Bring the Joys of Reading to Every Moment with GoneReading.com!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're aiming to satisfy your bookish side not with a book review, but with a product review.  Now, before you stop reading, I haven't passed over to the dark side or anything (though I hear they DO have cookies!), trust me on this one; in fact, this is more of a reunion.  

That's right! Today's spotlight is shining on the fabulous site of bookish fun, GoneReading.com!  If you haven't heard of them or checked out their site, you best be on your way...after today's post of course.  Oh, and make sure there is room on your wish list because not only will you be shopping to satisfy your own interests, but to spread the joys of reading.  

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About GoneReading.com....

"Unlike other shopping sites, GoneReading was founded specifically to spread the magic of reading in the developing world.  That’s why we’ve pledged 100% of after-tax profits to fund reading related charities, especially the work of our good friends at READ Global and Ethiopia Reads.

Although we have a particular fondness for the printed book, GoneReading supports all types of reading formats, including e-readers, tablets, printed books, newspapers and magazines.  We believe that access to great writing – regardless of the format in which it is consumed - is what really matters most."

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 My acquaintance turned friendship with the site started back in 2012 (wow, it's been THAT long?!) when the Founder and CEO, Mr. Brad Wirz contacted me regarding the possibility of a spotlight post.  I was more than happy to assist as I had been recently perusing their wares (thanks to Alexia's Books & Such...another great bloggy friend) and creating a wish list I was more than happy to share.  This connection was to be the first but not the last collaboration I would have with them...

Fast forward to 2013 and what was I doing?  Reading another email, agreeing to check out an intriguing little item, and telling all of you about the FUN-tastically fabulous things the GoneReading team was up to now, including the MAJORLY awesome Book Plates and Platters!

No really....they are TOO CUTE!  Fashion, function, and bookishly delicious.  Now, let's step into current times.  Enter one email circa 2015, one offer my book loving soul couldn't resist, and finally, one post to highlight the fun that was had.  So, here we are and here we go!  

First, a box arrived....

...then, I opened said box.

What to my wondering eyes should appear?  Two FAB items that I now hold dear....the first of which compliments my book platter rather nicely, and would certainly work wonders on getting your morning cup of joe to you a little more literarily.  Ready, set, drink up with the....

Great "First Lines" of Literature Mug!

Imagine a hot cup of your favorite liquid refreshment (or cold...cold would work too) in a lightweight mug covered in the first lines of many famous works.  My favorite?  Oh, buddy...too hard to REALLY choose, but if pressed I could narrow it down to A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities.  What can I say, I'm a Dickens Fan!  

But I digress, this wonderful thirst quencher of style was not the only item in the mysterious box.  No, no no...there was one other.  Something that would allow me to bring the magic of books with me everywhere I go.  What was that item?  Why it was the...

"Paperback" Cologne Spray

from the Demeter Fragrance Library

Now this isn't a scent for every reader, but I found it to be rather nice.  The literature states that it has "a romanticized scent of ink and paper with a touch of violet and potpourri; many reviewers also detect a hint of vanilla."  I can't argue with that but I also smell a hint of something a little heavier, along the lines of Sandalwood but not quite.  It is unique for certain and though it may not smell like EVERY book you've ever read, it will bring you back to your bookish center one sniff at a time.  I tried to take a picture of me spraying the perfume but they all ended up looking wonky.  Who knew spray mist didn't capture well on camera?  So, you'll just have to envision me spritzing some of this fab fragrance on and jetting out for a long day at work (or play) but never having my beloved books more than a breath away.

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GoneReading founder Brad Wirz with some readers,
on a volunteer trip in Honduras

Special thanks to Brad Wirz for the chance to review these wonderful products, for spreading the joys of reading with this fun site, and for fostering the connections he makes in the bookish community throughout the years.  (YOU ROCK!)  For more information on the products I've mentioned here today, the site, its mission, or to add additional items to your "must have" list, feel free to click through the links provided above. 

Until next time, let your bookish flag fly....and happy reading!

READ ALL ABOUT IT: The Beam n Read LED3 - Review + CONTEST!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're stepping away from the book reviews for a moment and diving into a product review.  Now before you get yourself in a tizzy, it's STILL BOOKISH as it's a product that helps you read as well in the night as you do in the day.  Have you guessed it yet?  What's that?  A book light?  Well you'd be right...but this is something a bit MORE than just another book light.  Before I get to far into my own assessment of the product, let's meet and greet it officially.  Today's spotlight shines on the....

   

Beam N Read Hands Free Travel and Reading Light

  Features

• For hands free personal light anywhere; extra bright light is easy on the eyes; doesn’t disturb others
• Wide light from 3 LEDs in a row lights up 2 book pages; works with ALL Kindles, eReaders
• BNR Orange Relaxation Filter softens and warms the cool LED light and blocks energizing blue light
• BNR Red Relaxation Filter blocks blue light, reduces ambient light, & helps maintains night vision
• Alkaline AA batteries (not incl) last Extra Long 100 hours, 3-10x longer than most clip-on lights

New edition Beam n Read Hands-Free Light delivers a wide & bright light that lights up 2 book pages and doesn't disturb others. It's a true reading light that works with all printed books, Kindles and other eReaders (whether naked, skinned, or covered), PLUS newspapers, magazines, newsletters, loose documents, and other items that can't support a clip-on light. Worn around the neck, there's no need to shift it when reading paperbacks. Included are two 2 special Relaxation Filters: BNR Orange for a softer, warmer light that blocks energizing blue light (especially useful when reading to relax in bed); BNR Red to block blue light and reduce ambient light for sensitive bed partners. Standard alkaline AA batteries (not included) last an extra long 100 hours, far longer than flashlights and clip-on lights resulting in a lower cost to use (and fewer batteries in the trash). This light is still bright when others have gone dim. 

Save batteries for when you're on the go with the optional USB/AC Power Kit with 12 ft of cable that lets you plug into the included USB/AC adapter. Or plug into a USB car adapter/charger, or a computer USB port, or a USB adapter/charger for cell phones, etc. In addition to reading, this 3 LED hands-free light is great for crafts, travel, and walking in dim or dark places such as an attic, basement, or around the house during a power outage. Use it for writing journals, working, camping, changing diapers at night, and a lot more.   

Purchase your own Beam N Read Reading Light from AMAZON

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Sounds pretty cool, right?  It gets even better...and that's from someone that's had the pleasure of trying it out.  Yep.  Picture it, Halloween night.  I'm dressed up and ready to hand out candy to the kids in our neighborhood.  Waiting.  Outside.  In the dark.  The neighbors have joined me up and down the street as well....but there's a lull in the trick-or-treat traffic.  Whatever shall we do?

Well, I know what I did.

I pulled out my current-read-in-progress and proceeded to read by pumpkin light (we had lighted pumpkins on the driveway)...and failed miserably.  Then, I had a light bulb moment.  I remembered a new product I needed to test drive and well wouldn't you know, what a PERFECT opportunity to do it!  So, I raced inside, grabbed my new Beam n Read LED3 and I was in business.

The portability factor is endless as it's battery powered and takes AA batteries, not some button cell ones that are next to impossible to find let alone replace.  The stretchy and adjustable "necklace" it's attached to allows you to hang it over your head (or other convenient location) and adjust the hang length for maximum reading comfort.  The easy on/off feature of simply pulling the light head up or down takes away the confusion of searching for tiny buttons and switches in the dark.  The three bright LED lights were perfect for illuminating both pages.  Now, I read using the standard white lights, perfect for lighting up the night (or your way!) but I also tried it indoors with the orange and red filters.  For me, the orange gives the pages a sepia tone, very workable and easy on the eyes, while the red is actually calming.  I was surprised actually by the red's affect because when I initially attached the filter I thought....it looks like I'm trying to develop photos in here....but after a few minutes, I could see how easy it was to read the page without disturbing anyone in the vicinity.

The only drawback I experienced for my situation was that I would have liked to see perhaps a hinge that can open/close on the back to raise the device in another way as well...in this case, lifting it away from the body a bit more to hit a more removed reading distance.  Perhaps a suggestion for future models...

In the end, it's all in how and when you read.  If you're a day reader, you probably have less use for a product like this, but if you're a night reader, or someone who tends to read in places where a touch more light would be ideal, than this is definitely a product I'd recommend you try out the next time you're in the market. 

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Makes a Great Gift! 

AMAZON

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Testimonials

"I've never liked clip-on book lights because they add weight to the book, sometimes fall off, make it awkward to hold the book, and interfere with page turning. The Beam N Read has none of these problems, making them a pleasure to use" - BethFishReads.com

"The red filter is my favorite. My hubby doesn't like when I turn on a bright reading light in the dark...It cuts down ambient light, making everyone happy." - Momwitha.com

"The Beam N Read is by far the best personal reading light we have ever come across," - Scott Carmichael, Executive Editor, Gadling.com  

Purchase your own Beam N Read Reading Light from AMAZON

   

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Also Available...

Beam N Read USB/AC Power Kit

Save batteries for when you're on the go or the next power outage with the Beam n Read Accessory USB Power Kit. It works with all Beam n Read LED Hands-Free lights (3 and 6 LED lights). In addition to the adapter's 6 foot BnR to USB cable, this kit includes an additional 6 foot USB extension cord letting you work up to 12 feet from a USB-A socket. Need a longer cable? - just add a standard USB extension cable. Use the included USB/AC adapter or a USB DC car adapter/charger, or a computer's USB port, or the USB adapter/charger for your cell phone, e-reader, etc. You may leave batteries in the Beam n Read or take them out to make a super lightweight light. Please note this kit is for external power adapter and will not recharge batteries.

Purchase your Adapter from Amazon

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Product Review Tour

November 10th to December 10th

Website * Facebook * Pinterest

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$25 Tour Giveaway

Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/15/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

   a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Until next time...happier reading in the day AND the night!