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.*

keep :: shoes {giveaway}

Shoes are the ultimate accessory in my book -- this is probably why I continue to amass a collection of them (rarely letting any go). So it was with no surprise that I started looking at children's shoes before my son was even out of the womb. While in the olden days (1970's and 80's) children's shoes came in one color (white) and looked down right therapeutic, today we are lucky to have an abundant choice when it comes to adorning the tiny toes in our homes. And, even luckier still, Keep Company entered the market to make sure those toes are truly stylin'.

Keep is a shoe company that lives by their tagline, "We aim to keep things personal." They do this by working with the people they love, respecting the work they do and paying attention to the details. In this vein of living by their work, Keep also remains cruelty free in all of their products -- never a bad thing.

Knowing I can stand behind the company is great, but the shoes themselves are what make Keep awesome. The moment they arrived in their sturdy cardboard box I knew I would love the shoes. The construction of the shoes is top notch. Every detail is paid attention so that each shoe is well crafted out of quality materials -- the kind of shoe you want to put on your child's foot, the kind of shoe that lasts.

And remember, I think shoes function as amazing accessories. These Keep "accessories" do not disappoint. I had a difficult time deciding which style to choose for my son. Hipster, skater, preppy, urban, classic -- you name a style and Keep has a shoe to fit. The Benten, the style I ultimately chose, is the perfect mix of preppy classic and modern hipster. It's the ultimate boat shoe with perfect little details like lacing along the side and a whipstitch along the toe. And the pattern, Starry Night, is a very cool Japanese print -- every print they offer is this cool.

My son loves wearing them (and can even help get them on and off with the easy Velcro closure). And I love looking at them on his feet. In the new atmosphere of plentiful children's shoe choices Keep shines like a star.

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One SIMPLE reader will win a pair of KEEP kids' shoes from the Benten, Ramos or Guerra collections. Make sure you let us know about each entry in a separate comment below. Here is how to enter:

• Check out KEEP and come back here telling me which product you think will be great for your child! (Required)
• "Like" KEEP on Facebook
• Follow KEEP Company on Twitter
• Facebook :: Daily - Leave a link :: Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and KEEP and this giveaway
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: Stylin' kids kicks #win from @keepcompany at @simplereviews! http://tinyurl.com/3ve8kpc #contest #giveaway RT
• "Like" this review on Facebook below
• Sign up for our daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on July 20, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

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

mano celebrates :: fashion lockets and vintage jewelry {giveaway}

I am always on the lookout for fun and unique items. And when I can find them for myself, it's extra cool! :) I happened to stumble upon Mano Celebrates one night when I was on etsy. There are some very cool things on there!

Lots of lockets too! Which is actually what drew me in to begin with. Well, let's be honest, and the owls! The locket that was sent to me actually featured a Mom and Baby owl. It's so cute.

The details are just great too on this. There is this cute little blue flower. Makes it that much cooler! :)

Another thing that I really like about this locket is the fact that it is longer. So instead of sitting higher on the neckline, it is more of a centerpiece lower - yet not distracting at all! And you can layer it too, I just didn't show that in the picture to the left.

Here is a little about Mani - the story behind the shop:
Life is full of colors and so is my Art. I love to work on different projects at a time. It helps to stimulate my creativity and brings the best out of me. I love to paint: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor and mixed media. At the same time my hobby is jewelry making and designing. Colors, light and shapes are focal point in my paintings; however I believe that nothing can be created without feeling it.

Here are a few more of the items in this shop. They are so cool and colorful!

Mama and Baby Owl Locket Necklace :: $34.99

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One SIMPLE reader will win a Textured Peacock Feather Locket (pictured below) from Mano Celebrates. Here is how to enter:

• Check out Mano Celebrates and come back here telling me which product is your favorite! (Required)
• "Like" Mano Celebrates on Facebook
• Follow Mano Celebrates on Twitter
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :#Win a fun locket from @Mani1020 on @simplereviews: http://tiny.cc/7i88y #jewelry #contest #giveaway RT!
• "Like" this review on Facebook below
• Sign up for our daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on July 22, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*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*

kelly's treasure :: leather wrap bracelet {discount}

Kelly's Treasure contacted me about doing a review for their leather wrap inspirational bracelets, I was onboard the minute I saw them.  I love bracelets and I just think these are unique and fun.

Just being able to look down at your wrist and read a line of inspiration to keep you going is fantastic.  The one I received was Find Joy in Your Journey and just love it.  It means so much in so many ways.  It will help me to find joy in my life regardless of what is happening at the time.  They have many inspirational sayings and Find Joy in Your Journey is the most popular one plus "Trust In The Lord" is the most popular out of the scripture themes.

Kelly's Treasure has other types of jewelry as well, necklaces, rings and earrings. These trendy new Triple Wrap Bracelets are made from genuine leather and feature a special engraved message and Swarovski Crystal accents.  The leather that these are made out of are very soft.

These are available in 9 colors: Silver, Brown, Black, Pink, Turquoise, White, Gold, Purple and Cranberry.

A little about Kelly's Treasure:
Kelly’s Treasure is a Christian based jewelry company, specializing in Christian bracelets, Christian necklaces, and other types of beautiful Christian accessories. Our hope is that customers come to our store to find not only beautiful jewelry, but jewelry that inspires and reminds you of “who you are and Whose you are.”

Find Joy in your Journey :: $25.00

A SIMPLE COUPON!
Use the coupon code SIMPLE to receive 20% off the purchase of an Inspirational Leather Wrap Bracelet
Plus they have already on their site Free Shipping when you spend $75 or more

*I was provided with a inspirational leather wrap to conduct this review. These opinions are my own*

petiemae jewelry :: when you crave creative beauty {giveaway}

PetieMae Jewelry specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces creatively mixing "recycled, upcycled, repurposed, antique, vintage, modern, handmade, handpicked, gently worn and new materials" to bring you a truly unique jewelry boutique. Half the fun of wearing PetieMae is imagining the journey each piece bravely underwent on its way to your jewelry box. The other half? Is realizing PMJ creatives are so versatile they can be worn with virtually every outfit in your closet.

Necklaces from PetieMae's cloth collection are super comfy to wear - no neck-pinching or hair pulling! And I receive compliments every time I'm sporting one :) This amazing pendant and cloth "chain" in warm earth tones is perfect for casual day wear or a night on the town!

If something a little more traditional floats your boat, I've had my eye on this beaded beauty {on the right} for a couple of months now - aren't the colors phenomenal? It would look cute with any of my summer outfits - including my default mom uniform: yoga pants and a tank top!

Your favorite scarf? Grandma's antique brooch? You never know what you'll find when you find when browsing Petie Mae's stash! I love the bracelet pictured below {one of many fantastic WristHugs she's designed} that cleverly layers cloth, chain, and ribbon...so much so that I almost didn't even post this picture. I want! I want!

PetieMae, an art and photography major, is all about expressing inner beauty {the most important kind!} in a bold, outward way. And this girl is just as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the outside! A whopping 20% of every online purchase is donated to Compassion International to aid impoverished children around the world, a cause very close to her heart.

So if you want your retail therapy to do double duty? Shop PetieMae Jewelry - good for the planet, and good for the people on it.

There are two easy ways to find the PetieMae that's perfect for YOU: her online boutique and her Etsy shop.

For the latest news, be sure to follow her shop blog, and "like" PMJ's Facebook page.

PetieMae Jewelry :: $10.00-$50.00

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One SIMPLE reader will win a $25 shopping spree to one of PetieMae Jewelry's online boutiques! Here is how to enter - and be sure to leave a comment for EACH entry:

• Check out PetieMae Jewelry leave a comment wit the name of your favorite PMJ piece (Required)
• See that blue "like" button at the bottom of this post? Make sure you're signed into Facebook and click it! SO EASY!
• Mention this giveaway on your own blog and leave us a link!
  
• "Like" PetieMae Jewelry on Facebook
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: Being green never looked so good! Enter to win a $25 PetieMae Jewelry shopping spree at @simplereviews http://tiny.cc/bd16n #contest #giveaway RT!
• Sign up for our daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on July 9, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I did not receive compensation or products for this review. I already own several PetieMae creations{purchased} because I am blessed to call her my friend!*

pixelmoda :: classic watch

Before I had kids I wore a watch every day.  Fast forward about 4 years and I have really been missing my watch wearing habit.  Especially when I'm running around with two kids and don't feel like endangering my phone just so it can act as an over sized and over priced time piece.

About 2 weeks ago I got my new PixelModa Classic watch in Plum, and I just have to say that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new watch!!! I'm wearing new new super fab watch in the below photo. In fact, I love my PixelModa Classic so much I'm going to count out the reasons why:

1. Comes in 22+ colors.  I have a lovely Plum color PixelModa Classic right now, but I'm thinking a couple more colors like Grapefruit & Brazilian Green need to find a home with me this summer as well.
2. They're 3 ATM water resistant.  This means I don't worry about hand washings, spilled drinks, or emergency grabs into the tub when someone is getting overzealous with their bath time.
3. Ergonomically shaped with a flat back (sits flush against your skin comfortably) and perspiration slits on the side.
4. Come in 3 different sizes.  I have the 17cm, and could probably go down to a 15cm if I had wanted but I like a little loser fit.  Just measure your wrist before ordering to figure out what size will work for you.
5. Lightweight.  In fact, at only 10 grams I frequently even forget I'm wearing it.
6. Inexpensive. (see below just how inexpensive I mean)

Now as much as I love the bright color options available from PixelModa I have to make sure that all you mommas who prefer more classic colors know that you can get yourself a PixelModa Classic in Black, Brown, White and Grey as well.

PixelModa Classic watch :: $20 (SEE! I told you it was inexpensive!)

*I was provided with a Classic watch in order to conduct this review using personal experience.  The opinions provided are my own.*

kss maternity :: eco-friendly maternity clothing {giveaway}

Every pregnant mama needs a "go to" comfy shirt. And to get one that is cute and practical too - that you can actually go out of the house in and not feel like you are still in your comfy clothes - Uber bonus! These shirts aren't only used as a comfy shirt either. You can easily dress it up with some jewelry and a nice cover up. At least I do!


I found all this in KSS Maternity clothing! The items are amazing and look great! Not only do they look fantastic, but check this out, they are eco-friendly too!

KSS Maternity shirts are built tough and look fabulous. Just like the mom to be!

With fun and funky belly designs, eco-friendly fabrics and your ultimate comfort in mind, KSS maternity wear is setting new standards in the market. Our shirts are 100% Canadian made, and sweatshop free. We use a blend of Bamboo fabric and organic cotton. This specialized certified organic blend meets all the maternity musts. It is breathable, cool, maintains its shape wash after wash, and it is ultra soft.

Here are a couple more things I just had to mention about KSS Maternity:

• Certified organic, eco-friendly materials
• Longer cut (no more peek-a-boo belly!) Can I get an amen ladies!!! :)
• Ultra soft
• Cool & breathable
• Maintains shape wash after wash

Baby Steps Maternity Shirt :: $30.00 CAN

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

*TWO* SIMPLE readers will each win a t-shirt of choice from KSS Maternity. Here is how to enter:

• Check out KSS Maternity, come back here and comment saying what shirt you would choose if you are one of the winners! (Required)
• "Like" KSS Maternity on Facebook
• Follow KSS Maternity on Twitter
• Facebook :: Daily - Leave a link :: Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and KSS Maternity and this giveaway
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: #Win a very comfortable and cute #maternity shirt over at @simplereviews from @KSSMaternity! http://tiny.cc/upvbp #contest #giveaway RT!
• "Like" this review on Facebook below
• Sign up for our daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on July 8, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I received product to facilitate this review and promotion.*

starmek creations :: scrabble tile pendant {giveaway}

Starmek Creations sells Scrabble Tile Pendants, Jewelry and Necklaces (Custom and Wholesale).  These necklaces are unique, fun and affordable. She has designs for bridal, friends, mom, niece, aunt, daddy, personalized, birthdays, weddings and wholesale.  They make great gifts and party favors.

The scrabble tile pendant is made using a scrabble game piece and a high quality paper image . They make great gifts for wedding shower, bridesmaid, mothers day, party favours, personal gifts and special occasions. These also can be personalized with your or your kids picture.  How cool is that?
I received the Green Autumn in America scrabble tile pendant.  I love how simple and cute it is. I love the fact that these necklaces are made out of scrabble pieces.

Shalini has a huge passion to create. Born in India and now in California with her husband and adorable son that has helped start this creative journey for her.  She is always ready for any new challenges and ready and on the lookout for new designs.

birkenstock :: be yourself, be naturally healthy

Until about a month and a half ago I would have used 'comfortable' and 'well-made' when describing Birkenstock sandals, but 'cute', 'feminine' or 'versatile'?  Never would have crossed my mind.  For some reason the only Birkenstock sandals that I ever remember seeing were brown, clunky and being worn by kids at summer camp or well... hippies.

Nothing against kids at summer camp or hippies, but those styles of sandals don't exactly scream "Paint your toes & show me off!!!"  Now, my new Gizeh Birkenstock sandals in Onyx, those are paint your toe sandals! They're versatile, cute, comfortable and feminine and I LOVE them!

As I looked through Birkenstock's new Spring 2011 collection, I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only were the sandals cute and feminine.  They came in a ton of colors were made of the same Birkenstock quality that I was familiar with.  Personally I think the Mayari sandals in Camelia Rose (below left) and the Florida sandals in Ocean Blue (below right) are perfect for summer!

Keep in mind as Birkenstock sandals will start off uncomfortable, but will quickly break in to form to the unique shape of your foot.  My sandals have progressively become more and more comfortable with wear,  which makes me completely believe the claims of long-time Birkenstock wearers who say their sandals get more comfortable the older they are.  Those first couple days of breaking them in hurt like the dickens though, so don't give up on them!

*I was provided with the Gizeh sandals shown above in order to conduct this review using personal experience.  The opinions provided are my own.*

bondiband :: No Slip, No Drip {giveaway}

One of my pet peeves when I exercise is my long hair getting in my face while I work out. My second pet peeve is investing in headbands that don't stay on my head. I've seriously considered that I either have a super small noggin, or that it's oddly shaped. Both could be and probably are true.

Try and try again, absolutely no headband has been able to stay on my head; they all slip off in a matter of minutes.

The newest addition to my headband collection has been the bondiband. Guess what. Yup, you're right, IT STAYS ON MY HEAD! The headbands are made from a high tech polyester fabric, which unlike a typical cotton band, wicks moisture away from your body where it evaporates.

And because when I exercise, it's all about me, so of course I got the Princess Tiara Headband that glows in the dark ($8.00). Go aheah, laugh all you want. I love it.

Bondibands had so many different patterns to choose from, it will be hard to pick just one. I love that they are only $8 a piece, which makes it affordable to stock up on a few different colors and patterns.

bondiband headbands :: $8

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One SIMPLE readers will win a bondiband headband. How to enter (leave a comment for each):

• Which bondiband headband pattern is your favorite? (REQUIRED)
• "Like" bondiband on Facebook
• Facebook "like" this post. (find the thumbs up at the end of this post)
  
• Tweet (Daily : Leave a link to your tweet in our comments) :: Win a @bondiband exercise headband at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/3wovswo
• Enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE to sign up for daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on June 14, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I received product to facilitate this review and promotion.*