FTC Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary bottle from S’ipxS’well for review purposes. The below opinions are my own. I have not been otherwise compensated for this post. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
You may have already heard about S’well, an innovative stainless steel water bottle in a variety of fun prints that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, and gives back to the community by partnering with charity partners. (They also have a super-cute dedicated cleaning brush + brush-stand that I wish I had had all these years for cleaning out all my pesky water bottles in the past!)
But have you heard of S’well’s sister line, S’ip by S’well? Available at Target in a 15oz size, S’ip x S’well comes in 19 fun colors and patterns and retails for $24.99.
These bottles are a super-easy shape to grip – look chic whether on your desk or in your gym bag – and do indeed keep your drink at the correct temperature for an unbelievably long time. Hello, Summer workout partner!
Hydration becomes fun – and beautiful – with S’ip x S’well. Check them out at Target, or online here:
FTC Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary bouquet of my choice from ProFlowers.com. The below opinions are my own. I have not been otherwise compensated for this post. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
Though Mother’s Day is about a month away still, now’s the time to plan ahead.
To that end, ProFlowers has you covered with a variety of beautiful bouquets for every pricepoint.
I love that you can choose the type of vase you get the flowers in – which means you can customize it for your recipient.
(I mean, how cool is this pretty teal-dipped vase above??) Many other online florists only offer the vase as part of the arrangement, and you’re stuck with what they’ve chosen. Major point in ProFlowers’ favor!
You can specify delivery date at no charge (not a range-the exact day itself, which is awesome!) to make sure your recipient will be available on the date of delivery. When the flowers arrive, they’re boxed up in their nifty box with the card/greeting inside. The larger flower heads are even carefully wrapped to ensure perfection upon arrival! There are not 1 but TWO packets of flower life extend powder in the box, as well as detailed instructions for caring for your bouquet. (Other online stores don’t include instructions – kind of a no-brainer, no?)
Once in water, the flowers have a 7-day freshness guarantee, and the two packets of powder allow you to really extend their life. Mine are still alive at 15 days out!
This is such an adorable book, I can’t stop raving about it.
Washi tape has been around forever and I’ve been an avid collector of it for many years, ever since I first spied it while living in Japan 15+ years ago. My stash has grown and grown – and somehow just looking at all those pretty patterns and colors puts a smile on my face.
But what to do with all of that tape? Besides using it on my planners and calendars, I also have been known to use it as home decor on my walls. And wrapping presents of course. But besides that…? I’m kind of at a loss with how to use it in a cute and functional way.
Enter this awesome book, jam-packed with tons of tutorials and crafts for finally putting that washi tape to good use! With 110 ideas for using your tape (plus 10 original included tape rolls for you to play with!) this book can kickstart just about any project or idea for gifts, decor, accessories, office supplies, kiddie crafts…and on and on and on.
Written by the one and only Amy Anderson (of Mod Podge Rocks! fame – and accompanying Mod Podge universe website), the book brings Amy’s whimsical sense of design married to practicality and easy-to-follow step-by-steps.
After first laying out basic techniques and skills when working with washi tape like cutting clean edges, creating corners, weaving, punching shapes, and making patterns, the book dives into the projects section.
Between Goods and Gifts, Home Decor, Jewelry and Fashion, Holidays and Celebrations, and Just For Fun, there are so many projects to choose from. Though some projects may seem pretty basic (Embellished Envelopes, Photo Coasters, Wall Art) – I guarantee there will be many that make you go “I never thought of that!” and send you scurrying to your tape stash.
Some are incredibly innovative, like the Paper Planes Wall Mural, Wishy-Washi Window Blinds, Faux Floor Rug, Headboard, Party Mask, and Faux Floral Bouquet that are so fun to try out.
If you have a craft-loving friend, this book would be an excellent holiday gift for them – and will keep them crafting well into the New Year!
You can also get in on the washi tape fun at Amy’s website WashiTapeCrafts.com.
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I received one complimentary copy of Washi Tape Crafts for review purposes. I have not been otherwise compensated for this review. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
FTC Disclosure: I was gifted a SOUFEEL charm bracelet and charms to write a review about the product. I received no other compensation. The below opinions are my own. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
Recently the kind folks over at SOUFEEL contacted me about reviewing their sterling silver bracelets and charms. After I checked them out and saw that they had a similar style and feel to the ubiquitous PANDORA bracelets but at a lower price-point, I said sure!
Here are a couple facts about the brand:
SOUFEEL bracelets and charms are made from .925 sterling silver and top-quality materials, and can fit other brand-name bracelets like PANDORA and Chamilia (at a fraction of the cost!). They offer FREE SHIPPING worldwide with orders over $50 and a 365-day return and exchange guarantee. You can also receive a Free Bracelet with any order over $99.
The best thing about SOUFEEL that you can choose your own bangle, charms, stoppers, and decorations, to make a DIY piece of jewelry that completely reflects your style. (Or that of a loved one!)
I chose charms in a sleek silver, black, and crystal palette, intending them to be neutral and go with everything. My bangle is made from:
When the bracelet and charms arrived I couldn’t get over how beautifully they were packaged: they would truly make a great gift just as-is, no wrapping required. The charms are all high-quality and to me, indistinguishable from other brand-name sterling silver charm bracelets. And the catch on the bracelet, though a little tricky to open the first couple times, closes so securely you won’t lose anything (and the bracelet won’t slide off skinny wrists like mine – something I struggle with all the time!)
SOUFEEL has also provided Chic Steals readers with an exclusive coupon code to use on any order:
I love multi-function and time-saving shortcuts – and pattern books that offer variations on a single pattern are right up my alley. I was thrilled to receive a copy of The Magic Pattern Book: Sew 6 Patterns into 36 Different Styles! by Amy Barickman to review for my blog.
As the founder and designer of the pattern company Indygo Junction by Amy Barickman, Amy is a skilled patternmaker and has sold over 2 million patterns over the past 20 years (!). Amy’s new book is an indispensable guide to sewing an entire wardrobe and its accessories, based on only 6 patterns. It’s a unique DIY spin on sewing basics, which is perfect for what I do all the time!
The book has a detailed introduction that has a great discussion of basic sewing tools, sizing reference, and tips and techniques. (The section on Alterations is worth its weight in gold for a DIY’er since the ability to alter garments and patterns will allow you to work from any raw materials you may come across!)
The 6 patterns included in the book and accompany CD-ROM are a U-neck Tank Top, an A-line Skirt, a gathered-neck pull-on Dress, a collarless Cardigan, a standing neck lapped-front Coat, and an Accessory (3 hat styles, 1 scarf, and 2 drawstring bags. For each pattern, 6 variations (named after women) are included, that may lengthen or shorten the pattern, add design details, or alter the silhouette slightly.
The instructions are illustrated with step-by-step hand-drawn illustrations. The alterations are quite simple and easy to follow – and just a small variation can create a totally different look in the finished piece!
The book also includes a CD-ROM with patterns and templates for all the projects as well as a how to use the included patterns guide. This means you can start right away with your making!
There are also notations for when you can used repurposed items or fabrics for the projects, as well as suggested fabrics for each design.
The level of the book seems geared to a less-experienced sewist, as there is a great deal of explanation and hand-holding along the way. (GREAT for those who are just graduating from beginning sewing to looking for more of a challenge!)
However, I personally am not a fan of the suggested fabrics or the model styling; though the photography is beautiful the styling choices seem somewhat dated. The fabric choices also leave something to be desired, but it does provide a starting point for your own ideas and choices – and highlights the versatility of a single pattern.
Overall:
If you like multi-purpose patterns and adding and removing elements for the ultimate DIY take on your sewing, definitely try out the patterns in this book! The Magic Pattern Book is available on Amazon.com and major booksellers.
FTC Disclosure: I was sent a copy of the above book from Workman Publishing for review purposes. I have not been compensated for this post. The above opinions are my own. To read my full Disclosure Policy, click here.
Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
You can specify delivery date at no charge (not a range-the exact day itself, which is awesome!) to make sure your recipient will be available on the date of delivery. When the flowers arrive, they’re boxed up in their nifty box with the card/greeting inside. The larger flower heads are even carefully wrapped to ensure perfection upon arrival! 
There are not 1 but TWO packets of flower life extend powder in the box, as well as detailed instructions for caring for your bouquet. (Other online stores don’t include instructions – kind of a no-brainer, no?)
This is such an adorable book, I can’t stop raving about it.
Recently the kind folks over at SOUFEEL contacted me about reviewing their sterling silver bracelets and charms. After I checked them out and saw that they had a similar style and feel to the ubiquitous PANDORA bracelets but at a lower price-point, I said sure!
Here are a couple facts about the brand:
I chose charms in a sleek silver, black, and crystal palette, intending them to be neutral and go with everything. My bangle is made from:
And the catch on the bracelet, though a little tricky to open the first couple times, closes so securely you won’t lose anything (and the bracelet won’t slide off skinny wrists like mine – something I struggle with all the time!)
SOUFEEL has also provided Chic Steals readers with an exclusive coupon code to use on any order:
