Kokopax Samantha Diaper Bag~ Review

I have been a fan of Kokopax for years. As a mom, it's hard not to be because their products are not only functional and well-constructed, but fun and fashionable too. One Kokopax product I am especially fond of is my Samantha tote. Typically used as a diaper bag, the Samantha tote is stylish enough for me to carry as an everyday bag- especially since I am known to carry huge handbags.

I own the Samantha tote in the Watson pattern, but I have to admit that choosing one pattern was difficult because all the prints are beautiful! This tote has everything a mom wants in a diaper bag- roomy interior, durable fabric, matching changing pad, plenty of pockets and compartments, striking leather accents, and a large magnetic clasp for easy closure (which is especially important when you have baby on one hip, a toddler pulling at the hem of your skirt, and a Caribou latte in your hand that you are trying desperately not to spill as you are reaching for the ringing cell phone inside the tote). Made by a brand I have become to rely upon for their modern, yet functional products, my Samantha tote by Kokopax is my go-to bag. (I even use it to carry library books and school papers.)
{Features}
*made of 100% cotton canvas
*durable nylon lining
*three deep convenient pockets
*separate zipper pocket
*bottle/beverage compartment
*dimensions:  18” x 5” x 14”
*Retails for $99.99
Inside the Samantha tote, you’ll find three pouches, a zippered pocket, a drink compartment and a diaper mat with the Kokopax monkey logo. Honestly, it is perfection except for perhaps the needed addition of a front zippered pocket where I could stash my cell phone and car keys for easier access. Seriously, I love this tote. With all the different pattern choices, there's sure to be one for every mom's personal taste.
Disclosure:
The product(s) provided for the review were sent to me free of charge from the company or the PR agency. The product(s) offered for the giveaway are free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and not by any means influenced by any other part.

So long messy purse! Pouchee Purse Organizer~ Review and Giveaway

Until recently, my purse has been a hot mess! Really. I love a big handbag (One look in my closet at my huge handbag collection would prove that!), but I'll tell you, the bigger the bag, the more junk I throw in it. Then, I get frustrated because I can't find anything. Just the other day I needed my chapstick. (My lips were killing me, so the chapstick was a must!) Anyway, I knew it was in my purse; I remembered putting it in there the day before when we were Christmas shopping. Even so, I spent ten minutes and ended up dumping my entire purse contents on the kitchen counter before I found that chapstick. Ugh.

Then, the mailman brought me a wonderful package. Inside was the Pouchee Purse Organizer. Amen! I couldnt wait to try it out! Once again, I dumped the contents of my puse, but this time I was happy to do it! I spent some time trying different configurations of how best to organize my stuff. In the end, I decided to keep my wallet and use the card slots for gift cards, my library card, and my school ID. My wallet would have fit inside my Pouchee Purse Organizer, but I wanted to keep it separate to free up more room in my Pouchee for other things. Amazingly, EVERYTHING fit! Unreal!

I was sent a Pouchee Plus for review.

{About Pouchee Plus} The Pouchee Plus is the larger version of the Pouchee Purse Organizer and comes with an optional shoulder strap. The Pouchee Plus is great for organizing large purses and for use as a small purse itself! Dimensions: Width: 9” x Height: 6” x Depth: 3.5”
Features:
*Credit card pockets on the inside of the purse organizer
*Optional strap to use as a small purse or evening bag
*Made of soft vinyl that is durable and supple
*Inside dividers to keep everything organized.
*No Wrapping - No Assembly - No Hassle Purse Organizer
*The Ultimate Purse Organizer!
*Inside Zippered pockets for change or personal items.
*Handy Rings for ease of changing purses and bags.
*Outside pockets for pens, sunglasses, mobile phone,etc.
*Inside pockets for lipsticks or small flashlights, credit cards, keys
*Light-colored liner to easily see organizer contents
*$32.00
The Pouchee is lined inside with a soft material that is cleanable with a damp cloth. It is chock full of pockets for my lipgloss, cell phone, compact, pens, notebook, sunglasses, and so much more. I really love the decorative rings so that I can easily lift the Pouchee out of my purse. Even so, it is so cute and functional that I can carry it as a stylish little clutch bag, especially since the Pouchee Plus comes with a detachable purse strap. There are just so may wonderful uses for my Pouchee, but you know what I love best? I simpy adore that I can now easily and quickly switch purses, and given that I have a collection that would make any purse hoarder proud, this is the best quaity of my new Pouchee!

Pouchee has offered one of my readers a chance to WIN a Pouchee Purse Oganziner. {Awesome!}

{How to Win} Required Entry- To enter, "Like" Pouchee Purse Organizers on Facebook, and post a message on their wall. Then, come back here and let me know you completed your requirement.

{How to Score Bonus Entries} After you have completed the first required entry, you are eligible for bonus entries. Make sure you leave a separate comment for EACH entry. Each counts as one extra entry (unless noted otherwise).

1. For five extra entries, blog about this giveaway with a link back to living life one day at a time (http://colleenstearns.blogspot.com/). Be sure to post the url to your post here in a comment so I know where to find it.

2. Subscribe to my blog via email.

3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar and become a public follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect.

4. Leave me a comment on a non-giveaway post and then let me know where you commented.

5. For two extra entries, add my button to your blog- leave me a message with your blog address so I can check it out. :)

6. Follow @livelifereviews and @Pouchee on Twitter AND Tweet about the giveaway. Leave the URL to the Tweet in your comment. You can tweet once a day, but remember to leave the URL to each tweet. You can tweet "I entered to win a Pouchee Purse Organizer @livelifereviews. http://tinyurl.com/cuhr2a6 #giveaway"

**Make sure to leave a link to your twitter message in your comment. You can do this once a day. Please make sure to come back each day and leave another comment with your new twitter message link.

7. Add this giveaway to a Mr. Linky, Blog Carnival, Sweepstakes site, forum etc. Be sure to leave the url in a comment. (1 entry per submission)

{IMPORTANT} Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. If you earned two or more entries for a specific item (such as #1, #5 and #6 above), be sure to leave me a comment for each of the entries you've earned.

*Enter by 11 pm (EST) on Friday, January 13, 2012. One lucky commenter will be chosen at random and notified via email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in your comment. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email. If she or he does not respond within 48 hours, a new random winner will be chosen.

Disclosure:
The product(s) provided for the review were sent to me free of charge from the company or the PR agency. The product(s) offered for the giveaway are free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and not by any means influenced by any other part.

REVIEW: Layla Grayce- Serena and Lily

I have a confession to make. I love huge handbags. The bigger the better. Sometimes I use diaper bags as handbags. My newest favorite bag is the Gypsy Tote by Serena and Lily.

I was given the greatest pleasure of reviewing this tote for Layla Grayce. After using it for several weeks, I can honestly say that there isn’t a flaw in this bag at all. The tote is fully loaded with pockets, one of my favorite features, which makes this the perfect bag for busy moms.
The strap on this great tote is wide and adjustable. I am able to comfortably wear it on my shoulder or across my body. I loaded it up with water bottles, an umbrella, rain ponchos, and other mom necessities and carried it with me for a week through the Disney parks without any discomfort.
My sister is quite envious of the Gypsy Tote and is hinting she wants one as a gift for her baby shower. After close examination of the bag, she said that in addition to all the terrific pockets, she appreciated the wipeable interior of the bag. She borrowed the tote and filled it with a changing pad, diapers, wiped, pacifiers, baby toys, a clutch, and snacks. She remarked that the depth of the tote seemed never-ending. Even after stuffing it full of items, it still didn’t look bulky. I think I will need to make sure she receives one soon (very soon, considering Luke was born six weeks early!)!
I adore all the little details on the Gypsy Tote- from the blue leather button closure to the beautiful embroidery on the front of the bag.
Here is the information about this beautiful bag from the Layla Grayce website:
The one-bag-holds-all solution for the one-mom-does-all lifestyle, this gorgeous Gypsy Tote was created by (and for) Serena when she couldn't find the perfect "un"diaper bag. It's got a pocket for everything. It hangs perfectly over a stroller handle. It scrunches up to fit inside another bag. It's machine washable and wipeable. But best of all, it's modular design means it's only a diaper bag when you want it to be, so it looks amazing through the bottle-and-binky years and beyond. Beautiful flax linen with leather detailing and hand-embroidery inspired by the design of Serena and Lily's original Prague Collection Market Sling. Leather disk/button closure for easy access. Adjustable strap for a perfect fit. Machine washable. Interior is also wipeable. Consider adding the coordinating brag book or diaper changing pad.

• 16.75" W x 22" H
• Flax/Sky Blue

If you are a mom or know a mom who is looking for a classy diaper bag, or if you don’t have little one but love big handbags, the Serena and Lily Gypsy Tote is a must-have! Purchase one now from Layla Grayce. (Be sure to check out all of the gorgeous items they offer. You won’t be disappointed!)
Thanks Layla and Grayce and Serena and Lily for this great review opportunity!
Disclaimer:
Please read Disclaimer HERE.

Cale & Company Design Handbag Giveaway

Just yesterday I posted a review of the Etsy shop Cale & Company Design. I absolutely adore her handbags!

If you read that review, you saw that I am crushing over the Black and White Damask Hobo Handbag with Bird Applique bag. I was hoping to make it my next handbag.

Well, Becky emailed me this morning and told me she wants to offer it as a giveaway to one of my readers! Aw, heck. Well, my loss is your gain on this one.

Cale & Company Designs handbags are beautifully constructed. The Black and White Damask Hobo Handbag with Bird Applique bag is my absolute favorite! There are six deep pockets on the interior of the bag.

More info. from the website:
Measures Approx:
15.5" at the widest point
11.5 inches long
strap: 31" long
Magnetic snap closure

Enter today for your chance to win the beautiful Black and White Damask Hobo Handbag with Bird Applique bag.

HOW TO WIN:
• Visit Cale & Company Design, and then come back here and tell me one other product you love from her shop. 　

• If you are not a blogger, email 3 of your friends telling them about this giveaway, and cc me at colleenstearns@gmail.com.

ENTER DAILY!!! Once you post your initial entry, you can come back daily and tell me you want another entry. :)

SCORE MORE EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to my site and Cale & Company Design (be sure to post your link here so I know where to find it).
2. Subscribe to my blog via email.
3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar.
4. Tweet about this contest on Twitter (Be sure to follow me on Twitter too- see link in my sidebar.). Make sure to leave a link to your twitter message in your comment. You can do this once a day. Please make sure to come back each day and leave another comment with your new twitter message link.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Enter by 9pm (EST) on Monday, February 2, 2009.

One lucky commenter will be chosen at random and notified via email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in your comment. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email. If she or he does not respond within 48 hours, a new random winner will be chosen.

*Enter more fantastic giveaways at the Bloggy Carnival.

Etsy Find: Cale & Company Design Handbag Review

Handbags are on obsession of mine. I swear, I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to them. I can't go to any department store without stopping to look at the gorgeous styles of bags. I can honestly say that I am not choosy about the material- any will do, as long as the handbag catches my eye.

Etsy has been an amazing shopping source to help me feed this obsession of mine. The artisans I have worked with have never disappointed me. One of my favorites to work with has been Becky from Cale & Company Design. Her bags provide me with a great deal of eye candy and an ever-growing wish list.

Currently, I own Cale & Company Design's Lou Lou in Lacework bag. I adore the colors- rich brown, warm gold, and bright pink. The Amy Butler fabric is one of my favorites. Becky describes this bag as her "Rock Star" bag because the rings give it a little rock star quality. The bag is quite roomy- something I have found to be a necessity since becoming a mom- and sports six pockets inside. (Heck, who knew I would need my bags to carry crayons, little notebooks, action figures, and other goodies that my kids ask me to hold onto for them?) This bags holds all my essentials- and the kids' stuff too- without feeling bulky.

Cale & Company Design offers many different beautiful handbags. My new favorite is the Black and White Damask Hobo Handbag with Bird Applique. I am drawn to the classic black and white damask pattern, and the whimsical touch of green polka dots and bird applique truly makes this bag a stand out for me. Again, six pockets on the inside of the bag are an organization-lovers dream! I need to wait until the green dot fabric is back in before I can purchase it though. :)

I asked Becky to tell us a little more about herself, and here is what she had to say:

My name is Beckie Cale. I grew up in northern Utah and moved to Sun Valley, Idaho. After saying I would never move back to Utah, here I am. I love to be outside. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking you name it. I have an amazing husband and two fabulous kids. I am a stay at home mom at the moment. I am obsessed with fabric and have over 100 bolts of it in my studio. I love to create, therefore I am always changing my designs. Handbags have been my main business for quite some time. Now that the economy is changing, I am diversifying.

I started Cale & Company Design about 4 years ago. Serving clients locally was my main business. Now I am dabbling in etsy (caleandco.etsy.com). I also have my own website caleandco.com.

Check out Cale & Company Design today for a quality, unique handbag.

Etsy Find and Giveaway: Radical Recycks Bag

*This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!*

From the Radical Recycks shop description:

I have found the Love of Recycling! I turn any kind of plastic bag that we would normally throw away into a "plastic Fabric" and make these Fabulous bags! Then there's a special Charm on every bag made from something that would normally be thrown out also, like a bottle cap or a gum ball machine ball~ it's always a surpise what I will use next!I also make Necklaces and Bracelets out of Plastic Bottles~ I like to call them Plastic Bottle Charms (not so clever, I know). Along with the Plastic Charms there might be Tin Charms from Energy Drink Cans along with some bits of old Clothing! So, not only are they light weight, but you will have saved a plastic bottle from the landfill!

If you list my store on your blog, let me know and I'll send you a small gift for helping me get Radical Recycks out there!!

You can check my blog at to see my adventures at www.lampeslumps.typepad.com

WIN IT:
One living life one day at a time reader will win a Radical Recycks Popcorn Chicken Bag.

HERE’S HOW TO WIN:
• Visit Radical Recycks, and then come back here and tell me one product you like that is listed in her shop.
• If you are not a blogger, email 3 of your friends telling them about this giveaway, and cc me at colleenstearns@gmail.com.

SCORE EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to my site and Racial Recycks (be sure to post your link here so I know where to find it).
2. Subscribe to my blog via email.
3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar.
4. Tweet about this contest on Twitter (Be sure to follow me on Twitter too- see link in my sidebar.). Make sure to leave a link to your twitter message in your comment. You can do this once a day. Please make sure to come back each day and leave another comment with your new twitter message link.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Enter by 9pm (EST) on Saturday, January 24, 2009.

One lucky commenter will be chosen at random and notified via email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in your comment. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email. If she or he does not respond within 48 hours, a new random winner will be chosen.

TG Sacks Tote Review and Giveaway

*This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!*

I love all things handmade, and so, it should come as no surprise that I adore shopping on Etsy. One of my favorite Etsy shops is TG Sacks, where I can purchase a fantastic reversable bag.

TG Sacks is run by a sweet lady by the name of Robin. Robin makes the prettiest, most functionable bags! A TG Sack is perfect for anything you can imagaine needing a tote for- errands, shopping, books- you name it! I use mine as my Trader Joes bag. Help our environment by using a TG Sacks bag whenever you shop, and look stylish while doing so.

TG Sacks have adjustable straps for perfect fit. Bags meausure 20" wide 17" in length, and are machine washable.

BUY IT:
TG Sacks sells many beautiful bags. Visit Robin's shop HERE.

WIN IT:
Robin of TG Sacks has offered one living life one day at a time reader a chance to win a TG Sack.

HERE’S HOW TO WIN:
• Visit TG Sacks, and then leave a comment here telling me which bag you like most and what you would use it for.

• If you are not a blogger, email 3 of your friends telling them about this giveaway, and cc me at colleenstearns@gmail.com.

SCORE EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to my site (be sure to post your link here so I know where to find it.)

2. Subscribe to my blog via email.

3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar.

4. Tweet about this contest on Twitter (Be sure to follow me on Twitter too- see link in my sidebar.).

IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Enter by 9pm (EST) on Wednesday, December 31.

One lucky commenter will be chosen at random and notified via email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in your comment.

Charm Design Handbag Review and Giveaway

*This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!*


I saw these adorable pouch-style handbags by Charm Design on Etsy and knew I had to see if I could arrange a giveaway for my readers!

When I spoke to Ranja, the artist behind these beauties, she graciously offered to send me a couple of bags to review before the giveaway. Let me tell you, Charm Design bags are chic! I must admit, I am a handbag-a-holic, and when I buy a bag, I insist on quality construction as well as great style. Charm Design bags exceeded my expectations. I am the envy of my other handbag-a-holic friends when I carry one of these bags.

I asked Ranja to tell us a little about herself:

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Charm Design was founded by myself, Ranja Lee. I am a stay-at-home mom with two children. I was born in Japan. I started to sew when I was high school. I studied at the Vantan Design Institute in Tokyo and worked the children clothing company as a clothing designer for several years in Tokyo. I moved to Los Angeles in 1994, and studied Graphic Design at the California State of University Fullerton.

Now, besides taking care of my kids, I love to design and sew bags and children's accessories. I hope you can enjoy my piece of art!

2. What is your business and where can we find it?

I am selling handmade bags and children's accessories.

3. Where else can people find you?

I have a shop at ETSY only so far...
I'm trying to open my own site. It's under construction.

4. Anything else you'd like to share with us?

I am so happy to share my creativity and beauty of handmade with people all over the world. I hope to develop happy relationships with handmade lovers from all over the world.

BUY IT:
Charm Design sells many beautiful handbags. Visit her shop HERE.

WIN IT:
Ranja of Charm Design has offered one living life one day at a time reader a chance to win the sweet pouch pictured at left.

HERE’S HOW TO WIN:
• Visit Charm Design, and then leave a comment here telling me which pouch, other than the one offered as a prize, you like.

• If you are not a blogger, email 3 of your friends telling them about this giveaway, and cc me at colleenstearns@gmail.com.

SCORE EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to my site (be sure to post your link here so I know where to find it.)

2. Subscribe to my blog via email.

3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar.

4. Tweet about this contest on Twitter (Be sure to follow me on Twitter too- see link in my sidebar.).

IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Enter by 9pm (EST) on Tuesday, December 23.

One lucky commenter will be chosen at random and notified via email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in your comment.

Etsy Find- Antique Basket Lady Review and Giveaway

*This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!*

What a sweet find this one is! Do you like handmade handbags, totes, diaper bags, children's bags and accessories? If so, then you simply must check out this etsy shop- Antique Basket Lady. This Etsy store has a great deal of handmade goodness for you to feast your eyes on. What I love most is all the colorful, fun fabric choices.

I asked Sue to share a little about herself with you, and here is what she had to say: I have enjoyed crafting and sewing as long as I can remember; it also is my therapy. My first love is my family. I have been married for 35 years, have 2 grown, married daughters and 2 granddaughters- Violet (2 1/2) and Courtney (11). My second love is helping new mothers. I work full time as an RN/Lactation consultant in our local hospital for the last 32 years.



I had the pleasure of receiving one of Antique Basket Lady's most popular items to review, her sweet wristlet (pictured above). It is a great iPod/Cell Phone/Coin mini wristlet. This item features bright colors of pink, green, yellow fun flowers mixed with polka dots. Oh, I just adore all the COLOR! I find the wristlet to be well made, with great attention to detail. The bag has been reinforced with fleece to give it added strength and structure. The zipper is strong, and the bag is plenty roomy enough for a small camera, cell phone or iPod to fit comfortably. Another great pont to stress is that the prices of these little wristlets are a very affordable $10.99.

Take a moment and look at all of the items Antique Basket Lady has to offer.



WIN IT:
Antique Basket Lady has generously offered one living life one day at a time reader a chance to win a wristlet of their choice!

HERE’S HOW TO WIN:
Visit Antique Basket Lady and check out what they have to offer. Then, come back here and leave a comment telling me which wristlet you would choose. Be sure to leave me your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner.
• If you are not a blogger, email 3 of your friends telling them about this giveaway, and cc me at colleenstearns@gmail.com.

SCORE EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to my site (be sure to post your link here so I know where to find it.)

2. Subscribe to my blog via reader.

3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar.

4. Tweet about this contest on Twitter.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

Be sure to enter by 9:00 PM EST on Friday, December 19, 2008.

VOLK! Apostle Tote Review and GIVEAWAY

*This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!*



I appreciate businesses who make a point to make use of recycled materials in their products. Danny Volk is such a businessman. His fun and funky totes are more than just eye candy; they are ECO-friendly, beautiful and functional one-of-a-kind totes from upcycled/recycled materials; the totes are known as Apostle Totes.




According to Danny's description:

Apostle
a: a person who initiates a great moral reform or who first advocates an important belief or system
b: an ardent supporter

volk–noun
1. people as the carriers of culture, esp. as representing the composite of social mores, customs, forms of behavior, etc., in a society
2. Archaic. a people or tribe.
–adjective
3. having unknown origins and reflecting the traditional forms of a society: volk culture; volk art.


Of the people, by the people, for the people.


OF because everything is made from items that have had a previous life. Either as a birthday card for a far-away friend, a menu to an exceptional restaurant, or perhaps a curtain that hid many secrets. These products are full of stories of their own.

BY because a Volk is making them. Me. Danny Volk. All products are designed and handmade in my one bedroom apartment in Chicago, IL. Small business indeed!

FOR because these goods are responsible items. My design philosophy is to use the plenty of modern living, waste, as the raw materials. Instead of creating more stuff out of virgin materials, I am creating (and hoping to inspire) a new perspective on the things we see as trash and refuse. Instead of adding to the waste, we are creating from it.



All of the totes available at Volk! are made from gorgeous upcycled materials. The one that Danny sent to me is made of fabrics whose former lives were that of a bed sheet, a blanket, and other remnants. I absolutely LOVE this bag. The minute it arrived, I filled it and carried it to a doctor appointment. I received many compliments on the bag that day, and every time since that I have carried it. Not only is the tote made of beautiful, warm fabrics, it is functional, and well-designed.

This is the Apostle Tote I own:



Volk! bags are reversible, have two interior pockets and are 16" x 20" in size. Volk! currently has many totes available for sale. A Volk! tote would make a terrific handbag, gym bag, overnight bag, knitting bag, or anything else you can think to carry. Please visit the shop and look for a new, unique tote for yourself or someone special.

BUY IT:
Purchase a Volk! Apostle tote by visiting his Etsy shop.
Additionally, check out his website: Volk! Market
Be sure to let me know when you buy one. I am sure you will love it as much as I do!

WIN IT:
Danny has generously offered one living life one day at a time reader a chance to win a unique Volk! Apostle Tote. Thanks Danny!!

HERE’S HOW TO WIN:
• Visit Volk!, and then leave a comment here telling me which tote you like best and what you would use it for.
• If you are not a blogger, email 3 of your friends telling them about this giveaway, and cc me at colleenstearns@gmail.com.


SCORE EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to my site (be sure to post your link here so I know where to find it.)

2. Subscribe to my blog via reader.

3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar.

4. Tweet about this contest on Twitter.

5. For FIVE extra entries, purchase an Apostle Tote. You will not regret your purchase!

IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Enter by 9pm (EST) on Monday, December 15.

One lucky commenter will be chosen at random and notified via email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in your comment.

RECLAIMING AMY Handbag Review and Giveaway

**This giveaway is closed. Thank you for entering.**

I absolutely love handbags! Seriously. Some women buy shoes- so many pairs that they probably don’t even have room in the closet for them! (You know who you are! *wink*) Others buy clothes, and I’ll bet there are many items in their closets that are still sporting the department store or boutique tags! I buy handbags. Oh my, I don’t even know how many I own, but I can tell you this- I am a handbag-a-holic! I can’t resist buying them. Lately, I love the handmade bags found on Etsy. One of my new favorite stores right now is RECLAIMING AMY.



RECLAIMING AMY is one of the newer Etsy shops, but don’t let that stop you from buying from Amy! Her handbags are beautiful and made of fabrics that have been recycled to live a new life in a stylish, well-constructed handbag. Therefore, no two bags are alike. The purse I have from RECLAIMING AMY is made from a reclaimed skirt and recycled purse straps/hardware. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it, and let me tell you, it is even more gorgeous in person! The exterior fabric is strong, yet soft. The interior is fully lined with a coordinating fabric, and there is a cell phone pocket and a zippered pocket inside as well- great features for someone like me who NEEDS organization!

Bottom Line:
• RECLAIMING AMY makes quality handbags.
• RECLAIMING AMY handbags are ECO-FRIENDLY, made from recycled materials.
• I recommend you checking out her shop and seeing if there’s something there to suit your style, or for someone on your gift list.

BUY IT:
RECLAIMING AMY has some beautiful handbags available for purchase in her shop . Take a look.



WIN IT:
Amy has generously offered one living life one day at a time reader a chance to win a beautiful handbag. Thanks Amy!

HERE’S HOW TO WIN:
• Visit RECLAIMING AMY, and then leave a comment here telling me which handbag you like best.
• If you are not a blogger, email 3 of your friends telling them about this giveaway, and cc me at colleenstearns@gmail.com.

SCORE EXTRA ENTRIES:
1. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to my site (be sure to post your link here so I know where to find it.)

2. Subscribe to my blog via reader.

3. Click on the FOLLOW THIS BLOG link on my left sidebar.

4. Tweet about this contest on Twitter.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Enter by 9pm (EST) on Friday, December 5.

One lucky commenter will be chosen at random and notified via email, so make sure you leave a valid email address in your comment.

Great Etsy Find- and a GIVEAWAY

I was browsing all that yummy handmade goodness at Etsy recently, and I saw a tote that caught my eye. Talk about unique, functional, and stylish! This tote has it all! It’s the R.E.D. tote - Reversible Endless Design Tote, made by the uber-talented Sue, at room threads.



You have to check out her shop! I think you’ll love the R.E.D. tote. These are perfect for carrying laptops, notebooks and folders. This tote would also work as a small diaper bag for those times you don’t need to take the entire kit’n’caboodle with you. Better yet, the cover is reversible! I love that! It’s like getting two purses for the price of one!



room threads currently offers many designs for the R.E.D. tote. My favorite right now is the Holiday Tote- so fun and festive! Check out the shop and tell me which your favorite is. (While you’re there, take a peek at the other beautiful products Sue has to offer.) Then, head on over to Room Threads!
The giveaway ends on December 1, so don’t delay! Good luck!