The past month or so I have been experimenting with different green beauty recipes (even coming up with some of my own) and have really been enjoying it. Some things haven’t worked, but most have and my skin is the happiest it has ever been this time of year. Another bonus, it costs far less than going out and buying all new products for the colder months. Now, trust me, I still love my lovely online purchases and look as forward to them coming in the mail as I do using them, but certain items can be swapped out for simpler ingredients with no harm done at all.

The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel is a great place to get you started. Julie explores the world of beauty product nasties and gives helpful hints and great ideas along the way. Like supercharging your usual safe organic cleanser or moisturizer with added organic essential oils and herbs. She also offers lots of skincare recipes to experiment with in your kitchen, which leads me to my holiday idea. With the economy in crisis and the big day quickly approaching, Why not make some sweet little Christmas gifts for friends and family this year. Lip gloss is quick and easy to make (not to mention, fun) and you can mix up different colors for all of your friends (and all of your kids’ friends!) Check out our custom blend below. Another one I have been wanting to try is the Lemon Sugar Body Scrub. And who has never wanted to make their very own signature scent. Since store-bought synthetic versions can be down-right nauseating, the idea of a pure vanilla/lavender sounds just right!

So, don’t be put off by the thought of homemade gifts. They are not nearly as time consuming or expensive as you might imagine. Just the opposite in fact!

Megan’s Lip Gloss

1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil
. 2 tablespoons beeswax granules or grated beeswax
A pinch of pink mineral makeup or a few shavings of nontoxic organic lipstick (you can experiment here)
4 drops peppermint or spearmint oil (optional)

Heat the oil and beeswax in a double boiler over medium low heat. Remove from heat and gradually add your coloring, a little at a time, until you get the color you like; whisk until well blended with a fork or small whisk. Add the peppermint or spearmint oil, whisk again, and transfer to a small sterilized jar.

Still rather buy than blend? I love shopping online for the holidays! You can shop by yourself (no crowds) in your jammies and your purchases are sent directly to your home, even gift wrapped if you choose. What could be better? Two super spots to check are Gaiam (your green living one-stop-shop) and the fabulous Saffron Rouge.

Gaiam has a huge selection of anything you may need for your green lifestyle and great gifts too. Right now they also have a ton of great promotions like bill me later, buy now and defer payment for 90 days, to help get you through the holidays with a little extra cash.

Gaiam isn't just a great place to save you money, you can truly feel good about the purchases you make. Browse their Fair Trade Marketplace for beautiful products made by artisans in different regions around the globe.

A great site for green beauty items is Saffron Rouge, carrying only the best in organic cosmetics and skincare. And they are offering free shipping on orders over $50 until December 9th. My fav for a green friend is the Pangea Organics Gift Set. After using the awesome Pangea products, they can plant the box and it will grow a spruce tree. Now, that is a gift they can enjoy for years to come. Stop by and check out what Kirstin has come up with for the holidays.

Here’s wishing you a happy, green holilday season!

Work from home doing what you love!