When I started to plan the editorial content for this issue, our national calendar read, “personal empowerment plus beauty,” and I thought to myself, “OMG, what’s the difference?” Of course, women that wear makeup need to know which types are the least toxic and may even enhance the health of our skin, and also which are produced by the most sustainable and eco-friendly processes. But makeup is not beauty, it just adorns it. It’s the frosting on the cake, but we are the cake!

The same goes for clothing. A healthy body doesn’t need it to be beautiful, but we’d better wear some or get arrested. On the other hand, the most expensive dress in the world won’t conceal an emaciated, unhealthy body. Joan Rivers is not here to defend herself, so let’s just move on.

Yes, that splendid décor that we wear can certainly be a confidence booster and a symbol of our empowerment, but it is not the source. Only a healthy body, balanced mental outlook and emotional support system provides the kind of clarity we need to make wise decisions. Hey, don’t get me wrong; I’m still working on it just as much as you are. We’re all in this together, so I do my best to bring you informative, readable articles that help sorting out all the choices we make every day a little easier.

Judith Fertig brings us advice from the author of the Beauty Detox Solution & Beauty Detox Foods in “Beauty Foods: Kimberly Snyder Shows How to Eat for Radiant Skin, Eyes and Hair.” 

I would think that uber-bestselling author Wayne Dyer is a fan fave with most Natural Awakenings readers, but have you ever wondered about what he’s like at home? Lindsay McGinly got his daughter to spill the beans in “Growing up with Wayne Dyer: Serena Dyer Reflects on Her Spiritual Upbringing.”

With the holiday season at hand, let’s not neglect our furry, four-footed family friends (like I had to remind you), by taking a few tips from our Healthy Pet department offering, “Playful Pet Gifts: Animals Love Interactive Toys and Games,” by Sandra Murphy.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all our readers and families, contributors, advertisers and especially, to children everywhere. They are the future, and we must shower them with love.

Holly