Delivery!

Enter: Chobani Greek Yogurt

“We make Chobani deep in the rolling hills of Central New York. Our expert team is committed to bringing you products made with only natural ingredients that are not only the highest quality but also taste great too.” – Chobani

About Chobani

So what’s this about Chobani? When did the company start? Who founded it?

I did a little research on the Chobani site, www.chobani.com, and discovered some facts about Chobani’s history:

“Chobani was founded by Hamdi Ulukaya in 2005 and is now the largest yogurt manufacturer in New York State.”

A native to Turkey, Hamdi’s experience with Mediterranean food goes back three generations. Chobani is his vision-become-reality desire to bring the U.S. delicious foods made from super quality, natural ingredients.

From the site:

Mustafa Dogan is Chobani’s Master Yogurt Maker. He’s an artisan armed with years of yogurt-making experience and is responsible for crafting the rich, deliciousness that is Chobani.

Mustafa custom blends special yogurt cultures just for Chobani. We add these to the milk that we receive daily from local farms to make yogurt. We then strain this yogurt to make it outrageously creamy and ridiculously high in protein.

This unique straining process is what makes Chobani “Greek” and full of flavor and health benefits:
·      Only natural ingredients. No preservatives. No artificial flavors.
·      Free of synthetic growth hormones: No rBST-treated milk.
·      Includes 5 live & active cultures, including 3 probiotics.
·      Made with real fruit.
·      Twice the protein of regular yogurts.
·      A good source of bone-building calcium.
·      Gluten-Free and Kosher-Certified.
·      Safe for people with corn, nut and soy allergies.

Peaches

Juicy little pieces of peaches are scattered throughout this one. The peach flavor is strong, but subtle – one of my favorites this far!  

Strawberry

See the strawberries all in there?! I ate this one with some cereal. Thick, creamy, decadent, rich, full of strawberries and strawberry flavor. Yum-O!

Blueberry

This flavor was spot-on. There are juicy little blueberries in every bite and it’s just delish!

Vanilla

Didn’t get a picture of this one (???) but it was so decadent and yummy. I’d definitely try it again! And it would be perfect for smoothies or overnight oats. Mmmmm….

Pineapple

As I go through the reviewing process and sample these Chobani Greek yogurts, they just keep getting better and BETTER! Introducing you to the pineapple flavor of Chobani Greek yogurt is MY PLEASURE. Goodness gracious, this is so delicious!

Let me begin by saying this one is fresh and refreshing, sweet and tangy, juicy and creamy and decadent and my, oh my! Mmmmm….

What a winner!

Pineapple Chobani Greek yogurt is SO good, in fact, I feel it could be used as icing on a tropical cake – NO JOKE!

Black Cherry

This was a really great one to eat straight from the container, with or without toppings. I combined it with cereal. It wasn’t my favorite but I have nothing bad to say about it – definitely yummy!

Strawberry-Banana

The strawberry-banana flavor was definitely a favorite. I loved the taste, the texture, the combo. Perfect!

Mango

I’m not a big “mango person” but once again, I was pleasantly surprised at the total fresh taste and refreshing aspect of Chobani Greek yogurt. The chunks of juicy fruit are simply amazing and extremely delicious. SO good! I’d absolutely eat this again and again!

Pomegranate

Like mango, I’m not big on pomegranate either. I don’t know why. It’s just never really “spoke” to me or called out: “eat me, eat me”! like other flavors this world offers.

However, it was spot-on and I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience. I’d eat it again!

Raspberry

I LOVE all berries I’ve tried (blueberry, strawberry, blackberry…) and raspberry is no different. I chunked the whole container of the raspberry Greek yogurt in a smoothie with banana, hemp powder, and ice. Luscious and delish!

I can’t say enough good things about Chobani Greek yogurt. It amazes me how fresh it tastes and how refreshing it is! I’m definitely SOLD and can’t wait to try more!

Thank you, Chobani, for the case of your AMAZING Greek yogurt. I enjoyed it, immensely!

Blueberry 0% Nutrition Facts

What about you? Have you tried Chobani yogurt? Do you have a favorite flavor? Chime in!

Would you like to win an ENTIRE CASE OF CHOBANI to gobble up yourself? Guess what? You CAN!

Enter HERE for numerous chances to win your very own assorted case of Chobani Greek yogurt.

Woo hoo!

Just wanted to let you know I’m still around – I’m just lost in Chobani Heaven.

Oh. So. Good.

I’m reviewing a case of different flavors and documenting my thoughts on each.

In-depth review coming soon!

Have you tried Chobani? Have you tried Greek yogurt? I LOVE It!

Until then, check out my latest at Mainline Gardening: Hemp-Honey Donut Holes. Yum!

But it didn’t work out that way – not like I had planned, anyway.

The nuts arrived. I was excited. I took photos.

Then I started fantasizing about a unique recipe.

I asked myself the following questions:

Should I bake it?
Should it be in smoothie form?
Should I try to make it raw, or mostly raw?

Cookies?

Muffins?

Cake?

All those are so ordinary. Mundane. To be expected.

So, I thought I’d open the bag and taste ‘em and go from there.

Um, boy did I go.

Each day that passed by, I’d nibble a few more.

“These taste like cinnamon rolls!” I told my husband.

When I convinced him to taste ‘em, he thought the same thing!

“Hmmmm….” I thought. I can’t make cinnamon rolls – they already taste like cinnamon rolls!

And, of course, one day led to the next, the delicious cinnamon pecans (mysteriously) disappearing.

Until… slowly, but surely, they were almost all gone.

Yep, folks, almost the entire pound of pecans is now tucked away in my hips. *giggles*

I still have enough to make a recipe.

But honestly, I can’t think of a better way to eat ‘em than straight from the bag!

And, in the end…. cookies it was.

Cinnamon Pecan Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

(Based on Averie’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies)

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2. 1 cup brown sugar
3. 1/2 cup white sugar
4. 1 egg (I used a large brown one.)
5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6. 1 teaspoon cinnamon (Averie’s recipe called for two but I cut it in half since I added cinnamon pecans from Oh!Nuts.)
7. 1 cup flour (I used self-rising ‘cause that’s what I had on hand.)
8. 1.5 cup old-fashioned oats
9. 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
10. 1 cup chopped cinnamon pecans (I used Oh!Nuts)

Directions:

1. Melt butter.

2. In a big bowl, add brown and white sugar to melted butter and stir. Allow to cool to room temp.

3. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, flour, and oats. Stir.

4. Add coconut flakes and cinnamon pecans (or other add-ins like raisins, etc.)

5. If you have time, refrigerate dough (I’m not sure I’d do this next time – I’ll explain below.)

6. Drop spoonsful of dough on your cookie sheet.

7. I have a gas oven that really gets hot so I adjusted Averie’s suggestion of 325 to under 300 so my cookies wouldn’t burn. I also had to put my cookies on the very top rack. Depending on your oven, bake 10-12 minutes or so – or less until they reach your desired finished product. If you like them soft and chewy, bake less. If you want a crunchier cookie with that crunchy bottom, leave in the oven a little longer.

8. I cooled my cookies on a rack.

These cookies turned out a little crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. (My first batch. Details below. )

FYI NOTE: I baked the first batch and then got sidetracked so I decided to put the dough back in the fridge and come back to finish baking later yesterday. When I came back, my dough was too dry and hard, so I ended up having to improvise. I had company over and after my sweet cousin, Krista, added 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup peanut butter…. all was well in my cookie world!

The rest of the batch turned out really moist and chewy and delicious. Yum-O!

Depending on how big you make your cookies – and how much raw cookie dough you nibble on! – you’ll end up with a couple dozen cookies or so, give or take a few.  

She’s quite the little chef and baker!

Thank you Oh!Nuts – and Krista!

FTC Disclaimer: Oh!Nuts sent a sample of the nuts mentioned in this review. They did not pay me to write this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I used to be on of them!

Hi, y’all!

Hope your December is going well. You aren’t stressed, are you? Remember, take time to slow down, breathe, have a cup of hot tea or a smoothie – or even just meditate for a few short minutes.

Our health is precious. Life is short enough as it is. We simply MUST make the most of it!

If you have time, I’d like you to take the time today to check out the 50% off savings that will make a huge impact on your health.

With a new year upon us, there’s never a better time like the present to dedicate ourselves to living healthier, more fuller lives!

Raw foods, juices, and smoothies have literally been lifesavers for me. And that’s why I can wholeheartedly promote the Raw for Thirty DVDs.

When I watched this set of films, I was in awe.

I mean, I saw myself in those people who were obese, discouraged, battling such illness.

I couldn’t believe it. If I would have had something like that to watch and learn from and be inspired by when I was going through those things, I’d have jumped at it!

Take this chance to check out the raw foods films I’m tell you about. It’s worth your time.

If you’ve been trying to decide on gifts to buy, these films would make RAWsome presents for those you love.

Me at over 300 pounds!

Me recently, around 165 pounds!

The way we change and grow is by educating ourselves and being inspired and then turning around and encouraging and inspiring others.

Do this for yourself. Do it for those you love.

Time is precious but so is your life and health. Give yourself and those you love the gift of life and health. Invest in these films. Buy several. At 50% off, you can’t go wrong!

Enjoy the savings! I love you all!

And, if you’re still not convinced… the following information and statistics should help.

What do the actor Woody Harrelson, Rev. Michael Beckwith from “The Secret,” Morgan Spurlock from “Super Size Me,” Dr. Gabriel Cousens and raw food guru David Wolfe all have in common?

They’re all featured in a powerful documentary film the will forever change the way you think about your health (just watching the trailer will leave you stunned).

If you haven’t yet seen this film there’s something really special going on this week that I think you should check out.

You can see the trailer for the film and see what’s going on here:

http://www.rawfor30days.com/cmd.php?Clk=4559246

Whether you’re in perfect health or suffering with an illness like diabetes or any other health issue I highly recommend you watch this film.

It’s a powerful, emotional and educational film that is a must see for anyone who cares about their health.

The films shows how important the food we eat is and how all it takes is 30 days to make a huge life altering shift in your health.

And for 5 days only the producers of the film are giving away this film entitled “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days” and its companion “Raw for Life” 2 disc DVD set for 50% OFF the regular price…

All in an effort to raise awareness and raise funds for a ballot initiative to have all GMO (Genetically Modified Foods) labeled in California.

Why is it so important to get this passed in California?

Because it will set a precedent for the rest of the country to label GMO foods (something that much of the rest of the world is already doing).

Currently GMO foods are NOT labeled in the United States (or Canada)…even though they are labeled and even banned in many parts of the world.

http://www.rawfor30days.com/cmd.php?Clk=4559246

But back to the film itself and how it will impact YOU…

If you are dealing with any health challenge, or you want to get into the best shape of your life, or you just want to feel vibrant with energy and have glowing skin…

Then you need to check out the trailer for this film and pick up a copy for yourself. 

http://www.rawfor30days.com/cmd.php?Clk=4559246

The producers of the film (Alex and Nick Ortner – also known for their film “The Tapping Solution”) are also giving away a laundry list of amazing bonuses when you pick up a copy before this Friday.

So take a minute to watch the trailer for this amazing film by visiting the site below.

And remember, diabetes is a pandemic situation with over 246 million people suffering worldwide. If you or anyone you know is dealing with diabetes make sure that they watch this film. It just may save their life…

Hugs,

Michele Miller

aka Raw Juice Girl

P.S. – The 50% OFF is a ridiculously low price for the film.  With the bonuses they’ve added on it’s almost a no brainer.

It shows how passionate they are about getting this information out to the public. Make sure to check it out:

http://www.rawfor30days.com/cmd.php?Clk=4559246

FTC Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. This is a promotion. I was not paid to write this. I will receive small commissions from the sales.

Now, on to the topic at hand…

The very kind folks at Celestial Seasonings are helping me get a head-start on taking care of myself this winter. That’s right. They’ve been generous enough to send me a Celestial Seasonings Wellness Kit!

I adore Celestial Seasonings. In fact, one of my very first experiences with being wowed by the power of herbs was when I was suffering from horrific migraines and stress and my mom gave me some Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer.

It was like a spiritual experience. From head to toe, I felt a calmness sweep throughout me and it was as if that magical cup of tea had whisked away my migraine pain and stress. From that moment, I was hooked and have enjoyed a huge variety of Celestial Seasonings tea over the years.

If you’ve read any of my in-depth reviews, you know I love to dig into the past and learn all about the history behind the company of products I review, as well as the people who started it all.

About Celestial Seasonings

I got more than I bargained for when I studied up on this company. Come to find out, in 1968 a few folks started harvesting herbs in the Colorado Mountains – Aspen, to be exact. These folks are: Mo and Peggy Siegel, Wyck Hay, and Lucinda Ziesing.

You just have to be in awe when you find out how the name Celestial Seasonings came to be…

Fun Fact!

The company’s name is actually Lucinda Ziesing’s nickname. Yes! In 1969, Celestial Seasonings evolved because of Lucinda’s nickname.

How cool is that, huh?!

(For more Celestial Seasonings facts, check out their timeline here.)

When 1970 rolled around, production was booming, with a total of six employees, in a Boulder barn owned by Michael Dominick.

By 1972, Celestial Seasonings was incorporated, the company had been purchasing herbs worldwide, moved into a larger facility, new teas were being created….

Over the 70’s, the company expanded internationally.

Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, a few big things happened:

1. Kraft, Inc. purchased Celestial Seasonings.
2. Mo Siegel came and went – first, retiring from the company to travel the world doing humanitarian work and then returning as CEO in 1991.
3. “Celestial Seasonings management and Vestar Capital Partners bought company from Kraft through leveraged buyout.”

Today Celestial Seasonings continues to grow, expand, create new teas and products and I can’t wait to see what is to come from this amazing company!

So, you can imagine how I was pleasantly surprised when this super cool packaged arrived at my doorstep!

About the Book

I love alternative medicine. I’ve been fascinated by herbs and their uses for many years now and I must say, this is just one of the best books to have as your go-to guide for herbal remedies!

Herbs for Health and Happiness: All You Need to Know, written by Mo Siegel and Nancy Burke, this book is fun and easy to use. It is divided up in to sections that will make it easy for you to research ailments and which herbs you need to know to find happiness through herbs.

The holidays are coming up so it would make a great gift for any friends or family who are interested in herbal healing, teas, or their health in general.

I’m already using this fantabulous book as one of my references for an upcoming article to be published in the new year!

Let me guess… you’d LOVE to have a Celestial Seasonings Wellness Kit of your own? You can! Well, ONE of you can – because we’re having a giveaway!

In the past, I’ve posted the giveaways separately than the reviews and have given you up to 20 ways to enter.

Over time, it seems your enthusiasm over all the various ways to enter has turned into your being overwhelmed at the long list of ways to enter – SO things are going to change around here!

To make things much easier – and more fun! – for you, there’ll be a handful of ways to enter. There will be ONE required entry and then a couple extras. For each entry, please leave a separate comment. That’s all I ask.

In return, you’ll be entered to win an awesome Celestial Seasonings Wellness Kit of your own, which I know you’ll enjoy!

Giveaway Rules

There is only ONE required entry:

1. Visit ww.celestialseasonings.com and come back here and leave me a comment sharing which product you’d most like to try – or already have and love.

That’s it. Easy peasy!

For extra points:

2. “Like” the Celestial Seasonings Fan page.

3. Follow Celestial Seasonings on Twitter AND tweet this message:

@CelestialTea and @RawJuiceGirl are hosting a #wellness #giveaway! Enter HERE:  http://tinyurl.com/5to8tgx

You can tweet up to 5 times per day, at least an hour apart.

You have until Thursday, October 27th to get your entries in. Winner will be chosen by Mr. Random (random.org). Entries will be received until midnight (Central Time).

Let the entries pile in, y’all!!!

As I mentioned in my Shame on Me post, I’ve been neglecting yoga – to the point that I’m stressed and stiff. I need yoga in my life to ground me. It calms me. Sooths me. Makes life’s stresses melt away.

And of the various yoga videos I’ve tried, Stacy McCarthy has become my favorite. I love the way she teaches. Her voice – and the music – is so calming.

She’s a very positive person and is just delightful to practice yoga with! It’s just a DVD after all, but Stacy has a way of making you feel as if you’re in the room with her. It’s awesomeness.

This morning, I woke up with pep in my step and knew it was the day designated to return to my yoga practice – with all my heart, body, mind, and soul!

I rolled out my pink Aurorae Yoga Mat, tossed my Aurorae slip-free rosin bag on the mat, grabbed my laptop and a cold water bottle from the fridge. I was set to go!

Stacy has sent me three yoga DVD’s so far:

Yoga Body: Lean & Defined Total Body Workout

Yoga Body: Hip Opening Flow

Busy Mom Yoga – Core & More

That’s a pretty awesome selection right there. How can a girl choose?!

Well, I’ve already practiced using the Yoga Body: Lean & Defined Total Body Workout – numerous times. The Busy Mom Yoga speaks to me because I definitely need to strengthen my core and hey, it’s always great if we can save a few minutes, eh?

But…

I chose Yoga Body: Hip Opening Flow this morning. My hips are definitely tight and since it’s been so long since I’ve practiced yoga, I knew this would be a good place to start.

My hips have always been tight. I was never one of those youngin’s who could plop down into the splits.This is an area I really need to work on. I’m not saying I’ll ever be able to do the splits, but open hips sounds nice.

This is how the screen looks when Yoga Body: Hip Opening Flow comes up on your computer (or TV). 

I’ll admit, I started to give up half-way through the DVD – not because it’s so difficult it’s impossible or anything, but just because it’s been so long since I practiced yoga and I’ve allowed myself to get so stiff.

But I stuck it out.

When it came time for poses I couldn’t follow through with, I just rested in child’s pose until I could move on. I think I skipped two poses.

Let me tell you, the yoga poses Stacy teaches in this DVD are absolutely hip opening – you feel it for sure!

It’s a nice feel, though. The long, slow stretches are telling the hips to open and they work beautifully.

I couldn’t be more pleased with this video. I absolutely enjoyed it!

Before I knew it, the 45 minutes were up – and I was lost in shavasana.

I had forgotten how good shavasana feels. It’s such a peaceful feeling. It’s also a feeling of accomplishment and great joy!

I’m so happy with the DVD and I will be using it ‘till it’s worn out, I assure you.

Bonus Mini Maintenance Practice!

Stacy included a mini maintenance practice at the end of the Hip Opening Flow because she says it’s “better to do a mini practice regularly (only takes a few minutes!) than to do a lengthy practice once a week.”

Great advice, Stacy!

I’m going to be following that advice. I’m tired of being stiff! 

A HUGE thank-you to Stacy for her generosity. That DVD will NOT collect dust, promise!

Have you ever practiced yoga using Stacy McCarthy’s DVD’s? What did you think? So far, I’ve had the privilege to try out two – and it’s an A+ on both!

And…

Don’t forget to enter my SWEET GIVEAWAY!!!!

There will be FOUR winners!!!

Hi, y’all!

Did you enjoy my fruity breakfast post? Have you entered my amazing giveaway yet? No? Why not? This is an awesome opportunity! There will be FOUR winners. Hurry, get your entries in now: Enter HERE!

I’m going to be posting what my husband made for our anniversary dinner soon but here’s a sneak peek of the salad he made. I just posted it over at Mainline Gardening. Check it out: Overnight Salad – Made By My Husband!

And now on to Greek yogurt – I adore it. It’s thick, creamy, delicious, filling, and just plain GOOD! It’s also good for us.

It can be a quick snack on your way out the door or a small meal if you’re in a hurry.

Add it to smoothies, on top of fruit, top it with nuts – or nut butter. Possibilities are endless. You can add it to recipes, too!

The most recent Greek yogurt I picked up at the store is YoCrunch Greek Parfait.

Check out the YoCrunch Nutrition Page for more information.

I’m loving it!

Do you like Greek yogurt? Have you ever tried it? After trying it, I can’t go back to regular yogurt – it seems to runny for me. And Greek yogurt is so creamy, decadent, and filling…. I can’t look back!

How do you use your yogurt? In smoothies? Recipes? Or just plain out of the tub? What did you have for breakfast?

Now, on to the good stuff!

A HUGE thank-you to Aurorae Yoga for their generosity. I really appreciate the opportunity to try out and review their products.

Check out the goodies I’ve reviewed so far from this awesome company:

Aurorae Yoga Mat

Aurorae Yoga Sport Sweat Towel

Aurorae Yoga Slip-Free Rosin Bag

Now, let’s take a look at the  Aurorae Yoga Mat Sak, shall we?

Normally, I give a glimpse about the company but since I’ve already covered that (read all about it here), we’re jumping right into the review itself.

I love this bag not only because it’s jean material, but because it has a cool design, is easy to carry around, has pockets for goodies and personal items.

Big Strap For Easy Transport!

Quick & Easy Drawstring!

Cool Pocket For Storing Personal Items!

All the cool info:

Yoga Denim Sak by Aurorae, 8.6 ounce 100 percent Premium Ring Spun Cotton Denim washed the way you like your favorite jeans.

Vintage Wash – Stone washed, worn and broken in like your old favorite pair of jeans. Midnight Wash – Power Washed to a soft hand to maintain a deep rich indigo color.

Universal Denim fabric that goes with everything and all colors.

Light to carry and Machine washable, Extra long 28 inches in length that will fit most size yoga mats with room to spare.

Extra Wide 8.3 inch diameter that will fit your mat plus accessories with easy access and drawstring closure.

Large cargo pocket with Velcro Flap to carry all your accessories plus outer easy entry cell phone pocket.

Zip pocket to hold your valuables with no worry of falling out.

Adjustable Shoulder Strap to make it easy to carry.

There are no other Yoga Bags of this quality made of denim in the market, Our Aurorae Logo is Embroidered on the the Sak which is our Symbol of Quality and great service.

Aurorae Yoga Sak a Practical approach with a sense of Fashion

Remember “It’s Your Yoga” Relax, Enjoy and Namaste

Your Friends at Aurorae

I know, now you really want an Aurorae Yoga Mat Sak, don’t ya? Join the cool kids – order one today!

Free shipping on purchases of $25.00 or more!

Do you practice yoga? Do you already have a bag to transport (or store) your yoga mat in? What do you think of the Aurorae Yoga Mat Sak? Let’s talk! 

Hi, y’all! How are you on this beautiful April day? Fantabulous, I hope!

I’m sharing my thoughts on Bazura with you today. I hope you enjoy the photos and my reflections on this company, what they’re doing for the environment, and maybe you’ll even want to order something for yourself!

I love what this company promotes and stands for.

Check out this press release (my review follows):

BAZURA BAGS BRINGS ECO-FASHION TO AMERICA
  Stylish Bags & Accessories Handcrafted from Recycled Materials
Toronto, Ontario (June27, 2006) – On the heels of the thriving organic movement, eco-fashion is gaining momentum in North America. Much of the surge of consumer interest is due to the fact that the latest eco-fashion products place equal emphasis on quality and style as they do with environmental benefits.

  Bazura™ Bags (

www.bazurabags.com) is a social entrepreneur that is proving that one person’s trash is another’s treasure. The Toronto-based company has launched a line of high quality bags and accessories handcrafted by a women’s cooperative in the Philippines from colorful discarded juice containers that would otherwise clutter landfills, fields and streets in their community. While the company has a compelling environmental and social story behind the product, Bazura Bags were carefully designed to be chic, high-quality, functional, durable and stylishly colorful.

  The line of Bazura Bags introduced to the U.S. features more than 80 styles that serve many functions. The company’s most popular designs are coin purses, messenger bags, lunch bags and purses. New styles include camera and cell phone bags, key chains, placemats, cosmetic bags and fruit baskets. The fun collage of colors that are the signature of the Bazura line are derived from the attractive labels of the juice containers they are made from. The eye-catching brand labels feature slogans and exotic fruit names like "Sun Glo" and “Zesto.” The recycled juice containers also impart a hint of fresh fruit scent.

www.bazurashop.com. For more information about the company and its social mission, please visit www.bazurabags.com.

About the Company

I’m in awe of Bazura and how they’re taking what most consider as trash and using it to not only create super cool products, but to provide employment and to educate children on how to reuse what’s already available to help preserve our beautiful earth. 

From the Site:

Welcome to Bazura Bags!

For the past 8 years Bazura.Biz has worked closely with a Women’s Co-operative in the Philippines, who collect used juice containers, recycled rice bags and discarded advertising banners. The Co-op then has their members transform this trash into hand bags and accessories.

The collection of this trash helps clean up the environment in and around Manila and through out the Philippines, while eliminating tons of material from local land fills. The use of Bazura’s many Shopping and Tote bags also helps eliminate the use of disposal plastic shopping bags which produce millions of pounds of waste that clutter our environment, clog our landfills and use huge quantities of petrol chemicals in their production. Bazura recommends that everyone switch to environmentally friendly bags.

This past September 2009 the Co-op was devastated by Typhoon Ondoy. Two of their members drowned during the typhoon and scores of the members’ homes were flooded. Many donations from the Co-op’s buyers and friends have been collected and, with great determination and hard work, the women of the Co-op have repaired their headquarters and most of their members’ homes.

Bazura.Biz is very proud to work with and support this marvelous group of women.

Note: Bazura.Biz donates an additional five percent of its total purchases from the Co-operative to their Foundation’s Scholarship Fund as well as continued support of their Disaster Relief Fund.

Woven Key Fob

Cute and fun! Check ‘em out HERE.

Bazura Bags

The MW-2 Stripped Messenger Bag is really cool. This bag can be used for carrying books, personal items, or whatever you wish.

“Aluminum Beverage Bags from Bazura Bags are handcrafted in Vietnam. These bags are constructed using recycled aluminum soda and beer cans. The aluminum is backed with vinyl, then shaped, edged and hand stitched.” – Bazura

Crochet Place Mats

These place mats are fun, colorful, cheerful, and are easy to clean up – just wipe off, dry, and leave on the table or keep packed up for picnics!

Pros

Bazura products have a long list of pros. Below are just a few that impress me.

• eco-friendly
• fair trade
• anti-sweatshop
• train children to recycle
• reduces trash sent to landfills
• encourages environmentalism
• bright, cheerful, fun designs
• creative (re)use of items considered as trash
• “donates an additional five percent of its total purchases from the Co-operative to their Foundation’s Scholarship Fund as well as continued support of their Disaster Relief Fund.”

Bazura products are also perfect for fundraisers!

FUNDRAISERS

“Over the past few years, BAZURABAGS have achieved remarkable success as fundraising items.

Parent associations from both public and private schools as well as environmental groups, seniors residences and youth clubs have organized successful fundraisers using BAZURABAGS.” — Bazura

…and much, much more!

Well, see for yourself.

Read… 

 The Story

Every day, children from the local schools collect   over 50,000 used drink containers, called doy packs, then sell them to the co-op.  The bags are sanitized and the women sew them together into attractive, durable bags.

We estimate that millions of these containers get thrown in the trash everyday in the Philippines. Until we find a way to recycle them, or stop using this material altogether, we would like to reuse as many empty drink containers as possible and, in the process, support fair trade.

The Co-op has recently started  to collect used  Rice Bags and discarded Advertising Banners and transform this trash into beautiful hand bags.

The Women

Unlike most third world factory workers toiling away in sweatshops, these women are entrepreneurs and shareholders. They work for themselves and have a positive impact on their community and, at the same time, they encourage environmentalism.

We are proud to promote their enterprise.”– Bazura

Cons

Hmmm… I always try really hard to think of the pros and cons because I do strive to give honest, heartfelt reviews. I cherish that y’all trust and value my opinion and I desire to keep things that way. The only thing I can truly think of as a con with these products and/or this company (as far as the environment is concerned) would only be the shipping aspect. (But that can’t really even be considered a con because all companies have to ship!) Everything else seems to be green.

Verdict/Grade?

Let’s give Bazura a big, fat…

A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m confident that Bazura is doing all they possibly can to promote recycling and eco-friendly living. And I think it’s wonderful that they provide a wholesome work environment for their employees (anti-sweatshop!) and that they’re teaching children to walk lightly on Mother Earth.

Bravo, Bazura, bravo!

You can contact the Bazura Company HERE or browse their online shop HERE. Read about their shipping policy HERE.

Have you ever heard of Bazura Bags? How do you feel about the eco-friendly process of recycling materials to make bags, place mats, and other cool items? Do you recycle? Would you purchase recycled or other green merchandise? Chime in and share your juicy, green thoughts!

Hey, y’all! How’s your weekend going? The snow (a whole inch or so ) has melted off and it’s a really nice day. I love it when the sun shines – it makes my heart feel SO happy!

I made a strawberry smoothie in my new blender (more on that in the next post!) and it was DELISH. I was just playing around so I didn’t take any photos. I’ll be more creative and post about my smoothie adventures in the next couple of days.

I’ve received a few packages from some awesome companies – including Amazing Grass (thank you SO much, Teri!) and Bazura Bags (thanks, Larry!). I’ll post pictures of the Bazura Bags products and blender I received (from CSN Stores) soon (thank you, Jamie)!

And… you know I dove right in to the Chocolate Peanut Butter!

YUM!

Order your Amazing Grass products here!

Don’t forget about…

my PeopleTowels Giveaway!

Only ONE Required Entry!! <— Click to Enter!

Or… E3Live’s

50% Off Sale!

E3Live is having a 50% off sale on their Immune Boosting Set (3-pack)!

What have you been up to? Any RAWsome news I should know about?