I Love My iPad Case: A Review of The Snugg

Normally, when I am approached for reviews/guest posts to be done on my blog, I am very hesitant. I blog about a very specific topic (knitting, in case the name didn't give it away) and I don't want to flood my blog with what I see as crap. I don't like it when the blogs I follow start doing all kinds of reviews about stuff that has nothing to do with the subject of their blog, and I don't want to do that to all of you.
I made an exception recently.
I was contacted by The Snugg to see if I wanted to review some of their products on my blog. I looked around the site, and thought about it for a while, before I finally said yes. I got a pink iPad Mini cover, which I am absolutely in love with. There was some confusion at the post office before I received them. We have a PO box which is too small to receive most packages, so we have to go to the desk and pick them up. My name wasn't on the package, so there was a bit of hassle to actually get it from them. The ladies that work at our post office, while great when it comes to shipping stuff out, are ridiculous when it's time to pick stuff up. Photo ID this, and sign that, and "a health card doesn't count as ID" blah blah blah, it's annoying to say the least.
Anyway, as soon as I got it, I ripped the packaging open in the car, to check it out. It looked even better than the pictures! You can see to the right here that the back of the case has black bits on it. That's elastic for the carrying handle thing. On mine, it's the same colour pink as the case! It's minor, but I like when everything matches.
I've been using this case for a couple weeks now, and it's awesome. It's a lot more substantial than the case I had before, which I like. The screen is 100% accessible, the buttons are easy to press, and I can plug it in without any screwing around.
Overall, I am loving this case! It comes in a whole bunch of colours, and is available for most (maybe all?) the iPad generations. The Snugg also does cases for a bunch of smart phones, other tablets, Kindles and some iPods. The prices are really reasonable so you could get a matching set for your phone and tablet!
If you are interested in purchasing one of the cases, or are looking for more information, you can check out their website, or find the cases on Amazon.

I was sent this case for review free of charge. The opinions expressed in this post are mine, and I am not being compensated in any way for writing a positive review. Seriously, this case is awesome.

Design Journal for Knitting Rockstars: A Product Review

Recently, I received an email from Lisa Savage of Petite Tuques. She asked me if I would like to review a brand new product of hers, called The Design Journal For Knitting Rockstars. I said yes right away, as I am planning on eventually writing my own patterns. Then I forgot about it completely. I started a new job a little while back, and that knocked me on my ass. You may have noticed my lack of posting lately, that's because of the job, and how tired I am when I come home. I came across the email in my inbox again a couple days ago, and said HOLY CRAP I NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS! I opened it up, and took a peek around, and I can't wait to use it. First of all, it just looks pretty. The colours are lovely, it's laid out in a way that makes sense, and everything is there for designing your own knitting pattern. This is definitely a little kick in the pants to get cracking on creating my own pattern.

I’ve been asked to continue the blog series about Designing, so here is today’s post: 5 Tips on Hiring a Test Knitter

Once you have finished writing up your pattern, it would be a good idea to get it test knitted. This process helps with finding mistakes in your written pattern and any inconsistencies or errors.
1. Word of Mouth is a great start to finding people who will test knit. This includes social media sites. Ask around on facebook, twitter, and ravelry.
2. Leave an Ad at your local knitting shop with your name and number. Local knitters love to be involved with a local designer.
3. Interview your potential candidates. Make certain you and the candidate understands what is to be done and in what time frame. Ask for previous work experience. If applicable, ask for a sample of a finished piece.
4. There is no set fee structure for the industry, but most test knitters will accept to be paid in yarn or patterns. It really depends on the pattern difficulty and whether the knitter will have to buy all the necessary yarn and needles to complete the project.
5. Once you've selected your test knitter and you've both agreed on the service to be provided, be sure to make a clear and detailed contract that outlines the payment agreement and is clear with the expectations of both parties . Most designers will skip this step, but once you start using more than one test knitter, it becomes easier to keep track of what everyone is doing.

Part 4 of the series is on Falling Stitches blog!

Forget Me Not: An Item Review

You may recognize these earrings from a Monday Magic post I did a little while back. I often contact the sellers of the items I feature, because I know I would like to be notified if one of my items was featured on a blog. The seller and I had a little back and forth, and decided that I would write an item review. This got me super excited. Take a look around the ModernFlower Child shop, everything is absolutely beautiful.

When I got home from work today, there were a few pieces of mail waiting for me. The usual bills/credit card statement, and a little padded envelope. I tore into the envelope immediately, excited to see what was inside. For once, I actually remembered to take some photos, albeit crappy ones, of the opening process. Within the envelope was a little kraft paper box, tied with a piece of hemp. I really like simple, pretty packaging like that. The natural materials really fit well with the contents of the box, as well.
It's really difficult to see what the earrings look like in this photo, but I promise they are BEAUTIFUL. Hardly a bubble in site, as is the problem with some resin items that I've seen before. They're smooth, shiny and the flowers themselves are nearly flawless. They really look like the tiny flower was captured in a rain drop and froze that way. They're so neat looking!
Here is a much nicer photo of the earrings from the shop so you can see how nice they look.
You should definitely head to the ModernFlowerChild shop and have a look around. The shop is currently on holiday, but check back soon!

Carpe Omnia: An Item Review

Recently, I had a streak of good luck and won quite a few giveaways. I was very, very excited to have won a print from A Wild Tonic, that was hosted by Amy Morby of A Is For Ampersand/Vanagon Champion. I'd had my eye on these prints for a while, and I was so stoked when I got the email saying I won!

I chose the Carpe Omnia print. Sure, seize the day is great, but why not seize everything? It was beautifully packaged, with a cardboard backing to prevent it from getting bent, and securely inserted into a plastic bag within the envelope, to keep it from possibly getting wet.

I'm going to look for a pretty frame to put the print in, so that I can put it on my desk once I finally get one.

You should definitely check out A Wild Tonic, and buy some pretty vintage things.

My New Rings From Anja's Arts: An Item Review

Ignore my crappy tattoo! I need to get it fixed.

Back at the end of March, I received an email from a lovely lady named Christy, asking to advertise on my blog. After a quick look through her shop, Anja's Arts, I was more than happy to have her hop on board.
We talked back and forth through email and the convos on Etsy, and I told her how much I loved her stuff! I decided to acquire two rings, one turquoise, one opaline, both set in argentium. She was more than happy to accommodate my request. I just received them yesterday, and I was ecstatic! I am such a bad blogger; I always tell myself I'll take photos of the whole opening, but I get too excited and open my mail as soon as it's in my hot little hands. In any case, they were beautifully packaged. They came in a nice, small bubble mailer (I hate when tiny things come in giant envelopes!) in an organza bag. In the bag, they were wrapped in a coordinating colour of tissue paper, followed by a piece of bubble wrap for extra security. I was so happy when I opened them! They fit perfectly, and are absolutely beautiful!
I would definitely recommend this shop. She has rings in silver, argentium, gold and copper, as well as necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets. Take a look, you will definitely find something you will like!

This post contains all my own opinions. I was not compensated for this post in any way, shape or form. I purchased these items through a trade of services, and this review was written solely because I believe this is a great product.

My First Heartsy Purchase! (An Item Review)

A little while back, a shop called PinkFlowerCube was on Heartsy. I had seen the shop in the past, and always liked the poly resin flower earrings she sold. I decided to purchase the deal, and I got to shopping right away. There were a lot of choices, but not so many that I felt overwhelmed. I finally settled on a pink pair, and a blue pair.
Right after I ordered, I sent Michelle a convo telling her how excited I was to be getting the earrings. She responded pretty quickly, considering the amount of orders she was getting through the Heartsy deal.
This all happened the last two days of April. I just received the earrings yesterday, which was really fast, considering there was an international border and what not between us. I opened the envelope, and I was so excited when I looked inside!! The earrings were wrapped carefully with bubble wrap to keep them from getting squished. (I will definitely have to do this with my earrings in the future)
Under the bubble wrap, this is what greeted me.
They are SO perfect! There isn't a bunch of adhesive slopped on the back of them (which I have encountered before) The earring post is perfectly centred. No ridiculous amount of packaging. And, her business cards are beautiful!!
I wore the blue roses yesterday, and I got a few compliments. Even my MALE doctor commented. You can sort of see my new nail colour in the photo (grey and blue) and the shades are similar enough that they will compliment each other.
I am so happy with these earrings! I really wish I had ordered more pairs! Hopefully, once the cash flow is a little more on the positive side***, I will get some more. I strongly recommend going to PinkFlowerCube for all your cute jewelry needs!

If you are interested in having one of your items reviewed, please let me know! I plan on doing this with all the items I purchase from now on.


***Getting in a car accident is rough. There are so many expenses we have to take care of until insurance reimburses us. Not to mention, there were issues with our taxes, my credit card bill is due, etc etc etc. It's all piling on at once, and it's just being a big pain in the butt.