Merry Christmas Everyone!! I hope it's filled with family and friends, joy and good food!

Giving the Gift of Word

Sometimes it's hard to figure out what to give people these days. We're no longer living in a world where people have to save up to buy the things they really want, and generally, they probably already have everything one could ever need...but still, giving gifts are part of the wonder (oh yes, and stress) of the holidays. So why not give the gift of word? Books are the perfect gift for most everyone - and if reading isn't someones favorite past time, luckily there are a thousand and one amazing books filled with images - of travel, decor, cars, architecture, flowers, nature, Star Wars - whatever! And for those that DO like to read, and also want to live a greener life, there are some great buys out there. Here are just a few:

The Big Green Purse (also a website), is all about how we as women (and the big spenders!) can help change the world by changing our spending habits - who knew that shopping could help save the environment!

The Eco Chick (another website as well) helps us figure out ways to lower our carbon footprint, in style so you can keep the 'chic' in your life. With great tips and ideas about sustainable beauty products and clothing, and even travel, you're all set to turn yourself into the 'eco chick.'

A New York Times Bestseller AND featured on Oprah, Gorgeously Green is all about author Sophie Uliano's tips to 'green' your life, by becoming aware of the products you use and choose - and she takes it even further on her website to create a community of women all working toward the goal of a more environmentally friendly world.

Another wonderful read full of information and tips to live a greener and no less stylish life is Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style. Full of information, opportunities and products to help change the way you live without giving up your quality of life, this book is a wonderful guide - and it's even printed on recycled paper.

No matter which you choose, these books are filled with wonderful and easy to use tips to help the aspiring 'greenista' achieve some wonderfully eco-oriented goals!

Notes, In Style

Something I love about the Holiday Season is that the art of writing is not entirely lost to technology, and people actually take the time to write out holiday cards. Don't get me wrong - I'm a huge fan of emails and all the rest (I mean, I couldn't write this blog without all that fabulous web technology), and lets face it, all that paper and ink? It's not the most environmentally friendly act of courtesy and affection. But thanks to some wonderful companies, you can show people that you are thinking of them, and wish them the happiest of holidays, without hurting mother earth in the process. Recycled paper goods are everywhere these days, gorgeous stock and beautiful designs printed in non-toxic inks make it super easy to remember everyone, in style and sustainably. And you know, it's not just for Christmas or Hanukkah - a New Year is starting too!

Above and below are holiday cards from an amazing company, Smock Letterpress. Made entirely on recycled paper and with soy based inks, Smock has put together some lovely and simple holiday cards. Their stationary is absolutely exquisite - and perfect for every occasion - they even have gorgeous Wedding invitations.

They even have gorgeous sheets of 100% recycled paper gift wrap.

Paper Source is probably one of my favorite places to spend time and to shop. It's pretty much dangerous for me to go in there, because I can never walk out empty handed, and it's just the kind of place that gets me thinking about all the wonderful people in my life and what great ways there are for showing them I care. Below are a variety of their holiday cards, all printed on recycled paper, some 100%, some 30%, and many with non-toxic inks.

And one of my personal favorites -

Fabulous Stationary is truly perfectly named. Their designs are wonderful - ranging from beautiful to whimsical to fun to works of art. They have TONS of designs, all customizable so that you can pick the color scheme you like, and write your own greetings - both inside and out. And they'll even print your address on the back of the cards for free! Below are some of my personal favorites for the holiays, all printed on recycled paper (a special option you select) - but really, their cards are amazing, and perfect for any kind of correspondence, be it Thank You notes, personalized stationary, or simply just to have a fabulous card!

More Holiday Bling

I can't believe I forgot to mention one of my favorite jewelry companies - Me & Ro. Not only are they spectacular when it comes to design, but they believe in respecting the environment and helping society - so basically, fabulousness all around. Using recycled materials and ethically mined metals like gold and non conflict diamonds, and even not buying endangered materials like coral. Their packaging is even recycled and recyclable! And on top of that, Me & Ro gives to some pretty fantastic charities like the Joyful Heart Foundation, Kageno and In A Perfect World, among others.

Just take a look for yourselves - here are only a few of their very amazing lines - and no matter what your style - casual, formal, modern, or traditional, you will find something you love. And for all those yogis out there, Me & Ro has some very special things just for you. And of course, my absolute favorite is pictured above... Diamond and Quartz earrings with 18K gold. Wowzas!




The last image is a close up of a pair of rutilated quartz earrings - a stone also known as Fleches D'Amour...perfect for the one you love :)

And don't forget to adorn those fingers!

Holiday Bling

Since I've spent the last few evenings scouring the web for holiday gifts, I thought I'd share some of the fun and environmentally conscious options I happened upon. And don't worry - they're definitely stylin'. Besides, I figure that everyone must have some female they're shopping for, and chances are, she'd love some new, unique and funky jewelry. So here are just a few fabulous places to find some wonderful, eclectic, and eco-friendly jewels!





The image to the left is actually made from zippers - recycled, and re-imagined, these pieces are totally amazing! Made by jewelry designer Tara St. James and available on Etsy.

Alex and Ani - made from recycled and eco-friendly materials. This company is the perfect place for those of you that like beads, bangles and charms. Tons of selections and fun styles to choose from, AND you can even make your own series of bangles! How fun!

Kyler by Joy O - stylish, sustainable, recycled and recyclable! This is a fantastic series of truly unique recycled metal pieces that are so fabulous, star sightings sporting the companies goods are on their home page!

And amongst the many awesome things on this website, there is a whole slew of totally funky, totally recycled jewelry items - including this amazing shagreen-esque cuff.

Ornamenetal

So who says the holiday sparkle that lights up your home and gets your seasonal blood flowing has to come from tinsel and those boring old red & gold bulbs that decorate just about everyones' tree?

Don't get me wrong, I love sparkle. But I'm a huge fan of classic elegance when it comes to holiday decor. What I want to see is beauty, and part of that beauty is the tree itself - so why not find something natural, something understated, that is every bit as fun as the usual decor, but that much more haute? Viva Terra has some beautiful, natural, and elegant replacements for those old stand byes - and whether you want to go all white, or bright and colorful, you can choose from a selection of crystal, quartz and agate ornaments that are full of life, nature, and sparkle.

And just to spread the look around your house, why not add a few of these lovely quartz tea light candle holders? I know I've featured them before - they're just so great. You can use them year round, and then pair it up with the fantastic quartz & crystal ornaments above to complete your holiday decor!