1. Go Clean (Beauty): It seems we are all a bit more conscious about the products we choose to include in our beauty regimen these days. Avoiding harmful ingredients is a priority for many, but we still want to nourish our skin with the very best. At Kalya, Summer Fridays is our latest clean beauty addiction. The brand offers indulgent face masks that, in addition to being formulated without the likes of sulphates, parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, synthetic fragrance and other harmful ingredients, it is vegan and cruelty-free. The Jet Lag mask is the holy grail of hydrating masks. Part face mask, part hydrating moisturizer, this mask leaves your skin dewy, glowing and hydrated. Your face (and loved one) will thank you.

   

   Summer Friday Jet Lag Mask

2. Give to a Good Cause: Everyone has that one person on their list that makes gift giving nearly impossible. For that person who may have everything they need, you might consider a gift to charity. It never goes out of style to support organizations that provides care and resources to those in need, spread love and education, and protect our environment. Donating to a friend or loved one’s favourite cause in their honour is a wonderful way to share the holiday spirit. The list of deserving non-profits run the gamut, from international organizations championing human rights to local grassroots groups aiding the community. Here are a few suggestions for your consideration:

   1. Sun Youth/Jeunesse Au Soleil: A Montreal-based organization founded by two childhood friends over 60 years ago, Sun Youth is an invaluable resource to its community, doing everything from enabling youth participation in sports to providing food to those in need.

      

      Sun Youth Organization

   2. Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal: The mission statement of the Native Women’s Shelter is to provide Aboriginal women and their children with a safe and supportive environment. And, they do just that. Native communities are among the most marginalized in North America, and the women within these communities even more so. If you would like to help on the road to reconciliation, please consider a donation to this fine organization.

   3. The International Rescue Committee:  This organization devoted to aiding those who have been affected by conflict and disaster. They are currently providing much needed support on the ground in Yemen, and they also publish a list of humanitarian crises of which we should all be aware in the new year. Donate and you will help this big world feel a bit smaller.

3. Support an Artist: There is nothing more sophisticated than gifting a piece of art. And, there is nothing more satisfying than investing in local talent. With the triumverate of social media, online shopping and pop-up market initiatives, it has never been easier to seek out and engage with local artists. The Fine Black Pen is one such artist. Created by Montreal-based multi-media artist, Veronika Gruntovskaya, the Fine Black Pen produces magical weaves of all shapes and sizes that add depth and character to any living space, as well beautiful handmade wooden ornaments with wood-burned images. She also caters to custom orders. Find her on Instagram and Facebook @thefineblackpen.

   

   Handmade wooden ornaments courtesy of The Fine Black Pen

4. Shop Local: By now, the benefits of shopping local have been fully expounded upon us all. Supporting local retailers is a great way to keep the flow of money within your community and help smaller companies remain viable in this modern world of big brands. Explore your neighbourhood to discover the plethora of local retailers deserving of your hard earned dollars. In the every stylish Plateau Mont-Royal, Freitag Concept Boutique, is one such local gem that offers a stunningly curated collection of baubles that will catch anyone’s eye. It is the perfect stop for anyone looking to indulge a loved one for the holidays, offering accessories for both women and men, and a comfortable shopping experience in a beautifully lit space where you will be ensconced with all that glitters.

   

   Freitag Concept Boutique

5. Inspire: Books are always a good choice. Books have the power to motivate, educate, provoke and affect. By giving a book this holiday season, you can transport someone to a fantastic world, share a new hobby, encourage healthy eating habits, and inspire curiosity. An excellent example is “Comfortable with Uncertaintly: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion” by renowned American Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön. The collection of short teachings is a profound reminder of Buddhist teachings for the novice and expert alike, and will help ease you into 2019 with a focus on mindfulness and gratitude.

   

   Comfortable with Uncertainty by Pema Chödrön

6. Get into Eco-Fashion: The pitfalls of fast fashion have come into sharp relief in recent years. While this industry may satisfy our style needs in the most expedient and economical way, it has many unpleasant social and environmental repercussions. But, luckily for us fashionistas, not all fast fashion is created equal. The Reformation is a L.A.-based brand that puts ecological practices at the forefront, all while steadily producing divinely feminine outfits for all occasions, from your epic street style moments to your wedding day. The forward-thinking fashion retailer employs green clothing production techniques to minimize its environmental footprint, relying on eco-friendly infrastructure and materials, and even transforms excess offcut material from other designers and manufacturers in the industry into the highly in demand products in their catalogue. In addition to this, The Reformation provides a RefScale for each product sold, allowing clients to track the ecological impact of their purchase, as well as investing in offset techniques to build new forests. Not convinced yet? Just check out The NYE collection, and you will be.

   

   The Reformation Aussie Jacket made with recycled denim and faux fur

1. Have a Day at the (South) Beach: No trip to Miami would be complete without a visit to trendy South Beach. The neighbourhood is the oldest in the Miami area, established in 1910, and is a draw to many visitors with its myriad of hotels, restaurants, shops and nightclubs, as well as access to the gorgeous Miami Beach, where you can soak up the sun, do a bit of surfing and watch the cruise ships set out to sea, all under the watchful eye of an ever present lifeguard.
   

   Miami Beach in the sunshine

   

   The view of South Beach

2. Grab a Quick Lunch: Whole Foods Market, an american grocery chain specializing in organic food and the promotion of healthy eating habits, is popular throughout the world. It’s a particular asset when traveling, and a popular choice for Miami tourists and locals alike. Drop by one of the many, often solar-powered, locations to pick up prepared meals, buy a freshly made smoothie or breakfast bowl, or stock up on groceries for a meal at home.
3. Take a Coffee break: Panther Coffee is a local coffee shop with a great in house brew, making it the ideal place to get your caffeine fix or replenish your ground coffee stash with such cleverly named coffees as the East Coast Brew to the Brazilian Fazenda Furnas to the 1985 Espresso.
   

   Home brew from Panther Coffee in Miami

4. Your standards: The Standard is an iconic spa and hotel in Miami. Featuring a classic 1920’s art deco aesthetic and ambiance, it is a quintessential part of Miami zeitgeist. Whether you are indulging in a relaxing spa treatment, eating at the house restaurant on the quay, or just lounging on the beautifully landscaped terrains, fully equipped with hammocks and lounge chairs, the Standard is a necessary stop on your Miami city tour.
   

   Dinner at the in house restaurant at the famous Standard Spa and Hotel

5. Recharge with Yoga: Modo Yoga Miami Beach offers challenging hot yoga classes to keep you flexible and in tip top shape for the beach. The friendly staff and skilled instructors will help you decompress as you focus on mindfulness and test the limits of your body. An excellent choice for surfers, yogis and novices alike.
   

   Welcome to Modo Yoga Miami Beach

   

   Enjoy a hot yoga class just minutes away from Miami Beach

6. Lounge it Out: Nikki Beach is a delightful place to have a bite after a day of rest and relaxation on Miami Beach. The beach club, established in 1998 and boasting other locations throughout the world, opens up onto the beach so that you can a gourmet pizza and signature mojito under the sun, in total luxury.
   

   The luxurious beach club at Nikki Beach Miami

   

   Luxury lounging awaits you at Nikki Beach

   

   Enjoy a signature mojito and excellent service just steps away from the beach

7. Enjoy a Riverside Meal in the City: Cantina La Viente conveniently located in downtown Miami, just off of the famous Miami islands, offers meals on par with the delicious gourmet standard set by the city, all while allowing you to watch the Miami River flow into the Atlantic.
   

   Cantina La Viente coffee by Miami River

   

   The view Cantina La Viente

8. See it by bike: After a day at the beach, stretching it out at yoga, and refuelling with a coffee, treat yourself to a bike tour of Miami. Citi Bike Miami is an excellent transportation option for those looking to stay active and explore this fair weather city. The solar-powered shared bike company offers affordable rates and can be easily accessed from a myriad of docking stations located throughout the city, available year round, 24/7. Cycle your way to your next Miami adventure.
   

   Citi Bike Miami offers affordable, solar-powered shared bikes for your riding pleasure

9. Bask in Art Basal: If you are lucky enough to be in town during the annual Miami Art Basal weekend, you will see Miami at its liveliest. The international art festival, including events in Hong Kong and Switzerland, sees the city besieged by the contemporary artists, exhibiting their works in collaboration with local Miami institutions and organizations. It is a weekend rife with parties and events, enjoyed by artists, art lovers, celebrities, tourists and laymen alike. Art Basel 2018 will take place from December 6-8.

1. Choose the healthiest option on the menu: Eating out can prove difficult even for the most disciplined of people. Restaurants can offer delicious but somewhat indulgent meals, or equally tempting quick, processed fare. The U.K., in particular, is famous for its comfort foods such as sausage rolls, Yorkshire puddings, fish & chips, and bangers & mash. And, while a proper pub experience is a must, you can always balance this out with a healthy meal here and there, especially for breakfast. For example, the Huxley on Princess Street in Edinburgh offers a fibre-rich, filling Super Oats breakfast, featuring porridge oats, milk, fresh fruit and seeds [view menu  here], along with a cool, modern ambiance. Paired with a good cup of coffee, it is the perfect way to start your day in one of the U.K.’s most charming cities.
2. 

   The Huxley in Edinburgh

   

   Café Mocha at The Huxley

   

   Super Oats and Mocha at The Huxley

3. Prepare your own meals: There is no better way to control your diet than to cook for yourself, and, if you are lucky enough to have access to an accommodation with a kitchen, planning and preparing your own meals is a healthy, fun and budget-friendly option. Including local, organic ingredients in your recipes is even better. And, if you are traveling with friends and family, it can be a superb group activity. Also, preparing simple, healthy snacks, such as kale chips or mixed nuts, is a great idea for day trips. Carrying your own snacks will not only save you money, but help you to avoid the temptation of processed snacks that might catch your eye while out. Why not try a few Kalya favourites, such as the Overnight Chocolate and Oatmeal Jar for breakfast, Pan-grilled Asparagus with Avocado as a side for dinner, and Peanut Butter Chewy Bars as a takeaway snack. Also, sourcing your materials from a community co-op or small business is a wonderful way to support the local economy. For example, in the quiet little Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge, setting of the BBC series Happy Valley, you can find two co-ops, both offering fresh, local products. The community of Hebden Bridge is, itself, a strong supporter of entrepreneurship with an abundance of small, locally-owned businesses to be found throughout town.
   

   View from the top: Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire

4. Seek out vegan options: The vegan diet is beneficial for both your health and the environment. Even if you cannot commit to being fully vegan, you can always include vegan meals in your diet as often as possible. Veganism is a growing dietary trend in the United Kingdom, and restaurants offering meat-free, dairy-free options are on the rise. For example, Sourced Market is a U.K. chain with conveniently located throughout London and offering an industrial-chic ambiance, friendly staff and a plethora of vegan options, including both fresh and prepared meals, as well as vegan products. The Victoria location, just minutes away from Victoria Station, the majestic Buckingham Palace and romantic St. James Park, is the perfect stop for anyone visiting London Town. The coffee bar offers a wide variety of smoothies, including the delicious Mocha with Peanut Butter and Espresso, while the salad bar offers freshly made seasonal options including plant-based protein sources.  There are also several prepared options such as granola and dairy-free yogurt, protein pots and probiotic bars from the likes of Pollen and Grace.
   

   Source Market Victoria Location

   

   Source Market Coffee Bar

   

   Café Mocha at Source Market

   

   Vegan products available at Source Market

   

   Prepared meals and snacks available at Source Market

5. Choose wisely when eating out: Sometimes a quick meal on the road is unavoidable. But, instead of choosing a highly processed meal, potentially excessively high in sodium, fat and/or sugar, find a more reasonable option. For example, Pret-A-Manger is a popular chain offering inexpensive takeaway meals “lovingly handmade throughout the day.” They sell a wide variety of prepared sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads and snacks, including the Veggie Fiesta Salad, the Turmeric Tofu and Sweet Potato Balance box, and Veggie Club, and are located ubiquitously around the U.K..
6. Find a local café: Finally, one of the best ways to soak up U.K. culture is to pass the time at a local café or tea house. Choosing a community café can be a great way to support the local economy and mingle with the locals. Another lovely option is to visit one of the many beautiful cafés associated with the multitude of Scottish and British museums and galleries. Museums and galleries are free to the public in the United Kingdom. Visiting the associated cafés is a wonderful way to support the museum and enjoy an invigorating cup of coffee, or soothing cup of tea. For example, the Scottish  National Gallery not only boasts an impressive collection of art spanning centuries, from Vermeer to Monet to Matisse, but also offers a luxurious, award-winning and environmentally-responsible café, The Scottish Café and Restaurant at the foot of the Princess Street Gardens. Applying Rule #1 (Choose the healthiest option on the menu), you can enjoy a gourmet meal, such as Cullen Skink, a traditional Scottish smoked haddock or vegetarian option made with Scottish tomatoes and whipped goat cheese dressing. Dine in house or choose the express experience just meters away, offering fresh soups, sandwiches, and coffee. It is equally delicious, but a bit more budget-friendly. In addition to the wonderful ambiance of the gallery café, you can enjoy your meal while taking in the stunning view of the Balmoral, a trademark of the Edinburgh skyline.
   

   The Scottish National Gallery

   

   Breakfast at the Scottish Café and Restaurant

   Another equally enjoyable option is the Mooch café, a hippie enclave in Hebden Bridge, serving great coffee and iced drinks, as well as delicious soups and salads, to be enjoyed in the comfortable, homey interior or outside in the peaceful urban garden.

   

   Coffee at the Mooch Cafe in Hebden Bridge

   No matter where your travels take you, be sure to eat well. If you have any healthy travel tips, share them in the comments below.

Kim’s Picks:

1. Montiel Activewear, $38-98 US

Montiel is a Los Angeles-based company that infuses their handmade sportswear with a simple and elegant design. They offer competitively-priced lines of sports bras, camisoles, tops and leggings that will allow you to workout in style and ease. Montiel takes pride in providing excellent customer service and ships worldwide.

2. EQ3 Cafe Take Away Mug, $14.95 CAD

This simple ceramic mug is the perfect gift for anyone with an active lifestyle. The double-layered mug keeps your beverage warm and your hands comfortable, as you trek through the cold winter days ahead, and the soft plastic cover prevents spills, allowing you to sip with ease. And, the best part: it’s sustainable, letting you make disposable cups a thing of mornings past. Available online or in stores.

Natacha’s Picks:

1. Zone Training Sports Armband, $7.99 CAD

This little accessory will take your training to the next level. It is adjustable for the perfect fit, and weather-proof, so you will have no excuse to skip your workout. There is also a convenient key pocket. Available at Winners.

2. UFITaustralia Training gloves, $9.99 CAD

This training glove is easy to wear and has a cool design. A simple gift for all of the weightlifters in your life. Available at Winners.

Francois’ Pick:

1. Studio Bliss Gift Card, $99 CAD

What would a yogi give? The gift of yoga, of course! And, with the Studio Bliss gift card, you can also treat your loved one to massage and infrared sauna. Studio Bliss has offered yoga classes and workshops, as well as spa treatments in the heart of the plateau for over 16 years. Drop by to pick up your gift card and perhaps even take a class with our resident yoga professor, himself, Francois Turgeon. Gift cards available in studio and online.

Stocking Stuffers:

These little treats are delightful gifts in their own right. Allow yourself full creative licence when concocting these homemade wonders. Your thought and attention will most definitely be welcomed.

1. (The Kara) Peppermint and Coconut Body Scrub

Everyone can use a little extra pampering over the holidays. This festive homemade body scrub will leave your skin exfoliated and moisturized in one simple step. Coconut oil is rich in Vitamin E, protein and fatty acids, while peppermint delivers a cooling, calming effect. Whether you give it as a gift or keep it for yourself, it will not go unappreciated.

To make the scrub, mix together ½ cup of coconut oil, ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon peppermint essential oil. Store in a mason jar, and use in the shower as a gentle exfoliant.

2. Overnight Oatmeal Jar

Overnight oatmeal is an easy delicious way to start your morning. Prepare our Recipe of the Week and set it out as the perfect way to start a Holiday morning.

3. Homemade Herb-Infused Olive Oils

Infused oils add an extra hint of flavour to your Holiday cooking. Oils can be a sophisticated and tailored addition to your favourite gourmand’s pantry.

To make your own, simply heat your fresh herb of choice (Kalya recommends woody rosemary) over medium heat for 5 minutes. Allow to cool, and then strain into a prepared bottle. For a lovely presentation, choose a tall glass bottle, filled with fresh rosemary sprigs. A homemade oil will last up to a month once refrigerated. For best results, allow the oil to warm to room temperature before use.