namaste inc. :: vegan handbags & accessories {giveaway}

I was one of those pregnant women who bit the bullet and chose substance over style when it came to my diaper bag. And for the last 12 months? I have loved my one-strap backpack. It’s easy to use and my husband isn’t afraid to hold it when we’re in public. But a couple of months ago, I could feel a change coming. I missed all the pretties I gave up because they weren’t practical, and I found myself in need of, dare I even say it? A mom purse. You know the kind – big enough to hold diapers, wipes, snacks, and a few clean onesies as well as your cell phone, a novel, wallet and camera.

How thrilled was I to find Namaste Inc. had solved the age old diaper bag/mom purse dilemma? Ecstatic times ten! They pride themselves on “providing customer service that is prompt, personal, and friendly, while offering products and accessories that are hip, innovative, and fashion-forward.” I can tell you from personal experience they do just that. Their accessories are smart and inventive. The service is outstanding, and the products are phenomenal. Namaste Inc.’s wide selection of handbags and totes offers the perfect bag for businesswomen, photographers, crafters, and moms who desire to look fashionable but could easily fill a suitcase with all their necessities.

I chose the Laguna bag in black – but it was a hard decision with such fun colors as Eggplant and Peacock vying for the top spot. The Laguna has two exterior pockets and four interior pockets – one which serves as a divider in the middle of the bag. I love this feature because I can split my purse into two sections: mine and Katherine’s. The purse also has two handles and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Be still my beating heart! Function and style! Busy women often lament having only two hands, and this strap allows me to corral my daughter, carry shopping bags and dig for my keys without worrying about dropping my purse or struggling to keep it from slipping off my shoulder. The PVC-free, animal friendly faux leather is gorgeous yet durable – yet another mommy must! The cherry on top? It's the clear winner to be my carry-on when we hit the airport for our summer vacation.

Namaste surprised me with a matching wallet, and ladies, I adore it. It holds all my licenses, insurance, debit, credit and library cards in a way that I can clearly see each one. It doesn’t burst at the seams if the change purse gets a little full or if my checkbook is holding a few too many receipts. In fact, my cell phone even fits in it, making it a perfect makeshift clutch in a pinch!


The third fabulous find in my box is truly an innovation for those of us who carry big bags. The blessing of a large purse is also its curse: it can hold a lot of stuff. Enter the Cali Collection’s Oh Snap! Three piece pouch set. L-O-V-E. Small items that make their way to the bottom of your bottomless pit can now be safely stored and easily accessed when needed. Once again, Katherine and I split them up – a mini-notebook, crochet project, Excedrin and make-up in mine and diaper cream, diapers, an emergency snack, and spare pacifier in hers. The third holds our sunscreen & bug spray. Pure brilliance, and so very simple!

Whether you’re looking for a new handbag, wallet, clutch or an organizational system to return your purse to its desired Zen state, Namaste Inc. has what you need. They’ve also go your chance to WIN a Laguna bag and matching wallet in your choice of Black, Red, Eggplant or Peacock. Keep reading to find out how to enter!

Stay up-to-date with the latest from Namaste by following them on Twitter and liking them on Facebook!

Cali Collection Laguna Bag :: $85
the Wallet :: $40
Oh Snap! 3 pc. set :: $20

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One SIMPLE reader will win a Laguna bag and matching wallet! Here is how to enter - leave a comment for each entry!

• Check out Namaste Inc. and come back here telling me which product you think will be great for this summer! (Required)
• "Like" Namaste Inc. on Facebook
• "Like" this post (see that blue button at the bottom? Click it!)
• Follow Namaste Inc. on Twitter
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog and leave us a link!
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: Fashion forward vegan handbag and wallet from @NamasteInc up for grabs at @simplereviews!! http://tiny.cc/q6c2v #contest #giveaway RT!
• Sign up for our daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be chosen on July 15, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

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

kidorable backpack promotion!

Kidorable has another great deal going on starting tomorrow, May 16, 2011 and ending May 31, 2011. It's their backpack promotion.

During the dates listed, you can purchase a backpack through their website and receive 20% off by using their coupon code "SUMMER33" at checkout.

What kid doesn't love a good backpack. They are perfect for snacks, books, toys and even just a bag full of goodies for a long car ride. You can see all their backpack styles for boys and girls HERE!

Stay tuned to SIMPLE - we will be having a special promotion with a possible giveaway in the coming weeks here featuring Kidorable! You know we love them as they have been reviewed and mentioned here a few times now!

young bananas :: the owen diaper bag

It only took me having 3 kids, but I have finally found the perfect diaper bag! The Owen diaper bag from Young Bananas has fulfilled my deepest longings for a diaper bag. It is adorable and functional all wrapped up into one perfect little package to stuff my junk into!

And its not just the diaper bags I'm swooning over at Young Bananas. They've got all sorts of great products for mom and baby, with the most gorgeous and colorful fabrics.


Here are some of my favorite things about the Owen Diaper Bag:

• 9 pockets to keep you organized - 5 of them on the outside for quick access
• the strap is adjustable and long enough to hang over your stroller handle
• WASHABLE!
• magnetic snap closure makes it quick and easy to open and close when you're desperately digging for wipes!

As a seamstress myself, I can tell you that this diaper bag is of the highest quality. Everything at Young Bananas is handmade, and I'll admit it...I'm a little bit jealous of her sewing skills and eye for ADORABLE fabrics!

Owen Diaper Bag :: $79.00


A SIMPLE COUPON :: Use code SIMPLE15 at checkout to receive 15% off your order. Offer valid through 5/18/11.




*I purchased the Owen Diaper
Bag at a 50% discount in order
to conduct this review. My
opinions are my own.*

Bee Yourself in Your Style!

This case has been a LIFESAVER!

Ever since receiving this cover (the 11 inch MacBook Air Sleeve in the Victorian Damask) , I bring it EVERYWHERE. Not only does it protect my computer, but it is "uber" cute too! Some people wonder if it is my actual purse. Even though it isn't, I would totally carry a purse around in this fabric!

I was able to bring this case with me to New York when we went about a month ago. It was just great because there was plenty of extra padding in the rare chance that I could have dropped it.

Fantastic quality and I love the patterns and fabric choices. AND, the product I received is quilted too which adds that extra flair to the product!

One thing I learned recently which I thought as pretty cool about her products and wanted to share it with you is this:

I have put uplifting quotes on some of my items. I hope to encourage YOU to be the best you can be with these inspirational quotes.

GET ONE: Check out Bee Yourself Designs to see all that there is to offer!

SIMPLE COUPON: All SIMPLE Readers can get 10% off your order for anything in the shop. Enter coupon code SIMPLE2011 during the checkout process and it will automatically take 10% off. Valid through March 25, 2011.

{ ** GIVEWAWAY NOW CLOSED!! ** }

WIN ONE: One SIMPLE reader will win the choice of a sleeve for either your laptop, iPad or eReader. Here is how to enter:

• Check out Bee Yourself Designs on etsy, come back here, leave a comment and tell me what your favorite item is! (Required)
• "Like" Bee Yourself Designs on Facebook
• Follow Bee Yourself Designs blog
  
• Send some twitter love and tweet something like the following (daily tweets allowed): Enter to win a cover for your iPad, eReader or laptop from @BeeYourselfDsgn over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/4nwscho #giveaway
• Vote for us in the Top Mom contest. Just click the thumbs up on this link: http://www.circleofmoms.com/blogger/839 (vote daily for more entries)
• Vote for us in the Top Mommy Blogs. Just go to our home page and click on the blinking logo...that's it! (vote daily for more entries)

Winner will be randomly chosen on April 1, 2011. Good luck!

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

Cover up that Technology Safely!

When I first received my MacBook Air, I instantly loved it. BUT after having it for only a couple hours, I realized I needed something to keep it nice and fresh (and protected) so it stayed looking as awesome as Apple products do.

So, I started my search on etsy...of course! I mean, where else do you go to find GREAT products that are very unique!

My search landed on Borsa Bella. Here is a little about Melissa, the shop owner:

Melissa’s creative talent was apparent at a young age and her mother adeptly harnessed this talent by teaching her to design and sew at the age of six. A native of Richland, Washington, Melissa was later drawn to the Wenatchee Valley with a fast pitch scholarship offered by Wenatchee Valley College. After completing her business degree at Eastern Washington University, she returned to the area and began sewing and designing bags as a hobby. When demand for her creations grew, she began selling her products online and doing home parties.

Not only is this cover very fashionable, but it is very sturdy and keeps my computer safe. There is padding as well as a zippered pouch on the outside to keep my keys, small wallet and iPhone if I have to run into a coffee shop quick to catch up on some emails, etc. Then I don't have to carry my whole purse! Comes with strap and all! AND...if I do have to carry my purse, this will slide right in. It's not big and bulky.

The shop owner makes a ton of great things. Click HERE to head on over to her etsy page and you will get a snapshot of all the items! Continue reading for other links to take advantage of.

You can follow along with Borsa Bella in her many ways via the web. She has a twitter account, a Facebook Group, a blog and a website. Not to mention her etsy shop!

GET YOUR OWN!! Visit Borsa Bella today at any of the links listed in the paragraph above. If a MacBook Air cover is what you need, you can get your own for as little at $46. She also has Hobo Bags, eReader Bags, Gadget bags and more!

*I was provided with the MacBook Air cover shown above free of charge to conduct this review. The opinions shown here are my own. I love mine, and if you need one too, you should get it here!*

More Miche Love, with the Big Bag!

Before I was a mom I had a bunch of cute purses. I would frequently change them to match my outfit, my mood, or just because I was bored. Then I had kids, and my purse never changed until it was falling apart (because who has time to move all that stuff when there's a screaming kid and you still haven't showered for the day?).

Hello, Miche Bag. Miche Bags are these great designer handbags that let you switch your style in less than a minute. I can be a cute, handbag matching, mood changing momma?!? Yippee!!!

Since her giveaway just ended I'm sure most of you remember SIMPLE mom Jaime's original review of the Classic Miche Bag (found here). I'm going to concentrate on the Miche Big Bag since that is the great style I got to try out. :)

Basically, you start with a base (Big Base, shown left) and then choose whatever shells you'd like to change out your style with. The Miche Big Bag base slides right into any Big Bag shell and secures with magnetic flaps at the top. The magnetic flaps are also how you close the top of your Big Bag. This magnetic closure is secure enough that everything doesn't spill out when your purse tips over in the car, but easy enough to open with only one hand.

Inside the base there are slots for your credit cards, a zippered pocket for holding cosmetics or small items, two pen (or lip gloss) holders, and a couple other pockets for holding those items you want to be able to easily find. Ahhh... (that's my sigh of organizational contentment). Plus, I still have room for my 'momsentials' for those times when I don't want to tote a big diaper bag around.

I've been trying out the Natasha (left) and the Sophie (right) shells and am totally addicted to my Miche Big Bag already! I just love that they are such totally different looking styles, and I barely have to do anything to switch my look!

I have to note that the Miche Big Bag is a 'slouchy' purse. When I put my Big Bag down on a flat surface, it slouches over and gets that trendy 'slouchy' look. This isn't apparent in the pictures of the shells, but is really great to know.

GET YOUR OWN!!! The Miche Big Bag is available from MicheBag.com along with the Classic Miche Bag and Mini Miche Bag. They even offer some great accessories, like different strap styles, to customize your look!

WIN YOUR OWN!! One lucky SIMPLE reader will win one of these fabulous designer bags by Miche. You will receive a Miche Big Bag, plus the Natasha and Sophie shells pictured above! To be entered, please visit MicheBag.com and come back to tell us what shell you like best! (Don't forget to include your email address!)

Extra Entries: (Leave separate comment for each)

• LIKE The Official Miche Bag on Facebook
• Tweet this giveaway: Enter to win a Miche Big Bag with 2 shells from @MicheBagdotcom with @simplereviews #giveaway http://tiny.cc/pbri7

Winner will be randomly selected and announced on January 27, 2011. Good luck!

*I was provided with the Miche Big Bag and 2 shells pictured above free of charge to conduct this review. The opinions provided are my own.

Nap-N-Sack for Tired Little Travelers

Here at our house we love The Piggy Story! (see original review here) They have fun, kid-friendly products that my daughter and I both love.  We recently have been able to try another of their great products and I just had to share...

It's that time of year where we are routinely packing the kids into the car at all hours of the day to travel to various parties with family and friends.  Many of these gatherings just plain wear the kids out or they interfere with bedtime and we know that by the time we get home there will be two sleeping kids in the backseat.

To help get our oldest to sleep faster while we are away we've been taking along her new Nap-N-Sack from The Piggy Story.  She loves having her very own little pillow and blanket to use and carrying them in the matching backpack with a few of her 'treasures' makes her feel very important.

Here's some more info on the Nap-N-Sack, straight from the folks at The Piggy Story:

"Red eyes, big yawns and a little crankiness: warning signs to reach for the Nap N Sack and avoid a meltdown. This handy pack is equipped with a child sized pillow and super fuzzy fleece blanket. The machine washable sack pack can be used over and over for other toys, books or stuffed animals too. A pocket space for embroidery makes it essential for traveling on day trips or grandma's house. Kids will gladly take a nap with this fun set. Blanket: 39"X29" Pillow: 12"x8" Sack Pack: 11"x14""

GET YOUR OWN!!! Visit The Piggy Story online to order the little ones in your life their very own Nap-N-Sack.  It comes in 9 different patterns and you're sure to find one for each of your tired little travelers. 

*I was provided with a Nap-N-Sack from The Piggy Story free of charge in order to conduct this review.*
 

DadGear - Great Diaper Bags For Dads

I don't know about you, but my husband and I do NOT see eye to eye when it comes to the whole diaper bag situation. For example, I am just NOT organized when it comes to my bags. (and yes, I just said bagS, plural.) I have like 4 different bags that I move stuff around to and from and each one serves a different purpose depending on where we're going. And, of course, like most diaper bags, they are all more suitable for a woman to carry. Everything about my diaper bag "system", if you will, annoys my husband to no end.





Well we have found a solution to all our diaper bag issues without having to go through extensive therapy. DadGear - its the remedy your man is looking for, trust me. No more tossing your pink paisley bag over his shoulder while getting sympathetic looks from the other dads out there. With a DadGear bag, your man is going to be the cool dad. It may just encourage him to take the kids out on his own to show off his style while YOU take a nap...maybe??


We've got the green stripe backpack, and my husband is smitten. He LOVES having his very own bag all ready to go when he takes the kids out. Its got about a million compartments to keep things organized. The padded shoulder straps make this very comfortable to carry, but it also has integrated straps to easily hang it from the back of a stroller.


Our favorite features of this bag? The easy access "window" you pull open to get to the Patented Quick Access Wipes Case. With two toddlers, I think we reach for a wipe about every 2.2 seconds. We also love the diaper hammock that keeps the diapers at the top of the backpack. The last thing a man (or really anyone) wants to do when changing a diaper is dig into the depths of a bag while fighting a squirmy kid.



If you're looking for a rockin' diaper bag for your man, look no further than DadGear. You'll find a plethora of styles including backpacks, messengers, couriers and more. With their style and functionality, these bags will last through the diapering years and beyond.


GET YOUR OWN!! Visit DadGear.com to purchase any of their items. The Green Stripe Backpack pictured above sells for $90.00.


A SIMPLE COUPON!! DadGear is offering our readers a 15% discount on any DadGear.com purchase. Use coupon code SIMPLE15. Expires 1/14/11.

Jo Tote - Camera bags for Women

You all know I love bringing you the latest and greatest camera bags!

As a professional photographer, I know the importance of protecting my gear.

The days of tossing my cameras into purses unprotected are over.
You just can't risk that!

So with my business growing and my gear becoming like a 2nd limb, I am always looking for great camera bags.

and... I found this one.






Jo Totes brings you not only the protection you need for your camera gear, but also a great looking bag that says a little something more, than a traditional black box camera bag can.

With an assortment of colors and beautiful designs, Jo Totes is the perfect gift for any female photographer.

Like many bags, it gives you the flexibility to remove and insert dividers in the bag as well as attach a messenger strap on for when you need your hands free.

The bag I got was the Rose Raspberry... and I just fell in love with the vibrant color and fun detail on the bag.

GET YOUR OWN: Jo Tote bags cost under $100 - you can't go wrong! This bag can function to hold a small netbook or ipad as well and can be used as an every day purse. It is far more than just a camera bag.

WIN OUR OWN: Jo Totes wants to giveaway a bag! And not just any bag... WINNERS CHOICE!

So here is what you do...

To enter SIMPLY COMMENT telling me what bag you'd like to win.

Grab extra entries by...

1- Following Jo Tote's (aka liking) them on Facebook
2- Tweet: Visit @simplereviews to enter to win an amazing @jototes for your camera gear: http://tinyurl.com/2g9utys

Please be sure to leave me a valid email address to contact you (if you don't have a blog) - winner will be randomly drawn.





GIVEAWAY ONLY OPEN TO USA RESIDENTS
GIVEAWAY ENDS DEC. 8TH




Disclosure:
Jo Totes sent me a Rose Raspberry Bag to showcase and review on SIMPLE.

The Buti-Bag Co.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING ENTRIES***
Looking for a bag to tote baby gear in that doesn't a) scream "baby" and b) take up half a shopping cart? Then look no farther than The Buti-Bag Co.! Designed by a fellow mom, items from The Buti-Bag Co. are designed with YOU in mind and are intended to transition beyond babyhood to other seasons of life. You could easily use their Bundles to store cosmetics or other travel essentials.

I had the privilege of reviewing one of the Original Bundles (in the town and country giraffe print). I love that it can hold all the baby essentials I need without being too big! It is lightweight, durable, and very well made. Not to mention - the fabric choices are so cute!

The inside has lots of pockets:
Inside mine I was able to stash: two pacifiers, nursing pads, gum (for me, not baby), a pair of socks, a onesie, a pair of pants, a burp cloth, travel wipes, a cloth diaper, two disposable diapers, a pen, my debit card, my cell phone, and some lip gloss! Yet when closed, the Bundle is smaller than most handbags I am used to carrying.

The Buti-Bag Co. offers other items as well, such as the Bunvelope, a clutch designed to hold a few diapers and wipes.
Any of these products would make great Christmas gifts!

GET YOUR OWN! Visit The Buti-Bag Co. to check out all of their great products. The Original Bundle, featured in this review, is $59.99.

WIN YOUR OWN! One SIMPLE reader is going to win a Buti-Bag Co. Bunvelope in their choice of fabric (a $26 value)! To enter this giveaway, you must "like" Buti-Bag Co. on Facebook AND follow Buti-Bag Co on Twitter. (Leave one comment letting us know you did both.)

WINNER will be randomly selected and announced on November 24, 2010.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING ENTRIES***

*Disclosure: I was provided with a town & country giraffe print Original Bundle to showcase and review on SIMPLE. My opinions are my own.

Have lunch with Polkadot Patch Boutique!

When I was online doing a little shopping around, I came across Polkadot Patch Boutique. Very adorable items on here!

Polkadot Patch Boutique sent me their Big Face Moo Cow Lunch Bag for this review. This bag is great! Not only is it super adorable, it holds a ton of stuff. Actually, we took it trick or treating with us this past weekend to a Halloween event. Plenty of room for lots of goodies!

Not only does this bag look great, but it is made from neoprene and it can be washing in the machine. Here is a little more about the neoprene name of this bag and a couple other things - good information I think:

"Neoprene is a water resistant and self insulating material that is a safe alternative to PVC loaded vinyl lunch bags and is lead free. The construction and self insulating properties of the bag hold temperature for hours. For longer outings there is an interior ice pack holder. The bag also has two interior pockets to stash things, a wide zipper opening, reinforced seams and cushioned handles."

Now after saying all this about this fabulous little lunch bag, that is not all they have! They have adorable clothes, great accessories and wonderful unique baby items too!

Follow Polkadot Patch on Facebook as well as Twitter to hear about their most recent items, specials and more!

GET YOUR OWN!! Head on over to Polkadot Patch Boutique now and take a look around. While you are there, don't forget to check out their "Back to School Summer Sale". There are still some GREAT items they have in stock!

*I was provided with the Big Face Moo Cow Lunch Bag from Polkadot Patch free of charge to conduct this review.*

Ecozuri...Go Green

Who doesn't love reuseable bags now a days? You can never have too many. Ecozuri has out done themselves with these bags...they are fantastic.

I love the material they are made out of...very soft and lightweight.

Ecozuri bags are:
• Made from 100% recycled plastics collected and processed in the U.S.
• Machine washable
• Protected with a water proof coating
• Folds easily and elegantly to small pouches attached to the individual bags
• Strong enough to hold 50 pounds in each bag

GET YOUR OWN: Ecozuri Forget-me-not Complete Set - $38.95

WIN YOUR OWN: Ecozuri would like to giveaway a set of these fantastic bags. Following are the ways you can enter. Remember, leave a separate comment for each and EACH ENTRY WILL BE VERIFIED - if not, the entry may be removed.

Additional Entries: (comment once for each)

• "Like" Ecozuri on Facebook


• "Like" SIMPLE on Facebook


• Tweet this giveaway - (just copy and paste!) Come enter a giveaway for Ecozuri bags from @Ecozuri on @simplereviews!
  

For complete rules/instructions on our giveaways, check out our GIVEAWAY RULES page. Be sure to leave your email in your comment(s) so we can contact you if you win!!

Winner will be randomly selected and announced October 4th, 2010. Good luck!!

*Emera Bag - Perfect Combination

You all know I am obsessed with bags :-)
Its the one thing I feel you need more than one of [that and baby carriers!] ;-) - after all, there's always so many uses for a good bag.

One thing I have been on the look at for years now is a bag that can work as a camera bag but also a diaper bag. Ive had other camera bags that are beautiful and function great for holding my camera gear... but were either "two big" for an every day bag... or to small to fit all the essentials for a baby in it as well as a camera.

The *Emera Bag honestly hit the nail on the head with its design.

It is beautiful! Sleek, stylish, heavy duty... but also incredible practical for any mom and photographer.

It comes with inserts that can be removed for your needs... that are padded for your gear. It also has a length wise pocket that you can store a laptop in.



The other day I went to church and had my Macbook Pro, Owens Bottle, a burp cloth, a cloth diaper, my keys, wallet, cell phone, lip gloss and still had room for one of my SLR cameras.

As you can see from the above photo, it has become "my all in one bag" :-) with it sporting a raz-baby pacifier toy clip ;-) - inside though gear galore and all Owens needs.


GET YOUR OWN: *Emera comes in a classic "quilted" look - which is what I have. They also offer a "canvas" tote, but it is current SOLD OUT. At $169 you are not only getting an incredible camera bag that is sturdy and built to protect your gear, but also a diaper bag, purse and laptop bag! It really fan function for it all.

WIN YOUR OWN: Oh yes, you read that right ;-) I get to give one of these beautiful bags away!

To Enter all you have to do is COMMENT telling me which bag you like best.

The Quilted or Canvas - View the bag looks HERE.

For EXTRA entries:

- Tell me how many inserts the bag comes with
(no cheating and looking at other peoples answers! - honor system!!)

- Like *Emera on Facebook - and comment on your wall after that, linking people to their facebook: saying something like:

"@*Emera makes one stylish camera bag! Win one at - (www.simple-momreviews.com)"

- Like SIMPLE on Facebook

- Tweet or Facebook/Blog about this GIVEAWAY as well as LINK to *Emera.

- Daily Tweets are acceptable as well!

(Comment for each additional entry you fulfill)

Giveaway HAS BEEN CLOSED - Winner posted HERE

Disclosure:
Emera sent me a Quilted Tote Bag to showcase and review on SIMPLE