*CLOSED*Send the Kids Back to School in Style....Carolina Pad Review and Giveaway!

I first became a fan of Carolina Pad when my sister bought me a notebook from their Hot Chocolate collection. I was what you would call a non-traditional college student. The year I enrolled she put together a backpack with everything I would need to begin my school year. It was my first time to experience "cool" back to school supplies. I have to say though, every year when school would begin, it wasn't the school clothes shopping I looked forward to. I have always been a bit of a fanatic when it comes to anything school or office supply related. Just ask my husband who knows if he needs a good apology, he better come bearing a pen, notebook or something close to it. (hey,it could be diamonds I asked for) Needless to say, when I saw Carolina Pad was looking for reviewers I couldn't be more excited! I love when I can bring something to my readers that I know they will love as much as I do.

Though many of you have probably seen or heard of Carolina Pad by now, here are a few interesting facts you may not know. The company story began in 1945 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Joe Hall Jr., who we can thank for Carolina Pad, was known to sometimes sell supplies out of the back of his truck. I am sure he had no idea how far the company would come since then. Carolina Pad is currently the leader in fashionable school, office and organizational supplies. They not only carry notebooks and binders, but pens, journals, sticky notes and flags as well as student organizers. That only names a few of the amazing products you can pick up to send your kids back to school in style! Don't believe me, just ask the cast of the new 90210 or Gossip Girl. Don't forget, these products can also help to keep us as moms organized all throughout the school year too.

The products I was sent to review were everything I would have expected from the company I have grown to love. I received products from several of their collections, including Simply Chic, Chit-Chat, Eye Candy and Hot Chocolate. The quality of their products are far superior to what I am use to finding in school supplies. The products are so functional and easy to use, with durability being one of their key points. Anyone with a child knows the importance of that:) They pay attention to the small details that are missed by many companies. That makes them stand out above the rest.

Carolina Pad, knowing that it's about that time of year to buy school supplies again is offering one of my readers their choice of either the Sasquatch or Kendall Kollection. So this year you can send your kids back to school with flair!

The Sasquatch Collection is a great collection for anyone, boy or girl. It is also made completely from recycled materials so it focuses on being green friendly. What a great way to teach our kids about going green. The Sasquatch Collection is good for the environment and fashionable at the same time. To learn more about this collection visit Carolina Pad's Sasquatch Web site here.

This next Kollection (no I didn't spell it wrong) is not only beautiful, but has a touching story to go with it. It is called the Kendall Kollection and it was inspired by a special little girl. One of the signature designers of Carolina Pad found out that her 2-year old cousin was diagnosed with leukemia. This was when the inspiration of the Kendall Kollection was born. This Kollection helps to raise funds and awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Whether you have children or not, you can imagine what a parent must go through when their child is diagnosed with leukemia. Purchasing this Kollection is one of many ways to help fund research to find a cure. Kendall is now almost 6 and is currently in remission. Thank you Carolina Pad for donating to such a worthy cause.

Now, I know you are all wanting to know where to find these awesome products. Well, I am here to tell you. They are available at most mass retailers, including just to name a few, Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, Staples, Office Max and Office Depot. For more locations, you can look here. Carolina Pad can also be purchased online with free shipping on orders of over $30. But wait, there's more...(I sound like an infomercial). August 1st-August 22nd you can also get a 15% discount by using code BTS2009. What more do you need to go and buy some great school supplies? Don't forget while you are there, pick up a few things for yourself too. If you are anything like me, then you need things to help organize your life! :)

It's time now to talk about winning one of the two collections mentioned above. Here are the multiple ways to enter so you increase your chances at a great giveaway.
Do one or all of the following for extra entries:

1. Tell me which of the collections you would choose and why? (1 entry)
2. Become a Fan of Carolina Pad on Facebook (1 entry)
3. Visit their website and sign up for the Consumer Insights Panel (2 entries)
4. Follow Carolina Pad on Twitter and let me know you did. Leave your twitter id please (1 entry)
5. Follow my blog or let me know you already do (1 entry)
6. Follow me on twitter or let me know you already do (1 entry)
7. Enter any other current giveaway on my site (1 entry)
8. Post this giveaway on your blog, facebook, myspace..etc (3 entries)
9. Tweet this giveaway, just copy below *can be done daily* (1 entry per day)
Enter to win @carolinapad giveaway find details here http://bit.ly/70zNF

Alright, that is a lot of chances to win. So what are you waiting on:) Please make sure to leave a new comment for EACH entry. Good Luck to everybody and thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway!

*Contest will end on Sunday Aug. 16th at Midnight. The winner will be announced on Monday August 17th. I will contact the winner by email. They will have 48 hours to contact me with their information. If I have not heard from them, a new winner will be chosen.