6 Simple Tips: The Easiest New Year’s Resolutions Ever

The best part about putting away the holiday decorations, taking down the Christmas tree, and clearing the refrigerator of both sweet and savory leftovers, is looking toward the new year. The new year not only represents an ending, but more importantly a beginning, a fresh start, and a new and improved you. With that comes the resolutions made to ourselves for change, change for the better, and leaving behind bad habits, unfulfilled promises and challenges not met. Therefore, in good old fashioned New Year's spirit, we are going to make list of New Year's resolutions with the intention of revamping your health.



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/6-easy-new-years-resolutions-ideas

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12 For 12: Top Beauty Picks For Midnight And Beyond

Getting gorgeous for New Year's Eve is sometimes a precursor to a not-so-pretty New Year's Day. One glass of biodynamic champagne at the strike of midnight can easily become two... and the results of those first few hours of 2014 can leave you with a look that is less than alluring. Between these all-natural shimmering goodies, hair-saving rescue products and a.m. skin recovery ideas - we've got you covered. Here's to a glowing new year!



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/12-12-top-beauty-picks-midnight-beyond

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Holiday Survival Guide: 8 Quick Tips with Trainer Harley Pasternak

Full heart, full house, full stomach...the holidays are all about being filled to the brim! And while togetherness and treats are what the holidays are all about, for most of us this season of plenty can put a wrench in our otherwise fit-minded intentions. So many cookies, so little time! Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak knows exactly what we're talking about, and has helped the likes of Halle Berry, Lady Gaga and Robert Downey Jr. brave their way through even the trickiest of health roadblocks. Lucky for us, Harley has outlined the most commonly encountered holiday conundrums, followed by the easiest tips ever to dodge those pesky seasonal saboteurs! Stay sane and svelte during the most wonderful time of the year, whether you're the host, guest or just along for the (sleigh) ride...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/holiday-survival-guide-8-quick-tips-trainer-harley-pasternak

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Shed the Holidays: Stripped Green Smoothie Recipe

The beauty of living in this day and age is that there are so many outlets for discovering talent in the health and wellness world: Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and of course, our personal favorite, Instagram. And it was Instagram that led us to the mouth-watering, health-inspiring food creations of McKel Hill of Nutrition Stripped. McKel is a health and wellness coach, and registered dietician, whose mission is to inspire you to get one step closer to health by learning simple ways to nourish your body, starting with eating more raw greens. Her recipes are completely addicting, in a good way, offering new and inventive ways to recreate the health basics like cauliflower crusted pizza, massaged kale salad, avocado chocolate mousse, and of course, the green smoothie. So here we are sharing with you a New-Year's-resolution-friendly, green smoothie recipe, nutrition-stripped style.



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/shed-holidays-stripped-green-smoothie-recipe

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Goji Berry Walnut Brownies with Chocolate Drizzle

There's no harm in digging in to a few holiday treats this week, but as long as you've got a paw in the cookie jar, why not make it worth your while? These Goji Berry Walnut Squares by Dr. Fuhrman's daughter, the talented Talia Fuhrman, come straight from the Eat to Live Cookbook and are packed with almost as much nutrition as there is deliciousness! Keep the 'nutritarian lifestyle' up through the holidays and take this page straight from the Fuhrman's own family recipes. Here's Talia... These goji berry walnut brownies are delightfully sweet, yet pack a hefty nutrient punch with the goji berries, nuts, oats and dark chocolate. It’s amazing how all of these ingredients come together to create the perfect treat. Happy holidays from our family to yours - enjoy!



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/goji-berry-walnut-brownies-chocolate-drizzle

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10 Genius Swaps For Healthy Holiday Cooking

Just because it's the holidays, doesn't mean we should throw out everything we know about health and nutrition. By substituting a few common ingredients used in our favorite recipes, we can greatly improve the nutrient content of our meal and lessen the impact on our body and our waistline. Many of the traditional ingredients used to make holiday meals are laden with trans-fatty acids, high-fructose corn syrup, toxic preservatives and sugar. These ingredients are known to lead to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperactivity disorder, and, of course, weight gain, making it imperative to eliminate them. Therefore, no matter what the time of year it is, we should always strive to make better choices. Lucky for us, we have come up with alternatives that taste just as decadent as their toxic counterparts. And do you know what that means? A shorter New Year's resolution list and more reasons to be thankful this holiday season. Editor's Note: The cookies pictured are made from a gluten-free mix by Betty Crocker--the times they are a'changing.



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/10-must-haves-for-healthy-holiday-cooking

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On My Wishlist: Holiday Shopping with Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co.

In five swift years, Anna and her husband Nathan have turned their spot-on style for tongue in cheek, too-charming-for-words illustrations into one of the most beloved stationary brands in the world. Rifle Paper Co., with their lush over-sized floral notebooks, hand-lettered stationary and custom Christmas cards, have captured the hearts of a generation of women caught between their love for the notion of that classic, buttoned up, 'Martha Stewart said to send thank you notes' life and the fresh, modern, less-is-more simplicity that sums up the twothousandandteens. Like most of our favorite brands, Rifle Paper straddles this transitional time just perfectly - definitively, even. Mixing the old with the new while cutting out the false-feeling and extraneous is a trick only the best brands pull off well. Receiving a Rifle-made Christmas card in the mail gives us the thrill of old-fashioned romance with a little modern-edged surprise. We asked Rifle's Anna to join in for this year's Wishlist series to tell us what she's hoping to receive under the tree, what's shes planning on giving (temporary tattoos!) and what she'll be reflecting upon while cuddling by the fire this season. Here's Anna...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/wishlist-holiday-shopping-anna-bond-rifle-paper-co

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Smoothie Solutions: A Holiday Peppermint Smoothie with Greens

The year is quickly drawing to a close. Before it does, however, there's still ample opportunity to snuggle up near a fire, or a tree, and enjoy this peppermint smoothie. This drink offers a taste of the holidays while still providing the health benefits of peppermint, dark chocolate and oh-so-necessary greens! The Problem: It's hard to indulge in the seasonal flavors mindfully. Reaching for that peppermint mocha or whipped drink can really tax the system instead of promoting overall health and wellness. The Solution: By including greens with peppermint, you double down on the digestive benefits. Peppermint has wide-reaching health benefits, from calming nausea, to dealing with gastric ailments such as IBS, to mitigating stress and headaches (a must around the holidays!). Greens, including kale and spinach, are a must in order to supply necessary fiber and iron, along with numerous vitamins. Spirulina is one of our favorite smoothie additions and a quick way to supercharge the greens. Cacao boots up brain function and helps keep hearts healthy.



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/smoothie-solutions-holiday-peppermint-smoothie-greens

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On My Wishlist: Holiday Shopping with Lauren and Hannah of The Little Market

This year, the girls behind The Little Market celebrate their first holiday season with some of the glossiest, fuzziest, shiniest charitable gifts you can imagine - think alpaca baby mittens, colored glassware, glossy luggage - basically everything you've always wanted. Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla are no doubt man-handling a slew of winter elves to make this first holiday season come together, but we wanted to know - beyond their constant contact with artisans we love like Rose Ann Hall Designs and dreaming up new designs for this spring, what's on their mind and on their list for the perfect 2013 holiday? Here are Lauren and Hannah...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/wishlist-holiday-shopping-lauren-hannah-little-market

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Win This: A Goodebox Holiday Stocking Stuffer Giveaway

we've wrangled up our own editorial team's wish lists, we've asked top tastemakers for their tree-bound trinkets and we've scoured our stories for the best of the year. After all the boxes have been wrapped and tucked underneath the tree, what else is there? Why, stocking stuffers, of course! We're swooning over all things mini, so we were ecstatic when our friends at member's only delivery service Goodebox stepped up to the plate to help us along. Ten lucky readers will win an entire Goodebox filled with the finest, most fun all-natural products of the season - everything from tiny sweet treats to antioxidant-packed skincare. Best of all, each trial-sized item is guaranteed to be eco-friendly, ensuring you'll have your greenest holiday season ever. Here's what you need to know...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/win-goodebox-holiday-stocking-stuffer-giveaway

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Deck The Halls: Botany’s Gorgeous DIY Wreath

Deck the halls, the windows and few doorways with these make-at-home wreathes! We spent a chilly afternoon with our Brentwood Country Mart neighbors, the ladies of Botany flower shop, immersed in all things green - juice, leaves, branches and a few thumbs. We asked the Botany team to help us create these DIY decorations that can be made with leftover Christmas tree trimmings. What makes these wreathes so stunning is the use of winter fruit and seeds - make one as the most spectacular housewarming gift ever or deck the house with a wreath in each window...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/deck-halls-botanys-gorgeous-diy-wreath

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On My Wishlist: Holiday Shopping with Kelly Sawyer

Kelly Sawyer has done enough to shape the way we shop this season. As Creative Director of stylish LA shopping staple, Satine, we've already been indirectly influenced by Kelly - a few of the most dangerous items on our list for Santa are coming straight from the boutique! We knew Kelly would make a great addition to our wishlist features this holiday (this week Clare Vivier, next week Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla), not only is she dangerously fashionable, but she's a family gal to the core and co-founder of one of our favorite charities, Baby2Baby. It's that kind of well-rounded girl whose wishlist we're dying to read! Here is Kelly's wishlist full of the best gifts she's ever unwrapped, what she's giving this year and a few things she's hoping to receive...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/wishlist-holiday-shopping-kelly-sawyer

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Shop Our Stories: 25 Gifts From Our Favorite Features

With 2014 breathing down our necks, we've caught ourselves reflecting back upon the year and all the amazing folks we've shot with, featured and enjoyed the company of. So many of these in-home shoots and behind-the-scenes looks include products that we're pining for this holiday. We hope you feel the same! Here are a few great gift ideas from our favorite featured artisans, authors and editors...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/shop-stories-25-gifts-favorite-features

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Drop the Excess Bodyweight with Garcinia Cambogia

If you want to burn calories, shave off the undesirable fat deposits, and lose considerable weight safely, look into Garcinia Cambogia. In addition to its weight-loss attributes, this natural supplement purges out the bad things in the body, uplifting your overall health and wellbeing. So if you want to slim down successfully and enhance your health and well-being, check out Garcinia Cambogia.

Would you like to lose weight and look awesome at the same time? You can with Garcinia Cambogia's exceptional weight-loss qualities and anti-aging features. Rich in anti-oxidants, this natural supplement comes from the small pumpkin-looking tamarind fruit. Flush out the toxins in the body and get rid of the unwanted fat and excess pounds with this outstanding natural supplement.

Working out with weights is simple and running or walking is even more basic. Sadly the hardest part to dropping weight is to consistently stay with a low-calorie diet plan. Strictly watching what you eat is the key to a effective weight-loss. However, the temptations of food can be really irresistible, making it more difficult to comply.

With Garcinia Cambogia, you can still drop those excess weight without having to stress about your diet plan or exercise. This dietary weight-loss supplement can effectively suppress your cravings, making it simple for you to stick to your diet.

What makes Garcinia Cambogia as an exceptional weight-loss supplement is its HCA content. This potent substance prevents citrase lyase from transforming sugar into fat. What's more, HCA prevents the production of triglycerides and bad cholesterol.

Considering that it consists of caffeine or any stimulant, Garcinia Cambogia is usually safe for everyone. However, pregnant women or nursing mothers are encouraged to consult their doctors before taking them.

Fat-Burning and Fat-Blocking Properties of Garcinia Cambogia

This dietary supplement is like various other fat-burning supplements such as Green Coffee or Raspberry Ketones. But in addition to its fat-burning characteristics, Garcinia Cambogia has fat-blocking attributes, which stop the formation of fat in the body.

By holding back your impulses to eat uncontrollably, Garcinia Cambogia can significantly contribute to your weight loss by helping you restrict your calorie intake from the beginning.

Want to drop weight safely and efficiently? Obtain your weight-loss goals the healthy way and look and feel better with Garcinia Cambogia.

10 Reasons You Should be Eating Chocolate Right Now

Abigail O'Neill is a knockout Aussie with a trick up her sleeve for every form of chocolate craving. Since we've known her, we've been begging for this book, the recently released (and totally gift-worthy) Model Chocolate. Full of gorgeous photos in a sort of Bohemian layout, this book is a girl's night in waiting to happen. Abigail is one of our favorite raw chocolate evangelists. You can trust her to steer those cacao cravings in the right direction with her insights below and every single eat-the-page-right-out-of-the-book recipe in the new book. Win your own copy of a hardback version of the book just in time for the holidays, details below. [olists num=1] [olists num=2]



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/10-reasons-why-you-should-be-eating-raw-chocolate-right-now

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The Raw Vegan Gluten-Free Party: 6 Simple Tips For Everyone Invited

These healthy hostessing tips from Chef Ariana Resnick are spot on. Cooking for a mixed crowd of vegan, paleo and couldn't care less guests requires the perfect balance of mystery and disclosure! Chef Ariana's expertise in this area comes as no surprise - she's cooked for some of the most famous healthy eaters out there (most recently spending the summer in the Hamptons with Ms. Paltrow herself) and is included on the roster of new private cooking services, Kitchensurfing. Her Kitchensurfing menus for the holidays include Totally the Most Angelean Holiday Dinner. Like, Ever., a super healthy holiday meal that Ariana can make for groups big and small. Take note of Ariana's tips, including this safe-for-all-diets recipe, and begin doling out that holiday avocado mousse drama-free [olists num=1] [olists num=2]



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/raw-vegan-gluten-free-party-6-simple-tips-everyone-invited

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TCM Editor Obsessions: 25 Gifts We Can’t Live Without This Holiday

This season, we're sharing wishlists from our favorite tastemakers, a round-up of shoppable TCM stories and more in the lead up to the most wonderful time of the year! But this gift guide was our favorite to make as we gathered together a few of the things our staff is giving this year and that have made it on to our own lists...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/tcm-editor-obsessions-25-gifts-we-cant-live-without-this-holiday

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Mornings with The Little Market’s Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla

On any early morning, you could find Hannah and Lauren cuddling up at home with one of four puppies, one husband (or fiance - congrats, Lauren!) and a good cup of green tea. But before long, like most of us, it's out of the PJs and into the whir of life activity, handling one of their several business and charity ventures, not least of which is their latest project, The Little Market. Whether it's fulfilling the barrage of holiday orders (have you seen their quilts and trays?), touching base with their artisan groups from around the globe, or simply carving out time to meet for lunch (A Votre Sante is always a fave), these girls know how to handle a full schedule in style! Enjoy the morning with Lauren and Hannah below and then we want to hear from you: what's your favorite go-to healthy breakfast?



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/mornings-little-markets-lauren-conrad-hannah-skvarla

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Truffle Honey Roasted Grapes with Goat Cheese and Pecans

Keeping your body in balance whilst trekking through holiday party season can be a major feat. Here to help us is holistic nutrition counselor, Elizabeth Stein. Elizabeth has a few amazing holiday party recipes that won't completely derail your healthy holiday plans, but the real reason you'll love her is for her line of clean, gluten-free goodies, Purely Elizabeth, including ancient grain granola and oatmeal that make the perfect start to holiday party days that too often end with champagne and pigs-in-a-blanket. Fill up throughout the day with a healthy, hearty oatmeal breakfast, plenty of water, and a salad with protein to get yourself off to a healthy start. Even better, offer up treats like the recipe below at holiday parties so that there's no indulgence to balance out in the first place! (P.S. - truffle honey? Where has this been all our lives!)



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/truffle-honey-roasted-grapes-goat-cheese-pecans

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One Sweet Artisan’s Top 10 Gifts For Kids

We've asked one of our favorite artisan toy-makers, Lauren Bradshaw of Walnut Animal Society, to gather together a few of the toys she's loving best for the holiday season. Lauren's irresistibly handcrafted stuffed animals (we can't get enough of Henry the Fox!) are on all our Christmas shopping lists - and are making design-loving adults everywhere more than happy to indulge their children's lust for more toys! Make note of Lauren's sweet and charming picks and start giving Santa a run for his money...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/one-sweet-artisans-top-10-gifts-for-kids

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5 Healthy Alternatives to Refined Sugar

Life is uncertain, eat dessert first. While we agree that life is better with moments of sweet indulgences, here at the Chalkboard we're always on the look out for the healthiest ways to be naughty. The issue: Refined sugar is on the nutrition blacklist, and for good reason. Refined sugar is void of all nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and causes a rise in our blood sugar when consumed. This can lead to hormone imbalance and weight gain, as well as an increased risk for heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. In addition, refined sugar has been linked to hyperactivity in children, making it a key factor in attention deficit disorder (ADD). The final reason why we are so adamant about eliminating refined sugar from our diet is because of the research being conducted on its relationship to cancer growth. Studies postulate that sugar can be used by cancer cells as fuel, therefore promoting cancerous growth in the body. While the findings are preliminary, we believe it is best to err on the side of caution by looking for healthier alternatives. The Solution: With the world at our fingertips, we've had the fortune to come across more than just one amazing substitute for refined sugar. We've put together a list our favorites, from liquids to powders, that will easily sweeten your smoothies, raw desserts, and gluten-free baked goods.



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/5-healthy-alternatives-to-refined-sugar

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Superfood Spotlight: Apple Cider Vinegar

What you should know: Thanks to the famously healthy Bragg family, apple cider vinegar has gone from a traditional home remedy to a mainstream tool for health. Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh, crushed apples which are then fermented in wooden barrels, turning them into a versatile health aid. ACV - as we health nuts love calling it - is a natural cleansing-and-healing elixir due to its high probiotic content, natural acidity and its ability to alkalinize the body. Why you should try it: It is apple cider vinegar's acidic nature that is the key to its health-promoting benefits. It helps to stimulate the natural production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is essential for the proper digestion of foods, and the protection against ingested pathogens. By improving digestion, it offers relief from acid reflux, and leads to healthy skin and metabolic function. In addition, apple cider vinegar has shown to improve blood sugar levels, thereby aiding in natural weight loss, while also reducing inflammation and pain in the body. Let's get together: The best way to reap the benefits of this ancient remedy is to consume only undistilled, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. This ensures that it still contains the live enzymes and acid, which are the healing components of the vinegar. Since we love to use ACV for its cleansing and digestive-promoting properties, we add it to Pressed Juicery's Citrus 1. By combining ACV with cayenne and lemon, you create the perfect supercharged cleansing tonic. Lemon jump-starts the adrenal glands, cayenne gets the blood moving, and ACV activates the digestive system and metabolism. Try drinking this ACV tonic first thing in the morning for best results. Editor's Note: watch those pearly whites! To protect your enamel, sip ACV, Citrus 1 and lemon water through a straw.



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/superfood-spotlight-apple-cider-vinegar

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The Real Mrs. Meyer’s 7 Holiday House-Warming Tips

Yes, there is a real Mrs. Meyers! Mrs. Thelma A. Meyer is 81-years-young, and her very own garden inspired most of the scents in our favorite cleaning line! Mrs. Meyer's non-toxic, dreamily-scented cleaning products like basil, lavender and - for the holidays - gingerbread have uplifted our cleaning routine to something of an aroma-therapeutic ritual! We asked Mrs. Meyer to share a few of her own housekeeping tips with us for this busy entertaining-centric season that has all of us scrambling to get our homes in order. "My philosophy on keeping a house is: you gotta enjoy your home, keep it clean – but not too clean. I like to have it look lived in." Mrs. Meyer's products are eco-friendly, environmentally safe, packed in recyclable bottles, biodegradable and free from ammonia, chlorine bleach, parabens and phosphates - never tested on animals.



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/the-real-mrs-meyers-7-holiday-house-warming-tips

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Put A Pin In It: Enter Our Holiday Pinterest Contest with The Little Market

What are you most excited for this holiday season? Inspired by the launch of Pressed Juicery's seasonal flavors, we’ve teamed up with our Guest Editors The Little Market to share what we’re most excited to give, receive and create throughout this, the most wonderful time of the year! Who’s ready to get into the holiday spirit? Embrace the holidays and share your excitement with our holiday Pinterest contest: the lucky winner will be selected to receive a $300 Pressed Juicery gift card! Get into the holiday spirit with Pressed Juicery’s most coveted seasonal flavors, or even treat yourself to a post-gingerbread cleanse! Here's how to enter... [olists num=1] You only have until December 18th, so make sure to get your creative juices flowing ASAP. Happy pinning!



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/pressed-juicery-x-the-chalkboard-mag-x-the-little-market-pinterest-contest

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On My Wishlist: Holiday Shopping With Todd Barket of Unionmade Goods

this month, we're asking several of our favorite folks from a wide-array of taste-making pursuits to fill us in on what's made it onto their holidays wishlists. From stocking-fillers to their favorite gift of all time, we want to know what those who help us find the right things for our lists are hoping to find under their own trees! We're sharing the delights of holiday shopping with these taste-makers - beginning with the man behind one of the West Coast's coolest shops (and neighbor to more than one Pressed Juicery location) Unionmade Goods. Todd Barket, a Unionmade's co-founder, is responsible for the timeless, yet timely mix that fills Unionmade's three gorgeous locations. It's that timeless/timely tension - think brands like Aesop, Birkenstock, Rifle Paper, Moncler - that has us hooked on the Unionmade experience, not the least of which includes their own rustic-feeling, mostly menswear line. Get into the gift-giving spirit and take a few shopping cues from Todd for a classically hip holiday...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/on-my-wishlist-holiday-shopping-with-todd-barket-of-unionmade-goods

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Win It! Pressed Juicery’s 25 Days Of Holiday Twitter Contest

'Tis the season for jingle bells, joy...and juice! Get into the holiday spirit this month with Pressed Juicery's 25 Days of Holiday contest, in which every day holds a new juicy surprise. Each day between December 1st and 25th, PJ will be giving their Twitter followers the chance to win a juice-loving holiday gift...everything from a seasonal juice sampler to their coveted 5-day cleanse. Forget hanging your stockings by the chimney with care - head on over to Twitter and snag the priceless gift of health all season long! Come join along as we count down the holidays with Pressed Juicery! Here's what you need to know:



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/win-it-pressed-juicerys-25-days-of-holiday-on-twitter-contest

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Green Goddess Holiday Guide: 11 Perfect Beauty Picks From The Pros

We can't get enough of our favorite natural beauties as they spill their makeup bags, travel must-haves and other beauty secrets for us in our Green Goddess Guides! Here, we've gathered a few product mentions we think garner extra attention this season as we plan gifts for those girlfriends who are especially into non-toxic beauty (who isn't?). Find the perfect toxin-free, skin-transforming stocking stuffers here or swipe up a couple of these faves to round-out your best holiday party looks...



from The Chalkboard http://thechalkboardmag.com/12-days-of-beauty-green-goddess-holiday-guide

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