Review: Blacksocks.com

Just before Christmas, I received in the mail a pair of black socks for review. That's right: black socks. Only they weren't just any black socks, they were official Italian-made, 100-percent cotton, black knee socks from Blacksocks.com. And they weren't for me to wear—they were men's socks, as that's who Blacksocks, an award-winning subscription sock service, caters to. Which means Jim got to wear them, try them, enjoy them. And I got to write this review.

Because the socks came so mere days before the holiday and because it was noted to wash them before wearing—and because I wanted Jim to wear them a couple times, to provide an accurate review—this review didn't go out in time to plug the Blacksocks subscription service as a holiday gift. But that's okay because there are plenty of times throughout the year to give the guy in your life a subscription for high-end socks delivered directly to him. Think Valentine's Day, Father's Day...any day, actually, because as the PR literature says, "No one likes shopping for socks, so what's better than having a sock drawer that replenishes itself?"

As far as the socks themselves, Jim loved them. They're billed as durable, versatile, and comfortable, and Jim seconds all of that. He was especially happy the socks were so large—we received a size XXXL, which was perfect for Jim's size 14+ feet. Jim said the socks were quite comfortable each time he wore them, even going so far as to lean over in the middle of Christmas Eve service at church to whisper, "These dress socks don't fall down at all, unlike all my others." A thumbs-up indeed.

Blacksocks come in colors beyond black. There's gray, nave, brown, or red dress socks, too, all made from 100% organic and free trade materials. There's also ankle-length "shorty" socks for athletic guys...or those guys who simply don't care for dress socks. The luxury sock line also offers cashmere socks, silk socks, wool socks and more (the "more" being that they also sell boxers, briefs, and undies of other sorts...like T-shirts).

A trial pair of socks, like the ones Jim tried out, costs $12. Sockscriptions vary, with prices depending on the number of socks delivered and the schedule of deliveries. All prices cover taxes, postage and delivery. Details on prices, styles and more can be found at Blacksocks.com.

What we loved about Blacksocks: Jim was most pleased with the comfort of the socks, I was impressed with the quality. He gave the subscription idea a "meh..." and didn't consider it that big of a deal. I, on the other hand, think a sockscription is an awesome idea—for me. I think getting brand-new luxury socks for our tootsies delivered on a regular basis is something I, and likely other women, would appreciate and enjoy far than men. Which begs the question: When will Blacksocks.com offer something similar for women?

Review & Giveaway: FyrFlyz

I recall passing time as a kid by spinning a button on a long strand of string held taut between my hands. May sound boring to some, but it was simple fun for a few minutes as I watched the button spin and worked again and again to keep the button continuously in motion.

I recently learned of a new toy that has taken my button-spinning idea not one but hundreds of steps further...and made it a whole lot more fun. The toy is called FyrFlyz, and it looks like this: 

It doesn't look all that special, does it? At least not until the lights are turned on and it's set into motion. Luckily my daughter Andrea was visiting when I first received my review package and offered to give it a spin. The toy is recommended for ages 8 and up, and my 26-year-old got some cool tricks and an awesome light show going in no time:

What we loved about the toy: It's simple fun, especially in the dark. Plus, it gets the competitive spirit going as everyone takes turns trying to create craftier cool tricks. (Yes, I do admit, my husband and I gave it more than a few spins ourselves.) As the primary stocking filler in the crowd, I also thought the FyrFlyz would make awesome stocking stuffers.

Stay tuned for a future post on the FyrFlyz review party I threw with some true toy experts: several boys of various ages (plus one young girl and a few grown-up girls, too) trying out FyrFlyz and giving their honest opinion of the toy.

FyrFlyz, listed as one of the top toys of 2011 by BestToysGuide.com, is available in blue, green, or purple for less than $10 at Toys R Us, Walgreens, CVS, Amazon.com and more. To find a retailer near you, visit http://fyrflyz.com/where-to-buy/find-a-retailer/. Find out more about the toy—and watch videos of some really cool tricks—on the FyrFlyz website.

GIVEAWAY:

No need to search for a retailer if you're the lucky winner of the TWO FyrFlyz of random color I'm giving away here on Grandma's Briefs. To enter to win: Leave a comment below stating with whom you'd share the spoils if you were chosen as winner of the two FyrFlyz. Be sure to include your e-mail address as that's how the winner will be notified.

Entries accepted through 11:59 MST Friday, Dec. 23. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by e-mail Saturday, Dec. 24. Prize will be shipped directly from a FyrFlyz representative. Prize valued at approximately $20.

Update on Saturday, December 24, 2011 by Lisa Carpenter

And the winner is...

#3 Wendy Nunez

Congratulations, Wendy!

Thank you to all who entered and to FyrFlyz for providing the fun!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Managing holiday decor & more in an empty nest

For nearly 30 years, decorating our home for the holidays meant little hands from our daughters—from the toddler years through the teen years and beyond—would help place the accoutrements of Christmas all about.

Now that the nest is empty, my husband and I take a different approach to making things merry and bright. I like to call it the "divide and conquer" technique. We split up what needs to be done, check our lists of duties twice, then we get on with the seasonal show.

My husband takes charge of the garland and bows, inside... 

and out:

My duties include putting our collection of Santas in place: 

...as well as topping the piano with the holiday village: 

Together we tackle the tree—this year, with much-appreciated assistance from our oldest daughter:

After adding finishing touches here and there, such as stockings, the nativity scene, angels, candles, and more, we're done! All that's left to do is enjoy. Well, that and maintain the scene through the end of season.

When it comes to maintaining the sparkle and shine of our holiday-decked home—and our everyday regular home, too—my husband and I ascribe to the divide-and-conquer technique there, as well.

I do the dusting; he covers the vacuuming.

I mop the floors; he does the windows.

I clean two bathrooms; he cleans one. (Which is okay because I think I'm a wee bit better at it than he.)

I wash and dry the laundry; he folds and puts it away.

I plan and shop and cook and prep the place for our holiday celebrations; he cleans up the mess afterward. (A definite fair trade if you ask me.)

Yes, indeed, the divide-and-conquer technique works just dandy for my husband and me. I must admit, though, it's not all that difficult when it's just the two of us making most of the messes requiring clean up.

I say most of the messes because we must surely account for our two dogs and our two cats, too. And that, my friends, is when it sure would be nice to have the nest full again—so someone else would cover our most dreaded duties of all: poop-scooping after the dogs (my husband's job) and litter-box cleaning after the kitties (my job).

But, c'est la vie—at least the life of empty-nesters.

I am sharing my holiday home decor and cleaning tips for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls and Great Cleaners.

Book review: Two holiday treats for youngsters

When looking to add a few new tales to the collection of holiday classics, consider these delightful books for kiddos of varying ages:

Small children will love the holiday fun in guessing what lies beneath the flap of each holiday-themed riddle in What Am I? Christmas by Anne Margaret Lewis and colorfully illustrated by Tom Mills (Albert Whitman & Company, $9.99). In the book, a few hints are given, a small sliver of the answer illustration shown, and the question of "What am I? What could I be?" then children lift the flap to see.

The fun begins with the Christmas tree and goes through all that even the youngest of kids associate with the holiday: a snowman, angel, wreath, reindeer and more. The very last—and favorite of all, of course—is Santa.

Although I read the book on my own for this review, without one of my grandsons at my side, I can just imagine Bubby's excitement correctly guessing what lies beneath each flap. I, myself, am excited to share it with him when he visits for Christmas.

What I loved about this book: The colorful, oversized graphics perfectly illustrate the delights of the season, especially for little ones. The repetition of "What am I? What could I be?" followed by lifting the flap is a fun interaction for the intended audience (ages 2-5) and those reading the story.

Older kids will likely adore The Christmas Pups by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by John Kanzler (Albert Whitman & Company, $16.99). The book is intended for ages 4-8, but having to wipe a tear myself upon reading it the first time, I'm pretty sure it will be appreciated by animal lovers of all ages.

The story is of Ruff, Tuff, and Penny—three dogs left in a cardboard box by the side of the road on a cold, rainy December night—and their wishes to be adopted as Christmas gifts for children. Thanks to kind strangers who found and delivered them to the local animal shelter, as well as input from Brownie, an older dog and long-term resident of the shelter, they just might see their Christmas wishes come true.

What I loved about this book: The author doesn't shy away from the fact that puppies are indeed abandoned by folks and that it's not always easy for those poor souls to find a home, even if they're fortunate enough to end up at an animal shelter. The book drives home the joy of animal ownership and animal rescue in a compassionate manner without being heavy-handed. Plus, it's just a sweet Christmas story that warmed my heart.

Clicking on the book covers will provide more information on each book. They are NOT affiliate links; I earn nothing by you clicking on them.