There’s one thing for certain about Vanessa Rose Price – she commands attention.  Whether it’s one of her edgy-rock-n-roll-badass-girlie outfits OR her signature platinum locks (that are sometimes turned pink or turquoise or black or shaven or all of the above)  OR her ability to be comfortable in any situation – from The White House to a campground… she’s one of those people you notice for all the right reasons.

The scintillating Ms. Price

Though her celebrity client list is unending, her current jam is traveling the globe with “the kid” (her playful nickname for Justin Bieber).  And yes, she did create that haircut.  She’s actually cut my hair a multitude of times and I have to say… this chick knows what she’s doing.  No wonder she is who she is.

Anywho… back to her style.  As a mostly “heels” girl myself, Vanessa has shown me that ballerina flats can be super sexy when paired with a bit of lace, a bit of metal and skinny jeans WAY before they were cool.

When asked about her style:

Oh shoot. My style is practical and sexy, at least I hope it is. I like to blur the line between delicate and rough. I’ve always been inspired by music. One of my first style icons I think was Suzie Quattro, I just remember her playing both Pinky and Leather Tuscadero on Happy Days. LOL. But my main inspirations throughout my life has always been the blondes, Bridgette Bardot, Deborah Harry, Edie Sedgwick and Nico. I feel they embody the delicate and roughness that I love so much. ~VRP

As for the GWG picks she adores:

The organic “Dolly”tee by Curator,  The Clutch in 70s Chic by GWG, the recycled cotton Suzani throw by In2Green, the Mercedes satchel by Hemptress, and the adorable Madame Lips necklace by Kristy Lin!

Check them HERE!

As for the charities Vanessa supports:

We all love gossip.  Admit it.  Maybe you don’t care about the “Housewives” (I know I don’t) or the sexual exploits of whichever politician has most recently been “exposed”, but you know there’s something – be it fashion, Hollywood, international affairs, whatever… about which you like to hear the scoop.  And if it’s the do-gooding ways of celebrities who care about the environment, civil and social rights, animal welfare, charitable causes – or are just all around compassionate, Lindsay’s Celebrity Low-Down is your new best friend.  Check out her post on Green Is Sexy co-founder, Rachel McAdams here.

Lindsay’s reaction to finding a good scoop!

Using her own brand of dry wit mixed with carefully mined information, Lindsay’s upcoming posts are sure to be fun, fast and thoughtful.  Welcome to the GWG team, Ms. Berg!

Given her latest rude role in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris,” I think it’s important to get Rachel McAdams back some of her good girl image.

McAdams & Owen Wilson in “Midnight in Paris”

Although many actresses, McAdams included, do not own a television set, McAdams also does not own a car! The Ontario native takes the bus or rides her bike to work each day, in order to reduce her carbon footprint. Not only is this a good way for her to be “green”, but it clearly helps her to stay in shape.

Pedal Power!

A vegetarian, McAdams is so devoted to the cause that she co-founded a blog with her friends, Megan and Didi, called GreenIsSexy.org. The blog’s purpose is to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle and encourage people to make a difference through small, yet effective changes in alternate transportation, veggie food choices, etc.  (And we’re proud to note that Green With Glamour is listed on the site as one of the things they love!

It seems that McAdams’ commitment to a green lifestyle has rubbed off on those closest to her as well. Her boyfriend, Michael Sheen (the two have been dating since filming “Midnight in Paris” together in 2010), has recently been seen at Aberavon Beach helping the students of Sandfield’s Comprehensive School clean up the litter. And for Christmas, McAdams bought her father a composter, in order to make his eco-friendly trash-sorting a little bit easier.

It seems that this is just the beginning for McAdams. She plans on continuing her efforts even after she has passed. “I don’t want to have a tombstone,” McAdams said of her death in an interview.

“You can now be made into a reef! I was reading that they can make your remains into a reef and put you in the ocean, and the fish can feed off you! I just want to go back into the earth the same way I came.”  ~Rachel McAdams

“I could gush on forever about Tiffany Romigh’s style… I’ve seen her rock a designer cocktail dress and Louboutins at a party where most everyone was wearing jeans (Musicians!?!), and reversely, I’ve seen her turn heads in a tank top, jeans and sneakers at a tony Beverly Hills watering hole. I’ve seen her wear rare Courreges at home and I’ve seen her work a daring neckline in the daytime. Tiffany dresses for her mood – not for you, me or whatever trend is rolling around. She takes risks (and not just with her style), and I so greatly admire that.

—Deana Bracken, GWG President & Creative Director

If nothing else, style to me is about options. My closet has had a Denim Invasion. A late 60s, French moment. A studs-and-leggings Sunday. And I even have the gear to be that woman at the pool; the one who wears her bathing suit with a pair of low, sling-back heels and a summer-weight cashmere wrap and drinks lemonade from a martini glass. (I just hope I have the guts to step into her skin.)

What am I saying? I’m saying that because of the new wave of style innovators and the always-chic design legends and their care and feeding of the objects that have become a real part of our lives, I can be a 70s rock chick one day and a demure coquette the next and still feel like myself. There are that many great things out there.

So this season, I bow my head and blow a kiss to options: a luxe cotton dress with a ruffle down each side.

A clutch that’s both backstage and center stage.

Some studs that come up roses.

Wooden sunglasses that are equally at home in a vintage station wagon and on a beach.

And a denim skirt that could have been designed in the 1920s or in 2020.

But here’s the thing. Whichever way the wind blows, it kind of doesn’t matter. Because when I put together something that feels perfectly “me”, it always feels like home. And with all the options this season, I can buy a home in every place I like.

—Tiffany Romigh, Writer and Living GWG Contributor

We are absolutely honored to feature the incredible Thandie Newton and her kind words about Green With Glamour.  We’re longtime admirers of Ms. Newton’s grace, style, commitment to mindful living and serious acting chops.  She’s an inspiration.

I, personally, first became aware of Thandie in 1991 (OMG, that’s 20 years ago!) when I first saw a brilliant film called Flirting.  I was immediately taken with her confident, smart girl-meets-total knock out presence.  It’s a rare combination (though also possessed then by her Flirting co-star, Nicole Kidman).  The story is poignant, the direction is sultry yet serious and the acting is stellar.  And in the past 2 decades, Thandie has built a wonderful repertoire of performances in films (and t.v.) including Jefferson in Paris, Beloved, Mission Impossible II, Oscar-winning Crash (for which she won a BAFTA), W. (as Condoleeza Rice?!),  For Colored Girls and E.R. Amazing!

Seriously stylish, regardless of occasion

Thandie’s style is that of a true “icon”.  I don’t throw that word around lightly.  Very few actresses of our generation have earned it as far as I’m concerned.  But her looks are always pulled together and unique whilst never looking fussy or overdone and her approach to fashion is that of a yesteryear social doyenne (think Babe Paley, the Countess of Bismark, Gloria Guinness).   Easy elegance.  And the fact that she calls The Clutch that I designed her “favourite of all time” is just beyond! I’m blushing.

Add to that her dedication to the environment (like convincing other celebs to swap their gas guzzlers for energy savers) and humanitarian efforts (including the support of Breast Cancer Care, Artists for Peace and Justice and the NSPCC)… and our crush goes through the roof.  Well done, Ms. Thandie Newton.  You’re a role model for us all!

I must admit, I don’t really care for the Harry Potter dynasty.  I tried… I really did.  My dear friend, John Burns, loaned me all of the dvds and I couldn’t sit through 1 of the 3 movies I tried to watch (the others, I didn’t even attempt).   That being said, I thought Daniel Radcliffe was hilarious on Extras.  And that concludes my personal exposure to Daniel Radcliffe.

The Hero

Now onto something actually important.  Daniel’s do-gooding.  This June, Master Radcliffe will receive the Hero Award from The Trevor Project – for his work with the organization.  The Trevor Project seeks to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing a twenty-four hour crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs.

Radcliffe has since said that The Trevor Project is “absolutely one of the most important, if not the most important, thing that I’m associated with.”

In addition to financially contributing to the organization, Radcliffe filmed a PSA to spread the message about their imperative work.  Daniel has said of The Trevor Project, “It’s extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top three killer of young people, and it’s truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. It’s vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value.”

Seriously, Daniel… Way to go!  We need more outspoken Heroes like you.

I love music.  I do.  We always have it playing here at Green With Glamour.  I couldn’t live without it because I believe it feeds the soul.  And it’s all types that I enjoy… rock, blues, classical, hip hop, country, jazz, soul, global and even some pop.  Which brings me to my current obsession – Night Covers by The Watson Twins.  It’s a soon-to-be-released album (I have an advanced copy) of all cover songs as sung by the oh-so-harmonious TWT.

Photo by Darrin Noble

And here’s why it’s worthy of my fanaticism… not only does it feature the beautiful and soulfully melodic voices of Chandra and Leigh Watson, but the array of songs they cover is inspired!  From The Turtles to The Eurythmics to The Black Keys, The Watson Twins put their musical swerve on songs I know and love.  Thought the album isn’t in wide release for a few weeks, check out this video teaser to Night Covers (featuring Bo Koster of My Morning Jacket) for a teeny, tiny taste… AND then watch a teaser to my biggest obsession of the obsession, The Watson Twins’ cover of You Showed Me by The Turtles.

Annnnnnnd… get a FREE DOWNLOAD of “You Showed Me” HERE! Ob-sessed.

I finally came up for air from my current job and the timing could not have been better. I’d yet to see Deana in months and The Way We Wore was having a sale! Let the perfect Sunday begin.

Now for those of you not living in LA, (or those who do and have yet to venture to this La Brea gem) let me give you some deets on TWWW.   Immediately when we walked in, the lovely ladies who work the shop told us about their exact sale items and we’re quick to help with any questions.  You will be immersed in all articles of clothing from high-wasted shorts to chic blazers, designer heels, dresses, and enough scarves to fill a trunk!

Shoes galore!

But that’s not all. Once upstairs you enter upon a whole other territory (a.k.a. My weakness) boots! They’ve got lace-up ones, high heeled, over the knee. The possibilities are endless. Not in the mood for boots? Don’t worry. There is flats, sandals, heels, and more.

Upstairs at TWWW

TWWW is a great to place to grab a quick accessory piece (their collection of vintage belts is endless) or even a classic Chanel handbag. This being said, you can go in and spend anywhere from $12 to $500 on one item. But the odds that anyone you know will have anything like what you purchase is slim to none.   So not only will you add a classic vintage addition to your wardrobe but you’ll also be a new source of fashion inspiration.

If you’re not sold yet, just check out these photos and the fabulous women donning the TWWW look.

You’ve got Green With Glamour fan, Jessica Alba, on the Tonight Show in a vintage dress from TWWW…

GWG’s patron celebrity saint, Emily Deschanel, in a-ma-zing dress from TWWW…

and last but not least, the ever stunning Olivia Wilde in a gown from this one of a kind boutique as well.

The good people at I-ELLA introduced themselves to us last week… and I have to say, I’m really excited, impressed and eager to shop!  I’ve browsed other online buy/sell/swap sites in the past, but NONE have come close to the quality and variety of pieces available at I-ELLA.

As I’m sure you can imagine, I get just about everything I wear (clothing, jewelry & handbags) from Green With Glamour.  However, I’ve been known to pepper my wardrobe with a vintage designer piece or 2 from Ebay, DecadesTwo and the like… but here’s why I think I-Ella outranks those others:

*They’re discriminating (in a good way) about what actually makes their site.  Excellent quality and condition seem present in every item.  From Chanel and Hermes to Philip Lim 3.1 and Diane von Furstenburg to J Crew and Nine West, they have a really well-curated selection of goodies (ranging from barely worn 2010 pieces to vintage).

*The site is easy to shop.  Their navigation system and categorizing is spot on!

*They GIVE BACK.  Every time you shop with I-ELLA, you give.  Each month, the I-ELLA team picks three charities to partner with running the gamut from funding for the arts in NYC to health initiatives in countries all across the world – including the Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Keep a Child Alive and H.E.L.P.

*As a shopper, you can borrow, buy, swap and/or sell.  I love the swap concept because it’s perfect for those pieces you’re not willing to totally part ways with – but you can send off on a little adventure and then have returned to the haven of your own closet!

*You can shop in various celebrity closets!  Whitney Port, Elizabeth Rohm, Veronica Webb… and proceeds go to a cause they support.

Check out some of my personal favorites available right now…

DVF                                 Lanvin                                                    J Crew

Feral Childe (eco)         YSL                                                                   April, May

I will say that everything I checked out was a size 6 or under, so… I’m hoping they broaden their range, but I’m pretty much convinced that I-ELLA is the place to go for 2nd-hand, online treasures!

It is a member’s only site, but you can use the referral code: INVITE2010 for instant access!

Not long ago I had the pleasure of meeting social entrepreneur, Mary Fanaro, creator of the OmniPeace. OmniPeace is a humanitarian fashion brand, donating 25% of all profits to charities promoting peace, education, human rights and ending extreme poverty in Congo, Africa.

OmniPeace reaching out to communities in Congo, Africa

As a t-shirt and jeans girl, Mary Fanaro created the silhouette of Africa logo and printed them onto various styles of t-shirts. Mary’s t-shirts are made from all eco-friendly materials and are available for men, women, and children sizes.  The easy chic tote bags are perfect for work, daytime errands… and make fantastic gifts!  Beyond the fashion,  Mary has worked closely with UNICEF & the V-Day Foundation to build and help maintain the City of Joy, a healing center and safe community for Congolese women and girls.

OmniPeace Sequins Tote, $75

OmniPeace Jute Shoulder Bag, $30

Though Omnipeace is much more than a T-shirt and tote bag line.  They’ve placed a call for action to aid the people of Congo – and YOU can easily help!

Congo Pledges

1.Urge Industry Leaders to Make Conflict-Free Products by emailing the 21 Biggest Electronics Companies here.

2. Call your Senators and urge them to cosponsor the Congo Conflict Minerals Act of 2009 (S.891).  Just dial the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for the Senator’s office.

3. Fill out the form to send President Obama a copy of the call-to-action OmniPeace Hangtag from the Congo t-shirt line.

Through high-profile endorsements, OmniPeace gained popularity in the public eye.  Celebrities from Jessica Alba to Alicia Keys,  David Beckham to Common have all been spotted wearing & supporting the OmniPeace line.

Jennifer Aniston, Sheryl Crow, Mary Fanaro, and Courteney Cox in/for OmniPeace

I am inspired by OmniPeace and Mary Fanaro because of generous and dedicated outreach to those in need (and those who are often overlooked).  Mary has built schools for children in Africa and has created support groups for women and children who have been victimized by rape and violence.  At Green with Glamour, we celebrate individuals who care for the environment and others around them. Living a green lifestyle is not only about wearing eco-friendly clothing or reducing your carbon footprint but is about bringing peace to the world around us.

We want to kick off 2010, Green With Glamour’s year of giveaways, with a serious bang!  So, hello adorable, hemp and vegan-chic bags from Eco Tools… designed by none other than accomplished actress, animal rights activist and all-around-darling, Alicia Silverstone.

After Living GWG’s very own beauty editor, Sara Jones-Rust, gave the bags her seal of approval… we thought to ourselves, “you know who would really enjoy these gorgeous bags?  Our readers, clients, colleagues, um… everyone!”  And here we are.

What exactly we’re giving away:

1 Eco Tools “Overnight” bag along with a matching “Cosmetic” bag – both designed by Alicia Silverstone, given as a set.  The Overnight (11″ x 9″ x 3.3″) is perfect for traveling.  It’s roomy and chic while it’s multiple inside compartments make it easy to stay organized at the same time.  The Cosmetic bag (8.5″ x 5″ x 2.5″) is the go to bag for your everyday makeup needs.  Throw it in your handbag, on your vanity, in your car… and you’ll always have your beauty necessities at the ready!

The Overnight Bag

The Cosmetic Bag

Both bags are made of a gorgeous hemp print (non-toxic inks), lined with recycled plastic and finished with a “tree free” hang tag featuring the lovely Alicia.

How (easy is it) to win? Leave a comment on this post and you’re automatically entered.  Winner will be chosen at random and notified in the 1st week of next month.  GWG provides all shipping and handling costs. YAY!

We’re currently on a bit of an Alicia Silverstone kick over here at Green With Glamour.  She has a brilliant new book, she’s given us self-designed beauty bags to give away (check back tomorrow for details) and she keeps a kickass blog called The Kind Life… so, what’s not to love?!  This recipe is from said blog – it’s hearty and delicious, but not in that post-holidays-can’t-overstuff way!

photo from The Kind Life

INGREDIENTS
1 large head radicchio
Olive oil
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
White truffle oil, to taste
1 fresh pizza crust (preferably a healthy, whole grain one)

STEPS
Cut the radicchio in half, then slice each half crosswise into thin ribbons (as thin as possible).
Dress with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a few dashes of white truffle oil to taste.
Preheat the oven to 415 degrees Farenheight.
Toast the pizza crust in the oven for 7 minutes, or until it is heated through and slightly golden, but not crunchy.
Scatter the dressed radicchio over the pizza crust and return to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, until the radicchio is warm and just starting to wilt.
Serve immediately.

We have A LOT lined up for this coming year, but here are the top 3 exciting goodies you can anticipate from Green With Glamour in 2010:

1. The GWG product line

I, personally, am crazy-excited about the upcoming Green With Glamour line of fashion, travel and home essentials!  It’s a perfectly sized, 9 piece line of super-chic, signature pieces to wear, take with you and live amongst.  The idea started as a shortlist of items I’d prefer not to live without and has blossomed into a collection of gorgeous goodies that I think everyone will enjoy.  Unfortunately, I can’t give away too much at this point… but let’s just say it involves caftans, backgammon and animal inspirations (of course)!

2. Living GWG giveaways

Why not, right?  I think this once-horrid-and-now-getting-somewhat-better economy has softened us all a bit to the point where “free stuff” doesn’t have to be taboo.  Sometimes “gratis” can be gracious… so we’ve put into motion monthly GWG giveaways – and we’re only giving away pieces you’ll actually want.  No junk.  From life (and hair) changing bamboo hairbrushes and yummy soy candles to gorgeous jewelry pieces and fashion-forward accessories… First up – EcoTools Makeup Bags designed by Alicia Silverstone (stay tuned)!

3. And maybe… just maybe a tv series about GWG!

I don’t like to count chickens before they hatch (I actually don’t think I’d like to count chickens at all), but there has been a bit of a buzz around a reality show (I know, but don’t hate) revolving around us kooks that run/work with/live for Green With Glamour. The highs, the lows, the everyday madness that is our lives. Again, I can’t currently give away too much, but cross your fingers for us… and we’ll give you tv gold!

Happy New Year Everyone… may this be the best year yet!

I don’t know what you have planned for Saturday afternoon… but I know where I’ll be.  As a “guru” for The Green Girls, I’m always included on such great invite lists – and their events are always the perfect combination of fun, thoughtfulness and great information.

Join us on Saturday, December 12th for The Green Girls Holiday Spectacular Event at The Strawberry House in Encino Hills!
The Green Girls are celebrating the holidays with a spectacular event that gives back to our community. Join us for The Green Girls Holiday Spectacular Event & Food Drive for the local Los Angeles shelter. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the non profit organization, Green Wave

LIMITED TO 100 GUESTS

The Stott Family of Lena, IL were the subjects of this week’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition on ABC.   Down in their luck – not only because if the hard hit American farmers have taken in this economy AND with global warming climate conditions – the wife and mother of three teenagers, Joey, is a Leukemia survivor.  To help design the new, energy efficient farm house for the family of 5… David Duchovny was on hand to lend support to both the show and the idea of building with energy efficiency (the new farm is complete with a windmill!).

For the interiors… who did the design producers turn to for some amazing, “eco-chic” home decor?  You guessed it – Green With Glamour!  Front and center on the Stott Family’s new coffee table sits the recycled glass pedestal bowl from GWG!

And for the Master bedroom, the shows host Ty Pennington, opted to display 2 beautiful, one-of-a-kind salvaged wood pieces by Hitoshi Tanaka (we have since sold out of Mr. Tanaka’s pieces).

One of Tanaka’s gorgeous pieces used for the EMHE Stott Family house!

And scene.

The Stott Family of Lena, IL were the subjects of this week’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition on ABC.   Down in their luck – not only because if the hard hit American farmers have taken in this economy AND with global warming climate conditions – the wife and mother of three teenagers, Joey, is a Leukemia survivor.  To help design the new, energy efficient farm house for the family of 5… David Duchovny was on hand to lend support to both the show and the idea of building with energy efficiency (the new farm is complete with a windmill!).

For the interiors… who did the design producers turn to for some amazing, “eco-chic” home decor?  You guessed it – Green With Glamour!  Front and center on the Stott Family’s new coffee table sits the recycled glass pedestal bowl from GWG!

And for the Master bedroom, the shows host Ty Pennington, opted to display 2 beautiful, one-of-a-kind salvaged wood pieces by Hitoshi Tanaka (we have since sold out of Mr. Tanaka’s pieces).

One of Tanaka’s gorgeous pieces used for the EMHE Stott Family house!

And scene.

The lovely & talented actress, animal rights advocate and eco-chic style arbiter Ginnifer Goodwin is one of those tough cases we encounter a lot with our “Do-Gooder” pieces… it’s hard to narrow down a specific week to feature her because she always seems to be doing good.

Whether she’s raising awareness to stop the atrocities of puppy mills with the Humane Society or heading up the Adopt-A-Turkey Program with Farm Sanctuary – or promoting Veganism via W Magazine… Ms. Goodwin is our kind of celeb – chic, thoughtful, talented and socially responsible!

However, this week we had to feature the Big Love actress because we spied her at Environmental Media Association Awards in Los Angeles wearing an edgy & elegant dress made of old hospital scrubs!  Did you see???

Created by students of the Academy of Art University, the re-used fabric had been treated, dyed and pleated into this gorgeous, “green” number.  Brilliant “sustainable” design meets beautiful, eco-minded actress… love, Love, LOVE!

The lovely & talented actress, animal rights advocate and eco-chic style arbiter Ginnifer Goodwin is one of those tough cases we encounter a lot with our “Do-Gooder” pieces… it’s hard to narrow down a specific week to feature her because she always seems to be doing good.

Whether she’s raising awareness to stop the atrocities of puppy mills with the Humane Society or heading up the Adopt-A-Turkey Program with Farm Sanctuary – or promoting Veganism via W Magazine… Ms. Goodwin is our kind of celeb – chic, thoughtful, talented and socially responsible!

However, this week we had to feature the Big Love actress because we spied her at Environmental Media Association Awards in Los Angeles wearing an edgy & elegant dress made of old hospital scrubs!  Did you see???

Created by students of the Academy of Art University, the re-used fabric had been treated, dyed and pleated into this gorgeous, “green” number.  Brilliant “sustainable” design meets beautiful, eco-minded actress… love, Love, LOVE!

We don’t typically re-post other people’s writing here, but considering how much we love Rory Freedman (best-selling author of Skinny Bitch) and the healthy-living blog, Crazy Sexy Life… we though we’d be fools to not share this wisdom:

1. Don’t say “yes” when you mean “no.” It’ll make you resentful. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

2. When driving, if someone wants to get in front of you, let him in front of you. And do it with a smile. It’ll make his day better, and it’ll make you feel good. You just changed the world.

3. Try to make a gratitude list each day. Include big things and little things. Invite your friends to make their own lists; you can all email one another each day, sharing your gratitude.

4. Don’t be a problem solver when a friend just wants you to be a listener.

5. Call your parents or grandparents. Sometimes, a five-minute phone call is all they need to feel loved.

6. Be a good neighbor: Be considerate inside and outside your home/apartment so your noise doesn’t bother those around you. That includes opening and closing your front door quietly.

7. Pee in the shower. If we each did this once a day, it would save an enormous amount of water and toilet paper (trees).

8. Write a “fan letter.” Tell someone you know, or someone you’ve never met, why you admire him or her. You’ll make someone’s day.

9. Curb your jealousy. Be happy for others.

10. Be willing to be wrong. If someone has a grievance with you, really try to see her point of view. If called for, apologize. It’s hard to do, but it feels really good and makes life so much easier.

11. If you are in a room with someone you don’t know, introduce yourself right away. It takes away the social discomfort immediately.

12. Pick a cause close to your heart, and get involved. You don’t have to quit your job and dive in headfirst. Just get involved on some level and do what you can when you can. Go slightly beyond your comfort zone but don’t overextend yourself.

13. Be a good friend to your friends. Tell them what’s good about them, that you appreciate them, and make the effort to spend time with them.

14. Go vegetarian. Animals raised and slaughtered for food suffer immeasurably. Visit GoVeg.com for a free vegetarian starter kit.

15. Do your best to think good thoughts. They affect your health, happiness, and the people around you.

16. Do something frivolous for someone you love. (It doesn’t have to be extravagant.) It feels so good to do nice things for other people, it’s almost selfish!

17. Practice accepting compliments. The person complimenting you is giving you a gift. Receive it graciously, even if it is difficult.

18. Be generous with your compliments. Don’t blow smoke up anyone’s ass. Just say nice things when they occur to you.

19. Forgive those who have wronged you. Holding onto anger and resentment poisons your body and your life. There are no benefits in staying mad. Let go. It’s okay.

20. Forgive yourself. It’s okay to be imperfect and to have made mistakes. Try to do better, that’s all.