Giveaway and Review

In 2004, while roommates at Bowdoin College , Peter & Austin decided to start a company that offered needlepoint belts. They became so intrigued with these unique accessories after their girlfriends made them needlepoint belts as gifts. After looking to buy finished belts,they realized that these products were impossible to find and prohibitively expensive. That's when Smathers & Branson was born. Their goal was to make needlepoint belts more available, attractive and affordable & it has been a success!

They knew that their biggest challenge would be finding and training skilled artisans. With our options quickly running out, they decided to spend the fall in Vietnam . Meeting their stitchers face to face enabled them to perfect their product to meet the high standards they set. Without realizing it, groundwork for a cottage industry had been laid &, within a few years, they would employ and provide opportunities for over 2,000 people. As the company continues to grow, Smathers & Branson have the satisfaction that their artisan’s level of success grows as well.

Now offering products ranging from men’s and children’s needlepoint belts, to cummerbunds, and dog collars, with a women’s line on the horizon. In addition, they can create custom products with unique patterns for schools, clubs, and organizations as well as one of a kind belts and monogrammed products.

Smathers & Branson defines their mission: “to offer the finest products with customer service to match.”

You will have no problem finding your keys with Smathers & Branson Key Fobs. I'm in love with my beautiful Greenwich Plaid Needlepoint Key Fob. A classic beauty that you will be sure to keep forever. This well-made product is well worth the money and makes for a perfect gift for the Jackie O in your life! I have received the best compliments on this investment.

Here are some other of my favorite products from Smathers & Branson like the Lobster and Claw Needlepoint Belt for the hubby.

Just looking at this Cape Cod Belt makes me think of yummy clam chowder.

You'll be sure to turn heads for all the right reasons wearing this Yellow & Blue Repp Stripe Needlepoint Headband.

***GIVEAWAY***
Contest Ends Friday, June 3
Now for the giveaway!! For your chance to win a Non-Monogrammed Needlepoint Key Fob please comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway. Below are ways to score extra entries. Please comment on this post every time you make an extra entry!

Follow S&B on twitter here.
Follow S&B on facebook here.
Go to S&B website and post your favorite item on this post.
Follow Domestic Sweetheart on twitter here.
Follow Domestic Sweetheart on facebook here.

Also, extra entries for re-tweeting this giveaway!

Problem solved with Solvit!

Riley loves car rides! It's so much fun for me to drive and he's so good in the back seat. However, no matter how much fun it is for the both of us as soon as he jumps out of the car and I take a look at the back seatr. I immediately become frustrated. His water bowl is practically upside down creating a mess over where and the dog hair....well let's just say it's not my favorite thing to try to clean up after. Fortunately I found Solvit and I have to rave about my Waterproof Sta-Put Bench Seat Cover .

The newest addition is the Deluxe Sta-Put Hammock Seat Cover (MSRP $65). Its padded and quilted construction provides dogs with a soft cushion while protecting car seats from dirt, dander, mud, hair and all other messes normally associated with the active dog. Multiple attachment points and adjustable straps loop around the front and rear seat headrest creating a hammock-like cover that protects the entire rear seat area. This cover is treated with Stain-Blok and is machine washable and is trimmed with faux leather and uses antique brass hardware.

Not only do I love the Seat Covers but check out these other nifty products below!

NEW! HomeAway Travel Organizer Kit

Pet Vehicle Safety Harness (four sizes)

To find a Solvit Retailer near you check here!

Thistle Balletneck Bamboo Tee

I just love wearing my Thistle Balletneck Bamboo Tee from Fair Indigo! Made of 70% bamboo & 30% organic cotton, this tee is sure to please eco-friendly fashionista's everywhere.

Eco-friendly bamboo is the most sustainable of natural fibers. It grows fast, requires little water, needs no pesticides, and can reach a height of 75 feet in two months.

Just check out these other beautiful organic tops from Fair Indigo that I love!

What I also love about Fair Indigo is that they really are Fair! The mission is to create high-quality, wearable styles without the exploitation of workers and the environment that too often goes with the territory. With incredibly efficient operations and word-of-mouth advertising, we can keep our prices real too. Just check them out here! xoxo

Walk Fido in Style

Riley and I go for walks every day even when it rains... this is why I'm so happy to share with you a leash that both Riley & I love!

The Flat Out Leash from Ruff Wear features a side release buckle that allows for three handle conversions:
1. Hand-held leash (for a standard walk)
2. Waist-worn leash (for a hands-free adventure)
3. Fixed leash (clipped around a tree or post while you run to grab a cup of coffee)

A convenient traffic handle close to the Talon Clip™ gives you quick control.

The Flat Out leash is available in four solid colors and four patterns. Not only are the patterns super fun but the wristlet itself is comfy for you!

You can follow Ruff Wear for the latest on Facebook here and also on twitter here.

Also, check out this fun Ruff Wear video on You Tube here.

Giveaway! Darn Tough Vermont {Closed}

I love my Darn Touch Vermont socks! So comfy, warm & stylish how can a savvy sweetheart not fall in love :)Just check out my stylish foot bling designed by legendary outdoor Designer Poppy Gall!

Darn Tough socks start with fine gauge Merino wool. The socks are produced with high-density knitting; more knit stitches per inch result in durablity and cushioning with added bulk. Starting with a ribbed ankle for superior fitting, the creation process moves through a sculpted heel, an elastic support knit in the arch, and finally, a reinforced toebox.

Darn Tough socks are made with the highest grade of shrink-treated Merino wool, and/or with a unique Coolmax blend. This results in comfortable, durable socks that offer superior moisture management. Darn Touch Vermont Socks cover the entire spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts. They offer lines of performance footwear for skiing/riding,hiking/trekking,running, biking, active lifestyle, and hunting/fishing.

Not only are their products cool but so is their company! After more than 30 years, the Cabot family prides itself on running an American company; it still operates entirely out of its mill in Northfield, Vermont and prides itself on taking care of its workforce. Also, they have so much confidence in their products that they are unconditionally guaranteed for LIFE...yep that's right LIFE!

***GIVEAWAY***
Contest Ends Wednesday, May 18
Now for the giveaway!! For your chance to win the a pair of socks please comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway. Below are ways to score extra entries. Please comment on this post every time you make an extra entry!

Like Darn Tough on Facebook here.
Follow Darn Tough on Twitter here.
Like Domestic Sweetheart on Facebook here.
Follow Domestic Sweetheart on Twitter here.

NeoStrata Bio Hydrating Cream

I just love this ELLE approved Bio-Hydating Cream made by the fine folks at NeoStrata! It's no surprise to me that this hydrating cream won the ELLE Magazine 2011 Genius Award. This is a highly emollient cream dedicated to reducing the visble signs of aging while providing long-lasting hydration.
*15% Gluconolactone high-stregnth formulation
*Reduces the visible signs of aging
*Vitamin E provides long-lasting moisturization
*Ideal adjunctive therapy for topical retinoids

The NeoStrata Restore skincare prodcuts are formulated with Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) which strenghthen skin's protective barrier, making it less vulnerable to irritants and reduce skin redness. PHAs are natural humectants, keeping dry skin well hydrated and they are highly stable and powerful antioxidants that help fight the signs of photoaging.

I noticed the difference within one week of using. I love that the cream is gentle and reduces redness. I have highly-sensitive skin and this superstar cream didn't burn or itch at all for me. My skin is glowing and loves me for choosing such a great product :)

NeoStrata Bio Hydrating Cream is available at www.neostrata.com and through select physicians and online retailers.

To keep informed on more NeoStrata products, you can follow NeoStrata on twitter here and also on facebook here!

Silly Mama Quilts Review

Need a fun gift idea? Silly Mama Quilts is just the place for you! Just check out my adorable & fun table runner that I love so much!

The name Silly Mama Quilts came from owner Brooke having four kids ages 23-6, so she often calls herself silly, silly, mama! She has been quilting since her oldest was two and it shows in her talented work. Just check out some more of her projects below!

Brook truly enjoys making handmade projects with the latest fabric lines and ideas. you can also read about her current and upcoming projects on her blog here.

Brooke is open to creating custom quilts and projects so feel free to contact her if you can't seem to find exactly what you are looking for.

If you are like me and want to do your part in supporting small business and give gifts from the heart then you must check out Silly Mama quilts on etsy here.

Sweat in Style with Lilypond

Okay, so we all know that working out is good for your physically & mental health and that's why I do my best to try and workout at least 3-4 hours a week (1hr 3-4 days a week).

Part of being motivated to workout is to make it as simple as possible, so that it's a routine. This is why I suggest that you have a gym bag dedicated ONLY for your fitness apparel and equipment. It makes it so much easier to keep everything in one place so you don't have any excuses...i.e. I forgot my ipod or I don't have the right socks l.o.l.

That's why the I love my Lilypond Sundown Weekender/Gym Bag so much. Not only is so stylish that it makes me want to use it as an everyday bag but it's super efficient too. Check it out, here are the features:



* Unique zip-top closure with magnetic snap closure by handle
* Two exterior front zippered pockets
* Rear exterior zippered pocket
* Ventilated exterior/interior waterproof nylon pocket for shoes or clothes
* Three interior zippered pockets
* Adjustable Yoga mat straps with Velcro® closure
* Key fob
* Fully lined with lilypond watermarked nylon fabric in contrasting color
* Durable ballistic nylon fabric
* Adjustable and removable padded shoulder strap extends from 14" to 28"

You can find this stylish and efficient gym bag here along with other Lilypond products that I'm sure you will love! xoxo

P.S. To become a fan of Lilypond you can find them on Facebook here!

Wrap your wrists around this sweet gem!

I so heart my new Hemp Wristlet made by Ickady Bag! This padded wristlet is made from hand woven hemp and cotton. It is fully lined. This small bag great for notes, coins, cards, mobile phone, gadgets, etc. The zipper top keeps all your items secure.

You can wear it as a clutch too. The simple yet stylish design is also suitable for a night out as well as a special occasion.

I have been using my wristlet for both daytime and evening. When I'm off to the gym I just stick it inside of my gym tote so I don't have to keep changing handbags!

Ickady also has so many other laptop bags, shoulder bags, messenger and camera bags that you will just love. To find other Ickady Bags click here!

Giveaway Galison Memo/Mousepad

I love sitting at my desk now that I have found this adorable Confetti Garden Memo Mousepad from Galison!

As much as I try to use my iphone I still love writing things down on paper....so I was so thrilled to find this hip memo & mousepad. If you love style and efficiency then not only will you adore this mousepad but you will love other Galison products as well! Just check them out here!

***GIVEAWAY***
Contest Ends Wednesday, May 11
Now for the giveaway!! For your chance to win the Confetti Garden Memo Mousepad please comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway. Below are ways to score extra entries. Please comment on this post every time you make an extra entry!

Like Galison on Facebook here.
Follow Galison on Twitter here.
Like Domestic Sweetheart on Facebook here.
Follow Domestic Sweetheart on Twitter here.