Holiday Gift Idea: Personalized Insulated Snack Squares

I have never met a young child who did not think it is the coolest thing to have his or her name on a personal item.  It really makes that item "theirs" and lets everybody know that.  As a parent, I love when my children's school items are personalized because I do not have to worry about labeling them.

These personalized snack squares from Posy Lane, an online boutique that specializes in personalized gifts, such as children's backpacks and nap mats, is a practical, but fun gift idea.  Even though they are technically "snack" squares, these insulated bags measure 6" x 5.5" x 5.25" and are certainly roomy enough to hold a sandwich, snack, and a juice box.  They are perfect for keeping snacks, such as fruit cups or yogurt, cool.  They also do a great job with keeping foods warm.  I tested the Mint snack squares out by packing freshly heated Hot Pockets in one for a take-with after school snack on a day that our children had an afternoon taekwondo class.  The food was still toasty warm by the time we got to class.

Currently, Posy Lane offers these snack squares in 25 different colors.  There are even conservative ones that would work for men and women.  These could easily hold multiple cans of soda and are the perfect size for holding a container of soup or salad.

These Mint snack squares sell for just $9.99 each with an additional $6 fee for the personalization.  To view the entire selection of personalized gifts offered by Posy Lane, visit www.PosyLane.com.


Thank you to Posy Lane for providing complimentary product samples for us to base this review upon.

Back-to-School Must-Haves: Owl Lunchboxes, Owl Backpacks, and More!

If I haven't mentioned it before, I have a "thing" for owls. Layla Grayce is having a back to school sale where you can receive 10% off backpacks, lunch boxes, and other kids' gear when you checkout using Code: school by August 31st, 2012. While I was browsing, I found some adorable owl-themed items that would be perfect for back-to-school.  If you or your child loves owls as much as I do, checkout the items below.  I would love to know which ones are your favorite . . .


Owl Lunch Boxes:

Skip Hop Zoo Lunchies Insulated Lunch Bag Owl - $14.00
Retail Price: $24.00

DwellStudio Kids Lunch Box Owls - $38.00
Retail Price: $48.00
You Save: $10.00

Owl Backpacks:

Skip Hop Zoo Pack Toddler Backpack Owl - $20.00
Retail Price: $30.00
You Save: $10.00

Skip Hop Zoo Luggage Owl - $38.00
Retail Price: $48.00
You Save: $10.00

Owl Bookends:

New Arrivals Book Ends Pink Owls - $50.00
Retail Price: $60.00
You Save: $10.00

New Arrivals Book Ends Blue Owls - $50.00
Retail Price: $60.00
You Save: $10.00

Skip Hop Zoo Bookends Owl - $35.00
Retail Price: $45.00
You Save: $10.00

Owl-Themed Developmental Toys:

DwellStudio Kids Toys Wooden Puzzle Owls - $14.00
Retail Price: $24.00
You Save: $10.00

DwellStudio Kids Toys Stamp Set Owl - $24.00
Retail Price: $34.00
You Save: $10.00

Owl Storage Bins:

3 Sprouts Storage Bin Owl Brown - $32.00
Retail Price: $42.00
You Save: $10.00

DwellStudio Kids Storage Bin Cylinder Owls - $120.00
Retail Price: $130.00
You Save: $10.00

DwellStudio Kids Storage Bin Owls Small - $50.00
Retail Price: $60.00
You Save: $10.00

DwellStudio Kids Storage Bin Owls Large - $90.00
Retail Price: $100.00
You Save: $10.00

I think I want the owl bookends and storage bins for myself.  Forget the kids!!

5 Alternative Uses for Unused Lunch Boxes

From year to year, children's favorite characters change quite often.  As a result, parents are finding themselves treating their children to a new backpack and lunch box or tote almost every year.  So, aside from donating them, what can parents do with the unused lunch boxes?  I began thinking about this when the twins were sent these bright and cheery Chuggington Lunch Kits.  They attend half day preschool, so there is no need to pack lunches for them.

Since I was brought up to reuse as many things as possible, I made it my mission to think of alternate uses for these lunch boxes.  My children love Chuggington, so I did not want to just put them in the closet for a whole year until kindergarten started.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

Here are 5 practical ways to make use of unused lunch boxes . . .

1)  A Snack Tote - When the twins attend their big brother's soccer games, we always have to bring a small snack for them and bottles of water.  Instead of throwing everything into the outer pockets of our son's soccer bag, the twins could carry their own snack using one of these lunch boxes.

2)  Store On-the-Go Toys - Use a lunch box to store toys the children like to take with them often, whether it be for a visit to their grandparent's house or for a long car ride.  Then each child can just grab their already-filled lunch box and head out the door.

3)  A Pretend Play Picnic Basket or Suitcase - When presented with the opportunity, a child will just take an idea and run with it.  Offering your child a lunch box to use as a picnic basket, suitcase, or briefcase will offer them many possible scenarios for pretend play.

4)  A Library Bag - Most lunch boxes are large enough to hold small to medium sized children's books.  They would make great library bags for carrying borrowed books to and from the library.  Also, young children would feel such a sense of independence to be able to carry their own books.

5)  A Shoe Bag - A lunch box would be the perfect size for carrying your little one's ballet, tap, or jazz shoes.  There would likely be room leftover to fit a skirt, a dance shrug, and a bottle of water.  I wish I had thought of this before I spent $20 on a shoe bag for my daughter.

Do you have other ideas for more ways to use unused lunch boxes?  We would love to hear about them!


Thank you to Accessory Innovations for providing complimentary product samples for us to base this article upon.

Living Green With Jerinda Giveaway: Kirkland's Insulated Lunch Tote [CLOSED]

"Kirkland’s is a leading specialty retailer of home décor in the United States, operating approximately 303 stores in 29 states. The stores present a broad selection of distinctive merchandise, including framed art, mirrors, candles, lamps, picture frames, accent rugs, garden accessories and artificial floral products. The stores offer a unique combination of style and value that has led to our emergence as a leader in home décor and has enabled the company to develop a strong customer loyalty."

I was sent a beautiful reusable lunch tote to review, which I was grateful to get.  I’ll be honest and say I wasn’t aware of the Kirkland’s brand when I was offered this lunch tote, but was thrilled to be offered something girly to use for myself. Being the mom of two boys, I don’t usually get to have pink and frilly things around, so I chose the girliest print they had.

This lunch tote is very large, much larger than I had expected, and its print is both stylish and beautiful. It boasts that it holds up to 6 beverages, I believe that. It has a durable handle, a zipper closure, is insulated, and has a storage pouch in the front, perfect for utensils and napkins. It is very durable and will last for a long time with gentle use and is big enough to hold any lunch or even lunch for a couple people. It can be considered a Green product, too, because it is reusable and reduces waste. If you wanted to be really wasteless, you could even use reusable items inside to eliminate all garbage in your lunch.

As I said, I wasn’t familiar with Kirkland’s before, but am now and know that I can expect good quality items from this retailer. This Kirkland’s Lunch Tote retails for $9.99 and is available in-store only.

Visit Kirklands.com to view their vast selection of home furnishings and MyKirklands.com to join in on discussions with other shoppers like yourself.

Thank you to Kirkland's for providing us with a complimentary product sample to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive an Insulated Lunch Tote in the brown print (If the print is out of stock, then a substitution will be made.).

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing. Click here to read the official contest rules.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the selection of home furnishings offered by Kirkland's online. Then leave a comment telling me the name of one item that would make a perfect addition to your home. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1)  For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.


2)  For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3)  For 10 extra entries, join the Kirkland's email list. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.

4)  For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5)  For 1 extra entry, "Like" Kirkland's on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.


6)  Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)  Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)  Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)  Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)  Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, January 31st, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Living Green With Jerinda Giveaway: TerraCycle Olivet Cooler [CLOSED]

I have long been a fan of TerraCycle and their commitment to upcycling things that would otherwise be waste and recently I was given the opportunity to test out an upcycled lunch cooler from them. This is not the first TerraCycle review I’ve done, as a few months ago I reviewed an eco-friendly boombox, which we still use and love.

The Olivet Cooler lives up to Terracycle’s reputation, undoubtedly. This insulated cooler features a hard, plastic shell liner that keeps the lunch box sturdy and prevents it being smashed through the day. My 9 year old, Avery, has been using this lunch box a couple times a week, alternating with his PlanetBox, and really likes how big and roomy it is and that no one can crush it, himself included.

The interior of this lunch box is made from over 90% waste packing material and the rest is co-polymers. The outer is partially made from upcycled Frito Lay chip bags. We really like this lunch cooler and its features which include a separate zipping top compartment, very large bottom compartment, crush-proof liner, front pocket for utensils/napkins, and very long handle for easy transporting. It is very well made as well and should last us for a while.

You can learn more about TerraCycle on their website, TerraCycle.net. TerraCycle is now working with DwellSmart.com and they are now a major retailer of TerraCycle products.

Thank you to TerraCycle for sending us a complimentary sample product to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a TerraCycle Olivet Cooler.

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the selection of TerraCycle products. Then leave a comment telling me the name of the item you would love to give as a "green" gift this holiday. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, sign up to Get Paid For Trash. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow TerraCycle on Twitter and/or "Like" TerraCycle on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.

6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, December 16th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Back to School 2010: PlanetBox Stainless Steel Lunchboxes

We are going to make it our goal this year to have as many trash-free or at least trash-light lunches as we can this school year, so when I came across the stainless steel lunch boxes at PlanetBox.com, I immediately wanted one. Luckily for me, they allowed me to review it, which almost made me jump for joy. We try not to use plastic, so in addition to being trash-free, I wanted to avoid plastic as much as possible and this eco-friendly lunchbox helps me do that.

This unique, one-piece stainless steel lunchbox has 4 nicely sized sections to hold all your child’s lunch needs. It perfectly holds a sandwich, 2 sides, and a dessert all in one nice, neat package.

There is also the option to purchase “dippers” that come in small and large that seal tight to hold whatever else you need, like yogurt or fruit. The lunchbox itself is not designed for wet or liquid items, as it could leak. The dippers seal tight though, so they can be used for those items. They also conveniently fit inside the lunchbox or the outer insulated lunch box, which you can purchase separately to hold all the lunchbox items. The outer insulated box has a pocket for the dippers, a napkin, utensils, etc. and a holder for a small water bottle.

I am in love with this set. It is sturdy, unique, and the magnets that decorate it give it a nice added flair. I love that it all fits together so nicely and makes packing my son’s lunch so easy and organized.

My only suggestions would be to make the outer insulated box a bit bigger so it will comfortably hold a juice box and make the outside water bottle holder a bit larger with a bungee closure to hold a bigger bottle more securely. I was able to get a juice box inside, but had to force it a bit. I wanted it in the insulated part so it would stay cold. Those are the only two things I would change. Even still, it’s a great set and works perfectly.

I highly recommend PlanetBox to anyone out there looking for a unique, non-toxic, handy way to store lunch. The PlanetBox is available in various size kits. You can also customize your PlanetBox with a variety of themed magnets and 6 choices in colors for the carrying bag.

To view the full line of products available, visit PlanetBox.com . You can also find PlanetBox on Facebook and on Twitter.

Thank you to PlanetBox for sending us a sample kit free of charge to base this review upon.

"Get Cool For School" Giveaway #17: HipFusion Necklace, Mini Bento Box, Custom Photo Tote Bag (2 Winners) [CLOSED]

Get Cool For School! Giveaway #17

Go to all Get Cool For School Contests

Please take a moment to meet our sponsors . . .

HipFusion Designs offers unique handcrafted precious metal clay and dichroic glass jewelry for both women and men. Every piece offered by the artist reflects her eye for style. You can find HipFusion Designs jewelry online at www.hipfusiondesigns.com or locally at select jewelry boutiques on the East coast. Check out the artist's nationally recognized personalized precious metal clay jewelry to treat yourself to something special or find a perfect gift for the approaching holiday season.

Zojirushi offers products ranging from rice cookers to air purifiers. They also have a great selection of Lunch Jars that are perfect for back to school. Be it college or simply preschool you can find it there. For a light lunch the Mini Bento would be the way to go!

FeeFitFoto covers all the bases as far as photo gifts go. Their selection includes, but is not limited to, photo books, Mia Cameron Photo Handbags, custom porcelain plates, and photo tree ornaments. There is such a vast selection of products that you are almost guaranteed to find the perfect personalized gift for just about anyone.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will win ALL the items listed below. A second reader will receive a custom photo canvas tote bag.

Custom Hip Glass Dangle Necklace

HipFusion Designs Glass Necklace Review

Winner gets to choose the length, color of the glass, as well as the color of the cord on this sterling silver toggle closure necklace.

Mini Bento

Zojirushi Mini Bento Box Review

Natural Canvas Custom Photo Tote Bag

The winner will be able to choose one photo to be printed on a 13" x 15" natural canvas tote bag. The printing area is 11" x 11", which is perfect for displaying an art photograph or a personal photo.

These are the 8 blogs participating in this giveaway event. You can gain additional entries for this contest by entering on all 8 blogs.

3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires

As They Grow Up

Blessings Abound Mommy

Experimental Mommy

Life Starring the Kids and Me

Momstart

The Shopping Mama

What Mommies Need

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, we will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:
1) Sign up for the HipFusion Newsletter. Then leave a comment telling us what email you used to sign up.

2) Visit Zojirushi, then come back and tell us what other product catches your eye!

3) Visit FeeFiFoto and tell us about one item (other than a photo canvas tote bag) that you would love to give or receive as a gift.

You MUST do ALL THREE to be eligible to win this contest, but you will receive one entry for each completed mandatory entry provided you leave a separate comment for each.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments telling me the title of the post you left your comment on. You will earn 5 extra entries for each non-giveaway post you leave a comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) Add this blog to your Technorati Favorites. Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so and under what username. Add to Technorati Favorites

4) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

5) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

6) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this as often as you wish until the end of the contest.

7) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

8) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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9) Add my "Get Cool For School" giveaway event button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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10) Add my "Monterey Car Seat" giveaway button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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Now go visit the other participating blogs to obtain additional entries for this contest!

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)

Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Thursday, August 27th, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!