Sisters of Los Angeles: NYC Glass Set

You all know of my love affair with the city of New York. I love the skyscrapers disappearing into the clouds, the crazy people on the sidewalks, and the underlying feeling that at any moment something magical will happen. I never pass on the chance to incorporate more New York magic into my life, so I easily fell in love with Sisters of Los Angeles' New York Borough glass set:

"Sisters of Los Angeles love their Sisters & Brothers in NY and in celebration has launched this six glass series by Barbara Bestor featuring New York and the 5 Burroughs. Each glass tells a pictorial story of what is uniquely special about New York, Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. SoLA glasses are printed with organic inks in Los Angeles. Hand wash."

The glasses are great for having people over because it automatically solves the problem of which glass belongs to you, just be careful if your friends all have an affinity towards a specific borough! This set of six is well made: sturdy and a good size to fit in even the smallest of Manhattan apartments. I give them a Bookishbelle B+ for design and quality!

Sisters of Los Angeles has a whole collection of city themed products, which I think would make excellent gifts for all occasions. Magazines have suggested that they could be used as groomsmen's gifts or a new home presents. Personally, I would give them to someone who is moving away from their beloved city, so they can take a bit of the old life with them.

You can purchase the set on the Sisters of Los Angeles website for $66. While you're there, make sure to check out their other New York products, including t-shirts, bracelets, shot glasses, bags and more!

Also, show some love to their Facebook and Twitter!

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Company Spotlight: My Cotton Bunny

I have become a huge fan of subscription box services lately. Yesterday I reviewed Pawalla, which is a monthly gift box for your pet. I like the idea of unconventional boxes that are different than mainstream ones such a Birchbox. I searched for ones with themes I'd love and stumbled upon My Cotton Bunny and fell in love. They cater specifically to a woman's unfortunate time of the month stating, "Put a period on your period." I love the feisty and fun approach to having to deal with a painful uterus and I am SO glad that I got to try out their February box: "Tealight Bundle".

The box is packaged adorably with pink tissue paper and comes with a letter addressed to myself introducing this month's package. Inside:

Kotex Click brand box of 18 tampons. These sells for $4.99 a box at Walgreens, and are so stylish I felt like one of those girls in the tampon commercials who aren't clumsy enough to smudge their lipstick in public. The black tampons are especially funny because they look like little bullets in my purse that I'm saving for annihilation. In a way, I guess I am.

The little treats came with Sweetheart candy hearts, a chocolate flavored tea bag, and a floating tea light. The box also came with a handmade crochet headband, causing me to let out a squeal of delight when I opened the box. I have actually wanted to buy myself one of these and My Cotton Bunny did one better- they sent me a hand made one. 

For $13.75 a month, I think this is a great deal! I love them purely for the fact that I don't have to run out and buy tampons at a moments notice because I can never remember when I'm supposed to be on my period. x__x

You can check out more about My Cotton Bunny on their site, on Twitter, and their Facebook page!

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Company Spotlight: 'Pawalla'

Now most of us geeks are also pet owners. We love having furry companions that act as side kicks on our adventures. My black cat Pan is around 4 months now, and I enjoy spoiling this furball of claws. That's why one of my favorite themes for a subscription box, is Pawalla. They cater to dog or cat owners, and when you sign up you tell them what kind of cat you own, how old they are and how much they weigh. In turn they send you products that are most suitable for your pet!

When I received my box I immediately noticed how great the packaging is and was impressed with the organic products inside. As soon as I opened up this box Pan jumped in and attacked the tissue paper. The blue cat nip toy is still one of her favorites to play with.

The box came with 

- 4 cans of wet cat food

- bottle of "Meowstard" to put on food

- packet of freeze dried chicken snacks

- another bag of chicken treats

- a pack of 10 litter bags 

- cat nip toy

At $26 a box, including shipping, there is a lot in here that pet owners can benefit from! You can purchase a few different ways from Pawalla. If you join month to month the price is $26 but if you purchase a year in advance it's $21 a month. This is an easy way to spoil your pet every month, or to even show some love to a pet in someone else's life such a long distance significant other or your mom's dog.

There is also now Pawalla Mini! You get one treat, one toy, and one surprise for your pet! This option is more my style because it's affordable and I would rather spend my money on cat food I know Pan will eat for sure. The prices for the mini subscription are: $12 if you buy for 12 months, $13 if you buy for 6 months, or $14 a month if you buy month to month and all have Free Shipping. 

You can join Pawalla on their site, check them out on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

If you are a dog or cat owner, what type of products would you like to see in a monthly box?

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Spotlight: Flowering Rock

One of the best tea products I found at the New York International Gift Fair was Flowering Rock. The founder, Konrad Makowski, and the sales manager, Bruno Lucas, are two of the nicest guys I have had the pleasure of meeting. These men are passionate and excited about their tea, which they should be because it is delicious. 

Their teas feature sideritis, which is from the Mediterranean region and has been used to aid digestion and strengthen the immune system. Their herbs come from an organic grower on Mt.Othrys, Greece with other botanicals. Their main products are six teas named after Grecian characters, each representing the theme of the tea.  One of these is called Titan "The Giant of Strength and Stamina" which is believed to increase energy and strengthen bones.

Makowski believes that "in our Greek grower's organic farming methods and believes that these healing botanicals can benefit everyone's life and genuinely make a big difference for many small farmers and rural communities in Greece."

Personally, I love their Melete Tea, inspired by the Muse of Thought and Meditation. It contains organic sideritis with spearmint, as well as rose hips and hibiscus which can help enhance physical strength and mental acuity. (All aspects I could improve on)

You can purchase all their teas in their shop, and check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

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Spotlight: Bone Collection

One of the first companies I fell in love with at the New York International Gift Fair was Bone Collection, a brand that sells accessories for the iPhone, iPad, & iPod as well as flash drives and bags. They originate from Taiwan and are well known for their mascot, Maru the Penguin. 

Bone's manifesto states: "Bone cares about our environment as well as great design. The high quality environmental silicone without heavy metal is 100% degradable. The changeable coats for the USB drives allow you to have a whole new product with no need to make unnecessary consumption. The most environmentalfriendly design is the best design which makes consumers keeping the products longer. Preserve the environment and treasure our design explains why Bone is green."

Bone's products are durable and green, which satisfies my geek without compromising my eco friendly mentality. The iPhone pouches are made of micorfiber, so your phone stays clean & clear all day. They have a line of Chinese Zodiac Flash Drives that are some of the cutuest and badass flash drives I have ever seen. Maru is one of my favorite parts about this brand because their USB drives featuring him are simple and still iconic. You can purchase Maru on a mug, iPhone pouch or cord wrap. My calendar featuring his adventures is one of the highlights of my day.

You can find the Bone collection online at  Cyberguys.com & Amazon.com and like them on Facebook

Update: Bone Collection tweeted this morning: "‏@BoneSA

BIG NEWS! Our online store will be launching on Friday! There will be some great opening specials and great deals, so stay tuned!" You heard the penguin!

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