BIC Products (*New Releases*)- Shoplet Review

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the products or services mentioned in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and all opinions are 100% truthful. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

These office supplies were sent by Shoplet for review. I almost always jump at the chance to test new office supplies because I am totally addicted! I love getting new pens, paper, binders, etc. It makes me a very happy Jess!! How could I resist anyway? BIC has always been a top favorite of mine- affordable yet amazing quality + uniquely designed products.

BIC released 4 new products that I was very excited to test out. It's like an adventure! I get a chance to discover amazing things along the way. The products are the Cristal Stylus 2-in-1 Pen, Atlantis Comfort Ball Pen, Atlantis Exact Retractable Ballpoint Pen and the Magic Marker Brand Window Markers.

                

BIC Atlantis Comfort Ball Pen:
The BIC Atlantis Comfort Ball Pen is a sleek, stylish, retractable ballpoint pen that writes extremely smooth. The color of the barrel matches the color of ink inside. It has a comfort grip, long lasting ink, and a medium size tip. This pen is downright superb. That is all you need to know, right? That it’s so amazing that it is now on my favorite pen list now! Okay, okay, fine, I will tell you why it is so amazing.

The BIC Atlantis Comfort Ball Pen has a grip built in the pen, which is needed in every pen in my opinion. As a writer it’s important so my hand will not get cramps after long writing sessions. I love that I don’t have to take regular breaks to massage my fingers and hand.

The grip isn’t the sticky kind, which is also a plus. WHY? Those sticky grips are super annoying because they attract EVERYTHING! I’d find my dogs hair. my hair, dirt, and everything else stuck to the sticky grip pens. It’s very sleek and the grip is firm.

This pen is definitely made with quality ink. It writes extremely smooth- containing NO air or bubbles as I write, edit, and re-write. I love that doesn’t skip letters, so I don’t have to re-trace anything. Thoughts flow onto my paper and that is the way it stays. The comfort grip is something every writer, student, or teacher desperately needs and asks for! Relief at last!

 

BIC Atlantis Exact Retractable Ballpoint Pen:

                       
The BIC Atlantis Exact Retractable Ballpoint Pen is a sleek, professional, smooth-click retractable ballpoint pen. It has a full grip area for added comfort and control. It is also a fine point pen, which is why it isn’t on my top favorite list.

I like the way that they write, it’s not the pen- it’s the fine point. I don’t think I’ve ever really been drawn to fine point pens. I’ll use them, I just PREFER medium point if I can get it. There is absolutely no hesitation that this pen does give more precise and exact lines when writing. I just have a heavy hand when it comes to writing, which makes my writing sloppy when using fine point.

The pen IS very handy for writing in small print. So if you’re filling out an application or a form, this would be perfect. If you’re a fan of fine point or write small anyway, this is the perfect pen for you! The quality of the pen + ink is top notch, flowing nicely, smoothly, and no bubbles or air within the ink. No need to retrace what I’ve written. Adam LOVES these pens, they are HIS favorite. He favors fine point and has small writing, so he gives them an A+.

               

BIC Cristal Stylus 2-in-1 Pen:
The BIC Cristal Stylus 2-in-1 Pen offers the innovative technology of a stylus and the reliability of a ballpoint pen all in one product. It glides across screens smoothly and easily for fingerprint-free precision and control.

This is actually the first time that I’ve ever tried a Stylus + Pen, and I absolutely adore it. I don’t know why I haven’t gotten one before. I can now write on paper and scroll on my phone (researching) at the same time. As you can see the ink flows smoothly, and is actually TOP 5 of my favorite pens!

It has a medium size tip and just flows without incident. I want to stock up on these!! There’s no bubbles or air gaps within the ink. I love how it showcases my handwriting, and how comfortably it fits within my hand. I can write for long periods without cramping hands or fingers!! A+ from Stylish Southern Mama!!

The Stylus part of this pen is also top notch quality. It fills like air filled rubber and glides very smoothly on my Smartphone, tablet, AND computer touchpad. I love that I can use this on my computer as well to sign my name to contracts and tax forms. I couldn’t do that before, my signature looked like a Kindergartener had forged it. Now there’s no worries about having to explain awful electronic signatures or fingerprints all over the place.

I gave the second one to my Uncle Dave. He has a Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini and giant hands. It was frustrating for him to text people back when he got messages. He was usually using the voice button so he didn’t have to retype texts before sending them. Now he can just clip this pen + stylus into his shirt pocket and whip it out when it’s needed! A+

 

BIC Magic Marker Brand Window Markers:
The BIC Magic Window Markers feature a highly visible ink specially-designed to adhere to glass. These are definitely the best Window Markers I’ve ever used in more ways than one. They produce vivid, bright colors on both light and dark surfaces. The marker is easily removed when wiped with a wet cloth.

They are an amazing quality window marker. I LOVED that I didn’t have to shake the marker to bring the paint to the tip (Just open and use!) I also appreciated that I didn’t have to hold it at a weird angle to get it to actually work like other window markers. I used it on glass and plastic, with absolutely no smears or drips!. We made my daughter a “craft box” that we stenciled designs with craft paint and the window markers! I love the bullet shaped tip, it makes it so much easier to stencil/ draw with than a wider tip! Great for professional or decorative use.

     

Overall I am in LOVE with these new BIC products. They are always on top of their game. Now I have a new favorite pen (the Atlantis Comfort) and Pen+ Stylus (The Cristal). I would absolutely recommend these BIC products. I am especially attached to the Stylus + Pen. Not only does it write amazing but I can use the stylus on my phone, tablet, and even the touch pad on my computer! Makes life 10x simpler!

 

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HP’s EcoFFICIENT™ Paper: A Shoplet Review

Disclosure: Periodically Stylish Southern Mama reviews new and established office supplies and accessories through the Shoplet Product Review Program. All reviews are honest.

Stylish Southern Mama received two identical trial packs of HP’s new EcoFFICIENT™ Paper from the HP Everyday Papers line, with 50 sheets in each package.

                             

Like standard copy paper, the HP EcoFFICIENT™ paper is 8 1/2″ x 11″ and white. The weight is 16 pounds, whereas most copy/printer paper is about 20 pounds. So 4 pounds lighter is actually quite a lot in comparison.

HP’s packaging blurb touts that the EcoFFICIENT™ paper prints more efficiently. The support for these claims? They can fit up to 125 more sheets in a printer tray for less refilling, takes up less space to store, and weighs less. So it’s easier to carry with you if the need arises. EcoFFICIENT™ is definitely lighter.

There are 50 sheets to each pack, yet it only feels as if there is half of that. The EcoFFICIENT paper is significantly lighter than standard copy paper, yet it’s just as strong. That’s was one of my worries- that the paper would be thinner, therefore easier to tear. It isn’t though, it’s just as durable and strong as the thicker typical paper.

           

The ink didn’t smudge or bleed through the other side, which I liked. The text is just as sharp as with standard copy/print paper. The brightness is the same as well. The only thing that doesn’t quite add up is printing on double sides. The thin based paper is not good for printing on both sides, other than that it’s 10/10! I love it! Lower impact and I can fit more in my printer at a time. LESS refilling!! YAY!

 

Guided Products Review: Eco-Friendly Back to School Supplies

Have you ever walked down a store aisle, where all the products were different colors of the same thing and were made overseas from plastic? If so, expect to see Guided products in that aisle soon, kicking tail. If you make products on that shelf now, it’s time to rumble.

Guided Products are shooting up in the Eco-Friendly Office Supply niche. They develop their products with the consumers in mind, not just themselves. Sure they could be like all the other Binder companies making their products of cheap plastic and charge an arm and a leg for them.

Sure they could do this, but they don’t. Their standards are higher than that. They think about the planet that we are leaving to our children. Do you realize that those plastic binders end up in the landfill and take 5-10 years to fully break down? Guided products are made from recycled cardboard and after you use them, can be recycled AGAIN! That’s what matters to me!

Guided Products was nice enough to send me the back to school essentials which consist of:

• 1.5" ReBinder Select
• Binder comes with tab dividers and RePouch insert
• RePocket recycled pocket presentation folder
• ReWrite recycled Journal 8x10 Graph
• ReWrite recycled Journal 5x8 Ruled
• ReWrite recycled Journal 3.5x5.5 Blank
• iPad or Kindle Case

The first product I want to tell you about, of course, is the biggest. The 1.5” Rebinder Select. Just because the Guided Products selection of products are recycled doesn’t mean they are weak. FAR from it actually! They are 10x stronger and more durable than the regular plastic binders that are floating around today in my opinion.

I would have much rather had the Rebinder Select when I was in school instead of the plastic ones. These are made of solid chipboard that is 100 points thick, which is almost a 10th of an inch. It would take a TON of pressure to break the front or back off these binders, which I love.

As a writer and researcher I have (too) many binders in my house. I love learning and collecting information about all of my interests and hobbies. I always separate these interests by putting different subjects in different binders. SO, I know all about what I need and want in a binder.

The 1.5" ReBinder Select has the capacity to hold 300 pages. It is made out of super-thick, 100 pt chipboard. It is designed to withstand just about anything. It is very high quality, sturdy, and rugged,  It holds up amazingly under stress, unlike the plastic binders were all known to use. I don’t know how many times I’ve had the front rip off of a plastic binder and leave my work exposed.

I’m pretty sure the hulk would be the only one able to rip this baby apart. It’s rough and tough, can take a tumble, and will definitely last a long time. They are undeniably able to survive my constant flip, flip, flipping through all the pages. Reading this, highlighting that, adding notes to something I forgot.

I love the fact that I can just flip it open, find a page and start writing. Usually (with the plastic binders) I have to write whatever it is I want to write and THEN put it in the binder after it’s written. This is because the binders are so close together that when I try and write on a page it rips it at the hole punches.

I also adore the fact that I can design the cover, the back, and even the insides however I want. With the plastic binders you can’t do this. You can design sheets of paper or construction paper and insert them in the plastic sleeve, but it just isn’t the same! I love the way my pen will flow across the cover without any problems!

Get Yours: 1.5” Rebinder Select $7.99

Each binder also comes with it’s very own Repouch folder insert and 5 tab dividers. Usually you have to buy these separate , so them being included is already a plus. They are both made of the same recycled corrugated cardboard as the binder, they are just a little thinner.

I also love the fact that they are easy to customize however you want. The plastic tabs and folders aren’t so customizable, especially the tabs. The plastic tabs usually come with white overlay stickers. I don’t know about you but it’s extremely difficult for me to write on those stickers.

It either makes my writing extremely hard to read or my handwriting won’t fit. It won’t fit because a pen doesn’t usually show up too well and I have to end up using a sharpie. I’m glad that I can write on these without a problem, and I can actually read it later on.

Get Yours: Repouch folder insert $1.20 and 5 tab dividers $2.29

I also received a Repocket Presentation Folder. This is loved for the same reasons. The strength of the cardboard is 5x stronger than a normal folder. The customization factor- I can draw on it with markers, crayons, or pens. I can tape or decoupage pictures and/or magazine collages to every available space.

This folder is a presentation folder so it doesn’t contain the 3 ring holes that allow it to attach inside a binder. It does stand up amazingly when just slipped inside the binder. The other folders usually bend a little at the top, rip a little, or become frayed. This ones doesn’t, it fit rights inside without a problem!

It’s perfect for keeping all your notes together for a presentation, school, or work. It holds up to 20 pages on each side, so it could also be used as a bill organizer, weekly recipe round-up, or your kids lesson plans (for teaching them afterschool).

The Rewrite recycled Journal 8x10 Graph & Rewrite Recycled Journal Ruled are much of the same yet different. They both look like a cardboard version of the standard Composition books. The Graph Journal would be amazing for a math/algebra class or drawing something that needed to be straight and precise.

The Lined Journal is exactly like a regular composition notebook except the cover is blank instead of it already being designed for you. You can use this as a regular notebook, journal, or list maker.. it’s all up to you. The cover slides back easily though where a composition book doesn’t. It makes it hard to write on the left hand side if the cover doesn’t fold back all the way.

Get you One: 8x10 Recycled Notebook $3.00 a piece

The Rewrite Memo Recycled Notebook 3.5x5.5 is a blank notebook that is the size of a small pocket planner. You can easily slip this inside your purse, jeans pocket, or coat pocket to take it with you where ever you go!

I slip this inside my purse and use it as an inspiration journal. I don’t have a certain theme in mind when I start writing. I use it for blog post inspiration, story inspiration, quote inspiration, and as my craft project inspiration. It’s extremely handy to be able to write down a thought as soon as it pops out rather than forgetting it before I have a chance to write it down!

They also sent me a Cardboard Kindle Fire HD case. It is made of the same recycled corrugated cardboard that the binders and everything else is made of. It’s extremely strong and durable and holds up the tablet well.

It has a kickstand on the back, which is amazing. The Kickstand makes it easy to prop it up and play a game or read a book, take notes, or watch a video. It is all right on hand which makes it awesome!

Get YOURS: Cardboard Kindle Fire HD case $6.67

 

 

Get the Entire Guided Green Office Supply Sample Pack $24.99

Contents per Case: 14-piece recycled office supplies kit includes one of each of the following eco-friendly Guided products:

• .5" ReBinder Select
• 1" ReBinder Original
• 1.5" ReBinder Select
• 3 sheets ReBinder Label System for each binder
• RePouch Slash Pocket Folder Insert
• ReTab 5-Tab Divider Set
• RePocket Folder
• ReSleeve View CD Sleeve
• RePlay CD Case
• ReBadge Holder
• ReWrite Mini 5" x 8" lined paper notebook
• ReBound - covers for comb binding

 

Connect with Guided Products online:

Facebook and Twitter

 

Jessica Renee

 

Poppin Lime Green Deskset Review: Color your Office Happy!

As a freelance writer/blogger who works exclusively from home, I need color in my life. I want my office to reflect who I am and what I like. Poppin believes that the happier you are with your surroundings, the more work you will accomplish!

You should definitely be surrounded by beautiful objects on a daily basis. Not only does it truly brighten your spirits but it inspires from within and makes the work environment inviting. When you feel invited in by your workspace, you’ll actually spend more time there.

I am obsessed with office products and supplies. I was instantly infatuated when I seen the amazing range of colors Poppin had in every single product on their website. Poppin is stock full of people who also adore color and office supplies and successfully merged them together!

They also have a crazy passion for filing cabinets, desk organization, and office supplies. They have definitely changed the way people think about work! Poppin has a wide variety of modern office supplies in so many beautiful colors, to match the style and décor within your office.

I love the fact that you can shop by color! If you have a favorite color that you’d like to see around your office, you can buy everything in one color. If you’d like to switch it up and add contrasting or complementary colors, you can do that too. OR you can just go all out and add a rainbow of colors! Shop by desktop, furniture, organization and more. How awesome is that?

 

When I seen the Desktop Organization sets, I knew that this is what I needed to stay organized and add my favorite color to my home office! As you all know Lime Green is my favorite color, so when I seen that they had EVERYTHING in lime, I was super excited!

I ended up getting the Lime Green Desktop Set. It comes with 2 Inboxes; Accessory Tray; Pen Cup; and 1 box of Lime Green Signature Ballpoint pens. The Lime inboxes are not only beautiful but extremely helpful in keeping me organized. They can be stacked ay way that suits your needs and organization style.  The letter trays are designed to hold up to 300 pieces of paper.

The accessory tray is an amazing asset to the letter trays. It gives that extra space that we all crave in out offices. It can and will hold anything you want to put in it and look good doing it! They can be stacked on top of the letter trays or off to the side, however you want it, It’s all up to you.

The pen cup has two organization compartments. You can put pens in one side, pencils in the other so that you can just reach over and grab whatever you have the feel for at the moment. You won’t have to search and search for a pen anymore!

Lastly, the Lime Signature Ball Point Pens have a modern designed metal clip that really sets these pens apart from any regular ballpoint pen. The quality of these pens are simply superb, which really surprised me. Usually when I get ballpoint pens in bulk that are non-name brand they scratch the page and don’t write very well.

When I use these pens they glide right across the page without any glitches!  As a writer, a pen is a daily tool in my life. I have to have a pen that isn’t only reliable but comfortable as well. My thoughts flow, and my pen follows. I don’t have to sit and tap my pen over and over because it has skipped out on me.

When that happens I could lose my inspiration, train of thought, and word flow. I don’t have to worry about that with these pens. They roll on and never hesitate to pull through. A box of these beautiful pens contain 12 each, so I know I’m good for at least a little while!

If your office needs a makeover, you should definitely check out Poppin Office Products.

Buy it: Poppin Desk Set $51

Connect with them online: You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

 

Jessica Renee