Alternative gifts

As you continue your Christmas shopping, consider giving items that one can truly use or experience.  Go green and gift someone cooking classes, theater tickets, or a homemade food item.  Take it one step further by agreeing to spend time together instead of buying gifts.  The gift of time is one that you can't ever get back.  A "gift" that is always a hit is to make a donation to the recipient's favorite charity.  Show them that you love them by donating to a cause that's close to their heart.  Give wisely friends!

Be thankful for leftovers

If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know that I write about leftovers frequently.  As the holiday season gets into full swing over the next few weeks, please keep leftovers in mind.  Try your best to make the appropriate amount of food, so you don't end up with tons of leftovers.  If you find yourself with leftovers on your hands, go green by sending leftovers home with friends or making sure to eat them, freeze them, etc.  


Leftovers can be tricky.  I know that it's not always exciting to eat the same thing 4-5 times.  When I don't feel like eating my leftover soup, casserole, or other item, I try to think about the millions of people who are starving all over the world.  I know they would give anything for food (of any kind) to eat.  That definitely changes my attitude about my meal.  Let's all be thankful for having food to eat at each meal because many people don't have anything to eat and go to bed hungry each night.

TOMS

If you haven't heard of TOMS, have you been living under a rock the past five years?  I've enjoyed watching this brand grow and have the utmost respect for its vision.  TOMS gives a child in need a pair of shoes when you buy a pair.  It is that simple.  I don't think I'm alone when I say that you always wonder whether or not this actually happens.  Trust me, TOMS is the real deal.  When I was in Haiti in July, we saw so many kids sporting TOMS.  How cool is that?  Not everyone can afford a pair of shoes, so it was refreshing to watch how one company chose to make a difference and provide this very basic need.  


As TOMS grows, so does its line.  At its inception, TOMS only had one basic style in a handful of colors.  Now, you can get just about any color and TONS of cool styles.  Check out all the fun ways you can wear TOMS in the pictures above.  I don't have any yet, but a red pair is on my F/W '11 wish list.  When I first saw people wearing TOMS around Atlanta, I was not too keen on the style.  Now, I love it.  They are great for running errands, walking the dog, sightseeing, and more.


Do you own a pair of TOMS?  How do you like to wear them?  For more information on TOMS and to view the entire collection, go to http://www.toms.com/.  The next time you think about buying someone a gift, consider getting that person a pair of TOMS.  They will get a neat pair of shoes, and a child in need will get their very own pair of shoes to protect their feet and keep them warm.  It doesn't get much better than that.  
(all photos are from www.toms.com)

A better place

Hello friends! I apologize for the delay in posting anything. I have been a bit under the weather since returning from Haiti and am finally starting to feel better today. It was an amazing trip, and I look forward to sharing all the details with you over the next few days.

In lieu of a more specific go green tip, I want to remind and encourage all of us (Yes, I need this reminder as well!) to only take what we need and give away what we don't need. Having traveled all over the world and seen people who don't have much food to eat, this is incredibly important. Share with those in need. Love unconditionally. Serve your fellow brothers and sisters. Let's make this world a better place together.

(Pla)...with a Purpose

I had the privilege of meeting (Pla) Beauty Founder Stephanie Green Bass at Woo Cosmetics and Skincare last week.  Not only is her line absolutely amazing, but Stephanie is a truly lovely woman.  Having lost her first daughter Bella when she was just 18 days old, Stephanie decided to give back to a cause near and dear to her heart.  A portion of all proceeds goes to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), the place where Stephanie, her husband, and Bella stayed during Bella's short life.  Stephanie and her husband are now the proud parents of their daughter Ava, but Bella's memory will live on through their lives and Stephanie's work.    


Stephanie describes the purpose and mission for (Pla-pronounced "Play"-my computer won't type the accent mark in the name) Beauty: "(Plā) beauty is a high fashion, customizable cosmetic line, designed for the woman on the go. It contains paraben free products, infused with antioxidants and hydrating properties. I also wanted to incorporate an eco-conscious aspect to the line so that, by using refillable products, magnetic compacts and cutting down on wasteful packaging, we can be kind to the planet while still looking and feeling great!"


Sounds like a winning combination to me.  You can find (Pla) Beauty products at Woo Skincare and Cosmetics in Atlanta and Nashville.  I went to the Atlanta location for the first time last week and fell in love.  Woo is every product junkie's heaven.  It's filled to the brim with fun products that Woo's friendly, talented staff show you how to use.  


Stephanie did my makeup (see above for the results), and I was incredibly pleased with the results.  I've spent the past week testing out the line, and I am sold.  The products don't feel heavy but provide full coverage.  My favorite is (Pla) Beauty's lipgloss "Hottie," a shiny ginger red shade.  I love wearing it because it looks good and makes me feel good knowing that a portion of my sale went to CHOA.  


Go see Stephanie today...and (Pla) with a Purpose.  


To learn more about Stephanie and (Pla) Beauty, go to http://www.plabeauty.com/index.htm.  You can also get more information at www.facebook.com/plabeauty and @plabeauty.