Momma Told Me: Miche Big Bag Interchangeable Purse Review and Giveaway!

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Miche Big Bag Interchangeable Purse Review and Giveaway!



Momma Told Me: I love purses, I just don't love shopping for them.


How many purses do you own? If you're like me, then your passion for shoes probably is mirrored by your attraction to a quality or designer purse. But, until houses come standard with an extra 'purse closet', the obsession can become quite overwhelming and bulky. Much like heels vs flats, a clutch is as necessary as a good duffle. Then, when you take into account seasons, outfits, and occasions a girl can easily justify 20+ designer handbags. The only problem being the cost is not as easy to justify. For my mother, it wasn't so much about fashion as it was about function. Every time she found a new bag and got 'settled in' her motherly duties would result in a superglue fiasco or milk spill mess. How bothersome it was to transfer her 'life' into a new carrier that often was smaller or less accommodating than the last. If only she could change her purse as easily as her hairstyle.


Back in 2004 Michelle Romero found herself faced with the dilemma many of us have known, after a disastrous spill onto her favorite purse. Would she invest time into repairing and masking the damage or deal with the hassle of 'interviewing' and 'training' new purses? Noticing the purse had a distinct 2 layer system, which enabled her to doctor the bag with a new covering, Michelle developed a concept now copycatted around the world. She set to work designing the original interchangeable purse system. A purse with a basic core that enabled owners to collect and change the outer shells on a whim. Versatile, convenient, affordable, and a fashionista's dream.
Michelle teamed up with a friend, and like so many great and wonderful new products began selling to family and friends. Before long these innovative bags were branded as Miche (MEE-chee), after their creator's nickname, and the changeable covers were dubbed 'chelles', for their shell like properties. You may have even become familiar with the Miche purse system while perusing home shopping networks, where they were first introduced to consumers. Not only does this purse offer a solution to expensive handbag collections, as the average purse runs $80+, but 20 Miche shells can be stored where one standard purse was prior! It's one of those products I find myself asking "Where have you been, and why weren't you thought of sooner?"


Just because you change the look of the Miche doesn't mean it any less designer. There are 3 basic base bags (the core of the purse); big, mini, and classic. These range from $20.95-$34.95, and you can own all 3 for less than $100! Each bag comes with standard handles to match, but alternate accessories and handles can be purchased through the website for additional personalization and styling. Can you imagine waking up in the morning and matching your purse to your outfit? With the Miche that's very much a real possibility for just about any budget. Because new Miche shells are constantly being introduced, and old ones retired, shells start as low as $19.95! And we're not talking the ugly leftovers, these are designer, high quality, chic and fashionable shells!


What I love most about the execution of Miche is the distinct shell designs. One would think using a standard base bag would limit the styling and functionality of a purse. Impressively, the addition or removal of pockets, clasps, ridges, and textures make these shells each unique. The result is a truly impressively individual collection of looks- from one bag! I do have to say though, Miche is highly addictive, and you'd be hard pressed to choose just one shell with your initial purchase. My only complaint about the set up and shopping experience? Word of Miche's amazing concept and fashion savvy designs is quickly spreading and you have to act fast to snap up your favorites. One day you'll be contemplating an 'Erin' shell, the next it's MIA and 'out of stock'.


Miche was kind enough to send me one Big Bag Base and Lauren and Lexi shell for review here on Momma Told Me. I'd never seen a Miche in person before and had only had the privilege of browsing online, so I was unsure of what to expect. I must confess as captivating and alluring both the bag and shells are online, images do not compare to a personal encounter. Everything about these bags are rave worthy. The Miche Big Bag Base is wonderfully ruffled for a relazed duffle look that is stylish and simple. The outside is composed of easy to clean, black, material, and the inside is a warm golden yellow with multiple pockets and zipping compartment. I love that in a pinch or emergency the base bag can function entirely as a purse without the shell- genius!


No matter the Miche base, all shells attach magnetically to the upper rim of the purse. The shells I received had flaps which snapped over the rim for a seamless fit that would be indistinguishable to anyone but a Miche owner. The purse looks and functions as one whole piece despite it's amazing versatility. As for the shells, well I had chosen the Lauren for it's orient inspired appeal, with soft silky exterior, feminine bunching, and frilly stitching. Retailing for $44.95, the Lauren Miche shell is exotic and distinguished, but what had most caught my eye originally was the Lexi. Currently featured in many of the Miche website adverts and banners, the Lexi is, in my opinion, the definition of high fashion and clamor worthy purses.


Miche's Lexi shell is styled with a textured giraffe print, and faux leather material that caught my eye for it's wild nature. Online, the crimson red accents contrast beautifully with shadowed spots of muddy green/brown. In person, the animal print is textured with realistic fur crevices that cause second looks and begs to be touched. The way this bag grabs the light is truly mesmerizing and delighted me instantly. I must confess I felt as though the bag was almost too nice for me, and looked as though it cost much more than the $85 retail value (for both pieces total!) My love for this bag, and new found passion for Miche was only confirmed when I days later brought the purse to our family's Thanksgiving celebration.


I had made the mistake of leaving my Miche unattended in the living room while helping with meal preparation as guests began to arrive. Almost immediately I began to pick up on pieces of conversation I was sure were related to my purse. Sure enough, my grandmother pulled me aside to question where on Earth I had found such a "captivating" purse. To give you better insight as to why this is a statement in itself, my grandmother is very well off and known for having what she desires- typically purses worth more than the laptop I'm typing on. The fact she was taking interest in my purse was shocking. Not only was she interested, she insisted I tell her where she could buy the exact same purse! I confessed that I did not know of a retail location, but that she could order one online. Unfortunately, anything involving the internet and shopping is a turn off for her, and she appeared quite upset that she could not simply walk into a store and buy one.



About this time my Aunt passed by and interjected herself into the conversation. When she learned we were discussing my Miche she became quite animated and professed her adoration for my new purse as well. What proceeded was a bit of quarreling and resulted in my grandmother scouring her checkbook for loose cash and tossing $60 into my hand. It wasn't enough that my new Lexi Miche had been confiscated, but my Aunt persisted with her intent to acquire one as well. In short, we next spent another hour online (during Thanksgiving dinner) browsing the shells and in the end buying her a purse. I did learn from the experience that there are 100s of alternate Miche shells in the custom Miche gallery, and users can even upload their own photos or artwork onto a Miche!

So, I literally spent my Thanksgiving with my purse contents in a grocery bag, but the response from my family speaks for itself. Miche was a hit with every woman present (age 19-68), and the men loved that the bag was an affordable solution to their wives' (and daughters') hand bag obsessions. Unfortunately for me, I am missing my Miche Big Bag terribly, and the online store is currently out-of-stock! Don't let my Thanksgiving be your Christmas, grab a Miche today, and make sure to stock up for gifts so yours doesn't end up purse-napped by your grandmother!

What Daughter Says: Don't change your purse, change your shell with the impressively affordable and addictive Miche handbag system.



One very lucky Momma Told Me follower (whom I'll be truly jealous of) will win a Miche Big Bag Base, Heidi, and Lauren shells (pictured above)! The Big Bag Base is frequently Out of Stock online, so this will be an excellent score!

Mandatory Entry: You must be a Momma Told Me follower, then visit Miche, and tell me your favorite shell!
Giveaway begins June 20th, 2011 at 9:01 PM PST and ends at 9:01 PM PST on July 5th, 2011. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid INTERNATIONALLY. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor. Full Contest Rules and Entry Requirements can be viewed here.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

1,095 comments:

  1. GFC Follower: Christa
    I love the Alison & the Sandy shells... this is such a cute idea! : )
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. In the custom gallery, the Lime Green with Denim is so cute! Love the big flower. : )
    ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Follow you on Twitter. Tweeted.
    http://twitter.com/#!/wordsrollon/status/83012675034030080
    ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Follow Miche on Twitter: @wordsrollon
    ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. GFC Krystal Larson I love Alison and the Sandy Shells too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the sophie shell!
    arianiah@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. http://www.facebook.com/mommatoldmeblog commented on your fb

    ReplyDelete
  8. http://www.mycustommiche.com/categories/art/design/shells/ace42292/flowery-black-and-white I love this

    ReplyDelete
  9. email subscriber edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  10. email subscriber edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom

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  11. twitter follower of sponsor Icecream1891

    ReplyDelete
  12. fb follower of sponsor Lindsay Ann

    ReplyDelete
  13. i like the gray with black damask in the gallery.
    arianiah@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like Miche on facebook
    arianiah@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. http://www.mycustommiche.com/categories/art/design/shells/ace42292/flowery-black-and-white I love this

    ReplyDelete
  16. I follow miche on twitter
    arianiah@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. http://twitter.com/#!/Icecream1891/status/83015788931461120 tweeted

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm a Momma Told Me follower and I would pick the Delilah shell... because it is a diaper bag that doesn't look like a diaper bag (too much)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I voted on Picket Fence Blogs #1

    ReplyDelete
  20. I voted on Picket Fence Blogs #2

    ReplyDelete
  21. follow you on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/DevNZacsMom/status/83021991883452416

    ReplyDelete
  22. My favorite is the Karen shell. Following you publicly via GFC.
    fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. My favorite gallery design is Mexico.
    fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  24. My favorite gallery design is Mexico.
    fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  25. Like Miche on Facebook
    Brutus Duffy

    ReplyDelete
  26. Following Miche on Twitter
    @fatmeatloaf1

    ReplyDelete
  27. Like you on FB and left comment
    Brutus Duffy
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  28. Like you on FB and left comment
    Brutus Duffy
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  29. Following you on Twitter and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/fatmeatloaf1/status/83025645076090880
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  30. Following you on Twitter and tweeted
    http://twitter.com/fatmeatloaf1/status/83025645076090880
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  31. Voted for you on Picket Fence.
    fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  32. Voted for you on Picket Fence.
    fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  33. NEW fan ... I really like the Big Bags, Delilah and Hope are my current favs!

    shawneeh at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. The 13:13 Love from the gallery is nice ... I really enjoy inspirational bags

    shawneeh at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am a follower of your blog. I love the Shawna big bag shell.

    Michelle Millett
    candmbff01@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. My favorite shell is called Shawna!

    suzy_darling@hellokitty.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I like the Vanessa big bag shell!
    I follow via gfc!

    vena.nedkova at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. In the custom gallery I love the Purple Haze

    vena.nedkova at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I also like the Starry Night

    vena.nedkova at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow on twitter
    @liveit2

    vena.nedkova at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/Liveit2/status/83070547113672704

    vena.nedkova at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Entered the Boston Symphony Satchel from SaVoriigiveaway

    vena.nedkova at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. entered the Happily Handmade- Latika Natural Soaps Giveaway
    vena.nedkova at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. entered the Happily Handmade- Bib Bon Luxury Eye Mask Giveaway

    vena.nedkova at gmail dot com,

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'm a follower and I like the Savannah Big Bag Shell.
    jcottey at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I am a follower and I like the Scarlet in the classic bag covers.
    msgb245 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Yes, I'm a follower -- I like the Sophie shell

    celeste@mail4me.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. i like the raye and lexi shells, so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  49. i like the flowery black & white one in the gallery

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  50. i follow miche on twitter @briann88

    ReplyDelete
  51. I'm a follower, Chelsea Carson.
    My favorite bad is the Shawna. I love it's sophistication.

    ReplyDelete
  52. follow you gfc
    mommydoll13
    darkgothdoll@hotmail.com

    i like the Stacy (black),Charlotte,Leila

    ReplyDelete
  53. I still think the Shawna is great, but I'm a huge fan of the Raegan too. It just looks good!
    dakotagirl16@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love the Raegan too!
    fav bag number 2

    ReplyDelete
  55. I liked The Official Miche Bag page on Facebook as Chelsea Karson

    ReplyDelete
  56. I follow The Official Miche Bag on Twitter as ChelseaCarson1

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm an email subscriber.
    dakotagirl16AThotmailDOTcom
    1

    ReplyDelete
  58. I'm an email subscriber.
    dakotagirl16AThotmailDOTcom
    1

    ReplyDelete
  59. I'm an email subscriber.
    dakotagirl16AThotmailDOTcom
    2

    ReplyDelete
  60. I liked Momma Told Me on FB and posted a comment as Chelsea Karson
    1

    ReplyDelete
  61. I liked Momma Told Me on FB and posted a comment as Chelsea Karson
    2

    ReplyDelete
  62. I follow you on twitter and tweeted about the giveaway as ChelseaCarson1
    1

    ReplyDelete
  63. I follow you on twitter and tweeted about the giveaway as ChelseaCarson1
    2

    ReplyDelete
  64. I follow you on twitter and tweeted about the giveaway as ChelseaCarson1
    2

    ReplyDelete
  65. entered in the Boston Symphony Satchel from SaVorii, Ends 6/22

    ReplyDelete
  66. Entered in the Bavarian Soft Pretzels from San Diego Pretzel Company, Ends 6/22

    ReplyDelete
  67. Entered in the LATIKA Handmade Soaps, Ends 6/23

    ReplyDelete
  68. Entered in the PriscillaDawn Custom Party Dress, Ends 6/24

    ReplyDelete
  69. Entered in the Hobby Horse Designs Custom Night Light/ Switchplate Covers, Ends 6/27

    ReplyDelete
  70. Entered in the Madison at Main Homefires Accent Rug, Ends 6/28

    ReplyDelete
  71. GFC follower (Katarzyna)
    I love the Sandy shell!

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  72. The Reagan shell is my favorite.

    rebecca.nvcl (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I follow Miche on twitter (@RebeccaFH).

    rebecca.nvcl (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. My favorite shell from the gallery is: http://www.mycustommiche.com/categories/art/fashion/shells/laurendale/if-the-shoe-fits

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  75. #2 My favorite shell from the gallery is: http://www.mycustommiche.com/categories/art/fashion/shells/laurendale/if-the-shoe-fits

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  76. like the DANI

    gram122@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  77. voted on PF #1

    gram122@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  78. email subscriber #2

    gram122@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  79. follow Miche on twitter (gram122)

    ReplyDelete
  80. Liked Miche on Facebook as Kasia Gocka

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  81. Following Miche on Twitter as @Kaziutka

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  82. #1 Subscribed to Momma Told Me via email

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  83. #2 Subscribed to Momma Told Me via email

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  84. My favorite is the Karen shell. Following you publicly via GFC-Louise Gilbert
    wildcardacehigh@yahoo.ca

    ReplyDelete
  85. #1 'Liked' Momma Told Me on Facebook as Kasia Gocka and left a comment on your wall

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  86. #2 'Liked' Momma Told Me on Facebook as Kasia Gocka and left a comment on your wall

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  87. I 'Like' Miche on Facebook -fb name Louise gilbert

    ReplyDelete
  88. #1 Following Momma Told Me on Twitter as @Kaziutka and tweeted this giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/Kaziutka/status/83241358596382720

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  89. I like Lucy

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  90. #2 Following Momma Told Me on Twitter as @Kaziutka and tweeted this giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/Kaziutka/status/83241358596382720

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  91. I Follow Miche on Twitter-wildcardacehigh

    ReplyDelete
  92. I Subscribe to Momma Told Me via email -wildcardacehigh@yahoo.ca

    ReplyDelete
  93. I entered Boston Symphony Satchel from SaVorii Giveaway

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  94. I 'Like' Momma Told Me on Facebook AND left a comment-fb name Louise gilbert

    ReplyDelete
  95. I entered $30 Novica GC Giveaway

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  96. I Follow Momma Told Me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway
    wildcardacehigh@yahoo.ca

    ReplyDelete
  97. My fav shell in the gallery is ever after

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  98. My fav shell in the gallery is ever after

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  99. email subscriber

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  100. entered gourmet orchard

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  101. entered gourmet orchard

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  102. entered green town

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  103. entered nicole lee

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  104. #1 Voted for you on Picket Fence Blogs

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  105. entered novica

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  106. entered fairytale brownies

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  107. entered sweet and savory

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  108. #2 Voted for you on Picket Fence Blogs

    gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

    ReplyDelete
  109. entered wendell august

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  110. entered savorri

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  111. entered san diego pretzel

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  112. entered latika

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  113. entered priscilla dawn

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  114. entered barista

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  115. entered bib bon

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  116. entered hobby horse

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  117. entered madison rug

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  118. entered petit jean

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  119. entered evan healy

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

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  120. entered beauty without cruelty

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  121. entered pure romance

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

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  122. entered lost loon

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

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  123. entered jarritos
    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

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  124. entered kraft mac and cheese

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  125. entered thabto mugs

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  126. I'm a blog follower.
    Love the Delilah!
    dmb161@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  127. I love their "hope" shell,its stunning!

    mitch1066(at)gmail.com

    Im a google follower..michelle jadaa

    ReplyDelete
  128. I 'Like' Miche on Facebook....michelle jadaa

    mitch1066(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  129. I Follow Miche on Twitter..mitch1066

    mitch1066(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  130. I am a GFC follower

    I like the Katheryn shell

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  131. I voted for you today on picket fences
    1
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  132. I voted for you today on picket fences
    2
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  133. already following via GFC: Sarah Mar'atul Azizah
    in love with Sandy shell..
    sarahazhezha at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  134. +2 favorite custom shell is Enjoying the Sunshine Owls

    ReplyDelete
  135. +1 like Miche on fb: Sarah Azhezha

    ReplyDelete
  136. +1 Follow Miche on Twitter: @azhezha

    ReplyDelete
  137. +2 Subscribe to Momma Told Me via email
    sarahazhezha at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  138. +3 Grab your button
    http://sarahazhezha.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  139. +2 leave a comment on your fb wall: Sarah Azhezha

    ReplyDelete
  140. +2 follow and tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/azhezha/status/83318338272505856

    ReplyDelete
  141. I looked thru the Gallery and I love the Gerber Pink Daisy so summery!

    ReplyDelete
  142. I am a GFC follower and I love the b/w cat.

    ReplyDelete
  143. +1 entering Boston Symphony Satchel from SaVorii

    ReplyDelete
  144. +1 entering LATIKA Handmade Soaps

    ReplyDelete
  145. +1 entering Bib Bon Luxury Eye Mask

    ReplyDelete
  146. +1 entering Hobby Horse Designs

    ReplyDelete
  147. +1 entering Evan Healy Skin Care Kit

    ReplyDelete
  148. +1 entering Beauty Without Cruelty Cosmetics

    ReplyDelete
  149. I follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (GeorgiaMist)

    outofthemist AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  150. (1)

    I love the Big Bag Base and the LANEY shell!

    outofthemist AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  151. (2)

    I love the Big Bag Base and the LANEY shell!

    outofthemist AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  152. I LIKE MICHE on Facebook (Terri P)

    outofthemist AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  153. I follow @Michebag on Twitter @GeorgiaMist

    outofthemist AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  154. I follow @pyrodamsel on Twitter @GeorgiaMist

    outofthemist AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  155. My 6/21 Tweet:

    http://twitter.com/#!/GeorgiaMist/status/83353837414514688

    outofthemist AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  156. I am a Momma Told Me follower and my favorite shell is the Sophie

    thransom@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  157. I browse the Miche gallery and my favorite is the Leaf Scape

    thransom@gmail.com
    entry 1

    ReplyDelete