KOR ONE Hydration Vessel {Review & Giveaway} Water ReDesigned

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

When we first started "going green" around here, giving up my bottled water didn't seem all that difficult to do. In fact, as I learned more and more about what could easily be seeping into my water, I began to feel a little squeamish about using plastic bottles anyway.

Add to that all of the pretty designs and styles of reusable bottles that were beginning to flood the market and it wasn't hard for me to jump on the bandwagon. Until recently, I was switching between one or two metal bottles, one with a sports top and one with a screw-on cap and was... well, perfectly satisfied with them. But nothing more.

That is, however, until I began using a KOR ONE Hydration Vessel and realized all that I had been missing.

Available in four great colors, the KOR ONE Hydration Vessels (sounds much more professional than calling it a water bottle, doesn't it?) are made from a material called Eastman Tritan, a new generation of copolyester. Offering the clarity and performance of polycarbonate but without the dangers of BPA, these Vessels are completely safe, healthy and sustainable.

What makes the KOR ONE so much better than the metal bottles that I was previously using? The list is surprisingly long, actually. I'll start with the obvious: just how darn pretty they are to look at. Measuring in at 1 foot tall, the KOR ONE Vessels hold 25 fluid ounces, which is much more than I could carry before. I barely have time to take a drink of water sometimes, so not having to stop and refill this as many times is a huge plus for me.

Also, the long, elliptical shape of the KOR ONE is not only unique-looking but the ergonomic design fits extremely well in my hand. The convenient handle on the top can be used to carry the Vessel or can be hooked on or attached with a strap depending on what is convenient. It slides perfectly into the side pocket of my diaper bag, easily fits in all of the standard cupholders that I've tried and the soft rubber ring on the bottom means it stands firm and won't scratch on the counter or table.

Next, there's how much I don't miss that slightly odd, metallic taste to the water that I was getting before, nor the feeling of the metal on my lips. Instead, the KOR ONE has an even, rounded mouthpiece that is comfortable to drink from and fits well to the shape of my mouth. Instead of the annoying threads from a screw-on cap, this opening is smooth and sleek and manages to minimize the amount of water that splashes out. Not to mention that the space is plenty wide enough to drop in ice cubes for an extra dose of cooling at home or on the go.

I love the convenience of the flip-top cap as well, it opens quickly and easily with one hand by simply pressing a button and the strong hinge keeps the top in place while I am drinking (instead of it flopping forward into my nose). When it comes time to close the cap, the KOR ONE gives a satisfying snap to let me know it is closed and I have never once seen a single drop leak out afterward. No matter how much it has been shaken or splashed around, this Hydration Vessel has held tight, something I definitely appreciate.

Completely upside down and not a single leak. Thankfully.

Finally, the KOR ONE does more than just provide me with my water - together with its KOR Stones, it is a motivator every time I open the cap to take a drink. Right underneath the lid is a compartment that holds any of the 5 included inspirational messages or a note or picture of your own. I debated over Laugh Often, but chose to put Now Is The Time because of all of the meanings it holds for me. As well as working on being a procrastinator, reading this is a reminder to focus on the moment and not dwell on the past or try to control the future. A pretty significant idea from one small Stone.

Behind the great KOR ONE Hydration Vessels is a company that is equally as impressive. As well as understanding that the path to "going green" is a continuous process and that we all work to find the balance between ourselves and the environment, KOR Water stands strongly behind their mission to "Protect and Celebrate Water." As members of 1% for the Planet, 1% of all of KOR's annual sales are donated to a select group of non-profit organizations that benefit the earth.

In fact, the color KOR ONE that you choose not only reflects your personal style, but each Vessel benefits a different water-related cause. The Orchid Pink that I picked works to fight the Global Water Crisis by partnering with Blue Planet Run, a non-profit dedicated to bringing the global community together to provide safe drinking water to people around the world in need. And here I just thought that the pink would make Big Sister E happy (which it does).

I don't regret retiring my previous water bottles in the least, the KOR ONE has far surpassed them in all areas. The sleek style, extremely high quality, comfort to drink from and versatility (dishwasher safe!) make this my favorite on all levels. Add to that KOR Water's devotion to the environment and to helping people live a better life and you just can't go wrong. Not only that, thanks to their generosity, one person will get to experience these amazing Hydration Vessels for themselves, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of color KOR ONE Hydration Vessel! ARV $29.95!

To enter to win: Visit KOR and tell me the full name of the color KOR ONE that is your favorite AND which of the NEW KOR Stones sayings you like best.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow KOR on Twitter and/or become a fan on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN an incredible KOR ONE ($30) - the next generation of water bottle @thxmailcarrier from @KOR_Water! http://bit.ly/ciZlp1 #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
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Giveaway will end on April 22nd at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

A huge thank you to KOR for providing a KOR ONE for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.