Eco-friendly all-purpose bag that is perfect for moms

There's no such thing as a "mom bag" but there is very much something called "a bag that is perfect for moms." It's not a purse, either. It's a multi-purpose tote that can roll with the punches. It can hold sand toys, swim gear, library books, groceries. It needs to be cheap and washable because it's going to get dirty -- and even filthy dirty -- at times.

We moms, when we spy them, we track them down and spread the word. Mostly because we're looking for something to replace our tired, red Trader Joe's reusable bags.

So a fellow T-ball mom walked into the ballpark, (okay, fine, local elementary school field) toting a very sporty, very bright and very funkadelic tote bag. Within minutes, the rest of the team moms were chatting her up to find out about this mystery bag. I do not joke. I even came home with the sticky label from the bottom of the bag so I could share.

Turns out the tote in question is just that..."The Bag" from Mixed Bag Designs. It's is recyclable (score!), a very decent size, washable, durable and super cute. I am a fan of the South Beach line but I could be swayed by the Flower Bag.

The Bag definitely covers the multi-purpose criteria for moms and is inexpensive at US$7.00 (I know, that's more than the Trader Joe's bags but you need to get past it). You could also buy a four pack for US$32, which would make a sweet Mother's Day gift.