Sunday, March 22, 2015

One, Two, Buckle My ... Book? (With a Giveaway!)


No, I haven't been living under a rock.  Yes, I do know we're already 1/4 of the way through 2015.  I'm still celebrating the new year.  Why?  Because I finally finished reviewing all the books I read last year.  So, yay for me!  Now, I can move on and start talking about what I've read in the last three months.  Which still means writing 30+ reviews.  Yikes.  I'll catch up eventually, right?

Since we're partying it up here at BBB today, I thought I'd do something a little different.  As much as I love writing book reviews, I also really enjoy trying out new, bookish products.  A few weeks ago, Jennifer at Book Buckles contacted me about giving the product she, her sister, and her mom invented a whirl.  I enthusiastically agreed.

What is this cool, new product, you ask?  Book Buckles are fabric bookmarks that attach to your book using a belt-like D-ring system.  It's a secure way to mark your place.  Available in bright patterns, with a fun charm attached, they're also super cute.  You can customize your Book Buckles by choosing size, fabric designs and charms.  Prices run from $4.99 (sale items) to $8.99.  Shipping is always free.

Using a Book Buckle is pretty simple, although I did have to watch this video a few times (I'm slow like that):

 

So, what did I think of Book Buckles?  It's an innovative product for people who not only love books, but also using pretty bookmarks.  If you've ever purchased a bookmark with a fluffy tassle or a shiny charm just to have it fall apart after a couple uses, you'll appreciate how well made these bookmarks are.  If you get frustrated by paper versions that flutter out of your book, get lost, or bend/fray after a short amount of time, you'll like the security and permanence of a Book Buckle.

Personally, while I love the concept of this product, it's a little too complicated/fussy for me.  I gave up on fancy bookmarks awhile ago and now just use those I grab for free at bookstores or receive from authors/publicists as swag.  For me, $8.99 is spendy, even for a bookmark that will likely last years.  The ladies at Book Buckles were kind enough to send me three different bookmarks for free (Thank you!) and I'll definitely enjoy using them.  I just don't think it's a product I would buy on my own.  However, because of the cuteness factor, I can see myself buying them as gifts for other people, either to give along with a special book or on their own as stocking stuffers, Easter basket fillers (hint, hint), or as part of a book lover's bundle.

So, what do you think?  Are Book Buckles a good idea?  Something you would use?  Would you like to try them out for yourself?  The generous ladies who make Book Buckles are offering a great prize to one lucky BBB reader:  a $20 Barnes&Noble gift card, plus two Book Buckles (one small, one large) that you can customize with your choice of fabric and charm.  Nice!  All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  The giveaway is open to those with U.S. mailing addresses only.  You have until midnight on Easter Sunday (April 5) to enter.  Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

35 comments:

  1. Love this idea. So often, I loose the bookmark I'm using, or it drops out of the book I'm reading and I loose my place.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the concept of the Book Buckle. I gave up on fancy bookmarks a few years ago and have moved to just pieces of paper. I would love to give a Book Buckle a chance but it seems like it would be too much work to change from one book to the next. Maybe that is just me being lazy.
    Thanks for sharing this.
    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm not sure if I would use this or not. One advantage that I can see is that it can't fall out of your book

    ReplyDelete
  4. They are cute and, like you, I could see including them with a gift book. For me, however, I don't think they would be quite as useful. Plus, I read a big portion of my books on my Kindle. No need for a bookmark. Clever idea though.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Book Buckle is attractive, practical and lovely and I would use it since it is better than a paper bookmark and very special. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. The book buckles look interesting. I would certainly give them a try!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's definitely a cool product, and I like to collect bookmarks in general -- I'd just like to see a few more simple, monochromatic design to fit my personal taste.

    Geoff K
    gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's a cool neat way to keep your spot in books. I would definitely use it! Brittney House

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sounds like a very inventive idea!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I lose my bookmark all the time. Fun idea. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. New-fangled ideas always appeal to me. However, I agree this may be a bit "fussy" for me. I'm willing to give it a try, though. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great idea. Totally worth trying!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great idea! I'd love to try (:

    ReplyDelete
  14. The book buckels are a giant leap from the tissues I use as bookmarks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would use this when traveling for sure! I hate taking a book to the beach or on airplanes when you are moving around alot and losing your place in a book
    addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
    Ashley C

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is a wonderful idea. A wonderful idea for gifts and also a good for traveling. It would be used

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love the idea, but i am pretty sure I would never use them. I would be too worried about losing it (I lose all bookmarks), so it would end up on my nightstand. But, I love the idea for gifts!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like this idea, my kids could definitely put them to use

    ReplyDelete
  19. Not sure I'd use it. It seems like more work than it needs to be.

    ReplyDelete
  20. They are actually really easy to use and once you put it on the book, mere seconds, you have a Built-on bookmark, just like a journal has. Takes me longer to look for my bookmark that either fell off or got misplaced while reading.. After losing flimsy bookmarks and spending money on these long term, I prefer these any day. Love my Book Buckle

    ReplyDelete
  21. I might use it. It looks secure. It's annoying to lose your place in a book because your marker falls out.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Alright. Second attempt at commenting and Google cooperating! (Hopefully?)

    Anyway, I'm sure the bookmarks are fabulous, but I'm more excited to tell you how much I appreciate this blog in a non-stalkery way. :) I love this site; it determines whether or not my piddly student income will be spent on yet another book. I love that you live in my neck of the woods (and feel the same way I do about these darned summers), you correct inaccurate information with your Mormon mentions, and that your reviews are so detailed and good. That takes effort and quite a bit of thought/time. So, thank you!! Also, silly question, but a quirky goal of mine: will you please be my friend on Goodreads? I had to ask, even if it is slightly embarrassing. :) I think you're brilliant! And again, thanks for creating this great go-to venue for all of us. It's something I utilize a lot.

    Flattery intended, but it's sincere. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're too kind! Thanks for saying such nice things -- I needed to hear them today :)

      Delete
  23. Carolyn Rachel -- Sorry, I forgot to say that of course I will be your friend on GR. I'm not very active on there, but just send me a request and I'll approve it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I think it's useful that they won't fall out and getting to customize them is nice, I wouldn't mind trying it.

    ReplyDelete
  25. My mom is old school and would never pick up a Kindle. However, she would probably like the buckle so as not to lose her book mark.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love the idea of a buckle that doesn't lose the page on the book you're reading.

    rtrexel@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. im always dropping my book and my bookmark falls out and then i cant find my place. i would lOVE this

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yes, it looks like something I could use for the girls and their books.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think they are cool. I'd like to try it and compare it to just a normal book mark.

    ReplyDelete
  30. They sound like they would be perfect as a bookmark. yes i would use them

    ReplyDelete
  31. yes i like it, seems very sturdy unlike paper bookmarks

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would use the book buckle to prevent losing my place in the book. I like the idea that you attach it to your book so you will never misplace your bookmark.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I like the concept of giving these as a present when you give someone a book.
    Thanks for the contest.

    slehan at juno dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I like the Book buckles, I would definitely use them.
    vikki.billings@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

Comments make me feel special, so go crazy! Just keep it clean and civil. Feel free to speak your mind (I always do), but be aware that I will delete any offensive comments.

P.S.: Don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away. I have to approve each one before it posts to prevent spam. It's annoying, but it works!