End Of Summer = Sale Time

Yes … the long dog days of summer are coming to an end.   The smell of sun block, the sound of waves crashing as you lazily read a book with the sand between your toes, will all be a distant memory in a few weeks.   The routine of life snaps back as the ease of the long summer days drifts away.  (sad face)

But one bright side to the end of summer?  S A L E S!  

Crazy sales!  Have you checked your inbox lately?  I can’t go 1 minute without getting at least 5 emails telling me I must buy something because of the ridiculous summer savings I will get.  The thing is … they are right!

I love shopping summertime sales!  Its my time to stock up on so many amazing items – clothes, shoes, accessories, furniture, household items – at a fraction of the price.

So it just seemed fitting that I would launch an end-of-summer ECO Chic sale.  My customers deserve it and I’m happy to give them that giddy feeling when they realize the deal they just scored.  It’s like Christmas … in August.

So pop on over to my website and check out the amazing deals on all of my favorite summer fabrics.  Nude metallics …. cobalt blues … bright nectar … crisp whites.  They’re all there just begging for you to click and ship. (pick me!  pick me! )

Enjoy the final days of summer.  And when they are over, I bet if you close your eyes you can still hear the waves crashing.

A Gift? For Moi?

Remember a while back I wrote a piece on Mamabu Box?  (That’s creative short for “Mama Be You” in case you didn’t know)   My Zip Pouches were (proudly) part of the first ever subscription box that was shipped to women across the country.

Well, I was so excited to learn that my name was drawn as a winner for the July subscription box that was all about beautifying the digits and some inspirational words.  Me?  A winner?  I never … well, never say ‘never’ … almost never win anything.

No let’s get this straight.  Everyone loves getting a box in the mail.   What’s even better is when that box is filled with little treasures that are just for you.  Not for the kiddos.  Not for the pets.  Not something you purchased as a gift for so and so’s birthday.  A box of goodies just for you.  Little surprises that will make you feel special.

That’s the theory behind the Mamabu Box subscription.  I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with my goodies.  That’s right… mitts off .. they are mine.  🙂

 

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When I opened the box right on top were inspirational words that immediately made me feel empowered.  That post card is now taped to my mirror so I read it every day.  Turns out they are postcards from #themomcardmovement   Simple postcards.  Powerful words.  If you want to snag some of these cards you need to email them at themomcardmovement@gmail.com

Once I tore open the pink tissue paper (yes, I’m one of those that tear it open) I was so happy to find ….

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… a little hand and feet pampering action.  First up – Wildflower Beauty by Jessica.   The Lavender Hand Cream is wonderful but the Cuticle Balm is killer!  My hands and nails look amazing already.

There is a great summer-color lacquer for my nails from LAW Beauty Essentials and nail wraps from Jamberry.   Also a great little “Bucket List” card from Intentionally Designed. (think journals, notebooks, cards, etc.)  Of course, you can’t overlook the inspiration words and challenge by the Mamabu founder, Kelley.

Thoughtful little somethings carefully selected to make you feel special.  Now that’s something every woman needs in her life.

If you’re not already a subscriber, you might want to click on over to the site and check it out.  You never know what’s in the August box ….

 

ECO Chic + Mamabu Box

Here’s the deal.  Head on over to Mamabu Box and enter code “PREMIER20” to get 20% off your subscription.

Subscription to what?

Well – a monthly box of goodies that are perfectly designed for the busy mom or any woman that needs to start taking better care of themselves.  You know who you are .. the woman that rarely does anything for yourself because you’re too busy taking care of everyone and everything else.

And let’s face it .. without you .. the rest will slowly fall apart.

That’s why I love Mamabu Box.  Your monthly subscription will contain 4-6 items based on a theme or activity that encourages you to practice “self-care”.  The pretty box will arrive right at your doorstep each month.  It’s like Christmas 12 months a year.

Here’s your sneak peek inside the first Mambu Box set to arrive in June.    That’s right .. the ECO Chic Zipper Pouch in Turquoise Faux Leather.   The perfect fashionable zipper pouch for your keys – money – phone – lipgloss and your must-have grab and go item.  Perfect for your tote, gym bag, beach bag or travel tote.  The turquoise is super hot for summer fashion and you’ll be happy to know that it’s 100% washable.

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Today’s the last day to head on over and snag 20% off your subscription.

I KNOW you’re worth it.

 

Celebrate Earth Day 2016

Reduce.  Reuse.  Recycle.

Every day.  Every time. 

Earth Day 2016

You have the power to make a difference in this world.   No matter how small and insignificant it may feel to you … it’s not.

Eliminating the use of single use bags is a simple and easy way to make a difference.  Whether your city has banned the bag or not, it’s up to you to take the first step.

Make a pledge to never again, use a plastic or paper bag when you’re shopping, whether it’s at the grocery store, your local pharmacy or your favorite clothing store.

What can that really accomplish?   You will be reducing the amount of environmental impact it takes to make those plastic and paper bags.  And quite possibly, you could be the difference between a marine animal ingesting a plastic bag and dying … or swimming happily in a cleaner ocean.

Yes, one single bag can kill a sea animal.  

Whatever your motivation is …. cleaning up the oceans for our wildlife … creating a healthier planet for our children … reducing the impact on our environment … or just following the crowd …. make a pact to take a step towards a brighter future.

My entire store is on sale.  20% off everything in honor of Earth Day 2016.  

That means a handmade Reusable Grocery Bag is just $12.80. (it’s machine washable too)  Most people spend more than that on their coffee fix for the week.   If you live in a city that charges for paper bags, how much do you spend on them in a month?  Imagine getting that money back as a credit on your grocery bill because you bring your own grocery bag?  Sounds like a no-brainer to me.  

 

It means my handmade Urban Shopping Totes are just $36.  (The small size replaces 2-3 single use bags, it folds and is 100% machine washable)  This universal tote works amazingly well as a reusable shopper bag, but it also doubles as your beach tote, travel tote, gym bag, park bag and your weekend get-away bag.    Carry it as your everyday tote and you’ll never forget your reusable shopping bag again.

 

Not in love with my bags?  That’s fine.  But find a reusable bag that you love and start using it.  Everyday.  Every time

It’s up to us.  It’s up to you, to start making an impact and reverse the damage that we have been doing to this planet.  Our children, our wildlife, our planet, and yes, YOU, deserve a healthier, cleaner planet to live on.

Start today, before it’s too late.  

Celebrate Earth Day on Friday, April 22, 2016.  Make this the year you make a big difference to this great amazing planet we share.

Prepping for the Red Poppy Festival

Working 14 hour + days, placing last minute supply orders, and enlisting the help of every family member and friend I know … I’m busy prepping for the Annual Red Poppy Festival in Georgetown, Texas.

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Think three days of handmade arts & crafts by local artisans that are hand selected for this event, combined with food, amazing music, parades, family activities and so much more.   It’s a huge event for our quaint little town and I for one am thrilled to be part of it.

But that means working like a dog until showtime.  (That’s such a funny expression because all I ever see my dog do is lay around and snooze … except for when he’s playing ball.)

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Anyone who stops by Booth #704 is sure to find some of my oldies (but goodies) like my infamous Gray Snakeskin & Nude Metallic Urban Shopping Totes, which always sell out super quick.

 

There’s a large variety of Canvas Reusable Grocery Bags, including one especially made to show off your Texas pride.  (I had to!  Texans are very proud)

 

I will be showcasing my new line of Zipper Pouches with a lot more styles that I currently have on my website.  They come in three sizes and will hold everything from your phone, keys and credit cards to your iPad.  Match one to your Urban Shopping Tote or go for a new style.

 

Lastly, I’m excited to launch my ECO Chic Kit.  Everything you need to creatively help save the planet and design your very own, very unique Reusable Shopping Tote.

 

Whew!  I’m exhausted just thinking bout all that still needs to get done.   I’m doing the last minute sewing scramble where basically I reside behind my trusty Juki sewing machine until it’s go-time.

That’s my behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prep for a art & craft show.

The Possibilities Are Endless

When I started my company back in 2012 the idea was to create a reusable shopping bag that people would want to carry.  Something big, sturdy, washable and of course, fashionable.

Over the years I have added new new designs and collections but the foundation remained true.

Where do I get my inspiration?  From you.  My customers.

It’s true.  What started out as a simple idea was taken and broadened by the very people that are using my bags.   I have found that Moms L O V E these totes because they use them to cart around all of their kids’ stuff.  (… and let’s face it … kids have a LOT of stuff!) 

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Customers that travel a lot wanted a zipper pocket and a bag with more structure than the Urban Shopping Tote.  That’s where I got the idea for the CarryAll Tote, made from faux leather and a unique lining, complete with inside zipper pocket.

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Personally, I use these bags for my weekend trips out of town, when I fly and my favorite … when we head to the beach.  Full of sand?  Who cares … I throw it right in the washing machine when we get back home along with our beach towels and bathing suits.

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The latest unique use?  A ‘Welcome To Your New Home’ gift from a Real Estate Broker.  I am flattered that she thought enough of my Reusable Grocery Bags to fill one with goodies for her client.

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Reusable Grocery Bag in Nude Metallic – $19

 

Thank Y O U for inspiring me.

Share your ECO Chic pics with me on Instagram #ECOChic #MyEcoChicBag