Success Through Play™ Magazine: September 2010

Saturday

Organic Cotton Maxi Dress from Gypsy05

Maxi dresses are still in season and for the eco-conscious fashionista, finding one in an earth-friendly fabric can be a challenge. We were thrilled to have spotted the Organic Cotton Maxi Dres s one from Gypsy05, which celebrities have been spotted wearing. The Organic Maxi Dress is part of the Gypsy 05' Organic Collection. The Organic collection is created by using all organic fabrics,including bamboo and natural dyes. Printing techniques for the garments go through a planet friendly process including a seaweed treatment that is 90% organic. The factory itself uses very little energy in the execution of the"Go Green" line. The Maxi dress is made using organic fabric and low impact dyes and the softener they use is derived from soy beans.

This maxi dress is the perfect dress for summer and is super flattering for all figures. The organic cotton fabric is ultra soft and together with the design and cut, make it one of the most comfortable and stylish dresses that you will find. This dress can go from day to night by adding just a few accessories and is available in 10 gorgeous colors. Purchase the dress here. See the full Gypsy05 collection for women and men here by visiting www.Gypsy05.com

Thursday

Citizen Eco-Drive Watches for Women: Fueled by LIght, it never needs a Battery

Fueled by light, it never needs a battery. Eco-drive technology harnesses the power of light from any light source. It works in 2 ways:

1. Natural and artificial light are absorbed through the crystal and dial.

2. Solar cell converts the light and stores it as energy. Cell charges continuously in any light. runs for 6 months even in the dark.

Its Unstoppable......Just like the people who wear it.

Eco-Drive Watches are an amazing achievement in combining a watch that is functional, stylish and environmentally responsible by never needing a battery. By efficiently converting light into energy to run the watch for up to 178 days on a single full charge, the watch is able to maintain a full charge every day even in a fluorescent lit office. The Eco-Drive watches live up to the Citizen reputation for quality. A wide assortment of watches are available for both men and women from mens' chronographs to elegant watches for women. All Eco-Drive watches never need a battery, which is not only functional as your watch won't stop due to a dead battery, but also ecologically responsible. Batteries are a significant source of pollution today from improperly disposed of batteries and there are very recycling programs for the kinds of batteries that watches use, making watch batteries a significant pollution problem.

Each Eco-Drive Watch arrives beautifully presented in a box, and will make a wonderful gift for the special person in your life. The high quality design and engineering of each Eco-Drive Watch is immediately apparent and with the wide range of designs for men and women, there is something for everyone. The find a watch tool on the Citizen Watch Website is very handy and allows the user to narrow down the search by gender, price, category, material and dial color. The enclosed manual details the functionality of the watch. The watch is very user friendly and easy to charge. To fully charge the watch, simply expose the watch to natural outdoor light, or an incandescent light source 20" from the watch. To maintain the charge, office light is sufficient. We found that the watch holds the charge well and never having to worry about a battery is priceless and puts the user in control.

Introducing the Normandie Collection: The Glamour of Art Deco Style with sparkling Swavorski Crystal Accents. This gorgeous eco-drive line will appeal to the sophisticated women who enjoys wearing bold accessories and lighting up the town! The solid timepiece is destined to draw many compliments and will make the wear feel very special. Features a push button clasp, designed to secure the watch around your wrist for safety. Another benefit is that you can remove the watch very quickly. Women with limited dexterity will be able to independently operate the push button clasp system thereby allowing them to remove the watch with ease.

GIVEAWAY:

Courtesy of Citizen Watch Ltd, one lucky reader will win this sporty titanium Eco-Drive watch. This titanium model is the lightest weight model in the womens collection and is suitable for day or night. One thing is for sure, you will make quite the impression with this modern watch.

This give-away is now closed. Congratulations to Selma G who is the lucky winner. Selma lists starting her own organic garden, making her own cleaning products and using solar energy products as key changes in her life towards a greener lifestyle

For more information and to view the full line of Eco-Drive watches, please visit www.CitizenWatch.com

Tiny Tokens Jewelry Designs - The Perfect Gift for Mother's Day or any occasion

Each Custom Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Jewelry Personalized by Tiny Tokens Jewelry Designs is unique and created especially for you. Personalized jewelry adds that special touch and lets the recipient know that this gift was created just for them. Tiny Tokens Jewelry Designs delivers high quality, hand stamped pieces that are certain to draw many compliments. We received a sample for the review and were very impressed with the quality of the materials and the work. The letters were hand stamped beautifully and the letters were clear and easy to read. The designs are original and the full range of jewelry offers something for everyone. The jewelry arrives beautifully presented in a gift box, ready for the recipient.

Our Top Picks for Gifts for any Occasion:

Mother's Day:

The Layers of Love Necklace is a wonderful choice to celebrate Mom this Mother's Day. This beautiful necklace is classic and timeless and looks gorgeous on the wearer. The Sterling Silver Heart dangles delicately over the discs and accents the hand stamped names.

Mother

Honor mom this Mother's Day with this elegant charm necklace. Complete with the Chinese character for Mother, a hand stamped heart tag and a beautiful fresh water pearl, mom will know how cherished she.

Father's Day:

The Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Keepsake Cufflinks
are the perfect Gift for a Groom, or a special birthday gift for the man in your life. The cufflinks are shipped in an espresso stained hardwood box, for a classy presentation.

Anniversary Gift:

The Heart to Heart cut out tag necklace with a dangling heart is a lovely anniversary gift and will make any wife feel very loved and special.

Graduation Gift:

For the new graduate, the road ahead is filled with endless opportunities and possibilities. Celebrate the hopes and dreams with the Wish Necklace.

Four legged friends:

Tiny Tokens Jewelry Designs offers Pet Tags for your furry friends. Your pet will be sporting very cool tags but equally important, if they escape from the house, you can be contacted!

PURCHASING:

Shop the full collection at the online etsy store. Also on offer are Gift certificates.

All images copyright Tiny Tokens Designs.

Monday

New Balance Picks for 2010

Around the globe, New Balance is recognized as a leading manufacturer of high-performance athletic footwear and apparel. The company’s objective is straightforward -- equip the elite and everyday athlete with footwear, apparel and accessories that provide the best performance, fit, quality and comfort. New Balance, head-quartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host.

Here are our top picks for 2010 from New Balance:

645 Country Walker

* ABSORB® cushioning in both heel and forefoot for exceptional shock absorption
* Suede/Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable
* STABILITY WEB® delivers midfoot support and reduces the weight of the shoe
* C-CAP® midsole provides cushioning and support
* Solid rubber outsole provides long-wearing durability

Take advantage of the warm weather by exploring the outdoors and take time for yourself to escape the day to day stress of your life. The Country Walkers from New Balance are the perfect choice as they are lightweight and very comfortable. We have tested these shoes extensively on outdoor adventures in dry conditions and were really impressed with the level of comfort that can be attained during all day adventures. Despite the temperature soaring outside, the testers feet remained cool, helping them to stay comfortable and conserve energy needed throughout the day. From an aesthetic point of view, the shoes are modern and will blend well with your active wardrobe. The Country Walkers are available in mens and womens sizes, including wide widths.

855 Cross Trainers

*ABZORB® SBS in both heel and forefoot provides 5-10% more effective cushioning than original ABZORB® with no compression set
*C-CAP® midsole provides cushioning and support
*ENCAP® midsole technology provides support and maximum durability
*ROLLBAR® with Medial & Lateral TPU Posts for ultimate motion control
*Solid rubber outsole provides long-wearing durability
*Medicare / HCPCS code = A5500 Diabetic shoe
*Non-Marking Rubber Outsole won't mark floors
*Leather/Mesh upper is lightweight and breathable

The 855 Cross Trainers from New Balance are our top pick for 2010 from New Balance! These lightweight shoes are designed for comfort and support and from the moment you try these on, you won't look back. They are worth every penny and the top quality engineering and quality stands out. For women with wider feet, you will be delighted to hear that this shoe is available in widths up to 4E, so now despite your foot width, you too can lead an active style in high quality footwear.

811 Walking

* ROLLBAR® with Medial & Lateral TPU Posts for ultimate motion control
* Synthetic upper provides lightweight comfort and durability
* Polyurethane midsole offers durable cushioning and effective resistance to compression set
* TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) Walking Strike Path® stabilizes your foot and helps you achieve a correct gait
* Medicare / HCPCS code = A5500 Diabetic shoe

*Yearly New Balance contributes 15% of wholesale sales from the Lace Up for the Cure® Apparel & Footwear Collection, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000 up to a maximum of $1 million, to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
athletic footwear and apparel from New Balance

This Athletic Walker is proudly made in the USA, and part of the Lace Up for the Cure Campaign, two combinations which will make you feel great about purchasing it. The lightweight shoe is a great choice for those new to exercise, and who are about to embark on a new walking routine. The lightweight shoe is designed to stabilize your foot, helping you achieve a correct gait and in addition, will provide you with cushioning and comfort.

New Balance offers a full selection of fitness products for men, women and children. Consumers can find retailers that carry New Balance products by visiting www.newbalance.com or by calling 1-800-253-SHOE. New Balance Shoes can also be purchased online through the NB Online Store.

Saturday

Giveaway - Preggers n' Proud: Designer tees for the entire family!

Cara, founder of Preggers n' Proud:

"I started Preggers n' Proud when I was pregnant 6 years ago. We were one of the first maternity slogan t-shirt companies on the market and we got a huge boost in popularity when Kate Hudson wore our Loving my Buddha Belly tee in People Magazine. We introduced Daddy t-shirts to the maternity industry with our Men who Change Diapers Rule tee soon after. We continue to grow sales each year and recently added the opportunity for our customers to buy our blank wholesale t-shirts in bulk for their own slogan, Mom's group, or boutique logo. I feel very fortunate to have started a business at a time in my life when I wanted to stay home to raise my son. I was a Writer before creating the adorable and clever maternity slogans that grace our tees. My business has changed as I have over the years. My interest in an environmentally friendly lifestyle affected my business decisions. My business is not about making huge amounts of money - it is about supporting my family, important causes, and celebrating each and every customer's pregnancy."

Spotlight: Organic Cotton Maternity Tees

The organic cotton line from Preggers n' Proud is manufactured in the USA to cut down on the environmental impact of international freight shipping. The company uses post-consumer waste paper and recyclable gift boxing and shipping materials. In addition, they donate proceeds to eco-friendly organizations.

The organic cotton tees are available in Two super stretch sizes:

*S/M fits sizes 2-10
*L/XL fits sizes 12-18

Organic Buddha Belly maternity tee

Organic Blossoming Baby maternity tee

PURCHASING:

Products can be purchased online at www.preggersnproud.com or in select maternity boutiques across the country. Overseas shipping is available.

Success Through Play™ comments:

Gone are the days when pregnant women hid their pregnant belly in tent like creations and fathers had little to do with caring for their baby. These days, pregnant mamas-to-be are embracing their new curves and flaunting their growing bumps in stylish tees. Fathers are taking an active role in caring for their baby and are proud of it. Preggers n Proud offers custom designed tees for the entire family all at reasonable prices. Cara's background as a writer is clearly evident in the creative slogans that creates together with her husband. Pregger n' Proud offers maternity designs such as Loving my Buddha Belly, Sexy n’ Showing, Goddess with a Bump, Hot Mom, Epidural Shmepidural, Viva la Pansa, Blossoming Baby Belly, & With Child, Daddy tees include designs such as Men who Change Diapers Rule, Good Daddies are Hot, and Phat Papa, which celebrate daddy's and acknowledge them as equal partners. Also on offer are adorable baby tees with designs such as: Buddha Baby and Mama's Got my Back/And so does Daddy!

We received evaluation samples of their organic cotton maternity tees with the designs:
Blossoming Baby Belly and Loving my Buddha Belly which celebrate and honor the pregnant form in a fun and respectful way. The unique graphics are well designed and are sure to attract many compliments. The organic cotton fabric is super soft and feels terrific against the mama-to-be's skin. The organic cotton fabric used to make the tees is natural colored, free of dyes and bleaches. The cut and length of the tee is super flattering and oh so comfortable. You will receive plenty of compliments when wearing Preggers n Proud tees and lots of nods and smiles!

Here is some feedback that we received from our tester:

"I had a difficult time finding organic cotton maternity tees. I was really surprised by how few companies offer them. I was delighted to receive the organic cotton maternity tees from Preggers n Proud and eager to try them on. I have been fairly self-conscious about my weight gain during pregnancy and the loss of my pre-pregnant body and admit that I was hiding behind baggy tees and sweat pants, which didn't flatter my new shape. I was thrilled when I put on my Preggers n Proud tee and immediately saw the flattering silhouette which it created and I felt an instant boost of confidence and dare I say...I felt sexy. I grabbed my maternity jeans which I hadn't yet worn until now and which was the perfect compliment to my designer tee. I was ready to take on the world! The organic cotton fabric feels awesome against my tender, itchy skin and I can feel great knowing that it is free from harmful chemicals and dyes. I received tons of compliments when I wear my tees and my confidence level has gone through the roof. The tees have totally changed my attitude towards my pregnant body and taught me to be proud of my growing belly. Thank you!

We commend Preggers n Proud for their eco-friendly organic cotton collection which is proudly made in the USA and look forward to seeing it continue to expand. We would really like to see them offer organic cotton wholesale tees in the future. We would also like to acknowledge that Preggers n Proud contributes a portion of sales to organizations that care for animals and children including: Canines for Disabled Kids, PETA, and Zero to Three and hope that other companies will follow in their footsteps.

*GIVEAWAY*

Courtesy of Preggers n' Proud we have the following 2 prizes up for grabs, both in a size L/XL:

Prize A: Organic Buddha Belly Maternity Tee

Prize B: Organic Blossoming Baby Maternity Tee

Congratulations to Kelly S.

Preggers n Proud collection of tees for the entire family will make wonderful gifts. To view the full collection, please visit:

www.PreggersnProud.com