A first-of-its-kind law is hitting Washington, D.C., shoppers, who must pay 5 cents for every plastic or paper disposable bag they use when buying food or alcohol.

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Most of the money raised from the new law, which passed the D.C. Council unanimously in June and took effect New Year's Day, will go toward cleaning up the city's Anacostia River. City research has found plastic bags are a major source of the river's trash. USA TODAY

It's official in DC.

As of Jan. 1, 2010, provide your own bag or you will be charged (fined) 5cents

Proposals have been introduced in the Legislatures of Maryland, Virginia and California as well.

I'm confident that my dear readers of Spiral Style are already transporting their newly purchased treasures in fabulous, eco-friendly, reusable bags. If not, here are some ideas to inspire a personal "green" initiative.

Stylish retro design $8.50 Envirosax

Conveniently folds into it's own carry pouch $8.99 The Container Store

Shop for a cause with the Breast Cancer Awareness bag $2.95 Century Novelty

Promote your cause and have bags printed. Give them out as favors, gift bags or sell as a fundraiser.

Zimbabwe bag 4 pack- $24.95 Green World Bags

Made of recycled juice boxes by women in the Philippines $45 Bazurashop

One of my very favorite bags is this HUGE bag from Ikea. Just 59 cents!

You can carry tons in this bag. I always keep one in my car.

Make You Smile Monday

It's Monday and we all need something to make us smile.

Here are two photos to entice you to watch the short YouTube video below.

Enjoy!

This polar bear wants to play...

and hug!

Nic's Sticks for a Quick Mani

I was at Target today and found this cool nail product I had read about,

Nic's Sticks from the Nicole line of OPI.

I picked up the Hydrate It! "pen". The clear, nourishing formula includes safflower seed oil, bamboo extract, and cactus extract to alleviate brittle nails. Additional formulas are Brighten Up! Nail Brightener with a soft pink hue that gives your nails a rosy glow, and the Tough Girl Nail Strengthener to do just that.

There is also an array of 24 nail lacquers to choose from.

Check out the Nicole site that will allow you to "try on" colors.

These convenient, pen-like tubes with brush applicators make nail polish simple to apply. Just tip the pen over, pump the tube and when the color appears on the brush, paint and go. The polish dries within one minute. Reviews I've read indicate it will not give a long lasting manicure but for me, even a professional manicure is not long lasting.

I found this so easy to use, I would keep be more likely to keep color on my nails. No need to wait around for my nails to dry. What a great idea for travel too.

Quick, Healthy Dinner

Like everyone else, I feel the need to eat healthy and lite after weeks of indulgence.

I made this simple and quick fish meal last night.

I bought ruby red trout because it was about the only fresh fish at the grocery store. I topped it with a few drops of olive oil, salt and pepper, an orange slice, some sliced green onion and a fennel sprig.

I rolled up individual portions in parchment paper and baked at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

The beauty of this is moist fish, no clean-up and no strong fish odor in the house.

The fish was delicious.

You can view the Today Show video below of Martha Stewart making fish in parchment.

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I rounded out the meal with steamed green beans and a salad of fennel, orange, red onion and Belgium endive with a light vinaigrette served on baby spinach.

The Blues

I'm seeing this...

... but I want to see this!

Click on the water photo to get the various shades of blue. I can't get enough of the ever changing blue waters in the Bahamas.

Holiday Decorations Are Put Away ... Now What?

The house seems dull when the tree comes down and the decorations are stored until next Christmas. Without spending a lot of money or a total makeover, House Beautiful offers 30 ideas to spice up your home. Click here for the full slide show.

Idea #7 Place your furniture on an angle in the room.

(and don't you love the flat screen TV on the easel?)

#19 Pretty flowers (I bought tulips today), a new CD.

#8 Drape a pretty, cozy blanket or throw on your sofa.

Idea #16 suggests using vessels filled with seasonal fruit, vegetables or nuts spread throughout the house.

#10 A short time before going to bed, light a scented candle in your bedroom and close the door. When you walk into the room to go to bed you'll be greeted with a lovely scent.

Idea #11

"Buy a bunch of those battery-operated LED Everywhere lights for only $8.99 each. They're like little hockey pucks, with adhesive on the back. Put them under a console table, on top of a bookcase, or use them to backlight some interesting object on a shelf." -Libby Cameron

Idea #21 If your bookcase looks dull, paint the back and sides a contrasting color. Pick up the color in an accent pillow for the room as well. ( I love the idea of hanging art between the shelves, it adds depth)

Have you done anything to "spice it up" now that the holidays are over?

Party Over, Back to the Gym

First Monday of the New Year and time to get back to the gym.

I'm excited to workout and feel fit again after a season of indulgence.

I'm thinking a new piece of exercise clothing will make workouts even more enticing.

all clothing from Athleta

Empire Vee Neck Tank $39

Racerback Empire Tank $39

Tattoo Tank $64

Saraswati capri $69

I could use a new pair of weightlifting gloves. These are from GoFit

After a workout this Kiehl's Soy Milk and Honey body wash is a soothing pleasure. $15.50

Ready to burn some calories and sweat