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🎄 Non-Toxic Christmas Decor: Being healthy takes a lot of work these days. Toxins are in our food, our air, water, and yes… even in our beloved Christmas decor.

Are you surprised? We were, too! Everything from Christmas lights to tinsel and candles is on the list of potential hazards. Everything from cadmium, to lead, phthalates, you name it. So what can you do? Well, it could be time to take a look at your decor and think about switching up what you use.

Unfortunately, lead-free lights don’t exist but there are some less toxic versions you could give a try. But even if you don’t switch it out, it’s important to let the adults handle them and to wash your hands whenever you do. Tinsel may not have the lead it once did, but it can still present a choking hazard to young ones and even animals who get too curious.

If you’re curious about ways to cut back on the toxins this holiday season, here are some great suggestions to help you figure it out. But in case you just wanted to check out some good items, these are a few we had our eyes on:

• Felted Wool Ornaments

• Linen Christmas Stockings

• OEKO-TEX® Tree Skirt

• Paper Ornaments

In today’s job climate, it might be good to flex your skills to set up a side hustle that helps bring in a bit of income in case your W2 job goes sideways. There are pros and cons to both freelancing and being an employee and knowing what they are can help you decide which fits your personality best.

👍🏼 Pros of Being an Employee

1. Steady Paycheck: Ensures financial stability and predictability.

2. Easy Budgeting: Simplifies household financial planning.

3. Benefits and Perks: Access to health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and more.

4. Consistent Growth: Regular salary increments offer reassurance.

5. Social Skill Development: Interaction with coworkers improves communication and emotional intelligence.

 👎 Cons of Being an Employee

1. Fixed Hours: Limits personal schedule flexibility.

2. Restricted Salaries: Raises are slow and stressful to negotiate.

3. Commuting: Drains time, energy, and money.

4. Micromanagement: Limited autonomy due to close supervision.

5. Bound by Policies: Subject to company rules and potential repercussions for non-compliance.

Building someone else’s dream can be highly rewarding and profitable! If that’s what you feel is best for you, then here are some great tips to standing out in 2024 to help you land your dream job.

👍🏼 Pros of Being a Freelancer

1. Flexible Hours: Complete control over your schedule.

2. Time-Saving: No commuting, freeing time for other pursuits.

3. Income Control: Set your own rates and keep all profits.

4. Autonomy: Work on your terms and create your own policies.

👎 Cons of Being a Freelancer

1. Financial Insecurity: Unpredictable income makes budgeting difficult.

2. Inconsistent Workload: Peaks and valleys in projects create instability.

3. Pressure to Work: Self-imposed stress to maximize productivity.

4. Isolation: Lack of social interaction may lead to loneliness.

5. Multiple Responsibilities: Managing business aspects like marketing, accounting, and IT can be overwhelming.

If you have the drive and love a bit of a challenge, freelancing can be highly rewarding in terms of setting your own scheduling, choosing your work and working when you want to. If you want to learn how to land freelance work, there are a ton of great resources online. Here’s one place to help jumpstart your freelance idea.

😋 MMM, Yummy! 

Want to put something on the dinner table this Christmas that is delicious and healthy? It can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are plenty of ideas right here.

• Roasted Herbed Squash with Goat Cheese

• Cranberry-Pecan Wheat Berry Salad

• Christmas Cheese Balls

• Brussels Sprouts with Garlic & Goat Cheese