Once, being a young environmentalist meant buying a plot of the rainforest with your school class or talking up the dangers of acid rain. These days, budding green activists are focusing on efforts closer to home. For the younger end of the tween spectrum, this is starting with their toys, as evidenced at the recent Toy Fair, where a new round of eco-minded toys was unveiled. Clementine Art is selling Natural Modeling Dough that features earthy colors outside of the typical Play-Doh spectrum, is made of all-natural, non-toxic ingredients, and is dyed with ingredients like turmeric and spinach. According to Toy Industry Association spokesperson Reyne Rice, 2010 will be the year in which green toys become affordable. One example is this butterfly rearing kit that educates tweens about raising and nurturing butterflies from caterpillars by allowing them to connect with nature directly.

H&M  announces its first ever range of skincare with certified organic ingredients. Debuting in stores at the beginning of March, the range of everyday essentials includes shower gel, body scrub, body lotion, hand cream and lip balm, all of which are based on natural and organic ingredients and are certified by Ecocert. The products are available in the fragrance combinations of raspberry and melon or lavender and mint, and are accompanied by make-up and toilet bags made from organic cotton.

This is absolutely cool and is so much FUN….. UO’s DJ Mixer at Urban Outfitters (about $120)

Mix things up with this home mixer that lets you combine music from 2 iPods or mp3 players, or one of each. AC adapter; spin option; 2 effects programs with reverb, flange and filter and cross-fade slider; recording option and speaker system connection with a stereo audio cable with in-line jack;. Charges your iPod while it plays; compatible with a microphone.

Folding headphones included. Imported. Wipe clean.
* 1 year limited warranty
* Compatible with: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPod Nano 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations, iPod Classic, 4th and 5th generations and iPod Mini.
* Includes: mixer, instructions, AC adapter, headphones
* Box: 9″w, 12.5″h
* Mixer: 7.5″w, 7″d, 2″h

This is my absolute favorite gift for young girls. I wish they had this when I was growing up…..it looks like so much fun. (about $30)

Amazon.com Product Description
You’ve got an impeccable sense of style, and you’re the person all your friends turn to when they need critical fashion advice. Now, as the owner of a chic boutique in a fashion-mad city, you’re in a position to share that savvy with the world. Show off your fashion know-how as you help shoppers find just the right touch to complete an outfit, or even help them put together impressive new looks. With your sharp eye for color, cut and coordination, you have the power to make the world a better-looking place, one shopper at a time. Click here to purchase: www.amazon.com

I absolutely love this watch (about $84) ….. it comes in many colors, but silver is my favorite. Hot Pink Patent is my second choice. This will be a fabulous accessory for next year, from resort into spring and summer seasons. The website says “Unique Timepieces – Inspired by Adventure” ….gotta luv that!

Click here to purchase http://www.lamercollections.com/

As any parent knows, the “right” clothes, beauty supplies  and accessories are a must for any teenager.  To help Mom’s out, we’ve prepared the top  list.  Print it out and take it the store with you……your teens will think you are very cool and hip!

Fashion:

1. Converse sneakers
2. Torn jeans
3. Hollister jacket
4. Summer dresses

Beauty

1. Aussie Sprunch Spray
2. Sephora’s Pop-Up Travel Brush – Signature Black & Red
3. Bare Minerals Buxton lip gloss in Dolly

Accessories

1. Invisibelt in Peace Out
2. Ankle Bracelets
3. Rainbow flip flops

If your teen has all of them above, then they are one happy and hip girl.  Happy summer!

Contributing editors: Alex and Alexis

Plus size apparel is predicted to be one of the the fastest growing sectors through 2011. With some 61% of the U.S. population estimated to be overweight, brick-and-mortar manufacturers and retailers are realizing the sheer number of larger women and the extent of their spending power. (Research and Markets, Sept 11, 2008)

Slimming solutions will be the rage………
Invisibelt: All Belt, No Bulk
An undetectable, adjustable belt that gives you a sleeker, slimmer look – a must have for every women ($20 )
Available in plus and regular sizes.

www.invisibelt.com