What do we think of when we think of toxicity (and no, I don’t mean the song by Britney Spears).

In today’s world of health and wellness, we hear it every which way: that relationship is toxic, that environment is toxic, that make-up is toxic. But, how many of us do anything about it?

How many times has New Years rolled around and our resolutions are the same as last year’s?

Be more healthy. Drink less. Arrive early to meetings. Sleep more. Exercise more.

Sure, the first few days, few weeks, we’re sailing. We’re on that new beginnings high.

We lace up those new sneakers we just got for Christmas and put on those new leggings and play that new song on the radio with that new gym pass.

But, the novelty tends to wear off.

It’s that time of year, again! “Ho, ho the mistletoe” and let those chestnuts roast! Lights are up, snow’s falling down, the tree sits in the corner with handmade ornaments and tinsel. The scent of gingerbread and Christmas cookies lingers throughout the house.

What could possibly go wrong? Stress. It overtakes the holidays from celebrating multiple holiday gatherings to last minute gift shopping and wrapping. How about this year we try and combat stress before it happens? Stock up on these five stress-free tips that will let you have “a holly, jolly, Christmas.”

It’s always tricky shopping for the holidays, finding that perfect gift, watching the money in your account dwindle every time you swipe your credit card.

But, have no fear, Zen&Zip is here!

We’ve created a little guide to help you find the perfect present. And best yet: affordable and adorable!

What’s your wildest dream?

Name anything.

Did I hear—shopping a storewide sale in your favorite leggings with either a coffee or glass of wine in hand?

Yeah, no one would argue with that one.

Tackling the holidays one “made in the USA” legging at a time. And, I bet you didn’t even know that was a thing!

Though, I could tell you to self-medicate with chocolate and wine (hey, there ARE tons of health benefits-- gotta love resveratrol), it would be more beneficial to let you in on a secret to staying calm and carrying on through the New Year: dress to impress…yourself.

Probably the most important part of any skincare regime is moisturizing.

After you remove your daytime make-up, lather on some cleanser, and exfoliate those pores, coating your skin with a layer of moisturizer or facial oil is completely necessary.

Moisturizers are the gods of skincare. They’re what make your skin glow, those wrinkles vanish, and your skin tone even.

Rose gold is chic; we’ve known that for years now.

After it made its mark in the jewelry department, it trickled on to makeup, hair dye, and nail polish and onward to the runway of some of the biggest designers.

Now, though, rose gold is finally settling down in activewear and athleisure claiming its rightful trendy spot alongside neon sneakers and sweat-proof mascara (hey, a girl’s got to bat her eyelashes even when working out).

When was the last time you took a sip of water? (And, no, coffee does not count!)

In the winter, when all we want is warm almond milk lattes that dehydrate the skin and a hot and hearty meal over a salad, we actually need more water.

That’s right—just because coffee is made with water doesn’t mean it’s hydrating. The caffeine basically cancels out the hydrating factor.

EXFOLIATE RIGHT

So there’s a ton to learn about exfoliating. From when it started back in ancient Egypt to the actual scientific theory behind why we do it to all the different kinds of exfoliates that exist.

But, let’s be honest.

We’re busy women and just want someone to tell us the most effective products on the market and how to use them.

Quick and simple does the trick and if we’re going to exfoliate, we might as well do it right!