So now that all of the Holidays are upon us, I hope that you are done shopping or DIYing. Every year I promise to start earlier and I never do. Instead everyone is just getting crappier stuff and less of it. Now if you’re one of those people who thinks that a gift card is a cop out…sorry. I’m still recommending it as a great gift. I know people who are highly offended by that kind of thing. I don’t get it because instead of stressing about what to get, they can decide for themselves. No one is entitled to a gift ever, but if you’re going to give one it should at least be useful. Saffron Rouge has an awesome selection of natural and green cosmetics so you can have a field day there. You can send it via email so nothing has to be shipped and no paper or plastic has to be used. Perfect gift, no?

It would be a great present for someone who is interested in trying out some natural cosmetics but hasn’t quite taken the plunge yet. Many other places also offer online gift certificates so if you’re in a rush or live out of state from your family, like me, then it’s a great option. It looses some of the excitement of opening the gift but hey, I haven’t been excited to open my presents since I was 12. So there you go. Are you okay with gift cards or do you think they’re the lazy way out?

Image via LUSH USA

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Origins Ginger Body Souffle with Olive and Apricot Kernel oils is just calling me. I tried it out a few months ago while in a store and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. Something about the texture and the faint scent was highly appealing.

100% Pure’s Fruit Pigment Lip Gloss in Cocoa Berry is the perfect warm Fall lip color. It’s light and glossy so you won’t feel like you’re wearing a heavy lipstick if that doesn’t appeal to you. I’m all about the lip gloss and this one if free of petrochemicals so yeah.

Green Thumb Hand Repair from Etsy Seller Dress Green is the perfect take anywhere solution for winter dryness. In the Winter I find myself having to take my gloves off quite often in order to wrangle the Bug. As a result they get dry and rough and they actually start to hurt. This looks like it would totally fix my problem. This or a nanny. Ha, I kid…not really though.

So let me know if you have actually tried any of these already or what items are on your must have for Fall and Winter list. I’m nosy like that.

Via Dress Green

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I told you the other day about my new Etsy find, Savor. I received my soaps on Saturday and I’m back with an update. I implore you, no demand that you get there right now and get one of her soaps. It’s just not right if you don’t. It’s as if I have seen into the future and know that you are about to get hit by a bus. It would be morally wrong for me to not stop you from stepping out in the street, right? Okay so then it’s my duty to tell you that you cannot continue to live your life without Creme Brulee handmade soap. Do I even need to elaborate? It’s handmade soap with little sugar crystals that smells like Creme Brulee. If that doesn’t sound good to you then you are an enemy of truth.

Okay that’s a bit much but seriously I’m in love. Love will make you say crazy things. See like right now I keep smelling the lovely faint aroma as I type and it’s making me a little delirious. Good delirious, I mean. The scent isn’t overpowering but it definitely stays with you. It’s really silky too. I also got a sample of something that smells like coconut that I have been using as a hand soap. These would make very pretty little guest bathroom soaps. I’m going to be coming around to everyone’s bathroom to make sure you followed directions.

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I am a self professed Etsyoholic. I can stop anytime I want to though. Really I can. I just need one more handmade soap man. Oh…and a reusable shopping bag made out of a t-shirt. I jest but seriously, there are just endless opportunities on Etsy for me to waste money. I was reading an interview with Etsy seller Savon and decided to check out her store and it’s really too bad I did. I had to buy more soap. Like seriously do I need more soap? I did see something that was quite lovely for you suckers that won’t give up on the Valentine’s Day thing. The Caramel Brownie Batter and Sex Appeal soaps. These are really just too cute. Makes me want to get some fishnets and a garter or something. Is there such a thing as a dirty soap?

I tried to resist but the pull was too strong. Must.not.buy.soap. Maybe I passed out or was drugged. Yeah that’s what happened. And then, and then when I woke up someone had purchased the fragrance free Whipped Cream Bar and Creme Brulee. I will let you know how they work out. I am just too excited. Is it wrong to get this giddy over soap? If it’s wrong I don’t want to be right.

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1. Boscia Clarifying Cleansing Gel-Excellent makeup remover and warm weather cleanser.

2. Tarte Cosmetics cheek stain- Subtle and won’t clog your pores. The gel will last longer than powder blush.

3. Cinnamon and Natural Clayfrom Korres (Young Skincare line)- Perfect stocking stuffer for your little pimpled faced sister.

4. Care by Stella McCartney’s four piece Discovery Set- Perfect sampler of her most popular offerings. For the fashionista with a conscience.

5. Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub-Utterly decadent and cheaper than a trip to the South of France.

6. Multi-Purpose Facial Formula for Men from Kiehl’s- For the no muss, no fuss man in your life. Very masculine packaging to stroke his delicate ego. Downside: only sorta green.

7. Shea Butter Mom & Baby Balm from L’Occitane-Great gift for a new mom or mom to-be.

8. Every Occasion Gift set from Nvey Eco Cosmetics-A great starter kit.

9. Jurlique Lemon Body Oil- Leaves your skin feeling silky and sexy. Pair with lacy lingerie and a snifter of cognac.

10. b.happy cotton totes from Reusablebags.com- Perfect for presenting your gifts. Then the recipient can use them at the grocery store instead of plastic.

These are just some of my personal favorites. Tomorrow, top ten green beauty websites. I guess this isn’t helping our obsession with consuming more stuff. Don’t send me hatemail, I’m a work in progress.

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 Saffron Rouge has such a bevy of delicious products to choose from, it’s hard to narrow it down. I’m in lust with the offerings from Florascent Parfumeurs. First off, the packaging is FABULOUS. It doesn’t need wrapping, just a well placed bow. Their perfumes are made with a combination of organic essential oils, aromatic waters and fruit alcohol. While cheaper than some of the fragrances from Rich Hippie, they are still a little pricey. I would definitely have to like you a little bit to spend $100.00 on you; so not for any co-workers. Ha…sorry. Or for that special frenemy, Weleda’s Birch Cellulite Oil. Definitely for the passive aggressive gift giver. Deliver it with a well placed, “I’m so jealous, you don’t even mind exposing your cottage cheese thighs to the world; I would be so embarrassed.”

What’s on your list this year? Please fill us in.

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Just spend $25 and you can get this great gift for someone who you like, but not that much that you want to spend money on them. Or just fatten your own self-care options. I thought that This might be a good place to start :

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