Fashion:
Warm Up to Eco Friendly Coats
By Bonny Osterhage

Baby, it's cold outside, so wrap yourself in warmth this season with an eco friendly coat. Smart, sophisticated and stylish, an overcoat adds polish to your winter wardrobe and, with proper care, will last for many winters to come.

Rebe Recycled Betty Coat

This sassy style is versatile enough to work with your favorite jeans or your best party dress. Soft and cozy, it is made from Rebe’s signature recycled cotton and acrylic, and features exposed seams and a shorter length for a modern edge. $196 at www.fairtribe.com.

Click the Apricot to Receive 20% Off with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer — That Makes it $156!

Naturevsfuture Swerve Coat in Rust

We love the modern lines and the flattering fit of this coat, made from top designer surplus fabrics. Toasty warm, it is lined with snuggly soft charmeuse and has a versatile collar that can be worn up or down for different looks. $478 at www.naturevsfuture.com.

 
Beauty:
There's Still Time to Gift Green Grab Bag for the Holidays!

You can order a gift subscription to Green Grab Bag for your friend or loved one right up until December 25th and still have a gift notification delivered on Christmas!

Choose from a three, six or 12-month program — just $45 for the three month subscription — and each month, the recipient will get at least six minis of some of the best natural, organic and vegan beauty products on the market! It's a creative, unique and economical gift that keeps on giving!

We've also made it easy to holiday shop in advance. You can sign up for your gifts now and choose the date you want us to send the gift notification email to the recipient. Or, you can have the gift notice sent to you, so you can give it personally! www.greengrabbag.com

 
SERIOUSLY?!
You Are What You Eat

Holiday feasts are here and, unless you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, that means tables laden with poultry, pork and other meats. However, we have discovered a bizarre meat presentation that will turn not only your stomach, but might just turn you into a vegetarian. Compressed Pork Piglets and Turkey Shaped Turkey Breasts from GreenRidge Farms are a pork loin and a turkey breast, respectively, that have been molded into the shape of the whole animal. SERIOUSLY?!

If the company behind these realistic looking products is trying to be cute, it has failed miserably. First, who wants meat that has been molded into shapes — especially the shape of the animal? While the turkey is bad, at least it mimics a cooked turkey. It doesn't gross us out half as much as the pork that would make Piglet from Winnie the Pooh run squealing from the Hundred Acre Wood. Should Bambi be looking over his shoulder for any new creations this company might be planning? Let's just call this twisted support for animal rights because nothing drives the point home more than a lifeless looking little piggy at the table. We're too disgusted to even suggest to you where you can get these.

If you come across a product that makes you say, “SERIOUSLY?!”, let us know at seriously@whiteapricot.com. You might just see yours in our newsletter!

 
Beauty:
Skin Like "Buttah"

When it comes to moisturizing dry winter skin, you may want to upgrade from your everyday moisturizer to something a little richer. For skin that feels like “buttah,” we recommend slathering on a luxurious body butter after your bath or shower, and letting your skin drink it in. Two that we like are the Bourbon Vanilla Whipped Shea Butter Body Cream from Shea Terra ($18), and the Olive Butter Lotion from Sandy Oaks ($12).

The first contains true bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, combined with 30% organic shea butter. The smell is intoxicating, and the creamy texture glides on smoothly for beautifully moisturized skin. Light, but powerfully hydrating, Sandy Oaks Olive Butter Lotion can be used all over your body, including your face. One staffer even uses it to tame pesky flyaways. Made with olive oil and olive butter, harvested from the Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard in Texas, it leaves skin glowing and “touch me” soft. www.sheaterraorganics.com and www.sandyoaks.com

 
Lifestyle:
Luxury Pet Beds Let Homeless Animals Rest Easy

This year, when little Fifi and Fido visit Santa Paws to tell him what they want for Christmas, we bet an eco friendly bed from Better Buddies is at the top of their lists. It's what all the well-behaved pooches are asking for and with good reason! Not only is it so comfortable that it will put them in a doggy daze, but it is also made from eco friendly hemp, so it is good for their (and our) environment.

With visions of doggy treats dancing in their heads, your pups will rest easier knowing that 10% of the purchase of their new designer beds goes directly to their less fortunate four-legged friends in the Guardian Angel Program at the Best Friends Animal Society. It's their way of giving back to those who have had a ruff life and need special care — and what big-hearted Santa Paws can say no to that? Prices start at $39.99 for the small bedroll to $169 for a large pillow. Check them out at www.betterbuddies.com.

As an added bonus exclusively for White Apricot readers, get a 15% discount on all three styles — the Donut, the Pillow and the Bedroll. Simply enter the code BBWA15 at checkout.

Deals & Sales:
Boho Bonanza - 40% Off at Earth Divas Exclusively at White Apricot!

Looking for an incredibly economical holiday gift that's right on the boho trend, or want to add to your own boho chicness? Then, we have the collection for you, and the already low pricing just got even lower for White Apricot readers! Earth Divas has a huge selection of eco friendly and fair trade handbags and other accessories — trust us, you're going to find something perfect!

We found three handbags to love and wait until you hear these prices. First is the Large Patchwork Hemp Handbag (left) for the girl who likes that pop of color. Ready? It's $49.95 normally and, with your White Apricot 40% discount, it goes to $29.97! Then, there's the fabulous Felt Large Hobo (center), usually $39.99 and now just $23.99! Love the flower detailing and it's made by a fair trade artisan group in Nepal from heavy duty New Zealand felt wool. The Young & Fun Handbag (right) brings us right back to Haight-Ashbury, with its lace appliques and sling styling — normally $29.99 and now $17.99! Check that gift list of yours or gift yourself. But, don't wait. It's only good through December 31st. Use the code: WHITEAPRICOT to get the 40% deal. www.earthdivas.com