Apparently, this “little blog” of mine has gotten to the point where I am being contacted by various companies asking for product reviews and things. This is very flattering for me, but it also puts me in a tricky spot. I don’t want to be “that blog”. You know the one – The Sell Out Blog. The blog that I drop because they have become a marketing tool and I can’t trust their advice anymore. icky icky. Also, it stresses me out to read advice from “The Really Big Bloggers” about how you need to get fair compensation for working with companies, because when you don’t you are hurting other bloggers. Then there is some legal dispute over how to run a “sweepstakes”. sigh. It is one big murky mess.
So, I am embarking on this very first full-fledged review post (plus giveaway) with some trepidation. I would value your feedback (send me an email!) about how you feel about reviews and giveaways popping up on this blog. I will ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS disclose my relationships with companies. (It’s the law after all.) If this doesn’t work out and you hate it, you won’t see this kind of thing again. deal?
here goes…
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Disclosure: I was given a set of Rubbermaid Bento storage boxes for review. I was not compensated for the content of this review or for hosting this giveaway. All thoughts, writing and opinion in the post are my own. But hey, they gave me free bins. So, I guess you should take this with grain of salt.
Last month, I talked about making time to sew and the importance of gathering your supplies together in preparation for those sacred sewing moments. In that post, I showed you a peak at a lovely bin holding all of the supplies for a Mommy’s Poppins bag.
The bin it is living in is a Rubbermaid Bento storage box. Rubbermaid’s Bento boxes are sturdy, stackable fabric covered bins with internal dividers. (See this video for my info about how the bins work.) Rubbermaid sent me a set of boxes to play with and I’ve been spending the last month toting my sewing supplies around in them. Here are my thoughts…
Pros
- I LOVE the “Internal Flex Dividers”. They are so clever the way they pop out and hide away when not in use. The bin-within-the-bin idea is PERFECT for holding together all the bits and pieces of a project. I literally squeeeeled when I saw how they worked. (Pardon me, is my organization-geekery showing?)
- It was the first thing I noticed when I pulled these bins out of the shipping box. These things are sturdy-sturdy. Gladys is frequently found sitting, standing, or climbing on these boxes. Not a problem, they can take it.
- The “Large” size is a perfect fit for Ikea Expedit shelves. The gold standard for bin size, in my opinion.
- The dividers in the Extra Large bins are a perfect fit for commercial sewing pattern envelopes. Win!
Con
- Holy Freakin’ Cow!!!!!! These boxes are PRICEY! From $16 – $60 a box, and the lids (called “toppers”) are another $20 to $30. I guess it is because they are such good quality? If you have the money for your storage, good for you, but I just bought a house and I spend all my extra cash on fabric. However, the boxes are being sold at Joann Fabrics, and some clever couponing will help bring that price down significantly. (Please tell me you know about the Joann coupons, if you don’t ask me about them.)
What do you think? Would you like a set of very own, for free? Rubbermaid is giving a set of boxes away to one of you fabulous readers!
Set of Rubbermaid Bento Boxes Giveaway!!!!
- The Prize: One person will win a set of all sizes of Bento Boxes and Toppers in “Paprika” ( a $215.93 retail value)
- The prize is being rewarded by Rubbermaid.
- Open to all U.S. and Canada residents, ages 18 and older. One entry per household. Void where prohibited.
- Entry is open until 10/6/2012 at 12:01 AM EST.
- TO ENTER, comment on this post. Then use the Rafflecopter widget below to tell me you did!
- Duplicate or ineligible entries will be deleted.
- No purchase is necessary to win.
- If Rafflecopter or my website poops out on us, I’m sorry. I can’t redo the giveaway because of time constraints by Rubbermaid.
- A winner will be chosen by random with Rafflecopter and announced on the blog October 8th, 2012. The winner will be contacted by the information provided within Rafflecopter, and the winner must reply back before October 10th, 2012 or the prize will be forfeited and a second winner drawn.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This widget is only viewable on SewFearless.com.
Best of luck!
They are beautiful, and I know I could find a million different uses for them, sewing supplies, scrapbooking storage. The price would definitely slow me down, WAY beyond my budget to purchase. But I’d love a set if you gave them to me!!
Jodi – There is a fine line between cool indie blog and sell out blog and I’ve seen too many that I’ve followed cross it. I think it’s really cool that you want to stick to the original inspiration of the blog – fearless embrace of the craft.
Those boxes are heavenly! I love the organizational dividers in the center! I’ve been thinking of getting some kind of filing cabinet for my patterns that are building up…
Good luck with your giveaway and your organization of your new space. 🙂
I love your blog!!! I love your honesty about ‘selling out’. I’m enjoying watching your new sewing space take shape!
I would use the boxes to organize my sewing room…….my table is a complete mess:)
So much fabric to organize and use, so little time! These bins would be great in my small sewing room, just the right pop of color and over the top organization.
Love this!
I am in need of some organization as I have multiple UFOs in the works or projects cut out for Christmas! This would be great to corral them in!
I’m all for it, Jodi! 🙂
Pretty neat boxes… I would be curious about toy organization in them!
I think I entered…that thing is tricky! I am on board with bloggers reviewing products and accepting freebies, especially sewing bloggers who take such time and care to share patterns and tutorials for no reward whatsoever. I know how much time it takes to devise instructions and share patterns, and there’s no compensation. It’s a thankless job often. So if a little perk now and then keeps my fave bloggers plugging away, then I say, take it!
I’d love to be entered also. I love your blog ~ and the cute pics you post~. I’m not sure I was entered either…God bless you and your family.
Check out this video introduction on how to enter rafflecopter giveaways!!! http://blog.rafflecopter.com/2012/02/how-to-enter-rafflecopter-giveaways-updated/
I’m seeing your entry. 🙂
I totally leave the organization for “later” because, like you, I use any amount of money we might have “left”, on fabric.
Hey, if doing these sponsored thingies keeps you buying fabric and blogging, I’m all for you doing it. I also think I’m just in love with everything you do, so for me to unfollow your blog it would have to be something bigger than accepting tupperware. 🙂
I’m a reader of blogs and I have no issues with giveaways. if it are items that you review honestly or it is from companies you stand behind I don’t think it all your a sell out!
I would use the boxes for all my sewing and crafting supplies and for toys, I love the fact that they are so sturdy , my son would be just like Gladys climbing these :). The fact they fit in the expedit is a huge bonus!!
I would use my bins to organize my crafting stash….patterns, yarn, fabrics, cutting tools, paints and markers.
I LOVE your blog….I know that I will always get a reliable, note-worthy read sprinkled with humor!!! I could use a bin….patterns, sewing accessories, yarns….love to be organized! Thanks!
Eek! I’ve been drooling over those boxes for quite some time at Target. I also squealed when I first saw the internal dividers (only I did it in the store. Out loud.)
I don’t mind give-aways, and as the child of a Catholic writer and publisher, I think that if you are adding value to a product, then you should be compensated. I’ve been known to review a book or two from time to time, and I get to keep the book as compensation. I’ve even asked to review a particular book if I was interested, but could afford the sticker price. If you just want to share your own creative experiments simply for your own pleasure, then that is reward enough in itself. What I can’t stand are these small blogs that I follow for years and then they have these huge give aways that are designed to maximize exposure, which essentially turn reading the blog into a job. I don’t like it when you get all sorts of extra ‘points’ if you do corny things like tweet and refer your facebook friends for more and more and more entries. I have no problem with a simple comment or email entry. US only also bugs me, because as a Canadian, I read mostly US based blogs and I use mostly US based products. It’s bad enough that we can’t find decent fabric at a decent price.
I would store fabric and maybe use a few of them to organize in my boys room. it is red and blue. 🙂 I love giveaways; even tho i never win.
These look really neat – albeit crazy expensive. Free is nice, though! I would probably use them for organizing homeschooling stuff and crafty projects.
I need another super sturdy box for the kids library books (although honestly, if I won this, I might need to hog it for myself!)
Love love love these. I think I entered :). Good luck on the new blog setup. I will definitely keep reading 🙂
HI!
I love your blog. I really appreciate the consideration that you are giving to the direction of your website. I can imagine that it is a tough decision to make. I like to win things (and these containers look awesome – but honestly too pricy in my opinion too) and I like periodic giveaways (who wouldn’t love a little free stuff to come their way?).
That said, I have seen some blogs that get too overboard in the the giveaways/reviews. In ‘knowing” you (I mean I read your blog, we’re practically friends, right?), I appreciate your honest opinions on products (and i think it’s cool that your blog can get you free stuff) – but please don’t go over to the dark side … i come here for you not products. When blogs get overloaded with products and ads, all the good stuff gets squeezed out.
I love that you share your ideas with us, you are so talented!
oh…forgot to actually answer the question… probably i would put fabric and patterns into the bins 🙂
I watched all your kids standing on these moving day, looking out the window. They are totally sturdy little boxes. I would not stand on them personally, but certainly would use them near my armchair as a foot stool. Hey a footstool for my magazines, coupons and handcraft! Really a great idea, and maybe fitting neatly under a side table.
The boxes are lovely but very pricey…they would look great in a living room,family room or a sewing room….and could be used for more that just sewing…..like you I would rather spend my money on other things…but a freebie I’m all for it….the only thing about reviewing is how much time is it going to take from doing what you really love…sewing and learning………I don’t mind you reviewing projects as long as you want to do it and don’t get overwhelmed with reviewing……….you have a wonderful interesting blog …and a way with words that keep us all coming back for more……….will support whatever you decide……thank you for the opportunity to win
They look like great storage containers, but I’m especially happy with the bookcase fit (also my gold standard) and their toddler withstanding abilities. Nice review.
I would love them!
Presently, I’m storing seeing supplies in laundry baskets!
I entered to win… Maybe….
Great blog! And great boxes, as well. Definitely something I would never splurge on of my own accord, but so many ways to use them. The interior dividers are particularly clever.
Love, love, love these boxes! Maybe almost as much as the piles of pretty fabrics I would put in them. Thanks for highlighting their uses for us!
Very neat, and well-timed for your move!! Really, I think that a review and giveaway is a win for everybody, when the blogger has integrity (and you have that in spades!). Company gets exposure, blogger gets free stuff, readers get your thoughts on a relevant item and a chance to win. I say keep at it 🙂
You know I’d be stashing craft supplies if I got one 🙂
Wow…AWESOME!! I know that you would be real with the giveaways and such, and so I really don’t have a problem with you doing them (‘specially if I might get a goodie!! LOL!) As long as you keep being your wonderful and real self I think you should run with it!! YOU GO GIRL!!
That being said, I would love the boxes, they look great and sturdy, and if they fit into the IKEA theme I have going on in my life, all is well with the world!!
Wow, these look amazing! I just had a baby so i would use these to organize the toys that go with having four kids.
I would love to give these a try. My sewing items are everywhere. I had a really nice sewing room in Florida and had to move to San Diego unexpectedly to help my mom with chemo. Mom is doing great. I pretty had to start over with my stuff, had a few things sent back but not everything. I need to get organized!!!
They look really cool and quite useful to organize more than a few areas in my home, though at the price I doubt I’d be able to buy them. But I can always hope to win some :o) And I think occasional reviews/give aways are fun, not annoying.
These look interesting. I like that thay are strong, but sad they cost so much. I do use Joann’s coupons (and senior discount day), so I will have to look next time I go. [Hey! I just got some Joann’s coupons in today’s mail.] Thank you for letting us know that they fit in the shelves.
I would store my knitting.crochet current projects in them. These are such a great idea (but too expensive). I hop I win. Great job on the review by the way 🙂
Fabric, fabric, fabric!!!! And I would begin to organize craft/school supplies for my preschooler!
Ooh, I’m not sure what I’d put in these if I won them… We have two closets in our entire house (Maybe in 1946 they didn’t see the need for them?) so hiding stuff takes some serious strategies. I might put some in the kitchen for cloth napkins & baby bibs. Maybe some in my bedroom for accessories. Or we could organize some of the stuff that ends up in the living room…
I understand your trepidation with the blog giveaways. I’ve started doing them in the past year, but haven’t had a lot of interest with some of them getting only three people entering. I also worry that I might annoy people or that they’ll take my reviews less seriously when I got something in return for doing them. But then again, if I’m essentially advertising a product (that I actually like) why shouldn’t I get a freebie or better yet paid for it? I wouldn’t stop following your blog because of them, unless every post was a giveaway. Also, I like the fact that your review was honest & you were upfront about the fact that you think these boxes are expensive.
nice!! I’m a sucker for more places to stash fabric and yarn and patterns 🙂 I hope I win!!!
Erika
InspiredMama (at) msn (dot) com
Those look really great. I wonder if they would fit into an Ikea Expidit? The look like they might.
Hey, I’m in the UK so I’m never allowed to enter blog giveaways!!…… I completely understand your trepidation, but like many others have said, it’s simply a matter of knowing where to draw the line: getting the odd perk now and then for devoting the time it takes to run an interesting blog is absolutely fine; it’s only when every post has a sell in it that it puts most people off I think, and particularly so if it’s not something that has a link to your writing (unlike these boxes, which look fantastic, if you have plenty of cash – although personally I quite like being able to see inside working boxes, ie clear plastic).
Anyway, I can’t see you ever being able to lie about a totally naff product! 🙂
I would use them in my closet.
I think periodic giveaways are great. You get to receive items, your readers have the chance to win awesome things but by not doing it consistently you aren’t a sell out. I would love to win these boxes.
The disaster that is my sewing closet is embarrasing! These would help so much!
I just came across your website and I just love your ideas and your blog. The bins look great and I love the sections inside. with so many projects to make, it’s wonderful to have pretty bins to keep them safe and organized. thank you for sharing.
Love these containers but speaking as a Grandma, your little Gladys is a very big & cute distraction from the bins!
I’m a sucker for storage-y stuff, and these boxes look nice 🙂 Although honestly I don’t know if I would fork over those big bucks on my own!
Those bins look like the perfect storage solution for my completely out of control craft room!
Love the little lady atop the box! Reminds me of princess and the pea.
Don’t worry about selling out… Just do what feels right to you!
Hmmm. Either fabric or toys.
Okay, these boxes look pretty cool! I also think you’re handling the whole sponsor thing like a pro. It would be a great topic for our g+ meet-ups too 🙂
sewing sewing and more sewing!!!
I’m sure this is not an orginal answer, but my over flowing fabric could use a home. My son would probably end up playing and putting his toys in them.. he loves boxes and could use a way of organizing some of his toys.
I would love to win these – i’m a yarn fanatic and unfortunately so is my dog! I have to keep finding new hiding places!
OMG! What an awesome idea! The boxes are not only practical but pretty. I can see organization on the horizon. I see a sewing box, scrapbooking box, crochet box, school supply box and most importantly a “me” box. I want them!
I agree they are pricey, but these boxes look awesome!! I would love to store my sewing projects in them, especially my pattern collection! ; )
I like how you organized by project and I would mimic that. I had been trying to organize by stash by item but that sure hasn’t been working. As for thoughts on giveaways, I think as long as you’re honest and provided pros and cons (just like you did here) you’ll be just fine. I also appreciate that you didn’t have to jump through a million hoops. Was so glad to see Gladys sitting on one. Can’t tell you how many boxes have gone flat thanks to my fabulous felines. Thanks!
Good for you for branching out a bit on the blog! I think you can keep it on the correct side of selling out 🙂
Super nice boxes. I would of course put yarn in them if I go them. Also, I would probably go to IKEA to buy a shelf for them. Nice idea for organizing!
I was just telling my hubby that I need some storage for my sewing projects 🙂 Definitely more expensive than I would spend… but free AND good quality is definitely good
Yes, they are expensive, but they will last forever, not like my zipper bags, or small cardboard boxes I put my sewing supplies in.
I love people who love to sew! I can sew, but very slowly and I have to be in the mood:(
These boxes are so neat, saw them in Joann’s!!
Very neat boxes. I would also have a million uses for them but yes, they are not close to being in my budget. Would LOVE to win them however. 🙂 Thanks for the review. (In case I ever find them on sale.)
These look awesome, but I agree a little bit expensive! But what I could do with them if I were to win them…….Oh the possibilities are endless!
These are a great idea! I just got an expedit so it’s good to know they fit
I would give these to my daughter who loves to do art crafts-making cards etc.
thanks
Wow, these are pricey, but they look wonderful.
I think I would use these to store all my beauty and grooming supplies.
I recently started following your blog and love it! Great product review by the way. I could store a lot of my sewing supplies in these boxes and finally organize my sewing corner!
Pick me! Pick me!
Hmmm, I’m thinking the toy closet could use some organization, although after looking at my daughter’s room, maybe they should go to her!
These boxes look awesome! I don’t think you’d be selling out if you are asked to review products and let us know about them. I’d value your opinion 🙂
OMG, SO many things I could use these bins for! Sort and store my fabric stash, my yarn stash, my dog training supplies, my kids’ homeschooling supplies, my beekeeping supplies, and onward… We NEED something like this desperately!
I’m trying to get an adult daughter set up in her own apartment and reworking our house so everyone has a spot. These would be perfect!
We recently moved into a townhome and I have little items here and there that I am having a hard time finding a good place for them. These boxes would be great for additional storage and organization! They seem like they will hold up for a great time and can be used for many purposes — just like you showed, Jodi! Thank you for posting this offer! 🙂
I almost NEVER enter giveaways, but here I am. With five kids there is always something in need of storage and the Paprika would look great in my living room. (Fingers crossed!)
It would be great to win, I’m busy moving my sewing room around.
omg! I was just pondering what the heck to do with all my patterns and your idea is great, not in my budget but great! Maybe I can win and it will be the super greatest!
I would use the bins to organize my craft supplies.
Are they sturdy enough to hold my husband???? LOL
That red color is beautiful.
I’d put my knitting stuff into one and probably patterns and sewing odds & ends into another. 🙂 Thanks for your honest opinion and for the giveaway. I feel giveaways are fun, but appreciate it when they are just every now & then. I really enjoy the honesty of your blog!