The holiday season is a time to enjoy family and friends, but you probably have felt the stress that comes with preparing for guests, planning get-togethers and buying gifts. And in all of that commotion, you tend to forget about some of the most important people in your life - including yourself.

When making your holiday shopping list this year, why not reserve a little of the time, money and energy that you put into gift-giving and add yourself to that list? Whether you have a passion for cooking, music or a little bit of everything, you deserve to spoil yourself this year. And you know that quality counts when buying gifts for others, so don't skimp on your self-gifting.

Bon appetit
Many people enjoy creating and trying new recipes but are hesitant to purchase high-end kitchen appliances. So this holiday season, treat your inner chef to a machine found in professionals' kitchens and restaurants, like a Vitamix 5200. Hailed by professional chefs as a favorite kitchen tool, these machines are widely known for top quality and versatility. A Vitamix is not a typical blender and can prepare a wide variety of foods including juice, ice cream and soup. You'll be giving your body and palate a daily gift with the countless healthful and tasty combinations a Vitamix can create.

There was a time when it was the norm to go out in the yard and pull fresh vegetables up from the soil. At some point over the years, we moved from the goodness of home-grown vegetables toward processed foods and microwave dinners. Now consumers are becoming more aware of the financial value of growing their own vegetables, and how doing so can bolster the health of their families and of the earth.

Vegetable gardening might sound intimidating, but new technologies can make your thumb greener than ever. Combined with good old-fashioned growing techniques, your garden can be healthy and yield a good crop with less effort than you'd imagine - all while being good for the earth. Here are some tips for a garden that is doubly green.

When does a trend become a tradition? With continued interest in creating great outdoor living spaces, the trend for jazzing up the backyard may just be on the verge of becoming a staple of the American home, and as much a requirement as a great kitchen or welcoming bath.

And every summer it seems homeowners find new ways to create a "wow effect" in their outdoor living spaces. The outdoor experts at ConcreteNetwork.com point to five hot trends in patio design to help elevate your backyard patio from a nice patch of bricks to your favorite spot to entertain and relax this summer:

Five savvy home decorating tips eco-style

As spring rounds the corner, so does the desire to lighten the mood in life and home. Whether you choose to de-clutter or add a splash of spring color, simple eco-friendly changes to home decor set the tone for a much lighter, and brighter, season.

Follow these five tips to affordable eco-friendly home decorating.