Lifestyle

Stores and marketers want to sell you crap. I know, because I'm a marketer. Don't buy into the gimmicks of "iPhone holders", solar-powered waving queens and a banana whip maker. (Um, we gave you a Banana Whip recipe. Just use your existing food processor or blender.) Single-use (or single purpose) products often times end up (Find out more, after the jump!)

Ever get frustrated when you see a water bottle (the horror!) in your friends trash can? This is pretty much my nightmare. (Find out how to help your friends without preaching, after the jump.)

The bad news: Philadelphia was named the most stressed city for women in Self magazine's December issue. The good news: we have eco-friendly ways to relax and de-stress! Self cites an average 32 minute one-way commute and a 12% unemployment rate as some of the reasons for Philly topping the list. Ladies, you deserve better!Stress is a fact of life and some of the factors that contribute to the feeling can't be helped; But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be taking steps to relax. Of course it's also the holiday season - a time that lends itself to feeling frazzled and fried. Whether you can get your R & R in now or in January these tips will help. Click through for 5 ways to de-stress (and help get Philly off that downer list):

Burt's Bees just found their #1 Lip Balm Fan right here in Philadelphia - and we're giving 10 of our lucky readers a free lip balm to celebrate! It's easy to love this brand's story. Burt's Bees started in the 1991 by a beekeeper (Burt Shavitz) and Roxanne Quimby with the classic Beeswax Lip Balm 'recipe' originating from a farmer's almanac. Worried about hidden chemicals? (Find out more about Burt's Bees and how to enter to win a FREE lip balm, after the jump!)

Let's face it - America is a disposable society. But there's one mantra I have when shopping - whether it's key pieces in my wardrobe, shoes, kitchenware or a suitcase:

With twenty days left til Christmas it’s time to get your green gift shopping on! Don’t stress, friends, we have your guide to affordable, eco-friendly items for everyone on your list. Fashionistas: For the fashionable lady who likes to be sustainable while looking cute gift the Jous Jous Eco Friendly Handmade Earring. I love all the colors, but especially the red and green. (See these beauties on the right.) Kids : The tots in your life will have fun with this Green Toys Recycling Truck. And, their parents will be grateful you didn’t gift them something toxic or noisy. Click through for more recommendations!

No one needs a cold slowing them down this busy holiday season. Let's be real - as much fun as the holidays are they can also be a stressful time. And, stress weakens our body's defenses leaving us more susceptible to getting sick. So, how can you boost your immune system naturally this winter? It's one of those solutions that's so simple it's almost stupid. Amp up your vitamin C intake, peeps! And, as with most things in life (with the potential exception of hair color and milk) natural is better. Airborne and emergen-c are great (I turn to them in times of real need - like when traveling. ) However, why use a packaged powder when you can actually gobble down the real stuff?

We received an invite to review Washy Wonder, a tool to "encourage reuse" and be greener. Besides the fact that I keep mixing up the brand name for a place in Chinatown that ends with a "happy ending", this product appalls me. The Washy Wonder is made by polypropylene, or #5 plastics. The point of this "tool" is to wash plastic bags up to 25 to 30 times to save them from the landfill. Let's break this down.

Let's not let Black Friday get all the glory this year. Saturday, November 24th is Small Business Saturday 2012. Celebrate by hitting up local boutiques, vintage shops, independent coffee shops, farmers markets and the like! According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses Small Business Saturday is the most important shopping day for 36% of independent retailers. Using our wallets to show support for local companies will help these businesses grow - in turn fostering the economy. So skip out on Starbucks and Target for a day or two and throw your dollars to the little guys. Philadelphia offers an abundance of options - like Arcadia boutique and One Shot Coffee in Northern Liberties, for example. Readers, any Small Business Saturday 2012 spots you plan on hitting up?