Tuesday, May 9, 2017

BigBoxPlay Life Sized Cardboard Fort Play System - On Kickstarter Now!

BigBoxPlay logo
If there is an age that children reach when they stop being overly amazed and thrilled by cardboard boxes, my girls haven't gotten there yet. I, for one, don't see a box and feel the extreme desire to examine it, push it around, color it, climb inside and hide, and then attempt to come up with new ways to play with it. But maybe that's just me?

As for my kids, cardboard is fantastic. It's wonderful! It's the best thing ever! Forget whatever toy that came inside, they just want to play with the box.

Inevitably though, the excitement is always fairly short-lived. The flimsy cardboard rips or the bottom falls out or the girls realize that, in fact, they can put their creativity towards something that isn't just a box... that is, if they happen to put down their tech devices for a minute and actually use their creativity.

But... what if a cardboard box could be taken to the next level? What happens when a company that is frustrated with all the digital toys dominating the market decides to turn cardboard into something captivating, durable, dependable, and amazingly fun? The result is a life-sized cardboard fort (strong enough for your children to stand on!) that is big enough for kids to create their own endless adventures inside (and atop). It's BigBoxPlay!

BigBoxPlay outdoors

Developed by founder and chairman Pete Moffett, BigBoxPlay started as a special way to connect with his grandson by taking fort-building to the next level.

Unlike any other product on the market, this innovative play system takes children's iconic love for cardboard structures and building forts​ and offers a durable yet modular system that is anything but ordinary. With personalized play systems​ featuring different themes, activity kits, and Adventure Guides, ​BigBoxPlay has the ability to empower a child to build anything they can imagine​ time and time again!

Even better, this play and learning system not only sparks imagination and creativity, it is also designed to teach kids important skills such as communication, storytelling, collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy. Who wouldn't want their kids gaining those abilities all while building anything that they can imagine in the coolest fortress of fun around?

BigBoxPlay fort

BigBoxPlay systems come in two options, a 3 Box Set (great for smaller rooms) and a 5 Box Set. Both are extremely strong and feature child-friendly assembly, durable double-wall cardboard, quick set up and disassembly for easy storage, and are available in different themes such as castles, spaceships or cubes.

There's just no way that kids wouldn't have fun with these!

BigBoxPlay Kickstarter

Ready to find out more and exactly why your kids will love it? Well, you're in luck! Today, May 9th, marks the kickoff of their Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that will run for the next 31 days where supporters and fans can take advantage of exclusive pre-order pricing of $75-$135 with free shipping!

Once the Kickstarter campaign comes to an end, BigBoxPlay will be available nationwide at BigBoxPlay.com.

BigBoxPlay truly is playtime reimagined, so head over and check them out today!

This post is in partnership with BigBoxPlay but all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Stylish Durability and Quality On the Go: Machir Bags, Backpacks and Briefcases {Review}

Machir logo
Similar to selecting just the right pair of shoes to provide style as well as comfort, I've always felt that having a different backpack or bag depending on who I'm with, where I'm going, and what I'm doing is equally as important.

I'm talking about the optimal bag for the right occasion. One that will allow me to go hands-free, won't dig into my shoulder(s), provide versatile functionality, hold up to anything and everything, and more. Therefore, just being able to hike it up on my shoulder isn't enough. No matter if I'm in a store shopping, heading to a business meeting or trekking through the zoo, I want my belongings to be comfortably (and stylishly) held out of the way.

Picky? Yes. Yes, I am.

With all of my requirements, it goes without saying that finding a company that can provide my ideal bags can be extremely difficult. Am I destined to hem and haw at every photo after photo when the style, quality, size, and more just isn't striking my fancy?

And then I was introduced to Machir.

Machir bags

Born out of a desire for rugged, stylish, and durable backpacks, briefcases, and luggage-type bags, Machir bags and accessories feature premium quality fabrics, leather, and trims while keeping comfort in mind. These gorgeous bags were made for those with an active and adventurous spirit and provide comfort, quality, and functionality while not compromising style or price.

High quality construction, beautiful fabric choices, and immediate evidence that quality and care is put into all of their product lines? What more could you (or even someone as fussy as me) ask for?

Machir bags review

Deciding which of Machir's amazing bags from their stylish collections were my favorite was no easy feat. But when they arrived? Swoon.

Depending on where life is going to take us, my family was now prepared for work, travel, and life without ever needing to think about what bag would come along again.

First up, the Executive Slim Briefcase in Walnut.

Machir Executive Slim Briefcase

As I spend the majority of my days away from the business world, this incredible briefcase was my husband's choice and I couldn't have agreed more. No offense to anyone who carries a stereotypical briefcase, but I can't help but see that old fashioned rectangular design with those flip open clasps and just think that it screams boring and old.

Instead, Machir made the Executive Slim Briefcase the perfect size that it can easily carry a laptop and/or tablet, papers, and other office essentials without being too bulky. The modern design includes the two carry handles as well as a removable, adjustable leather shoulder strap for ease of use and I love the addition of the exterior and interior pockets (and removable padded laptop case) for full function and versatility.

Machir even lined this briefcase with a gorgeous plaid fabric that gives the whole thing an extra pop of youthful sophistication that appeals to men and women of all ages!

Machir Executive Slim Briefcase review

However, when he's heading out of town for a work trip and the Executive Slim Briefcase Executive doesn't provide quite enough space, the Flap-Over Backpack in Midnight steps in and provides my husband organization, room, and sleek styling instead.

Machir Flap-Over Backpack

There's something about business travelers lugging a bulky suitcase or toting along a ragged backpack that doesn't add up in my mind. Instead, the chic Executive Flap-Over Backpack incorporates all the features of a traditional backpack style, but taken to the next level of executive elegance.

The strong and durable nylon is accented with classic leather and silver hardware, while the contrasting lining is easy on the eyes. Along with the large interior compartment, this backpack includes padded compartments to hold a laptop and a tablet on the inside and four different zippered pockets for plenty of storage (and easy access) on the outside.

It really all comes together in such a professional, sophisticated way that is perfect for travel, a student, or simply in place of a briefcase. If you've never thought about carrying a backpack to work, this one just might change your mind!

Machir Executive Flap-Over Backpack review

Lest you think that Machir is all about business, let me introduce you to their Signature Small Duffle in Midnight.

Machir Signature Small Duffle

I have yet to come up with a daily activity that the Signature Small Duffle does not work for.

Heading to the gym? The large main compartment has plenty of room for your tennis shoes and a sweatshirt and the waterproof interior pocket is just the place for a wet swimsuit or sweaty clothes afterward. Packing for an overnight? The combination of the large and (many) small compartments ensures that you not only have space for everything, but that it can stay well organized as well.

Machir small duffle review

On our recent family vacation to Central America, Big Sister E confiscated this duffle as her own and adored the convenience of it as her carry-on (she altered between carrying it on one shoulder using the included padded shoulder strap and using both handles as backpack straps) as well as for keeping her belongings all contained in a new location.

As we have since returned from our trip, Big Sister E has yet to give Signature Small Duffle back, so I'm either going to have to sneak it from her room or order another one if I ever want to use it!

Machir duffle bag

However, I can't complain too much about losing access to Machir's great duffle, as I have been more than happy with my own versatile, high quality bag, the Signature Military Backpack in Avian Millennium Dusk.

Machir Signature Military Backpack

If you're thinking something along the lines of If you've seen one backpack, you've seen 'em all, then know that originally I was, too.

However, of the many, many backpacks that I've used in my lifetime, the Signature Military Backpack has out-performed them all. From the wide, comfortable straps to the extremely padded back panel to the huge interior compartments (with plenty of smaller pockets to stay organized and keep your tech gear protected), Machir has thought of everything.

It even has a built-in waterproof rain cover so that if you get caught in the elements, your belongings won't get soaked through!

Machir backpack rain cover

Not to mention that any other backpack that I have used started to show signs of wear and tear by having the bottom corners chip away or a zipper begin to fail... but no matter what I have put the Signature Military Backpack through, it has proven its quality, durability, and thoughtful function without problem.

I carried this backpack nearly daily throughout our vacation and no matter what it went though, it stayed comfortable on my back and shoulders and kept all of my essentials safe and within reach. I couldn't have asked for more and have continued to use it since we have been back and love it just as much!

Machir backpack review

Whether you are headed on a weekend trip, leaving for another day at the office, going camping, hitting the gym or more, Machir has the bag that will prove to be the epitome of comfort, convenience, and durability just for you.

While their collections do retail a bit higher than what you might pay in a big box store, their products truly are your soon-to-be favorite travel/daily companion. Every piece is long-lasting, high quality, easy to use, simple to adjust, and designed with luxury and versatility in mind. No matter where your next adventure is taking you, Machir will effortlessly come along for the journey!

To find out more about these and all of Machir's fantastic items, visit Machir.com and see their drool-worthy photos on Instagram. You'll also want to connect with this innovative company on Facebook and their blog so that you never miss a new product release, travel talk, fashion trends, and more.

Other than the bags that I was provided by Machir in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about these products.