The Truth in Advertising

This week, I expect about 5 Lock & Lock lunch sets to land on my doorstep.  I have posts, reviews, and lunches all planned around them.  I’ve been talking about it for over a week on my Twitter feed.  But before I do any of that here on the blog, I want to talk to my readers about a few changes that are taking place on Not Exactly Bento in regards to advertising and this site.

I’ve never placed ads, except for one sponsor a couple of years ago, on NEB.  Writing and maintaining this blog is a stress reliever, a creative outlet, and a hobby for me.  When I started cooking, blogging, bento-ing, and photography, I gave up my current hobby (jewelry-making at the time) since I had grown bored with it.  For the most part, I pay all or the large majority of the costs for Not Exactly Bento out of my own pocket.  And I love it!  This includes not only the fees associated with this website, but also the bento boxes I’ve purchased for giveaways and all the costs associated with such.  It’s my way of giving back to a community that I feel has done alot for me.

On the other hand, NEB is a little expensive to run, so I’ve decided to pick up an advertiser again (Clever Girls Collective, wonderful company) and join an affiliate network.

I’ve had the opportunity to join networks in the past but have always passed up the opportunity to do so.  If I’m going to whole heartedly endorse something, it’s going to be with something that I am obsessed.  And nothing fits that bill better than vendors who supply Lock & Lock.

Lock & Lock were my first bento boxes.

Lock & Lock produces my favorite bento box.

Most of my pantry is stored in Lock & Lock containers, as are leftovers in my refrigerator.  If you are close to me, you hear me talk about the brand.  How much I like it.  How I prefer it over their competitors.  How it is woefully lacking in department stores in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

I give it to friends as gifts.  I receive it from family as presents.

If there is brand loyalty, I have it in spades for Lock & Lock.  So when I discovered this past week that this particular box, and others of its ilk, finally made it stateside and are more readily available to US residents, I nearly cried with joy.  When I realized that they have that HARD-TO-FIND bento box (details in the link above) ending my 3 year search for a 2nd one, I jumped for joy…literally.

In the end, I decided to become an affiliate of these vendors: Lock & Lock USA and All Things for Sale.  You are going to see alot of Lock & Lock around here lately.  I’ve been looking at purchasing new bento boxes for quite some time and keep going back to my favorite Lock & Lock.  Now that I can buy them in the States, my cabinets will be full of them.  Any affiliate links within posts will be clearly marked.  A small ad with affiliate link will also be placed in the sidebar for this website.

As well, my Twitter feed is full of Lock & Lock lately.  I’m reviewing products on their site and reviews earn chances to win great prices.  Visit their site at www.locknlockplace.com to learn more.  Today, I will add a link to the review I’d like people to vote on (it will be in my sidebar).  If you feel so inclined, please vote for me.  I’m really hoping to have a chance to win (and maybe offer a part of the proceeds here as a prize at NEB).

So that’s the Truth in Advertising here at Not Exactly Bento.  I am going to place a link to this post in the sidebar so that it is easily seen for visitors who want to know what’s going on here.  You’ll always know when a post is sponsored.

Thanks a million guys!  You’re the best readers a girl could have.

This post was not sponsored by Lock & Lock, All Things for Sale, or Clever Girls Collective, nor did I receive any compensation for it.  No links in this post are affiliate links or lead to websites that may compensate NEB in some way shape or form (at this time).  Thank you for your support.