Want some creative girlfriend gift ideas? Listen in!

I've said it before, I'll say it again. One of the best benefits to girlfriends is how much we all learn from each other. From little things like celebrity trivia (like ... who got kicked off Dancing With The Stars!?), to big things like how to take care of our health and our loved ones.

Each month we ask YOU for YOUR thoughts and stories on girlfriends in our monthly Girlfriendology Contest. In March, since it was National Craft Month, we asked for your comments on thoughtful, creative girlfriend gifts you've given or received. We received a bunch of entries and some fabulous female friend stories. Thanks for sharing!

Check out the newest podcast for the stories and the winners. You're sure to get some great ideas for being the girlfriend with the PERFECT gift. After all, if you can't get inspired by your girlfriends, you can't get inspired!

Alas, it is the ides of April (ooh - tax day!), and we're half way through the month and another contest is happening. This month, in honor of Earth Day and our awareness of all things green, we're asking YOU to 'recycle' your girlfriend stories! Share a story of a girlfriend who meant a lot to you as a child or teenager. Tell us about an amazing woman whose friendship has followed you through different periods of your life - and been there for you no matter what! Just enter the contest - there are prizes! And, if you're selected, we may call you to interview you for our podcast next month. (Tell us a great story and we'll HAVE to talk with you!) Thanks Girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #20 - Help your girlfriends dress green?

Spring has sprung here in the mid-west. Bulbs have popped up and blooms have burst out,making it a colorful, wonderful reward for getting through winter! However, with it comes packing up the winter sweaters and returning the spring/summer clothes to the closet.

This annual rearranging ritual reminds me of all the stuff I have and don't wear. (Does it do that to you?) And, now with the focus on 'going green,' is it socially responsible for me to not buy more and/or be more conscious of what I buy?

In honor of the upcoming Earth Day, let's help each other figure out what it means to 'go green' as girlfriends. And, in the case of clothing, how can we feel good about our choices either not to buy new things (and we'll have a podcast this month with a woman, Debra Quartermain, who isn't buying anything new in 2008!) or to buying eco-friendly wearables?

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

Are you changing your clothes buying habits to 'go green?' If so, how. If not, are you making other changes that you feel better about (and that will help others be more green)?"

For me, I am avoiding stores where I'm tempted to shop. I have plenty so I'm trying to limit my purchases and be conscious of what I'm buying. I'm not saying I'm shifting to all organic materials and dressing in recycled coffee-bags (!), I'm just trying to make an effort to be more aware and open to better options.

But I need help! What are you doing to be more environmentally responsible? How can we be a girlfriend to 'Mother Nature.' What's your tip? How can we be more green, girlfriend?!