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

 

Awesomeness & The Epic Post Rolled into One!

Huge Expectations? Uh, absolutely! I was thrilled when I seen that Blogelina was having a blog comment party! I actually began blogging 4 years ago because I was a stay at home mom who needed interaction with other women/moms that shared the same interests that I did. So, I thought this would be an awesome way to connect with even more of you amazing bloggers!

Hello there, welcome! I’m Jessica, the writer/author/freelance writer behind Stylish Southern Mama and Southern Rambles. I’ve been blogging for almost 4 years now, and just started my .com in July.

AS a blogger you all will know how excited I was to have a .com, right? I was ecstatic to actually own my own domain after blogging on blogspot for 4 years.I didn’t want to give up my loyal followers and all my hard work here, so Southern Rambles was born!

I have 2 amazing, beautiful, funny kids who I adore with all my heart. Aidan is 6 and Adisyn is 4. I have been trying to write their birth stories for awhile now to share with all of you. Aidan was extremely premature born at 24 weeks weighing in at 1 lb. 13 oz. so it makes for a unique birth story, one that I hope will help other Preemie parents! The path is definitely a life altering one.

I’ve been with my wonderful husband (although we aren’t conventionally married) for almost 8 years now. Yes, I know what you’re thinking “Aren’t you only 24? How can it be 8 years?” I have been with Adam since I was only 16 years old.

I’m pretty sure I have more hobbies then I have time. I love to read and write, of course. I could read just about anything you put in front of me. I am a huge fan of thrillers, mysteries, and nonfiction books. I have been a writer for as long as I can remember!

I am a crafter, I love to create an array of things! I taught myself how to sew and crochet. I dabble in making jewelry and making DIY bath/beauty products. I love to learn about Tarot and Astrology as well as Psychology! I love to design blogs and digital scrapbooks! I love learning just about anything in general!

I’m pretty sure I could be considered a hoarder at this point. Adam tells me on a daily basis how I have too much stuff for just one person! (LOL) I love to collect books, craft supplies, clothes, shoes, purses, and beauty products (makeup, hair and body care, and accessories)!

Anyway- The main reason I started a blog was to find a way to express myself and find my inner voice. I quickly got into entering blog giveaways for the amazing prizes. That slowly lead into me becoming a review blogger myself, who makes a little money on the side. I can truly say that I love what I do and am glad that I was lead onto the path I am on now.

Blogging has given me the awesome opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people who have transformed into some of my best friends! I’ve gotten to review some pretty amazing products and share with my followers whether they should get the item of if it is a bust and their money should be spend elsewhere.

The Giveaways that I can now offer is also a gigantic plus. I love being able to say thanks to my followers by having some HUGE giveaways as an appreciation gesture. It’s like handing them a plate full of food and saying “thanks for coming to my dinner party.” Instead it’s.. here’s this awesome giveaway, here’s an amazing chance to win a Coach Purse, a pair of shoes, or something for their kids! It just feels so great and puts me on top of the world!

By the end of December I would truly like to b adding more and more personal posts. I am and have always been a fan of tutorials and I’d truly like to contribute some of my own.

Blog Parties*- I would also like to host at least 2-3 blog parties a week. Something like Wordless Wednesday but NOT. I was thinking something on the lines of “How-to Tuesday” or “Follow for Follow Friday”.

How-to Tuesday would be a link-up party for everything and anything DIY. It could be blog related, craft tutorials, cleaning or cooking how-to, really just anything how-to. This would be an amazing way to find some other cool how-to tutorials and connect with OTHER amazing bloggers!  How awesome does that sound?

I am also on the lookout for 2-3 co-hosts for each of these weekly blog parties/link-ups If you think you would like to help me co-host you can leave a comment below or email me at madebyjess(at)gmail(dot)com

This will help with traffic and of course, you’d get a backlink to a PR3 blog with 39,000 Alexa Global Traffic Rank. If you would like to co-host the only thing I ask is that you have a PR2+ blog with at least 10,000 (blog+all social media) followers that way I and the other entrants benefit as well.

 

What are your blogging goals for the rest of 2013? Do you think you’ll hit your goal?

 

Thanks for Dropping by!

 

Jessica Renee

City Creek Candles Review: The Heritage Collection

If you don’t have any City Creek Candles in your home, you are totally missing out on the joys of life. I have always been a fragrance lover; candles, wax warmers and wax melts, potpourri, and CERTAIN incense. The sweet essence of beautiful aromas floating through my home inviting my visitors in with class, sophistication, and simplicity. Out of any brand of candles on the market today, City Creak Candles is easily my favorite.

City Creek Candles are hand poured right here in the United States. The company thrives because they have the ability to make simple yet beautifully stylish candles that spice up our homes with their breathtaking containers and delicious fragrances.

It will definitely change the way you look at your existing candle stash. These candles are environmentally savvy and look fantastic as well. They’ll have you pitching all those horrible soot filled candles out the door right away! You won’t have to sacrifice style to have style to have eco-friendly anymore. All City Creek Candles are absolutely Non-Toxic.

They do candles in such a beautifully unique way that I can’t help but become addicted. I could immediately tell that they were non-toxic. They just smell so much better and burn so much cleaner. There’s no more black soot following the flame and flying above the candles, because there aren’t any chemicals for the candle to burn off.

Once you have a couple, you will immediately want more. They smell so heavenly and add such a homey feeling to any space. I was excited to be able to work with City Creek Candles. They have an amazing line of candles called the Heritage Collection.

The Heritage Collection is immediately noticed for it’s beautiful antique look that it brings to any home. The Heritage Collection features 3 gracefully designed ceramic containers. Each container has 4 refined, sophisticated, beautiful fragrances. All containers have the same available. which are Warm Vanilla, Serene Woods, Sugared Citrus, and White Flower.

City Creek Candles was generous enough to send me 4 of the beautifully designed ceramic container candles from the Heritage Collection. Each of the candles I was sent was different and all contained each of the 4 available fragrances.

What makes these so amazing and unique is that when the candle has burned down all the way, you can reuse the beautiful containers that they come in! There’s no limit to what they can be used for! It’s all up to you!

The first Heritage Collection candle I pulled out of the box just so happened to be the biggest of the collection. I was simply amazed at the delicate charm of the Fleur De Lis Basin. The scent of the white Fleur De Lis Basin is Warm Vanilla.

Warm Vanilla has been on my top favorite home fragrances since I can remember. I could just soak up the deliciously rich notes of vanilla that is mixed with the lusciously sweet smell of syrupy sugar. It is just so relaxing and helps me to unwind even on the toughest day!

I have never in my life thought something smelled so welcoming and intriguing. The first thing someone notices when they walk into your home is how it smells. This isn’t something they MEAN to do, but we detect whether a home smells clean or not subconsciously. That’s why we all strive to make our homes smell delectable and City Creek Candles hits it right on the head! They definitely know what they are doing!

Get Yours: Warm Vanilla Fleur De Lis Basin $34.99

I also received two Vintage Urn Candles from the Heritage Collection. I absolutely love the way these are designed. My mom did too, she is into Native American designs and she has tons of stuff in her living room. She wanted me to give her these after the candles burned down. I really do think that they would look perfect in her living room.

The Blue Vintage Urn Candle smells of White Flower. It has a mixture of flower smells. It contains scents from Fresh-cut lily of the valley and magnolia paired with soft sandalwood and white amber. The scent is very refreshing and revitalizing. It definitely smells like flowers.

My stepdad thinks it smells clean, fresh, and simple like freshly washed hair washed with White Rain Shampoo. I think it does have a clean, fresh scent but I think I smell more of the magnolia mixed with the sandalwood. My mom thinks it smells like lavender. No matter what people think it smells like, we all agreed that it’s very invigorating and relaxing!

The yellow Vintage Urn Candle is Sugared Citrus. I really love this scent as well. It mixes Fresh citrus, tropical fruit and pure sugar cane. This candle sets you in the season of Summer. Every time I light this candle, it makes me think of swimming, long summer nights, and family gatherings. I love Summer! It’s my favorite season, and City Creek Candles has successfully bottled Summer into this candle.

This would be an amazing candle to have in the dead of winter when summer seems so far away. When you’re longing for a tan, warm weather, and a day where you can actually go outside without getting frost bite. My mom thinks this smells like “Oranges”, my stepdad thinks it smells like “Orange/Vanilla mixture”.

I love the light scent, it floats through my house like a breeze. It gives off a faint citrus smell but because it is Sugared Citrus, the sugar tones down the citrus smell so it isn’t so strong. I love it! I love putting this one in the kitchen or bathroom because of the clean yet homey smell it gives off!

Get Yours: Vintage Urn Candles $27.99 a piece

The last of the Heritage bunch is the Serene Woods Regal Vase. I love the weathered look of this vase. You can tell that it’s meant to look antique and it does look it! This is another one that my mom wanted to snatch.. and of course, because I love her, I agreed.

It goes well with her Native American designed living room. It definitely fits right in, and looks like it belongs! There’s no fighting for a space there. She immediately took to it and loved the smell as well as the design.

This doesn’t smell ALL woodsy if that’s what you’re thinking. It is actually a beautiful combination to make a tranquil, relaxing scent. It smells more earthy than woodsy. It would make an awesome office gift for your husband or brother.  It’s a mixture of Blonde woods, weathering pine, a hint of spice and lime zest.

Get Yours: Serene Woods Regal Vase $19.99

Connect with City Creek Candles online:

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Jessica Renee

 

Pureology Hair care: Hydrate Shampoo, Conditioner, & Lite Conditioner Review- Make Your Hair Love You Again!

I have an oily scalp and hair that tends to frizz up because it’s damaged. I dye my hair usually every 4-6 weeks, flat iron it and blow dry it almost on a daily basis. The heat damage was becoming noticeable.

The Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, Pureology Hydrate Light Conditioner, and Pureology Hydrate Conditioner seems like they were solely created for my hair. This is hands down the most amazing hydration line on the market. Once you try it, you’ll automatically know that you don’t have to look anywhere else. It leaves my hair so beautifully, noticeably healthier!

I got a nice surprise when I used the Hydrate line for the first time. I usually shampoo my hair as soon as I jump into the shower and let it sit while I was my hair as soon as I jump in the shower. I let it sit while I wash my face and body. Then I rinse it out and put the conditioner in. I let that sit while I shave and then rinse it out. That way they have enough time to do what they do best and my hair soaks up the greatness.

I was in the shower doing my normal routine. Got to the very last part (leaving the conditioner in) and began shaving. I definitely noticed an awesome coolness almost right away. The longer the conditioner stayed on, the more intense the coolness became. The only thing I can use to describe it is that it feels to your scalp like a menthol cream feels on your body.

The cooling tingle is just so invigorating. I get out of the shower and I feel like a brand new woman. Ahhhhh, it’s so refreshing and rejuvenating. My scalp seems to be less oily since the first time I used the hydrate line of Pureology hair care, which is a gigantic plus for me.

It also seems to help my energy levels. The cool tingling refreshment seems to wake up my mind and bring an amazing liveliness and volume to my hair as well as hydration. It is naturally uplifting and brings an amazing exhilaration. It feels like splashing cold water on your face after you wake up or after a very tiring day. My scalp has never felt so refreshed before.

My hair feels so much softer and much more smooth. Just from the first couple of uses I could automatically tell that my hair looked and felt so much healthier than before. I’ve always been a huge fan of Pureology, but the hydrate line is by far my absolute favorite. I’m pretty sure I’m in LOVE♥.

The Shampoo and Conditioner are both very rich and creamy. luscious, and silky. A little goes a long way too, which is something I can’t say very often because of my super long hair. I only have to use about a quarter size of the shampoo and nickel sized amount of the conditioner to completely wash all of my hair.

The color fading that my hair was experiencing between colors was extreme. Now that I’ve been using these my hair hasn’t faded in the slightest, which is amazing for someone who adores extremely dark (black) hair. Fading in color brings my mood down, I don’t want my color to go from black to light brown.

The  Pureology Hydrate line is definitely a must for anyone who colors their hair. Not only does it prevent color fading but it hydrates the dry ends, calms the frizz, and helps control even the most unruly hair!

I also adore the fact that it doesn’t add any extra oil or greasiness to my hair. Most hydrating shampoos and conditioners make my hair look stringy after the first day. Washing my hair on a daily basis was a necessity and now it isn’t. I can skip a day if I want, which is fabulous!

It transforms your hair from blah to brilliant!

Shampoo:

Natural Plant Extracts
Rose, Sandalwood and Green Tea
Signature Aromatherapy Blend
Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Anise and Patchouli

BENEFITS

• Concentrated formula

• Luxurious lather, easy rinsing

• Extra gentle cleansers

• Does not strip colour

• For concentrated natural conditioning

• Luxurious fragrance for a multisensorial, spa-like experience

KEY INGREDIENTS

• ZeroSulfate, free, salt-free, colour-preserving formula derived from coconut, corn and sugar 
• Natural Plant Extracts including Peppermint, Sage and Rosemary
• Signature Aromatherapy Blend with Peppermint and Corn Mint Essential Oils

Hydrate Light Conditioner

FEATURES

Jojoba Esters and Shea Butter

Natural Plant Extracts
Peppermint, Sage and Rosemary

Signature Aromatherapy Blend
Peppermint

BENEFITS

• Intensely hydrate without weighing hair down

• For concentrated natural conditioning

• Awakens the senses with an energizing, refreshing fragrance

• Little-to-no tingling sensation for sensitive scalps

• Featherlight formula formulated exclusively for fine hair types

• Leaves hair bouncy and touchably soft, never weighed down

• Minimizes static

Hydrate conditioner

Features

Jojoba Esters and Shea Butter
Natural Plant Extracts
Peppermint, Sage and Rosemary
Signature Aromatherapy Blend
Peppermint and Corn Mint Essential Oils

Benefits

• Intensely hydrate without weighing hair down
• For concentrated natural conditioning
• Awakens the senses with an energizing, refreshing fragrance
• Replenishes parched hair with movement and manageability
• Rehydrates lightened and chemically relaxed hair
• Minimizes static

Is this system right for you? Our hair consultation tool will guide you to find
the right Pureology products for enhancing your hair type.

 

Get Yours:  Click here to see where you can buy it!

 

Connect with Pureology online:

 Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

 

Jessica Renee