Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Review & Giveaway: ChicoBag

Thrifty Jinxy


ChicoBags - a New Beginning
One of my goals this year is to attempt to be more responsible and eco-friendly with what I bring into my home and use in my daily life.  Having Fibromyalgia it's been really hard to deal with the myriad of plastic bags and boxes that I get.  I do reuse the plastic bags in the bathroom and at my sewing table - but it's still hard to use them all up efficiently.  I've decided that I'm going to try to make up some of those *Plarn Bags* using strips cut up from the millions of plastic bags under my kitchen sink.  (Click on a link for a tutorial)

Lately though due to the numbness and pain in my arms and shoulders it's been getting harder to carry heavy things in my hands and I received one of the "Sling" reusable bag(s) from Chico to try out to see if it would help me since all the weight won't be on one shoulder. 

The Sling bag is very large and when I wear it the bag rests on my left hip or I can swing it around to either the front or the back depending on my comfort, how tight my shoulders and back are and still use it comfortably.  The "handle" is fairly wide and sits flat on my shoulder comfortably without bunching up or folding in half. 

The Bag is 13.5" x 14.5" Pouch 4" x5.5" (approximately).  It's very large, easily fit a kleenex box, my easy lunchbox and my TENS unit without being too heavy or uncomfortable. 

I was very impressed with the high quality of this bag and Chico has very high standards in the making of the bags. Their bags are made of up to 100% recycled content.  The Sling is made with 99% recycled content (that's HUGE).  The fabric used in the bag production is 100% recycled PET. Many other components used in production (the aluminum carabiner, polyurethane cording, etc.) are made from recycled sources as well.  A printed list of recycled materials used in manufacturing appear on the inside of the bag and backside of the pouch.

For those of you who have Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Chronic Pain, Back issues or maybe have small kids that you are carrying you may want to consider another bag that Chico carries.  The Messenger bag has a strap that is adjustable (the Sling bag I described above is not) and offers a little more support.  It also has loops that attach to the new waist strap accessory (sold separately) for added support and stabilization.  Both bags can be washed in cold water and then hung to dry.

BUY IT!
You can purchase your own ChicoBag online HERE.  They have several different styles and even a great SET of 3 Produce Bags designed to optimize freshness when paired with the right produce. All three bags are machine washable and stuff into an adorable apple pouch with an attached carabiner, making it easy to carry and store your bags when not in use.  Prices for the set of 3 start at $11.99 and $15.99.

PhotobucketWIN IT!
Chico is offering one of my readers a bag of their very own.  It's a Sling Bag and I'm sure you'll love it as much as I love mine!  Isn't that nice of them (applause!)?  The WINNER will receive the bag to the right:

Mandatory entry:
Go to ChicoBag's website and tell me something you learned about ChicoBag.  This is Mandatory and must be done before any optional entries please.

Optional Entries:
(Pls note, these entries are optional. You do not have to do them to be entered. You do need to do the mandatory entry. Please include your email address on each comment. You can enter your email this way: contact(dot)thebooklady(at)gmail(dot)com) NOTE: (+3 = 3 entries)

"Like" ChicoBag on Facebook, be sure to leave a comment on their page and leave me the hyperlink. Thanks so much!
Follow ME on GFC (left sidebar)
Follow ME on Twitter
Follow ME on Facebook

Add this giveaway to any book hops or giveaway linkies using this link (be sure to leave the web address w/ your comment) (+3)

Tweet: " RT @familyliteracy WIN a Sling Bag from ChicoBag @ http://ning.it/eKyYjU Ends 2/05, US, #organizing, #home, #shopping " (can RT daily 3x (5 hours apart pls), please add hyperlink to comment)

Details:
The US Winner will be drawn on 1/28 at 10 pm. They will have 48 hours to respond to my email w/ their address so their book can be shipped to them. Street address - no PO Boxes please.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a ChicoBag  for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

96 comments:

  1. the Sling rePETe is manufactured of 99% recycled content duckybutt83@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am following you on Facebook Jeni Johannsmeier

    ReplyDelete
  3. following you on twitter @blogamajig

    ReplyDelete
  4. ChicoBag™ specializes in offering fashionable, environmentally friendly reusable shopping bags

    ReplyDelete
  5. I learned that we don't have to be worried with the ChicoBag as we do with other reusable bags about having the lead like we've been hearing so much talk about. They test all their items three times before they ever make it anywhere near a customer. Wow, now that is reassuring :)

    ~Steph
    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I follow ChicoBag on FB (Christmann Stephanie)

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I follow you via GFC

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm your FB follower (christmann stephanie)

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tweeted this giveaway.
    http://twitter.com/#!/4theLUVofSANITY/status/30665650967945218

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I entered this in a giveaway linky.
    http://eightymphmom.com/2011/01/link-em-up-thursday-giveaway-linky-for-january-27th/.html

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. 2x I entered this in a giveaway linky.
    http://eightymphmom.com/2011/01/link-em-up-thursday-giveaway-linky-for-january-27th/.html

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. 3x I entered this in a giveaway linky.
    http://eightymphmom.com/2011/01/link-em-up-thursday-giveaway-linky-for-january-27th/.html

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I had no idea there were so many options for resusable bags- I'm really interested in all of the produce bags- looks like a great product! ask081906@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the sling bag ~ I learned that the Sling rePETe™ is manufactured of 99% recycled content
    kkfoster35 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I like CHico Bags on FB (Karen F)
    kkfoster35 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am a GFC Follower
    kkfoster35 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I learned that Andy Keller is the president of chicobag, and ChicoBag™ is now an industry leader in the compact reusable bag movement and a leading innovator of fashionable, lightweight, bags and packs that can be easily stuffed into an integrated pouch.
    adaliadelcompar at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Like Chicobag on fb and I commented on their wall
    http://www.facebook.com/admd080/posts/484830280833
    adalia M
    adaliadelcompar at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Like you on facebook
    Adalia M
    adaliadelcompar at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. tweeted
    http://twitter.com/Midiaadiablog/status/30769672882225152
    adaliadelcompar at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. linky
    http://simplybeingmommy.com/2011/01/22/giveaways-galore-link-your-giveaways-37/ #28
    adaliadelcompar at gmail dot com
    1

    ReplyDelete
  22. linky
    http://simplybeingmommy.com/2011/01/22/giveaways-galore-link-your-giveaways-37/ #28
    adaliadelcompar at gmail dot com
    2

    ReplyDelete
  23. linky
    http://simplybeingmommy.com/2011/01/22/giveaways-galore-link-your-giveaways-37/ #28
    adaliadelcompar at gmail dot com
    3

    ReplyDelete
  24. retweet.
    http://twitter.com/#!/4theLUVofSANITY/status/30779667933958144

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I found out that the chicobags can carry a lot of weight and are able to be folded into a small integrated pouch. I liked the 40# capacity Chicobag Vita with shoulder length straps.
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Liked ChicoBags on facebook and posted on their wall.
    http://www.facebook.com/ChicoBag#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=484873100833&id=1574471762
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. GFC follower
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Follow you on Twitter:minibea
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Tweet:1/27
    http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/30826542229622784
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Fan of yours on facebook.
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. ChicoBag was started by Andy Keller after he went to the landfill and saw all the plastic, one-use bags.

    angelstar(at)commspeed(dot)net

    Thank you for the entry!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  32. i learned that a list of the recycled materials used is printed inside the bag! thanks!


    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. following you on twitter (in_the_hammock)

    inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Tweet.
    http://twitter.com/#!/4theLUVofSANITY/status/31157530264608768

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I learned that the repete bags are made of 99% recycled content...Yeah!!

    My email is
    shade91(at)mchsi(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Liked Chicobags on FB and posted comment on their page.
    http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/ChicoBag

    My email is
    shade91(at)mchsi(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Following you on GFC.

    My email is
    shade91(at)mchsi(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. tweet:1/28
    http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/31198431489826816
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  39. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/4theLUVofSANITY/status/31202697168289792

    soklad at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I was going to say something about how they keep plastic bags out of landfills and the ocean, but then I saw their "repurposing" of reusable bags. They send them to be made into rugs, benefitting a domestic violence project. Wow, that is surely a win-win-win situation.
    auntietina21 AT hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Follower on Google Friend Connect
    auntietina21 AT hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I learned that chicobag offers a lot of resources to organizations like schools to help with fundraisers using chicobags.
    jhbalvin at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Andy’s ChicoBag™ brand reusable bags were first sold in 2005 on Earth Day at the Farmers Market in Chico, CA

    mnikpat@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Following Chico on FB - Nichole Patrick

    mnikpat@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. http://www.facebook.com/nichole.patrick/posts/485800785833

    Posted on ChicoBag's Wall

    mnikpat@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Following via Google Connect - mnikpat

    mnikpat@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Following you on Twitter @mnikpat

    mnikpat@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Following on Facebook - Nichole Patrick

    mnikpat@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I learned that the repete bags are made of 99% recycled content

    ReplyDelete
  51. I learned that they have a school fundraising program - so much better than candybar sales!

    sarahwolcheski at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I like that the bag is made from recycled material.
    Thanks, Karen
    lemontart5kb at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I follow you on GFC.
    Thanks, Karen
    lemontart5kb at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. CHICOBAG SLING rePETe repete means reused product 99% is awesome..awesome up-cycle

    ReplyDelete
  55. http://www.facebook.com/ChicoBag?v=wall
    LIKED

    ReplyDelete
  56. I never realized they had so many options love them all especially the mesh produce bag. Aacdporter@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/32322658775343104
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/32642079859408897
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love that they are a part of wellness programns and fundraising for schools!

    ReplyDelete
  60. oh! and my email is mylittledivadesigns (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love that this company started by one man on a mission. He did a really great thing, and I hope that more people will use reusable bags before its too late!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I learned that the inspiration of Chico Bag came from a landfill! It's amazing that you can find inspiration from trash! Love the idea of the duffel they have on the website.

    ReplyDelete
  63. I follow you on Facebook as Meredith Dupass

    ReplyDelete
  64. I follow via GFC publicly as Mimi D.! :) Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Tweet:2/2
    http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/33012397903978496
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Tweet:2/4
    http://twitter.com/#!/minibea/status/33444361580584960
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. ChicoBags are safe for the environment.

    ashlynloves 2 blog at gmaill dot com
    http://ashlynloves2blog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I learned that Andy’s ChicoBag™ brand reusable bags were first sold in 2005 on Earth Day at the Farmers Market in Chico, CA. Since then, they have come a long way with the design.
    kmogilevski at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Like ChicoBag on Facebook (katie schneider) and posted (http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=488372890833&id=100001060104795)
    kmogilevski at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Follow you through GFC (katie, kmogilevski)
    kmogilevski at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Like you on Facebook (katie schneider)
    kmogilevski at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Tweeted (http://twitter.com/#!/kmogilevski/status/33536271100030976)
    kmogilevski at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Added to giveaway linky #14 (http://blesstheirheartsmom.blogspot.com/2011/02/bless-their-little-giveaway-linkys-feb.html) - 1
    kmogilevski at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Added to giveaway linky #14 (http://blesstheirheartsmom.blogspot.com/2011/02/bless-their-little-giveaway-linkys-feb.html) - 2
    kmogilevski at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Added to giveaway linky #14 (http://blesstheirheartsmom.blogspot.com/2011/02/bless-their-little-giveaway-linkys-feb.html) - 3
    kmogilevski at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I learned that the bags are tested 3 times before they reach the customer, so we don't have to worry about lead! GO CHICO!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  78. Mandatory Entry: i learned that CHICOBAG™ | REUSABLE BAGS
    ChicoBag's™ mission is to reduce single-use bag waste by offering compact reusable bags and packs that are designed to be unforgettable. ChicoBag™ specializes in offering fashionable, environmentally friendly reusable shopping bags and lifestyle totes

    Anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I follow google connect "anash"
    email anashct [at] gmail [dot] com

    anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/anashct/status/33878721324781568
    email: anashct [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I learned they sold these first on Earth Day!

    nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. http://twitter.com/#!/nola727/status/34020243797970944

    tweeted

    nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Follow ME on Facebook

    nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com
    Norleans Louisiana

    ReplyDelete
  84. Follow ME on Twitter
    nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com

    @nola727

    ReplyDelete
  85. Follow ME on GFC (left sidebar)

    nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. "Like" ChicoBag on Facebook, be sure to leave a comment on their page and leave me the hyperlink. Thanks so much!

    nolagirl727 at yahoo dot com

    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=488972670833&id=100001028877608

    ReplyDelete
  87. I learned chico bag can be used for fundraisers! that is such a great idea and so much more practical that wrapping paper!

    ReplyDelete
  88. I learned they have a repurposing/recycling program for reusable bags
    sara.iteachk@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I am following your blog on GFC
    sara.iteachk@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  91. I follow via GFC. ask081906@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

Hi friends! Leave your family friendly comments below and if you are a new follower please leave your blog address (if you have one) so I can follow back! Thanks so much! Tina