage. “We hope people across the country will suit up in aprons this May to host one of the 700 bake sales, and help raise much needed funds for pediatric cancer research.”

About Cookies for Kids’ Cancer

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded by two parents inspired by their son’s fight against cancer. Today pediatric cancer remains the number one disease killer of children in the United States, due in large part to a lack of funding for research into new and improved therapies. Through the concept of local bake sales and online cookie sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer inspires individuals, organizations, and businesses to join in the fight against pediatric cancer by raising the funds and awareness necessary to change the face of pediatric cancer and provide more families with the hope they deserve. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer grants funds raised to leading pediatric cancer research facilities including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Dana Farber Cancer Center. For more information, visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cookiesforkidscancer and Twitter www.twitter.com/cookies4kids.

The organization is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Heart of Haiti

Can you believe it? It will be one year ago, tomorrow. The earth shook,crumbled and devastated the people of Haiti.

Some days if feels like ages ago, other days more like just last week.

The people of Haiti are strong in heart and spirit, and have started the process of rebuilding and healing. Time can heal wounds, but they still need our help.

Interested in finding out a new way to help? There is a simple (and fashionable) way.  Macy's has partnered with Haitian artist in a fun and unique opportunity. Through Heart of Haiti, everyday folks like us can purchase handmade items from Haiti, and the proceeds directly benefit the artist who created it.

Watermellon Bowl ($16.00)

Candle Holder ($60.00)

Artisans receive 22% of the the retail price!  This money helps them rebuilt their lives, regain confidence in their craft, and support their friends and family.

In return, you not only get an amazing piece of handcrafted art, but the satisfaction of helping another human achieve their dreams of being independent.

GET IT YOURSELF! Check out the wide selection over at Macy.com.

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

Random Acts of Zhu!

When I was contacted with the opportunity to giveaway approximately 100 zhu zhu pets, I jumped on it! There are SO many people in need this holiday season, I figured the least I could do was take a little time to fill out some forms, coordinate a charity in need and schedule a delivery, and hopefully be chosen to participate. Cepia, LLC - the makers of ZhuZhu Pets® and Kung Zhu™ - chose me on behalf of SIMPLE Reviews, to take part in this special charitable initiative!

“Random Acts of Zhu” was established last holiday season as a way to provide toys to children in need. This year, they invited me to share in the joy of giving.

The charity that I chose was Safe Haven Ministries. I initially heard about this from fellow SIMPLE mom and friend, Carinn. What a great thing! I learned SO much about them just for the little while I was there. I was given a tour of their facility and learned more about them than what was shown on their website. The timing was perfect for this donation too because the following week after I contacted them, they were putting together a "toy drive" for all the mother's who couldn't get gifts for their kids this year. It was just perfect timing!

Here is a little more about Safe Haven Ministries:

Safe Haven Ministries offers comprehensive domestic abuse services to women and their children as well as community education and prevention programs. Unique for our expertise in faith and domestic abuse issues, we also offer spiritual counsel for women who request it, as well as training for faith leaders.

*I was not compensated for this post nor was I given any product for my own personal use. I did this on my own terms and gave the zhu zhu pets to Safe Haven Ministries.*

Save the Music!

Nature's Paradise

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Natures Paradise is a company dedicated to helping its community. On March 14th they will have their Panda Evan Mascot run the Race for the Cure for Breast Cancer. Natures Paradise is hoping that their Panda won’t pass out during the 5 mile race but is ready for the challenge. Their Panda Evan will be the only animal running the race and is hoping to capture the attention of the public to raise awareness and funds to support the foundation.

Their goal is to raise at least $5,000 dollars for the foundation but would love to raise and endless amount to help find the cure for so many millions of people. Natures Paradise will be doing a lot of different things to promote the awareness. Not only will their Panda run the adult race, it will also run with the children in the youth race. They are a little afraid the children will run after the panda instead of with it, but maybe that will be the motivation the children will need to get to the finish line. They also purchased a large tent area where they will auction off more than a hundred gift baskets of their own as well as other products and gift certificates from other sponsors and companies. They are donating 25% from their Giovane Italy Facial line to go towards their $5,000 goal.

You may help by purchasing any of the Giovane Italy products from their site so 25% will go towards the foundation. You may donate any amount $10, $20, $50 or more on their site under the page “Race for the Cure” You may join their team and run with the Panda first hand for $50.

Natures Paradise is healthy living company, manufacturing only USDA Certified Skin Care Products. They have a busy year schedule for their Panda Evan with over a dozen different walks to raise money and awareness for the causes. Please help this giving company meet their goal for those Breast Cancer Sufferers.

A SIMPLE COUPON: Nature's Paradise is giving our readers 15% off. You can use the code: simple09.

When Coffee is More than just a "Pick Me Up"

I started drinking coffee my junior year of college. Late nights, working hard on projects, I would brew a pot of that would keep the midnight oil running for hours. Now I drink in every morning, it's part of my daily routine.

Just Love Coffee Roasters is a fair trade coffee that helps families fund raise money to adopt orphans from Ethiopia. How brilliant is that? Each bag of 13 oz coffee sells for $12.95, and $5 from every bag sold goes directly to the family trying to raise money for their child.

Right now, we're drinking African Skies, in support of our friends raising money for their little girl Joleigh.

I LOVE the idea of a coffee fund raiser. It gives me an excuse to drink really tasty coffee, support the Ethiopian people, and helps a friend get closer to the dream of completing a family. I would call this a win-win for everyone!

GET IT! Visit Just Love Coffee Roasters to learn more about their fund raising program, or PLEASE consider helping little Jolie by purchasing from her fundraiser. Remember, from each bag purchased, $5 goes directly to the fund-raising efforts.

WIN IT! Just in time for Valentines Day, we're giving away a bag of the Valentine's Blend. To enter, leave us a comment letting us know what you plan on doing this year to show someone you love just how much they mean to you.

Extra Entries: (leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow @JustLoveCoffee on Twitter
• Follow @SimpleReviews on Twitter
• Tweet this giveaway: Win Fair Trade coffee from @Justlovecoffee and @SimpleReviews http://tinyurl.com/yzwleut
• Become a fan of Just Love Coffee on Facebook
• Become a fan of Simple Reviews on Facebook

Winner will be randomly selected and notified on February 14th, 2010

Live in New York? Want to Help? (And get a Designer Bag??)

The Sak, sakroots & Elliott Lucca will be hosting their Winter Sample Sale at the NY Showroom tomorrow December 10th. This year, The Sak is working with New York Cares to give back during the holidays. Any customer who brings in a coat and makes a purchase will receive a free crossbody from The Sak!

Thursday, December 10th 9am -7pm

The Sak, Elliott Lucca and sakroots (eco-friendly bags)

339 5^th Avenue, 2^nd Floor (between 33^rd and 34^th)

Bags range from $5-$60

Subway: 34^th Street at Broadway– NRW, FV

212.329.4500

American Express, Visa and Mastercard and Cash accepted; No checks

Sample sale highlights:The Sak signature leather styles including crossbodys, satchels and totes. Sakroots eco-friendly styles including drawstrings and hobos. And Elliott Lucca leather and woven leather totes, demi’s and satchels.

Examples:

the sak Iris Convertible Satchel was $79 is now $40

the sak Solana Crossbody was $139 is now $30

the sak Juniper Foldover Flap was $179 is now $40

Elliott Lucca Sena Drawstring was $238 is now $60

Elliott Lucca Sintra Satchel was $228 is now $60

Elliott Lucca Zooey Shopper was $268 is now $60

Elliott Lucca Valeras Hobo was $168 is now $60

sakroots Indio Crochet Large Tote was $99 is now $20

sakroots Eco Harmony Crossbody was $44 is now $10

Ahhhh....if only I lived in New York. Tell me if you go so I can live vicariously through you!!

Trident & Smiles Across America

Did you know, "Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in America, affecting 50 percent of first graders and 80 percent of 17-year-olds"? As a mom of three small kids, there are a lot of teeth to keep healthy and clean.

That was one reason I recently agreed to participate with Trident and Smiles Across America in an online briefing discussing how to keep kids teeth healthy and practical tips to help!!! While most of the tips were obvious ways to care for little teeth, it was fun to hear from celebrity mom, Jennie Garth, share her own stories;) I also appreciated hearing from a professor from Baylor University School of Dentistry, as well as practicing pediatric dentist.

Here is a great document that lists some of the simple ways to keep your kids teeth clean and healthy. I could list all the things that were shared, but here are the few that were shared only during the briefing:

• Sweet & sticky snacks between meals causes more harm to kids teeth than we think (brush after the snack!)
• Children should start to see a dentist at the age of 1
• Sport drinks rank up there with soda, as far as oral hygiene is concerned
• One of the best protection strategies for kids teeth, besides brushing, flossing and diet, is getting sealants on 6/7 yr molars and 14 yr molars!!!

Besides working to establish healthy oral habits from Jennie's list, my family is also enjoying some of the fun flavors of Trident sugarless gum after quick snacks and when we are away from home.

BUY YOUR OWN! You can purchase Trident gum knowing they are helping to fight the #1 disease among American school children, tooth decay!! And here is a coupon for their newest layered flavor!




* My family received a care package of different Trident gum products for participating in the briefing.

Million Baby Crawl to Washington

Ha ha haa.... no we're not planning a family trip to DC anytime soon:) But maybe through a virtual crawler, we'll make it!

Seventh Generation has partnered with a national coalition to push new legislation for a chemical reform of cleaning products. Fearing that many harmful toxins are coming into our homes through some of the cleaning supplies that are readily available, Seventh Generation desires that the policy is updated to include new known chemicals. To view the platform of this campaign, click here.

As moms we can appreciate having a safe and clean environment in our homes. We thank companies, like Seventh Generation, that are trying to make products that help us accomplish BOTH of those goals!

You can be a part of the the campaign to change the chemical policy and show that there is interest in the Kid-Safe Chemical Act by joining the Million Baby Crawl!!

WIN IT!! Seventh Generation is giving SIMPLE readers extra motivation to join the virtual march! Here are three ways you can win a Seventh Generation starter kit to begin now to clean your home with less harmful chemicals.

1. Join the Million Baby Crawl.... create a crawler and leave a comment that you did.
2. Visit the Million Baby Crawl website and leave a comment about something you learned.
3. Blog about this giveaway, linking to SIMPLE and Million Baby Crawl, leaving the URL in the comment!

Winner will be chosen at random on Nov 7th !!

Eat Your Veggies!

Yep, those are my kids... playing happily together, sharing, using their amazing little imaginations, learning that vegetables are our FRIENDS. "Could one little set of toys do all of this at once?", you may be asking. Thanks to Under The Nile, the answer is yes!

Under the Nile is this amazing manufacturer of organic infant and children's apparel, toys, blankets and accessories. But they are SO MUCH more than that. Not only are they providing healthy toys for children, they're also providing healthier living conditions for impoverished people in Egypt.
Under the Nile participates in the 13 Villages Project, which brings work to women in villages that are desperate for better livelihood. Now THAT'S something worth sinking your teeth into!

My boys have been LOVING this Veggie Crate from Under The Nile's "Farmer's Market" collection. I'M loving that my kids are playing with safe toys from a company that is doing good around the world!


WIN YOUR OWN!! Under the Nile is generously giving a veggie crate ($30) to one of our lucky SIMPLE readers. To enter, visit Under the Nile, then come back here and comment about what your favorite item they sell is.

For extra entries: (comment each additional entry)

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and to Under the Nile.
• Participate in the HAVE YOU survey on the left sidebar.
• Tweet this contest.
  

Winner will be randomly selected and announced July 30th.

Beautiful Gifts - Made by Survivors

Who doesn't like to receive beautiful handmade items as gifts? I absolutely love it, and that's why I'm a huge supporter of buying handmade whenever possible.

MadeBySurvivors.com is a unique type of handmade. Everything handcrafted and sold on this site is made by men, women and children that have been rescued out of slavery and are rebuilding their lives through artisan opportunities.

Did you know that the US government estimates that around 15,000-17,500 slaves are trafficked in to the US each year? By supporting MadeBySurvivors.com you are helping survivors gain economic independence, which is crucial to rehabilition after they have been recued.

I've gotten absolute joy of wearing this Spring a beautiful handcrafted batik scarf ($25). My favorite part of wearing it is when I get complimented on it (and I get tons) I get to share the story about where it came from and who the artist was.

How does MadeBySurvivors.com help? All proceeds go to the survivors and to the shelters, helping pay for rescues, aftercare and trafficking prevention programs.

GET YOUR OWN! Help support this amazing effort to empower people whose lives have been shattered by slavery. Visit MadeBySurvivors.com and find an array of gifts suck as jewelry, handmade paper products and even adorable toys for your kids.

Plant a Seed - It's GR-R-RATE!

Here at Simple Reviews, we love to seek out companies that are doing amazing thing to give back to their consumers (and then pass on that goodness to you).

Right now, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes is launching an initiative that I feel very committed to spreading the good word - it's called the Plant a Seed campaign.

Plant a Seed - what is it? Visit Kellogg's and nominate a ballpark in your neighborhood that needs a little TLC. Kellogg's promises to renovate 50 ballparks across the United States, making them a fun place for run, play, have a good time - letting kids be kids!

Kellogg believes that strong bodies help build strong minds. Their motto is "On the right field it's amazing what you can grow." - and it couldn't be closer to the truth.

I feel passionate about this because I live in an urban neighborhood that needs continuous TLC. Living in an area that continually feels the burden financial cuts, I jump at the chance to have my neighborhood revitalized.

You can visit the website to nominate a local field, vote on fields, and watch the fields get renovated. I can guarantee you that I'll be nominating a little plot of land a few block from my house.

Oh, and watching the Superbowl tomorrow night? While your munching on chips and hot wings, look for the Kellogg's "earn your stripes" commercial! It's sure to be GR-R-REAT!

~emily
The DesignHER Momma