My Unconventional, But Very Cool Holiday Gift Guide That Helps Others And The Earth...I Love These!

So I might not be the blogger with the fanciest makeup & skincare gift guide, but to me, my gift guide rocks.   True, I have no lip gloss trios, no pretty eye shadow sets, no fantastic serum that will change your skin, but I do have what I personally think are thee most important gifts of this season.

As you may or may not know, but I'm big, big, big into the environment.  I'm also super into charity and helping people.  I like things that are a win-win for everyone.  I truly hope that you can find someone on your list who is wonderful enough to receive the ultimate gift...one that helps others and the Earth.  

Happy Holidays and thank you so much for reading.  It means so much to me, Katie

The Bogobrush  A recent find for me.  In fact, it was only a few days ago.  I think this is BRILLIANT. I'm going to be ordering a year supply for $40.  If you can find a toothbrush that looks sleeker than this, I'll be impressed.   It's completely biodegradable and with each one purchased, a person in need receives one...I know, right?  Do you have anyone on your list who will understand just how totally mind-blowing this is?   We could potentially rid ourselves of the tons of plastic toothbrushes in the ocean and in landfills...what a thought!   $10 each  $40 for year's supply

The Glass Dharma Glass Straw  Well, I've already written a post on how much I love my glass straw. It sits in my bag in its little hemp case and I'm beyond thrilled when I can stick it in my drink, knowing that I just saved some plastic.  Could it be in my mind, or does everything just taste better out of this beautiful piece of glass?  Get a bendy one, a straight one, one with little multi-colored dots on it...magnificent!   $10 - $12 each

The FEED Bag  This company has grown so much over the past few years and I find that really promising.  Buy a bag, belt, bracelet, backpack, t-shirt, anything and help feed children in need.  When disaster strikes, you can be sure that FEED will be one of the first to create a product to benefit the people suffering.  What's more, the apparel, bags, etc. are very cool.  When I see a chick walking around NYC with her FEED bag, well,  I just know that she and I could definitely be friends.  Prices vary

Me & My Glass Straw - Glass Dharma

My Glass Straw

I know my friends think I go a little overboard with my love of all things clean and green.  I love recycling, using all-natural skincare/makeup products, eating organic and making sure kids aren't sanitizing with triclosan.  It's what I'm into and it makes me happy, so they all go along with it, but I know they secretly make the cuckoo motion when I'm not looking.  So, with this in mind, I knew my glass straw was going to have to be introduced very carefully so they wouldn't be scheduling a straight-jacket fitting for me after they saw it.  

The day came.  I was out to lunch with my cousin and I was given a straw by the waitress.  I quickly said,  "No thanks, I have my own."  My cousin looked up from her salad confused as I fished around the bottom of my bag and found my glass straw (in it's box) at the bottom of my bag.  "Uhm...what is that?" she asked, nostrils flaring.  "Oh, it's my glass straw.  Now I don't need a plastic straw each time I go out and order a drink.  Isn't it great?" I asked, nervously. She looked at it, tilted her head to the side and said, "Yeah, it really is."  Score!

After staying at her house in Long Island for a few days, we had lots of lunches and dinners out and made many trips to the store for green tea iced tea.  In the few days I was there, I can't tell you how many time I used my straw, but most importantly, how many straws I didn't use! These are brilliant.

You can get them plain or with beautiful little colored dots on them!

The company is called Glass Dharma and I suggest you look into purchasing one of these. They also have straws with dots on them and they come in all different sizes.  How does one clean a glass straw?  Easily, with the cleaning brush they sell.  So easy & so smart!

*I happily purchased my Glass Dharma glass straw myself.  All opinions are my own.