Restore Clean Water System is a brand new, state-of-the art and innovative in-home water purification system that combines filtration and UV Clean Technology.

Just because its filtered, doesn’t means it’s purified! Restore Clean Water System uses Ultraviolet (UV) Clean Technology to go beyond filtering by removing bacteria, viruses and more.

Restore is California certified for microbiological water purification, a first for a water pitcher utilizing UV technology and is Gold Seal Certified to National Sanitation Foundation standards by the Water Quality Association. UV Technology has been used for over 60 years for its germicidal properties in hospitals and laboratories. For the first time, an application of this unique germ-killing technology is available for home use in an affordable, easy to use water pitcher.

You can read The Fashionable Housewife’s complete review of the Restore Clean Water System here.

Give the gift of health this season with the Restore Clean Water System!  It’s a gift that will be used and loved by the whole family (and a favorite of Mom & Dad).  It retails for $99; filter replacements are only $7.99 so it won’t be a gift that requires costly maintenance.  Everyone can use it, and everyone will appreciate it.  Plus you’ll be doing something great for the environment and hopefully cut down on the number of plastic bottles in landfills.  Now that’s really a gift everyone can enjoy!

Ever been annoyed by the straps on your handbag slipping right off your shoulder? How many times have you been carrying too much to handle only to have your bag or your purse strap slip off your shoulder and down to the crook of your elbow? Or those days when you are wearing a bulky sweater or a coat and the strap on your handbag just don’t stay put and you have to keep slinging your purse back up on your shoulder over and over again.

StrapDiva is a no-slip purse strap cover that snaps on to a single purse strap or two handles together. It is made of super soft and luxurious leather with a suede lining. On the outside, there is a special material to prevent slippage and help keep your straps where they belong. And the best part of all? It works!!!

Both the Lambskin and Grain Leather straps are $24.95.  If you’ve got a handbag lover in your life, the StrapDiva is a great gift idea.  If you’re giving a purse as a gift or know that a lucky lady will be receiving one, this is a perfect pairing!  In fact, get one for all of your friends, sisters, daughters, and other lady friends and start the new year rolling in gratitude.

Don’t forget to check out The Fashionable Housewife’s StrapDiva Giveaway (ends 12/20)!

“Our Mission and Vision

Since 1989, Women’s Bean Project has been dedicated to helping women break the cycle of poverty and unemployment.

Our Mission: To change women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.

Our Vision: Women’s Bean Project strives to break the cycle of chronic unemployment and poverty by helping women discover their talents and develop skills by offering job readiness training opportunities.

With this stepping stone toward success, the women will be able to support themselves and their families, and create stronger role models for future generations.

Our History

Jossy Eyre founded the Women’s Bean Project in 1989 as a result of her volunteer work at a day shelter for homeless women. Eyre saw that while the shelter kept women safe, if could not help them make lasting changes in their lives. Eyre bought $500 worth of beans and put two homeless women to work – the first step in building the social enterprise we are today. Our training opportunities have expanded dramatically over the years, and annual operating budget has grown from $6,100 to over $1.5 million.

In 1993, King Soopers became the first grocery store to carry our products.

In 1995, we purchased former Fire Station #10 from the City and County of Denver, and moved to our new home the following year, giving us permanent roots at 3201 Curtis Street.

Today our product offerings have expanded to salsa mixes, spice rubs, coffee beans, and jelly beans in addition to our soups and chili, along with gift baskets, baking mixes and much more.”

Treat Your Sweetheart Bundle ($19.25) contains:  Jelly Beans, Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans, Brownie Mix.

Soup Lover’s Bundle ($35) contains:  Toni’s 10 Bean, Marian’s Black Bean, Sarah’s Spicy Split Pea, Old Fashion Chili, Firehouse #10 Chili, Certified Organic 6 Bean.

2 Chili & Cornbread Bundle ($17.25) contains:  Firehouse #10 Chili, Old Fashioned Chili, Golden Cornbread Chili.

Soup & Spice Rub Bundle ($16.50) contains:  Toni’s 10 Bean Soup, Marian’s Black Bean Soup, Uncle Bob’s BBQ Rub, Malaysian Spice Rub.

I had the opportunity to try some delicious products from the Women’s Bean Project earlier this year.  I’m particularly fond of the cornbread; it’s perfect!  I think I ate an entire pan myself…  Another big hit was the iced tea; I’m partial to the Mango Peach flavor.  I haven’t tried the dip mixes, but I think they’re another great gift idea – last year I paired dip mix with an inexpensive whisk or spatula and gave the sets!  Great for hostesses, teachers, parents…  Anyone who likes delicious food, really!

]]> http://www.fashionableholiday.com/2009/12/09/womens-bean-project-gifts-that-give-back/feed/ 0 http://www.fashionableholiday.com/2009/12/08/oh-nuts-sugar-free-holiday-candy/ http://www.fashionableholiday.com/2009/12/08/oh-nuts-sugar-free-holiday-candy/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:00:51 +0000 Laney Knapp http://fashionableholiday.com/?p=185

The holiday season is one of indulgence.  Lots of big family meals, special treats, fancy desserts.  So what to do if you’re watching your weight, or have special dietary restrictions?

Oh Nuts! is a candy company that far goes above and beyond the usual selection of common candy.  I was really excited to see their selection of Sugar Free Candy.  One member of my family has a health-based need to minimize sugar intake this year, and the rest of us are trying to lose a few pounds.  Of course, this doesn’t mean we want to give up our holiday treats and snacks altogether!

Oh Nuts! features five main categories of Sugar Free Candy:  Wrapped, Unwrapped, Chocolate, Gum, and Gifts!  So if you have a diabetic or otherwise restricted friend or relative, you can still send them an indulgent gift without endangering their health.  And if you’ve got a snacker who won’t comply with their “health rules,” start stocking some of these goodies instead of the usual grocery store fare!

Gum is a great stocking stuffer, and I’m particularly intrigued by the selection of “Must” brand gum featured on Oh Nuts!.  Flavors include:  Peppermint, Spearmint, Fruit, Cherry, Orange, Mango Peach, Whitening, and Kids Fruit.  I’m a big gum chewer, so I’d be happy to unwrap some Must this Christmas!

While I haven’t tried any sugar free gum yet, Oh Nuts! did send me several sugar free selections to review.  After much debate, I chose the Salt Water Taffy, De’ Mint Truffles, and Viennese Crunch.

Assortment includes:  Strawberry, Banana, Pineapple, Chocolate, and Vanilla.  $5.99/lb.

Everyone in my family loves taffy!  It’s usually a treat we bring home from Maine vacations, but I thought it would be a nice surprise for Christmas!  The taffy is delicious and has a wonderful texture, just don’t eat too much – according to Oh Nuts!, “excessive consumption may cause a laxative effect in sensitive individuals.”

“You won’t find a tastier truffle delight than our sugar free De’Mint Truffle, packing a wallop of flavor and completely no sugar.  This is a special chocolate for those who seek the refreshing taste of mint and dark chocolate.  $12.99/lb”

Chocolate is something I couldn’t bare to give up, and the mint in these truffles is a perfect pairing!  Wonderfully delicious and totally satisfying.

“You’ll have to restock quickly on these irresistible crowd pleasers!  Our sugar free Viennese Crunch bars offer the outstanding taste of our classic Viennese Crunch, with the added benefit of being sugar free.  Viennese Crunch bars disappear in the blink of an eye; they are that scrumptious, so we suggest ordering extra so you don’t run out.”

Smooth, creamy chocolate is wonderful…  but way too easy to overeat, even when it’s sugar free!  I find that adding a crunch to my candy makes me feel satisfied faster, as having to chew more really makes me feel like I’m eating!  The Viennese Crunch is a perfect mix of sweet chocolate and crunch!

Of course, if you and your loved ones don’t have any dietary restrictions, Oh Nuts! has plenty of candy for you, too!  Check out their vast selection of Christmas and Hannukah gifts and goodies to cover all your sweet needs!

Burt’s Bees Tingling Treats Gift Set

“Nothing says holidays like peppermint! So we combined a few of our favorite minty little things in this gift collection that pampers from head to toe. And even better, this set offers a $4.00 savings compared to items purchased separately. Give this invigorating collection or just enjoy it yourself!  $19.99″

CONTAINS:

Beeswax Lip Balm
Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Bar
Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Wash
Peppermint Foot Lotion

Burt’s Bees Polka Dot Perfect Mani-Pedi Gift Set

“All the full-sized products and tools you need for a luxurious mani-pedi are wrapped up with an adorable polka dot carrier this holiday season.   You’ll save $7.00 compared with purchasing these products separately, and even better, you also get an adorable bag stuffed w/ 2 cuticle sticks and a nail file!  So hands and feet can look perfectly polished, wherever your holiday travels take you. Treat yourself or a loved one to this pampering gift!  $19.99″

CONTAINS:

Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme
Coconut Foot Creme
Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme
Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
Bee Nail File
2 Cuticle Sticks
Red & White Polka Dot Bag

Burt’s Bees Favorite Things Gift Set

“We have so many favorite things, it was hard to pick just four for this gift!   This festive holiday kit includes the top-rated favorites to cleanse, moisturize and protect skin from winter weather–and enjoy, all year long.   Plus, you’ll save $7.00 with the purchase of this set compared to purchasing the products individually. Our favorite thing is that we’re passing along an even better value to you! $19.99″

CONTAINS:

Beeswax Lip Balm
Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme
Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion
Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream

Burt’s Bees Mini Lip Gloss Set

“Drench your lips in moisture and beautiful sheer color gloss. These hydrating natural lip glosses are flavored with citrus oils for a kiss of fresh-squeezed flavor. $12.99″

Burt’s Bees Natural Skin Care For Men, Essentials Travel Kit

“Look and feel your natural best wherever you go with skin care formulas sized for travel. Take them with you to cleanse, moisturize, shave and invigorate your skin with natural botanicals including Sunflower, Coconut, Cyprus and Fir oils, Aloe and Vitamin E.  $13.99″

CONTAINS:

Natural Skin Care for Men Cologne
Natural Skin Care for Men Aftershave
Natural Skin Care for Men Shave Cream
Natural Skin Care for Men Bar Soap
Natural Skin Care for Men Body Wash
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

I was sent a sample for review.  I’m a long time fan of Burt’s Bees products and will be including them in my holiday gift-giving this year, as always!  The lip balm with pomegranate is a favorite, and the peppermint foot cream is a close second!

Not just for active gals, Lucky Legs has done wonders for reviving my stiff legs after a long day of sitting at the computer.

This is the jackpot of rescue remedies to help relieve your hard-working legs and feet when they are just exhausted, swollen, heavy and in need of intense refreshment. A mini-spa treatment that glides on to instantly cool and ease weary limbs from knees to tippy toes.

Clinically tested ingredients leave you with feather-light legs, reducing discomfort and helping circulation. You will also notice a super-subtle sparkly-shimmer on your shins; this is the ultimate knees-up for your knees down!

I was so happy to get the opportunity to review Lucky Legs and couldn’t wait to receive my complimentary tube. It sat on my desk for about a week before I remembered it was there, and I finally noticed it and decided to give it a try last night.

The subtle sparkle is fabulous… I wanted to slather this all over my whole body after I saw how pretty my legs looked all shimmery!! It felt lovely on my legs for a few moments… enough to give me the sense of calming relief. And the scent is what relaxed me the most I think… although it did remind me of toothpaste. Overall I did notice a sense of relief in my legs that were, quite frankly, sore and tired from not getting enough activity that day. Sitting at a desk all day isn’t as relaxing as it sounds…

I think this would make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas or a great addition to a gift basket. It’s also nice to have on hand for when you feel like relaxing and treating yourself to a little “me time”.

$19.50 on mamamio.com

Top Notes: Awakens with a bright introduction of crisp exotic Persimmon enveloped in a lush Green Accord and enhanced by a burst of juicy Sicilian Bergamot.

Mid Notes: Twinkle Orchid and Champaca Flower notes masterfully blended with vibrant White Honeysuckle, add femininity and mystery to euphoria signature’s floral heart of dewy Lotus Blossom.

Dry Down: Transparent White Sandalwood mignles with sheer liquid Amber and a tempting Bailey’s Cream Accord, bursting to the finale of intoxicating, yet weightless, sensuality.

From now until December 31st, shoppers will receive a complimentary box of Lake Champlain chocolate with the purchase of any 3.4 oz or greater Euphoria purchase – exclusively at Macy’s, while supplies last.  You can keep both for yourself, give them together as a very special gift, or split them up and cover two friends at once!

You can purchase Calvin Klein’s Euphoria in several forms online as well.  Here are some of my favorite gift giving options:

Calvin Klein euphoria Eau de Toilette 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

Calvin Klein euphoria Eau de Toilette Rollerball 0.33 oz Eau de Toilette Rollerball

Calvin Klein euphoria Rollerball Set ($60 Value) Euphoria Rollerball Set

Calvin Klein euphoria 5 oz Luxurious Body Cream

Calvin Klein euphoria 6.7 oz Sensual Skin Lotion

I received samples of euphoria and the Lake Champlain chocolates.

“The Deluxe Boxed Set is a dramatic way to displaying the Original Gifts of Christmas. The set comes with a generous quantity of pure, authentic frankincense and myrrh. Both are the finest grade from the same regions as the gifts brought by the Magi at that first Christmas more than 2000 years ago. The silhouette of the Magi following the Christmas star, printed in gold, adorns the lid of this rich looking, solid wood box. The cherry-stained stained finish is offset by the unique brass latch. This large box measures 9 ½ inches x 4 ¼ inches x 3 ½ inches. The interior of the box is striking with its luxurious red satin lining on both the padded lid and base. The large tears of frankincense, hand-blown gold ball and crystals of Arabian myrrh are nestled together in this beautiful collection of the Gifts of the Three Kings. This unique set is a rich and dramatic way of displaying the Original Gifts of Christmas.”

Three Kings Box Set, $59.95

Philosophy Good Energy 3-in-1 $20/16 oz

“We could all use some good energy to fuel our souls. philosophy’s good energy high-foaming shower gel and bubble bath 16 oz. was created to gently cleanse and condition your skin, while sending you good energy with its uplifting, orange cassis scent. Enjoy an invigorating, rich, foaming lather that leaves your skin feeling soft and your soul vibrant. 100% of philosophy’s net proceeds from the sale of this product are donated to Young Women’s Leadership Network.”

Mission Skincare Super-C Lip Balm $2.99

“Co-founded, created and tested by some of the world’s best athletes including Serena Williams, David Wright, Steve Nash and Mia Hamm, the NEW SUPER-C Lip Balm in Yazu Berry features a unique and proprietary blend of powerful vitamins and antioxidants in a soothing and hydrating formula to relieve dry, cracked lips. It contains naturally moisturizing and emollient ingredients such as the Shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, beeswax and candelilla wax. As a part of GNC’s annual Thanks and Giving campaign, $1 from the purchase price of every SUPER-C Lip Balm will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.”

Anthony Logistics For Men Whisker Lifter Shave Brush and Stand $80

“Some men just aren’t going for that Santa look this season. Enter the Whisker Lifter, a must-have brush to prepare the beard for the closest and most comfortable shave. This classic barbershop basic is perfect for men who fall victim to shaving-induced irritation: soft, man-made bristles, an anti-bacterial coating to prevent germs, and a bristle head that allows for a richer, more emollient later. The high gloss black handle designed for durability and ease of handling will add an element of style to any man’s grooming routine.  A percentage of all holiday gift sales from Anthony Logistics For Men will be donated to prostate cancer awareness charities.“

Altru Products $15 – $65

“The exotic scents and patterns on the packaging help to evoke special memories of places around the world known for their beauty and artistic contribution. The brand supports the In a Perfect World Foundation by donating 20% of all product proceeds, and each of the aromatic and exotic scents are named after a core value or attribute that one might find in a “perfect world”. This holiday season, give the gift that gives back with this luxurious collection of soy blend candles, interior fragrance oils, incense sticks and incense accessories.”

Together, these ingredients are formulated to provide the best anti-oxidant care for your lips. This balm is absolutely delicious… Just imagine strawberries dipped in warm chocolate fondue… Hungry yet?

These cute little jars of lip balm are on sale for only $2.00 and make the perfect Christmas stocking stuffer!!! You can also try Earth Delight Devil’s Food Chocolate Organic Lip Balm for $2.99.

Purchase the lip balm and other cruelty-free products are available on www.madefromearth.com.