simple's wordpress move...

Our Wordpress move will begin today, so if there is any downtime, please forgive us!!

Look for our new look soon!

a SIMPLE move...

All of us at SIMPLE want to let you all know that we think you are the best readers ever! How have you been liking the reviews and GIVEAWAYS going on lately?

The reason this post is going up is to let you know about some new stuff going on with the SIMPLE site.

As you probably remember, Blogger was and has been having some issues. We have decided to make the move to Wordpress. And this move will be happening this week - the week of June 27th and will be done by the 6th. There will be some changes, but all the changes will be good! :)

So please bear with us if there happens to be a little down time - however we are not foreseeing that happen. And as always, please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you are having challenges!

Have a fantastic week...enjoy the reviews...and be sure to enter the giveaways going on now!

a baby :: simple mom kate {had her Desmond}

We want to introduce

DESMOND JONAH

born
6/23/11
6:18am
8lbs. 2oz.
18 inches
He's PERFECT!

Mom and Baby are doing great!  Read more on her blog for the awesome details!

Please congratulate her on her wonderful lil miracle.

:: the magic number!! ::

Right now, the magic number for SIMPLE is 5,000... 5,000 Facebook Fans that is.

We're getting closer and closer to that magic number and on the way there we will be having special Facebook Fan ONLY giveaways. This is our way of saying "Thanks!" to all the wonderful SIMPLE readers who follow us over on Facebook - and to you all too who follow us both here on SIMPLE as well as Facebook.

If you're not already a Facebook Follower of SIMPLE become one now! We have already started one of our giveaways and we wouldn't want you to miss out! Hint, Hint....$50 gift card!

To keep those prizes coming remember to recommend SIMPLE to your Facebook friends who don't love us already. Once they're following us as well they become eligible for the giveaways!

(AND....if you are a company reading this and want to get in on the action, send me an email and we will figure something out!!)

Thanks again & good luck!

rafflecopter :: a new way to enter giveaways

SIMPLE has been looking for a way to make entering giveaways easier.  Here is a new application that I am going to try with a couple giveaways. I am super excited how this works and I am loving Rafflecopter and how easy it is. It’s brand new and I’m one of the first blogs to be able to test it out, I need feedback on how our readers are liking it.

Rafflecopter is a giveaway application that will help SIMPLE create, run and organize our giveaways. We are hoping it will be really fast and simple for our readers. You won't have to leave multiple comments anymore either.

Benefits for our readers:

• Easy and fast to enter giveaways.
• No entering your name and email address each time.
• It gives clear instruction on how to do each entry
• when you are finished entering everything it will say DONE, even when you come back later, that will be helpful to know when you have already entered a giveaway.

Here is a current giveaway that I am using Rafflecopter on Matilda & Maxwell books. Let me know how it works. I am still working out the kinks a bit but I think it will be loved by all!

{ blogger.com issues and how they affected SIMPLE }

Hey all!

I know many of you were probably disturbed and/or affected by the recent "outages" due to blogger.com maintenance. Well, you weren't alone. There were many people having these same thoughts and challenges.

Since SIMPLE was out for about 24 hours, we have extended some of the giveaways to Sunday. Winners will be picked on Sunday for the giveaways set to end yesterday and on. You can see those in our giveaway section.

Second, the comments left yesterday on ALL the giveaways were unfortunately erased by the blogger.com maintenance as well. We are SO sorry but unfortunately can't do anything about it. Blogger says all will be restored, but to what time frame that we don't know. So....PLEASE comment again with your entries into our giveaways. If for some reason the comments do show back up (which will make your entries doubled), that's ok. We want it to be fair! ;)

We love you all and couldn't be "SIMPLE" without you.

We are working hard on getting some more fabulous products to review and, more importantly, GIVEAWAYS!! :)

Happy Friday the 13th and have a GREAT weekend!! :)

P.S. We have a deep desire to poke blogger in the eyeballs with dessert forks...Just so you all know!

happy mother's day to you all!!

We hope this day brings you lots of joy, happiness and giggles celebrating life and what we all have to be thankful for...our wonderful children!! :)

Happy Mother's Day to you and yours from all of the MOMS here at SIMPLE!! :)

our new simple moms!!

Here is the OFFICIAL announcement!

Please welcome our two newest additions to the SIMPLE REviews team!

First, here is a little about Erin and after her information you will find information on Andrea!

Please say hello and you will be seeing them in the next few weeks here on SIMPLE!

Erin :: Reviewer

I am loving every moment I'm blessed to spend as a full-time wife and mama (Katherine Faith, 9 months) . For me, nothing is more important or fulfilling than making our house a home for my family, and I am passionate about encouraging and equipping other women as they do the same! When I'm not doing laundry or color-coding the family calendar, I enjoy cooking, reading, music, and indulging my inner (though novice!) runner, crafter and green-thumb.

Blog: Suburban Utopia

Tweet Me: @suburbanutopia

E-mail: erin.simple[at]gmail[dot]com

Andrea :: Reviewer

I've been married to my wonderful husband since July 2006 and in May of 2010 we welcomed our son, Eli James, into this world. We're currently expecting #2 and enjoying every second of parenthood. I am a stay-at-home-mom and when I'm not changing diapers or wiping away tears, I try to make time for my passion - photography. I also love a heart pounding workout, decorating my home, trying out a new recipe and getting lost in a good book. I'm a sucker for coupons and just love it when I find a good deal!

Blog: In Her Shoes

Tweet Me: @andrea_teresa

E-mail: andrea.simplereviews[at]gmail[dot]com

a SIMPLE MOM!!

There is still time to sign up to get the chance to be a SIMPLE mom. Only 2 days left!!

As SIMPLE moms, we love what we do!! We enjoy researching products to let our readers know about before they buy it!! SIMPLE is looking for another mom to help us out... A few requirements first ::

• You must blog on a regular basis
• You can not be doing product reviews on your personal blog or elsewhere
• You must be a mom or mom-to-be
• You must have the SIMPLE button on your blog at all times in a well seen area to be considered part of SIMPLE

Fill out this brief survey... Copy the following questions below... then paste them into an email. Send the e-mail to simple.mom.search2011[at]gmail[dot]com


1. Why do you want to be a SIMPLE mom?

2. What is your main reason that you blog?

3. Do you have children, if so how many and what age. Pregnant? Due?

4. Do you do reviews on your personal blog currently?

5. Do you work?

6. What type of products are you interested in reviewing?

7. What type of personality do you have? Tell us one thing about your self.

8. Send us a link to your personal blog.

9. What can you bring to SIMPLE?

10. How many followers do you have on your blog currently?

11. Do you have a facebook page for your blog? If so, how many 'LIKE' it?

12. Do you tweet and are you familiar with it? If so, what's your twitter name?

13. What state do you live in? Just curious :)


After answering all of the questions please include a sample review with it in your email. (it can be any product)

Entries will accepted until April 15, 2011, please email before then to be considered as a writer! Good luck :: Can't wait to read all the entries!
Want to tweet about this?!?!? Spread the love.

Wanna tell others? Tweet this: Ever wonder how to be a simple mom? Here is your chance to find out. You could be our next writer! http://tinyurl.com/3u3ox5r

Buisness2Blogger :: It's Free!!

Buisness2Blogger is a service designed to help connect businesses and bloggers for FREE!

How does it work?

You sign up your review blog. They send you and email containing paid blogging opportunities, about once a week. They encourage businesses to work with as many of the interested bloggers as possible, and send them to us!

If you are a business or a review blogger...check it out!

simple.mom.search for 2011

I think it's time to add to our team... As you may have noticed we have already added two moms, SarahM and SarahK. Please welcome them! As SIMPLE moms, we love what we do!! We enjoy researching products to let our readers know about before they buy it!! SIMPLE is looking for another mom to help us out... A few requirements first ::

• You must blog on a regular basis
• You can not be doing product reviews on your personal blog or elsewhere
• You must be a mom or mom-to-be
• You must have the SIMPLE button on your blog at all times in a well seen area to be considered part of SIMPLE

Fill out this brief survey... Copy the following questions below... then paste them into an email. Send the e-mail to simple.mom.search2011[at]gmail[dot]com

1. Why do you want to be a SIMPLE mom?
2. What is your main reason that you blog?
3. Do you have children, if so how many and what age. Pregnant? Due?
4. Do you do reviews on your personal blog currently?
5. Do you work?
6. What type of products are you interested in reviewing?
7. What type of personality do you have? Tell us one thing about your self.
8. Send us a link to your personal blog.
9. What can you bring to SIMPLE?
10. How many followers do you have on your blog currently?
11. Do you have a facebook page for your blog? If so, how many 'LIKE' it?
12. Do you tweet and are you familiar with it? If so, what's your twitter name?
13. What state do you live in? Just curious :)

After answering all of the questions please include a sample review with it in your email. (it can be any product)

Entries will accepted until April 15, 2011, please email before then to be considered as a writer! Good luck :: Can't wait to read all the entries!


Want to tweet about this?!?!? Spread the love.
Ever wonder how to be a simple mom? Here is your chance to find out. You could be our next writer! http://tinyurl.com/3u3ox5r

Simply vote for SIMPLE!

circle of moms is trying to find the best product review site out there.  Well we think we are it!! So we need your help because we know you think the same way.  All you need to do to help us out is click the button above and then Vote.  Just click on the little thumbs up next to SIMPLE.  It's that easy. No need to register for anything or sign up...Just 2 clicks and you are done.You can vote once a day til the 30th.  Please try to do it every day....every vote counts.  We are in 1st right now so lets stay there.  We love our readers and we want everyone to know.Thanks for all your support.   Voting ends March 30, 2011

Top Mommy Blog {Help Us}

We all want to be on top, don't we? That's what SIMPLE is trying to do but we need your help to do it. Our readers, yes that means you, can help bring us to the top. If you could please take a second when you visit SIMPLE to click on the Top Mommy Blog banner on the left sidebar. That's all you need to do. It will take you to the Top Mommy Blog Page and then you are done. It tracks votes by how many people come directly from our site. You do not need to do anything else on Top Mommy Blog site.

And don't forget you can do it EVERYDAY!! So my friends when you are done visiting SIMPLE you can share it on Facebook and twitter so everyone can help us!!

Snowed In!

We wanted to wish you a "Happy Snow Day" because many of us have had just that! I know for those of us in Michigan, all the kids were home because schools were closed and we have had over 2.5 feet of snow. Kinda fun I think!

What did you do today? How was your weather? Someone please comment from Hawaii or something and say it is gorgeous! :)

We hope you all have had a great day as well. Sorry there was no new review up for you today, but stay tuned tomorrow for a new review and possible giveaway!!

So many to read!

I hope you all have noticed by now, but in the past couple months there is a new section on SIMPLE - the CD/DVD Review section. Have you seen this and checked it out recently? WELL...if you haven't, today is the day to head on over there! Click on the link above or you can click HERE too.

There will be a total of 4 new reviews up there today, TWO of which are GIVEAWAYS. Ours (and your) favorite! Have some fun...and to enter, be sure to comment on the review that has the giveaway, not this one! Thanks SO much for being part of SIMPLE! We would be nothing without you!

Protecting Your Investment with OtterBox

About 3 years ago my husband and I got our first iPhones.  I loved my new multi-purpose gadget and decided that I would use a case to protect it from my inevitable clumsiness.  Six months later with at least 4 cases lying destroyed in the trash I decided gave up on protecting my investment (and let's face it, most phones these days are an investment).  The payment for this decision was that for its last year of life my phone was held together with invisible tape and super glue.

When we decided to get new phones a couple months back I was a little worried.  Then I was introduced to OtterBox and I started to think there may be a phone case out there that lived up to my expectations.  My expectations have been exceeded and I just LOVE my new phone case from OtterBox!

For 2 months my pretty OtterBox iPhone 3G/3GS Defender Series Case (pictured left) has managed to withstand the tests of durability that two toddlers and their sometimes clumsy momma have thrown at it and still doesn't have a scratch on it!  With three levels of protection this OtterBox iPhone 3G/3GS Defender Series Case has become a frequent recommendation for anyone I know who works outdoors, in construction, or has small children.

I did have one problem with my phone and the screen protector sticking and creating a "oil slick" effect.  I emailed OtterBox's customer service and promptly got a response directing me to view a tutorial YouTube video as a possible fix for the issue and to contact them back if needed.  The fix worked and I was kicking myself for not having asked them how to fix that issue sooner. :)

GET YOUR OWN: Visit OtterBox to find durable cases to help you protect your investments, including phone cases, waterproof cases and even iPad cases!  You can also view the details here for the sale that OtterBox is having through Monday (11/29/10).


*In order to conduct this review I was provided with the above mentioned OtterBox phone case for free. The opinions provided are my own.

NextDay Flyers

Next Day Flyers is an online printing company that delivers top-quality printed marketing materials with one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. They specialize in full color printing of custom business cards, brochures, greeting cards, postcards, as well as specialty die cuts and other marketing materials.

When they contacted me to review some Flyers, I was excited because I am in need of new marketing material for my upcoming change in my buisness. I decided to get some thank you cards for clients. They turned out fantastic. I love them. Perfect for what I need. The quality is fantastic too.

NextDay Flyers also offers many other services such as, Next Business Day Printing, Easy Online Ordering, Free Design Online Service, Free Specialized and Seasonal Templates,
Next Day Flyers’ Blog with Design and Marketing Tips, and
Customer Care via Phone, Email, and Live Chat.



GET YOUR OWN!! 1/4 page flyer - starting at $30.95 - Full color both sides for double the impact, 14pt printed with our high gloss UV coating or Matte coating for a flat satin finish, Printed on 100lb bookweight glossy paper

Being "chatty chatty" and hands-free with Jawbone!

I recently received The Thinker from Jawbone to conduct a review for all you awesome SIMPLE readers! Let me tell you, I am in LOVE with this! As a busy mom with two little ones that require so much of my time, it is nice to be hands free! I do a lot of running around, which requires a lot of driving. The thing that I love the most about my new Jawbone is the fact that I can drive hands free. I never really thought it was a big deal...until I got an earpiece of my own. Now, I will not drive without it!

I have a very busy girlfriend with children as well, and she leaves her Jawbone in her ear all day while at home so she is able to take any incoming calls and still be able to attend to her children. And one more cool thing about this earpiece, it tells you the phone number of the incoming call so you can choose whether or not you want to take it. Yet another great feature for the busy person!

It is sleek, very modern and works GREAT! You can choose from approximately 4 different voices that the earpiece can talk to you. Mine says, "I'm activated, ready for action". Cool!! It also has this cool technology that "buffers out background noise." There is actually a much more technical explanation, but that is how my simple brain understand it! :)

They have so many different styles to fit your personality...take a peek:
You can follow Jawbone on Twitter as well as Facebook too!! I was looking at the pictures on Facebook of what celebrities are using Jawbone, and two of my favorite shows (CSI and 24) are using Jawbone!

GET YOUR OWN! Head on over to Jawbone and take a look around. Their site is very user friendly and the photographs on there show very specifically the type of earpiece you will get. Click HERE to get one of your own online. If you want one right away, we purchased ours at a local AT&T store, so if you have one near you, you can check that out as well.

*I was provided from Jawbone, The Thinker model to conduct this review but have since went out and purchased The Thinker for my husband as well.*

Trading Cradles

If you are a new parent in America, you will probably spend more than $10,000 on your baby in the first year alone. By the end of that year your baby will have probably outgrown everything three times. The stroller, the crib, the car seat, the wardrobe and much more will find their way into your closet and start to collect dust.

Trading Cradles is to help parents sell or give away that great stuff. After all, it is worth thousands of dollars to somebody! This service has three core pillars that will help parents and kids all over the world.

Make it Easy.

Selling stuff is fast and hassle free. Write a 250-character (Twitter-like) ad, post 1 image and in 30 seconds your stuff is ready to sell. Buying is easy. No registration, lightning fast browsing and immediate direct contact with the sellers.

Make it Free.

The site was designed to help parents save money by offering a great service! Parents can put ads on tradingcradles.com for no cost. And, unlike other sites, they don’t charge parents when transactions occur. They simply connect buyers and sellers, in their cities.

Keep it Safe.

Safety is one of the most important characteristics of any site that deals with little ones. Their parental team approves every ad before making it available on the site.

No matter how much money you might have, every baby deserves a safe car seat, a comfy crib, and a happy new life! At Trading Cradles, it is their mission to make sure no babies are left behind.

Check out their services at tradingcradles.com. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Help a Simple Momma Out!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend to the fullest!  We have a tiny request that we thought you all could help us out with.

One of our review moms, Emily (DesignHER Momma) has entered into a tight competition for a Energizer scholarship to the BlogHER Conference next month in NYC.

We think she would do a fantastic job and want to help her get it!  Here are a few ways you can help.

1.  Tweet!  Say something brilliant like:  Hey @barefootmomma & @kailani, Emily, @designHERmomma would make the perfect #energizer ChargeHER at #BlogHER10: http://tinyurl.com/34nzupr

2.  Let Energizer know!  Simply "fan" the Energizer facebook page and post on their wall: Emily, the Designhermomma would make an outstanding ChargeHER at BlogHER!  http://tinyurl.com/34nzupr

3. Check out her post.  Leave a comment!  The post is pretty funny, and definitely worth a read.   

Thank you all for your support!  We know we have the best fans.