Pohakanten Journals {Review} #LLRGiftGuide2015

Hello. My name is Colleen, and I am a stationary addict. I have no desire to cure this addiction.  I love the way paper feels in my hands.  I can't help but hoard any stationary supply I can get me hands on- pretty papers, pens, stickers, die cuts, journals, planners, oh, just EVERYTHING!

When I was young (not even going to admit how long ago!), I kept a diary that I wrote in every day- sometimes twice a day. Soon, I was writing stories in my notebooks.  At one point in my life, I wanted to be a novelist. 

Shortly after our first son was born, I was invited to a Creative Memories party. While creating my first scrapbook layout, I became hooked. In the years to follow, the time I spent in my craft nook (really, just a tiny space in our basement) were the most enjoyable and relaxing hours in my day (aside from spending time with my family, of course!). 

Unfortunately, I was injured at work by a student which resulted in years of physical and occupational therapy, casts, splints, and surgeries.  I was unable to use my right hand, so I had to give up paper arts.  As time passed, I missed it something fierce.

I can't remember how, but eventually I learned about the filofax. I bought one with the intention of keeping my life organized. But then I saw pictures on Facebook of filofax pages that were decorated with colored pens, washi tape, and stickers.  Hmm.. see where this is leading?  :)

So, yes, I found myself being creative in my planner.  The paper, sticker, washi tape, and pen addiction was rekindled.  Even so, I still missed the freedom I used to have when I was scrapbooking.  

Discovering the traveler's notebook was just what I needed to get my addiction and creative juices really flowing again.  Now, I collect faux doris as well. (I say collect merely because once again, I am in a full-arm cast for a little over a week still. Once this beast is gone, I will be back at it creating once again.  I have big plans for those notebooks!)

SO... sheesh! That was a long back story that I needed to tell so you can understand how excited I was when Elew Mompittseh, owner of the Etsy shop Pohakanten Journals. invited me to review one of her delicious handcrafted traveler's notebooks.

Pohakanten Journals offers one of a kind leather journals and accessories. The 6" x 9" leather wraps are made only once a year- in August, so what they have in the shop is all they will have of that style until the next August.

The journal I chose to review is a traveler's notebook field note size and made of high quality hand-tanned buttery-soft mule deer leather. The elastic strap is adorned with fox fur, natural turquoise, coral, and heishi beads. It is the softest leather I have ever touched.  Elew was kind enough to send two notebooks for the journal as well- a 2016 calendar, and a grid-style notebook.

I have great plans for this beauty. Her pages are going to fill with plans, ideas, post schedules, and contacts for my blog. It will not only be a great brain dump journal, but it will also help me stay organized with this blog. (I promise to share photos every now and then.)

Pohakanten Journals currently has a beautiful selection of handmade journals. Whether

you want to buy a gift for someone who enjoys writing or planning, or if you want something unique for yourself, I highly recommend you take a gander at the great selection Pohakanten Journals has to offer. 

Connect
Connect with Elew at Pohakanten Journals on Etsy and on Facebook.

Gift It
You simply must check out Pohakanten Journals for all of your journal needs.  Elew is generously offering my readers 10% off your purchase through December 15.  Use code LLODAAT2015.


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.

Red Leaf Leather Men's Custom Leather Wallet {Review} #LLRGiftGuide2015

My oldest son is 18 years old.  When he left for college, we gave him his insurance card and told him to keep it in his wallet with his driver's license, school ID, and MAC card.  He pulled out a pathetic-looking small black wallet that was actually falling apart.  It would have to do.

Fast forward six weeks, and due to medical circumstances, our son took a leave from college and moved back home.  It wasn't what any of us wanted for him, but it couldn't be helped.  {We are hoping things will be okay and he can return in the fall.}

I started to notice that he was becoming withdrawn.  He was also depressed.  Life was changing for him, and he had no control over it.  He no longer felt as if he had direction in his life. He lost faith in himself.

Somewhere around that time, I connected with Kelsey Roberts, owner of Red Leaf Leather on Etsy. We talked about doing a product review and I told Kelsey to create whatever she wanted.  Little did I know then how important this wallet was going to become.

The wallet arrived a short time later, and I took one look at it and got goosebumps.  Truly.  The mahogany leather was gorgeous and excellent quality. Kelsey chose to  stamp the following on the cover of the wallet: everything you want is on the other side of fear.  Originally intending to give the wallet to my husband, at that moment I knew the wallet had to go to my son {besides, he needed a new wallet}.

That evening I handed my son the package.  When he opened it, he read the quote several times.  Then he cried as he hugged me.  He said that he needed that message; he needed it more than any of us could ever know.

I could never thank Kelsey enough.  What began as a product review, became a life-changing inspiration to my son.

The Product
I simply cannot stress enough how beautiful the wallet is. Kelsey creates custom leather products that are handmade an d crafted to ensure you are purchasing a special, personalized gift  for anyone on your gift list.

Connect
Connect with Kelsey at Red Leaf Leather on Etsy and on Facebook.

Gift It
You simply must check out Read Leaf Leather on Etsy for all of your personalized gift needs.  You will not be disappointed!

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.

GrindleHillFineGoods Infinity Scarf and Boot Cuffs {Review} #LLRGiftGuide

Living in Pennsylvania, we tend to get some very cold days. Our weather is fickle.  One day it is warm enough to wear a sweatshirt and the next day we need hats, scarves and mittens.  I love wearing infinity scarves and cowls on those frigid days because not only do they keep me warm, but they are super fashionable too!

Another fashion I have fallen prey to is leggings. {I promise I wear them with shirts long enough to cover my bottom!} I like to wear my leggings with tall boots, and until recently, I was satisfied with that look.  


I was fortunate to be sent an infinity scarf and boot cuffs {check out the adorable buttons!} from GrindleHillFineGoods to review for the gift guide, and I wasn't so sure what exactly I was supposed to do with the boot cuffs. {Yes, I realize now that it should have been obvious.} Once I figured it out, it was like the lights suddenly turned on. One look in the mirror and I realized what was missing with my leggings and tall boots get-up. Now I never wear tall boots without boot socks or boot cuffs.

Amanda Rogers is the owner of and artisan for GrindleHillsFineGoods.  She is located in Michigan. Her shop is filled with coordinating boot cuffs, hats, gloves, and scarves that are sure to keep you warm and on trend this fall and winter. 

I have worn my boot cuffs and infinity scarf numerous times, and every single time I do, I receive compliments on them. They are extremely well-made and are so fashionable!

Connect
Connect with Amanda at GrindleHillFineGoods on Etsy and Facebook

Gift It
All items are READY TO SHIP!  New Coupon! Use 5OFF50 to get $5 off your purchase of $50 or more in crochet items! Perfect for creating a matching set or purchasing multiple gifts. 


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.

Feature Friday: Paws.Plan.Create December Days Edition Christmas Planner 2015 TN Printable and Christmas Countdown/Planner Reminder Stickers PDF {Review and Discount Code} #LLRGiftGuide2015

I like to think I am organized.  At least I try.  Sometimes. It's funny when I think about it.  At the beginning of the school year, my classroom is always decorated {In owls, of course} and everything has its place.  More importantly, everything is in its place. Within six weeks, my classroom looks like a tornado hit. Papers are stacked everywhere. Art supplies are scattered throughout the room.  You get the picture.

With Christmas fast approaching, I NEED to be better organized than I was last year.  Oh my.  What chaos that was! We shopped, hid presents throughout the house, and forgot what we bought, how

much we spent, and where we hid everything.  {We were still fining presents months later!}

I promised myself that wouldn't happen this year.  Thanks to the Christmas Countdown planner that Hailey from Paws.Plan.Create. sent me to review, I'm feeling much better about this year.

This planner is seriously the bomb dot com. It has everything you need to be sure you have a great holiday {Well, minus the gifts and eggnog}.  For those who have an Elf on a Shelf, you will be able to track what you want to do with that pesky elf each day.  There's a countdown calendar- That page scares me, actually. I can see in black and white how quickly my days to shop keep slipping away.

In this planner, you have a weekly calendar and a grid page next to it- perfect for keeping track of your to-dos for the week and jotting important reminders to yourself {like where you hide the gifts!} The two parts of this planner I love the most is the online shopping tracker and the budget tracker.  {Hubby likes those pages even more than I do, because he lives for creating budgets!}

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how adorable the drawings are in the planner- so cute! Hailey truly paid attention to detail when she created this planner! If you want more decoration, purchase the countdown stickers well.  I like adding some washi tape to mine too.

This planner for your Midori notebook or faux dori notebook and the stickers are printable which makes them amazingly affordable! This was my first time attempting to print planner inserts on my own.  It was tricky at first, but Hailey was extremely patient with me and helped me to figure it out.  I wish I would have printed them on a heavier weight paper, but I am still thrilled with how they turned out!

Connect
Connect with Paws.Plan.Create. on Etsy and Facebook

Buy It
Paws.Plan.Create. is generously offering my readers a 10% discount on a minimum purchase of $14. Use the code LIVELIFEREVIEW10 at checkout.

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.

HomeCraftTreasures~ Lacy Shawl {Review and Giveaway} #LLRGiftGuide2015

Are you the type of person who is always cold? Like, need-a-sweater-all-the-time-cold? I admit I have a hard time relating to you because I am just the opposite. (Probably has something to do with menopause. Ugh)

Anyway, my cousin Judy is definitely an always cold person. She carries a sweater with her everywhere. She bundles up big time when she's at my house since I keep the furnace a wee bit low. :) Recently we went to breakfast together and she remarked about the inconvenience of having to carry that bulky sweater with her all the time. I mentioned that she needed a lightweight option, and I was certain I had just the thing for her.

When we got to my house, I gave her a gorgeous, soft lacy shawl that I received in the mail from HomeCraftTreasures. She loved it immediately. Not only is the shawl beautiful, but is also lightweight and still managed to keep her warm. Score!

The delicate shawl doubles as a scarf and is made with Department 71 Dainty Lace mohair yarn. It is bordered with 15 crocheted flowers and edged with Solomon's Knot rows that are tipped with cluster stitches. The combination of chain, single, double, double treble, long double crochet and cluster stitches give this shawl and airy, elegant look.

Maureen and Suzanne, the ladies who own and operate HomeCraftTreasures on Etsy, remarked that their love of knitting and crocheting is what has kept their friendship strong for over 29 years.

If you are looking or a unique gift for any female on your list- especially for the always-cold girls, you are certain to find something special at HomeCraftTreasures.  I know some friends of mine who would love a gift of a scarf made by Maureen or Suzanne. Also, their christening gowns and childrens clothing are simply stunning.  I wish I had a pregnant friend or one with a new baby because the blankets by Home Craft Treasures look so soft!  Personally, I have my eye on this gold glitter shawl. {Hint. Hint.} It looks so luxuriously soft; doesn't it?

Connect
Connect with HomeCraftTreasures on Etsy and Facebook

Gift It
HomeCraftTreasures offers a variety of reasonably priced knitted and crocheted items, such as scarves, shawls, blankets, childrens clothing and so much more.

Win It
HomeCraftTreasures have generously offered one lucky reader a chance to with the gold glitter shawl.  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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.

His Feet No Longer Ache Thanks To KURU Footwear {Review} #LLRGiftGuide2015

A couple of months ago, my oldest son Jake was hired by Planet Fitness {a local gym}. Fitness buff that he is, he was absolutely THRILLED to be offered this job! Since the gym was brand new to our area, there was a great deal of hype, and Jake spent many hours on his feet either giving tours of the amazing facility, cleaning equipment, and working the counter where he enrolled new members. He was working eight hour shifts at the beginning, and he came home daily complaining of sore feet.


About this time, I received a pair of shoes from KURU footwear that was intended for my husband. He never had a chance to even try them on before Jake snagged them up. Once he walked around the house in them, he said that he had to keep them for work. He told us he never wore a pair of shoes more comfortable than the KURU Carrera shoes. Though made to be a running shoe, Jake wears them to work every day and never complains of tired, achy feet anymore.

{About the KURU Carrera Shoes}

• KURUKLOUD™ Performance Foam - cutting edge EVA midsole compound provides a powerfully cushioned ride while returning energy during toe off
• ULTIMATE INSOLES™ - our proven insoles include a varus wedge and seamless arch support that is optimized for your natural biomechanics
• Custom Molding Fit - our proprietary ULTIMATE INSOLES™ use your body heat to mold to the unique contours of your feet for a truly custom fit
• Performance Mesh Uppers - Advanced materials in the uppers seamlessly wrap around your foot like a glove
• Secure Laces - flat laces help keep your laces tight and secure during high-performance demands
• Heel Hugging Comfort - you will love how the visible KURUSOLE™ chassis naturally hugs your heels for a superior stride
• Breathable - moisture wicking linings and breathable uppers afford ideal temperature regulation
• Good Grip Yet Lightweight - high-grade, lightweight rubber outsole delivers excellent traction
• Natural Heel Transition - a minimal 8mm heel to toe offset mirrors your natural, barefoot position for a healthier stride

Ideal For:

• Activity: Running, walking, exercising, cross-training, fitness
• Foot injuries: Fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, hammer toe, flat feet, heel pain, bunions

Jake highly recommends KURU Carrera shoes.  Whether you need to be on your feet all day or you are wanting a great running shoe, the Carrera is the best shoe for you! Not only is it super comfortable, it's stylish too.

Connect
Connect with KURU Footwear on their website, and Facebook, and Twitter.

Gift It
KURU Footwear offers a variety of shoes for both men and women. Check out their website to get your pair of the most comfortable shoes ever! They even offer free shipping, free returns, and free exchanges.

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.

Valkin Threads Stormy Slippers {Review and Giveaway} #LLRGiftGuide2015

We don't allow our kids to wear shoes in our house.  Likewise, we don't wear any either. Growing up, my parents had the same rule.  When I visit there now, I still need to take off my shoes.  Really, it's no big deal- except for the fact that my feet are always cold. Sometimes I wear socks, but when I'm visiting anyone with hardwood or laminate floors, socks can be dangerous for this clumsy girl.

I have thought in the past of carrying a pair of slippers with me, but let's get real here. Who wants to carry a bulky pair of slippers with them when visiting family and friends?  Not me. No way.  My purse is full enough!

When I came across Valkin Threads on Etsy, I was immediately drawn to the slippers Sara makes and sells.  Not only are they absolutely adorable, they're also practical.  We agreed to review of a pair of slippers, and Sara sent me the cutest pair I have ever owned.  They are grape and gray in color and have a crochet strap in matching yarn that is attached across the top of the slippers and fastened with a large silver button. The bottoms of the slippers have a grippy material to keep clumsy people such as myself from slipping on slick floors.

Aside from how cute they are, I love that these slippers are portable.  I keep them in my purse so I have them anytime I need them for keeping my tootsies warm and comfortable.  Rolled up, they take up hardly any space at all in my bag.

Sara, owner of Valkin Threads and creator of all the amazing items in the shop, got her start accidentally. One night she was playing around with a crochet design and by morning, had a pair of arm warmers which became the initial item in her Etsy shop. They sold like crazy, and eventually, Sara added other items to the store.  I must say, I am happy for the accident that created Valkin Threads! I intend to be a repeat customer!

If you are in need of a gift for your daughter, mom, best friend, or actually ANY female, Valkin Threads is a must buy! You will fall in love with many of the items in her Etsy shop.

Connect
Connect with Valkin Threads on Etsy, Facebook, and Twitter.

Gift It
Valkin Threads offers a variety of reasonably priced trendy styles like boot socks, fingerless gloves, headbands, leg warmers, slippers, and so many other cute unique items. Go holiday shopping to get a gift she is sure to love.

Win a Pair of Valkin Threads Stormy Slippers
Valkin Threads is generously offering one lucky reader a pair of the Stormy Weather Slippers.

1. Leave a comment  on this post.
2. Enter in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to residents of the US , 18+. 
3. You MUST visit and "Like" Valkin Threads on Facebook .  Once you do that, come back her and let us know. 4. Earn extra entries for sharing this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest. Be sure to use #lifelifereviewsholidaygiftguide2015.  Then, come back here and leave us a post so we know you shared. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway Good luck!

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.

Holiday Gift Guide 2015- Now Accepting Submissions

Living Life One Day at a Time is excited to announce that we are now accepting submissions for our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.  We are compiling a 2015 Holiday Gift Guide perfect for everyone on your shopping list – Babies, Kids, Moms, Dads, Pets and many more!

I have two sons, one is 18 and born in June of 1997 the other is 15 and born in June 0f 2000.  I also have nieces and nephews ranging in age from 5-16, so we are able to review items for a range of ages, both male and female. Additionally, I have contributors with babies who can review your products. I also have one dog and one cat who are happy to review your products. J

INCREASE YOUR ONLINE PRODUCT VISIBILITY

Are You Interested in getting your product in front of thousands of blog readers? Our Holiday Gift Guide is just what you need!

From the beginning of November through December 20th we will feature gift ideas on Living Live One Day at a Time.  This is the time to get your product or brand in front of our readers as they begin making their shopping lists.

As part of the Living Life One Day at a Time 2015 Holiday Gift Guide, your brand will receive:

• A feature blog post
• A post on our Facebook page
• A minimum of two tweets promoting your product/brand
• Inclusion in our Holiday Gift Guide 2015 Pinterest Board
• Inclusion in our Holiday Gift Guide roundup page

Our Holiday Gift Guide roundup page will be a dedicated page promoting all of our gift recommendations.  Each product listed will feature an image of the product/brand as well as a link to their review and/or giveaway, a brief description, and a link to purchase the product. The Roundup page will be advertised through social media as well as being linked from the main navigation menu as well as through a linked image in the sidebar for greater visibility until the second week of January, 2016.

Listing Fee: For inclusion in the Holiday Gift Guide roundup page there is NO listing fee.  Product reviews to be included in the gift guide require a minimum $30 value in product.  (If you need to send in more than one item to reach the minimum amount, that is fine!) Only full-size products can be submitted for review, will not be returned, and you are responsible for all shipping costs.  Please contact me for more information.

INCREASE YOUR ONLINE PRODUCT VISIBILITY FURTHER WITH A GIVEAWAY

We highly encourage you to also consider running a giveaway with us in order to maximize on reader interest.  There is no fee or prizing minimum required to add a giveaway with your listing.   You will be responsible for shipping the prize directly to the winner once I have provided you their information. 

Product Review Features including a Giveaway will be promoted further via various listings on Giveaway websites, private forums and more!  The Mandatory entry option will be a visit to your brand’s website.  Optional entries will include your brand’s social media accounts.

DEADLINES

The earlier your products are received, the more promotion they will receive! Products included in our Holiday Gift Guide must be received by December 7th, 2015.

GET LISTED!

If you are interested in being included in our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide, please submit your product by emailing us at blog.onedayatatime@gmail.com with subject line “Holiday Gift Guide 2015 Submission.”

living life reviews is accepting sponsors for upcoming events

We are currently accepting sponsors for the following events:

Autumn Spooktacular (Sept. 10, 2010 - Oct. 31, 2010)
Holiday Gift List 2010 (Nov. 01, 2010- Dec. 23, 2010)

If you have a product you would like to have featured in one or both of the above events contact me at livinglifereviews@gmail.com

Thanks!