Zara recently made news when some of the company’s factory workers who were working for the now-defunct manufacturing company Bravo, in Istanbul, placed cries for help via garment tag in clothing.

The tags read, “I made this item you are going to buy, but I didn’t get paid for it,” reports Teen Vogue.

The workers were owed three months pay and severance.

Although Zara’s parent company, Inditex, has since issued a formal statement saying it’s setting up a “hardship fund” to cover the workers’ losses, this news inspired us to reach out to diverse and conscious brands.

The following list contains brands that “do good” and the products the companies sell.

1. Maple Holistics’ Argan Oil Shampoo

Maple Holistics is dedicated to providing consumers with all-natural and cruelty-free personal care products. “We feel an enormous sense of responsibility to do as good of a job as possible for the sake of not only running a successful business, but to help make the world a better place,” says Caleb Ellis, environmental expert for Maple Holistics.

Maple Holistics’ Argan shampoo formula provides benefits via six of the most effective oils for hair and scalp health: argan oil, peach kernel oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, camellia seed oil, and avocado oil. Also, for every bottle of Argan shampoo sold, the company donates $1 to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Priced at $9.99.

2. Gilden Tree’s Terra Cotta Pumice Stone

3. HoodLamb’s Nordic Parka

HoodLamb, a sustainable brand from Amsterdam, is a pioneer in hemp fashion. The company created Hempulose, a weather-resistant coating derived from the natural cellulose of the hemp stalk, and Satifur, an ultra-comfortable faux-fur lining made from recycled PET bottles.

The above parka features a natural hemp and organic cotton herringbone outer shell. The inner shell is insulated with Thermore® EcoDown®, a duck-less down that resists extreme cold, and is lined with a 7mm pile height natural hemp and recycled PET faux-fur. Also, its hood comes with removable faux-fur trim. Priced at $582.06.

4. Sahara Rose’s Body Polish

Sahara Rose, an independent New York beauty brand, sells handmade products filled with organic ingredients.

Most of the company’s products are made in America, but the company also offers authentic, precious oils, such as prickly pear seed oil and argan oil, that are ethically sourced from women cooperatives around the world. The company also sources other raw materials, such as organic rose water, from small scale agriculture. And a portion of the company’s profits goes to the education and school supplies for unprivileged girls in Morocco, says Ikram Elharti, founder of Sahara Rose.

The all-natural body polish is made of fine desert sand crystals, brown sugar, and precious oils. The polish is lightly scented with peppermint essential oil. It’s free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, propylene glycol, and phthalates. It’s also cruelty-free. Priced at $36.

5. Loyale Studio’s Tunic

Loyale is an ethical women’s fashion brand based in San Francisco, California. The clothing line is fair-trade, produced in Valdese, North Carolina. The business aims to create meaningful products, stay transparent about its production process, and contribute to society with mindful production. Loyale also donates $2 from each garment sold to local, national, and global groups that make positive impacts.

The above tunic features a boatneck and a graceful fit. In addition, the tunic is made from soft, high-quality cotton jersey fabrics that are milled in Japan with state-of-the-art knitting machines. Priced at $134.

6. Purple Impression’s Regal Scarf

Purple Impression was founded by Drakshan Khan​ and Afshan Khan, sisters and Muslim designers in the Bay Area. The duo work with women artisans in Pakistan. These artisans hand embroider the Khan sisters’ designs.

Drakshan says she and her sister started their company because they’ve seen how middlemen can exploit workers and artists. “Women seem to be the most exploited in any industry and to change this we started the Ethical Stitch Project,” she says. The Project employs women artisans in Pakistan with the mission to provide a direct platform for them to showcase their craft.

The Regal Scarf is hand-embroidered and made from lightweight cotton Khadi fabric. Also, this fabric will keep the wearer cool in the summer and warm in winter. Priced at $140.

7. Fresh Little Love’s subscription box

Fresh Little Love is a subscription box service that delivers organic, eco-friendly, ethically-manufactured baby clothes.

Nellie Abel, company founder, started her company in April after she had her son. Abel realized how prevalent “fast fashion” is in the children’s clothing industry.

Every three months, the company sends its members a seasonally curated capsule wardrobe of six to eight items, all of which are from small brands that meet the company’s eco and social standards. The pictured collection is for “little gals”. Priced at $159.

8. Loccessories

K. Hill started Loccessories to give beautiful brown girls a voice. “So much mainstream media focuses on one narrow standard of beauty… We must champion the idea that beauty comes in all forms, including all hair types,” says Hill. All of Loccessories are handmade especially for women and girls with “curls, coils, kinks, and locs.”

The above accessory is the Rings of Saturn Loc Lasso Hair Tie. This tie is perfect if you prefer to have your locs in a ponytail, bun, or some other type of updo. However, this hair tie also works as a headband and ponytail holder. Priced at $24.

9. MEVEI’s Silken Romantic Sensuality

MEVEI, an online boutique luxury beauty brand, sells all-natural beauty products filled with botanical ingredients sourced from sustainable farms. “We take pride in going the extra mile when it comes to finding the very best ingredients,” says Rupinder Mangat, founder and CEO at MEVEI, Inc.

The above blend, Silken Romantic Sensuality, is perfect for enhancing romance during the holidays. Also, Silken beautifies a person’s skin by adding a flirty glow. Priced at $34.99.

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The post 9 Diverse, Conscious Companies to Shop this Holiday Season: #NowWhat appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s party season! So, if you don’t have the ultimate dress that you can wear for cocktails out or at that special holiday party, it’s time to buckle down and go shopping. To help you start your search, we’ve rounded up 5 festive party dresses.

1. Duchess Babydoll Dress

This Victorian-inspired babydoll dress will wow anyone who looks in your direction. This dress features an allover floral texture, a straight hem, and ruching at the bust. And unlike a lot of seasonal party dresses, this dress has comfortable, warming sleeves for days. Dress it up with funky platforms, or down with a pair of knee-high boots. Priced at $250.

2. Velvet Alba Dress

And here’s yet another dress that screams, “I don’t have to show a lot of skin to be sexy.” This slim-fitting turtleneck dress is American made and is constructed with velvet. This piece also is amazing for women with long legs because it has an eye-grabbing slit. Wear with booties, similar to those pictured above. Priced at $260

3. Alberto Makali Cocktail Dress

Sparkle and shine in this glittery cocktail dress. This piece is in excellent condition (bonus), so you know you’ll be happy when you take it out of the package. While this dress would look amazing at any holiday party, we especially like it as a New Year’s Eve dress. Wear with simple, black velvet shoes and ring in the New Year! Priced at $52.49.

4. Bebe Cocktail Dress

Celebrate the holiday in a classy, green cocktail dress. We’d pair this frock with a pair of platform, gold glitter heels to really get in the seasonal spirit. Priced at $33.99.

5. BCBGMAXAZRIA Cocktail Dress

Glimmer and glisten like all the stars in the sky with this gold dress. I love its high front and shocking, plunging back. The best part about this dress is that it was originally priced at $338 but because it is sold at ThredUp, it’s going for $65.99. We suggest wearing this cute number with a pair of green pumps.

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Image of festive party dresses from Shutterstock

The post 5 Festive Party Dresses to Don this Holiday Season: Friday Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

Yes, it’s back Friday. Loads of box stores are hocking outrageous deals. But we know all of you would rather get your goods and wares from companies that have human beings and the Earth’s well-being in mind. So, for this week’s Friday Finds, we’ve rounded up 5 eco-friendly businesses you should check out today.

1. Undies at Good & Fair

I am a firm believer in gifting underwear for the holidays… Just not underwear that comes in a five-per pack. We love Good & Fairs’ selection of panties and boxers. Why? Because they are attractive, comfortable, and would make amazing stocking stuffers for the one you love. Good & Fair makes our list because the company is dedicated to creating fair trade clothing that uses environmentally sustainable materials. Priced at $12.

2. Love Your Lips Treatment Balm at Eco Diva Beauty

Everyone knows that winter is totally brutal on lips. So, make certain that you are armed to the gills with therapeutic lip balm. One balm you should definitely carry in your bag come below freezing temperatures is Dr. Alkaitis’ Love Your Lips Treatment Balm. It’s filled with organic ingredients, rejuvenating abilities, and anti-inflammatory properties. This balm is priced at $35 from Eco Diva Beauty, a company that doesn’t “sacrifice style and design to be socially responsible.” The business  sells products that are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, too.

3. Houndstooth Print Top in Black at People Tree

We love this sweater because the pattern is simple — it can go with almost anything. This classic sweater also is made from 100-percent fair-trade certified cotton. If you dig on the look of this print jersey top but don’t need another black sweater, it also comes in burgundy. Priced at $59.99. People Tree specializes in goods that are made sustainably and ethically. So, go ahead and shop without guilt!

4. Clarks Heels at ThredUp

Chunky heels are in this season, and that’s why we think it’s awesome that ThredUp, the store that’s known for re-selling pre-worn items in great condition, is selling these shoes. These heels are attractive and would look wonderful with any outfit. Priced at $33.99.

5. BFF Pizza Necklace

Yeah, we know you know about Etsy, but how could we not include this amazing shop? Etsy is filled with amazing pieces that are made by incredibly talented artisans. For example: this BFF friendship necklace. Get as many slices as you want and split with your friends, priced at $3.43 each from Etsy shop Fairy Fountain Gifts.

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Image of woman shopping from Shutterstock

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The season of giving, generosity, and kindness has arrived and we are so excited. There’s nothing more satisfying than serving those you love and figuring out which gifts will make them beam with glee. To help you get in the giving mood, we’ve rounded up 20 quotes about giving; giving gifts, giving appreciation, giving time, and giving of yourself.

Below, you’ll find joyful quotes, biographical quotes, heartwarming quotes, and yes, there are a few sarcastic quotes. Hey – you can be giving, full of gratitude, and snarky, too. (And before we continue, we’ve got to say: We are so thankful for you, our readers. Sure, that’s cheesy – but it’s true. Have a happy Thanksgiving!)

1. “One must be poor to know the luxury of giving.” — George Eliot, aka Mary Ann Evans

2. “I’ve been giving back since I was a teen, handing out turkeys at Thanksgiving and handing out toys at toys drives for Christmas. It’s very important to give back as a youth. It’s as simple as helping an old lady across the street or giving up your seat on the bus for someone who is pregnant.” — Queen Latifah

3. “Let us forget, with generosity, those who cannot love us.” — Pablo Neruda

4. “No one has ever become poor by giving.” — Anne Frank

5. “I feel a very unusual sensation – if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude.” — Benjamin Disraeli

6. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy

7. “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
— Charles Dickens

8. “Give, but give until it hurts.” — Mother Teresa

9. “Help one another; there’s no time like the present and no present like the time.” — James Durst

10. “If there is to be any peace it will come through being, not having.”– Henry Miller

11. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” — Mohammed Ali

12. “It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.” — Albert Einstein

13. “I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.” — Oprah Winfrey

14. “If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” — Bob Hope

15. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop

16. “Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting.” — Princess Elizabeth, Asquith Bibesco

17. “That’s what I consider true generosity. You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.” — Simone De Beauvoir

18. “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” — Amy Wilson-Carmichael

19. “Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.” — Brian Tracy

20. “The more things you do, the more you can do.” — Lucille Ball

Do you have any favorite quotes about giving, thanksgiving, or charity? If so, please comment.

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The post 20 Quotes About Giving to Get You in The Thanksgiving Spirit appeared first on EcoSalon.

Making holiday plans yet? Whether a viewing of The Nutcracker is on your agenda or not, ballet inspired beauty is hot this holiday season.

Ballerinas always radiate serene beauty. That’s why the look is a fabulous way to add classic femininity to your holiday vibe.

Greys, blacks, and whites are all ballet-esque and look good on all skin tones. No pirouette skills? No problem. Following are the best beauty products for attaining ballet inspired beauty looks.

Ballet Inspired Beauty Looks

For Eyes: Ballet inspired neutrals are easy to wear and seriously, they go with everything. Create a smoky eye by lining with Ilia Beauty Pure Eyeliner Rebel Rebel, a creamy traditional black. Use Kjaer Weis Eye Shadow Compact Onyx, a slightly shimmering grey, for an au courant look.

For something a bit different, start with a layer of Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow Meringue, a sparkling snowy white, and line eyes with Ilia Beauty Pure Eyeliner Havana Black. Not your basic black, this liner has a bit of gold to zhoosh things up.

A simple daytime look doesn’t have to be completely drama free. A creamy swipe of Ilia Beauty Silken Shadow Stick You Spin Me Round falls somewhere between grey and black. Modern perfection.

For Lips: You really only need one lip product for this look…a pretty ballerina pink. Ilia Beauty Tinted Lip Conditioner Hold Me Now couldn’t be more perfect. Just right, day or night.

For Hair: A bun or chignon is always ballet season apropos. Use Josh Rosebrook Hair Spray Firm Hold to keep the look sleek and in place.

For Nails: Think timeless, not goth. Well manicured nails in jet black are a tasteful accent. Try Kure Bazaar Nail Lacquer Kohl. Too much? A prima ballerina pink, like Priti Nail Polish Coronation, is always appropriate.

For Legs: Black leggings are stylish, go anywhere, and comfy. Dress them up with a white button front shirt and you are good to go.

For Feet: What shoes to wear with your look? Ballet flats, of course.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post Ballet Inspired Beauty Looks Just in Time for Nutcracker Season appeared first on EcoSalon.

Decide to slow down, simplify, and actually enjoy the holiday season this year.

Somewhere along the way, how we celebrate the season has gotten out of hand. Back in the day, when my grandparents were still with us, the holiday was so much simpler. There was a tree, a great holiday meal, and the children of the family got a few gifts. Sure, there was a little more to it than that, but whatever was done was simple, enjoyable, and not about spending money. The emphasis was on having experiences. Adults didn’t exchange gifts for the most part; there were no holiday cruises to the Caribbean; baking was done, but there wasn’t the expectation that cookies had to be gifted to everyone including the teacher, mail carrier, bank teller, and every neighbor within a one-mile radius. The holidays were just simpler.

There is something to be said about getting back to that way of thinking of celebrating the holiday season without all the fuss, rush, and mass-consumerism. Instead, we can all make a conscious effort to buy less (and gift less, because most of us do not need more stuff) and spend more time with our families creating good memories–not memories of standing in line for stuff at the mall.

Need a little inspiration for how to slow down and ‘smell the mistletoe’ this holiday season? Here are some simple ideas for experiencing the joy of the season without all the stress.

11 Inspiring Ideas for Enjoying the Holiday Season

1. Make hot chocolate–from scratch. It’s super simple, and it tastes so much better than that powdered mix in a packet. You can find a recipe for a vegan version here.
2. Go ice skating! Instead of buying your kids the latest video game, take them ice skating. When was the last time you ice skated?
3. If you enjoy being crafty, make homemade gifts. Everyone appreciates a jar of handmade applesauce or homemade snowglobes!
4. If you are committed to shopping this season, participate in the Adopt-A-Program and buy gifts for a family who needs them.
5. Instead of rushing around in the evenings buying presents, spend the time opening the advent calendar and reading holiday season stories with your kids.
6. Create holiday memories by visiting a historic house museum all decorated for the holiday season with your extended family. Better yet, buy everyone a membership and support your favorite local museum.
7. Take a trip to a local sustainable Christmas tree farm to pick out a tree with your family. It’s much more environmentally-friendly and so much more fun than picking one up at the big box home improvement store.
8. Make homemade eggnog, Christmas punch, mulled wine, or some other tasty adult beverage to serve on Christmas day.
9. Give up gifting completely (at least for adults). My husband and I no longer buy gifts for adults. Instead, we donate the money we would have spent to a local food bank or shelter.
10. Only decorate if you enjoy it. Some years I forgo the tree and all the trimmings, and other years I go all out. I don’t feel obligated to decorate, and that means I thoroughly enjoy when I do it.
11. When I do shop (strictly for kids only), I try to buy local. I seek out small independent book shops, go to artisan fairs and the like. I find I actually enjoy the experience of holiday season shopping that way!

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The post 11 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season Slowly and Joyfully appeared first on EcoSalon.

Your meat, dairy, and animal-product free buddy deserves a unique gift this holiday season. So, we’ve rounded up 15 vegan gifts that will please the animal-lover in your flock of friends. (Rest assured, we know what we’re talking about – a vegan wrote this piece, and another vegan edited it!)

Before we get to our ideas, we wanted to give you a few thoughts from Jill Pyle, co-founder of Vegan Cuts. Pyle has some choice advice about vegan fashion (and even has released an e-Book: Vegan Fashion Guide).

If you’re shopping for a vegan, stay away from products that contain wool, leather, and silk, Pyle says. She also reminds consumers that, “just because clothing is vegan doesn’t mean it’s good for the environment or for the people involved in the creation of it.”

Pyle recommends buying Nicora John and Vaute Couture for expensive, statement, vegan pieces. When looking for cheap stuff, thrift. “Most of my greatest finds are from consignment, thrift, resale and vintage stores. These pieces not only help to reduce waste since they’re not being thrown away, but they’re often more unique since they come with a story,” she says. “You’re not going to see nearly as many people walking around with that perfect printed top that you grabbed from the local thrift shop as you will see rocking that just released tee from the local megastore.”

As far as shoes, she suggests looking at MooShoes,Vegan Chic, Toms, and Zappos.

And here are some of our favorite holiday gift picks for vegans (or from vegans!).

1. Supercritical Chia Oil from One Love Organics

Your mom will totally dig this incredibly decadent signature oil. It’s filled with omega-3s, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s a perfect all-over body oil. This oil contains all plant-based materials. Priced at $49.

2. Spinster Sisters Co. Shaving Kit, Eucalyptus, from One King’s Lane

If your boyfriend likes a clean and cruelty-free shave, stuff this shaving kit in his stocking. This set contains a mug, soap, and a brush. Priced at $39.

3. Nail Lacquer from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, via Nordstrom

OCC nail polish is perfect for putting in your niece, sister, or cousin’s stocking. And worry not: This nail polish comes in multiple awesome (and crazy) colors. Priced at $10.

4. Earthwise Vegan Classic’s from Toms

Every woman needs a pair of Toms in her closest. They are the most comfortable and cute, cruelty-free casual shoes around. Gift this classic pair in black or white. Priced at $59.

5. Vegan Suede Military Jacket from Free People

Uh, if I’m being completely honest, I totally added this item to this list because I want it. Scratch that – I need it. This military-fit jacket looks cute as heck and is priced at $198.

6. BLANKNYC Girls’ Vegan Leather Jacket from Bloomingdales

If your little lady loves animals as much as you do, she’ll totally dig this kid’s vegan leather jacket. It’s currently on sale for $68.

7. Knot Ring from Liv Haley

Haley has a lot of beautiful pieces, but this simple silver ring intrigues me. It is priced from $55-75. Give to any lady in your life and she’ll swoon.

8. Detox Mask from Vered

If you have a friend who is totally into cruelty-free beauty, she’ll love this detox mask. It’ll help her skin detox after the long holiday season. Priced at $62. This shop also has a plethora of other vegan gifts, so shop around if this mask doesn’t strike your fancy.

9. Bebe Faux Leather Jacket from ThredUp

If you can’t swing the pricy vegan jacket from Free People, give this one from ThredUp a shot. It’s cute, stylish, and only $42.99

10. Detoxifying Activated Bamboo Charcoal Soap from Ayelet

The price is right for this soap. At $7 it will make a lovely and thoughtful gift for your boss or co-worker.

11. Carved Wood Turtle Wine Bottle Holder from Novica

This is the perfect holiday gift for the wine AND animal lover: A carved wood turtle bottle holder. This holder is attractive, interesting, and a really fun piece. Priced at $62.99.

12. Metropolita Woven Clutch from Sundance

This darling vegan clutch is on sale. It’s a perfect gift to stuff a few gift cards in. Priced at $59.99.

13. Crazy Rumors Juice Collection

These cute and flavorful lip-glosses will keep anyone’s lips supple and smooth this winter. This makes a perfect stocking stuffer for any pre-teen, teen, or adult. Priced at $11.99.

14. Wee Can Too Veggie Crayons from GreenCupboards.com

If you’ve got a budding vegan artist in your house, make sure you get him or her this set of veggie-based crayons. Priced at $12.

15. Vegan Leather Leggings from Anthropologie

If you have a buddy that’s looking for a killer pair of vegan leggings, gift her this item. These leggings are priced at $98 and are incredibly versatile.

Do you have any favorite vegan gifts you’ve received through the years? Tell us about them in the comment section.

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The post 15 Vegan Gifts to Buy this Holiday Season appeared first on EcoSalon.

While the holiday season should be about gratitude, peace, and time with family and friends, sometimes it can get the best of us. Deal shopping, endless marketing, countless holiday parties, and rushed holiday travel  can knock us off our feet. But with a few simple steps this holiday season you can take back the reigns.

Simplify your Holiday Season and Reduce Stress with these Minimalist Tips:

Get Organized

1. Create a holiday budget: List who you’ll be buying gifts for and how much you can afford to spend. This way you won’t go shopping clueless. Do some research to find out how much your potential gifts will cost. Make cuts where need be.

2. Set up a holiday wrapping center: Choose a part of the house to wrap presents in so that the entire house isn’t disheveled throughout December. If you’re sending holiday cards, write your cards in the same room.

Gift Giving

3. Cut back on kid gifts: Give the kids one meaningful, thoughtful gift rather than five smaller less important gifts.

4. Draw names for family gifts: If you have a couple of siblings, the costs can add up in no time. Consider drawing names from a hat for holiday gifts. The same is true for your office. Why not buy one gift that you think your office mate will actually like rather than a few less thoughtful gifts?

5. Give homemade gifts: I’ve gotten some of the most adorable homemade gifts over the years and they’re the ones I remember the most. Last year my friend gave me homemade pimento cheese in a mason jar–such a cute idea. Make the holidays your own with a signature homemade gift.

6. Host a cookie decorating party: My group of friends have a holiday cookie decorating party instead of exchanging gifts. Everyone makes a batch of sugar cookies and we all decorate them together. It’s a great reason to get together, sip on some vino, and enjoy each other’s company. And you get to take home some sugar cookie loot.

Cut Back

7. Create a paperless holiday card: It’s simpler than paper cards and so much more environmentally friendly.

8. Reuse gift wrap: Be careful opening presents so that you can reuse the wrap. Save any holiday gift bags that you receive. An entire portion of my closet is devoted to reused wrapping paper so I never have to kill a tree in the name of presentation.

9. Learn to say no: If you’re invited to a slew of holiday parties, don’t feel bad for saying no. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy a few of them than feel overwhelmed and bogged down having to attend too many? It’s okay to say no once in a while–your time is valuable.

10. Avoid travel: See family and friends during less hectic parts of the year. My husband and I stayed home for Christmas last year and I hate to admit it was one of the more relaxing holidays we’ve had. At the very least, if you’re married, simplify your holiday but not visiting both sets of parents.

11. Host a potluck: Instead of an over-the-top holiday party, have your friends over for a potluck. That way you don’t have to cook an entire meal because each guest will be playing a part.

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