I sincerely hope this does not lower your opinion of me but the only time I’ve ever been ‘green’ is “green with envy.” I realize how horrible that sounds to be a mom who doesn’t make it a top priority to be eco-friendly. I don’t even demand my son and husband eat organic food. Ok, get your gasps out of the way.

So in full disclosure, while I was extremely excited to be invited to the Jessica Alba launch event of The Honest Company, it wasn’t to learn about yet another line of non-toxic, chemical-free baby and household products.

But damed if I was going to miss the opportunity to spend a cocktail hour with Jessica Alba only two days after watching her work the red carpet at The Golden Globes.

But here’s the funny thing. As founders Christopher Gavigan and Jessica Alba talked about The Honest Company, I found myself starting to root for the success of their endeavor. How can you not get behind a brand that offers savvy style, sustainability, and extraordinary service & convenience all wrapped in a passion for social goodness, tied with a bow of integrity and sprinkled with a little cheeky fun. The company is obsessed with product design that’s functional, effective and durable – and also beautiful, fresh and fun.

Hearing that a longer shelf life is more important to many companies than a baby’s life really hit home and impacted me.

Gavigan and Alba have set out to redefine the idea of the “family brand” and that’s exactly what they have me doing now as well.

Learn more at http://www.honest.com/

P.S. I devoured a pint of Ben & Jerry’s when I got home from the event (How’s that for being totally HONEST?!?)

Growing up I remember absolutely nothing was open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

This year, many stores opened up for holiday shoppers earlier than ever on Thanksgiving. On our drive home after a decadent feast with family, we passed an outlet center with a jammed packed parking lot. Are people shopping because they can’t miss the sales, walking off their turkey or slipping to stores to avoid more time with their loved ones?

The holidays have become so commercialized and all about material goods.

As parents, it’s up to us to instill the importance of the holidays in your own family. Whether you place emphasis on the religious significance of the holiday, spending time together or giving to charity, your children take cues from you.

Spending time together as a family will reinforce that it’s important to be with your loved ones. Create your own family traditions and rituals that don’t focus on gift-giving. Plan special outings; make holiday cards or other arts-and-craft projects together; watch a holiday classic; bake cookies – the possibilities are endless and will be special to reflect on in years to come.

Engaging in charitable activities is one of the most powerful things you can do to remind your children of the purpose of celebrating the holidays. Whatever you do together to help others, no matter how big or how small, is certain to bring joy to both you and your children.

No matter how you celebrate this holiday season, try to remember that’s it’s better to give than to receive. Ho, ho, ho!