Spring Cleaning Tips - Blog review

I was doing a little blog hopping.  I'm not sure yet how I ended up looking at Spring Cleaning except that maybe it was "meant to be".  With a tiny apartment and very little storage I tend to have lots of little piles and some not so little.  My living room is definitely for "living" - it's a TV room, an office, a dining area, a kitchen, a sewing room and a place for boxes from my Usborne Books orders.  I intend to use those boxes for goodwill donations but well, it hasn't happened yet.

I came across Fresh Home Blog which led me to Shelterpop.  For you DIY people out there have you found these two great sites yet?  Fresh Home blog is the online magazine for the Fresh Home Magazine and has a great concept.  One of the unique things they do is have their readers send in pictures of a "ugly" room and then their readers send in suggestions for a remodel.  Ugly room s.o.s.: alison's brown bathroom

Laura Wittmann, founder of OrgJunkie.com and author of the book Clutter Rehab, was recently interviewed on Shelterpop.com and asked for Spring Cleaning tips.  She basically suggests that you do the job you dread the most first and then break down other jobs into 30 minutes or less.

"You can go about your day feeling a huge sense of relief and satisfaction knowing you've accomplished a chore you've been putting off," she says. "It's very freeing!"

Be sure to read the article and get your Spring Cleaning challenges & solutions:

• Spring Cleaning Challenge #1:  Cupboards that run the risk of item-avalanche when opened.
• Spring Cleaning Challenge #2: Growing piles, disorganized papers and unpaid bills.
• Spring Cleaning Challenge #3:  Drawers that don't close properly due to overstuffing.
• Spring Cleaning Challenge #4:  Overburdened and under-organized linen closet.

Are you inspired for more spring cleaning?    Spring Cleaning: Tips From a Pro by Alison Lind

Oscillococcinum Review/Giveaway

This last week has been awful.  Today is the first day this week I was actually up and doing something.  I got some grocery shopping done, paid a couple of bills, talked to my neighbor a little, took out the trash & recyclables, cut out some reusable sandwich bags fabric for my booth this weekend (hopefully they turn out because I cut out a lot!).

I was just so tired and achy and now that I look back on it maybe I had the flu.  I hope not because I was busy with friends last weekend and I'd hate for them to get sick.  I've been trying to be more eco-friendly and also use more natural nutrition and medication when I can and I ended up doing a little research on Oscillococcinum^®  which helps to reduce the severity and duration of flu-like symptoms (headache, body ache, chills and fever).  It's a form of homeopathic medicine using plants, minerals or animal substance that helps to trigger our bodies to heal itself.

One of the things I've learned to ask about homeopathic remedies or nutritional supplements is whether any research has been done and if it has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals which Oscillococcinum has been.  According to their website the research has shown that 63% of patients who took Oscillo at the onset of flu-like symptoms showed "clear improvement" or "complete resolution" of their symptoms after 48 hours, vs 49% with a placebo. Click here

Points to consider: 

• Oscillococcinum is safe for children and adults over 2 years of age.
• There are no known side effects including drowsiness.
• It doesn't interfere with existing conditions such as high blood pressure, doesn't interact with other medications, herbs or supplements.
• Clinical studies have shown that it helps to reduce the severity & duration of flu-like symptoms.
• It dissolves UNDER the tongue and doesn't require water to ingest it.
• It comes in handy little tubes which make it easy to keep in your purse or in the car when you're travelling.
• It has a 5 year shelf life (that's HUGE for me!)

“Because of their inherent safety, I recommend homeopathic medicines like Oscillococcinum as a first course of treatment. In general, homeopathic medicines don’t cause side effects and don’t interact with other drugs,” says Dr. Schiller. “Oscillo® works best when taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms, so it’s important to pay close attention to symptoms and, whether on the road or at home, be prepared by having Oscillo on hand.”

You can get more information if you'd like at: www.boironusa.com.  

I'm going to also check out their pain relief medications for my Fibromyalgia: www.arnicare.com.

Coupons:

You can buy your Oscillococcinum at your favorite store using these handy coupons. 

One expires in January 2012 and one in December 2012.  So you might as well print both. 

Giveaway:

Boiron has offered one of my readers a box of Oscillococcinum to keep handy for their next bout of the flu.  This way you'll have it handy when you start feeling achy, tired, runny nose, chilled, etc...

Mandatory entry: Visit Oscillo.com and tell us something you learned.

Optional Extra Entries: (1 entry each)

• Tell us: do you get the vaccination or do you try more natural methods to fight the flu? 
• Follow Oscillo on Facebook.
• Follow Oscillo on Twitter. 
• Follow ME on Facebook.
• Follow ME on Twitter.
• Go to Boiron's Blog and sign up for the Holistic Mom's Health Webinar: 5 Top Homeopathic Remedies for Family Wellness seminar on March 29th, 1-2 pm EST
• Tweet up to 3 times daily, 4 hours apart:  " RT @familyliteracy #WIN a package of Oscillococcinum from #Boiron at GivingNSharing, 4/5, US #FLU #health http://ning.it/dQDE9b

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Monday 3/14 - blog hoppin'

1. Do you have a fireplace in your home? No unfortunately.  I've seen those neat Amish "fireplaces" that you can use to warm up an apartment.  They look like a fireplace, without all the work, plug 'em in and go!  I'd love one!
2. Can you drive a stick shift?  No
3. How many computers are in your home?  One in the living room so I can multi-task and watch TV at the same time!
4. Are your taxes done yet? Do you do them yourself? No - I do them thru Turbo Tax.  I like how I'm 'walked' through my taxes.  Very easy to do.  Usually I have them done by the end of Feb - I'm really behind this year.  
5. What is your favorite meal of the day?  My favorite is breakfast - all day long!


Thanks for stopping by GivingNSharing!  I appreciate it and would love to have you stop and look around if you have time.  Be sure to leave a comment and your blog address so I can follow you back.  I do have several giveaways and if you're interested you can click on the one you want and it should take you to the post.  Thanks so much!


1) WIN a trip for 2 from Gortons and 5 winners will get FREE food! http://tiny.cc/6wd5n ends 3/10, US
2) MaMi's line of natural skin care w/ active ingredients, no fillers, safe, toxin-free & paraben-free! Giveaway~ http://ning.it/evIJFc
3)LOW Entries! ~ WIN a Blossom Bag from ChicoBag.com on GivingNSharing @http://tiny.cc/m1god, Ends 3/15, US
Ends 3/20:
4) WIN a SIGNED copy of Little Skink from Janet Halfmann @ http://ning.it/dRWa6N Ends 3/20, US

Weekend Fun and More

It's the end of the weekend and I'm just now getting into being social (LOL). I found a new blog hop and signed up for it. Let's Get Social is the brainchild of a fabulous group of five bloggers called the Fab 5! The Fab 5 includes Bridget of Guide to Smart Shopping, Jennifer of Sweep Tight, Jessica of Mom of all Trades, Tree of Mother of Pearl It Is, and Brandi of Life with Five Monkies.

Be sure to join me NEXT WEEKEND on Let's Get Social and let's have some FUN!

_________________________________________

Giveaways you won't want to miss!
They end the 15th and then I have a few new ones starting:

1) WIN a trip for 2 from Gortons and 5 winners will get FREE food! http://tiny.cc/6wd5n ends 3/10, US

2) MaMi's line of natural skin care w/ active ingredients, no fillers, safe, toxin-free & paraben-free! Giveaway~ http://ning.it/evIJFc

3)LOW Entries! ~ WIN a Blossom Bag from ChicoBag.com on GivingNSharing @ http://tiny.cc/m1god, Ends 3/15, US

Ends 3/20:
4) WIN a SIGNED copy of Little Skink from Janet Halfmann @
http://ning.it/dRWa6N Ends 3/20, US

_________________________________________

I met my friend today at Panera's and we had a nice chat over salad's and yummy sandwiches. I had the Greek Salad and a Sierra Turkey Sandwich on ciabetta bread. Being laid off I find I'm not eating as much so I didn't even manage more than 1/2 of my meal. It's funny how when I'm at work that's all I do - when I'm at home I'm lucky if I eat more than 1 meal a day & a bowl of cereal.

Anyway afterwards I went to the Barnes and Noble there and found a couple of great books. One is a great book by Jennifer Ford Berry called Organize Now! I'm excited about this book because it's organized as a week-by-week guide to simplify your space and your life. It starts by working on Weeks 1-4 Organize yourself which covers Organizing Your Mind and Life Vision and each week has a checklist of Weekly Goals and concludes with a list of How to Stay Organized with Once a Month, Every 3-6 Months and Once a Year items to work on with a handy check list, tips and comments spread throughout the book.

Other chapters are:
• Organize Your Papers
• Organize Your Things
• Organize Your High-Traffic Areas
• Organize Your Personal Spaces
• Organize Your Storage Areas
• Organize Your Special Events
• Organize Your Routines

Jennifer mentions in her introduction (paraphrased): "I felt people needed a simple, straightforward book to help them get their lives organized." It will give you a fast, simple and straightforward guideline to follow and useful tips to help you stay organized for the rest of your life. Each week a series of small goals will be set for you. Focus on one goal until completion and then move on to the next. There are a number of tips to help you reach each week's goals (at your own pace). If you find these tips helpful, use them. If they don't work for you, follow your own methods to reach your organizing goals.

What I really liked about the book, is Jennifer encourages us to move at our own pace and in the order that works for us (ie - I'm planning on skipping the first chapter and working on Personal Spaces first).

You can read a portion here - (just scroll down to see it)

Which area would you work on if you had this book?

Coupons and Deal's you don't want to miss!

Get Your Savings Started with the Couponizer!

15% off entire order at www.thecouponizer.com!

Use Coupon Code:  STPATTYS

Apply at checkout, one coupon per transaction.

Offer runs 3-10-11 thru 3-17-11.

With gas prices soaring, every little bit of savings helps!  Organization is the key to real savings, especially today.  With literally hundreds of offers beaconing weekly for attention, add the paper trail in there and every consumer could use the structure and support The Couponizer has to offer.

SPRING GIFT IDEAS: 

- Brides need Shopping Lists!!  For only $4.95!

Spring brides can organizing their thoughts while shopping with a list, and with the Gift Tracker, keep track of gifts received!  With our new code - STPATTYS, this is a deal!

- ORDER MORE than 1 Couponizer:

You can receive a discount if you order more than 3 Couponizer's at the same time: Price Details These are great gifts for:

Mother's Day                 Bridal Showers        Grandma

Real Estate Agents      New Mothers            Pastor's wife

                                                                           

Nature Valley Granola Bars - buy 1 box, save .50

Honey Nut Cheerios - buy 1 box, save .55

Big G Cereals - buy 2 boxes, save $1

$1.00 off any one Kashi Berry Blossoms cereal 
$0.30 off Yoplait Greek Yogurt
$5.00 off Non-Drowsy Claritin Allergy Product
$0.75 off Muir Glen products  
$0.75 off Fiber One cereals
$1.00 off any Aleve-D product 
$0.40 off Yoplait Yogurt
$1.00 off Hidden Valley Salad Kits (Redeem at Walmart)  
$1.00 off any 2 Gorton's Seafood items

**** Drawing - don't miss out ****
# (5 Winners!) Win 2 Free Gorton's Seafood Products 3/15

Special Diet foods:

$1.00 off Udi's Gluten Free Baked Goods products
$1.00 off ONE (1) LACTAID Milk Product
$1.00 off ONE UNIT OF SO DELICIOUS BEVERAGE


Misc:
$2.00 off HALO SleepSack wearable blankets  (@ Target)
$1.00 off any ONE (1) POISE Pads


Are you Unemployed &/or Uninsured?
Up To 75% Off On Prescription Medication

Willow Bird Baking

Willow Bird Baking

Willow Bird Baking 
I discovered a new recipe blog tonight and I think I've fallen in love.  It's seriously a bad thing to be lookng at recipes and food pictures at 1:30 am.  I'm usually hungry by this time of night and this blog just makes me drool!  

Julie Ruble is the owner of the Willow Bird Baking Blog which isn't just about Baking sweets like Caramel Fudge Brownie Cheesecake and Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars.  She also covers recipes like the Cream of Mushroom Soup with Crispy Leeks, Blueberry Walnut Bread and Homemade Heart-Shaped Ravioli in Red Sauce.  Willow Bird Baking has been featured many times over in Blogdom and she even made it to Round 9 of Project Food Blog sponsored by FoodBuzz.com.  

I thought this looked SO yummy!  Does anyone have any suggestions about substitutions for heavy cream?  I'm very sensitive to Dairy and can only have a tiny bit or I end up with terrible stomachaches.  Thots?  This sounds so good &  I'd love to tweak it to make a wonderful savory potato soup.  YUM!

Cream of Mushroom Soup with Crispy Leeks

---

Recipe by: Adapted from Phyllis Hoffman’s Celebrate Magazine
Yields: about 4 servings

Soup Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped leeks
1 1/2 pound mixed sliced mushrooms (I used sliced buttons)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste
4 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream


Crispy Leek Ingredients:
vegetable oil
2 cups thinly sliced leeks
kosher salt

Directions:
In a large pot or dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add leeks and saute about 5 minutes or until tender. Add the mushrooms, thyme, and salt and pepper. Cook about 12 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft the the liquid evaporates some. Add the chicken broth, bring to a bowl, and then lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

In the meantime, fry leeks. Heat 1 – 1.5 inches of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. I tested the oil by adding a leek and seeing how appropriately it fried. When your oil is ready, add leeks and fry in batches (they won’t fry well if you try all at once, so do about 3 or 4 batches). Fry until folden and remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with kosher salt. 

After 15 minutes, transfer 1 cup of soup to a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Add this back to the pot and add the cream. Keep warm over low heat until ready to serve. Serve topped with crispy leeks.

What makes YOU feel Lucky?

I AM BLESSED

You know, I don't really believe in having LUCK or being Lucky. I know it's just a word to express either how you feel or a term to describe WHY someone got or won something. I will say that I do believe in being BLESSED by God, and the family, friends, things that I have and the skills and abilities that I have.

How am I Blessed?
1.  I am Blessed with the Saving Grace of God.  God has given me his love and open arms, HE's provided me with Salvation and a way to get to Heaven -  He's given me Trust that He has supplied ALL that I need to get there - without trying to get there on my own which is impossible.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
2.  I have a roof over my head, a car to get where I need to go, people who pray for me and care when I am not feeling that great.  No, I don't have a job right now and honestly I don't know what I'm going to be able to do - but I do know in the past when I've been in this situation that God has always provided me with what I need, when I need it.
3.  I'm not bedridden or using a cane or in a wheelchair.  I have 3 awesome doctors who honestly care how awful I feel at times.  They don't waive my rights to honesty, to finding the right therapy for me preferably without those "blessed" drugs.  "LOL"  I don't know what the future holds as I deal with this Fibromyalgia problem - but God is giving Scientists and Doctors the ability to sympathize and the knowledge to find new therapies and medication to control the pain and everything that goes with it.

If you want to call that Luck, then feel free to - but know that I feel like I am Blessed By God.

Prayer Request: Please pray for a job that I can have a Passion for, that I will actually WANT to get out of bed for, that provides Full Time benefits in 30 hours, and where I will make a difference.  Thank you.

_________________________

Redbox is sponsoring a "Lucky to Have Friends Like You" promotion. If you order and pay for your movies online through my link I can earn FREE movie credits toward movies in March.  You can reserve movies, a video game, Blu-Ray disc's - a couple of each if you'd like!

And Guess What?
If it's your 1st time reserving online - YOU can get a FREE movie too!

I'd really feel "Blessed" with a FREE movie or two!

Click HERE & Thank You!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and redbox blogging program, for a $25 Walmart gift card from redbox. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” 

GroOrganic.com Website Review

Recently I was approached by GroOrganic.com to review their website and play with their Garden Planner which enables a gardener to design their garden and actually set up plans for their garden which includes a list of required plants. 

GroOrganic's Garden Planner:

• Makes it easy to draw out your vegetable beds, add plants and move them around to get the perfect layout. Either feet and inches or metric units are supported and any shape of garden can be created.
• Adapts to suit your gardening style whether you use traditional row planting, raised beds or Square Foot Gardening.
• Adapts to your own area using our database of over 5000 weather stations.
• Prints your own personalized planting chart showing how many of each plant you require and when to sow, plant and harvest them.
• Sends email reminders twice a month of what needs planting from your garden plans.

Watch a great video that explains the Garden Planner better:

http://gardenplanner.groorganic.com/

My review:
The planner is ideal for anyone setting up their garden from the mega size gardens on acreages or farms to the little balcony/patio container gardens for the single or couple who wants fresh veggies and fruit during the summer.  When you set up your plan, you indicate how big a garden you want.  The one in the picture above is 4' 2' and when you plug in the plants you want to add you are told how many plants you need and the accompanying information box which drops down tells what plants you can plant with it, what kind of pests you might have and when to begin planting, sowing or fertilizing.

GroOrganic is available for helping homeowners, retirement centers, hospitals, schools and community gardens set up their own gardens.  You can purchase their packages and they will maintain it for you if you don't have time (or kids) to take care of it - or if you just need advice on setting up your garden and what to plant they'll help you with that too.

This website is a real time and headache saver!  I think it will be helpful to people who are not computer savvy once they know how to use it.  If you get stuck, need suggestions or help with your planning you can either call or drop them an email and they get back to you very quickly.

For more information email info@groOrganic.com or call 888-9-groOrganic (888-947-6674)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

EcoStoreUSA.com Review

EcoStoreUSA.com

I recently discovered EcoStoreUSA.com which has Natural and Green cleaning products.  They are known for using "NO Nasty Chemicals" and for their inexpensive non-budget busting products.  Originally from New Zealand, EcoStoreNZ was originally started when the owner, Malcolm Rands, began to research and seek help from scientists to develop household cleaning products using plant-based ingredients that biodegrade safely and quickly.  The end result was products that didn't rely on cheap, petroleum-based, synthetic ingredients and helped New Zealand's water supply stay cleaner and there was a surprising result that adults and children with respiratory problems noticed their breathing improved.

Check out some fast facts about household products:

• According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers accidental poisonings occur in the home every 30 seconds.
• The National Safety Council has reported that more children under four die of from accidental poisoning than are killed by guns.
• A report by the EPA to Congress determined household cleaners three times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air pollution.
• Women who work from home and are more frequently exposed to household toxins and poor air quality are 50% more likely to develop cancer.
• Newborn infants have trace levels of toxic chemicals in their bodies, passed on by their mother’s exposure.

I received the Laundry Liquid and All-Purpose Cleaner about 2 weeks ago and immediately broke open the All-Purpose Cleaner for cleaning my shower and kitchen sink and counters.  (They seriously needed a thorough and deep clean)  EcoStore doesn't use petrochemicals, enzymes, optical whiteners, synthetic perfumes and dyes, sodium lauryl sulfate, phosphates, clorine, tea, DEA, MEA or parabens in their products which mean that you won't have these harsh chemicals against your skin and you won't be breathing it in either.

I have very sensitive skin and have problems with all the fragrances, perfumes, dyes and chemicals in most products so I was really excited about finding ecostoreusa.com.  These products have been great for people with allergies, eczema, rashes, etc.

I loved the All-Purpose Cleaner.  I was hoping it would take the black marks and stains off my porcelain sink in the kitchen (does anyone know what to use to do this???).  I liked that I didn't have to let it "soak in" and I really didn't have to scrub a lot to get up grime.  I have a tile counter top in the kitchen that needs to be regrouted and the grout is crumbling some so the Cleaner was great to use on it.  It didn't harm it anymore than it already is.  

The Laundry Liquid is wonderful too.  Both products are highly biodegradeable and contain earth safe ingredients from sustainable resources. pH balanced ecostore laundry liquid is grey water safe for gardens, lawns and trees.  So, no worries about throwing the dishwater out - just make sure you don't through the baby out with it!

"My grandaughter aged 11 has suffered eczema since birth. Many chemicals later she is now clear of the embarrassing lesions on her fingers and body, thanks to your products. Two weeks after changing to your washing powder and dishwash liquid there was a huge improvement in her skin and now 6 weeks later she has been healed. Well done!!!!! Brilliant products." Judy M.

I'm planning on getting the dish soap next and I'd like to get some hand soap for the bath and kitchen sink too.   I was looking online and most of their products are on sale right now, so you may want to make up your household cleaners supply list and check out the prices so you can place your order.  Orders over $25 get FREE Shipping too!

Cleaners: "received my Ecostore order a few days ago, and I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with your products! They clean as well, if not better, than popular chemical cleaners! The spray cleaner leaves our benches shining, the cream cleanser effectively removes bathtub grime, and the dishwashing liquid and dish scrubber clean dishes effortlessly - it even removed tea stains from our mugs without any extra scrubbing! I just wanted to let you know that I'm so happy with my purchases, and will definitely be buying more in the future. Thanks!" Natalie

Articles you may be interested in:

"What is Green?"

"No Nasty Chemicals"

Pasta Primavera

The Contadina website has a wonderful Pasta PrimaVera recipe that looks so yummy!  I'm going to make it this weekend - although I won't be adding the heavy cream.  I was planning on making Chicken Pot Pie - but I might do this instead.  I didn't see any coupons on their website unfortunately.  I did sign up for their newsletter and hopefully one will be coming very soon.

Pasta Primavera 
Serves 6

2 Tb olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
2 cups Contadina Crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup water
Salt/freshly ground pepper to taste
8 asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1" pieces
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4" slices
2 small zucchini, cut into 1/4" slices
1/2 cup shelled, fresh peas
1 lb cappellini (angel hair)
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmagiano-Reggiano cheese

Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Add the garlic and cook until softened and lightly browned. Add the tomatoes and 1/4 cup of water, season with salt & pepper and bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and cook until thickened 15-20 minutes.

Cook the Vegetables: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus, carrots, zucchini and peas to the water. Blanch the vegetables in the boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain the vegetables, add tomato sauce, stir and cook the sauce for 5 more minutes.

Finish the Dish: Bring a large pot of water to a boil while the tomato sauce is cooking. Add the angel hair and 2 Tb of salt. Cook uncovered over high heat until al dente. Drain pasta, return to the pot it was cooked in and pour in the sauce with the vegetables. Add the cream and cheese and still until well mixed. Dish out into individual bowls and serve.

I spy: Chico Bag!

I went home over the weekend and discovered a new bookstore (for me anyway) and as I was browsing through the store I spied - ChicoBag!  Yay!  I ended up having quite a little conversation with Mollie the store owner and she told me that when her son went to Mexico on a school exchange trip that she sent him off with about 6 ChicoBags for the family who sponsored him and they LOVED them!  Evidently in this tiny little Mexico town they walk everywhere and reusable bags are well liked by everyone.  

Who would of thought in the little town of Cherokee, Iowa I would of spotted ChicoBags and that I would hear a story about a Mexican family who LOVES them.  Small world huh?

ChicoBag™ is excited to introduce the New Spring Colors! The Blossom Collection features four prints of blossoms in full bloom, helping to awaken our connection with nature. I received 2 of the New Spring bags and love them!  The new Blossom bags are actually BIGGER than the Sling bags and deeper too.  They still hold 40 lbs and considering the average gallon of milk weighs approximately 7 lbs the bags definitely hold a lot.

The Blossom bag has shoulder length straps, is made of durable and washable fabrics, hangs to dry and has a one-year warranty.  Each bag comes with a built in pouch and a carabiner so you just attach it to your purse or something so you won't forget it.

Who is ChicoBag?
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.

Buy It:  You can purchase your very own Blossom Bag in your choice of 4 designs HERE for $12.99 each.

Win It! Chico sent me an extra bag to give away!  Would you like to enter to win it?

Mandatory entry:
Follow ME on GFC and then go to ChicoBag's facebook page and Like It and leave this message:  " I want to WIN a Blossom Bag from ChicoBag.com on GivingNSharing @ http://tiny.cc/m1god, Ends 3/15, US "  Leave your hyperlink in your comment so I can find it.  

Optional Entries: These are optional - you don't have to do them if you don't want to.
Follow ME on Twitter
Follow ME on Facebook
Follow ChicoBag on Twitter and leave this message (you can post this 2x's a day, leave me your hyperlink in each comment per tweet)
" WIN a Blossom Bag from ChicoBag.com on GivingNSharing @ http://tiny.cc/m1god, Ends 3/15, US #WIN #ecofriendly #chico "
Add this giveaway to any linky or on your blog - leave me the hyperlink so I can find it.  You can do both if you'd like - just leave a comment for each on this post.