It’s mom’s special day so what will you do to show her how much you love and appreciate her? Well, if you’re stumped on what to get her outside of making heror taking her to a nice meal, here are some of my favorite gift ideas that will not only put a smile on mom’s face but also keep her healthy, happy and green!

Goodies and Gifts

• Heart of Haiti – Mom will love these handmade home decoratives, jewelry and other fun things that are not only beautiful, but help the people of Haiti thrive.
• Amy Kathryn Bags – Give mom a beautiful, eco and vegan handbag that is stylish and compassionate all in one!
• Elysian Organics – Mom will smell and feel like a million bucks with this delicious line of healthy, eco, vegan and organic body care products.
• Allison’s Gourmet – You can never go wrong with a box of sweet vegan treats!
• Cri de Coer Shoes – New shoes will make any mom blush, especially when they are green and cruelty free!
• H&M’s Green Line – H&M has delved into the green world so mom will love her stylish new green threads!
• 360 Cookware – Help mom cook her great food even healthier with this stae-of-the-art cookware.
• Alima Pure Makeup - Keep her beautiful face shining for years to come with this all natural, cruelty-free, organic makeup!

Services and Activities

• Gift certificate to Compassion Couture - Let her shop to her hearts desire the eco and conscious way
• Gift certificate to an organic spa – All ladies love a day of pampering, especially an uber healthy one!
• Gift certificate to a local healthy cooking class – Sure, mom’s cooking rocks but she’ll love a class to learn that specialty kind of cooking she’s always wanted to master!
• Gift certificate for a green maid service – Give mom the day off from the cleaning and have someone come in to green it up!
• Send mom to an eco bed & breakfast – With her man or her girlfriends, she is sure to love this little getaway, complete with a yummy breakfast in bed ; )

No matter what you gave mom, she is sure to love it. Enjoy your time with mom and don’t let Mother’s Day be the only day you remember to celebrate her! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms of the world!

Doesn’t it feel like Christmas was just the other day? Another gift giving holiday is upon us, however this one is much more intimate and personal then the December ones. The gift itself can speak volumes about the level at which a relationship is at. But regardless of if you’re giving a sweet gift to a friend, a not-to-serious gift to that new person in your life or a meaningful gift to your spouse of many years, it should always be thoughtful. Thoughtful in the sense that it is eco-friendly and healthy because after all, nothing says I appreciate you, I like you or I love you like a gift that also says “I care about your health as well as the earth!” Check out some of my faves for both men and women in any state of relations! Even some goodies for yourself!

Sweet Treats

• Traditional hearts filled with vegan chocolates from Rose City Chocolates
• Vegan Valentine’s Day Basket by Sun Flour Baking Company
• Raw vegan Valentine’s gift set by Hail Merry

Nifty Novelties

• Organic wine and spa gift set
• Organic bouquet by California Organic Flowers
• Music to your ears eco ceramic guitar picks
• Brew up some love with a beer making kit
• Recycled ticket stub scrapbook
• Express your feelings visually with the Love is art kit
• Love bottle by H2Om

Scent-ual Goodies

• Me so Thorny vegan and eco candle by A Scent of a Scandal
• Organic perfume and cologne for he and she by Aubrey Organics
• Creme de la creme scents by Tallulah Jane natural perfumes
• Make every step delicious with aromatherapy slippers
• Organic men smell best with Herban Cowboy cologne

All That Sparkles

• Handmade jewelry by Zulugrass
• Cute and clever forget-me-knot rings
• Jewelry and beautiful handmade art by Heart of Haiti
• Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and housewares made of eating utensils by McFlashpants

Feeling Frisky?

• Organic lingerie made from recycled materials by Clare Bare
• Comfy bamboo robes by Skinstinct
• Green your man’s junk with Woodies
• Bedroom toys and vegan condoms from The Sensual Vegan

For those who know me well, they know that the holidays, from Halloween on, are my favorite time of year, with Christmas being my absolute favorite. I LOVE decorating, all the festivities, the food, fun and entertainment. Growing up, I lived to hear the first holiday song played on the radio and announcements for tv specials and movies. In fact, nothing has changed! The week of Thanksgiving I start to get antsy, pulling out all of my favorite Christmas movies and books and changing my radio dial to the holiday station until January 1st.

For many, holiday traditions are what we love most so I’ve compiled a list of my hands down, all time favorite holiday specials, movies, songs and stories to share with all of you! tradition and creating new memories with friends and family are the essence of the holiday season and maybe you’ll find a little bit of nostalgia in my list that you may want to bring back this year! I would LOVE to hear about your favorite holiday memories and traditions too so feel free to comment away!!

Movies

1. A Christmas Story – I hang with Ralphie every single year, no exceptions. It is my #1, all time favorite Christmas film ever! (and iteven makes my top 10 of regular films of all time too!)
2. The Santa Clause – I love Tim Allen and I think this film is super cute, clever and Tim offers up some pretty good laugh out loud moments that play to adults
3. Christmas Vacation – A hilarious classic. I still laugh in all the same places every year!
4. Elf – Come on, Will Farrel rules. One of the best holiday movies to have come out and years!
5. It’s a Wonderful life – Yep, I cry every time
6. Nightmare Before Christmas – Tim Burton take the holidays to a whole new level
7. Edward Scissorhands – Uh, Johny Depp, duh!
8. Miracle on 34th Street (the original one) – Little Natalie Wood steals the show
9. White Christmas – I love old timey musical Christmas
10. Die Hard – Action and Christmas go hand in hand!

TV Specials

1. All Rankin & Bass Holiday Specials – It’s not Christmas until I see the heat miser dance!
2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Dr. Seuss cartoon) – Ah yes, this one makes me cry too!! Love Boris Karloff!
3. The Snowman – It’s a British cartoon, silent film like but to beautiful orchestrated music. It’s magical, whimsical and I adore it!
4. Peanuts Christmas – All of their holiday specials bring me back to being a kid
5. Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas – It’s an old Muppets HBO special from the 80′s. I was so stoked when I found it on dvd!
6. Donnie & Marie Christmas Special – I still have it on VHS from when I taped it off the TV in the late 70′s. It rocks!

Stories

1. The Night before Christmas
2. A Christmas Carol (the original Dickens version)
3. The Snowman

Songs

1. Bing Crosby – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
2. Stevie Wonder – What Christmas Means To Me
3. George Michel – Last Christmas
4. Power 96 – Mi Burrito Sabanero
5. BandAid – Do they Know It’s Christmas
6. Wings (Paul McCartney) – Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time
7. New Edition – Christmas All Over The World
8. Mariah Carey – All I want for Christmas is You
9. Bon Jovi – Baby Please Come Home
10. New Kids on The Block – Funky, funky Christmas
11. John Lennon – Happy Christmas
12. The Carpenters – I’ll Be Home For Christmas
13. Elton John – Step into Christmas
14. Any Christmas by Harry Connick Jr
15. Any Christmas by Michael Buble
16. The Chipmunks Christmas Song
17. Bruce Springsteen – Santa Claus is Coming to Town
18. Winter Wonderland – Jason Mraz
19. Adam Sandler – The Hanukkah Song
20. Run DMC – Christmas in Hollis

Stuff

1. Christmas music
2. Decorations (the brighter and Christmas-ier, the better)
3. Christmas parties
4. Holiday events, tree lightings, etc
5. Christmas tree smell
6. Santa
7. Collectible Christmas villages
8. Jingle bells
9. Carollers
10. Strolling through the neighborhood looking at lights
11. Wrapped gifts
12. Bubble tree lights
13. Cinnamon brooms
14. Pies and cookies baking
15. Snow

What?? We’re here already?? It’s crazy to think that we’ve made another trip around the sun so quickly ; )
Despite the state of things be it the economy, the world or even perhaps our own
personal struggles, this is the time of year to connect with those we like and love so why not give them a fabulous healthy
and/or eco-friendly gift to show them just how much we appreciate having them in our lives!

So with no further a due, here our The Healthy Voyager’s holiday gift picks for 2011
(check out 2010 and 2009 guides as well for some extra tips)!

Charity
(To give instead of receive)

Farm Sanctuary – Animal rescue, education and advocacy
Toys for Tots - Bringing joy to children in need
Operation Homefront – Helping our military servicemen and women
Habitat for Humanity – Homes for those in need
Healthy Weight Commitment – Working to end childhood obesity

Him
(For the men on your list, both young & old)
Mustache Cufflinks – For the guy who likes a classy gag
IPlunge – For the guy with the smart phone who likes a toilet gag
North Wood’s Organic Shave Set  – Nothing smells better than a green organic dude
Street Sign Book Ends – Stop in the name of literacy
Wood Tie – Bet he doesn’t have one of these!

Her
(For the ladies be they young, moms or busy bees)

Amy Kathryn Handbags – Amazing designer vegan, eco handbags
Erica Weiner Jewelry – She’ll love her eco bling
Rich Hippie Perfume – Eco alchemy
Crocheted Headphones – Keep your tunes cute and warm
Upcycled business card cases – Cause sisters are doin for themselves

Unisex & Couples Gifts
(For anyone or any duos)

Portable Wine Table – Vino for 2 to go!
Half Full Glassware – Drink positively
Finger Foods Party Plates -
Sustainable Wood Candle Blocks – Stack up your flames
Upcycled Mail bag Ipad case – Email protected by snail mail
Hypoallergenic Bed Lounger – Comfy, healthy and green

Kids
(Babies, teens & all in between)

DoodleBread Kits – Cooking for kids is fun!
Curious Chef Knives – Teaching kids how to chop food instead of their fingers
EcoZoo Cotton Kid’s Rolling Backpacks -
Eco-friendly Solar Powered Bamboo Doll House – Imagination plus green equals awesome
H Racer 2.0 – Hydrogen powered solar race car
Wonder Walker – Literally learning how to make a small carbon footprint

Pets
(For all furry babies)

Humunga Stache – Fido gets a toy, you get a laugh
Caesar’s Way Flash cards – Get your doggie trained with the help of celeb dog whisperer
Earthbath wipes – eco and vegan wipes for doggies and kitties
Cardboard cat chalet – Eco kitty
Felt Mushroom Birdhouse  – Their own fungus to call home

Health & Beauty
(For all aspects of health & vanity)

RMS Beauty – Eco vegan cosmetics
Violight Toothbrush Sanitizer – Clean the thing that cleans your teeth
Level Naturals – Delicious vegan soaps, scrubs and bath products
Plantlife – Yummy vegan soaps, lotions and skin care
Elan Veda – Natural ayurvedic products
La Fresh Towelettes – Healthy beauty on the go

Fitness, Adventure & Sport
(For the fitness sport & adventure nuts on your list)

Kulae Yoga Gear – Eco, organic yoga mats and gear
Vegan Football – Fair trade and vegan tackling is just as bad ass
Cork Yoga Bricks – Make your triangle greener
Powerbreather – Work out your lungs
Balance Ball Chair – Work out while you work!

Home & Lifestyle
(For cool home and miscellaneous goodies)

MudPie  – Gifts and tableware for every occasion
Bamboo Potted Herbs – The gift of home gardening keeps on giving
Rose Stem Cutter – Taking the pain (physical and mental) out of trimming your roses and flowers
Cast Iron Tool Bottle Openers – Make drinking look like a tough job
Snow Ski Wine Rack – Sporty and functional

Books, Book Things & Films
(For cooks & bibliophiles)

The Healthy Voyager’s Global Kitchen – Cook your way around the world the healthier, plant based way
Thumb Thing – The gadget you wish you’d thought of
Point it - Language barriers no more
Forks Over Knives DVD – Change your life for the healthier after watching this film
Milk Documentary DVD – Change your life for the healthier after watching this film too!

Travel
(For the globe trotters you’ll be gifting)

Healthy Voyager Tours – Travel to the world’s most exotic destinations regardless of your dietary restrictions
Totseat – For the traveling parent on your list
Travel Tools Keychain – Be prepared anywhere in the world
Take Charge Travel Case – Keep all your pluggy plugs snug and in 1 place
Green Garmento – Your eco travel and laundry bag

Cooking & Kitchen
(For the novice to the pro)

TopChips Maker – Homemade chips without the fryer and oil
360 Cookware – A cool, eco, healthier way to cook
Tuffy Steepware – BPA free, travel tea steeper
Digital Spoon Scale – Taking the guesswork out of measuring, once and for all
Homemade Stamp – Claim those baked goods!
Slimware – Stylish and discreet portion control plates
MeaureUp Bowls – Stylish and discreet portion control bowls

Food & Beverage
(For gifting with a smile)

CalNaturale Wines – Organic carton wine rules
Fungus Among Us – All things organic mushrooms
Garlic Galena – Fabulous gourmet garlic foodie finds
Vegan Gourmet Caramel Corn – A veganized holiday classic
Vegan Cookie of the Month Club – Need I say more?

Services & Classes
(For the gift that keeps on giving)

Healthy Voyager Tours – Travel to the world’s most exotic destinations regardless of your dietary restrictions
Personal Wellness Coaching – Get healthy and fit in 2012
Wellness Coaching Certification – Make 2012 the year you follow your passion
Vegetarian/Vegan Online Cooking Classes - Learn your way around the kitchen this year, in your pj’s!
Online Gardening Classes – Develop your green thumb this year!

Online Stores
Bourgeoise Boheme – Fashion with compassion
Herbivore Clothing & Store – Vegan clothing, books, accessories, nick knacks and more!
Cosmos Vegan Shop – A virtual vegan market
Uncommongoods.com – All kinds of neat and off the wall gifts
Alternative Outfitters – A vegan boutique
Vegan Collection – All vegan shoes, wallets and belts for men.
Moo Shoes – Lovely vegan shoes for ladies
Earth Shoes – Eco, vegan shoes for men & women that promotes fitness
Toms Shoes – A pair for you also gets you a pair to someone in the world who needs them ; )
Viva Terra – Eco living with style
GreenLoop – Sustainable style

I hope this list helps make your holiday shopping easier and merrier while making your holiday giftees happy, healthy & green!!

Happy Holiday Shopping Days!!!

Ready. Set. Go! The holidays are here and Thanksgiving weekend kicks off over a month of festivities, cooking eating and gathering with friends and family. There’s a lot to consider this holiday when it comes to putting together a feast as well as all that comes with the weekend (i.e. cleaning, hosting house guests, cooking, black Friday shopping, cleaning again, etc.)

But while we can’t help you with your house guests, clean your kitchen or fight holiday shopping mobs for you, we can offer you an easy plan for cooking up your Thanksgiving feast as well as what to do with those mountains of leftovers! Here we go!

Thanksgiving Eve

Eat light because you don’t want to get a head start on gorging! You’ll have plenty of time to do that all 4 day weekend long!

• Autumnal Minestrone 
• Raspberry Cranberry Pecan Salad

Thanksgiving Day

Let the feast begin!

• Pumpkin Empanadas
• Maple Chipotle Sweet Potato Bisque
• Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
• Green Beans Supreme
• Sage, Cornbread and Apple “Sausage” Stuffing
• Mushroom Wellington or “Chicken” & Mushroom Puffs
• Mushroom Gravy
• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie

Black Friday

You need your energy to fight the crowds, so start your day with a superfood smoothie along with a Pumpkin-ana Flax Muffin. Pack leftovers for a lunch break so you don’t have to deal with food courts an crappy fast food!

Saturday & Sunday

Get creative with your leftovers and brunch it up!

• Leftover Scrambled Hash
• Pumpkin Pecan Pie Pancakes
• Mashed Potato Tots
• Dinner Roll Bread Pudding

Make time to work out, monitor portion control and enjoy your holiday!!!

Just because you can claim you are possessed by demons on this time of year, it’s no excuse to ignore your carbon footprint or your health.  There are so many ways to green your Halloween, keep fit and save money.  Here are just tips that will keep you from the frightening realities of an un-green Halloween!:

• Keep It Local – Block and community parties not only help in alleviating the stress of throwing one big party yourself but it keeps everyone local. Instead of driving all around or busing your kids to the best candy neighborhoods, make it a groups affair that saves money, time, the planet and will be more unique then anything else across town! Each home can host a different part of the evening’s festivities. One can do drinks while another hosts games, one can do the costume contest while the other has the potluck food.  To keep it healthy, snacks and candy can be found at all of the stops but the main food should be at one that starts off the evening so no one is overeating throughout the night.
• Eco invites – Bring a little green to your Halloween party right from the start by avoiding paper invitations as well as the cost of postage by using free online sources such as www.evite.com or www.regards.com. You can also make your own digital invitation. If you would like to send an invitation through the mail, make your own from recycled cards and magazines or use tree-free paper products such as hemp or even paper made from bamboo.
• Treats– Speaking of treats and over eating, here are some of my favorite healthier Halloween treats:
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Crudite Skeleton
  • Shredded carrot salad (shaped like a pumpkin with raisin eyes)
  • Baked apples with cinnamon
  • Heirloom Pumpkins stuffed with Risotto
  • Orange bell pepper and black olive pizza
  • Air popped pop corn
  • Guacamole Brain Dip
  • Pumpkin or Butternut Squash soup
  • Pumpkin Cornbread
  • Simple Spooky Slaw
  • Pretzels Witch Fingers
  • Cider made with 100% organic apple juice, simmered with cinnamon sticks

  As far as candy goes try:

  • Surf Sweets
  • Go Max Go Vegan Candy Bars
  • Vegan Licorice
• Green games – Games are a great way to keep the party spirit going all night long! Try dunk for apples or bite apples hanging from strings. Build A scarecrow by having a variety of old clothes, pillowcases for heads, markers and recycled newspaper. Groups have 20 minutes to create. Give prizes to the scariest or funniest, then place outside. The possibilities are endless!
  
• Decor -  Nothing is more fun then making your own decorations, especially if you have kids. It’s cost effective when using materials you have at home as well as eco friendly since you’re reusing items that would normally end up in the land fill.  Make headstones from cardboard boxes that you collect from things you’ve received in the mail, save your raked leaves and toss them out on your yard for a “dilapted, unkempt house look”, build a scarecrow or ghosts out of old sheets & clothes, and decorate with lots of gourds & fall veggies as they can be planted or composted after the holiday. In addition, opt for LED lights and eco bulbs for your outdoor decor.
• Costumes – The best rule is to shop year round at thrift stores and garage sales. Keep a costume bin so come October 1st, you’re all set with all sorts of odds and ends to put together a screamin’ good outfit. If you or a friends knows how to sew, it’s easy to customize garments to suit your new identity.  Re-using old clothes and costume pieces keeps you from spending gobs of money on a store bought costume that is made of cheap, un-eco friendly materials that come wrapped in plastic. Besides, you will be unique instead of being 1 of 10 other sexy nurses at the party ; )
• After the Ghoul Fest is Over – The most important part of a green Halloween is how you wrap it up at the end of the season.  If you’ve bought things that come in boxes, break them down and store them so that they can be used again next year for decorations. Compost left over veggies from the dinner, prep and decor. If you ruined your costume, don’t toss it as you may be able to use fabric scraps for next year’s costume. It’s also a good time to take inventory of what worked and what didn’t so you don’t waste money on things next year that weren’t such a hit. Save your time and energy on the things that rocked and plan ahead for next October!

Just because Halloween is supposed to be spooky, doesn’t mean it has to be scary to your health, the planet or your bank account!

It’s here, the first gift giving holiday of the new year ; ) And one that the gift itself can speak volumes about the level at which a relationship is at. But regardless of if you’re giving a sweet gift to a friend, a not-to-serious gift to that new person in your life or an meaningful gift to your spouse of many years, it should always be thoughtful. Thoughtful in the sense that it is eco-friendly and healthy because after all, nothing says I appreciate you, I like you or I love you like a gift that also says “I care about your health as well as the earth!” Check out some of my faves for both men and women in any state of relations!

Sweet Treats

• Sjaaks organic, vegan chocolate truffles
• Healthy Maca vegan chocolate bars by Sequel Naturals
• Caramels, pretzel bites, toffee and everything sweet by Chocolate Inspirations (yep, a great selection of vegan!)
• Cookies, brownies, fudge and chocolate by Allison’s Gourmet (all vegan)
• Fair trade, vegan and fantastically flavored chocolate bars by Antidote
• Delicious raw chocoalte (and chocolate sauce, va va voom!) by Chocolatl

Nifty Novelties

• Smartfish vegan ballet flats
• Recycled vinyl record bangles in Valentine’s designs by Wrecords by Monkey
• Keep cozy with the Sastruga by Finisterre recycled jacket for him and for her
• Adbuster’s vegan, make your own logo sneakers for him
• Lego cuff links, to spiffy up your not so grown up man

Scent-ual Goodies

• Me so Thorny vegan and eco candle by A Scent of a Scandal
• Organic perfume and cologne for he and she by Aubrey Organics
• Creme de la creme scents by Tallulah Jane natural perfumes
• Chakra oils, lotions and scents by Golden Earth
• Organic men smell best with Herban Cowboy cologne

All That Sparkles

• Vintage jewels and bobbles by Verde Rocks
• Reclaimed metal jewelry by Alkemie
• Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and housewares made of eating utensils by McFlashpants
• Reclaimed gold rings (with lovely jewels) by Dawes Deisgns
• Custom nameplate made from recycled records by JunkPrints

Feeling Frisky?

• Organic lingerie made from recycled materials by G=9.8
• Sexy sets by Wondervoll, featuring biophyl fabric (made of corn and sucrose)
• Premium organic underwear by Pact, for him and her, with portions of the proceeds going to charity
• Organic thermal trunks by Toasty Boys
• Banana fiber banana hammocks by Aussie Bum

The holidays are meant to be a time filled with love, peace an understanding. But we all know that we still live in the real world and getting folks together can be challenging. There are bound to be differences in personalities, beliefs and lifestyles. While some holiday gatherings just involve a few hours over dinner, others last a few days.  This can induce a whole host of fears and stress for many, so much so that feathers get ruffled and the holiday can be ruined.

This year, here a few tips to get you through the holidays while still making them enjoyable and not stepping on anyone’s toes!

• While conversation is a must, and can be very enjoyable, over the holiday dinner table, specific topics should not be discussed.  While no one likes to dinner over awkward or superficial chatter, no one likes a meal to turn ugly.  Obviously the biggies to stay away from are politics, religion and sex (unless of course your group enjoys those topics). For the most part, not everyone will agree on such topics and it’s best to leave them alone. In fact, this includes veganism. The holiday table is not a place to stand on your soapbox unless it has been asked of you. In addition, it is not a place for attack on someone who is different.  If a topic comes up that you are uncomfortable with, politely let them know that you do not wish to discuss that particular topic at that time. Shut it down with a smile and offer up a new topic.
• Never assume that a host will be able to provide everything you need.  Always be prepared. It is impossible to make everyone happy and sometimes folks are left out of certain things.  If you have special dietary needs, be sure to let your host know ahead of time and offer to bring a dish that you can eat and share with the group. Or to be extra safe, eat before you got to the dinner so that you aren’t left starving during the meal.  The holidays are about enjoying the company of others so do your best to focus on that instead of what you can and can’t eat.
• If you are hosting a meal, be mindful of others. In fact, the best way to have a happy gathering is to share the experience. Potluck dinners are the best way to include everyone and the onus doesn’t fall on you to feed a bunch of folks who may or may not like your taste in food.
• If you aren’t feeling well or are in a particularly foul mood, admit it. Do what you can to handle your emotions before heading to a gathering. It’s not healthy for you or the other guests if you aren’t up for it or worse, taking it out on them. If you can pull through and try to have a good time, great. Otherwise, we all have bad days so do what you need to do to sort it out because nothing ruins your holiday and others like a foul mood.
• Nobody’s perfect – try to plan ahead. I know this sounds like common sense, but it’s really important to remember. If you want to have people over and you’re working, don’t go crazy trying to make everything – get some food at the deli or the gourmet shop. A lot of times, people don’t mind bringing a salad or dessert. The point is to get together and celebrate with people, rather than trying to make it perfect.
• Traditions can be changed. This might be hard for people, but there are a lot of people who actually dread the holidays, and some of that may be due to the way they’re celebrated. Maybe you don’t have to always be at Great Aunt Sue’s house, even though she’s hosted the holiday for years. Think of these things as being fluid and when they’re outmoded or outdated, come up with some new ones.
• Don’t let the details take over. It’s difficult to find the time to get everything done during the holidays, but it’s the people who are really important to you and those who take care of you, that you must remember. Try not to be so overwhelmed doing things like writing out Christmas cards that you can’t talk to your loved ones. Don’t brush people off because of the holiday madness.
• Always thank people. Whether it’s in writing or in person, you must put gratitude at the top. There’s never an excuse for not thanking someone for an invite or gift.

Remember that the holidays are about connection with others, understanding and love. The best rule, year round, is to treat others how you like to be treated, and there is no exception to that rule, especially over the holidays ; )

The most eco and budget friendly tips for fantastic Halloween costumes is to make your own. Whether you’re crafty or not, you can go as elaborate or a simple as you like.   Plus you will avoid hearing, “OMG, we’re wearing the same costume” at any spooky festivities!

Personally, I love to raid local thrift stores or hit up garage sales year round. I not only get great inspiration but we save a lot of moola by not buying pre-packaged costumes. I put together my costume by just recycling people’s discarded clothes and jazzing it up with wigs and accessories.  If you or a friend has a sewing machine, you can alter and embellish the garments for a unique disguise.

And if you really want to play it cheap and/or clever, plays on words are great.  Use a big box and decorate it to look like your favorite cereal. Cut a holes out for your head and arms, grab a plastic knife & be a cereal killer! Or cheaper yet, tease your hair & pin socks and underwear to your clothes and voila, you’re static cling!

Here are just a few costumes I’ve done for way less than what you would pay for a store bought costume:

• Zombie – Bought an old $5 bridesmaids dress at Salvation Army that I dragged on my driveway and dirtied up. Added some Halloween moss, a cheap wig from Rite Aid, some makeup & done!
  
• Bonnie & Clyde – Outfit from hat to shoes was pieced together at a thrift store. Toy gun & wig found at Rite Aid! (I never pay for the expensive wigs)
  
• Time Magazine Photo of Nurse & Sailor – Another great thrift store find! I went to a few to find all the pieces. I found the wig there as well, it was ratty so I tamed it & styled it with pin curls ; )
  
• Greek Goddess – An old bed sheet pinned at all the right places made for a fun Grecian gown. Grabbed some reject flowers from Michael’s as well as 2 wing appliques for the arm bands.
  
  No matter what you want to be, there are so many ways to do it in a green, cheap and unique way!  Have a crafty Halloween!!

What does everyone have once a year? A birthday! For some, they’d rather just chalk it up as just another day but for others, it’s grounds for mega celebration. But with time and money being less then available these days, it can be tough to pull off an extravagant affair.  However, there are plenty of ways to get creative while also catering to your healthy & green lifestyle.  I’ve pulled together some fun ideas for every age group that will not only dazzle your guests but will save you money as well as your conscience ; )

Toddlers

Ok, let’s get this straight, toddler birthdays are really for the adults. So while we celebrate these bouncing bundles of joy, we need to be sure we’re keeping our adult guests entertained as well! The next few ideas take care of both types of party goers ; )

• Fashion Forward – Have all guests bring used and unwanted child garments and throw them in a bin. While the little ones are playing with toys in a sandbox or ball pin, artsy parents jazz up the onesies, tops and pants for their little ones with glitter, appliques and other fun decor so everyone goes home with a little memento that costs little to zero bucks! Any parents who happen to be shutterbugs can do “portraits” of the birthday baby & their guests as a fun way to show off the newly created  threads and leaving the birthday parents with a nice memory to hang on the wall.
• Team spirit – Get each family invited to choose a team name & uniform for an Olympic style party. Host fun toddler games like a crawling race or baby sac race for older kids. Parents can cheer their kiddie team mates on while also partaking in some fun contests as well. Plus everyone gets a turn to stand on the winner’s podium for a fun photo op they can take home.
• Non-Slumber Party – Nix the sleeping part and invite everyone over for a healthy breakfast buffet and movies. The only rule, all guests come in their Pj’s!

Kids

This is where they get fun. Themes are hugely popular (as are easily distracted attendees). What to do to keep kids happy and entertained without breaking the bank? Check it out:

• Drama Queen – Have the birthday child of honor pick a play or musical they love. At the party, have them cast & staff the production. Be sure to have a bin of clothes for costumes as well as materials for sets (cardboard, markers, etc). The parents get treated to a fabulous show when they pop in to pick up their kiddies at the end of the night. This model works well as a talent show too!
• Party Parade – Not to far from the play production theme, the kids make costumes and floats. Before cake and presents, the kids put on the parade around the block that just happens to be lined with parents and other party attendants.
• Rough it – Your backyard becomes Yosemite or Yellowstone. Invite guests to bring tents and camping gear for a night filled with ghost stories by the fire, smores and imagination galore.
• Art Gallery – For creative kids, this is quite a bit of fun.  Have different stations for all sorts of artsy projects from finger painting, drawing, photography, sculpting, etc. Kids can make as many art creations as possible and then put them on display for their folks to check out in the “gallery” before it’s time to go home. Parents can sip on wine and finger foods to complete the mood.
• How Does Your Garden Grow – Teach kids about where food comes from while letting get dirty! Make little planters out of cardboard boxes so that each child can take their garden home to look after when the festivities are over.

Teens

Ah the teen years.  This is about the time that having your parents around isn’t cool but it’s their tough luck as who else is going to pay for it? In addition, the teen years are full of milestones such as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16′s and turning 18! Check out a few of these teen approved ideas:

• Scavenger Hunt – This is the ultimate way for teens to “get away” from the “old people”! Put together an innovative list of tasks as well as hard to find items that the party goers must complete within a set time. Depending on age,this can be done at a park or in your neighborhood. For older kids, teams can drive to locations to make it more competitive & exciting. Be sure to get fun prizes for the top 3 teams to give them an incentive to play hard.
• Mystery Party -  Put together a “Who Dunnit” party disguised by a dance or dinner party.  Parents can be in on the ruse giving everyone a chance to be a part of the action.
• Spahhh – For teen gals, pampering is a way of life. Get a bunch of nail files, polishes, face scrubs, makeup, etc and set up beauty stations around the house. Party goers can play the “pamerer” & the “pamperee” and leave the party looking snazzy!
• Culinary Creations – Young adults are foodies too! And what a great way to give them tools they will need in a few short years! Host a cooking class at your place or look for a cooking school that throws parties.  Show them the basics they will need to know while allowing them to create a few yummy dishes they can enjoy.

Decades/Milestones

Once you hit your 20s, your birthday is what you make it. 21 is a biggie and from then on, the decades mark the milestone celebrations. Every 10 years we look back at the last and try to out do the celebration from the one before. These are the birthdays that really define you, where you are in life and when you get to take inventory on your relationships. From lavish to low key, see if any of these sound fun for your next shindig:

• Masquerade Ball – Don’t let Halloween be the only time you play dress up! You and your guests will have a blast getting all gussied up in crazy costumes. Especially if it’s a specific theme like Renaissance, Greek, etc.
  
• Amazing Race  – Set up a weekend of competitive craziness! Start on Saturday morning and complete it by Sunday night, either in town or somewhere nearby that is neat or mysterious. Put together a race full of fun tasks and brain teasers that will keep your party guests talking about it for many years to come.
• Roast the Birthday Boy/Girl – Set up a podium and have a fabulous meal. Seat the birthday guy/gal next to the podium and have guests prepare stories and jokes about him/her for a fun filled roast.
• Casino Night  – Most everyone owns a deck of cards so have attendees bring cards, chips or any gambling stuff they may have and set up stations (black jack, poker, etc). Play Rat Pack movies & music in the background while sipping on cosmos and G& T’s.
• Decade party – Turning 40? 1940′s! Born in the 70′s? Disco party! Serve fun food from the era, have guests dress up in period attire, play popular music and movies from the decade & live it up!
  

Be sure to use green party favors and decor whenever you can and get creative with it too!! No matter what you like or want to do, make your birthday your own because after all, you only get to be your age for a year before moving to the next!