Breathe Deep, Be Brave
Know a man in your life who enjoys yoga? We’ve created a Yoga Gift Ideas for Men shopping guide to make finding a present for him super easy. Scroll down to find Men’s Yoga Gear gift ideas, fun and spiritual Yoga Gifts for Him, Yoga Clothing for Men and Yoga Books for Men.
Check out our other shopping guides as well: Yoga Gift Ideas for Women and Fair Trade Gift Ideas.
Happy Shopping!
The Holidays are a time of giving, a time to love the world and the people in it a little bit more. We encourage you to shop our Fair Trade Gift Guide this year. Fair trade items are made by artisans throughout the world who live in difficult economies. When their goods are exported, the artisans are paid a living wage. This allows artisans the opportunity to raise themselves and their families out of poverty.
Below you will find unique gift ideas including Fair Trade Christmas Ornaments, Fair Trade Holiday Décor, Fair Trade Gifts for the Home, Fair Trade Jewelry for Men and Fair Trade Jewelry Gifts for Women. Happy Shopping and thanks for making a difference!
Also, remember to check out our other gift guides: Yoga Gift Ideas for Women and Yoga Gift Ideas for Men.
Twice a year the Pantone Color Institute releases its newest colors. Here are the Top Ten of the 2016 Fall Fashion Color Trends, which also influence, accessories, home decor, and even makeup. The 2016 Fall fashion color trends easily translate into boho styles. Check out our bohemian design choices for each color below. Happy shopping!
Riverside: We are heading up our 2016 Fall fashion trends with this fabulous Rebecca Minkoff Isobel hobo shoulder bag. The shape of this bag, set off by the triangle piecework and tassel is beautiful, and we love the fact that the bag contains both the Riverside and Airy Blue Fall Pantone colors. Currently priced around $345 on Amazon.com.
Airy Blue: Next up is this fun tie-dyed tunic by DJT, that also has shades of both Airy Blue and Riverside in its design. We love the easy bohemian style of this top and the handkerchief hem. Priced at under $20, this tunic is an essential piece for your boho wardrobe this Fall.
Sharkskin: We LOVE the Sharkskin gray fringe suede leather bag by SuSu, gorgeous and affordable at under $70. This Fall crossbody bag can be worn with its strap or dressed up as a clutch to let the front styling and fringe speak for itself.
Aurora Red: The tunic top mixed with ruffled skirt and flowing sleeves make this JACK by BB Dakota Mayella Dress so easy to wear. We love that it comes in Aurora Red, perfect for Fall 2016 and currently priced around only $70. Add some cute booties and the Sharkskin gray purse above and you are ready to head out for a casual day or evening on the town.
Warm Taupe: Bohemian style is definitely influencing coats designed for Fall 2016. Check out the relaxed feel of this Nicholson Drape Coat by BB Dakota. Currently priced at around $100, the warm taupe color and oversized collar of this coat will easily complete your layered boho look.
Dusty Cedar: The soft shade of Dusty Cedar is already trending in 2016 Fall makeup and accessories. Half way between mauve pink and light brown, Dusty Cedar is a stunning color to use to complete your outfit. Our pick is this lovely Silk and Viscose flowing scarf from Ted and Jack. Priced at around $12, you can afford to invest in multiple colors.
Lush Meadow: Lush Meadow is one of our absolute favorite trending colors for Fall 2016. Anything you own in Lush Meadow will be a statement piece. We love the green pattern of this long bohemian skirt with wrap belt by Lek Boutique. Also very affordable at under $20.
Spicy Mustard: We’re seeing lots of great boho fall handbags in shades of gold and Spicy Mustard. Our first choice is this fun, laid back Laurel and Sunset Crossbody Bag, currently priced under $30. The bag is roomy and stylish with the pocket and buckle accents on the front.
Potter’s Clay: Potter’s Clay is another really rich color for Fall 2016. We found these fun and affordable ruffled palazzo pants from Boutique Republic sporting the Potter’s Clay color. Add a boho tunic and a fringe handbag and you are set to hit the town. Currently priced under $25.
Bodacious: The Bodacious Pantone color is definitely that- bright and beautiful! We love the color and look of this casual tunic dress by L*Space, currently priced around $140. The open shoulders, tassels and wrapped look make this a special dress. Bodacious is a must-have color for your Fall 2016 wardrobe.
Love shopping by trending color? Check out more fashion ideas by trending Pantone colors here.
The Mexican Holiday, Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is becoming more and more popular around the world. The Day of the Dead is typically celebrated on November 1 and 2, just after Halloween in the United States. Day of the Dead costumes and decorations can now be found in most stores mixed right in with Halloween costumes. So before the 2 holidays blur any further, let’s take a look at what the Day of the Dead celebration is all about.
Halloween vs. Day of the Dead
In the U.S, we are used to spooky graveyards, where unsettled spirits haunt anyone who comes near. But in most cultures, people celebrate the dead in a more positive light. In fact, even in the U.S. during Victorian times, most families spent their Sundays in cemeteries picnicking near the graves of their loved ones. That’s why so many cemeteries are designed with park-like surroundings.
The Day of the Dead is a positive celebration, a way to honor ancestors. Día de Muertos is hundreds of years old, with its origins most likely coming from Aztec ritual. It is believed that once a year, ancestors come back for 2 days to spend time with their families. To honor their presence, people decorate their ancestors’ graves, build beautiful altars in their honor and cook their favorite foods. Celebrations also include parties and parades. The Day of the Dead is a holiday that is colorful in every way!
How to Celebrate the Day of the Dead
Want to get into the spirit of the Day of the Dead and honor your ancestors? Here is how to get your Día de Muertos celebrations started:
1. Put Together a Colorful Day of the Dead Altar (Ofrenda)
In Mexico, people usually decorate family gravesites and often create an altar, or ofrenda, in their homes to honor their ancestors. Altars like the one in the photo above can be elaborate works of art or simple and very personal. Start by finding a location in your home for your altar, such as a corner table, desk or fireplace mantle. Add a colorful tablecloth or table runner. Next, add photos of the person or people you want to honor. To get into the Mexican Spirit, you may want to place your photos in beautifully crafted tile frames like these. Then place personal items that were owned by your relatives in their lifetime on the altar. Or use items that make you think of your family members.
Next, place Day of the Dead decorations like marigolds, skull figures and paper banners on your altar. We will discuss how to make these items or where to buy them below. Some people also add their ancestors’ favorite foods and drinks to their altar to encourage their spirits to stay near. And finally, candles and incense make great additions to your altar.
If you have more time to be crafty, check out the directions for making this Day of the Dead Carved Pumpkin Altar at Michael’s. The altar is made out of the fake carvable pumpkins, so you can use the altar year after year. Or if you enjoy getting a bit messy with pumpkin guts and/or paint, you can use real pumpkins and create a perishable masterpiece.
2. Decorate with Paper Banners (Papel Picado)
Papel Picado, or specially cut Mexican paper banners, are a festive way to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Traditionally Papel Picado are intricately created by Mexican artists. With a little bit of practice, simple paper banners are easy to make. You can also find free printables such as this one from LiveColorful.com. Make sure to have bright colored paper on hand or markers to color in the designs.
Want to purchase Papel Picado for your altar or Day of the Dead party? Affordable paper or plastic banners are available on Amazon.com in a variety of sizes and colors.
3. Celebrate with Marigolds (Cempasúchiles)
Look how gorgeous this fountain looks decked out in orange Marigold flowers and petals. Marigolds, or Cempasúchiles, are the main flower used in decorating for Day of the Dead. You can grow your own to add to your altar, though beware, Marigolds have a very strong odor if you are using them indoors. Many people also use paper Marigolds. You can purchase paper Marigolds in orange and yellow from a party supplier.
Paper Marigolds are also really easy to make. We like the directions on this tutorial from Tinkerlab.com.
4. Decorate with Sugar Skulls (Calaveras)
Sugar Skulls, known as calaveras in Spanish, have become an essential part of Day of the Dead celebrations. Decorated skulls, literally made out of pressed sugar, are placed on altars to represent the ancestors being honored. Of course, you can now find Day of the Dead skulls made in all sorts of materials which are fun to collect. Check out these Sugar Skulls to get your collection started.
If you are interested to making real sugar skulls, we suggest using the directions and sugar molds from MexicanSugarSkulls.com.
We also love this do-it-yourself sugar skull painting kit, which makes a great gift.
5. Dress to Impress (Disfraces)
Day of the Dead is your opportunity to dress up in stylish skeleton costumes, or disfraces. Check out these great costumes for men and women at Amazon.com. Many qualify for 2-Day Shipping with your Amazon Prime membership. And don’t forget to pick up a Day of the Dead makeup kit.
If you know how to sew, Simplicity offers a beautiful sewing pattern for DIY Women’s Day of the Dead costumes.
6. Host a Traditional Day of the Dead Party Instead of a Halloween Party (Día de la fiesta de muertos)
Hosting a Day of the Dead party, known as Día de la fiesta de muertos in Spanish, is both fun and educational for your guests. You can find lots of fun Day of the Dead party supplies at your favorite retailer or make your own.
Encourage your guests to come dressed as Day of the Dead skeletons. Ask guests to bring photos and favorite mementos to honor their ancestors. Create a community Day of the Dead altar and ask guests to add their mementos to it. Ask your guests to share stories about the relatives they are honoring. Explain the traditions on the Day of the Dead and encourage guests to take part in activities such as painting or carving sugar skulls on pumpkins, face painting and making paper marigolds. Serve popular Day of the Dead treats and drinks. Here are some great recipes to get you started.
More than anything, surround yourself with colors and enjoy this very festive holiday in a way your ancestors would appreciate!
Are you curious about owning an electric car such as the Chevy Volt?
We are not exactly early adopters when it comes to new technology. We are definitely not “Keeping up with the Jones’” folks. In fact, my husband, Al, laughs and says we’re setting a new trend in our neighborhood: “Holding back with the McMahons.”
But one place where we have been early adopters is with our cars. We have owned hybrid vehicles since 2003, when we invested in our first Honda Civic Hybrid. We loved it so much, we bought a second one. We now own a Chevy Volt and plan to invest in a second Volt in the coming months.
Why Invest in a Hybrid or Electric Car
When we went to buy our Honda Civic Hybrids, everyone told us we were crazy: They were too expensive. They were untested. They were a fad. We even had dealers ask us, “Why would you want to do that?!” At the time only Honda and Toyota had hybrid cars on the market, but we knew quality when we saw it.
Most hybrid and electric cars are still pricey, but the federal government and many states offer rebates or tax credits when you purchase an alternative vehicle. We also bought our cars before the gas prices landed in the $4.00 a gallon range, so we saw tremendous savings because we only had to fill up once a month. We also feel strongly that we should not be a nation so dependent on Middle East gas commodities, and it’s only a matter of time before gas prices go through the roof again. And we do feel everyone should take global warming and the carbon footprint seriously. For us, there is just no going back to a fully gas-driven car.
Why Buy a Chevy Volt
So this time around we invested in a 2013 Chevy Volt and we LOVE the car. We are currently shopping for a second one.
Pros
*The Volt has a sports car sleekness, inside and out.
*The steering wheel and dashboard are filled with electronic features which are easy to use.
*The Volt is very powerful. The electric juice allows it to accelerate quickly. The car offers an amazingly smooth ride.
*The back seats fold down, which makes hauling stuff back from Home Depot and Lowe’s easy.
*The car turns off when stopped at lights so you don’t waste gas or electric energy.
*You can take the car anywhere. We have taken our car on many road trips. When the electric charge is spent, the Volt seamlessly bumps over to using gas, so you will never be stranded somewhere with a dead car. Here’s more info on how the Chevy Volt works:
*The car is primarily designed for commuting on electric energy. The electric charge lasts for about 35 miles on the older Chevy Volts. The 2016 and 2017 Volts have been redesigned with the capability of up to 53 miles per electric charge. Then the gas kicks in.
*The Volt can be driven in several modes: Normal Mode, Mountain Mode and Sport Mode depending on location and road conditions. Switching between the modes helps you extend the distance driven on electric power alone. Or you can ignore all of these options and just drive it in Normal Mode if you don’t like fussing with buttons while you are driving.
*You just plug the car in to a 120v or 240v outlet when not in use. We’ve run a cord out the garage and right into the driveway. It only takes an extra 30 seconds to plug in and unplug the car once you get into the routine. Al charges the car off of his work’s solar panels during the day, then charges at our house at night. We’ve barely seen any increase in our electric bill at home.
*Electric car charging stations are becoming more common in most communities and are easy to use. Some are free and often give you GREAT up front parking spots at events and venues. Call the number on the charging station to get started.
*You can find used Chevy Volts for under $20,000. If you are willing to drive out of town, you can also find Volts with low mileage. Use Carfax.com to find cars worth traveling for.
Cons
*The car is low to the ground, so rumor has it tall people have difficulty getting in and out of the Volt. And you tend to scrape the bottom fenders pulling over drainage and any driveway inclines. Just go slow.
*You have to be careful not to speed. It’s very easy to look down and not realize you are driving WAY over the speed limit, even around town.
As with any electric or hybrid car, high quality Winter snow tires make a huge difference and investing in quality all-weather tires for the rest of the year is highly recommended. The car tends to slide most when starting up from stop lights, even on wet roads, and sometimes slides a bit if you brake too quickly.
*The Volt has what we call a “cross walk blind spot.” The front framework for the car blocks your view just right that in town and in parking lots, it’s hard to anticipate people crossing in front of the car.
*The car is so quiet, people don’t hear you coming. Be extra careful backing out of your driveway and in parking lots. Also, check for pets under the car before you get in and back up slowly.
*The charge door on the front driver’s side sometimes likes to stick in winter, especially if we get a lot of ice. Members of the various Chevy Volt users groups have solutions on how to deal with this issue.
*We wish the distance you can go on the electric charge is just a bit further. The 2016 and 2017 Chevy Volts’ electric range is supposed to be up to 53 miles.
*New Chevy Volts are priced in the lower luxury car range, starting around $32,000. However, do the math because state and federal tax credits can help bring the price down.
Learn More
*Click here to learn more about how the Chevy Volt works and why it’s different from other hybrid and electric vehicles.
*Check out this Consumer Reports Buying Guide for Hybrid and Electric cars, including the Chevy Volt.
*Here is a great article on charging your electric car.
*Want to buy a used Chevy Volt? Here are some good tips to consider.
*Join the Chevy Volt Users Group on Facebook or one of the many Chevy Volt Forums online such as this one.
