Holiday Delights

I absolutely love the holidays. It’s a time of year where I can viscerally feel the warmth of the human spirit. There’s magic in the air. And now that I have a little one, I see that magic through her eyes which is truly breathtaking.

Last year I promised myself that I would get all of my holiday shopping done in November so that I could really relax into the enjoyment of December.  I’m happy to report I met my goal, although I’m feeling quite tempted by some Beautycounter products I want for stocking stuffers. 

If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for your loves, keep reading for my Top Picks for under $101.

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Now that my Christmas shopping is complete, all I need to do is make some Christmas cookies! 

Over the years I’ve collected a lot of Christmas recipes. Click HERE to view my Pinterest collection of paleo Christmas cookie recipes.


Also remember that there are so many different ways to sweeten desserts.  Because I have blood sugar handling issues, I stick with monk fruit, but sometimes that can be irritating to peoples’ bellies.  If monk fruit doesn’t work for you, dates ground up in the food processor is a great option as is coconut sugar, molasses, maple syrup or honey. ​  


TOP PICKS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS (for under $101!) ​

SEMICOLON BOOKS: Believe me, the great behemoth that is Amazon is a service that makes life so much easier, but it’s important to me to support small businesses and black-owned small businesses.  I’ve begun alternating between ordering my books from Powell’s and Semicolon Bookstore. 

I’m obsessed with this cookbook that one of my clients got for me, and I’m gifting it to friends and family this year. Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Times by Gregory Gourdet is an incredible resource for paleo recipes that will reduce inflammation and heal your gut. His black cod recipe is literally one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever eaten!

SHOP LOCAL

Also, if you live in the Portland, Oregon area you might consider visiting the Portland Made window shop website.  I LOVE this idea!  Due to Covid-19, small businesses (especially retail) are taking a major hit.  This is a fabulous way to get out and safely enjoy the shopping season. 

BEAUTYCOUNTER 

I became a Beautycounter consultant because I was frustrated that I was helping people improve their health through gastrointestinal and hormone therapies as well as through exercise and food, but I didn’t have anything to offer them for their largest organ – their skin.  

I offer complimentary Clean Beauty: The Endocrine System Workshops (click HERE to view) where you can learn about just how important your personal care products are to your health. 

I’ve also written several blog posts on this topic. Click HERE to view.  

There are a lot of natural personal care products out there, but Beautycounter is my favorite because it’s so effective. Each package is beautifully presented, and they are perfect for holiday gift-giving. 

Some of my favorite Beautycounter gifts to give this year are:

Good Scents Bath Trio $45, click HERE to view.  These beautifully packaged bath oils are the perfect gift for your bath-loving friends. You can bet some of my loved ones will find these in their stocking this year.

Mini Beyond Gloss Vault $49, click HERE to view.  These lip glosses have a sheer color to them and a delicious, responsibly sourced organic vanilla scent.

The Smooth & Bright Duo $79, click HERE to view. This is my absolute favorite combo of skincare essentials. I use the All Bright Serum every morning. It brightens skin and lightens dark spots over time. The Reflect Effect AHA Smoothing Facial Mask contains 10% AHA and 10% phytic acid to resurface dull, tired skin and improve tone and texture.

The Soulmates Exfoliating Duo $49, click HERE to view.  A lot of my clients have found this gift on their doorstep this year. Slough off dry, flaky skin with the Solemates Volcanic Exfoliator Tool and apply Sole Soothe Exfoliating Foot Balm which is a rich overnight foot treatment with a 9% AHA and beta hydroxy acid blend that gently exfoliates the feet while you sleep.

BRENTWOOD HOME 

This meditation pillow is a show-stopper, and believe me, when you need to quiet your mind, comfort is key.  Brentwood also makes mattresses, and this year my husband and I upgraded to a Brentwood mattress. I am in love. We call it our “hotel bed” because it’s as luxurious as being on vacation, and it’s gotten tons of environmentally-friendly awards due to its organic ingredients and 100% carbon offset construction. Click HERE to view. 

DRY FARM WINES

A box of 3 bottles starts at $101. I tell all of my Nutritional Therapy clients about this wine.  It’s absolutely delightful without the added sugar and chemicals often found in wine.  Click HERE to view. 

From my family to yours, I hope this holiday season brings you peace, joy and a fresh start for 2021.

Some of these links are affiliates. By buying with these links, your money goes to support my small business! Thank you so much!

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About me

About Ishbel

For the last twenty years, I have helped people take charge of their health and feel better. I have been in your shoes - sick, tired, and overwhelmed by how to actionably care for myself. If you want to feel better, but don't know where to start, you've come to the right place. Learn More >

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