Animal agenda #Review

PlaidPlatypusGifts lures shoppers in with on-trend fabric selections for functional parenting accessories.

This $10.74CAD wildly metropolitan zebra print fleece blanket at 50 x 60 inches dimensions is sized large enough to serve as a baby blanket, a toddler security blanket, or an adult lap throw. Made from a single layer of material, the anti-pill micro-fleece is light weight but yet warm at the same time. 

Supple and slightly furry feeling!

Emily also offered to send me one of her biggest sellers: $9.39CAD Sneaky Peek door mufflers which works to quiet the sound of opening/closing doors. By suppressing the latch in an open position, you do not need to turn the door handle; thus allowing you to silently check on the nursery without disturbing your baby.

This foxy flannel sandwiching batting door silencer is reversible. 

Emily's patterned for perfectly lined up center placement of a whole orange fox on one side and also an entire navy fox on the other side as well.

The best thing is that Sneaky Peeks ship free with the purchase of any other item! 



Okay, here's the legal part where I have to say that while I was given this product compliments of the sponsor, my opinions are unbiased and free of coercion.

Medieval merriment #Review

Etsy store MotherMooseByNicole has in stock plenty of fantastic children's bedding. Detailed storybook fire-breathing dragons and turreted castles printed soft pre-washed pre-shrunken flannel certainly captured my attention!

Delivery was swift and no hassle!

The $27.12 sheet fits any standard sized crib mattress.

Elastic sew into corners keep the sheet held securely to the bed.

Nicole can also use this fantasy-themed fabric to make kids' items such as: a fitted crib sheet, mini crib sheet, toddler bed set (fitted sheet for a crib style mattress + a standard pillowcase), play yard sheet, changing pad cover, or set of 3 terry cloth backed burp cloths. 

Move quickly, coupon code SUNNYSIDEUP will give you a 5% off discount!

Okay, here's the legal part where I have to say that while I was given this product compliments of the sponsor, my opinions are unbiased and free of coercion.

Teehee #Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was an iconic childhood cartoon! 

In one of TeeTurtle's shirts. 


I was so excited to see AbicoyCreations carrying these wacky characters in her summer line! 

Babies have very delicate skin, so sun protection is key especially with global warming changing the state of the climate. I joke that Vancouver is becoming the next California!

This bucket hat style provides shade coverage with it's wide brim.

All stress seams are double sewn to handle much ninja kid play.

This hat is entirely reversible between it's cowabunga print and it's solid green sides. Rhonda can customize the color for your preference.

Sizing is available from 6 months to adult so you can keep all of your family out enjoying much fun-in-the-sun!


Okay, here's the legal part where I have to say that while I was given this product compliments of the sponsor, my opinions are unbiased and free of coercion.

Live and let live #Review

Right now I'm actually on a cruise on my way to Alaska. It's peaceful watching the wooded west coast island scenery breeze by out on the veranda wrapped up in a cuddly wool throw blanket with a cup of herbal tea. There's a calm serenity in the air. Stress dissolves with the foam of the rolling ocean waves. The crisp weather calls for a scarf and I have just the right one!

Sarah of Etsy shop three4design has come up with a $27.12CAD dual-function infinity scarf and nursing cover in one accessory that is conveniently bang on-trend. Wear it in a double loop as an everyday item of clothing or a single loop to nurse. The scarf notion of this product makes it a hands-free nursing cover; no more having to hold a shawl in place or worry about dropping it on the floor!
        
The wide width soft stretchy jersey knit tube of fabric becomes a nursing cover that discreetly masquerades as a lightweight yet voluminous infinity scarf. 

The nautical theme is a breeze to pair with many summer outfits. Bold navy anchors against a solid white background is such a classic clean look!

I love the unexpected little hearts! Since anchors have been so popular lately, the ❤s really makes this particular take on the shape stand out!

Okay, here's the legal part where I have to say that while I was given this product compliments of the sponsor, my opinions are unbiased and free of coercion.

Mod movement #Review

Ethically sourced hand-dyed yarns and wool creations are Lorraine's urbanWool59 Etsy shop's specialty. These $27CAD for a set of 3 felted Italian wool dryer balls that have the look of modern art while functioning as an everyday household item. These cushy balls of wool bounce about in your dryer to speed up drying time by creating space between your wet laundry for the heated air to flow through. Their gentle pummeling action also softens your clothes in the process so it replaces chemical fabric softener for that ultimate environmentally friendly touch.

She sent me a trio of solid colors in eggplant, slate and red for review:

These unique pop art look dryer balls are still available for purchase in urbanWool59's store:

Lorraine's $10CAD 100% merino roving felted soaps are popular at shows. Dove soap wrapped in natural fiber provides a gentle exfoliation.

Okay, here's the legal part where I have to say that while I was given product compliments of the sponsor, my opinions are unbiased and free of coercion.

Credits #Review

If you've been following since it's beginning (Hello Germany!) you may have noticed that my blog name has changed. It was originally 
Jessica Rabid: A narcissistic lifestyle 
due to lack of foresight and experimental direction. Then, from feedback by a potential sponsor that backed out because of the title, I changed to the less severe 

A sunny side up lifestyle 

Unfortunately, the url remains jessicarabidlifestyle.blogspot.com; this cannot be modified without starting over!

A few of the blogs that have been inspirational for it's current state are:
canadiangiftguide.com
thefunky-monkey.com
librarianlavender.com

These 3 are predominately giveaway sites that thrive on a smaller scale managed by no more than 2 people. To me, their simple content posts looks like blogging at a maintainable level. canadiangiftguide.com's clean format and polished professional layout, thefunky-monkey.com's capability in being compensated for hosting giveaways that introduce products without being into categorized a niche market, librarianlavender.com's multitude of daily entry giveaways to drive traffic, are all qualities I admire. 

As tribute to these predecessors, here's a sponsor that I think would've been worthy for any of the 3 to feature: 

KnitCableCrochet's $20.27CAD infinity scarf is a made by a special technique called arm knitting which creates loose large loops for a relaxed feel. Speckled oatmeal textured yarn further enhances its character.

A contrasting cuff with Nine West button adds another dimension of texture.

The long length allows for double or even triple times wrap around.

Okay, here's the legal part where I have to say that while I was giv.en this product compliments of the sponsor, my opinions are unbiased and free of coercion

Stitch store #Review

ieclectic is a German store that has a focus on diversifying crochet into a multitude of products for children. They sent me a sampler of two to showcase: 

This $14.95CAD springy green and sunny yellow crocheted beanie is a light head-wear piece for those not so chilly yet not quite warm days.

$14.95CAD comfortable stretchy jersey soft-soled slippers in classic blue stripes for a soft hazy nautical feel. 

A smiling crocheted octopus embellishment adds seaside charm. 

These roomy slippers have plenty of space for growing feet, but also these shoes are elasticized at the ankle both for slip on ease and stay on purposes. 

Okay, here's the legal part where I have to say that while I was given this product compliments of the sponsor, my opinions are unbiased and free of coercion.

Pink please #Review

Jessica's enthusiasm for her craft is apparent from her Etsy store StyledDesignsbyJess full of crocheted happiness. I loved that Jessica is smiling brightly as she's photographed modelling her wares!

Out of her hip store I picked this:

$33.42CAD Breathtaking blossom pink chunky cowl. The lovely shade will bring out the blush in your cheeks! The slip over your head loop style is a soft caress.

This infinity scarf measures 12.5 inches wide and 28.5 inches long (when folded in half) and is double crocheted in 80% acrylic and 20% wool for durability and warmth. 

The luxuriously over-sized dimensions and hefty yarn fibers gives a great bulky scarf look.

StyledDesignsbyJess would be happy to reproduce this ultra-cozy cowl for you in your choice of color:

Okay, here's the legal part where I have to say that while I was given this product compliments of the sponsor, my opinions are unbiased and free of coercion.

Work it

Sponsor quotes: 
"You got exactly what I was going for. I am amazed."
"I took a peek around your blog, your style is very informative, I like the simplicity as well of some posts letting the images speak for themselves."
"Love the fabulous review! It's very well done."
"They looked amazing and I am very happy with it."
"Thank you very much Jessica! We LOVE your review."

I pretty much categorize sponsors into two groups: Those that have done it before and those who haven't. Ones with experience know the review drill and may even provide a background narrative on themselves. I have more creative control with newbie sponsors but this can also result in lack of content to use. Frankly, I do not favor one over the other in sponsor selection. Some sponsors will specifically ask for "kind words", others want "great photos", still others request to advertise for other products they sell or to tell the audience their life story! Of course I prefer a sponsor who lets my review develop organically and run it's course. However, if I come across a product that particularly peaks my interest, I'm up for the challenge! 

As part of my reviewer obligations, I personally ensure that my blog review post and product tweet reaches at minimum 5,000 Twitter accounts. This is actually the easiest part of the process. Product photography is my favorite section. It's satisfying to generate a brilliantly staged capture! Coming up with text either flows like water or halts like hitting a dam. This has nothing to do with the product; every blogger knows the feeling of writer's block! 

Silence is golden #Review

Shhh!

Nouvelle Mere is a mom that has a new idea. 

This cushy door silencer covers latches to mute the sound of the knob turning, allowing you to quietly peep into the nursery. 

This is an ingeniously simple contraption made of cotton fabric and elastic loops. 

Reversible metallic golden arrows and coral orange is inconspicuous against white doors and on-trend at the same time.

Okay, here's the legal part where I have to say that while I was given this product compliments of the sponsor, my opinions are unbiased and free of coercion.