Hello World.

So, we have 6 days left till Christmas. When it comes to Christmas presents, I am actually really not that good at planning ahead. My brother, Sam, is by far the expert at gift-giving. No matter what, he always gets the most relevant, epic and thoughtful presents. Now a days, I am more and more interested in the idea of conscious gift giving and conscious living in general. Since last March, my husband and I have been digital nomads (also known as ‘hot desking’ apparently) and living from the comfort’s of our friends and families homes. The biggest lesson this year has taught us is how little we really need and how unnecessary it is to spend money on material things. I have really tried my best to be mindful of how and what I spend my money on and what I really need versus what I may just want in that moment. And then, there’s Christmas. A time where you are meant to push past your comfort zone and really overspend on items that you (and your loved ones) may not even really want or need.

My thoughts? There are a few ways to avoid the last minute over-spending on Christmas gifts. Now, I am admitting tha I am totally writing this, knowing that I haven’t followed this. However, it is my intention to begin now. SO let’s start together shall we?
Tips for Conscious Gift Giving:

1. Buy it online to avoid random purchases (avoid going to shopping malls)
2. Plan ahead (avoid last minute crazy desperate purchases to just find ‘something’)
3. Ask yourself if the item will increase the long-term overall happiness and quality of life of the receiver
4. Is this item a worthy recipient of your money
5. Do you feel good gifting this item?
6. Buy local (decrease your carbon footprint and support your community)

Now, here are some amazing ideas for a Christmas Gift

1. Living in Light book (paper back or digital) by Chloe Elgar
   USD 37.99 (paperback)
   USD 12.99 (digital)Living in Light is a story fuelled by the belly, told from the heart. An emotional journey of a struggle with eating disorders and anxiety while learning to embrace the truth. With 50 holistic recipes, it reads like a novel, functions like a cookbook — an essential read for anyone learning to build a healthy relationship with food, nutritionists and holistic soul-searchers.
2. Ilia Beauty ‘blossom lady’ Tinted Lip Conditioner
   USD 26.00This is my new favourite lipstick / makeup brand which is also local to Vancouver. This lipstick conditioner serves both as a lip chap and a lipstick and the colours are beautiful and 100% natural dyes. Not only that, the branding/packaging is so slick and stylish- you will be stoked to whip it out in front of others.
3. Living True Mentorship session with Chloe (90 minutes)
   15 % OFF original price (email chloe@chloescountertop.com for more information)
   
   My Living True Mentorship is the exclusive one on one coaching program which I offer to clients who are looking for more intensive, long-term solutions in life. Each client’s program is bespoke and catered to their needs, including any/all of the following: holistic nutrition, ayurveda, intuitive eating, conscous living, life purpose, eating disorder recovery, body image coaching, depression, anxiety and more.Email me at chloe@chloescountertop.com for more information and to book a session for you or a loved one for a beautiful, conscious and very meaningful Christmas present.
4. Nude Portrait Sketch with artist Tori Swanson (male, female, couples, prenatal)
   Email for prices and scheduling to tori.s.swanson@gmail.com (mention my name for special pricing)This is one of the most empowering and vulnerable things you can do (or that you can gift) for Christmas. So many traditions around Christmas involve eating and drinking too much, followed by feeling guilty and shame about your body and yourself. What if you started the new year with an act of true self-acceptance. Embrace the beautiful body suit that you were offered in this life. I can say from experience (yes, I’ve done it- in fact, the below sketch is me) that this is such a beautiful practice to do and Tori is so amazing, comfortable to work with and talented.
5. Nominou Scarves (use code CHLOE for 15% off)
   CAD 79I just so happen to be an ambassador for Nominou, which makes this all the more fun. I absolutely LOVE their products. The brand was created inspired by founder’s late mother’s artwork.
6. Karma Athletics Gabriella Tight – (use CElgar promo code for 15% off)
   USD 138Karma is also a local Vancouver apparel brand and the cool thing is that all of their products are made in Vancouver! This apparel line is very much a fine line between classic fitness and sexy lines. A great, high-quality present.
7. Nicole Bridger Belief Pant
   CAD 194
   
   I have these pants and absolutely love them. Nicole Bridger is another amazing local Vancouver company who is ALL about sustainable, conscious clothing. Made in a crepe fabric that we specially developed with just the right amount of texture and stretch to be super flattering. These fantastic pants were sewn in a wonderful factory in Vancouver just minutes from their lovely store. 
8. Vij’s Indian Cookbook
   CAD 35
   
   Meeru Dhalwala and Vikram Vij, the dynamic team behind North America’s celebrated Indian restaurants, bring together a beautiful new collection of beloved recipes cooked at their restaurants that they also regularly cook at home. These are those special recipes that come from the journey of life and are full of meaning, stories and Indian flavours (70% of the recipes are vegetarian)
9. Mala Collective’s new Meditation Kit
   USD 180
   
   If you follow me, you know that I LOVE Mala Collective. I am never caught without one of their malas and love that they are also a Vancouver-based company (product sourced and made in Bali). This beautiful meditation kit is an epic gift idea for a loved one who already has a meditation practice or is trying to create one. 
10. Photo Session with Iulia Photographer
    CAD 200
    
    Iulia is one of my favourite Vancouver photoraphers and the artist behind so much of my beautiful brand photography. She is also a beautiful, lovely person.
    1 hour outdoor portrait session with 10 edited images
    email: iulia.agnew@gmail.com to book 
11. Yoga private session with Melanie EmlynCAD 75 per 1 hour session (up to 2 people)
    CAD 100 per 1 hour session (3 people and up)
    
    Re-connect with your authentic self and learn to embrace all aspects of your being. Each session is unique to your needs and may include yoga, meditation, holistic nutrition, conscious conversation and the occasional dance party! Get ready to connect with yourself on a deeper level and learn to love life. 
12. Tarot Session with Jan Elgar
    CAD 75 / 1 hour
    
    Spend an hour with Jan as she intuitively feels the energy that is present in the moment and through using oracle and or tarot cards, discover the seed that can be unlocked to reveal your true essence and the light shining within (skype or in person). 
13. Archetypal Blueprint Session with Danielle Blackwood
    CAD 160This is Sacred Astrology, a deep dive into your birth chart, or soul contract. Danielle will look at what your chart says about why you’re here, and what you have come to accomplish in this lifetime (approx. 1 hour) http://www.urbanpriestess.ca/ 
14. Bonus gift idea: Monthly Vegan Cheese Subscription from Blue Heron Cheese
    CAD 35 per portionAre you in Vancouver and looking for some vegan cheese? Whether you are vegan, experimenting with plant-based foods or generally just trying to improve your health- this is an amazing offer. All locally made cheeses by Chef Karen and her team at Blue Heron Cheese. Each month the package varies based on local, seasonal and inspired ingredients. All delicious. All high quality.
15. Vegan Leather Jackets
    USD 58Looking for a more contemporary take on the classic leather motorcycle jacket? Look no further than the top womens vegan moto online. Sonia, with her funnelneck finish and asymmetrical zip. This faux leather motorcycle jacket will make you stand out while looking great! And with the warm, fleece lining, you’ll be able to stay warm while looking cool (pardon the pun).  Top fashion for vegans.

    

And there you have it. Better late than never! I hope you have an amazing Christmas and holiday and remember to practice the intention of love, community and compassion throughout. Feel free to email me at chloe@chloescountertop.com if you have any questions about the above items.