5 Sustainable Surf Accessories you will love

It is that time…we can purchase sustainable surf accessories for the sports we love. You are never too old or young to start this sport and it brings such happiness and moments of communing with nature! For this reason alone the Hawaiian words “Malama Aina” resonate so much with us! Take care of the land and the land will take care of you- in the same way take care of the ocean and the ocean will take care of you!! It is our mission to inspire this philosophy with every article we write! We as surfers are so blessed to enjoy the ocean and we want to introduce brands to you that help us make conscious choices when purchasing things for the outdoors so we can support the surfer lifestyle in style! Our individual actions support the collective impact. When you support sustainable ethical brands you are shaping a better world for future generations. These are some of our very favourite sustainable surf accessories!

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running.Allows us to keep the content free for readers.This motivates us to stay on our mission of inspiring conscious consumerism.

Wave Tribe

sustainable surf sock made with hemp

Wave Tribe is one of our best finds out there in the ethical surf world! They have incredible products from hemp travel bags to wax made from bees wax to surf leashes made from recycled plastic and the most amazing surfboard sock! They also have a really interesting podcast all about the surf world and there is even an interview with us you can hear it here ¨Leaving the Rat Race for Slow living in Hawai’i¨ an other really cool thing I would like to mention is that they have a guarantee on their leashes, correct me if I am wrong but I don’t know any other surfleas that gives you that type of guarantee. So really it should be a no brainer as to where your next leash comes from. We can both attest myself on my longboard and Iñaki in really big waves our leashes have stood the test of time.

Coala Tree

This is the perfect place for the outdoor enthusiast. We love the hammock as it is the perfect accessory for a family outing surf day. There is nothing better than a nap after an amazing surf session while listening to the ocean in the background while you slumber. Our son loves it too from playing in with his friends to taking some of his most satisfying naps. We also have our eye on the blankets! So wether you are headed to your next surf destination or going skiing this eco minded store has great products and is the type of store we should be supporting. This store ships worldwide.

Anima Womens Surf Style

This surf poncho is an absolute eye catcher. Every time I wear it someone asks me where it is from! This brand is a small brand located in Spain and they are making things with organic cotton, bamboo and most importantly sustainably! Another Surf brand at the very top of our list, support this woman in her endeavours supporting women. We are happy to announce that we are proud ambassadors of this brand! We look forward to seeing you in your poncho on your next surfcation.

IndoSole

These shoes are made from recycled tire soles. They are stylish comfortable and most importantly durable. We really recommend this brand for the beach, as the wear and tear of wet feet and sand can sometimes take down even the best flip flops. These stand the test of time and they have some beautiful colors too. We love our Indosole flip flops.

Kaiona Swim

This new and local Hawaiian brand is another true inspiration and most importantly is a great surf bikini. If you surf as much as I do you probably know what it is like to have a suit that keeps slipping all over the place when you are in the water. This suit sits firmly throughout your whole surf session and is ever so stylish and of course made from regenerated nylon!

Thanks for reading and hope to see you in the water and maybe even share a wave or two.

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

If you liked this article check out more of our surf articles ¨Reduce, Reuse, Recycle¨ and ¨Surfer Responsibilities¨

Amazing Organic Superfoods with Just Add Heather

navitas superfoods

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running.Allows us to keep the content free for readers.This motivates us to stay on our mission of inspiring conscious consumerism.

We are so excited to introduce you to our latest collaboration, with our very dear friend Heather from Just Add Heather and Navitas one of our favourite Superfood companies we like to use.

Firstly I would like to emphasise the importance of superfoods in the current world we live in. Keeping our bodies healthy and thriving is of utmost importance right now, here are a few helpful tips to incorporate these foods into your diet and the things they are useful for. If you are interested in more information on raising the Immune System you can also see our post 5 Great Ways to Boost your Immune System. In this video Heather makes an amazing Chocolate Cream Pie recipe for us and a few other helpful recipes and keeps us entertained while teaching us about the power of superfoods.

You can support the Just Add Heather show by subscribing to her youtube channel and watching her awesome live performance shows she does every Sunday eve.

Elderberry Powder: There are many reported benefits of elderberries. Not only are they nutritious, but they may also fight cold and flu symptoms, support heart health and fight inflammation and infections, among other benefits.

Camu Powder : A tart, red berry that grows along riverbanks in the Amazon, Camu naturally contains more vitamin C than any other known food on earth! A single serving oforganic, carefully dried Camu Powder provides 760% daily value of vitamin C—the nutrient that’s universally touted as the most important for immunity. Simply add a teaspoon to any smoothie, blend and go!

Super Food Immunity Blend : This Blend contains nature’s three most abundant sources of naturally occurring vitamin C—camu, orange and acerola cherry—so you can effectively support your immunity.

Superfood Adaptogen Blend : Adaptogens are ancient plants that work with the body’s endocrine system (which regulates our hormones, sleep and mood) to build energy and resiliency. Maca is a super root in peru and contains such vitamins as potassium, iron and manganese and is especially good for men. Reishi known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” reishi has been used in Chinese and Japanese medicine for over 2,000 years. It helps the body cope with stress. Ashwagandha is commonly referred to as Indian Ginseng. The benefits of this ancient herb include supporting the body’s ability to cope with internal stressors like sleeplessness and fatigue while also promoting a general sense of calm.

Cacao : Cacao is one of the most antioxidant foods we can eat, as well as helping deliver other minerals in the body. It is a great source of magnesium which most of us lack and a good source of Iron and Calcium. It also raises the seratonin levels in the brain even having a reputation of helping against depression.

Cacao Butter : Cacao Butter is also full of antioxidants and it is a great source for omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. It is also wonderful for your skin.

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple and Heather

Sustainable Headphones for Kids and Adults

We are so happy to introduce you to these two eco-conscious sustainable headphones. We think it is so important to make the more conscious purchase in all areas of our lives and these are two brands that offer us a great eco-friendly option when it comes to headphones and speakers.

Pogs Sustainable Headphones for Kids

sustainable headphones by Pogs

Pogs are really a great pair of sustainable headphones for kids! We especially love the volume control they have and the way they fit on the little ones heads. Kids can play freely with them while listening to their favourite music or stories. We absolutely love playing stories four our son. It keeps him entertained and it gives him a chance for some down time.

We have even recorded some of our most beloved books and put them on an mp3 for him. I think he likes listening to his parents read his favourite books. The head phones are made of recycled plastics and sustainably. They also have a small port so that siblings or friends can listen to something together as pictured above. We highly recommend you support this small brand that is truly making a mark in children’s headphones.

House of Marley

House of Marley makes headphones that are not only sustainable but sound incredible and their mission is to make their headphones with mother earth as their priority. We are completely aligned with this brand and its mission and highly recommend their products. As avid music lovers we look forward to trying some of their speakers and turntables in the future.

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

Great EMF Protection from your Cellphone

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running.Allows us to keep the content free for readers.This motivates us to stay on our mission of inspiring conscious consumerism.

This is a subject that has always been near and dear to my heart. To begin with I would like to remind everyone to a time not too long ago when cell phones did not exist and we still managed to have an amazing social life. Do not get me wrong I do very much appreciate all that the cell phone has brought into our lives but are we addicted? Do you ever take time off? Leave it at home for a few hours a day or in the car when you go to the beach. It has become such an extension of ourselves that we never seem to let it go. So I wanted to urge you to make small adjustments and disconnect from it sometimes. I even created a fun facebook page a few years ago that could probably use a little more love and attention Electronic Free Sundays

Another really important thing to consider is EMF’s and Blue Light….. Did you know that your cell phone emits Electro Magnetic Frequency. This is a type of radiation that our electronic devices emit. Please feel free to google this term and find your own research on the matter. I have found plenty of valuable information out there.

We have come across a brand that has made a cell phone cover to protect you from EMF. After many hours of research on the market this is the brand I have most faith in. We look forward to them stepping up their sustainability aspects but for now I think our own health is most important. I myself have tested the phone cover with a EMF reader and you do see a difference and it does provide EMF protection. I also got the blue light screen protector and have since cracked that screen, kept my actual phone out of harms way and am ordering another.

Safe Sleeve is the name of the brand I have use over the last few months and I am truly happy with my case. I got the one that is removable so I can attach it to a magnet in my car and not use my cell phone while driving. Another very important aspect when safety is concerned. I feel really good about talking hands free when I am on the road.

I would like you to do your own research about EMF’s and the effect they can have. I have done mine and am convinced that small steps to protect ourselves are essential. Another thing I highly recommend is to switch off your WIFI at night and keep your electronic devices out of your bedroom. That way you will get a better nights rest and you can always invest in an old fashioned alarm clock if you are using it for that. If you do need to sleep near your phone another option is to turn it to aeroplane mode when you go to bed.

If you do not have a EMF protector I highly recommend to use headphones or the speaker function on your handheld device.

Thank you for reading and please share any knowledge you may have on the subject as we are always willing and excited to learn new things.

Eco Couple

P.S Don’t forget to leave the phone outside of the room you sleep in, and even better turn off your wifi rooter at night!

5 Amazing Sustainable Conscious Make Up Brands

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running.Allows us to keep the content free for readers.This motivates us to stay on our mission of inspiring conscious consumerism.

Make up is really one of the products we should be paying a good amount of our attention too. For way too long we have been covering our skin, eyes and lips with toxic products to make us look better. Never really stopping to think about what our make up is made of. It is not always easy to find good brands with beautiful pigmentation, that actually work and makes you look good but is also be good for your skin and are made with no artificial ingredients, vegan and as clean as can be. As we age it is ever more so important that we keep our skin hydrated and nourished. These are a few brands that do these things as well as really help you make more responsible, sustainable choices for our make up brands. Please see this post for more Beauty Products.

Dome Beauty

conscious beauty products
We created a brand that solidifies our commitment to make beauty more unifying while maintaining the cleanest and greenest standards

I truly love the colours and quality of the Dome products. From brushes to blushes this brand carries it all and not only that they offer an amazing recycling program. So when you have used up your product you can mail back your container for recycling and a credit to wards your next purchase. It sure does sound appealing because I would like to try and never have to throw plastic away uselessly again if possible. This brand is a step toward a better future and we at eco couple fully support their mission.

Gabriel Cosmetics

Gabriel products offer consumers earth conscious and ethical options to their beauty needs.

Another great brand that also offers two other eco-friendly brands on their platform. This is eco-friendy, cruelty free beautiful make up. I love the pressed powder make up as well as the eyebrow pencil. They have absolutely everything for a clean sleek look. They are committed to sustainable natural beauty and earth-conscious practices that keep our ocean blue, our planet green, and our animals safe. I can honestly say that you can feel good about purchasing any of the brands listed and also fall in love with the quality of the products. They also reward recycling your used items, for every 5 you send back to them they send you a lipstick to show their gratitude. What’s not to love?

Josie Maran Store

I personally have been using Josie Maran for over a decade, and her products have just gotten better with time. My absolute must haves is her Argan Oil and I have carried a all purpose Argan color stick in my bag for as long as I can remember. Wether you need to plump up your cheeks or give your lips a little bit of colour. This has been my go to from the day they first launched it. I love how creamy it is and it feels nourishing on my skin. It is an absolute no brainer and I highly recommend you give it a try.

River Organics

I have tried the highlighter, the blush stick and the bare lip balm and I have to say I really like these products. I also really love the packaging and attention to detail that goes into the sustainability aspect of this product. I really love it when a brand goes the extra mile to create something that is as low waste as possible all the while also giving back by planting trees and supporting the ocean project.

You can also purchase River Organics at Earth Hero in the beauty section and use code: Ecocouple for 10% off

Alima Pure

If powdered make up is your style this is the right place for you. What is great here is they have a really awesome sample kit that you can purchase so you know exactly what shade is right for your skin. Once you have found the right shade for you, you can always replace your make up with refillable compacts. They have a beautiful selection of cream blush and gorgeous eye shadows. Another awesome brand we should be supporting!

So just to remind you that you do not have to compromise on quality for your most beautiful looks!! You can also give back to the planet and support amazing causes next time you shop for make up. Making more sustainable choices, creating less waste and protecting our animal kingdom – really its pretty easy to do wha is right for your skin and our planet. I would love to hear from you and learn about new products. So please feel free to share your experiences.

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

Best 5 Sustainable Eyewear brands

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running.Allows us to keep the content free for readers.This motivates us to stay on our mission of inspiring conscious consumerism.

This is one area we often forget about in the world of sustainability. Yet it is so important to own a good pair of sustainable sunglasses. With or without prescriptions it is imperative, this day and age, to protect our eyes from harmful uv rays. Why would we not purchase from brands that have the best interest of our environment at heart? Here are 5 Sustainable eyewear brands we hope you will come to love and support.

Eco Eyes

sustainable eyewear prescription glasses
We really care about what we do. Your vision matters to us. The Environment matters
to us. – Eco Eyes

I am beyond excited to introduce to you a brand that produces prescription glasses made ethically. They use a selection of bio-plastics, sustainable woods, ocean plastics, hand assembled, BPA and phthalate free acrylics, and cotton acetates. To add to that they also plant 5 trees for every pair of glasses sold. Wether it is eye glasses or sunglasses you need with or without prescriptions and even with a blue light filter as an option. Eco Eyewear has a fabulous collection to choose from. The hard case is also great to protect from them getting damaged when in your handbag.

Zeal Optics

Zeal Optics See Grass frames combine 70% recycled plastics and 30% grass fibers in a closed-loop system to create our most sustainable sunglasses yet. – Zeal Optics

Zeal Optics are definitely extremely innovative, making their sustainable sunglasses from a combination of grass and recycled plastic bottles. These glasses are super stylish and an absolute dream to look through. The quality of the polarised lenses is really notable. So without compromising style or durability these sunglasses are among the most sustainably made on the market. We really love them and the brand behind them and highly recommend you try a pair for yourselves.

Panda

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet. It uses less water than traditional woods, and puts more oxygen back into the air! Plus it doesn’t require chemical fertilizers, making it safer for the earth and farmers. Not only is bamboo naturally lightweight, it’s also stronger than steel!

Solo Eyewear

At SOLO Eyewear, we create environmentally responsible sunglasses that restore vision for people in need. We strongly believe in living a life of adventure and inspiring individuals to change the world – Solo eyewear

Solo eyewear is also on our list, with amazing polarised lenses that make the world look a whole lot nicer when you look through them. They work with repurposed wood, repurposed bamboo and Cellulose Acetate (Cellulose acetate is an eco-friendly material made from cellulose obtained from wood produced in sustainably managed forests . After disposal, it returns to nature through the activity of water and microorganisms.)

So as you can see they are not only doing the right thing but they are giving back to the world, helping people in need. Can you imagine a world where we all did that? We can make that happen by supporting these brands that are truly making a difference, and casting our vote by where we spend our money.

I really want to remind people how important each and every one of our actions is, and the impact it has. We have been researching the sustainable world for almost a decade now and it is so wonderful to see all these amazing brands, and the people behind them, supporting each other and the mission to give back to our earth!

Thank you!!!! For if you are reading this you are a part of my soul family… thank you for taking the time to research products and trying to find the better option.

Swell Vision

With each product sold we are working together to leave this place better than we found it, by creating and promoting a sustainable consumer culture. Thank you for standing with Swell and voting with your dollar to make a positive impact on the future of our planet. – Swell Vision

Light weight, classy and sustainably made with bamboo, you can barely feel you are even wearing glasses. They are polarised and look just as good on him than they do on her, if I may say so myself.

What we most love about this brand is their dedication to our future generations, Swell Vision is a sponsor for the Green School in Bali, supporting our future green change-makers. So we highly recommend them for their products as well as their support to our green community.

4 Amazing Sustainable Pyjamas for All Ages

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running.Allows us to keep the content free for readers.This motivates us to stay on our mission of inspiring conscious consumerism.

We should all own a pair of sustainable pyjamas for every occasion! Wether it be a cosy flannel for a winter night to a light airy pyjama for your island lifestyle. Here on Maui you can definitely use a pyjama for every occasion. There are 24 micro climates on the island. It can even get to be freezing cold if you drive up to the Haleakala crater. I did many hours of research on this subject and found my very favourite brands. Firstly to share them with you but also for ourselves because we spend a third of our life sleeping, should we not be in the most comfortable, organic pyjamas one can get their hands on? We sure think so. Hope you like our selection!

Sudara

flannel sustainable pyjamas

I discovered this brand as I was hunting for an awesome pyjama for Iñaki. He is really one of those traditional Pj wearers. He wears his pj’s on a daily basis and his criteria is pretty high. When discovering Sudara I knew I came to the right place. As soon as his arrived I was so impressed.

I also loved knowing I supporting women in India with my purchase. You can really see and feel these pieces are made with love and a very specific attention to detail. Simply knowing, that by making this purchase I was supporting such an amazing cause, I could not resist from contacting Sudara and asking them how we could help shed the light on their project!

I absolutely love my flannel pyjamas and Iñaki is extremely happy with his cotton ones too.

Every purchase supports living-wage employment and skills training for women in India who are at a high risk or survivors of sex trafficking. -Sudara

Chandra Textiles

You will come to learn our love for India and supporting it’s beautiful gentle people. This Etsy Store straight out of India has so many wonderful things. Among them these vibrant organic cotton handmade Pyjama sets. They also have amazing Quilts, Rugs and scarves. I love being able to support a brand such as this one. Ordering from Chandra textiles you are supporting a small business in India that pays Rural Women to hand make their products. Our package arrived super quickly and the customer service is absolutely on point.

I really love the colours one can choose from at this store. Bright, vibrant and ultimately happy pieces.

If you are spending a day at the beach or simply lounging at home this stunning Kimono brings joy of vibrant colours into your life. You cannot go wrong with a few pieces from this store.

Feel free to support, gift and share these super cute sustainable pyjamas with your loved ones and know that you are truly supporting a good cause by doing so!

Mightly

Such a great find for toddler pyjamas, all the way up to age 12. It is not that easy to find a brand that uses organic cotton for our little ones sleepwear. Mightly has far more than just sustainable pyjamas. Hoodies, dresses, comfy durable clothes, for kids that love to get dirty and play. This company is ran by two fantastic moms and one of their daughters Eloise. They are all about transparency, sustainability, durability and just the cutest style. We plan on being customers for many years to come!

Mightly has a completely transparent supply chain. We know our factories, their suppliers and
where our cotton is grown.- Mightly

It was by no means intentional for India to be such a presence in this post but this brand is designed and california and made in India yet again supporting a fair trade factory in India that has been certified since 2010. We look forward to sharing many more pictures with you in the future.

Kyte Baby

We have been an extreme fan of this brand ever since our little one was born! We named them the ¨Softes Pyjamas Ever¨ clic on the link to read the whole post. Another family run business that uses the sustainable fabric bamboo. Since we discovered the brand they now also make super cozy pyjamas for adults and the most incredible blankets. I highly reccomend you check them out.

Bamboo is the best choice for your baby, and for the planet’s future.- Kyte baby

We are very proud of this list and can promise that it does not get more sustainable than these brands. So get yourself and your family a comfy outfit for these ¨stay at home¨ days and feel like you are making a difference, because you are!!!!

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

Top 3 Eco-Friendly Sustainable Yoga Brands

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running.Allows us to keep the content free for readers.This motivates us to stay on our mission of inspiring conscious consumerism.

It always feel great to set yourself up with goals to do yoga or any type of exercise, especially when a new year is starting. Why not make this upcoming year about committing to that time for yourself. Be it yoga, stretching or any type of workout. To help you on your way you can find Iñaki´s free classes on his youtube channel and soon they will also be available on our blog too.

We will always suggest that using what you already have is the most sustainable option, but if you are in need to get some things to help you get motivated on the road to exercising this coming year. These are some amazing sustainable yoga brands that we ourselves use, love and cherish.

Inner Waves Organics

eco-friendly sustainable yoga brands

The importance of wearing organic cotton on my skin when I exercise and sweat is something that I truly value. We are so excited to introduce you to this brand. We partnered up with them to do a photoshoot for their new line and can call ourselves proud ambassadors. Between the two of us we pretty much wear them almost every day. The clothes are really well made, comfortable and fashionable. I also want to mention how well made they are that after washing them over and over again they do not loose their quality. My absolute go to for work out clothes.

Ajna Wellbeing

I myself have always felt guilty when buying a yoga mat because in the end I know how much I use it and how it wears down and then I have to buy another. Which of course is normal if you are practicing on it and working up a sweat. When I found Ajna Wellbeing I was so excited because it is a beautifully made mat but also 100% biodegradable. That really means the world to me. So when we are done and they are worn we will bury them under the ground with our compost and give back to nature what it has let us use! In Hawaiian the term is ¨Malama ‘Aina¨ – By simply taking care and respecting the land, it will sustain life.

Not only do they have these beautiful mats but we also love their bolster and meditation cushions! Each bolster is hand stitched from recycled materials and really inspires one to do your practice at home. We really believe that it is so important to start a meditation practice now more than ever and it does really make a difference if you can be in a comfortable sitting position for longer periods of time.

The Mats are also reversible for two different types of grip and come in several colours. We are so happy with our mats and even more happy that most of Iñakis students that see and feel the mat are buying it too. And we only have been getting good feedback!

Ripple Yogawear

This jumpsuit is so stylish, as well as super comfortable, and perfect for doing inverted poses. Although there are just a few pieces in the organic section of Ripple Yogawear, we are sure that supporting their initiative will inspire more amazing organic options to come in the future. We have already seen their collection grow since we discovered the brand!!! So let’s keep supporting their growth!

Use Syecocouple for a 12% discount

The slouchy capri pants that he is wearing is super soft and another great basic to have in your closet. We basically share them, well I ¨borrow¨ them from Iñaki when we are hanging out at home.

Supporting brands that have organic options is a great way to inspire others to follow suit.

So if we can inspire you to get on your mat this year and build your immune system and support some amazing brands, it is a good start to the year for us.

Happy New Year and Stay healthy.

Sustainably yours,

Eco Couple

A Christmas Story

In our family it has always been tradition to sit by the tree on Christmas eve and read old traditional Christmas stories. My grandparents would print out stories and songs and hand them out to all their grandchildren. There was something very endearing about this tradition that I have fond memories of and in my own way, to this day I still try to recreate it every year. This year I am especially excited because our little toddler is almost three and he loves a good story. He has us reading him so many books, every night, before he goes to sleep. So I chose an old classic to read to him by the Christmas tree this year and thought I would share it incase you would like to do the same.

Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday, may you feel loved and embraced even if this year you are unable to be close to all of those you love. We wish you a very Merry Christmas!

A Visit from St. Nicholas

BY CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

And while I am feeling traditional here is an hour of one of my absolute favourite Christmas music compilations!

I would love it if you left me your favourite Christmas stories in the comments so I can save them for other years. Bless you and enjoy the holidays.

For the German speakers out there this is my fathers Christmas story written by him in 1986, pass it on!

With love,

Eco Couple

5 Beautiful Handmade Gifts for under $25

Eco Couple uses affiliate links. We promote products we have tried ourselves and truly believe in. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Such revenue helps keep this website running.Allows us to keep the content free for readers.This motivates us to stay on our mission of inspiring conscious consumerism.

It is always a lovely surprise to receive a gift that you do not expect. Here is a really fun list of gifts that make a difference. Not only are you supporting a small business by making such a purchase but probably also surprising someone that does not expect it. If you are looking for other eco-friendly gift ideas check out our ¨Last Minute Gift Ideas¨ or ¨DIY Gift Ideas for the whole family¨

Personalised Ornaments

Thoughtful gifts always go a long way. So why not get a special ornament engraved and you can even make it a yearly tradition. If ornaments are not your thing you can always go with a personalised Wine opener and I think you will give someone a precious memory to end the year with.

Personalised Puzzle

Go for it! Send someone you miss a fun puzzle of a picture you once took together. And make it 1000 piece puzzle while the sale is still going. We currently have the time for it and it may put a big smile on someones face once completed.

Sourced on Etsy by Auristin

Custom Personalised Wood Signs

A kind word can always go a long way and everyone has a place for a pretty sign in their home.

handmade gift made of natural wood
Sourced on Etsy by CreativeBarnStudio

Growth Journal

With all this time on our hands a growth journal could definitely fill in a few hours of someones day in a positive way, I also really love their To Do Lists.

Sourced on Etsy by Boygirlparty

Engraved Cutting Board

We have all become pretty good chefs in this lockdown. Why not send someone a funny message on a new cutting board, you can even add a fun Rolling Pin to the gift.

Sourced on Etsy by FlowerTownWeddings

For some more really fun gift ideas for Kids take a look at this list of beautifully handcrafted presents. Or these lists for all kind of fun ideas.