The Small Stuff - taoStyle

We’ve all been there.

It’s down to the wire and we’re sweating the small stuff!

Guests are beginning to arrive – kids are officially on break – the house is beginning to look and feel like Christmas, but the stockings are still looking a bit forlorn. What to do?

Well, I have a few ideas to help you fill those empty stockings pronto. And if stockings are not on the agenda, because you are celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanza or the Solstice instead, never fear; these gifts are all non denominational, inclusive and better yet, sustainable!

Considering the stress associated with the season – this year in particular with the political roller coaster ride we find ourselves on, as we hurtle into the 20’s – I’ve looked for items that offer warm comfort during cold and uncertain times.

Who knew you needed bubble bath in a honey bear container? Not I, but Genevieve at Clean Taos has them on her shelves, along with whipped soap, hand milled French soaps, scented drawer liners and bath bombs that look like sugar donuts!

Shree Yoga Taos has real Taos Honey for sale on their shelves, along with the cbd version, which I highly recommend substituting for the regular kind this time of year. Maybe pick up a few jars along with gift certificates for a series of Yoga classes in the New Year, for the really wound people on your list?

Getting back to that bubble bath, what would bathtime be without a bar of Sage&Pine soap from Bison Star Naturals? Especially when it looks like an intaglio jewel with its carved buffalo.

Bathtime would be no fun at all without a few bon bons to nibble on. And where better to find those than right here in Downtown Taos at the award-winning, mouth-watering and inspiring Chokola?

Bean to bar, world-class chocolate doesn’t get better than this. Make sure you pick up an extra bar or two for yourself, so you don’t wind up eating all the bonbons!

I recently read that red wine and chocolate combined amp up the powerful antioxidants present in both, to specifically target skin; people who indulge in this miracle duo, appear years younger according to studies. Already long a favorite indulgence of mine, I plan to up my intake now and into 2020! Pick up a great bottle of organic and/or biodynamic wine from the Cellar to go with those bars and bonbons.

While there you might want to pick up a bottle or two of Del Maguey (pronounced ma–gay), Single Village Mezcal was founded in 1995 by internationally renowned artist and Taos resident Ron Cooper.

Through his deep and long association with Zapotec producers in the remote villages of Oaxaca and Puebla in Mexico, Ron introduced the world to previously unavailable artisanal mezcal handcrafted using an ancient and traditional organic process.

Ask for the hand-woven cylindrical basket to contain your gift. It makes a great pencil or brush case once the bottle is empty.

For the teetotalers on your list, (and don’t forget yourself), well there’s nothing better than a cup of fairly traded, organic tea from tea.p.graphy to calm frazzled nerves. All tea.o.graphy blends are carefully handcrafted with a special focus on organic & fair trade ingredients.

Stir in a spoonful of that cbd honey and sink into that well deserved bubble bath you just ran. Yeah, you used the Bear Bubbles that were meant for so and so, but oh well, there are more where that came from!

And once you’ve soaked your cares away, it’s time to get ready for yet another round of entertaining and parties to attend, and you completely forgot to wash your hair!

But you did remember to pick up a stash of mini-sized, eco-friendly Kevin Murphy products, while having your hair done at Salon X last week, and a little Motion Lotion should work in a pinch. Just scrunch and go! Let your hair air dry while you throw on that party dress you found at Reneux. What could be easier (and more chic) than that?

Don’t forget a little self nurturing goes a long way during this busy season, so do find time for a bit of pampering and relaxation! Be safe and warm and happy (sustainable), shopping!