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