Thursday, November 19, 2009

Gift Guide: Carolina Pad Review and Giveaway!

Here's one for your always fashionable and ultra organized friend. You know you have one of those! Or for the friend who you think might need a little help organizing their life. :)

Carolina Pad creates fun, vibrant products that help you to stay organized while expressing yourself at the same time! Their slogan is "Everyday products. Extraordinary design." And they really are! Since you end up buying lots of notebooks, planners, and file folders anyway, you might as well buy fabulous ones!!!

I was so happy to receive a whole collection of their bright and happy Hot Chocolate line to review. These are just the cutest organizing tools I've ever seen!
I decided to use mine to keep track of some things I'm starting to pay more attention to these days. . . couponing and mystery shopping! I don't subscribe to the Sunday paper, but I do receive lots of coupons in the mail, as well as printing them off online. I also check quite a few blogs that are updated constantly with freebies, printable coupons, and other great ways to save money. It's fun and definitely makes me feel good when I save a large chunk of money at the store!
My favorite coupons that I use the most often are for:
-Diapers and wipes
-Formula (expensive stuff!)
-Baby food
-Old Navy

I'm embarrassed to admit how unorganized my coupon system used to be. . . just a big pile of papers, everything mixed together, that I would grab and take into the car with me. I had to sort through each pile before I went into a store to find the relevant coupons. Here's how I'm using the Carolina Pad products to make everything much easier and efficient:

*I'm using my 13-pocket expandable folder and my Coupon expandable folder to divide the coupons up into different categories. I cut my coupons up, stick them in the right place, and it's SO much easier to find everything in an instant!
*I use the Planner to write down one-day deals, great sales, and any important expiration dates that I don't want to forget. It's so nice! I used to always hear about great deals and sales but could never remember the dates for all of them.

I just started doing some Mystery Shopping. . . and it's really fun! Last week I mystery shopped two Sunglass Huts for $15 each, one Public Storage unit for $40, and my family got reimbursed for two games of bowling and some food from the snack bar! Awesome! Mystery shopping requires you to be very organized, because you won't get paid for the shop if you miss a deadline or a detail. Carolina Pad products have been helping me keep track of my shops too!

*I use the file folders to store my receipts and paperwork, so that I'll make sure to get paid the correct amounts.
*I also use the planner to write down my shop dates. Some of them give you a range, and some are very specific.

I'm very happy with how well the Carolina Pad products function, and of course with how fun and fashionable they are! These products are sold in WalMart, Target, Office Max, and lots of other stores all around the country. In fact, I had already bought some notebooks from their collection and hadn't even realized it. This collection caught my eye when I was shopping at Fred Meyer one night. Aren't they pretty?
I also love the green, black, and white color palette for this collection:
Carolina Pad is offering a giveaway of a whole gift basket of products just like the one I received! Here's what the collection will include:
*1-subject notebook
*Ideal notebook
*Personal notebook
*3-ring binder
*Tab dividers
*File folders
*13-pocket expandable folder
*Coupon expandable folder
*19-month planner
*Stick-on notes and flags

A whole box of useful and cute stuff!!!!
Here's how to enter:
*Visit Carolina Pad and leave me a comment telling me which area of your life needs the most help with organization. Also tell me which of their collections you'd most want to have!

Get extra entries when you:
1. Follow my blog!
2. Grab my button off my sidebar, and tell me where to find it on your blog.
3. Mention this giveaway on Facebook and link to me
4. Blog about this giveaway
5. Tweet about this giveaway
6. Become a fan of carolinapad on Facebook
7. Follow carolinapad on Twitter
8. Sign up for their mailing list here.

*Please leave me a separate comment for each entry! This giveaway will close on December 3'rd, and is open to the U.S. and Canada only. Good luck and happy shopping!!!

140 comments:

  1. I can aleays use help in keeping track of appointments and tallying up finances. I like the graphic in nature set. Very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I signed up for Carolina Pad's newsletter.

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  3. What a terrific way to get organized! I love the Eye Candy set, so colorful!

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  4. I posted the giveaway on my facebook page!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I blogged about your giveaway!
    http://songberries.blogspot.com/2009/11/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-bundt-cake.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm a follower of Carolina Pad on facebook! Can't find them on twitter.

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  7. My favorite is the Hot Chocolate Collection :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
    blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

    ReplyDelete
  8. Following with Google Friend Connect
    blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

    ReplyDelete
  9. Blogged
    blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

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  10. Tweeted
    blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

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  11. I definately need the Hot Chocolate Organizational Folders to separate paid/unpaid bills! Mine are currently strewn everywhere! lol

    roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Carolina Pad Facebook fan
    blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

    ReplyDelete
  13. Following Carolina Pad on Twitter
    blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

    ReplyDelete
  14. Signed up for Carolina Pad's mailing list
    blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

    ReplyDelete
  15. I absolutely love their Simply Chic collection!

    roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  16. I own CoolCanucks.ca, which is a Canadian Contest and Freebie Site. This giveaway is shared here:

    http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/29335-veater-family-carolina-pad-gift-basket-giveaway-dec3-canada

    roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  17. I tweeted!!

    http://twitter.com/coolcanucks/status/5860414196

    roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm already a fan of carolinapad on Facebook (Heather Clouston-Diotte)

    roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  19. I Follow carolinapad on Twitter as coolcanucks!

    roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  20. I already subscribe to Carolina Pad's mailing list

    roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  21. I need to organize my shopping and budget better. I love the Hot Chocolate collection.

    ericandsarita at gmail dot com

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  22. We just started a play group, so I need some organization. I like the Simply Chic collection.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I follow your blog! jennylyn683@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I need organization with my dinner menu/grocery list! It would be great to use those things for coupons so that I can plan my dinner menu for the week according to what is on sale! What a fun giveaway!

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  25. I have your button on my sidebar - oh, I forgot to tell you which design I like. I think the Simply Chic is fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm a CarolinaPad fan on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  27. organizing kids toys and art misc stuff :)

    i like their pattern play set

    jakellcth@msn. com

    ReplyDelete
  28. have your button

    jakelcth@msn .com
    e-mail for blog access

    ReplyDelete
  29. I can only pick one area that needs help in organization????
    Work- meal planning- family activities- everything!!!!

    elaineguenther at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I would use mine for keep a food price log. I went to this meal planning workshop and they describe that to figure out the best deal on food, it is a good idea to keep a price log and see how much these items are.

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  31. I follow your blog!

    elaine guenther atyahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have your button!

    elaine guenther at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I need to get my scrapbooking scrap paper organized! Their accordian file or file folders would be very helpful!
    ljatwood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. tweeted
    http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/5864047078
    ljatwood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. fan of carolina pad on facebook
    ljatwood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. follow carolinapad on twitter
    ljatwood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. receive carolina pad newsletter
    ljatwood at gmail dot com

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  38. The simply chic is definitely my favorite. I need a new planner for 2010!

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  39. I need help getting organized with tracking tax receipts and paperwork! I really like how the Kendall collection looks... and that it goes to support a great cause!

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  40. Your button's on our blog's left sidebar.

    ReplyDelete
  41. main entry: My sewing room could sooo much use this wonderful beautiful helpful set to simplfy my life! I am a seamstress and I have a small room which houses all my equipment that I use to take orders at home and also I sell on ebay and carft shows and I have lots of contacts to keep up with and thus far only have a small wall cork board near my computer that is just a total mess of post its and loose papers that is so hard to keep orginized with all my info.So this beautiful set will truly help me keep everything in order uptodate and easy to find. And if blessed to win the set I would choose the HOT CHOCOLATE DESIGN which is so nice. Thanks for the chance!
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. i follow your blog on google friends
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I could really use some help with getting organized with using coupons. I usually forget to use them.

    My personal favorite is the Hot Chocolate collection. It just makes me smile.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/annaed2/status/5867091882

    ReplyDelete
  45. I follow Carolina Pad on Twitter as annaed2.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I shared this give-away on fb and included a link to your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  47. If you saw my desk right now, you wouldn't believe the mess! I keep most everything outside my office straight, but in here it is a disaster! I like the Sasquatch because it is eco-friendly.
    contact@liquidambarstudio.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I follow your blog.
    contact@liquidambarstudio.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. i have your button on my blog.
    www.liquidambarstudio.blogspot.com
    contact@liquidambarstudio.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I posted this on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=100000252904304&share_id=181301418390&comments=1#s181301418390
    contact@liquidambarstudio.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I posted it on twitter.
    http://twitter.com/babybear777/status/5872323371
    contact@liquidambarstudio.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I follow Carolina Pad on twitter. (@babybear777)
    contact@liquidambarstudio.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I signed up for their newsletter. (babybear7@yahoo.com)
    contact@liquidambarstudio.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love the hot chocolate collection and i would use this to keep track of work schedules, appointments, basketball games etc
    karryknisley76 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I follow your blog via google friends
    karryknisley76 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I follow carolina pad on twitter as karryknisley
    karryknisley76 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I signed up for their newsletter
    karryknisley76 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I need to get my receipts/warranties etc organized.

    I like the Graphic in Nature Collection.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I need way more organization when it comes to banking, grocery shopping etc, mundane chores, i am soo busy running teenagers around i just am flying by the seat of my pants ,
    i also really love the Graphic in Nature collection
    roswello athotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I TWEETED
    http://twitter.com/roswello/status/5885704418
    roswello athotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. i want to follow but i cant get the follow box to show up arghh

    ReplyDelete
  62. I need help getting all of my kids activities organized. I like the hot chocolate collection

    josiefiorda@yahoo.ca

    ReplyDelete
  63. signed up for the mailing list

    josiefiorda@yahoo.ca

    ReplyDelete
  64. Madwoman-doing-cartwheelsNovember 21, 2009 at 12:22 AM

    Most disorganized around keeping track of appointments.

    I like the Pearl Pinstripe the best

    rubymoonstone at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Madwoman-doing-cartwheelsNovember 21, 2009 at 12:22 AM

    I follow you!

    rubymoonstone at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Madwoman-doing-cartwheelsNovember 21, 2009 at 12:23 AM

    Old Facebook Fan of Carolina Pad

    rose manning

    rubymoonstone at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Madwoman-doing-cartwheelsNovember 21, 2009 at 12:24 AM

    On Carolina Pad's mailing list at
    urnews4me/gmail


    rubymoonstone at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Would love one of those cool notepads for work

    ReplyDelete
  69. Well of course my favorite is the hot chocolate set! Love it!

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  70. Area of my life that needs organization...yikes...my CRAFT area that has become my bedroom explosion...HELP ME!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I could use a planner to organize my schedule

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Tweeted. (amt946)
    http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5940197830

    ReplyDelete
  73. hot chocolate theme and I need organizing my new business stuff! :)
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  74. http://bzzagentroyalty.blogspot.com/

    your button is on my blog bottem

    ReplyDelete
  75. I need serious organization help! We are moving soon, I will quit my job and I will be a SAHM focused on my kids and cleaning up our clutter.
    I love the hot chocolate line.

    nnj1031atyahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete
  76. I follow your blog.

    nnj1031atyahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete
  77. Button on our private blog
    wwwdotlifewiththebirdsdotblogspotdotcom

    nnj1031atyahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete
  78. http://bzzagentroyalty.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaways-i-need.html

    i blogged!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I love the Little Miss Muffit onesie. It's hilarious.

    ReplyDelete
  80. I need helping organizing bills and tracking appointments. My fave is the simply chic collection. Thanks!

    jjfiji(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  81. blog follower

    jjfiji(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  82. signed up for their newsletter

    jjfiji(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  83. following carolina pad on twitter - @jjfiji

    jjfiji(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Haha, I need a lot of help with organization. But, I'm going to say budgeting needs the MOST organization.

    I also think I like the Graphic in Nature (in green).

    :)

    luv2laugh@Cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  85. I follow your blog.

    luv2laugh@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  86. I have your button on my blog on the right hand column.

    http://jumpingontrampolines.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-kidorable-umbrella-where-veater.html

    luv2laugh@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  87. I blogged about it.

    http://jumpingontrampolines.blogspot.com/2009/11/caroline-pad-gift-basket-giveaway.html

    luv2laugh@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  88. I am now following Carolina Pad on Twitter.

    username: lovingtheliving

    luv2laugh@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  89. Man, I need to stop signing up for stuff. I signed up for their mailing list. :)

    luv2laugh@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  90. I am now a fan of Carolina Pad on Facebook.

    luv2laugh@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  91. I could use some organizational help when it comes to our bills (BLAH)! I love the Hot Chocolate line...so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  92. I really need to organize when to make presents - I always forget birthdays! I love the hot chocolate line!
    shou.milk@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. blogged
    http://sugarrosies.blogspot.com/2009/12/carolina-pad-giveaway.html
    shou.milk@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. following carolinapad
    gracewong1
    shou.milk@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. carolina pad fb fan
    Grace Wong
    shou.milk@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. ooohhhhh!! i love these!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  97. i like the black & green houndstooth!!!!!!! so cooooool!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  98. yeeeeeee hawwwwwwwwww! these are so cute!!!!!!!!!

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  99. The thing I need the most help organizing is bills. I organize by stacks, which is not very efficient. I like most of carolina's collections, but I think the new Graphic in Nature collection is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  100. I am a fan of carolina pad on facebook (Anne Jolly)

    ReplyDelete
  101. I follow carolina pad on twitter, lunaj1456

    ReplyDelete
  102. I signed up for carolina pad's mailing list.

    ReplyDelete
  103. I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/6281193558

    ReplyDelete
  104. I love the Hot Chocolate collection! As for organizing my life, with a newborn in the house, it's probably my housecleaning that could use a touch of organization. Otherwise, I stay on top of things fairly well.

    nrcurlett @ shaw.ca

    ReplyDelete
  105. And I follow, too!

    nrcurlett @ shaw.ca

    ReplyDelete
  106. Signed up for the mailing list.

    nrcurlett @ shaw.ca

    ReplyDelete
  107. I like the eye candy colloection. I could use this for organizing my childrens schedules and my bills , pretty much anything.
    reneetaylor at sympatico dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  108. I am a follower
    reneetaylor at sympatico dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  109. I follow carolina oad on twitter as nicjosemm
    reneetaylor at sympatico dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  110. I need help everywhere! Grocery lists, meal planning, bill paying..keeping track of appts

    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I follow your blog


    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I follow carolina pad on twitter as Prairiebelle



    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  113. i have signed up for the carolina pad newsletter


    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  114. tweeted

    http://twitter.com/Prairiebelle/status/6302192650


    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  115. i need help organizing appointments and birthdays...i would love to have the graphic in nature collection
    thanks

    flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  116. tweet
    http://twitter.com/flower_child_23/status/6309950549

    ReplyDelete

Comments make me happy :)