A few days ago, my husband and I decided to attend an afternoon showing of a new film, and were pleased that by the time the previews began to roll, the theater still had only a dozen other people in it. For some unknown reason, a couple who appeared to be in their early 30s—and who came in while the lights were still up—chose the seats directly in front of us, despite the wide open spaces that were clearly available.

During the previews, and directly before the film began, there were three separate full-screen announcements to please shut off cell phones and pagers, as a courtesy to others in the audience. I remember thinking how sad it was that anyone needed to be reminded of such a basic politeness. Pretty shortsighted of me, since once the film began, the woman in front of us proceeded to pull out her cell phone and make calls. At first, I was too surprised to even react. Several people made schussing noises at her, which she ignored. As the film’s soundtrack picked up in volume, so did the woman’s voice – and she could clearly be heard saying to the person on the other end of the line that she was having a hard time hearing, as the movie was so loud.

When I leaned forward to ask her to shut off her phone, she ignored me. And, despite the fact that I try hard to subscribe to Gandhi’s approach of resolution through non-violence, I have to admit, I nearly lost it. Apparently, the rest of the movie’s patrons seemed to share my outrage, and the situation was resolved a few moments later. And yes, without anyone coming to actual blows—but I’m still thinking about it. What on earth has happened to basic manners? It’s not just that people rarely even hold a public door open once they’ve gone through to keep it from slamming in the next person’s face, or think twice about whipping out in front of you in traffic as if the highway belongs to them—it’s a frightening breakdown in the recognition that for better or worse, our actions, words, and deeds have an absolute effect on other people. Apparently, even having the message delivered on a billboard-sized movie screen isn’t enough to get some people’s attention. My proposal for the coming year: Let’s all pay attention to how we move through the world, and try to do it with consideration and kindness.

I’ve been a fan of Print*Pattern*Paper ever since I laid eyes on Rebecca Peragine’s lovely artwork. So, I’m excited to tell you the latest news!

Children Inspire Design are the same creative folks who brought you the ever-popular Print*Pattern*Paper.  Take a sneak peek at Children Inspire Design’s new line of globally-inspired art and their 2009 holiday offerings.

One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate good for an 8×10 print of their choosing.  Decorate your world in whimsical, vintage or classic with Children Inspire Design.

To celebrate the new launch of Children Inspire Design, they are giving away a Rebecca Peragine original (value- $1,000).  Comment on the Children Inspire Design blog between november 27th and December 4th, and you will be entered to win an original, signed gallery wrapped canvas of Recycled Earth, sized 30”x40”!  Everyone who signs up for their newsletter will also receive a $10 off coupon good from Dec 1 – Dec 15th on ALL Children Inspire Design merchandise. 
Healing Lifestyle readers can shop from the comfort of their own home without missing the good deals.

Exclusive blog giveaway
Who has a new name?  Children Inspire Design are the same creative folks who brought you the ever-popular Print*Pattern*Paper.  Take a sneak peek at Children Inspire Design’s new line of globally-inspired art and their 2009 holiday offerings.
One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate good for an 8×10 print of their choosing.  Decorate your world in whimsical, vintage or classic with Children Inspire Design.

Black Friday- most people have one of two reactions to the annual event. 1) Hooray! Holiday shopping at it’s best.

2) Seriously? I’m certainly not getting up at the crack of dawn to try and shove my way through a parking-lot full of people, just to score something at a discount.

I’m of the latter camp, but I am realizing, however, that budgets are tight—especially this year. So, I’m thrilled to inform you of a few other ways to get into the shopping vibe without having to set foot in the mall. And, did I mention these shops also still honor your eco/healing ethos?

Check out one of our faves, Nimli, and be sure to enter this code for an additional 25% discount!

ABOUT NIMLI
Nimli is an online marketplace devoted to providing natural, organic, and sustainable lifestyle products while embracing style and aesthetic. Nimli offers clothing, accessories, home décor, beauty products and much more from independent designers who combine their effortless creativity with our environmentally conscious ethics. We offer an array of ecologically friendly products that are natural, organic, recycled, sweatshop-free, and cruelty-free. We are firmly aligned with a lifestyle that cultivates a green conscious mind, body, and soul. www.nimli.com

The sale will be for 25% off any order with the code BLACKFRIDAY09.

Hot off the press:

Write your way around Tokyo, all-expenses paid, and get published to boot.

http://WorldNomads.com in conjunction with Rough Guides, Intrepid Travel and http://Hotels.com announces a contest for aspiring travel writers ages 18 and up. Candidates can be students, emerging and non-professional writers and lovers of travel looking for a career change.  The prize is the chance to travel for a week, all-expenses paid, to Tokyo and learn tricks of the trade from Rough Guides travel writer, Simon Richmond.

The deadline for applications is Dec. 21, 2009. For details and online entry please visit the scholarship page on http://worldnomads.com.

The assignment will be to research, review and update essential travel info for the Tokyo section of The Rough Guide Japan, including accommodation, bars and restaurants, entertainment, shopping, tours, activities and transport, as well as searching out those local secrets that travelers want to read about.

The contest winner will fly to Tokyo from his/her country of residence and then, after touching base with travel writing mentor Simon Richmond, hit the road for 7 days reviewing and writing for ‘The Rough Guide to Japan‘ travel guide. Afterwards there will be a chance to relax and enjoy a 4 day “Flavors of Tokyo” independent tour with Intrepid Travel offering a cuisine-focused insight into the Japanese Culture.

Applicants need to be available between Feb. 15 – 26, 2010 to participate in ‘The Rough Guide to Japan’ writing assignment and “Flavors of Tokyo” independent tour with Intrepid Travel.

Entrants must have a high degree of proficiency in written English, be comfortable doing some travel on their own, be at least 18 years old, have a current passport and be an excellent writer with a lust for adventure travel and a burning desire to be a travel writer.

To apply entrants will be asked to write a maximum 500 word travel-focused essay based on a personal experience around one of the following themes:
-A Journey that Changed Lives
-Responsible Travel
-Adventure in an Unknown Culture
-A Memorable Experience Involving Food in a Foreign Country

The winner of the scholarship contest, along with the best entries received will be published on the WorldNomads.com website on January 8th, 2010.
http://WorldNomads.com provides global travel safety products and services to travelers from over 150 countries around the world. From great value travel insurance, travel safety advice, language guides and free online travel journals, http://WorldNomads.com provides the tools to keep clients travelling safely. All clients can donate to a community development project when purchasing travel insurance through the Footprints Charity program. http://WorldNomads.com is backed by a suite of strong, secure, specialist travel insurance companies.

Hello ! It’s my pleasure to announce the winner of the HollyBeth Luxury Skincare $100 gift card! Thanks to all of you who played along.

And now, the winner is:
Jennifer W.

Congratulation Jennifer! I’ve emailed you to confirm your win.
Thanks again to HollyBeth Luxury Skincare for offering such a fabulous prize!
Be sure to RSS the blog to be privy to the latest contests!

I was introduced to Hollybeth’s Natural Luxury skincare at the Lohas festival this past June and was instantly smitten with their unique scent and essential oil combinations, including Marigold & Sweet Basil and Rose & Geranium. But what I really love about the line is what they don’t use; you won’t find any dyes, GMOs, parabens or sulfates in any of their products and can actually read the entire label without needing your masters in chemistry. With winter setting in, I keep a tub of the Citrus Body Cream next to my bed. Made with  sweet almond oil and tea tree oil, and fragranced with a hint of lemon, the cream soothes both my dry battered skin as well as my psyche. So, getting in the holiday spirit, Hollybeth’s Natural Luxury is giving one lucky winner $100 worth of their fabulous products! Read on for details..

GIVEAWAY TIME!

TO ENTER: Visit the Hollybeth’s Natural Luxury website and find at least 2-4 items that you’d spend a $100 gift card on. Come back to this blog, and “comment”. Be sure to comment with your wish list, or you will not qualify. Please make sure you sign in to comment using a valid email address so that if you win I can contact you (your email address will not be visible, only to me). Only one entry per person, per household. Be sure to include your first name AND last initial or I won’t be able to include you in the random drawing when the winner is selected.

11/18: THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

OK, so the ISPA conference is over but I am still basking in the fabulous products I picked up at the event. One in particular I feel I need to mention because it’s just too yummy! I was walking by a booth en route to a meeting and was halted in my steps by this fabulous aroma coming from the Ambre Blends booth. I was late for the meeting but didn’t care, I had to know what I was smelling. Turns out, it was a body and room stray called Ambre Essence. It was such a clean, euphoric and sensual aroma. I took away with me a bottle of this spray plus a body lotion and am literally using sparingly so as not to use it all up too quickly. When you spray a squirt, it somehow spreads throughout the entire room and lays a blanket of aromatic goodness that lasts for actually a really long time. I am highly recommending to anyone who’s as much of an aromatherapy nut as I am, it’s good stuff!

During my recent excursion to Tennessee to meet with local farmers and chefs, I was treated to lunch at the Knoxville Visitor Center,  where the historic WDVX radio show broadcasts Blue Plate Special, with live bluegrass music and local commentary. Lunch, catered by Calhoun’s on the River, was yummy, but the fabulous music was what made the meal special. After enjoying the beautiful harmonies of the group Lonesome Traveler, I was surprised to hear the six-member group is based in Colorado, not too far from where I live. Even better, vocalist and mandolin player Jodi Boyce told me that the group is traveling to music venues around the country in their eco bus, powered by used cooking oil, in an effort to raise awareness about environmental issues. Their tour schedule is posted on their website, and if you get a chance to hear them live, I highly recommend the experience.