The holidays are a great time to celebrate, family, friends, and the little things that make us happy. Some of the little things may include a hug from grandma, our favorite pumpkin pie, or the sugar candy cane hanging from the plastic Christmas tree your Uncle Carlos regularly insists on keeping up until mid-February.
PdM's holiday picks this year include all of the above, and then some. The following are some of our favorite goodies from both local and national companies that are constantly growing.
PdM's holiday picks this year include all of the above, and then some. The following are some of our favorite goodies from both local and national companies that are constantly growing.
1) Quick Loss Forte by M&J Products (MJ International, LLC)
Guaranteed to help you lose weight and get fit in less than 2 months, this wonder essence allows you to keep eating your favorite holiday ham while not gaining a pound. The creators, Chicago-based medics and organic healers, guarantee that Quick Loss Forte will work for each and every client within the first 30 days (with visible results after the first week) or your money back. Additionally, the company has a strong social-responsibility component that strives to give back over 20% of sales to the local and international community - wherever it has clients and partners alike. 'Tis the season to definitely be thankful for glocal businesses.
Guaranteed to help you lose weight and get fit in less than 2 months, this wonder essence allows you to keep eating your favorite holiday ham while not gaining a pound. The creators, Chicago-based medics and organic healers, guarantee that Quick Loss Forte will work for each and every client within the first 30 days (with visible results after the first week) or your money back. Additionally, the company has a strong social-responsibility component that strives to give back over 20% of sales to the local and international community - wherever it has clients and partners alike. 'Tis the season to definitely be thankful for glocal businesses.
2) Hand-crafted Swarovski Crystal Bracelets by Tina La Diamantina
Their motto, "Let's get creative", is not simply a set of words. One of Chicago's top new jewelers has recently unveiled their latest creations - Hand-crafted Swarovski Crystal Bracelts - which are already a sensation in the Midwest, Los Angeles, New York City, Tokyo, and Singapore. The designs are the sole creation of Tina, the founder, and her team's inspiration comes from the variety of places they've traveled to and the people they've met. Not only do the crystals shine during the day and glimmer by night, they are 100% Swarovski certified and come with a certificate of authenticity: guaranteeing both hand-crafted elegance and pure decadence. Our favorite piece, which we've dubbed "la swirl d'élégance", reflects numerous hours of diligence for this master-craft design valued at $350. For purchases and custom-designs for every occasion, Tina is available to personally speak with you regarding your inquiry and willing to accommodate to most budgets.
Their motto, "Let's get creative", is not simply a set of words. One of Chicago's top new jewelers has recently unveiled their latest creations - Hand-crafted Swarovski Crystal Bracelts - which are already a sensation in the Midwest, Los Angeles, New York City, Tokyo, and Singapore. The designs are the sole creation of Tina, the founder, and her team's inspiration comes from the variety of places they've traveled to and the people they've met. Not only do the crystals shine during the day and glimmer by night, they are 100% Swarovski certified and come with a certificate of authenticity: guaranteeing both hand-crafted elegance and pure decadence. Our favorite piece, which we've dubbed "la swirl d'élégance", reflects numerous hours of diligence for this master-craft design valued at $350. For purchases and custom-designs for every occasion, Tina is available to personally speak with you regarding your inquiry and willing to accommodate to most budgets.
3) Lacoste Leren by Lacoste
Sleek, cute, stylish, and the latest je ne sais quoi in women's fashion, the Lacoste Leren is one of the most-anticipated items in ladies' footwear for 2013. Available at the low price of $175, this wedge desert boot blends fashion and comfort – the gum sole wedge provides comfort and traction while the burnished suede, knit detailing on the heel, and flattering height make this shoe wearable for everyday.
Sleek, cute, stylish, and the latest je ne sais quoi in women's fashion, the Lacoste Leren is one of the most-anticipated items in ladies' footwear for 2013. Available at the low price of $175, this wedge desert boot blends fashion and comfort – the gum sole wedge provides comfort and traction while the burnished suede, knit detailing on the heel, and flattering height make this shoe wearable for everyday.
4) Thai Massage by Savon Spa
The holidays bring joy and smiles to our lives. They can also bring stress and unnecessary lower back back. Drop by Savon Spa in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood and treat yourself (and your significant other) to a traditional Thai Massage performed by Jen. While studying the art of massage in northern Thailand, Jen acknowledged that the process of giving a massage is a physical and spiritual experience. With that said, the massage is packed with soothing relaxation movements, stretching, and the sharing of positive energy through relieving acupressure. One of the best spots to find this treat, it is one of our best kept secrets (until now).
The holidays bring joy and smiles to our lives. They can also bring stress and unnecessary lower back back. Drop by Savon Spa in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood and treat yourself (and your significant other) to a traditional Thai Massage performed by Jen. While studying the art of massage in northern Thailand, Jen acknowledged that the process of giving a massage is a physical and spiritual experience. With that said, the massage is packed with soothing relaxation movements, stretching, and the sharing of positive energy through relieving acupressure. One of the best spots to find this treat, it is one of our best kept secrets (until now).
5) American Summits Sparkling Mineral Water by American Summits
Pure, crisp water from the mountain springs in Wyoming, it took over 2000 years to bring this piece of bliss to your dinner table. Available in both mineral water and sparkling mineral water, American Summits bottles its water from the source to provide its clients with a fresh taste untouched by the tidbits of city life and chemical treatment. Perfect for an intimate dinner party or during a business lunch, the taste of this mineral water does not disappoint. The company's goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of bottled water shipped from abroad by producing a high-quality in our own lands. Did we mention their eau délicieuse comes in a sleek, recyclable glass bottle?
Pure, crisp water from the mountain springs in Wyoming, it took over 2000 years to bring this piece of bliss to your dinner table. Available in both mineral water and sparkling mineral water, American Summits bottles its water from the source to provide its clients with a fresh taste untouched by the tidbits of city life and chemical treatment. Perfect for an intimate dinner party or during a business lunch, the taste of this mineral water does not disappoint. The company's goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of bottled water shipped from abroad by producing a high-quality in our own lands. Did we mention their eau délicieuse comes in a sleek, recyclable glass bottle?
6) Protein Smoothie Mixer by Navitas Naturals and Williams-Sonoma
Chocolate is a delight all year-round. However, it takes an extra special taste during this season. This is why Protein Smoothie Mixer is a must. The chocolaty taste combined with a low-glycemic natural sweetener makes this nutrient-dense item quite rich. Hemp, cacao, and maca are some of the key ingredients that pack a protein punch while replenishing the omegas in one's body to stay looking chic and keep feeling strong. Navitas Naturals, which encourages followers to "join the smoothment", provides customers with a variety of natural goods, such as organic cacao, natural maca, and camu - a small, red berry native to the Amazon famous for its vitamin C powers. The Protein Smoothie Mixer, which comes in a pack of 3 power smoothies, is available as a 3-pack for $58.85.
Chocolate is a delight all year-round. However, it takes an extra special taste during this season. This is why Protein Smoothie Mixer is a must. The chocolaty taste combined with a low-glycemic natural sweetener makes this nutrient-dense item quite rich. Hemp, cacao, and maca are some of the key ingredients that pack a protein punch while replenishing the omegas in one's body to stay looking chic and keep feeling strong. Navitas Naturals, which encourages followers to "join the smoothment", provides customers with a variety of natural goods, such as organic cacao, natural maca, and camu - a small, red berry native to the Amazon famous for its vitamin C powers. The Protein Smoothie Mixer, which comes in a pack of 3 power smoothies, is available as a 3-pack for $58.85.
7) The 30 Minute Vegan's "Taste of Europe" by Mark Reinfeld
Part cookbook, part travel log, all interesting. Taste of Europe by Mark Reinfeld reinforces the desire to live a healthy lifestyle while promoting sustainable actions primarily through cooking and eating right. If you are looking for delicious, animal-free meals that fit one's modern 9-5 schedule, this is the cooking bible you've been waiting for. One of our favorite recipes is the Six-Herb Botanical Juice, which is popular in Germany (and in our households now). To make this anti-oxidant packed delight, one will need water, fennel seeds, lemongrass, rose hips, and hibiscus flowers, among other goods. Want the full recipe? Check out The 30 Minute Vegan's "Taste of Europe" today!
Part cookbook, part travel log, all interesting. Taste of Europe by Mark Reinfeld reinforces the desire to live a healthy lifestyle while promoting sustainable actions primarily through cooking and eating right. If you are looking for delicious, animal-free meals that fit one's modern 9-5 schedule, this is the cooking bible you've been waiting for. One of our favorite recipes is the Six-Herb Botanical Juice, which is popular in Germany (and in our households now). To make this anti-oxidant packed delight, one will need water, fennel seeds, lemongrass, rose hips, and hibiscus flowers, among other goods. Want the full recipe? Check out The 30 Minute Vegan's "Taste of Europe" today!
8) LAFACE Hydrating & Firming Body Lotion by LAFACE Laboratories
Keep the winter blues and winter skin at bay with a one-stop hydrating solution. LAFACE Hydrating & Firming Body Lotion not only replenishes your skin after a long day at the office, it has a subtle fragrance that blends natural herbs and flowers to create a refreshing feel. By applying a generous amount to sun damaged or dry skin, it soothes away one's stress, a drop of LAFACE at a time.
Keep the winter blues and winter skin at bay with a one-stop hydrating solution. LAFACE Hydrating & Firming Body Lotion not only replenishes your skin after a long day at the office, it has a subtle fragrance that blends natural herbs and flowers to create a refreshing feel. By applying a generous amount to sun damaged or dry skin, it soothes away one's stress, a drop of LAFACE at a time.
9) The Necklace Saver by Armenicus Life, Inc.
Keep your necklaces tangle free at all times. Made from organza with beautiful pastel colors, this new product is great for preventing the annoying tangling of necklaces all-too-common in modern life. Accommodating most necklace lengths and types, it is a cute gift for a dear friend or an old acquaintance. With 3 simple steps, The Necklace Saver is quite easy to use. Unclasp necklace, insert into tube, grasp end of necklace at the bottom, bring the two ends together and clasp necklace close, and tie the ends together: voila! Additionally, part of the company's profits are donated to charities around the world.
Keep your necklaces tangle free at all times. Made from organza with beautiful pastel colors, this new product is great for preventing the annoying tangling of necklaces all-too-common in modern life. Accommodating most necklace lengths and types, it is a cute gift for a dear friend or an old acquaintance. With 3 simple steps, The Necklace Saver is quite easy to use. Unclasp necklace, insert into tube, grasp end of necklace at the bottom, bring the two ends together and clasp necklace close, and tie the ends together: voila! Additionally, part of the company's profits are donated to charities around the world.