All Natural Annie » Gaiam

Mother’s Day Gift Inspiration

All Natural Annie — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:37:25 +0000

Here are some gift ideas that I love for those very important women in your life whether it’s your mom, your sister, your wife, or a mom-like person. Hope this guide helps lead you to the perfect gift :)

Mother’s Day is May 13th this year – just a little over 2 weeks away!

Pacifica’s Gold Collection Soy Candle Gift Set – Bestsellers $45.00 (a $54.00 value)

9 clean-burning 3-oz Soy Candles in Pacifica’s most popular blends including Mediterranean Fig, Tuscan Blood Orange, Hawaiian Ruby Guava, Mexican Cocoa, Lotus Garden, Malibu Lemon Blossom, Tahitian Gardenia, California Star Jasmine and French Lilac.

House of Steep’s Large Indulgence Gift Basket $75

The basket includes:

House of Steep Signature Tea Blend – 4oz
Tea Infuser
“Balanced” Aromatherapy Soy Candle
“Balanced” Take(me)Away tea bath bags (3)
“Balanced” Smoothing Foot Balm
“Balanced & Carefree” Bath Salts
Cleansing Calm Foot Spray (I make this one for the line!)
16″ galvanized tub to soak the feet at home

Gaiam’s Massage Stick $14.98

Targets pressure points, increases circulation and alleviates sore muscles. Includes a downloadable massage guide to ease away stress and restore the health of tired and sore muscles throughout the body.

Bonsai Forest from Uncommon Goods (a really great source for unique gifts) $50

This kit includes everything she needs to grow tiny trees that are actually ancestors of the giant California redwood! Kit includes: tree and moss seed, recycled steel seedling training pots, seed starting wafers, growing medium, bonsai scissors, rake with spade, river stone, and directions

Here are some additional gift ideas from Uncommon Goods: top gifts for gardeners, cool gardening gifts, unique office accessories)

Sibu Beauty Mom’s Must Haves Kit $55 (a $82.50 value)

Trio includes:

Sibu Beauty Balancing Facial Cleanser
Sibu Beauty Hydrating Serum
Sibu Beauty Clarifying Toner
plus a FREE box of Sibu Omega-7 Chocolate Truffles in each kit

Happy shopping! ~Annie

Father’s Day Inspiration

All Natural Annie — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 14:00:48 +0000

With Father’s Day soon upon us, here are some gift ideas that won’t break the bank, but are sure to be much enjoyed.

For the dad who appreciates some quality spirits…

Hudson Manhattan Rye ~ Tuthilltown ($44.28 – must buy on premises though) Any unique or local spirit/wine/beer would be fun!

For the dad that could use some relaxation on a regular basis…

Brazilian Hammock in a Bag by Bliss Hammocks ($29.99)

For the dad into being (or trying to be) healthy…

Circulation Sandals (therapeutic sandals that gently stimulate blood flow, enhance circulation and reduce fatigue) from Gaiam ($68)

For the dad who loves to grow things*…

Mushroom Garden from Back to the Roots ($20)

*Green thumb not required. These mushrooms grow like weeds! (But more like, mushrooms)

For the dad who loves to snack…

Help him do it in a health way with a gift basket like this one from GiftBaskets.com ($58.99)

For the dad that doesn’t like “stuff”, but loves to be pampered and could use some de-stressing…

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That’s my dad so I decided to get him a massage at a great spa. This is the one I picked: Acqua Aveda (prices vary)

Good luck with your shopping!

p.s. Just give me a category or tell me a little bit about your dad and I would love to give you more suggestions :)

Energy Saving Myth – Washing Dishes

All Natural Annie — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:00:12 +0000

Washing dishes by hand uses less energy than running an electric dishwasher.

This is one instance where the modern machine beats the old-fashioned method: hand washing generally uses more hot water per load than using a dishwasher. The key to maximizing energy savings is to use the dishwasher efficiently. Most modern dishwashers don’t require pre-rinsing of dishes; and according to Consumer Reports, this practice wastes up to 20 gallons of water per load without getting dishes any cleaner.

Don’t bother with the “rinse hold” on your machine, for the same reason. Wait to run the dishwasher until you have a full load of dishes, but don’t overload the machine. The energy-saving control offered on many dishwashers will turn off the heat during the drying cycle, which will also help keep the kitchen cooler in the summer.

Opening the door after the rinse cycle and letting the dishes air dry is another way to save energy. {full article}

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Acupressure Foot Massager

All Natural Annie — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:56:21 +0000

This foot massager simply looks like a dream to me. The heavenly description: “Like a masseuse and reflexologist in one this chiropractor-designed massager targets every sensitive point on your feet in a sequence based on acupressure principles.” There’s also a heat option. This is definitely on my wish list!

Photo Credit: Gaiam, Inc.

Detox Grocery List

All Natural Annie — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:52:53 +0000

I love this list from Gaiam of foods to shop for to help your body detoxify and renew itself this season: Spring Detox Foods & Shopping List

Wanted: BalanceBall Chair

All Natural Annie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:03:33 +0000

I so want one of these BalanceBall® Chairs ! According to Gaiam, this chair was developed with chiropractic pioneer Dr. Randy Weinzoff, as an effective tool for improving spinal alignment and strengthening core muscles. The ball can also be removed and used for exercise off the chair. A truly versatile piece of furniture – I love it!

Photo Credit: Gaiam, Inc.

My Next Bath Mat

All Natural Annie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:30:15 +0000

Photo Credit: Gaiam, Inc.

Gaiam’s Cork Bath Mat is naturally anti-fungal, nonslip, and dries quickly. What more can you ask for from a bath mat? Maybe that it feels nice when you’re standing on it…I won’t make any judgments about that until those are my 2 (much girlier) feet!

Can You Guess What This Is?

All Natural Annie — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:32:20 +0000

When I first glanced at this picture below I thought it was a diffuser of some sort, but then I saw the title - Countertop Bag Dryer. I like! I often think to myself “this ziploc really doesn’t deserve to go in the garbage just yet..” A lot of times, especially if the contents were dry, I simply reuse it. However, those times when the bag needs to be washed out I unfortunately usually end up throwing it out because how and where is it going to dry properly? Well here’s an answer! If you’re thinking $20 is a little pricey, it is made from sustainably harvested birch and ash woods, AND it’s not an eyesore!

Photo Credit: Gaiam, Inc.