
Every holiday season we're all bombarded with people we have to give gifts to. Sure it's wonderful to give presents to those you love, but what about all of those little gifts you have to give? Perhaps it's the kid's teacher, the coworker you drew in the annual office Secret Santa ordeal or a neighbor who always picks up your mail when you're on vacation. These little treats make perfect, thoughtful, little last minute presents for those people you don't know too well. Plus, it's always nice to have a few on hand all year long for those forgotten birthdays and unexpected get-togethers. Continued...

During the holidays it's inevitable-you're going to be traveling. Whether it's a few towns away or a cross-country stay, there's nothing worse than toting along your entire arsenal of full-size products. After all, it's the holidays so chances are, you're also carrying a plethora of wrapped gifts for friends and loved ones. And if you're trying to travel with little ones like me, saving space means smaller bags, which equals less hassle. There aren't as many organic mini-sized products as there could be. But what you'll find will save you space and piece of mind. Here are some of my favorites: Continued...

Most of the year it's routine to eat as healthy as possible. Saying no to plates of cake at office parties and resisting the dessert menu at your favorite restaurant is a way of life. But then comes holiday season. Suddenly good intentions and a good diet are thrown out the window. After all, you're good the rest of the year, the holidays are a time to enjoy and splurge. Continued...

I've become quite a fan of Dr.Hauschka's Eye Solace. It's not a product that was created to become a necessity. But it sure became one in my life. At first I would use it during my nighttime bath. It's not unusual for me to work late into the night, and a nice soothing bath helps relax my body and calm my mind. The Eye Solace patches have become part of this evening ritual, relaxing my eyes after hours of staring at my computer. As an eye compress, Eye Solace relieves red, swollen, puffy, tired or irritated eyes, and helps relieve eyestrain and allergy symptoms. I also pack a few in my overnight bag when traveling. They're especially nice to soothe eyes after being stuck in a dry plane for hours. Occasionally in bad cases of rosacea, the eyes may become extremely dry and red, with other symptoms of itching, burning, excess tears, and the uncomfortable feeling of having sand in the eye. A soothing compress with Eye Solace should really help provide some relief. That was in the beginning, I have a whole new use for it. Continued...

Every year I look forward to the holiday season. Who doesn’t? After all, those shopping center carolers are always claiming it’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’s the decorations, the food and, of course, the parties. But between shopping, cooking and crafts with the kids, it’s not like I have all the time in the world to get ready for the parties I get suckered into attending. So I rely on one basic look that I can tweak here and there. It’s quick, it’s easy and it works every time. Plus, all of the cosmetics are certified organic. I recently filled my makeup bag with products from NVEY ECO’s organic makeup line. The products combine plant and mineral ingredients along with skin-benefiting antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, the professional-quality shades are completely gorgeous. They’re the perfect blend of green and glamour! Continued...

If it's your family tradition to help usher in the holidays with a seasonal, sensational wreath, don't let me stop you. Wreaths add a festive touch to a bland front door and can look lovely above a fireplace mantel. Plus they make great gifts. But before you head over to your local florist (or wherever you like to buy your seasonal plant items), stop and think about what goes into making those wreaths. Chances are the news isn't good. Traditional plant and flower farms use toxic pesticides that poison the soil and water sources, harming the local ecosystem. Many flowers are shipped from far away places like Ecuador or Columbia, which wastes tons of fuel and pollutes the air. Plus these types of farms aren't exactly known for great ethics when it comes to working conditions. That doesn't quite say happy holidays like you imagined does it? Instead go organic with a gorgeous wreath from organicbouquet.com favorite place to give and get flowers. Continued...

The past decade has seen a dramatic increase in the use of bottled water. It’s convenient! It tastes good! Hey look, I’m being healthy by toting around water in a plastic bottle! But don’t be fooled. Not only are the bottles ending up in the trash (The Container Recycling Institute reported that over 14 billion water bottles were sold in 2002… and only 10 percent of those actually made it to a recycling facility), but the water itself may not be as purely healthy as those commercials would like you to believe. Continued...

Three years ago I had the most absolutely crazy and mind-numbingly awful Christmas. The combined emotions left me feeling thoughtless, guilty and ridiculously stressed out. I procrastinated so much that I left all of my shopping until three days before Christmas. And between buying the perfect gifts for my kids and finding presents for the rest of the family (my husband has 38 first cousins!), I was thrown into a sheer panic and felt like a mindless consumer robot. We’re never excessive with our purchases, but do like to get a little something for those close to us. After that hectic year I vowed that the holiday season would be different and that I would never procrastinate when it comes to presents. Continued...

She broke into our hearts over 10 years ago playing the lovable mall-obsessed Cher in Clueless. But in real life, vegan Alicia Silverstone will not throw down her wallet unless the clothing is animal-free. For over a decade she hasn't put anything into or onto her body that came from animals. Going vegan certainly wasn't a way to gain attention in limelight-hungry Hollywood, nor was it a way for her to drop pounds for a film role. It was a moral stance that she felt very strongly about. Yet as a result, her skin glows more and she feels stronger, healthier and better than she ever has. Continued...