Exotic imported foods, oysters, pate, French champagne and goose were once considered the height of style for a festive Thanksgiving menu. Today’s freshest holiday menu trend boasts organic, green and locally sourced ingredients purchased as close to home as possible.

Cooking as a locavore is now simpler than ever with the accessibility of farmers markets (there are more than 6,100 across the country), community supported agriculture (CSA) groups and the proliferation of artisan food purveyors. Forget mixes and boxes: A locally sourced holiday dinner is not only delicious and healthy, but also planet-friendly. (No fossil fuel is spent transporting these goods across state lines.)

An Authentic Thanksgiving
In many ways, a locavore Thanksgiving is a return to the holiday’s inspiration: the historic 1621 meal shared between the Mayflower’s Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe. That feast was a celebration of the native bounty and included a pumpkin and Indian corn harvest, and just-caught seafood (cod, clams and eel), with roasted venison and wild fowl (turkey, duck, goose) as the centerpiece.

There is no standard definition of “locavore.” It can be as close as one’s backyard or as far as 250 miles -- famed food writer Michael Pollan’s estimate of the distance an average-sized farm truck can run on one tank of gas. Some people follow what’s known as the “100-Mile Diet,” and 100MileDiet.org suggests that an entire Thanksgiving meal can be created with close-to-home ingredients or a single special dish.

Preparing a locavore holiday does involve some advance planning. Deborah Eden Tull, author of The Natural Kitchen: Your Guide to the Sustainable Food Revolution, suggests visiting a farmers market a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving to see what’s in season. Involve your dinner guests too and ask what they’re growing in their gardens that could be part of the holiday menu.  “Taste and deliciousness will show just how good a local meal can be,” says Tull.

The No-stress Thanksgiving Table
“The spirit of Thanksgiving is a meal based on indigenous ingredients,” says Leda Meredith, author of The Locavore’s Handbook: The Busy Person’s Guide to Eating Local on a Budget. Consider tweaking a perennial favorite, like cranberry sauce, to show off a seasonal fruit that is grown nearby. Pear, apple or even chutney can be used in a relish to accompany the turkey instead.

Executive Chef Joseph Humphrey of Murray Circle, the restaurant at the Cavallo Point Lodge near San Francisco, tries to abide by the 100-mile rule in planning his farm-to-table seasonal menus. “Use what’s available to you, let yourself be inspired by what you see at farmers markets and keep it simple,” he says. Consider substituting overlooked vegetables like rutabagas and parsnips for potatoes, or use fruits like pears or quince as an alternative to the customary apple pie. (You can stick to the familiar technique of slicing the fruit thin and layering it with brown sugar.)

Find Your Local Sources Online
Take advantage of a resource the Pilgrims didn’t have to plan your homegrown Thanksgiving: the Internet. EatWellGuide.org lets users enter their zip code to find local family farms, food co-ops, farmers markets and butcher stores that can provide a free-range turkey. LocalHarvest.org is also invaluable for locating key ingredients. The site has links to CSAs in every state that allow individuals to pledge their support to a farm for a monthly fee in exchange for a share of its output during growing season.

“It comes down to working with the best product you can because it tastes better,” says Humphrey. And nothing tastes as good as something that came out of the ground that morning and appeared on your Thanksgiving table in the afternoon.

Photo Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Lorado

Who wouldn’t want the body of a super model -- even when winter clothes have you covered up? We may not all be naturally tall and curvy like Naomi Campbell, but that doesn't mean we can’t borrow her fitness secrets. After all, even super models have to work at staying fabulous.

Naomi Campbell’s Diet Secrets

Naomi Campbell, now 40 years old, recently shared her diet and fitness secrets in an interview with Oprah. Campbell says she eats a mostly-vegetarian diet, and also uses the Master Cleanse Fast when she needs to detoxify her body. The Master Cleanse, or Lemonade Diet, has been popular with celebrities since it was invented almost 50 years ago. Beyonce also used it to slim down for her role in the movie Dreamgirls. The diet consists of drinking nothing but lemonade made with filtered water, fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup and a small amount of cayenne pepper. Campbell says she does it several times a year.

Naomi Campbell’s Workout Secrets

Equally important for maintaining her lush curves and toned physique is Naomi’s fitness regime, which includes both Pilates and Gyrotronics. Pilates has long been favorite of models, actresses and dancers, because it produces long sculpted muscles.

While very different, Pilates and Gyrotronics both stress the mind-body connection and using your breath to coordinate the movement. They also both work to build “core” strength. The core is made up of the muscles in your abdomen, hips, diaphragm and buttocks that support the spine.

Pilates

Many variations of Pilates have developed since Joseph Pilates invented it in the 1920s. Pilates revitalizes the entire body by increasing strength, stamina, coordination and range of motion. Many people even appear a little taller, due their improved posture.

When people think of Pilates they think of machines such as the Reformer, Chair and Tower, which Joseph Pilates invented. They are used in the studio to help create resistance. The original Pilates method, however, was mat work called “Contrology.” A mat class is a series of specific exercises. 

Anyone can practice Pilates. “In 10 sessions you'll feel a difference,” said Joseph Pilates, “in 20 you'll see a difference, and in 30 you'll have a whole new body."  

Gyrotonics

Gyrotronics is practiced on machines that look like a modern torture rack. There is also has a mat version called Gyrokinesis.

“You need to understand the philosophy of Gyrotronics and how the body moves to get the benefits,” says Moscow Gyrotonics instructor Katya Kolossova. “When you understand what your body needs, you become very flexible. Women like Gyrotronics because it works the deep layers of muscles. You become stronger, but not shaped like a ‘muscle man’”. 

Gyrotonics is even said to enable women to wear high heels again with no problems. For dancers, Gyrotonics can help with their ease of movement and gracefulness.

Both Pilates and Gyrotronics are often taught privately. It can be costly, but mat classes are much more affordable. You can also purchase excellent DVDs to use at home.

You may not have a super model’s height or budget, but you can be toned and fabulous if you share their fitness secrets. And, it might even make you a little taller.

Are you starting to stress about holiday shopping? Skip the mall and consider do-it-yourself gifts from the garden instead. No, not bouquets of flowers, but infused vinegars, oils, salts and beauty potions handcrafted from easy-to-find garden herbs.

Whether you grow mint and oregano on your kitchen windowsill or in your backyard, pick up basil and cilantro at the farmers market or pass fragrant rosemary bushes when you walk the dog, the herbs you need for these inexpensive and eco-friendly gifts are easily within reach.

Here’s step-by-step advice from master gardener Lora Hall. She cultivates an urban garden in downtown Los Angeles for the farm-to-table menu at Cube Cafe in West Hollywood, Calif., and she also runs Full Circle Gardening, which provides services to the home gardeners of Los Angeles.

Herb-infused Vinegar
Start with a clean quart-size jar, which can be a recycled bottle from pasta sauce or other pantry staples. Rinse two handfuls of a food-friendly herb like tarragon, thyme, rosemary or oregano. Stuff the herbs, stems and all into the bottom of the jar. “You want roughly an amount that would fill a cup,” says Hall. Fill the rest of the jar with an inexpensive white wine or apple-cider vinegar, making sure all the leaves are submerged.

Cover the bottle with a lid and let it sit on your countertop or windowsill for at least two weeks to let the full flavors of the herbs infuse the vinegar. When you’re ready to bottle the vinegar, slowly strain out the now discolored herbs through a funnel lined with cheesecloth or a piece of an old but clean T-shirt, into a smaller jar, like one used for bottled salad dressing. If the jar isn’t full, top it off with uninfused vinegar.

Tie a piece of twine or ribbon around the bottle and through a make-it-yourself label. “The vinegar is a great way to bring out flavors in salads, stews, soup or chili without adding extra salt,” says Hall. With a shelf life of six months or more, this is a gift your friends will enjoy long after other trinkets have been forgotten.

Herb-flavored Salt
Put sprigs of a savory herb like rosemary, oregano, thyme or sage and a cup of sea salt into a food processor. Pulse a few times until the herbs are finely chopped and blended evenly throughout the salt. Pour into a small jar. “I especially love sage salt,” says Hall. “It goes beautifully with anything you’re cooking in butter, such as eggs or a brown-butter pasta sauce.”

Herb-infused Oil
Rinse and dry a handful of your choice herb. You want about 1/2 cup in all. Place the herbs in the bottom of a small jar and cover them with a cup of extra virgin olive oil. Let the mixture stand in a dry cool place for a week or two. Strain out the herbs and pour the oil into a clean jar.

Herbal Hand and Body Cream
Follow the directions for herb-infused oil, choosing a fragrant herb like lavender or chamomile (you can use dried chamomile that’s sold as a loose tea). Place an ounce of solid beeswax (look for this at a farmers market stand that sells honey or in a natural-products store) in the top of a double boiler. Slowly melt the beeswax over a low flame, whisking in the olive oil in a very slow stream. Transfer it to a blender; add a cup of water about an ounce at a time, pulsing to blend. “Go very slowly,” says Hall. “It will take about five minutes to get the nice creamy emulsion you want.” Pour it into a jelly jar. The consistency will be slightly liquid. By the next day or two, it will harden to a creamy texture that makes a wonderfully rich moisturizer.

Stars constantly reinvent themselves without losing their signature styles. Some say that Madonna’s career is built on her ability to remake herself in new and shocking ways. Now, pop sensation Lady Gaga seems to be following Madonna’s footsteps by shamelessly borrowing from past music legends, with new incarnations that delight her fans. Here are celebrity secrets to help you start your own start style.

Classic Style

When Angelina Jolie appears on the red carpet, she is always a picture of elegance. Angelina she has striking features, her makeup is always perfect regardless of what trend she is wearing. She has tried them all -- smoky eyes, red and nude lips -- but she always stays true to her classically elegant style.

If, like Angelina Jolie, you have classic features, you may do well to adopt her penchant for classic chignons for elegant occasions. For everyday, her simpler chignons and smooth long locks may suit you. For evening, she often wears liner and a soft neutral shadow with a sensual a red lip; a look that was very popular on designer runways this fall. For less formal occasions, Jolie is often wearing natural make up and subtle glossed lips.

For fashion, Angelina prefers gowns that show off her stunning figure with long unbroken lines. She often picks gowns with a slim line in black or flattering neutrals, which act as a setting for her beauty.

Sexy Style

Find a star whose body type resembles yours. Very slim women may want to study the styles on Megan Fox or Jennifer Aniston. Megan Fox likes a sexy look with slim jeans during the day and short, sexy cocktail looks at night. Aniston goes for a sexier casual look for daytime, but also wears a short, fitted look at night.

 

Retro Style

Many designers look to stars of yesterday for inspiration. There is no reason you shouldn’t do the same.

Gracey Kelly’s clean-cut classic influence was seen in many fall collections. To channel the American film star of the 1950s, think impeccable skin, red lips and flawlessly applied eye liner. Grace Kelly’s hair is smooth, styled into a flipped bob or classic French twist. If you love the Kelly look, add carefully edited accessories to your wardrobe, such as a “Kelly” bag, beautiful leather gloves, a strand of pearls and even retro eye glasses.

Brigitte Bardot’s look can been seen in the bouffant hair, heavily-lined eyes, and pouting nude lips that accented so many fall collations. The appeal of this French film star’s look is timeless. The season’s new belted sweaters worn over skirts and pants -- with a sexy kitten heel sling-back or boot -- just screams Bardot!

Unique Style

To develop your own original style, look to French actresses Audrey Tautou or Marion Cotillard, who both have a love of fashion and a uniquely personal style. Audrey Tautou is more bohemian with a quirky appeal, while Marion Cotillard is Parisian chic with beautiful couture ensembles.

Sienna Miller, a true fashionista, also has knack for spotting trends. Sienna dresses her cute curvy figure with a funky style that is easy to emulate on all budgets. Her originality lets her stand out in any crowd.

The point is not to become a carbon copy of your favourite celebrity, but to distill their styles. Figure out what elements of their styles appeal to you, and then make them your own.

Olga Slutsker has a long list of accomplishments to her name: former Russian national fencing champion; awarded the Order of the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Apostle Grand Duchess Olga of third degree for her charitable activities; and owner of Russia’s largest and most luxe health clubs, World Class Fitness Clubs. She’s also the best advertisement for her own business.

“Fitness is my only business,” she declared. It is also part of her life.

Beautiful and vivacious, Olga resembles the glamorous film star Catherine Zeta Jones. But she is more than just another beautiful woman -- she is accomplished. In 2008 she was on the list of “the top 1,000 professional mangers in Russia”, according to the publishing house, Kommersant and in 2009, Olga was ranked 21 out of the “50 most influential business ladies” by Finance Magazine. 

Olga’s Fitness Tips

To maintain her health, energy and her appearance, Olga follows a strict regime that keeps her fit and healthy. She is a busy executive and mother of two, but like all women she still needs to find time for herself.

“As we age, fitness becomes even more important,” said Slutsker. “I am 40-plus years old and find I need four to five one-hour sessions a week -- not less.”

To maintain her strong form, Slutsker uses function training, during which you change stations every one to two minutes. With this type of exercise, she says, you combine strength training, cardio and core training. “I don’t want to say a woman should do only yoga or Pilates. The type of exercise a women does should depend on what she enjoys.” 

Like all of us, Olga wants to see results. “It’s fun and you see progress very quickly,” she said, describing her favorite function training. She also emphasizes that training for balance is very important for women. Working in balance is often neglected even by women who exercise regularly. A bad sense of balance later in life can lead to falls and broken bones. Experts additionally say women of all ages who are trained in balance have better neurological functioning, avoid falls, and walk more gracefully -- especially in high heels. 

“The great thing about fitness clubs today is that you can find anything you want. Gyms often offer ballet if you like or rehabilitation if you need it,” says Slutsker 

Does Slutsker think that a structured fitness routine is as important for younger women as it is for older women? “If you start in your twenties,” she says, “then you can keep your body young. You can build your structure for life.  You have a lot of emotions when you are young, and stress. Exercise helps to control stress. That is very important for health”.

Olga is an inspiration for women of all ages. She is proof that women can succeed in business and still be fit, feminine, and fashionable.