DIY Gifts: Peppermint Mocha Body Scrub

If you’ve run out of time to shop for that special someone this holiday season – and don’t dare go out in the blizzardy snow – then make this year’s gifts DIY. There’s tons of things you can put together last minute for someone who will appreciate time, effort, and creativity much more than a purchased good.

So to give you a little inspiration I am sharing one of my personal favorite concoctions – Peppermint Mocha Body Scrub! Unlike the fattening espresso drink of the same name at Starbucks – this luxurious scrub is actually good for you! Made with ingredients found in the kitchen, its exfoliating texture and delicious smell will transform your bathroom into a foodie spa extravaganza.  Follow this recipe to make a brew as a gift for the last person on your list – or simply to indulge yourself. Continue reading

Soulful Sister: Eco Gift Guide #2

This will be the second year in which my family will be cutting costs and consumerism by doing a secret santa exchange for the holidays. After decades of buying countless presents, it was just one year ago that we gave this new concept a spin – and it was so successful that we’ve decided to do it again!

In honor of living sustainably, both financially and ecologically, here is my second gift guide of the holiday season. The subject? A stylish sister who already has the world but needs a lil’ something to cheer her up. All of these gift guides have one thing in common: the artisans are all part of the Eco Etsy Street Team! Support these small businesses by shopping with them for the holidays.

Inspirations: NYC


David and I moved back to Chicago from the Big Apple back in 2006 and not one week goes by when we don’t hearken to the NYC days in a conversation, comment, or day dream. So we decided to use this past Columbus day weekend for a quick roadtrip to the East Coast and the timing couldn’t be better as I was finding myself in a slight rut. Continue reading