Monday, May 3, 2010

Guidecraft School Library Cart Review & Giveaway

125_GC-Logo 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.

t354_3d16e4dd31500a3c9474c5c309c10f47 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 ---

spring 104 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)

spring 106 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.

spring 109

The hardest part of the assembly was putting the 2nd side on. We had trouble keeping it steady and matching up all the holes. spring 110 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.

spring 114 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!  spring 116 (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»
Tristan said...

I really like the double sided book browser as well as the Library Cart!

Tristan said...

I am now following the Guidecraft blog.

Tristan said...

Of course I follow your blog already!

Tristan said...

I have your new button on my blog (left sidebar).

Tristan said...

Second entry for having your button on my blog. :)

Tristan said...

I blogged about the giveaway! http://ourbusyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/05/something-i-would-love-to-win.html

Tristan said...

Second entry for blogging about the giveaway:
http://ourbusyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/05/something-i-would-love-to-win.html

Tristan said...

Third and last entry for blogging about the giveaway: http://ourbusyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/05/something-i-would-love-to-win.html

Jennifer said...

I like Guidecraft's 4-SIDED LIBRARY.

Jennifer said...

I follow you!

Jennifer said...

I also "like" your posts on Facebook. :)

Jennifer said...

I am now following Guidecraft's blog.

Mozer said...

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.

Mozer said...

I follow your blog via Google connect

Jennifer said...

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.

Mozer said...

I follow you on Twitter (SBMozer)

Mozer said...

I follow Guidecraft on Twitter.

Michelle Gibson said...

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!

Michelle Gibson said...

Following the GC blog.

Michelle Gibson said...

Following GC on twitter.

Michelle Gibson said...

Following you on twitter!

Michelle Gibson said...

I follow your blog, too.

Carrie said...

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!

Carrie said...

I subscribe to your blog feed!

Heather said...

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!!

April E. said...

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

April E. said...

I already like you on facebook. ;D

April E.

April E. said...

I friended guidecraft on facebook, too.

April E.

April E. said...

I follow your blog already!

April E.

April E. said...

I follow the guidecraft blog now, too.

April E.

Debbie said...

I really like the corner book nook.

Debbie said...

I follow your blog.

Debbie said...

I added your new button. #1

Debbie said...

I blogged about the giveaway. #1
http://debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveawayschool-library-cart.html

Debbie said...

I blogged about the giveaway. #2
http://debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveawayschool-library-cart.html

Debbie said...

I blogged about the giveaway. #3
http://debbieshomeschoolcorner.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveawayschool-library-cart.html

Anonymous said...

I follow Guidecraft Toys on facebook

sackmom@yahoo.com

Melissa Sack

My Blessings From Above said...

I love the mission bookshelves and baskets

My Blessings From Above said...

I am a follower via google connect

Penny said...

Oh, Heidi, I like the CORNER BOOK NOOK! :)
Penny at www.notnewtoautism.blogspot.com

Penny said...

Facebook friend of Guidecraft.

Penny @ www.notnewtoautism.blogspot.com

Penny said...

And I like your facebook page, too!

Penny
www.notnewtoautism.blogspot.com

Lynn said...

I love the Art Activity Cart from their catalog.. Thanks for entering me.. Would love to win this
montanamom (at) bresnan (dot) net

Lynn said...

Liking your Facebook page :)

Lynn said...

Following Guidecraft on Facebook

Lynn said...

I'm following your blog :)

Lynn said...

I'm following you on Twitter

Mrs. White said...

This looks great! I love the mission storage bench (in white with the pink!).

Thanks for this chance to win!
blessings
Mrs. White

Mrs. White said...

I follow Guidecraft on Twitter.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Mrs. White said...

I follow your blog!

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Mrs. White said...

I follow you on Twitter!

blessings,
Mrs. White

Debra said...

I absolutely LOVE the Art Activity Cart. But the library cart is wonderful as well.

Tricia said...

Art Activity Cart is my favorite thing on the ChildCraft site.

Tricia said...

I follow your blog!

Tricia said...

I 'liked' the ChildCraft Page on FB.

Debra said...

I follow your blog and have since nearly day 1 :)

Debra said...

I am a fan of Reviews & Reflections on FB. I mean, I like it. Something like that.

Michelle Smith said...

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! :)

Michelle Smith said...

Following Guidecraft on Twitter.

Michelle Smith said...

Added Guidecraft as a friend on Facebook.

Michelle Smith said...

I am following the Guidecraft blog.

Michelle Smith said...

I follow your blog! :)

Michelle Smith said...

I already like your blog on Facebook. :)

Michelle Smith said...

I added your new button to my blog! :)

Michelle Smith said...

I added your new button to my blog! (2nd entry)

Sigalit Chana said...

What a great giveaway! I would love to have the Corner Book Nook... really anything for more books, and displaying them :D

Sigalit Chana said...

I have your new button on my sidebar :D

Sigalit Chana said...

I have your new button on my sidebar :D
entry 2

Sigalit Chana said...

I follow via google friend :D

Sigalit Chana said...

I blogged :D
http://hearts-in-training.blogspot.com/2010/05/guidecraft-school-library-cart-giveaway.html

Sigalit Chana said...

I blogged (entry #2)
http://hearts-in-training.blogspot.com/2010/05/guidecraft-school-library-cart-giveaway.html

Sigalit Chana said...

I blogged (entry #3) Thanks for the chance to win!
http://hearts-in-training.blogspot.com/2010/05/guidecraft-school-library-cart-giveaway.html

Sigalit Chana said...

Following Guidecraft via google friend :D

Mrs. Hewett said...

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

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

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.

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

I already follow your wonderful blog! ;0)

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

I already follow the Guidecraft blog as well.

Becky said...

I now follow the Guidecraft blog! Cool!

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

I've got your new button on my blog, left sidebar.

Sara @ Embracing Destiny said...

I've got your new button on my blog, left sidebar. #2

Becky said...

I follow your blog! Love you!

purple squirrel said...

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.. ;)

Becky said...

I posted your new lovely blog button, but I sure do miss seeing your lovely face ach time I check my blog layout!

Susan said...

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

Susan said...

I follow your blog (love the new look!).


susanadale at gmail dot com

Susan said...

I follow you on Twitter (susanadale).


susanadale at gmail dot com

Susan said...

Following Guidecraft on Twitter (susanadale).


susanadale at gmail dot com

purple squirrel said...

Following Guidecraft's Blog

purple squirrel said...

Already follow you. :)

Kristenph said...

I like the library cart and the book tower.

Kristenph said...

Following Guidecraft on Twitter.

Kristenph said...

And Facebook

Kristenph said...

Following the Guidecraft blog.

Kristenph said...

I like your blog on FB

Kristenph said...

Following your blog.

Kristenph said...

Following you on Twitter.

anthy said...

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

anthy said...

I follow Guidecraft on twitter, @my_twitraccount.
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com

anthy said...

I follow the Guidecraft blog.
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com

anthy said...

I now follow your blog!
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com

anthy said...

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

anthy said...

I added your button, entry #2!

anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com

Unknown said...

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.

Unknown said...

I am following your blog.

Unknown said...

I am following Guidecraft on Twitter.

Unknown said...

I am following the Guidecraft blog.

Unknown said...

I am following you on Twitter.

Unknown said...

I have your button.

Unknown said...

Posted a blog linking back here.
http://homeschoolmomoftwo.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-and-giveaway-by-heidi.html

Talialisa said...

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? :)

Talialisa said...

I am happily following your blog!

Talialisa said...

I am now following the guidecraft blog.

Anonymous said...

I like Guidecraft on facebook :)

Anonymous said...

Following your blog. :)

Anonymous said...

Like your facebook page.

Anonymous said...

Following the Guidecraft blog.

Lindsey said...

I LOVE the pirate ship retro rocker!
lindsbecker@gmail.com

Lindsey said...

I follow guidecraft on twitter (babyinthecity)
lindsbecker@gmail.com

Lindsey said...

I follow guidecraft on facebook. (lindsey becker)
lindsbecker@gmail.com

Lindsey said...

I follow the guidecraft blog. (the beckers)
lindsbecker@gmail.com

Lindsey said...

I "like" you on facebook! (lindsey becker)
lindsbecker@gmail.com

Lindsey said...

I follow you on twitter. (babyinthecity)
lindsbecker@gmail.com

Lindsey said...

I follow your blog! (the beckers)
lindsbecker@gmail.com

Heather said...

Following Guidecraft on Twitter:)

Heather said...

Following Guidecraft on Facebook

Heather said...

Following HeidiSays on Twitter:)

Heather said...

I follow you on Facebook!

Heather said...

I do follow your blog:)

Katy said...

Oh! I love the MOON & STARS SEE, STORE & TAKE-ALONG...although I love ALOT of things! :)


thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com

Katy said...

I'm following Guidecraft on Twitter! KatyLMA


thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com

Katy said...

I am already a blog follower of yours! :)


thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com

Katy said...

I requested friendship with Guidecraft Toys on Facebook! Katy Mc. Ald.


thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com

Katy said...

I like Heidi's Reviews on Facebook! :) Katy Mc. Ald.

thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com

Katy said...

I already follow you on Twitter! :) KatyLMA


thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com

Katy said...

I am a follower of Guidecraft's blog!


thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com

Stephanie said...

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. :)

Stephanie said...

I follow Guidecraft on twitter as stlyhu

Stephanie said...

I'm a Facebook fan of Guidecraft

Stephanie said...

I follow Guidecraft's blog

Stephanie said...

Following you on Twitter as stlyhu

Stephanie said...

I'm a new follower of your blog- look forward to reading more!

Shanna said...

I also love the Mission Bookshelf! =)
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com

Shanna said...

Fan of Guidecraft on Facebook.
(Shanna A)
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com

Shanna said...

Follow Guidecraft on Twitter
@ShannaEAnderson
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com

Shanna said...

Follow Guidecraft's BLOG.
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com

Shanna said...

I follow your blog!
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com

Shanna said...

I like Heidi's Reviews & Reflections on Facebook
(Shanna A)
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com

Shanna said...

I follow HeidiSays on Twitter
@ShannaEANderson
shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com

Snowflake07 said...

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.

Snowflake07 said...

following Guidecraft on twitter as SnowflakeDay

Snowflake07 said...

google friend following the Guidecraft blog

Snowflake07 said...

google friend follower of your blog

purple squirrel said...

I "like" Heidi's Reviews & Reflections on Facebook :)

purple squirrel said...

I've put your button on my other blog
http://smallchangeaddsup.blogspot.com/

purple squirrel said...

I've put your button on my other blog (entry #2)
http://smallchangeaddsup.blogspot.com/

Laura O in AK said...

I like the corner book nook as well as that library cart.

Laura O in AK said...

Already following this blog...

Natalie PlanetSmarty said...

Awesome giveaway. I love Guidecraft products and would absolutely love to get Magneators

Natalie PlanetSmarty said...

And I follow you

Jolanthe said...

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.

Jolanthe said...

Friended them on facebook.

Jolanthe said...

I follow their blog.

Jolanthe said...

I like you on Facebook. :)

Jolanthe said...

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! :)

Jolanthe said...

I changed your button over to your new one on my blog. :)

Jolanthe said...

New button comment number two...do you think I really want to win this?? :)

Luv to Save said...

I would love to get the kitchen helper.
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

i follow Guidecraft on Twitter as luv_to_save
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

Like Guidecraft on Facebook as ethel olleres
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

i follow your blog
luvtosave at gmail.com

Luv to Save said...

following you on twitter as luv_to_save
luvtosave at gmail.com

My Mind Babbles said...

I love the library cart and could really use something besides my wobbly bookshelf! ha
ajcar32 at gmail

My Mind Babbles said...

following on facebook.

Jennifer T. said...

I'd love to have the Flower Match Garden PAtch for my daughter.

Jennifer T. said...

I follow Heidi’s Reviews & Reflections via Google Friend Connect.

Jennifer T. said...

I follow Guidecraft Toys' blog via Google Friend Connect.

Jennifer T. said...

I'm a facebook fan of Guidecraft under username Jennie Tilson.

Jennifer T. said...

I'm a facebook fan of Heidi’s Reviews & Reflections under username Jennie Tilson.

Julia M. Reffner said...

I love this!

Julia M. Reffner said...

I'm a subscriber.

Amy B said...

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 Crazy Mom said...

The art cart is total awesome sauce!

The Crazy Mom said...

Following GuideCraft on Twitter.

The Crazy Mom said...

I follow you on Twitter

The Crazy Mom said...

Follow Guidecraft on Facebook.

The Crazy Mom said...

Follow you on FB.

Nicole {tired, need sleep} said...

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!

Nicole {tired, need sleep} said...

I'm following guidecraft on facebook!

Nicole {tired, need sleep} said...

I am a follower of your blog!

Nicole {tired, need sleep} said...

I am a follower of the guidecraft blog!

Heather said...

I added your button to my blog

Heather said...

I love the library cart, but other than that I think the kids would love the kids couch! :)

Heather said...

I put your button on my blog (2nd entry)

Heather said...

I am following your blog on my google reader

Heather said...

I liked you on facebook :)

Christie said...

I added Guidecraft as a friend on Facebook!

Christie said...

I added Reviews and Reflections as a friend on Facebook!

Christie said...

I'm now following your blog!

Christie said...

I'm now following Guidecraft's blog!

soul_searching_mama said...

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

«Oldest ‹Older   1 – 200 of 259   Newer› Newest»
Related Posts with Thumbnails