Product Review-CSN Stores: Sauder Beginnings Bookcase

Howdy, fellow shopaholic!

So, I've been telling you guys for a while now how great CSNstores is. I recently received a product review opportunity with CSN and decided I would make my first product review on the blog one with significance. You may recall my 'TV Top Bookshelf' or my constant bitchin' on twitter about Mount TBR which has taken over 80% of my bedroom floor. I never had my own, personal bookcase before, and now that I am a full fledged bookophile,the need for one was undeniable. 

There's something symbolic about having your own bookcase; it says "I am literate, here me roar....ROAR!", well, at least that's what it does for me and after countless hours of refreshing the FedEx tracking page and organizing my books into piles and categories for easy shelf-transition: the time has come!!

But first, let's start from the beginning!:

Below I will detail my recently shopping experience with CSN Stores. (please note: I was not influenced in any way by receiving the promo gift card towards my purchase. This is an honest review of my shopping experience and the quality of the product I receive. No BS!)

So here's what I purchased:

Sauder Beginnings Bookcase - $30.99

A beginners bookcase (so fitting)

In a cinnamon cherry finish

Locating products: In terms of product diversity and options in multiple price points, CSN stores rocked the house with this! They have over 200+ online stores (including a store just for bookcases ), so the chances that they'll have everything I need (plus everything I didn't even know I wanted) were extremely high. I was very pleased with the variety of merchandise the site carries. The site is also well designed and user-friendly, so I quickly found exactly what pages I needed to and saw all my options quite easily (utilizing in-site tools such as the price rang slider). I will say that the general price point of CSN is not BLOW-OUT crazy from the bottom- up. I'd say the store is more moderately priced and has a few higher-end pieces, but there is truly something for everyone. The best deals are in the higher price ranges, and with a $35 gift card, the options weren't as impressive as the ones I spied in the 'over $50-$100 range', but that's to be expected and I was pretty happy with what I did find!

Deciding which product to buy: Ultimately, I wanted to buy something I could really use, and since you all know about the overflowing book problem, I figured a bookcase was the way to go. I didn't want to invest too much into some huge, grand bookcase just yet since I am planning on moving out after college and I would rather save a big purchase like that (I'd want to get the mack-daddy bookcase of all bookcases) for when I have my own place. Also, I have like negative zero space in my room, so size, quality, and price were my main concern. As I stated earlier, taking advantage of in-site tools like the price ranger helped me quickly find products I could afford.

Grievances up to this point: I had an idea of the type of bookcase I wanted, and admittedly, trying to stay in the $35 range for that was hard (only one option that matched it), but I was quite surprised with the gem that awaited me. I want to note that the site had promotions like free shipping on just about everything. Sadly,the product I chose wasn't one of them (but if you're willing to splurge a bit-like bump up your budget to $50- you'll definitely find an amazing deal with free shipping!). Also, the product page for the bookcase showed preview photos of the different finishes but had no labels. There were 4 finishes (or colors) and when you select one, it didn't refresh the preview image to that specific finish. If you're 'furniture-illiterate' like me, it may frustrate you because you don't know the difference between 'cinnamon cherry' and 'mission cherry'. I ended up using google images for determining what each  finishe looked like (and they differed a bit depending on store and product)

Comapred to other Retailers: I checked Home Depot, Lowes, and Ikea and couldn't find anything close to the steal I got at CSN. Most decent, basic, 3 shelve bookcases started at $50 and only went higher. Lowes did have about 3 options in the $15-$25 range, but the reviews weren't too promising. And Ikea did offer a similar 3 shelve bookcase/storage unit within my preset price range, but they limited the deal to only one color (a plain white), so if I wanted something, say Medium Brown, to match my other furniture, it would cost $60. With CSN, they offered the 4 different finish options all while keeping the price the same.

Ordering: Ordering was fast and easy and I felt pretty secure. I immediately received an order confirmation email with all the accurate information and estimates as to when tracking info would be available and when I could expect the product to arrived. I used my $35 promotion and after shipping/taxes I ended up paying a grand total of 3.94 (which I can't complain about). Beforehand, I figured it would be a good idea to create an account on CSN and was pleasantly surprised with the benefits. Their CSN Rewards program is great, because you can earn 3% back on ALL your purchases. So every time you buy a new curtain for the dining room or order a nice gift for Aunt Sally, you get rewards that you can put towards future purchases. All the info I could ever need (like customer service numbers, the return policy, ect) was available right on the confirmation page and when you create an account, all the links are available on your dashboard.

Shipping/The Wait: I ordered on Monday-March 7th (around 6pm). Order Confirmation arrived almost immediately. I received shipping confirmation/my tracking info on the 8th (info wasn't delayed and location of my product was visible the second I clicked the link), and the estimated delivery date was the 10th. The product arrived on time!

Delivery/Upon Arrival: The product was packaged very securely and arrived intact and undamaged (it rained like hell on the 10th, but my hot FedEx guy didn't let the package get too wet ;) (naughty thoughts!). It was pretty heavy. The shipping info clocked it at around 35 lbs. I did it all on my own and lugged the box all the way up the stairs and in my room by myself. Do-able, but I like to complain, so I huffed and puffed and damned the steps the whole entire time ;). The box was a tad difficult to open, (I had to use my feet for leverage as you can see) but everything got out eventually and nothing was broken, missing, or scratched.

Tools Required: Hammer and Phillips Screwdriver

Assembly: Okay, I am not Tom Hanks and this is NOT the show 'Home Improvement'. I'll tell you right off the bat that it took me roughly 2 1/2 hours to put this together, but for the average person, they could  probably do it in an hour or so. But I was so proud! I was doing it all by myself!!! 

Feeling like a big shot until I realized I was assembling it backwards and had to unscrew the screws I'd just painstakingly screwed in. I tend to just jump right in, and while I did glance at the instructions (which were simple, easy to follow) they weren't in color, so I didn't realize I should have had the 'unfinished' side of the wood facing down and had to re-do it. 

Then I realized I was assembling it irregularly, again! The two vertical piece are suppose to overlap past the bottom shelf a bit and fit snug with the shelf at the top, so I had one board over lapping and the other coming up short. More un-screwing and screwing ensued (heh) but eventually I got it done.

Finished Product!:



Final Thoughts: I absolutely ADORE My new Bookcase! It does wobble faintly when rocked due to the TV I put on top of it (instructions say the top part should only support 25lbs- but I don't have the room and I never listen to pieces of paper that try to rule my life), and I probably put it together in a less than professionally fashion, but even so, it's holding up nicely and this is a perfect fit! I love the quality of the wood- remember those screwing mistakes I made? The wood held up to the assembly, didn't crack or split, and looks gorgeous. The back piece wasn't wood (some sort of board), but it's holding up well and as long as I don't purposely try to punch it out, it should stay intact. It holds my books and displays everything nicely. It was wider than I anticipate (good thing- more room for books) and it fits perfectly in my cramped room. Lots of shelf space and on the top shelf I have about 44 paperback books with room to squeeze in a few more.

Once again: I love my bookshelf! This was is a superb product (considering the $30 price tag) and purchase experience and I will most definietly be shopping with this company again soon!

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And because this is a book blog, here's a close up of my TBR shelf. I try to follow the order I set up, but I have ebooks and review copies I have to read/review first.

I've also fit books behind this first row which have already been read. I couldn't get a full pic of the entire shelf (crappy camera phone) but lots of these books were bought after receiving recommendations from you readers, so if you spot a book you may have recommendation, you can see I paid attention!

 

More CSN Stores Pimpage

So, March Madness will soon be upon us and that means the overgrown boys in your life a.k.a 'the manly men'  will be parading around the house with their friends while screaming at televisions and munching on pretzels. While they're off doing that, why not take this opportunity to work on your own personal project? Write the manuscript of your heart, catch up on some work from the office, barricade yourself in a room filled with books like it's a bunker until the 'madness' has pass.

And while your at it, REDECORATE!

Nothing gears me up for Spring and Summer (after an apocalyptic winter) faster than hallowing out my room and putting up some new decor.

CSN Stores is always here to help. With over 200+ online stores, chances are, they'll have everything AND the kitchen sink! Select from their wide variety of office desks and find the one you'll write the next USA Today Bestselling Novel on, get some much needed office supplies to stock your work area with, check out their assortment of bookcases to store all the books you'll need to make it to April with your sanity intact.

Whatever you choose to do, just get er' done! You'll always find what you need (and everything you didn't know you wanted) at CSN Stores!

-And please share any remodeling or decorating plans you have in the works! I'd love to go virtual window shopping with you! I'll be reviewing my next CSN stores experience with you guys shortly, so look out for that!

New Year, New You? (More CSNStores Pimpage)

So Christmas is over and you're looking at a New Year filled with the same old happeneings or the same drab furniture and decor you've had since 93'? Use 2011 as a year for change. Go hiking for the first time (once the snow has melted and the temperature goes back into the positives), enroll in culinary school and start making plans to start your own restaurant, write that manuscript you've had burning a hole in your psyche since forever, re-model your kitchen or turn that extra bedroom into your own personal domain.

Whatever you decide you need to do this year, make sure you go to the best of the best for the materials you'll need. CSNStores has hiking boots and backpacks to aid in your adventures, modern dining furniture to hold and display all the fancy dishes you learn how to make, writing supplies to stock your office desk with, and everything under the sun you would need to decorate and luxuriate.

Whatever you plan to do, have fun with it and stay committed. Small budget, or big, you'll find what you need at CSNStores. =)

X-mas Party Giveaway: $85 Giftcard to CSN stores

In a few weeks, the Christmas trees will be framed by mountains of wrapped presents!

...Or will they?....

For some reason, most people always find themselves on a never-ending check out line in some retailer a day or two before the big day. I have fallen prey to the trap of Last minuet gift shopping, and this year will probably be no different. There's no hope for me, but for one lucky entrant, CSN stores is here to help.

Below you will find the answer to your problems:

IT'S A FORM!!!

Not just any form, but THE form. (lol) Fill it out and you will be entered to win:

a $85 Giftcard to CSN stores!

Spend it on the relative who you callously forgotten! .. or just pick up a cute bag for yourself! ;)



Rules:
*Open to anyone, anywhere as long as CSN stores will ships to you!/ They DO ship internationally (special sites for the UK and Deutschland) for more info, click here

*You can get extra points (entries) for Being a follower of this blog, speading the word, and voting in the Reader's Choice Award poll.

*In the form, there is a question that asks you to visit: http://www.csnstores.com/ (or any of their other 250+ online specialty stores) and pick out something under $85 you would love to gift to someone (or yourself). Make sure you do this!! You can link in the form and then post them here in the comments as well, and I'll give a bonus +20 points (entries) to the best find in the comments!!

[Giveaway ends: December 18th, 2010 @ midnight!]
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...umm, yeah, did you not get the memo? Christmas is in less than 23 days... WHY ARE YOU SITTING THERE.. go beat up grandma for the last pair of butterfly hair clips for your daughter, and then come back here and enter the giveaway when you reliazes she had beaten you!!....

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...gearing up for the holidays with CSNstores

   Well, it's almost that time! The big day is mere weeks away. In the meanwhile, why not start a little impromptu tree shopping? I found this great one online for only 95$ at CSNstores.

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find just about anything you need whether it be new children's luggage to pack the kiddies off to grandma and grandpa's for the holidays, a fashionable handbag to flaunt in front of all your relatives while you gather round the tree, or some wicked sweet home decour.

Maybe you're like me and have been using the same old, balding, artificial tree since 1992. I found a really gorgeous tree on the site that I am itching to put up in my living room. The Vickerman 54" Snowtip Berry/Vine Artificial Christmas Tree with Multicolored Lights is such a beauty. For $95, you get a sturdy, stylish tree that's already partial decorated when you take it out the box. I absoloutely HATE trying to wrap my faulty string of lights around a clonky christmas tree. With the lights already built in, that's half the battle won already. Just add a few personal ornaments to make it your own and you're good to go!

The gorgeous Vickerman Christmas Tree @ CSN Stores!

You'll find plenty of decorative pieces to spice up your home for the holiday, but you can't forget the big dog of them all. Find plenty of wonderful X-mas trees for under $100 on CSNstores.com by configuring your search. I've already done that, so just click this link and find the new member to your holiday family!

*Stay tuned for a special CSN stores giveaway during the month of December to help get your house in tip top shape before the major holiday!

Check Out CSN Stores: You'll find everything but the kitchen sink...Oh wait, they've got that, too!

Hey everybody,
   I hope you are all doing supercalifragilisticexpialidocious-ly! I know Halloween is only one days away, but that doesn't mean you can't start preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas! I know I've been hard at work, planning lots of fun events and activities to help celebrate the holidays here on the blog.
   In all honesty, there isn't much I can think of for November other than more interviews, giveaways and book reviews. So, how about I suggest a great place to order any thing you need to dress up your house for the holidays? We're weeks away from Thanksgiving, and you'll want to impress the in-laws. Don't worry though, CSN Stores has got your back!

With over 200 online specialty stores, CSN Stores carries just about everything you need (and everything you don't, but will end up getting regardless!) Need a new dining room table for displaying that delicious Thanksgiving turkey? How about some stylish slip covers to makeover the old sofa in the living room? In desperate need of Pots, Pans,..or fireplaces?

All that and more is at your finger tips! Check out the Our Stores page on the CSN Stores website for a full listing of all the stores/sites in their arsenal. Any and everything you could need to make this year the best year for celebrating family, life, and love is only a click away!

-Stay tuned on the blog for more stuff on CSN Stores! I've found plenty of wish list items to bombard you guys with! How about visiting their site and telling me what you would pick out! I've got my eyes on those Paula Deen Cookware Sets!