Being that yesterday was our Buy Nothing Day Challenge here at THF, I waited until today to post this news. (But it’s good).

This year bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your holiday list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.

This is a cool new feature, because it means you never need to leave your house to get all your holiday shopping done. Plus, with all these bloggers offering gifts related to their blog topics, you’re sure to find one or two lists to adore.

You can start here at Tree Hugging Family where I’ve got a big ol’ eco-shop full of gift ideas that can help you and your family stay green all year long.

At Offbeat Homes I’ve got a gift shop full of strange and unique gift ideas (plus of course, plenty of cool house related items). Then at Declutter It, I’ve got oodles of time management and organization minded gift ideas.

Other amazing holiday shops around the channels… 

Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza.

At All Holiday Cafe Katelyn has set up all kinds of amazing holiday minded gifts – stuff to make you and yours feel extra merry.

Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.

Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.

Everyone knows what to get a jewelry lover – but do you know what to get one who loves to make jewelry? Cyndi at Jewelry and Beading has the answer!

Cherie at Diabetes Notes shares gift ideas to keep those visions of sugar plum fairies dancing for the diabetics on your list.

Chloe at The Doggy Blog shares an adorable wish list as written to Santa Paws.

Christine at Mad Cropper knows how to please those who are crazy about scrapbooking during the holiday season.

Quilters anyone? This unique craft makes for the tougher shopping experience – but that’s so yesterday considering we have a pro in our corner. Let Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork help you pick out the perfect gift.

Angela from Breastfeeding 1-2-3 provides a list of gifts for the breastfeeding mother on your list.

So maybe giving kitchen appliances isn’t the best idea – but what about a cool and unique Cooking Gadget? I’d say your bound to surprise the cook on your list with something from Cyndi’s list.

Peggy at Lively Women has put together a list of gift ideas for the health conscious female on your list.

Christine at Our One Heart shares tips and gift ideas to keep that Bride-to-Be happy during the Christmas season.

Tracee at BlogFabulous has put together an amazing store displaying gift ideas for the woman’s woman.

Christmas is for everyone and shopping for an Alzheimer’s patients can present a challenge – allow Mary Emma at Alzheimer’s Notes helps you overcome that challenge and get on to the joys of the season.

Do you have a fabric-aholic or a needlehead on your Christmas list? Don’t get them the same old boring sing-song gift – let Chloe at Tangled Thread help you pick the perfect gift.

Unique gift ideas for the mixed media art lover on your list is what Cyndi from Layers Upon Layers has on display.

Have an aspiring to advanced chef on your list this year? Cyndi at Busy Family Meals has an extensive list to cover every stage of cooking from beginner to pro.

Eliza has pieced together a shop that covers mom, dad and baby at Babylune. Why leave anyone out?

Heather at The Food Bowl is taking care of pets and their people with a fun list that’s bound to connect you with the perfect gift.

Did someone say chocolate? Heather at Chocolate Bytes did! Our resident chocolate expert has put together sweetest gift shop you won’t want to miss.

Who says married couples are boring? Check out the letters to Santa as shared by Marc and Marye of Marriage Actually and see what might appeal to the married couple on your list.

Don’t forget about that single and dating friend or relative! We all know how difficult it can be to buy for them – Lucky for us we have Dating Dames and the Dames have the answers.

It’s never too early to start buying for your favorite gardener and Linette at Mother Earth’s Garden has a wonderful list to help you decide.

Linette at Play Library is haring the Best of Toys list this year – check out what’s hot and get to buying! We know how quick those hot toys sell out every year.

Have someone on your list who always hosts the best parties? Surprise that person with a unique gift as recommended by Linette at She Knows Parties!

Marcie from One Book Two Book and A Child Chosen shares a wonderful shopping list she’s broken down by age groups and hobbies.

Whether it’s tea or coffee you are looking for, Marye from Kettle and Cup has unique gift ideas that’s sure to add a little spice to your favorite hot beverage.

Haven’t figured out just how to shop for the junk lover and crafter on your list? Let Peggy from Junk Creation assist you with your selection.

Susan from Grounded Fitness has a little something for the health and fitness buff on your shopping list.

And last but certainly not least, Gayla has compiled a list of MomGadget Favorites – A Year in Review 2008 instead of a storefront for you to shop.

From all of us at Lifestyles – Health & Wellness

We wish you and yours a very Merry Holiday Season and a wonderful 2009!

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Be sure to sign up for our channel feed – just to make sure you don’t miss out on any more of our blogs joining this cool giveaway event.

Three of our blogs here have some great prizes available. Of course right here at Tree Hugging Family, Peggy and I have five Mothering Magazine Subscriptions and the book Big Green Purse. The at Offbeat Homes, I’ve got the Building With Awareness DVD & Guidebook – an awesome DVD plus bonus book about straw bale building. And be sure to pop over and enter Peggy’s cool beans contest at Junk Creations to win some EcoHangers.

In other channel contests we’ve got…

Mother Earth’s Garden – Let it Rot! The Gardener’s Guide to Composting

Simply Thrifty – Coupon Organizer

Hankering for Yarn – Butterfly Earrings

Stamping Mad – Stamping Hobbyists Gift Set

Jewelry and Beading – Artful Blogging Magazine

Layers Upon Layers – Art Doll Quarterly

Quilting and Patchwork – The Magic of Patchwork Book

Babylune – Hanes Gift Certificates

Tool Belt Tips – 2 Cases Thompson’s Water Seal

Tangled Thread – Tags and Tie Dyes Contest

Busy Family Meals – Asian Cooking Starter Kit

Blog Fabulous – Boogie Dance Giveaway

Thrifty Mommy – Honey Thyme Herb Farm, Recycled Bags, Cooking Light Cookbook

Weary Parent – You’re a Good Mom Gift Set, Blume Girl Boutique Giveaway, Blog Design

Supernanny Rules – Skincare by Amino Genesis

Kettle and Cup – The Tea Table Book

Very cool prizes! Prowl around and enter as many as you like. Good luck!

Many thanks to Gayla for compiling this list

[photo via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

The Main Event:

The First Annual b5media Lifestyles Channel Holiday Blogging Awards!

Our awesome Lifestyles channel editor Gayla has recruited some of her favorite bloggers from around the sphere to step up as judges for the following categories:

Best Holiday decoration of a Blog – Any blog or blogger who has decorated their blog for the holidays either entirely or in an subtle way. Prize: $20 USD via Paypal and links from channel blogs.

Best post about Christmas on a Blog – The best posting about Christmas or holiday activities on a blog. It can be religious or non-religious, but should celebrate the spirit of the season. Prize: $20 USD via Paypal and links from channel blogs.

Best Holiday image or video on a Blog – The best display of your own personal holiday decorations on a blog. It can be religious or non-religious, but again, should celebrate the spirit of the season. Prize: $20 USD via Paypal and links from channel blogs.

All you have to do to win is submit your entry to our Holiday Blogging Awards host post. Be sure to include the link to be judged or risk disqualification. It’s THAT Easy and what’s better than FREE Money!?!

Nominations will close at midnight December 13th and winners will be announced on Monday December 17th.

  Other Amazing Channel Contests:  

If you hurry you can still get in an entry with Maricar at Keeping The Castle. She’s hosting a Cookie Swap Kit Giveaway – but it all ends tomorrow (Friday, December 7) at 5:00 p.m. EST so run don’t walk.Tangled Thread is having a wonderful Winter Wonderland Contest. The prizes are two beautiful, handcrafted fiber art tags. Really pretty — I already went to peek.

Hankering for Yarn is giving away a really cute and unique holiday item. As of right now this contest has about 157 entries so a big good luck; you’re going to need it.

Offbeat Homes (yup one of my blogs) is having a reader appreciation contest. Earn point throughout December for posting comments. Watch for special ways to earn bonus points. If you are on of the top three point gatherers as of December 31st then you’ll win one of three cool prizes (your choice). Contest currently running and ends the evening of December 31st.

If you like fuzzy, furry, flying, and swimming friends as much as Heather than stop off at her blog, The Food Bowl to win a copy of Groovitude, A Get Fuzzy Treasury.

Whew, and while I pumped them before don’t forget about Kettle & Cup’s month long free coffee give-a-way and Kate’s Generous December Group Writing Project.

Wow. All this makes for a very merry holiday around the channel — which contests are you entering?  

(Props to Gayla for writing up the quite a large portion of this post)

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

There is so much you can learn about this amazing and beautiful tree that it can be overwhelming. Cacao Web has some nice and simple information about this tree and b5media’s own Heather over at Chocolate Bytes also offers some handy facts along with more chocolate fun.

Here’s the perfect kid-friendly project for the family — one that uses real trees and real chocolate!

Chocolate leaves! These are fun but kind of testy. The best leaves to use come from organically grown trees but well-washed leaves will do as well. Have your kids gather leaves of all shapes and sizes — the sturdier the better but I’ve used some flimsy ones too.

Melt chocolate in a double boiler and let cool slightly. Spread on leaves with paint brushes. Place on wax paper, chill (no less than 15 minutes) and carefully peel leaves off.

You can get super creative with these. You can use white chocolate or color white chocolate with food coloring. You can add tiny candies on top of the leaves or paint two colors of chocolate on. Kids love them on cakes or alone.

Visit Hawaiian Vintage Chocolate to see secret chocolate recipes, beautiful chocolate tree pictures and more.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Here’s how we roll.

On Thursday and Friday, we will be at booth #309. Attendees of Blog World Expo can collect b5 chips throughout the conference in several ways:

• Be seen wearing a b5media T-shirt – $1000 chip
• Answer b5media trivia – $500 chip
• Tell us our secret password – $500 chip
• Awesome swag trade – (depends on how good the swag is)
• Drop business card in box – $250 chip
• Use your chips to play poker and win (or lose) even more!
• Beat b5media’s CEO – Jeremy Wright – DOUBLE your chances

Each day, b5 will have an auction in our booth (at 2:30 Thursday and Friday) and attendees can use their chips to bid on the prizes. As noted, we will be doing a secret password. You can find these passwords in various b5media blogs. (The first password is at the bottom of this post). Participants only need to approach someone in the b5media booth with the password and they will get a token.

Watch for more secret passwords scattered about b5media during the event. If you win let me know. I can’t go this year (much to my massive sadness) so I’ll be aching to hear your stories.

ALSO: This is note worthy. One of our very own; Deborah Ng from Simply Thrifty is up for a huge honor — a 2007 Weblog Award for Best Individual Blogger. You can vote once a day for her RIGHT HERE. How cool would it be if someone here at b5media won; especially someone as nice as Deb. Very cool I’d say. Be part of it all and vote now.

Lastly, if you’re going to the Expo – and you’d like to get a $500 chip to start with (so you can bid on our fabulous prizes), the first secret password is: “b5alicious.”

[Thanks to Gayla at Dating Dames -- for providing some of the text for this post.]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

We have tons of great prizes to be given away. Prizes are available to U.S. and Canada residents unless otherwise noted.

You barely have to move to win; it’s easy:

1. Look for sponsored prize winning posts that feature the official Blogtoberfest button shown to the side.
2. Leave a comment on that post. You enter the contest with your comment.
3. Be sure to check back with that post throughout the following week to see what the prize is and if you’re the lucky winner.

Participating Blogs are:

• A Child Chosen
• Babylune
• Blog Fabulous
• Career and Kids
• Dating Dames
• GenBetween
• Inside Fatherhood
• Inside Motherhood
• Marriage Actually
• MyCrimeSpace
• One Book Two Book
• Our One Heart
• Parenting Tweens & Teens
• Play Library
• Psycho for Love
• Solo Mother
• Supernanny Rules
• Thrifty Mommy
• Widows Quest

AND Tree Hugging Family.

If you dash around the channel you might notice that this blog is not listed but be assured that I am playing so check here throughout the next two weeks for a chance to win.

Each blog (including this one) will be awarding at least three prizes each. So make sure to check back often so you don’t miss a single opportunity.

The best way to win is to subscribe to participating blogs and/or to check back often. That way you won’t miss a beat (or a prize).

Good Luck Tree Hugging Families!

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Recently I got an email about some very nice vinyl art that I’ll be talking about at the music blog but I also thought would be very cool to show here.

Daniel Edlen is the artist behind Vinyl Art, a really neat site that showcases Daniel’s portraits of musicians. The difference here is that he paints them on worn vinyl. This is such a great idea because although there are things you can do with worn vinyl often people just toss them. You know how much waste the used records of the past creates. A great big heaping pile I’m sure. This is one way to decorate your home with creative recycled art.

Take a look at two of my favorites.

First, my King… who is not Elvis.

The next one is amazing…

I really love the John Lennon piece.

He’s created many, many more. There are pieces at the online gallery of Santana, R.E.M, Billie Holiday, and more.

This is one good way to green your lifestyle without compromising an artistic home decorating style — buy recycled art. Many artists are out there using recycled or greener materials now and it just makes less sense to invest in brand new material art.

Visit Vinyl Art to see and learn more.  

Is there an artist who works in recyclables that you adore? Let me and other readers know about them in the comments!

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

If you shouted “YES!” then this could be just what you need. Our lovely channel editor Gayla, wrote out all the nitty gritty details about how to get noticed on our channel by readers everywhere.

Here’s the 411 on Blogtoberfest:

“During the month of October, we’ll be hosting our first ever Family and Relationships Channel Blogtoberfest.

We’re planning to run this event for approximately two weeks during the month of October (or until the prizes run out). And during that two weeks, we’ll be giving away some amazing prizes.

We’ve already come up with a few prizes of our own by way of previous product reviews, public relations contacts and more to give to readers but would like to supplement them with some other prizes and gifts from sponsors interested in being a part of this event where they could get a little attention and we can reward our loyal readers.

If you’d like to participate by offering a prize (in return for a little publicity throughout our channel) please email me with the following information in the following format:

1. email gayla AT b5media DOT com (substitute AT and DOT with the appropriate @ and .)
2. make the subject line ‘BLOGTOBERFEST PRIZE’
3. describe the prize you would like to offer (what is it and it’s value)
4. include a link to the prize if you have one – if not, a company website would be fine.
5. include your name, the link to the site you’d like us to link to in return for your prize and a graphic you’d like us to use along with your mention.

NOTE: While we would like to include as many prizes as possible – however, we won’t be able to accept every offer for whatever reason. We’d like to encourage prizes that are in line with at least one of our blogs content – so our readers will benefit the fullest from their participation.

Also note that our channel has an international audience and prizes need to be able to be received by readers around the world so please factor in that you’ll need to pay for any shipping if it’s won by an international reader unless otherwise specified or earmarked for specific distribution only.

Prize submissions will be accepted until Friday September 28th.

Prize Suggestions: Cash or gift certificates are always a plus, gadgets and random fun things. Electronics, books, memberships, toys and just about anything that is “suitable” to at least one of our blogs.

We’d rather keep this event unique, so things like ‘hosting packages’, services and ‘ebooks’ aren’t going to exactly be relevant to participants. The more fun and creative the contribution the better (and value is a real plus).

What do you get in return?

You’ll be getting promotion in return for your prize on a number of pages/posts throughout the entire channel that yields a high number of visitors daily and monthly. Historically, once a contest of this magnitude is underway, you’ll probably get linked to from other blogs also as these events cause quite a stir around the blogosphere.

The better the prize the more attention you’ll get!”

Sounds great to me. If I had a family friendly product to advertise I’d hit it.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

I love this picture. One, her kids are adorable playing near the lake, (pond?), river (much like the turtles but, you know, more human-like and less brownish) and two, it’s always great to see families outside in the great outdoors. I also really enjoy the look her son is giving her at the moment. Classic kid camera face.

Hilary writes green-style for b5media as well. She has a great blog called Eco Friendly Driver that covers all green things that go. Hey, that would be a good Dr Seuss book — “All Green Things That Go.” Maybe. Anyhow Hilary is a great writer and her blog is packed with tips and information about electric cars, money issues to consider, new hybrids, ethanol, and other way to drive greener, smarter, and better. Visit today.

Why not introduce your family here at Tree Hugging Family? Even send pictures like Hilary. I’d love to see them.

Lastly don’t forget to grab the kiddos and stop by last week’s Nature Detective game; a new one goes up tomorrow.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family