Money|Fun, charitable e-cards
The Better Homes and Gardens website has a cool, free way to reach long-distance friends and at the same time contribute to a good cause. Its stylish new animated greeting cards – available at bhg.com/holidaycards – let visitors send cartoon versions of themselves and record sound clips of their voices to include in the greeting. And, for every “Christmas Wish” e-card sent from the site this month, Better Homes and Gardens will donate 50 cents to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Time|Artisans pack this event
Skip the boutique-to-boutique dash this weekend in search of unique gifts and instead head to the Denver Merchandise Mart for the 28th annual Holiday Mart, sponsored by the Junior League of Denver. The event happens today through Sunday. The $10 daily admission supports the league’s philanthropic programming, and allows access to about 150 international artisans and retailers. Tickets and information at King Soopers, 303-692-0270 or jld.org.
Space|Earth-friendly celebrating
Conservation is at the heart of these holiday ideas from the Sierra Club:
Recycle old cellphones instead of throwing them away to prevent hazardous elements like mercury and lead from ending up in landfills.
Make your own wrapping paper with old maps, newspaper comics, wallpaper samples or children’s artwork instead of creating excess, nonrecyclable paper waste.
Find Christmas tree recycling in your area by calling 800-CLEANUP or visiting earth911.org.
Energy|A happier happy hour
Holiday parties are less stressful when everyone heeds this Distilled Spirits Council advice:
Select food to complement cocktails and prevent anyone from getting too tipsy. Spiced and smoked meats and cheeses go well with bourbon and scotch, seafood accents vodka cocktails, and fruit pairs nicely with rum and tequila flavors.
Designate a bartender to monitor pours and keep an eye out for anyone who drinks too much.
Alcohol is alcohol. Twelve ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine and a shot of liquor each contain the same amount of it. Give guests a nonalcoholic option.
