Green Holiday Gifts for Under $30

Green Gifts for Kids

Little ones on your list are sure to love Maggie’s Organics adorable sock monkeys. They are the cutest, organic sock monkeys that I’ve seen. They are a must have for any kids on your list. My little guy received over a year ago and it is still his favorite toy. It is made from organic materials and filled with recycled poly fill so it is green and safe for your little ones.

Maggie’s Organics now has other sock creatures as well.

Sock monkeys retail for $20. Maggie’s Organics organic Penguins are $20 and Maggie’s barnyard animals are $15



Ditch the plastic bottles and opt for CGKidz stainless steel water bottles by CynerGreen. They are stainless steel and fabulously reusable, a great way to carry around water or juice. Better than BPA filled plastic bottles that are neither safe nor eco.

All of the stainless steel bottles made by CynerGreen are under $25

Ecousable also has a nice selection of stainless steel, BPA free bottles including cute 10 ounce bottles with kid friendly designs and filter bottles that have their own built in filter to help get rid of what could be lurking in your tap water.

10 ounce kid size bottles are $12.49 and prices go up from there the filtered bottles are just over our $30 budget at $34.99 for an 18 ounce and $39.99 for a 25 ounce




A really green toy making company is Plan Toys. They offer quality wood toys made with environmentally friendly, kiln dried, chemical free, rubberwood. Their toys are also made with E-Zero glue, water based non-toxic colors, and recycled and recyclable materials. Plan Toys does everything with “green” in mind. Rosie Hippo shares the “green” passion of Plan Toys and sells only ethical, quality, eco-friendly toys for children. Rosie Hippo offers many Plan Toys like the wood and metal cookware set which is realistic yet small, the perfect size for little hands. The matching tableware set is a playful work of art with cute little plates, bowls, forks and knives all made of wood.

The cookware set retails for $20 at Rosie Hippo while the wood tableware set is $25. Rosie Hippo carries a wide variety of other eco and ethical toys in addition to those by Plan Toys

Stubby Pencil Studio, they have eco-art supplies for your little ones that are perfect for holiday stocking stuffers. Eco-friendly pencils, soy crayons, smencils, Forest Stewardship Council approved colored pencils, banana paper notebooks, washable markers, recycled paper sketchbooks and journals.

Almost everything at Stubby Pencil Studio is under $25

Another company that offers wonderfully “green” art supplies for kids is Clementine Art . They make safe markers, natural glue, natural soy crayon rocks, soy crayons shaped for little hands to hold, safe finger paints, and natural modeling dough- all which will make fabulous stocking stuffers for the budding artist on your shopping list.

Plan to add some of Clementine’s art supplies to your cart when you’re at a Whole Foods Market or visit their new online store. SOme of their supplies are also available at RosieHippo.com

Eco-Artware is one of my favorite eco shopping destinations Eco-Artware has gifts for everyone including several toys for little ones like adorable stuffed animals made from recycled sweaters. My daughter has been eying the penguin for ages. She may just get it this Christmas.

Most of the sweater critters are $26 each. Some are cheaper, at $20 while a few are more expensive

Do you have budding builders and architects on your shopping list? Then check out CitiBlocs the newest building blocks for kids. Made from renewable New Zealand forests of Radiata Pine, CitiBlocs are unique because every single block is the same shape and size, precisely cut and shaped to make sure they offer stable, quality pieces that can be stacked and balanced. No glue, snaps, or connectors needed -just a bit of imagination which children are often full of-especially when they have the right inspiration in front of them.

A natural set with 52 pieces is $15

If you have a little princess then check out Rebekah Green’s line of children’s earrings. They are so cute and come in child friendly designs: turtles, bears, ladybugs, flowers, snowflakes, cherries, butterflies, bees, spiders, angels, and plain studs that are all sustainably made. The children’s designs are made especially with little ears in mind. They feature small, fun creations set in white, yellow and rose golds with safety backings.

Rebekah Green’s earrings are all made exclusively from 100% recycled 14K and 18K gold, fair trade gemstones, and cubic zirconia (to avoid any association with conflict diamonds and to keep pricing reasonable). The earrings are manufactured in the USA and 5% of net profits are donated to charities.

These earrings are reasonably priced. The turtle earrings are just $30. That’s a great price for ethical, sustainable, eco-friendly, real gold jewelry. Most all of the children’s earrings are under $40

HappyMais building blocks are made by Ecotoys in Italy and sold through PeekaGreen.com. The building blocks are made from cornstarch dyed with non-toxic food coloring. A basic kit comes with over 700 pieces, a sponge, a special mater-bi knife to safely cut the pieces, and a sheet of cardboard cutouts to attach to the cornstarch pieces to make creative creatures and designs.
With Happy Mais you don’t need any glue, paint or other messy stuff. Everything you need, except the water, comes right in the box. Kids get the pieces slightly wet and stick them together to make fun things. Slightly moistened pieces can be molded and shaped-just don’t get them too wet or they will disintegrate into nothing.

A box of Happy Mais is $29

Bluedominoes safe activity dough is an all natural, safe, organic, gluten free, lead free dough that kids can play with for hours of doughy fun. Even the packaging is “green”.

A five pack of different colored activity dough is only $14.99

Hape Toys has some really wonderful eco and ethical toys including wood toys by Woody Clik and some very cute bamboo cars called ERacers. You can also find these at Maukilo.com

ERacers are $19.95

For the little reader on your list consider the picture story book Miracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy Gus by Jeanne McNaney the author of The Legend of Honey Hollow. Where Honey Hollow featured bears, Miracle in Sumatra “chronicles Gus, a young orangutan who fights to save his parents from greedy trappers”. This wonderfully illustrated book will help children learn about standing up for what they love, compassion, and how to be an environmental advocate. It’s a book with a green message all children should learn about at an early age.

Retail price for Miracle in Sumatra is $16.95

For older children, mainly in the 7-11 age group, The Fairy Houses Series by Tracey Kane is a great series of books that combines magic and nature in a way children love. The newest book in the series is Forest Secrets. In Forest Secrets a little girl discovers her home is on the border of an enchanted forest where she finds a new friend and a mysterious fairy house in the trunk of a tree. They soon learn the woods are in danger but they are determined to save them, but how?

Forest Secrets retails for $14.95

Eco-Bath, Body and Beauty Products

The women (and some men) in your life will love finding bath and body products in their stockings…if you choose wisely.

Whether it is sweet smelling perfumes, relaxing bath salts or uplifting shower gels make sure to go for the green…as in eco-friendly green.

If you have a young woman on your list be sure to check out Glory for Girls, all natural skin care for younger girls to help “inspire each and every girl to believe in her unique self and take pride and responsibility for how she looks, how she feels, and how she acts.” These fun and unique products are 100% natural, no artificial colors, fragrances, no parabens or phthalates…just natural ingredients for healthy skincare.

Most products are under $30, a full size gift set is only $42 and while a little over budget well worth the price to get 3 full size Glory for Girls basics



Bebe Dulce Aspen has amazing handmade, all natural bath and body products that are aromomatic spa quality products that smell amazing and leave your skin soft and smooth. I highly recommend the All Natural Lotion in Clementine- a delightful fresh citrus aroma that isn’t overpowering, it will leave your skin so wonderfully smooth even in the middle of winter. At just $16.00 it is a worthy stocking stuffer.

All of their mom gifts are under $30

SkinnySkinny has some fabulous organic bath and body products (along with many other great green goods). They are one of the greenest companies you’ll find since they are 100% carbon neutral and they offer certified organic ingredients in all of their products.

Their soaps are one of the best and their lip balms and bath salts are so awesome.

A 4.3 ounce bar of soap is only $8.00 and a 3 pack is $20.50, skinnyskinny lip balms are $6 each

Another great soap that is much more than your average soap bar is the Pomega5 Oil of Life cleansing bar. This little aromatic bar is filed with omega rich olive oil along with pomegranate oil and a rich blend of essential oils. It purifies as it cleanses and can be used on both face and body.


A bar of this rich lathering soap is $18.00

Indigo Wild offers some of the greatest bath and body products. I love the goat’s milk soap Zum Bars. Their catch phrase is “any more natural and you’d be naked.” Gotta love that.

Indigo Wild offers a full line of bath and body products including soap, lotion, lip balms, massage oils, and a fun selection of holiday inspired products.

The 3 ounce bars of soap are only $5.50, most other products are well under $30 including some of their gift sets

Garden Girl Skin Care Products are completely natural bath, body and beauty products that are completely free of phthalates, parabens, sulfates, petroleum products and mineral oil. These are products that even the picky lady on your list is sure to enjoy- Pucker Up Coconut Body Scrub, Liven Up All Natural Energizing bath Salts, Smooches Body Butter Chill Out Body Lotion- these are just some of the fun products you can find for under $30, most are well under $30. This is one of the most reasonably priced all natural bath and body companies I’ve come across. They offer high quality products at affordable prices. Perfect for a tight budget this holiday season.

Gift kits are almost all under $30, some as low as $14.00 for a kit that contains three or more products

Green Tea Goods are handcrafted with ancient Chinese herbs and all natural ingredients. Green Tea Goods Pulse Point Elixers are so awesome, you have got to try them for yourself or get them for someone on your list. They come in two formulas: Energize & Focus which has a minty aroma and my favorite: Calm & Relax which has a lavender, rosemary, tangerine aroma which is delightful.

Green Tea Goods also offers lip balm, cuticle cream, body balm, and natural hand refresher.

Everything in their online store is under $10

Coco Zen is the place to shop for the any woman on your list. Why? Because Coco Zen offers women what they really want…chocolate! Coco Zen offers delightful organic bath and body products made with organic and fair trade chocolate, yes real chocolate.

Not sure what to get her from Coco Zen?

The Head to Toe Chocolate Body Gift Set is a great choice containing one of each of these bath and body products:

Chocolate Edible Lip Scrub (in Chocolate Brown Sugar) - .5oz recyclable metal screw-top tin
Chocolate Lip Balm (in Chocolate Mint Bliss) - .25oz recyclable metal slide tin
Chocolate Salt Scrub (in Chocolate Brownies) - 4oz amber glass jar
Chocolate Soap (in Chocolate Mint Bliss) - individually wrapped bar
Chocolate Lotion (in Chocolate Milkshake) - 4oz amber glass jar with pump

Gift sets are around $40 but individual products cost under $30

Shea Terra Organics is another wonderful company that offers a great selection of luxury organic bath and body products. Shea Terra Organics has a variety of creams, lotions and bath products made with pure, organic shea butter that will leave skin soft and smooth.

Many Shea Terra products are around or under $30

Brittanie’s Thyme offers a variety of delightful organic herbal products for skin and hair care: facial cleansers, organic oatmeal and yogurt facial scrubs, natural green clay, sea salt scrubs- all wonderful little eco-luxuries that a lady might love to find in her stocking.


Brittanie’s Thyme offers many products for under $30

The Joy of Soap creates “natural handmade soap from scratch using the finest-quality ingredients resulting in a luxurious and soothing soap that is gentle on your skin.” All of their vegetable based soaps contain certified organic oils, sustainable and therapeutic grade essential oils, and organic or sustainably wild crafted botanicals. The result is a “wonderfully moisturizing and creamy bar of soap with soft, fluffy bubbles that leave your skin clean and smooth.”

These fabulous soaps have fun names like Feeling Frisky, Ginger Snap, Lay Me Down Lavender and Manly Man. 2 ounce bars are only $3.50 and full size 5 ounce bath bars are $7.50

Trillium Organics has created a couple new lines of products that are made especially for pregnant women and new babies. OGmama and OGbaby are natural and truly 100% organic bath and body products.

If you know someone who is expecting or has a new baby, these products will make a great gift. They are even perfect for moms who aren’t expecting but just want to use the safest and most natural products that they can on themselves and their little ones.

When purchasing from Trillium Organics you won’t break the bank either, all of their wonderful products are less than $30 a piece. A sample OGBaby set is $9.98 for the congestion clearing set or $12.98 for the bath and body set. An OGMama sample set is $19.98

The Elemental Seaweed Body Scrub from Donah’s Passions is wonderful. You will not believe how good you’ll feel after using it. Not only will it make your skin look and feel glorious on the outside it will make you feel better inside as well. I can’t get enough of this stuff.

A 4 oz.jar of the seaweed scrub is only $17.50, Donah’s Passions also offers several other natural, eco-body products for under $30

Dr Dobbs Old Fashioned Remedies may have the perfect gift for someone on your list who really loves to reminisce about the good old days. These products can take you back to the days of general stores, peddlers with their carts, and small family owned drugstores. Dr Dobbs products combine old fashioned, time tested formulas with modern know how and natural ingredients.

With all products of Dr Dobbs products coming in at under $30 you are sure to find something to stick in a stocking

If you have someone on your list into natural hair products and old fashioned style pomades then check out Product, yes that’s the name Product and they offer all natural, pure ingredients for gorgeous hair.

One 1.5 ounce jar is just $14.00 while Lil Product for children is $8.00 for a .75 ounce jar

New Zealand’s ecostore has found its way to the US. Ecostore was founded on the principle of “No Nasty Chemicals”. The popularity of ecostore’s natural products now has their USA team working to bring the best of their products to stores in the US. Ecostore USA now has fabulous shampoos, conditioners, soaps, baby products, cleaning products, even pet products available on the web and ins several stores including Michigan based Meijer stores.

Most ecostore products are all under $30

Cactus and Ivy has a great variety of all natural, organic and vegan bath and body products. Body scrubs, balms, lotions, soap, lip balms and so much more and all eco friendly.

Most Cactus and Ivy products are well under $30

The Dazzle Dry Nail Polish System is made for the “on the go lifestyle” with polish that goes from wet to dry in less than five minutes. The quick drying Dazzle Dry Nail System contains no harmful chemicals, it is free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, and camphor and is also nitrocellulose free (this is the stuff that turns your nails yellow). The Dazzle Dry formula is also Vegan and Non-Toxic.

The whole Dazzle Dry kit, which comes with nail prep, base coat, top coat and three colors, is $54 but each individual polish is only $9

Neroli Rose all natural body products are made with hydrating shea butter from Southern Sudan. Sudanese Shea Butter is thought to be the finest natural moisturizer in the world. Neroli Rose product ingredients are organic, wild-crafted or ethically produced, with no synthetic ingredients, chemicals or petroleum derivatives in any of their products. They use the best therapeutic-grade essential oils in the world and create proprietary blends with aromas that can enhance physical and emotional well-being.

Many Neroli Rose products cost less than $30

If you have a woman on your list who loves things a little exotic then check out Auric Blends Egyptian Goddess Perfumes. These exotic aromas are sure to bring out the goddess in your lover of all things exotic. The perfume products are 100% natural, made with pure essential oils.

Perfume roll ons are $11.95 and $15.95 depending on scent chosen

For gifts that really give back consider shopping with Peacekeeper Cause-Metics they are the first company to donate all of their after tax distributable profits to Women’s Health Advocacy and Human Rights issues.

Peacekeeper Cause-Metics offers lip balms, lipsticks, lip glosses, and nail paints that are some of the cleanest in the business. No parabens, no artificial coloring or artificial fragrance, no toluene, no formaldehyde, no acetone, no phthalates, no mineral oils…just clean, natural cosmetics that will help you look and feel good while doing good.

Peacekeeper natural lip glosses are $9.98, nail paints are $7.98, lip sticks are $11.98 and a diplomat gift set featuring a nail polish, lip stick and lip gloss in lighter shades is $30 a visionary gift set includes a lipstick, lip gloss and nail polish in darker, bolder shades also for $30

For the little ones who need safe, eco-friendly bath and body products consider eco.kid products. They have a full line of products that are kid and eco-friendly. My personal favorite is the Call Me Bubbles Hypo-Allergenic Bubble Bath. Many natural bath products don’t bubble and let’s face it kids like bubbles. This product gives you the best of both worlds.

A bottle of eco.kid bubble bath is $26.95

For the guys on your list try Pacific Shaving Company for some all natural sahving products that can save guys from getting nicks and cuts while offering a smooth shave...naturally.

They have natural shaving cream, oil, and blade oil along with nick sticks for when you do get a razor nick.

Everything is well under our $30 budget

Here’s something fun to stick in someone’s stocking that’s been naughty- a lump of Santa’s coal soap. Made by Sweet Soaps, the Santa’s coal soap is a natural glycerin soap scented with peppermint essential oils. It’s great for good or bad kids (but could really make a statement to the bad ones). The soap even comes packaged in an eco friendly muslin drawstring bag. Sweet Soaps also offers a fun Snowman Poop soap that is coconut scented. Perfect for a fun holiday gift that will get a laugh out of everyone.

Sweet Soaps also offers custom soaps for businesses, weddings, and other events.

Both soaps are $5 a piece for a three ounce bar

Unique Green Gifts

Motherboard Gifts is a company that utilizes old motherboards and computer parts to make fun and useful reclaimed gifts: business card cases, money clips, picture frames, clocks, coasters, jewelry, bookmarks, binders, and even Christmas ornaments.

These are eco-friendly gifts even the most tech savvy, computer geek may love and most are under $30 like the business card cases, CD clock, money clip, clip boards, picture frames and many other fun, recycled gifts.

Eco-Artware is “your one stop gift shop for all things beautiful, well made and environmentally friendly.” They offer a huge selection of handcrafted, green, and recycled artwork. You are sure to find something for anyone on your list at Eco-Artware. Some of the gift items to choose from include: jewelry made from old pennies, typewriter keys, and watch faces; bowls made from old records and signs; coasters made from old unplayable vinyl records; and baskets made from chopsticks in addition to many other fun recycled and Upcycled gifts.

Many eco-gifts are under $30

Kokokahn also offers aromatherapy inhalers in little tubes (remember the little Vicks inhalers we used to always carried around when stuffed u, that’s how these are made). These aroma packed tubes put the scent right where it needs to be-directly to your nose. These highly scented tubes come in three powerful formulas: Stress Relief, Immune Support and Emotional balance.

Each inhaler is only $6

Kokokahn also has a fabulous selection of bath and body products for under $30 including body scrubs and body balms.

EcoSumo has a wide variety of eco products-clothing, household products, cleaning products, even furniture and pet products. Some of their items are under $30 including the Reusable Bag and Bottle Combo sets which feature an EnvioSax reusable bag and a matching stainless steel 20 ounce Skinny bottle. The fun and funky prints are sure to please someone on your list. I really love La Boheme Combo 1 which is a black and white print with lacy, black almost paisley like designs on an off-white background.

The bag/bottle combo sets retail for $23.00

For the writer or sketcher on your holiday list consider ecojot notebooks and sketchbooks made from 100% post consumer waste with chlorine free and acid free cover boards. They also use vegetable based inks and glues for a truly eco product. With fun designs and funky colors these little books are sure to inspire.

Ecojot products may be found in a store near you or at one of these online stores.

Most of their products are well under $30

EcoBags are the original reusable bag and have been in business since 1989. I love, love, love their classic string bags. I walk around throwing everything in them, even though they were designed to be used for fresh produce. I just adore them. They can hold up to 40 pounds and are made from 100% organic cotton.

A set of 5 classic string bags is $29.99, a single classic string bag depending on style and size starts at just $3.49 and goes to $7.99






Bring it in a Bag is another company that offers stylish reusable and eco-friendly bags. Check out their round totes made from natural jute. They are stylish and can be used for anything. I rarely leave home without my black with natural trim large round tote.

They also have mini round totes to match the large bags, they would make such adorable little handbags.

Large round totes are $20.99 mini round totes are just $10.99


For the coffee lover on your list check out Green Mountain Coffee’s assortment of ethical, fair trade and organic coffee selections. They have an organic sampler pack perfect for holiday giving that contains: Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Organic French Roast and Organic Sumatran Reserve.

The organic sampler is just $24.95



Another fabulous coffee gift is the Rain Forest Rescue Gift Set from the Arbor Day Foundation. This is one of those wonderful gifts that gives back by supporting the Arbor day Foundation.

The gift set contains a bag of Arbor Day Blend Coffee and Rain Forest Mug for $19.95, a set with two mugs is $24.95



Got a tea lover on your list? How about specialty teas from Teatulia? They have whole leaf tea pyramids bags in lovely eco-friendly canisters.

A set of three of Teatulia’s Signature Organic Blends which contains white, black and green teas is $25.00

For a huge variety of flavored teas check out The Republic of Tea, they have the largest selection of flavors I have ever seem. Pomegranate Vanilla, Holiday Spice, Cinnamon Vanilla…I’m already hooked on these delicious teas. They have their everyday selections along with some nice samplers and gift sets for the holidays.

Many of their tea gifts and samplers are under $30

Looking for something a little stronger than coffee or tea? How about a bottle of wine?

Persimmon Creek Vineyards offers quality wine made in the mountains of Northeastern Georgia. Everything is still done by hand: planting, pruning, harvesting, and bottling- all the old fashioned way for high quality Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Seyval Franc, and Icewines.

Most bottles are under $30

For the chocolate lover on your list consider Divine Chocolate. These delightful fair trade chocolates are truly divine. They have a variety of chocolates and gifts for the chocoholic on your holiday list.

The lovely Alpine Sky Gift Basket is $27.00

For the chocolate lover who enjoys something a little different check out Original Beans. They have a few chocolate bars in unusual flavors- dark chocolate mixed with mulberry, or cognac, honey, even sea salt. This is truly exotic cocoa.

A single bar of this exotic chocolate is $11.95

For the kiddies on your list who may like something sweet but aren’t really into the exotic chocolates consider Glee Gum. Glee Gum is all natural chewing gum with no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. A perfect gift for kids is the make your own chewing gum kit. Kids can learn while having fun.

Make your chewing gum kits are $13, other Glee Gum products and gift packs are almost all under $30

Books Make Great Gifts

Green Christmas: How to Have a Joyous, Eco-Friendly Holiday Season by Jennifer Basye Sander, Peter Sander, and Anne Basye is the eco-Christmas guide book to help you get through the holidays in green without seeing red. From decorating to shopping for gifts, to throwing holiday parties and even cleaning up afterward- this wonderful little book will help any eco-minded person streamline the holidays. Make this season more meaningful with the help of Green Christmas, and if you want to help others have a more eco-holiday season this book will also make a great gift.

Cover price for this book is $7.95

Celebrate Green: Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family by Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson is another fabulous book that can help you make all of your holidays and celebrations green. Not only will it help you get through the winter holiday season it will help you green all of your celebrations throughout the year. And it makes a fabulous gift.

Cover price $24.95

I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Gifts, Decorations, and Recipes That Use Less and Mean More by Anna Getty is a really great green Christmas book full of crafts, how tos and fabulous advice. This is one of the best green Christmas books I’ve come across, it can help make your Christmas meaningful again.

Cover price $24.95

Don't Forget the Batteries

If you are purchasing gifts that need batteries make sure to go green in that department as well by getting rechargeable batteries or the new Fuji Enviro Max batteries which are mercury free, cadmium free, PVC free and packaged in recycled materials.

If you like recharagable batteries check out PowerGenix PGX1HRCH-4AAZiNc-1.6v 4-Position Charger with 4 AA High Voltage 1.6v 2500 mWh ZiNc Rechargeable Batteries
it delivers an efficient & fast charge at a great value. You can charge two AA or AAA NiZn batteries in 1 to 1.5 hours, or charge 4 AA batteries in about 3 hours. The PowerGenix Quick Charger is intended for use with eco-friendly NiZn batteries only.

Cyber Monday Deals at Rosie Hippo Eco-Friendly Toys

It's Cyber Monday and you know what that means -- hot deals!

But they only last one day -- from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 29, 2010.

So here's the deal(s)*:

$10 OFF orders over $100. Use Code 10CYBER100
$25 OFF orders over $175. Use Code 25CYBER175
$50 OFF orders over $250. Use Code 50CYBER250
$75 OFF orders over $325. Use Code 75CYBER325

*Kitchen play, furniture and room decor, oversized items and some items that ship directly from the manufacturer excluded.

Many fabulous new play kitchen items as well as lots of other toys, games, puzzles and more have been put on sale for Cyber Monday only!

Check out these special offers:

Purchase a kitchen, refrigerator or hutch and get one FREE set of cookware, tableware or food & beverage set (indicate your choice in order notes). Limit one free set per order.

All Cyber Monday orders over $100 (after discounts and before shipping) receive a FREE Rosie Kidzsac!

Visit www.rosiehippo.com to shop now!

Create a Waste Free Christmas

Between Thanksgiving and New Years Day American household waste increases by more than 25%.-when you add food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons - it all adds up to an additional 1 million tons of waste per week sent to our landfills. (Source: EPA)

Every year in the U.S. alone the annual trash from gift-wrap and shopping bags totals over 4 million tons. (Source: Use Less Stuff)

Are those statistics enough to make you consider a green, waste free Christmas?

Decorate Green

The first thing you'll want to do to create a waste free Christmas is decorate green with recyclable, reusable items. Skip the stuff that's just going to be tossed in the trash and use heirloom ornaments and decorations that can be used year after year. If you do invest in new items make sure you buy quality products that will last for years to come.

There's an ongoing debate about Christmas trees. An artificial tree can keep real trees from being cut down but artificial trees are not usually made of earth-friendly materials, but once you buy one it lasts for years- a good one that is taken care of can last decades. I know, I use my mom's artificial tree that she purchased thirty years ago.

Keep reading here.

5 tips for editing and creating beautiful digital photo projects

Photo gifts are the best presents ever- especially for family.

Grandparents love nothing more than a gift filled with photos of their grand kids that they can show off to all their friends. I know my mom loves getting custom made photo books and photo gifts that she can take to the senior center and show to all of her friends. Not only can she show off her family she can brag that her daughter made the gifts for her.

I've taught myself how to use digital editing software, it hasn't been the easiest thing but I'm still learning and I love it.

I recently started using photoshop and now I'm addicted. Before graduating to Photoshop I just used basic editing software that online companies like Shutterfly and Kodak offer.

I can do so much more with Photoshop- it's amazing. I love to sit back and sometimes simply admire my handiwork. I never in a million years thought I would be creating digital works of art. For years I shied away from computer creations and stuck to old fashioned real work cutting, pasting and scrapbooking. Now I have realized I can do so much with digital photo editing.

Here are my 5 tips for editing and creating beautiful digital photo projects:

1) Always save your work and have back ups. I like to keep my original photos as well as the new works of art I create so as soon as I start to edit a photo I save it under a new file name. That way I have both my original copy and my new creation.

2) Start with the simplest edits- like removing red eye. More than once I have done a lot of edits and photo adjusting only to print out my final version and realize I didn't fix the red eye. So now red eye removal is the first thing I do.

3) Don't be afraid to experiment. My mother hates the computer because she's always afraid she's going to mess something up. I know that you learn through mistakes and because you mess up. You can't be afraid to try new things. The good news is that with computers- there's always the "undo" button.

4) Make sure your photo settings save your photos with the highest pixel count possible this will give you the best resolution for photo gifts- especially if you want to make t-shirts, blankets, puzzles or anything else that will need really clear resolution. You can always compress and save smaller versions of the files for easy sharing on photo and social media sites.

5)Have fun. By far this is the most important tip. Enjoy what you do enjoy what you create. Making beautiful photo gifts should be enjoyable, not a chore. If it stresses you out perhaps you should try a different creative endeavor.

So go forth and create photo gifts- the holidays are right around the corner, what photo gifts are in your future?

I see Christmas tree ornaments filled with images of Christmas past along with photo books filled with this year's most memorable moments.

Disclaimer: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Adobe blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

My Favorite Road Trip

When I was a kid it seemed we were always on the road. Growing up in Michigan it was the thing to do to travel "up north".

My stepfather had a cabin up in Harrison, Michigan so on the weekends during summer vacation we were always up there- sometimes during the winter too.

Though most winters my stepfather went to Florida, at least for a month or so. One spring break he was still there so when I got out of school for Easter break my mom packed us up and we headed to Florida. I brought along my BFF Jen to keep me company.

It's been over twenty years since that road trip and it is still one of the most memorable road trips ever.

On the way down to Florida we had a blast watching the scenery change, getting the truckers to honk their horns and "communicating" with any boys who happened to be travelling along the same stretch of road.

We were 12 year old boy crazy girls - you better believe we were keeping an eye out for the boys. :-)

I remember at one point we got behind a motor home that had two boys around our age in it. At this point we were pretty much in a traffic jam due to construction so weren't moving fast or far. Our boredom gave way to flirtatious waves, winks and giggles. Before long we were writing back and forth to each other with signs we created using our notebooks and markers. (Wow, how things have changed, today we'd exchange cell numbers then text back and forth)

After the traffic jam cleared we parted ways with our new boyfriends when their motor home exited at an off ramp. We were temporarily heartbroken but we soon moved on to other interests.

This was the first time any of us had been to Florida (even my mom) so we took in every sight and sound and soaked up all the sun and salt water we could. The trip was something I'll never forget, it was the first time I ever swam in the ocean...and the first time I ever ran out of the ocean because of a shark sighting.

The trip home was just as interesting as the drive down though for much different reasons.

The car's alternator was going out- on a 26 hour drive from Florida to Michigan. We couldn't play the radio, use the air conditioner or turn on the lights because it would drain the battery.

I don't remember why we didn't get it fixed- I think they would have had to order the part and we'd have gotten stuck somewhere for a couple days while they fixed it.

Either way it took us twice as long to get home because we couldn't drive after dark. The fun thing was that we got to stop in a couple different states and stay in hotels. That was another new experience for us- on the way down we drove straight through so there were no hotels to stay at.

On the way back to Michigan we stayed in two different hotels and one had a vibrating bed.

You know the kind you stick a quarter in and then the whole bed shakes like you're in an earthquake. Jen and I couldn't get enough of that teeth rattling bed. We thought it was hilarious. My mom just laughed at us.

Once we got home we couldn't quit talking about our Florida vacation adventures- especially everything that happened while "on the road".

To this day I still think it was the most memorable vacation ever- and that unforgettable road trip happened in the spring of 1989.

Disclaimer: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Discount Tire blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card and be entered for a chance to win a prize valued at $1,000. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

A Review of Science on a Tracking Expedition Toy/Kit for Ages 4+

My little guy loves to be outside and he really loves animals.

One of his favorite shows is Diego- he always amazes me with his animal knowledge.

When he's outside he is always on the lookout for signs of animals. So when we had the chance to try out the Science on a Tracking Expedition kit we jumped on it.

This kit gives him the chance to not only look for animal prints but make molds of them, paint them and keep them while learning about what animal made the print and facts about the animals.

What a fabulous and fun way to learn- hands on.




Here are the details of the kit:

Science on a Tracking Expedition

Young Scientists will learn about animal tracking through exciting hands-on science experiments and activities. Identify animal tracks, learn about the animals that make the tracks, cast animal tracks, play the tracking game, create animal track prints, design an animal track poster, and explore real animal tracks in nature. The eight realistic animal footprint molds, large colorful poster, and eighty animal game cards are some of the unique enclosed items that will aspire all Young Scientists to become animal track explorers!

(Ages 4 and up)
WH-925-1136
Price: $29.99

My little guy is head over heals for this kit.

The animal tracks game is something the whole family can play together and help him learn while we have fun and spend quality family time together. My husband loves playing this with him because the two guys can bond over animals and outdoorsman stuff.

They also had fun going into the woods and looking for good tracks to cast with plaster.

My daughter enjoyed helping her little brother create the tracking poster.

It is honestly a game/kit the whole family played with together while everyone learned a thing or two about animals and their tracks.

I see two more science kits I'd love to get for Christmas the Science on a Garden Adventure and Science on a Nature Walk. I really think both children would enjoy these kits.

Science on a Gardening Adventure

Young Scientists will learn about the fun of gardening through exciting hands-on science experiments. Young Scientists will make a terrarium, learn about underground habitats, explore the different parts of plants, test the soil, design a mini-garden, grow all kinds of seeds, perform plant experiments, identify bugs and their habitats, make a working sun dial, and much more. The enclosed mini- garden tools and watering can will certainly become an instant hit and will encourage all Young Scientists to become Young Botanists!
(Ages 5 and up)
WH-925-1131
Price: $29.99



Science on a Nature Walk

FIELD EXPERIMENTS GALORE! What can be more fun than exploring science through real field experiments on a nature walk? Find animal tracks and fossilize them! Find treasures on a scavenger hunt! Make your own compass! Perform leaf chromatography! Make a bug house! This kit includes all the necessary tools so put on your shoes and get ready to discover and explore!
WH-925-1100
(Ages: 4 and up)
Price: $24.99

You can visit The Young Scientist's Club and see all of the amazing learning kits they have available at www.kidsciencekits.com

These kits will encourage a lifetime love of learning and experimentation- you never know you may have a budding scientist on your hands who could grow up and cure cancer or stop the energy crisis.

You just never know.

Encourage fun learning and check out The Young Scientists Club www.kidsciencekits.com


Disclosure: One Science on a Tracking Expedition Kit was provided to me free of charge to review

Winner Wednesday: $100 CSN Winner

The winner of the CSN $100 Shopping Spree Giveaway is

Heather S

Congrats to Heather- have a Merry Christmas Shopping at CSN Stores

Green Thanksgiving Tips from the Authors of Celebrate Green

Plan ahead Thanksgiving saves time, money and waste

You may balk, but the best way to save money, save time, save waste and save your sanity if you want to have an eco-friendlier feast this year, is to--say it with me now--plan ahead.

Planning helps zero in on when to buy, how much to buy, how to decorate, how to deal with leftovers and all the other details around hosting a fun, Earth-friendly celebration.

One hour of planning can make the difference between a pleasurable event and a frenzy of expensive over-consumption.

So gather the kids, a pen and pad (or be extra-eco and write on a blackboard), and start by posing and discussing these 10 questions:

1. What foods do we traditionally serve? Are we going overboard? If we usually provide eight side dishes, could we cut that to six?

2. What items should we be sure to buy organic? (Here's the list of fruits and veggies with the most pesticide residues and those with the least.)

3. How are we going to decorate the table? Can we use décor we already have? Borrow? Use items from nature? Do double duty with edible décor?

4. Can we check with friends and neighbors to see if they'd like to join us in buying organic produce in bulk at reduced cost?

5. Can we aim for a no-waste Thanksgiving by avoiding pre-packaged items?

6. Can we find what we need at a local organic farm and save money while having fun by picking veggies and fruits?

7. Can we consider an organic turkey or a heritage variety? (It's complicated and time consuming to wade through all the labels you may find on turkeys, but the USDA organic label offers pretty clear standards. If you're buying from a local farmer, ask about methods used in raising and slaughtering. Their turkeys may not be labeled organic because of the cost involved in doing so, but assuming you trust the farmer, you should be purchasing a healthier alternative to conventionally raised birds.)

8. Do we have enough dishes, flatware and glasses for the crowd? If not, how will we sidestep purchasing new? (We suggest asking guests to bring their own place settings. To add meaning to the greening, ask them also to be ready to share the history of the plates. Were they a wedding gift? Handed down from great grandma? Purchased with your first paycheck?)

9. How much of our meal can we make using in-season items instead of those imported from far away?

10.What will we do with leftovers? Will we provide guests with upcycled glass jars for them to take home what they like? Can we make something delicious from leftovers and take to a food bank? Freeze for later? Will we compost anything we can't use? If we don't compost ourselves and haven't asked, can we call our local trash service and ask if they will compost food scraps?

Whether you go all out in celebrating an eco-Thanksgiving or take one or two steps, be sure to give thanks for the bounty that the Earth provides.

~Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors ofCelebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

Green Options for Christmas Ribbons, Bows and Gift Tags

It's the little things that can often add up to being a big waste. Think of all the ribbons, bows and gift tags that are used then tossed into the garbage every year- mainly during the winter holiday season.This year think twice before adding the little things to your gifts- and make sure that when you do you are using eco-friendly options.

This means choosing tags, ribbons and bows that are made from recycled, reused or organic materials that can be reused or recycled after the holidays.

Think Out of the Ordinary

One way to make sure ribbons and gift accessories are not tossed into the trash is by using items that are part of the gift as crafty embellishments.

Tie gifts up with hair ribbons, bow ties, or shoelaces for a crafty look that will be kept and used- therefore it'll stay out of the trash.

Giving curtains as a gift? Tie them up with tie backs. Giving a little girl a gift, wrap it with a hair ribbon or embellish the gift with hair clips.

Think creatively and add out of the ordinary items to gift your gift class that won't end up in the trash.

Go DIY

Gift tags, ribbons and bows can easily be made from scraps that you probably have lying around.

Gift tags can be made from just about anything: scraps of paper, cardboard, paint color samples, old greeting cards, photos, scrapbook paper, stickers, glitter, etc. Just get crafty and make your own tags out of whatever you already have on hand.

Use last year's left over ribbon this year or find twine, thin rope, jute, yarn, thick string, or anything else you have lying around the house or stashed away in your craft box that can be used to tie up gifts.

Bows can easily be made from strips of scrap paper- any kind you have on hand from magazine pages to junk mail to leftover pieces of fancy scrap book paper or wrapping paper.

Scrap paper bow tutorials can be found at http://planetforward.ca/blog/green-macgyver-eco-friendly-crafts-wrapping-paper-bows/ and http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-gift-bow-from-magazine-page.html

Keep reading here.

Green Gift Wrapping for the Holidays

According to the reusable fabric gift bag company, Gift Bags Gone Green , every year in the United States we spend more than $5 billion dollars on gift bags, wrap, and tissue paper- and the majority of that ends up in landfills.

This Christmas try to be more eco and opt for greener wrapping alternatives.

Reusable Fabric Gift Bags and Wraps

Reusable fabric gift bags and wraps are wonderful green options for the holidays. These bags are easy to use, require no extras and can be stored for the next holiday season.

If you're handy with a needle and thread you can even make your own fabric gift bags.If you are sew challenged check out the companies below that offer ready-made reusable fabric gift bags and wraps.

Gift Bags Gone Green offers an eco approach to the gift wrap industry. They have created fun fabric gift bags that are washable and reusable and they are made from upcycled, recycled and reused fabrics. These funky fabric gift bags are not mass produced- once a fabric design is sold out- it's gone.

Keep reading here.

Crafty in the Kitchen with SodaStream

Do you love soda but want a healthier, greener alternative to high fructose corn syrup and empty bottles and cans that need to be recycled?

SodaStream is the perfect solution. With a SodaStream machine you can quickly and easily make soda right in the comfort of your home.

I received the Fountain Jet SodaStream machine for review. I have shied away from soda machines in the past because I thought they would be complicated. But boy was I wrong.

From out of the box to fresh soda took less than a half hour and that was with washing the bottle and reading the directions. It was so easy the kids could do it.

You can make the sodas exactly how you want them as you control the flavor and the fizz. When you are done rinse the bottle and make a new batch.

There are no bottles to throw away, no cans to recycle. The soda machines carbonates regualr tap water in reusable, BPA-free plastic or glass bottles. The process eliminates the need for plastic bottles and aluminium cans.

Keep reading here.

Eco-Friendly Products For a Green Holiday Gift Guide

I am searching for green gift ideas for kids, teens and adults.

Do you have a great eco-friendly product that you'd like to have showcased?

This green product gift guide will be published on several blogs and websites.

Email me with your product or a product suggestion.

A Review of Great Gals: Inspired Ideas for Living a Kick-Ass Life

This isn’t your typical journal or inspirational workbook.

The Great Gals: Inspired Ideas for Living a Kick-Ass Life by Summer Pierre is a fun and interactive book that can bring back your zest for life and help your creative ideas flow by giving you sneak peeks into the lives of great women like Ani DiFranco, Frida Kahlo, Alice Walker, Joan Jett and Joni Mitchell (just to name a few). The journal provides prompts that inspire, motivate and help create fresh ideas.

Great Gals: Inspired Ideas for Living a Kick-Ass Life is for women who live busy lives. Whether we think they are crazy, chaotic, boring, or quiet, not very many of us think that our lives are amazing. This book asks why not? Why not make our lives amazing?

Great Gals is unique as it is a little bit of everything rolled into one. It is a daily planner, a diary, a place to write down your goals and dreams. You can make plans, experiment and write out your creative ideas.

Keep reading here.

Dermazone O-Plex Acne Treatment System

The Dermazone O-PLEX Acne Treatment System is formulated with natural oregano oil and other natural ingredients to help fight acne without harsh chemicals. There are three main products in the acne treatment system- the O-PLEX wash, the O-PLEX mist and the O-PLEX control.


All three harness the power of natural oregano oil to fight acne. Dermazone calls their oregano oil the Origanum complex. The Origanum complex helps inhibit P. acne bacteria while retexturing skin's surface.


The O-PLEX mist and O-PLEX control both use Lyphazomes to deliver the Origanum complex for long lasting hydration.In addition to the oregano oil (Origanum complex) the one or all of the O-PLEX products contain: tea tree oil, sweet orange oil, sweet marjoram oil, Egyptian geranium oil, and salicylic acid.


The O-PLEX wash is simple to use just dampen skin and rub in a circular motion over the entire face then rinse. This will help unclog pores and get rid of acne bacteria without drying skin.


Keep reading here.

Unclog Drains Naturally with the Drain Claw

Next time you have a clogged up sink skip the toxic chemicals and reach for The Drain Claw instead.

The Drain Claw is wire tool with a little brush like thing on the end. You can bend and twist the rod inside drains to capture hair and push away other clogs- naturally no harsh chemicals needed. This environmentally friendly claw was developed by a real estate agent so he could keep his bath drains open without using chemicals. Since the number one culprit of clogged drains is hair this handy little claw is a simple solution. The claw is pushed into the drain, twisted and pulled back up- usually with the offensive hair ball attached. If you bend the tip slightly any other drain clog culprits will be pushed away and the clog cleared.

The Drain Claw can be used on bath sinks, kitchen sinks and bath tubs. Just don't use the claw after you've used toxic chemicals. Ditch the chemicals and just use the claw.

I have to admit when I received The Drain Claw for review I was skeptical. It just appeared to be too simple- as in so simple it wouldn't work. However my husband grabbed it and was immediately fascinated. Being a handy man type of guy he is much more aware of tools, gadgets and how they work. He was actually excited by it. So excited it disappeared from my grasp because he ran off to use it.

Keep reading here.

ReadyMade Magazine Launches First Annual ReadyMade 100 Contest

This one’s for the DIY crafty folks out there. Gather your best DIY project and enter ReadyMade Magazine’s first annual ReadyMade 100 Contest.

ReadyMade is putting out a call to the DIY community and wants you to submit your most functional, creative, beautiful, interesting, and sustainable DIY ideas to the ReadyMade 100.

The ReadyMade 100 is a brand new annual contest designed to celebrate the best 100 projects from the world of DIY. From now until December 15, entrants can upload their projects to ReadyMade.com in these categories: Home & Garden, Food & Entertaining, Design, Craft, Fashion & Style, Culture, Travel & Places, and Technology & Work.

Keep reading here.

A Review of ThermaSkin Natural Facial Cleanser by Greensations

The ThermaSkin foaming facial cleanser is a godsend for my troublesome skin. I swear my skin hates everything I use.

If I use the wrong thing my skin breaks in a rash, turns red, breaks out in pimples, or gets so dry I feel like I'm going to crack. None of which are any fun.

I always have to try something new but I'm always afraid that the new product is going to make matters worse instead of better.Then I came across ThermaSkin Foam Facial Cleanser. It is made with Capsaicin Pepper Extract and says that it is good for all skin types including oily skin, dry skin, and acne prone skin. I was doubtful but gave it a shot.

Wow.

First of all I didn't break out. Better yet it cleared up the remnants of previous break outs. It didn't dry my skin out or make it too oily. Fabulous. A miracle in a little bottle. I am stocking up on this stuff. It is amazing to finally find something that really works. I have tried everything from drug store brands to the fancy expensive stuff in department stores. Even the things they advertise on TV. Nothing has worked for me- at least not for long.

Keep reading here.

Winner of the $25 Maukilo Gift Card

The winner of the $25 Gift Card/Code to Maukilo.com is...

Romina

who said...

I would get the Baufix cruiser construction kit.

http://www.maukilo.com/cruiser-constructor-kit-66-woodenpieces.htmlrominacamilingatgmaildotcom

Review of How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack

And you thought they were just cute little garden statues...not according to Chuck Sambuchino class 1 gnome-slayer and gnome defense expert. He says they are plotting revenge against us. If you live in a gnome infested area youa re at risk. In fact gnomes could be hatching an evil plan right now that involves your demise.

Forget about vampires. Don't worry about zombies.

What you need to be wary of are the cute and innocent looking garden gnomes.

They are everywhere. And they are plotting revenge.

There could be one in your yard right now plotting your demise.

How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack: Defend Yourself When the Lawn Warriors Strike (And They Will) is the only book that gives you step by step instructions on recognizing impending attacks, protecting yourself against an attack and shows you how to fight back.

This book is hilarious.

If you need a laugh this is the book for you, especially of you need a break from all the vampire and zombie books currently filling bookshelves everywhere.

How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack: Defend Yourself When the Lawn Warriors Strike (And They Will) description from Amazon:

Move over zombies and adolescent vampires.

There’s a new threat in town—and it’s only twelve inches tall. How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack is the only comprehensive survival guide that will help you prevent, prepare for, and ward off an imminent home invasion by the common garden gnome. Once thought of as harmless yard decorations, evidence is mounting that these smiling lawn statues are poised and ready to wreck havoc. The danger is real. And it’s here.

Class 1 gnome-slayer and gnome defense expert Chuck Sambuchino has developed a proven system—Assess, Protect, Defend, Apply—for safeguarding property, possessions, and loved ones. Strategies include step-by-step instructions for gnome-proofing the average dwelling, recognizing and interpreting the signs of a gathering hoard, and—in the event that a secured perimeter is breached—confronting and combating the attackers at close range.

If you live in the city or in an area with little green space you are probably safe from garden gnome attacks.

These little evil doers thrive in rural and suburban areas- in happy little gardens everywhere. Exactly where you would least expect suspicious activity.

From the book intro:

Keep reading if you want to live.

Call them what you want. Garden gnomes. Lawn ornaments. Little evil outdoor statuary hell-bent on world domination. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that, right now, they’re hiding in plain sight, pretending to be symbols of merriment and good will. But secretly, quietly, while pushing diminutive wheelbarrows and brandishing miniature flowerpots, they’re planning home invasions all over the world. Perhaps they’re in your backyard right now—and you’re staring at one while reading this.

1. Are You at Risk?

If you’re reading this book, chances are you’re in proximity to garden gnomes

Factors increasing your risk of an attack:

• For some insane reason, you actually own lawn gnomes.

• You live in a suburban or rural house.

• Your dwelling sits on secluded, wooded acreage.

• You live alone.

• You follow a strict routine, making it easy to predict your comings and goings.

• There are gnomeowners in your neighborhood.

Just think, before reading this book I was actually going to put a few of these little guys in my garden.

Not anymore. Not after reading about nefarious gnome plans and plots.

I am already at high risk because I live in a semi-rural/suburban area filled with gardens and landscaping. I know some of my neighbors have gnomes. They could be watching me while I'm out in the garden. OMG they could be watching me right now.

I bet now is the time when they will be most vicious. Winter is coming and everyone is clearing out the garden and packing stuff away- but how many leave their gnomes out all winter long? To suffer the cold and snow?

No wonder they seek revenge.

I better re-read this book so I can take precautions. From now on when I'm outside I'll have my baseball bat nearby (touted as the best weapon to use against a gnome).

Are you prepared if garden gnomes strike?

I will be (after I read a few of these chapters, I want to make sure I am fully prepared).

Holiday Creativity with Shutterly

I love making holiday photo cards, photo books and other photo gifts for the holidays.

Finally something to do with all those pictures I take of the kids other than printing them out and shoving them in a box to be scrap booked later (which never happens).

And photo gifts are perfect for grandparents, family, and close friends.

Every year I make a photo book for my husband for Christmas- he looks forward to it. One year I was so busy I didn't get to make his book and he was disappointed.

I also make photo gifts for my mom- she never gets tired of having a beautiful photo book filled with pictures of her grand kids that she can show off at the senior center.

So far this year I've made a photo book and Halloween cards. I usually don't make Halloween cards but the designs were so cute and I had some great pics of the kids from last year that I decided to go ahead and make a few.

Now I am planning Christmas cards. I would love to use new photos but getting all three kids in the house together at one time is nearly impossible. The teenager is all grown up and never around. The other two kids...they are here but getting them to sit still for photos might be a problem.

My other dilemma is choosing which card design I like the best.

So far I have possibly narrowed it down to the following two Christmas card designs, which are actually the same design just different colors Slate Snowflakes and Cranberry Snowflakes:

The above two are both folded card designs.

I also like this flat card design - snow flurries cocoa.

Once I decide on which card I like the best I can also pick out matching Christmas address labels.

I love Shutterfly. I have used many photo book and photo gift design programs including Kodak, Lulu, Snapfish, and ArtsCow.

Shutterfly is by far the most user friendly and has the most options when it comes to styles and designs.

So I'm off to corral my kids for photos and then pick out a suitable card design.

Giveaway: $100 Christmas Shopping Spree to CSN Stores

Would you like to win a $100 to spend at CSN Stores?

Who wouldn't?

Just in time for Christmas shopping CSN has teamed up with Creatively Green to offer one lucky winner $100 to spend at any of the 200+ stores in the CSN network.

You could buy toys, kitchen items, baby stuff, a bed, a dining room table, bookcases and so much more.

What would you purchase?

And this bookcase

I really love this crimson ottoman/storage cube

And with free shipping on most items you don't have to worry about your $100 getting eaten up with shipping and handling fees.

This contest is open to US and Cananda residents

Canadian residents may have to pay extra for shipping

To enter you must leave a comment on this post telling us what you might purchase from CSN if you were chosen as the winner

please include a link to the item along with your email address

+5 Entries for being a Creatively Green Follower through GFC

+5 entries for following me on Twitter @everythinggreen

Contest opens today and closes Tuesday November 16 at Midnight EST

Winner Will Be Chosen Randomly and announced on Wednesday Nov 17