Merry Christmas

Photo via Twig & Thristle

Green Holiday Gift Guide

The perfect green gift for everyone in your life!
For Her
Recycled Leather Jacket Purse from Found


Made from recycled leather jackets and skirts, these gorgeous handmade bags are one of a kind, sustainably made pieces. Nicki of Found creates these bags using only upcycled products – everything down to the zippers and buckles were taken off a previously owned item. Found $52-$102


For Him
VersaAudio Bamboo iphone Hard Case

If the iPhone addict in your life has yet to get a protective case for his beloved toy, opening your present to see this smooth and supple case will send shivers up his spine! Made from sustainable bamboo with all the natural graining intact, it will add just the right amount of personality to his favorite gadget. VersAudio $39.99

For Tots
Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay

Quite possibly the toy of any season: 100% natural Mama K’s Aromatic Play Clay will provide hours of entertainment and fun for tots and parents. Mama K’s re-invents the concept of playdough by infusing it with scents derived from organic essential oils (sweet orange, lavender, lemongrass, etc.) to provide a heightened sensory experience. Made of certified gluten free flours, kosher salt, extra virgin olive oil, natural colors and organic essential oils, Mama K’s turns artistic play into an aromatherapeautic, stress-relieving session!
Mama K's $27

For Our Furry Friends
Orbee-Tuff Bulb Toy
Provide your pooch with some holiday cheer with this Christmas light-shaped toy from Planet Dog. Nontoxic and recyclable, the chewer features a minty flavor to keep dogs’ breath fresh, while a refillable treat slot provides a hidden surprise. For wee pups, try Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff Lil’ Bulb Toy. From Amazon $6.99

Mexican Spiked Egg Nog... Rompope

Hot Mexican eggnog (rompope, pronounced rom-po'-pay)) is a delightful party hit! You flavor traditional Christmas eggnog with orange and cinnamon, spike it with brandy, and serve it hot. A crockpot will keep the rich concoction warm for the duration. Whip up this festive adult beverage in a flash for a memorable holiday fiesta.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Things You'll Need:

• crockpot
• 1 quart eggnog
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated, fresh orange peel
• 1 1/2 cups brandy (cognac)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• additional ground cinnamon
• optional: cinnamon stick garnish

1. Step 1

   At least an hour ahead of time, plug in the crockpot, and turn it to high. Pour in the quart of eggnog. Stir.

2. Step 2

   Finely grate the peel of a fresh orange. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of it to the eggnog. Stir.

3. Step 3

   Measure out 1 1/2 cups of brandy (cognac). Pour it into the eggnog. Stir. Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir.

4. Step 4

   Put the lid on the crockpot. Turn the heat to low. Stir occasionally. Once the Mexican eggnog is hot, turn the crockpot to "keep warm."

5. Step 5

   If you'd like, you can whip up a little froth in the drink by quickly swishing a wire whisk in the liquid before serving. Scoop it with a ladle into cups or glasses. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and add a cinnamon stick as garnish, if desired.
   

Nutcracker...

For many the Nutcracker is a family tradition. Join Clara as she journeys to magical realms where mischievous mice battle toy soldiers, snowflakes dance, and Clara's beloved dolls come to life.

Click for performance schedule

Fashion Fridays: Hanukkah...Eight Crazy Nights

Hanukkah...Eight Crazy Nights by simplyna featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Items in this set: Rebecca Taylor Metallic Dress, $350 Christian louboutin Shoes, 504 GBP Leaf Clutch Gorjana Olive Earrings, $130

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas

Make a smaller foot print this seasons. Pick up Anna Getty's book, I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas. It's this seasons go to guide for an eco-friendly Holiday Season!


Anna advises how to best choose a tree (real or fake?), mitigate the negative effects of necessary travel, recycle post-holiday, and more. She shares favorite holiday recipes for organic appetizers and homemade craft ideas such as pinecone wreaths and recycled sweater pillows. With inspiring photographs, extensive resources, and advice from the "Lazy Environmentalist" Josh Dorfman, Seventh Generation's Jeffrey Hollender, and other leading eco-experts, families might just find that these tips help them stay green all year long—the perfect New Year's resolution!

DYI: Wool Bangles

Wool-Wrapped Bangles: Even if you can't knit, you can make this craft. It's a unique and stylish bracelet decorated with wool yarn. It's simple to make and is a great gift idea! A perfect way to recycle your 80's bangle!
Tools and Materials
Scissors Clothespin Plain plastic bangle bracelets Yarn or ribbon Fabric glue Wool-Wrapped Bangles How-To
1. Create a ball of yarn slightly larger than a golf ball.
2. Densely wrap the yarn around a plastic bangle bracelet, making sure to neatly keep the yarn aligned, and pulling tightly as you go. Tip: Work over a table or in lap in case the ball slips out of your hands.
3. Finish by overlapping a few wraps at the point where you started. Glue the strand of yarn in place along the inside of the bracelet with a fabric glue.
4. Hold the glued end of yarn in place with a clothespin and allow to dry. Once the glue has fully dried, snip off the extra yarn.
5. Bangles can be covered in thin decorative ribbon using the same process.

Resources

The variegated yarn can be purchased at schaeferyarn.com; the ribbon can be purchased at stranodesigns.com; the plain plastic bangles can be purchased at cocowholesale.com (product Nos. BA0006-25, BA0006-26, and Ba0006-21), but you can also recycle bangles of all shapes and sizes from thrift stores or eBay. From the Martha Stewart Show