the frog and the custom bag

True story. I was just about to wash my face in the shower the other morning. I reached for my face wash. Just as I moved the bottle, I saw two little eyes staring back at me. Being that I was in the shower, and no little creatures should EVER be there, I let out a shriek that brought my cats running. Turns out it was just a little tree frog. Don’t know how he got there, but he was there. Stuck to a bottle of body wash, hidden behind my face wash. So I quickly toweled off, dressed and grabbed the closest custom bag I could find. I placed the frog in the custom bag and quickly took him outside. It was quite the morning!

gardening with custom bags

This is my first summer as a homeowner and I am loving the challenge tending to the various plants and flowers that are growing in my yard. Last weekend, I decided it was high-time that I got a little dirty and weeded my islands. It is amazing how stubborn those unwanted plants can be. But I grabbed my custom bags and got to plucking. After several trips from the island to the the woods with my custom bags stuffed full of plant matter, my day was complete. My yard looks much better and I feel like I actually made a difference. Even if my husband was the one who mowed, edged, trimmed and watered the yard...

custom bags for your brand new iPhone

Today was a momentous day for devoted Apple fans across the country. Today was the launch of the iPhone 4. This powerhouse smartphone has been long awaited by non-iPhone users, and is coveted by many with the phones previous models. So if you were lucky enough to get your hands on this device today, make sure your protect your investment with custom bags designed specifically for these phones. Where you prefer a sleek and stylish cover or custom bags built with protective pockets for your electronic devices, you don’t want to leave home without some type of protection. Trust me. That first scratch is going to sting...

packing up your custom bags and hitting the open road

Summertime is here and road-trip season is in full swing. When preparing for your summer vacations and adventures, proper planning is key. Before hitting the road, make sure your custom bags are packed with the essentials you need for your trip. Whether you are going to be crossing several state lines or just venturing a few counties over, there are those certain supplies that you are sure to need. From snacks for the kids to reading materials for Mom, put your stash of custom bags to good use over the summer. After all. Isn’t that why you keep them on hand?

Custom Bags to Help Hunger and Haiti

It may have been launched in 2007, but the “FEED Bag” is still my personal favorite when it comes to custom bags. Created by the World Food Program and their honorary spokesperson first-niece Lauren Bush, by purchasing the FEED bag your proceeds will provide one child enough food for an entire school year.

Now there is an updated version of the bag created in response to the horrific earthquake that took place in Haiti this year. The new bag reads “FEED Haiti” in the national colors of the nation and with the purchase of one of these custom bags 50 school meals will be donated for children in Haiti.

custom bags for those lazy days of summer

Getting to enjoy those lazy days of summer is one of my favorite weekend activities. There really is nothing I like more than packing up a fluffy blanket, cool drink and easy read in my custom bag and heading outside to lounge in the yard. If you enjoy those summer afternoons as much as me, spread the spirit of summer with your very own branded custom bags. And while you’re at it, maybe give everyone and unexpected early release day one Friday and encourage your employees and clients to partake in some casual summer fun of their own. After all, everyone deserves a break now and again!

bags, bags and more custom bags. can one ever have enough?

Well I can tell you one thing. This subject is constantly a matter of debate in my home. My husband believes that one can in fact have too many custom bags. Too many bags, and too many pairs of shoes. Another subject I passionately disagree with him on. So with that said, giving custom bags to clients, employees, friends and family is both good business practice and a kind gesture. The very nature of a stylish bag or tote lends itself to a wealth of uses, and giving a practical product guarantees repeat brand exposure. And seriously. You really can never have too custom many bags!

can custom bags be lifesavers?

Apparently some custom bags truly can be. This water bottle bag is sure to be a lifesaver for those "vacationing" in the desert. While your typical day to day events may not be cause for a bag this extreme, keeping bags on hand for incidental events is a really good practice. I keep a stash in my car at all times. Whether for an impromptu trip to the grocery store or for those situations where I just can’t possibly carry everything I need, custom bags have a way of coming in handy. Now my grocery bags may never have actually saved my life, but I guess you never know.

from custom tees to custom bags

Custom bags don’t always begin their lives as bags. In today’s society some of the cutest, most innovative bags are up-cycled from other everyday items. Old t-shirts are some of the most common mediums for recycled custom bags. Because of the durable nature of apparel, old clothing can easily be cut, stitched and otherwise reworked into a fashionable new bag or tote. Keep this premise in mind when considering buying a new bag. Are you feeling crafty? Consider designing your own bag out of those old blue jeans buried in the bottom of your drawer. Artsy not your middle name? There are tons of places to buy these one of a kind products. Just keep an eye out and your mind open. The options for creativity are endless!

custom bags to collect the fruits of your labor

Yum! Berries. One of my favorite parts of the spring. The blueberries are just about ready for the picking here in Georgia, and I cannot wait. Luckily I have plenty of custom bags ready to collect the abundance of blueberries that are beginning to blossom in the gigantic bush in my parents’ backyard. With some custom bags available with a laminate finish, and other machine washable options available, I don’t have to worry about a little blueberry juice ruining my bag. So with my collection bag in hand, I’m ready to begin the harvest. Can’t wait to bake a pie. Or maybe a cobbler…

the swan and the custom bag

There is something so elegant about a white swan, gliding across a lake. The slight ripple of the water and the beautiful white feathers that cover the bird: it truly is a sight. However when that bird is in full flight, crossing the lake, headed straight for you and your custom bags full of slightly stale bread, that graceful beauty can quickly be replaced by a feeling of fear. A swan is one big bird, with one big squawk. And when that massive bird is swooping in with the promise of a snack, I wouldn’t hesitate throwing him a nibble or two. The moral of my story? Use your custom bags to tote your feed, but watch out for the swan!

park + custom bag + sun = a great day!

Here in Atlanta, spring is in full swing with the hot summer weather nipping at it’s heals. As the trees turn green and the Azalea’s bloom, it’s hard not to think about being outside, strolling through the park with my custom bag over my arm. Of course in reality, my summer vacation is still several months away. However in the bustling business world, April is the perfect time to plan for your summer promotional events. From charity walks and runs to corporate picnics and summer vacations, early planning is the key to a successful event. Consider giving your employees and customers custom bags in return for their participation. They’ll love them and you’ll love the brand exposure.

shop for spring with custom bags

Spring is here! And it's time to go shopping. No more tights and heavy sweaters and dark grays and blacks. You need breezy blouses and neutral leather accessories. You NEED them. So take your custom bags to the thrift stores this weekend and see what you can find.

Fill your custom bags with the following spring items, easy to find on the cheap at thrift stores:
--gold bangle bracelets
--big rings
--light denim blouse (wear with the sleeves rolled and tucked into high-waisted skinny jeans)
--long, drapey necklaces

And for dudes?

--horizontal striped boatneck tops
--cardigans
--cutoffs

What did you find shopping with your custom bags?

organize your documents with custom bags

Today is March 15. Do you know what that means? Your 2009 tax due date is only one month away! For all you last minute preparers out there, gather up all your receipts, info on your tax-deductible contributions and any other necessary documents you’ll need for your appointment at your tax preparation office or for your day of do-it yourself filing. Need a way to easily and comfortably carry these bulky papers? Throw them in your custom bag of choice. You’ll be able to easily carry your paperwork in your custom bags anywhere you need it. Say goodbye to receipts in shoeboxes!

easy shopping on a Saturday with custom bags

Custom bags are the perfect tool for a lazy stroll around the local flea market or a family trip to the lake. The durable reliability and large capacity of many reusable grocery totes and shopping bags, makes it easy to transport veggies, toys, blankets, towels and pretty much anything you need for a fun filled day. When you give custom bags to your employees or clients, you give them a quality product that they can and will use repeatedly. And because of the large imprint area and prominent visibility of your brand image, your advertising message gets the exposure your company needs.

custom bags: making cleaning easy in a pinch

Last night on a whim I decided to clean out my car. Being that I’ve been letting junk pile up in it for weeks, this was going to be no easy task. I pondered how I was going to move the papers, notebooks, gloves and other miscellaneous items from my trunk and backseat into my house for a moment. But upon glancing into my crowded backseat, I noticed my supply of custom bags. Problem solved. I grabbed two bags and stuffed the first full of my clutter. Being so roomy, I was able to put the second custom bag back. In all of three minutes I was done. Success!

showcase your personality with custom bags

Having the appropriate custom bags can do wonders to your personality and sense of style. When you make, buy, borrow or find custom bags that fit your personality, you can demonstrate your likes, dislikes, hobbies and habits. Say you’re into the green movement. You could easily display your commitment to sustainability buy upcycling an old pair of jeans that are now riddled with holes. You’ll have a super cute bag, and will save a landfill from yet another piece of trash. Whether you choose to make your bag from fabric scraps or old clothing, or purchase a unique bag from a boutique store, finding the perfect fit for you is easier than you may think.

using custom bags for the big move

My husband and I moved into our first house this weekend. Hooray for us! It is the most amazing feeling being a homeowner for the first time ever. However, I can’t begin to tell you how exhausting moving is. Of course anyone who has ever moved an apartment/home before knows exactly what I’m talking about. But I can tell you that one of the best solutions for last minute, i.e. frantic, packing is the use of custom bags. I – due in large part to my slight addiction to shopping - have loads of custom bags stored in my closet for times just like this. Custom bags are the perfect solution for all of those odds and ends that are left lying around till the last minute. Not only do they make for great storage, but their sturdy straps are perfect for throwing over your shoulder to carry heavy loads.

I packed three (large) custom bags full of shoes and then threw randomly left out items – flashlight, remote control, books, batteries – into two others to transport to my new home. While this may not be the most sophisticated method of packing, my belongings securely got to their final destination, where they lay. Waiting patiently to be unpacked. And the best part about this? I not only have a reason to justify to my husband why I had three bags filled with empty bags in my closet, but I get to keep my cute and convenient custom bags to use for another day!

custom bags to keep you moving

Sometimes all you need is the right equipment to keep you active and on the go. The right custom bags are some of those tools that every person needs to have on hand. When you have the right custom bag, you have a companion to take with you on your travels. From packing groceries at the local farmer’s market, to toting your towel and sunscreen to the beach or even packing your dirty gym clothes for this morning’s work-out session, the right custom bag is always a welcome accessory.

The same logic can be applied to your favorite pair of shoes. Whether they’re your power heels or your comfy cozy flats, having the right shoe options in your arsenal is a necessity. When your closet is stocked with custom bags - perfect for any and all scenarios – you are fully prepared to keep on moving no matter what life throws at you.

Imagine you are driving home from work. Inspiration strikes and you have to get to the local craft store STAT. Of course your favorite shop is completely eco-friendly and doesn’t provide disposable plastic bags. Should you struggle to carry each individual sticker and stamp out by hand? Of course not! You have your custom bag in your car, just waiting for situations like this. The next day you’re out on an all day shopping extravaganza. You hit all the hot spots. Shoes. Music. Jeans. All your favorites. Do you come home with an armload of bags that you’ll wastefully throw away? Or course not. You brought your reusable bags with you.

stylish yet simple custom bags

To be trendy in today’s ever-changing world of fashion, keeping your closet stocked with the latest and greatest fashion trends is a must for fashionistas across America. From the hottest new pumps and the skinniest denim jeans to light and bright scarves and fun, chunky accessories, keeping your fashion current is a must for trendsetters. One of the most popular and still rapidly growing trends is the usage of custom bags. Custom bags are a great solution to your everyday needs. They help you store miscellaneous supplies, tote groceries and store retail purchases, all while keeping you up to date with the newest fashion trends. Whether you’re a soccer mom, teenager, teacher or runway model, using a custom bag is always as smart and savvy way to shop, school or travel.

With so many trendy new designs and materials to choose from, it is easy to find the custom bag that fits your needs. Whether you need a large, roomy and sturdy bag to take grocery shopping or just need one big enough to store the necessities of life (toothbrush, body spray, hair brush, clean undies, etc.), an environmentally-friendly reusable bag is the way to go. Whether you purchase your bag at the grocery store, find it lying ownerless on the street, buy it for a steal at a thrift store or even give imprinted custom bags out to your employees, you’ll be getting a versatile piece that you can and will use over and over again. Stay trendy!

warm up your home with custom bags

Apartment Therapy has a great post today (as they often do) about using fabrics to warm up your home. Collect textiles in custom bags: rugs, throws, cozy pillows. Take custom bags everywhere, whether estate sales or the mall or small boutiques, and stock up on these items when you find a good deal. A home can always use more textiles; even if that rug doesn't match your living room right now you'll certainly find a use for it down the road. And inexpensive rugs are hard to come by.

Custom bags will help you store extras as well while you're figuring out how to use them.

pack shoes in custom bags

Have you settled into post-holiday malaise yet? I have. And I'm already planning my next vacation. A post on Apartment Therapy about slushy shoes got me thinking. Packing shoes in your suitcase is always a problem; they are big and bulky and very dirty. Lately I've been using custom bags to carry shoes on car trips. A wide shopping bag is easy to toss onto the floorboard of your car, and durable enough to hold your shoes. Just make sure you don't take the same custom bags grocery shopping. Ew.

I suppose you could use custom bags to hold shoes inside your suitcase as well, the same way you would plastic grocery bags. They'd look a little nicer and you could take them out when you reach your hotel/hostel/friend's couch. Let me know if you try this.

paint your shelves with custom bags

If things are looking a bit drab around your living room, consider using custom bags to help paint the interior of bookshelves and cabinets.

Take everything off the shelves first, using custom bags for each shelf to keep your stuff organized while you paint. You can also use custom bags to store your materials when finished (paint brushes, paint, tarp). Having everything for one project in one place will keep you organized so you know where to look next time you paint.

custom bags help upholster a folding chair

Apartment Therapy has a great post today about how to upholster your own folding chair. Use a custom bag to collect the tools you need: glue gun, pliers to remove staples, spray adhesive, scissors, stapler and staples, and double welt cord. Then take custom bags to a fabric store and pick out your favorites. Get creative with mixing and matching. (I am currently wearing two different plaids, so I certainly won't judge you.) You can even use custom bags after shopping to lay down as tarp.

You'll also need some foam, folding chairs and dacron, but Apartment Therapy estimates you can complete the project for only $20 and in 1 hour.

Take your custom bags to Ikea

If you've never been to Ikea, I suggest you get on the internet and track down the closest location, gather your custom bags, and head there first thing in the morning. Take off work if you have to because, despite the warm sunshine and butterfly feelings that colorful Swedish furniture and nefariously low prices instill in every heart, the warehouse can become as crowded and miserable as Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve.

Pros: beautifully designed, extremely low priced products for every room of the house; pretty showrooms
Cons: an enormous warehouse with few exits; absence of salespeople; you bag everything yourself

To avoid having to purchase custom bags from Ikea, bring your own custom bags and save a few cents.

Purge for 2010 with custom bags

Think back over the past year. How much stuff have you bought, inherited, received and collected? How much more stuff is in your house or apartment now than a year ago? Maybe it's time to say goodbye to some of that stuff.

Use custom bags to sort through old stuff, starting with your desk. If you're like me, you'll find church programs, used envelopes, birthday cards and tons of other papers you don't need any more. Toss them into a custom bag to recycle. The more quickly you go about this process the better; act on intuition before allowing yourself to rationalize keeping something you really don't need. It's unlikely you'll actually regret throwing anything away.

How else can custom bags help you purge for 2010?

Custom bags at the farmer's market

The blog GOOD.is posted this chart yesterday as a guide to when fruits and vegetables are in season. During winter here in Georgia, for example, we've got strawberries, apples, carrots and greens in season that you can pick up for cheap at the farmer's market.

An Atlanta resident, I take my custom bags to Your Dekalb County Farmer's Market in Decatur -- a mecca where people across both cities migrate for inexpensive and fresh produce, fish, meat, cheeses, bread, spices, wine, olive oil, and imported canned foods. My roommate returned from the farmer's market yesterday with a custom bag full of bell peppers, zucchini and onions and a price tag reading $2.

Now that I know what's in season I'll have to fill my custom bags with leafy greens and carrots.

Custom bags named Fad of 2008 by New York Times

'Twas a week of year-end lists, and the New York Times showed up in full form, presenting their graphical representation of the last decade. A newly released chart highlights the Fad of 2008: custom bags. Along with Moms on Facebook, Foreclosures, and Obama, custom bags were one of the most memorable icons of 2008. Perhaps we needed a recession to make us thrifty -- not only with money but with natural resources. With good designs and snarky logos, manufacturers made it cool to shop with reusable custom bags.

Hopefully, two years later, this fad hasn't expired. From what I can see all signs point to thrift becoming a lasting trend, and to yet more innovation in how we preserve our resources.