Last week, I was contacted by Guidecraft and asked to review some items from their product line. If you’re not familiar with Guidecraft products, I’d highly encourage you to check them out. Their products appeal to me for various reasons – the two biggest being as a mother who is always looking for educational toys for my kids and as a homeschool family with limited storage space. These were the things I was thinking of as I browsed the online catalog in search of the perfect product(s) to review.
The first product I was attracted to was the School Library Shelf. I must preface this by saying that we have A LOT of school books and resources! I’m a confessed bookaholic, for one thing; and, thanks to my job with the TOS Homeschool Crew, I have an overabundance of books, curriculum, and other products to support my habit. Our dining room doubles as our school room; so in addition the table and china cabinet, the room is filled with two computer stations, a piano, and a 5-shelf bookshelf. My piano was covered with books to review and the bottom cupboards of my china cabinet were filled with school books! Enter the School Library Shelf ---
First of all, I should tell you that this arrived on a Friday morning, and Ashley and I (being the impatient females that we are) decided to put it together. The first step was removing all the parts from the box. I got a little worried because I didn’t see the assembly instructions anywhere. Finally, we found them all rolled up in one of the boxes containing hardware. I had to laugh when I opened them – these instructions were definitely either designed by or for a male! They contain NO WORDS, just pictures! (if you’re curious, you can see them here)
Once we had everything laid out and we made sure everything was there, we set to work. We installed the casters first. I have to admit that we didn’t use all the washers. I thought it was just me – not knowing exactly how to work the tools – but we later discovered that some of the holes weren’t quite large enough for the screws to fit down into – instead they rested more on the surface. To me, it wasn’t a problem – and does not seem to have an effect on the finished product in the least.
The hardest part of the assembly was putting the 2nd side on. We had trouble keeping it steady and matching up all the holes. But, once we did, we got it together quickly and ended up with this. Ian looks quite proud, but really he was more of a hindrance than a help.
And how does it look in our schoolroom, you ask? The lighting isn’t good here, but you can see how we’ve filled it. Right now, it’s got all of the girls’ current school stuff on it AND next years’ (what we have already purchased or had on hand). And, it’s barely filled! (this side is Gracie’s – the other side is Ashley’s). It makes a nice little “computer nook” area and fits just perfectly where I wanted it. The shelves on the ends are holding our daily planners.
And guess what? This freed up the large bookshelf for all of MY stuff – teacher books, resources (dictionaries, etc.), and my review books! We were able to clean out the china cupboard and fill it with games – which before were just piled up in the corner of the room!
This homeschool mama is a happy girl! And, guess what the very best part is? YOU, too, can have a Guidecraft School Library Shelf of your very own. How, you ask? First of all, please visit Guidecraft and let me know what product you absolutely love and would like to have for your very own! (this is a mandatory entry)
But, there’s more --- if you really want to win this shelf, you may do any/all of the following for extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each one that you do):
- Follow Guidecraft on Twitter
- Like Guidecraft on Facebook
- Follow the Guidecraft blog
- Follow MY blog
- Like Heidi’s Reviews & Reflections on Facebook
- Follow HeidiSays on Twitter (even though I’m not a very good tweeter – yet!)
- Put my (new!) button on your blog (2 entries)
- Post about this contest with a link back (3 entries)
This contest will remain open until 8am next Monday, May 10th (can you believe it’s May?!) At that time, I will draw ONE random winner. Good luck! And, if you don’t win this, don’t fret – I have another Guidecraft product to review and give away next week! Be sure to check back. Please note: Guidecraft will ship to U.S. addresses only.
I received this product for free from Guidecraft.
The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own.
259 comments:
1 – 200 of 259 Newer› Newest»I really like the double sided book browser as well as the Library Cart!
I am now following the Guidecraft blog.
Of course I follow your blog already!
I have your new button on my blog (left sidebar).
Second entry for having your button on my blog. :)
I blogged about the giveaway! http://ourbusyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/05/something-i-would-love-to-win.html
Second entry for blogging about the giveaway:
http://ourbusyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/05/something-i-would-love-to-win.html
Third and last entry for blogging about the giveaway: http://ourbusyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/05/something-i-would-love-to-win.html
I like Guidecraft's 4-SIDED LIBRARY.
I follow you!
I also "like" your posts on Facebook. :)
I am now following Guidecraft's blog.
Love the Market Loft but don't have a room big enough in my house for it---lol. So many wonderful things at Guidecraft! My little girls would love the butterfly table and chairs.
I follow your blog via Google connect
This would help me organize our homeschooling, though it would be just as helpful in my son's room. I clicked on "add as friend" on Guidecraft on FB, too.
I follow you on Twitter (SBMozer)
I follow Guidecraft on Twitter.
Awesome giveaway! That shelf looks really neat. The block cart caught my eye as well - we have a problem with block storage: http://www.guidecraft.com/product/134216/G97055/_/Block_Cart
Thanks for the chance to win!
Following the GC blog.
Following GC on twitter.
Following you on twitter!
I follow your blog, too.
Well, THAT'S a cool giveaway! I just clicked over to their site and I LOVE that 4 in 1 Dramatic Play Theater. That looks so fun and entertaining!
But I'd be quite content with another bookshelf around these parts. Always running out of room!
Thanks for the review!
I subscribe to your blog feed!
Great Giveaway! I need to come back when I have time to enter all the ways, but for the mandatory one: I think the teacher in me adores all the book carts! I love the one you got and also the Corner Book Nook. Also--The new blog design is beautiful!!
I would love the double sided bookshelf!! Of course, it would take some rearranging to fit it in. LOL!!
April E.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/elcloud
I already like you on facebook. ;D
April E.
I friended guidecraft on facebook, too.
April E.
I follow your blog already!
April E.
I follow the guidecraft blog now, too.
April E.
I really like the corner book nook.
I follow your blog.
I added your new button. #1
I blogged about the giveaway. #1
http://debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveawayschool-library-cart.html
I blogged about the giveaway. #2
http://debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveawayschool-library-cart.html
I blogged about the giveaway. #3
http://debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveawayschool-library-cart.html
I follow Guidecraft Toys on facebook
sackmom@yahoo.com
Melissa Sack
I love the mission bookshelves and baskets
I am a follower via google connect
Oh, Heidi, I like the CORNER BOOK NOOK! :)
Penny at www.notnewtoautism.blogspot.com
Facebook friend of Guidecraft.
Penny @ www.notnewtoautism.blogspot.com
And I like your facebook page, too!
Penny
www.notnewtoautism.blogspot.com
I love the Art Activity Cart from their catalog.. Thanks for entering me.. Would love to win this
montanamom (at) bresnan (dot) net
Liking your Facebook page :)
Following Guidecraft on Facebook
I'm following your blog :)
I'm following you on Twitter
This looks great! I love the mission storage bench (in white with the pink!).
Thanks for this chance to win!
blessings
Mrs. White
I follow Guidecraft on Twitter.
Blessings,
Mrs. White
I follow your blog!
Blessings,
Mrs. White
I follow you on Twitter!
blessings,
Mrs. White
I absolutely LOVE the Art Activity Cart. But the library cart is wonderful as well.
Art Activity Cart is my favorite thing on the ChildCraft site.
I follow your blog!
I 'liked' the ChildCraft Page on FB.
I follow your blog and have since nearly day 1 :)
I am a fan of Reviews & Reflections on FB. I mean, I like it. Something like that.
I love the Easy View Storage Bench. I can just see my 4 year old and 2 year old sitting together on that looking at books! :) Though I really like the library cart you received, too! :)
Following Guidecraft on Twitter.
Added Guidecraft as a friend on Facebook.
I am following the Guidecraft blog.
I follow your blog! :)
I already like your blog on Facebook. :)
I added your new button to my blog! :)
I added your new button to my blog! (2nd entry)
What a great giveaway! I would love to have the Corner Book Nook... really anything for more books, and displaying them :D
I have your new button on my sidebar :D
I have your new button on my sidebar :D
entry 2
I follow via google friend :D
I blogged :D
http://hearts-in-training.blogspot.com/2010/05/guidecraft-school-library-cart-giveaway.html
I blogged (entry #2)
http://hearts-in-training.blogspot.com/2010/05/guidecraft-school-library-cart-giveaway.html
I blogged (entry #3) Thanks for the chance to win!
http://hearts-in-training.blogspot.com/2010/05/guidecraft-school-library-cart-giveaway.html
Following Guidecraft via google friend :D
I love the Guidecraft bookshelves - like you, we have a LOT of books. I also like their manipulatives, there are so many awesome choices.
Blessings,
Mrs. K Hewett
mama2gems [at] gmail [dot] com
What a great prize! I like so many Guidecraft products. My girls would love any of the kitchen play items and I like the manipulatives for educational/developmental fun.
I already follow your wonderful blog! ;0)
I already follow the Guidecraft blog as well.
I now follow the Guidecraft blog! Cool!
I've got your new button on my blog, left sidebar.
I've got your new button on my blog, left sidebar. #2
I follow your blog! Love you!
OK... so the question really is how to narrow down my "like" list... :)
The Mission Storage bench with 3 cubbies,
The Nordic Rocker (7+)
The Kitchen Helper
The Book Tower
The 4-sided Library
as well as the school library cart. (So... am I in trouble? I cut down 80+ pages to 6 items.. ;)
I posted your new lovely blog button, but I sure do miss seeing your lovely face ach time I check my blog layout!
I love love love to have a library cart! I also love the double-sided browser: http://www.guidecraft.com/product/134216/G6465/_/Double_Sided_Book_Browser
Great so the littles can SEE the books rather than just pulling them all out and throwing them on the floor, ahem. We are a whole family of book maniacs.
susanadale at gmail dot com
I follow your blog (love the new look!).
susanadale at gmail dot com
I follow you on Twitter (susanadale).
susanadale at gmail dot com
Following Guidecraft on Twitter (susanadale).
susanadale at gmail dot com
Following Guidecraft's Blog
Already follow you. :)
I like the library cart and the book tower.
Following Guidecraft on Twitter.
And Facebook
Following the Guidecraft blog.
I like your blog on FB
Following your blog.
Following you on Twitter.
I absolutely love this moon and stars media carousel, and would love to have it in my home. :-)
Thank you very much for the giveaway!
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com
I follow Guidecraft on twitter, @my_twitraccount.
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com
I follow the Guidecraft blog.
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com
I now follow your blog!
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com
I added your button! I shrunk it, though, since when I first added it, it was 10x larger than it looked like it was supposed to be on your sidebar.
entry #1!
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com
I added your button, entry #2!
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com
I wouldn't mind having the Art Activity Cart. I need something to hold all my homeschooling crafts since I do not have a destination for it all.
I am following your blog.
I am following Guidecraft on Twitter.
I am following the Guidecraft blog.
I am following you on Twitter.
I have your button.
Posted a blog linking back here.
http://homeschoolmomoftwo.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-and-giveaway-by-heidi.html
I have to say I LOVE the art activity center. Art supplies take over whatever shelf/closet/area of my house that I put them in. My children are totally art crazy! Any chance you are going to product review that? :)
I am happily following your blog!
I am now following the guidecraft blog.
I like Guidecraft on facebook :)
Following your blog. :)
Like your facebook page.
Following the Guidecraft blog.
I LOVE the pirate ship retro rocker!
lindsbecker@gmail.com
I follow guidecraft on twitter (babyinthecity)
lindsbecker@gmail.com
I follow guidecraft on facebook. (lindsey becker)
lindsbecker@gmail.com
I follow the guidecraft blog. (the beckers)
lindsbecker@gmail.com
I "like" you on facebook! (lindsey becker)
lindsbecker@gmail.com
I follow you on twitter. (babyinthecity)
lindsbecker@gmail.com
I follow your blog! (the beckers)
lindsbecker@gmail.com
Following Guidecraft on Twitter:)
Following Guidecraft on Facebook
Following HeidiSays on Twitter:)
I follow you on Facebook!
I do follow your blog:)
Oh! I love the MOON & STARS SEE, STORE & TAKE-ALONG...although I love ALOT of things! :)
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
I'm following Guidecraft on Twitter! KatyLMA
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
I am already a blog follower of yours! :)
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
I requested friendship with Guidecraft Toys on Facebook! Katy Mc. Ald.
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
I like Heidi's Reviews on Facebook! :) Katy Mc. Ald.
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
I already follow you on Twitter! :) KatyLMA
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
I am a follower of Guidecraft's blog!
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
So many great things to choose from at Guidecraft! I know my son would choose the Magneatos curves set- he has a basic set and would love to have the curved pieces too. I'd love the Victorian dollhouse. :)
I follow Guidecraft on twitter as stlyhu
I'm a Facebook fan of Guidecraft
I follow Guidecraft's blog
Following you on Twitter as stlyhu
I'm a new follower of your blog- look forward to reading more!
I also love the Mission Bookshelf! =)
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com
Fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.
(Shanna A)
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com
Follow Guidecraft on Twitter
@ShannaEAnderson
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com
Follow Guidecraft's BLOG.
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com
I follow your blog!
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com
I like Heidi's Reviews & Reflections on Facebook
(Shanna A)
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com
I follow HeidiSays on Twitter
@ShannaEANderson
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com
I also really like the School Bus Playtime Loft. WOW, if money was no object, and you had plenty of space, this would be the ultimate present! :-) Would be perfect for a daycare center.
following Guidecraft on twitter as SnowflakeDay
google friend following the Guidecraft blog
google friend follower of your blog
I "like" Heidi's Reviews & Reflections on Facebook :)
I've put your button on my other blog
http://smallchangeaddsup.blogspot.com/
I've put your button on my other blog (entry #2)
http://smallchangeaddsup.blogspot.com/
I like the corner book nook as well as that library cart.
Already following this blog...
Awesome giveaway. I love Guidecraft products and would absolutely love to get Magneators
And I follow you
I'm drooling over that rolling shelf ~ are you KIDDING ME???? That would rock...until one of my boys rolled it over to the stairs and decided to see what would happen if they pushed it DOWN the stairs.
Friended them on facebook.
I follow their blog.
I like you on Facebook. :)
I already follow you on Twitter...and you need to get hooked up with the Twitterbar {for Firefox} so you can update from your browser bar! :)
I changed your button over to your new one on my blog. :)
New button comment number two...do you think I really want to win this?? :)
I would love to get the kitchen helper.
luvtosave at gmail.com
i follow Guidecraft on Twitter as luv_to_save
luvtosave at gmail.com
Like Guidecraft on Facebook as ethel olleres
luvtosave at gmail.com
i follow your blog
luvtosave at gmail.com
following you on twitter as luv_to_save
luvtosave at gmail.com
I love the library cart and could really use something besides my wobbly bookshelf! ha
ajcar32 at gmail
following on facebook.
I'd love to have the Flower Match Garden PAtch for my daughter.
I follow Heidi’s Reviews & Reflections via Google Friend Connect.
I follow Guidecraft Toys' blog via Google Friend Connect.
I'm a facebook fan of Guidecraft under username Jennie Tilson.
I'm a facebook fan of Heidi’s Reviews & Reflections under username Jennie Tilson.
I love this!
I'm a subscriber.
You two put that together by yourselves? You rock!
I really like their Art Cart - perhaps I could really be organized with one of those!
The art cart is total awesome sauce!
Following GuideCraft on Twitter.
I follow you on Twitter
Follow Guidecraft on Facebook.
Follow you on FB.
I think my favorite really is the library book cart! Although I really like this corner book case too - http://guidecraft.com/product/134216/G97019/_/Corner_Book_Nook, and all of their construction sets. What a great giveaway!
I'm following guidecraft on facebook!
I am a follower of your blog!
I am a follower of the guidecraft blog!
I added your button to my blog
I love the library cart, but other than that I think the kids would love the kids couch! :)
I put your button on my blog (2nd entry)
I am following your blog on my google reader
I liked you on facebook :)
I added Guidecraft as a friend on Facebook!
I added Reviews and Reflections as a friend on Facebook!
I'm now following your blog!
I'm now following Guidecraft's blog!
I really like the Kitchen Helper from Guidecraft - when I look at it I have visions of my son helping me bake bread and cookies in our kitchen without fear of him toppling off of a stool. :)
This is a great giveaway. Thanks. :)
mylifeincurls (at) gmail (dot) com
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