My Favorite Handbag Essentials and Organization Tips

When my kids were little, my handbag was a messy mix of snacks, toys and other essentials for both me and them. I would clean it out but after a couple weeks of running around to activities and events, it would be a mess again and always ended up weighing about 30 lbs. It was a lot of strain on my body, especially my neck and shoulders and it was also hard to find things. Fast forward a few years and I was able to ditch the kid snacks and toys but still found that my purse was a bit of a disaster. I realized I had to streamline my contents of my handbag but also shift my mindset about what I really needed to carry around with me. I also adopted a few organization techniques to keep my purse from getting overloaded with unnecessary items.

My Favorite Handbag Essentials and Organization Tips

1. Kari Gran Lip Whip Tinted Lip Balm - A little moisture, a little color. The perfect amount of color for everyday.

2. Follain Small Hand Cream - Small enough to fit in my purse and mighty enough to moisturize my hands when they get dry like on airplanes and in other climate controlled areas. Also has a nice light citrus scent.

3. Blue Q Small Floral Zipper Pouch - Helps organize the little things in my purse so they are easy to find.

4. Small Coach Wallet - The perfect sized wallet. More than enough spaces for my cards and cash and that’s it.

5. Beautycounter Hand Sanitizer - I really try to not use haand sanitizer but it’s good to have on hand just in case. This one smells amazing and also moisturizes.

6. Poppy and Pout Lip Balm - I love Poppy & Pout’s flavors and their lip balms are made with only the best ingredients.

7. Madewell Small Leather Crossbody - Small but not too small. This handbag holds everything I need for most of the things I do when I am out and about. I also like to pack it my suitcase when I go on trips.

Downsize - Unless I am traveling or going on some type of day trip, I no longer need a large, oversized handbag. I used to carry one around as a default and then realized how quickly it was filling up with unnecessary stuff and how heavy it became. Now I tailor my purse size and contents based on what I’m doing and quite often I only really need a small bag with some very basic things.

Zip Pouches - I used to keep small items in the pockets of my purse but now I use zipper pouches. They work so much better at keeping small items contained and they are so much easier to find. No more digging around pockets and the bottom of my purse. The key, of course, is to remember to keep them zipped!

Clean Out Frequently - I clean my purse out at least once a week or after a trip, event or activity where I might be collecting or carrying extra stuff. I am always amazed by how much accumulates in such a short period of time.

Only Pack What I Need - If I’m going on a trip or out and about for an extended period of time, I make sure I go through my purse and remove or add based on what I’m doing. If I am just going out to eat, there is no need for me to carry the same things I would need if I was going to work. It really doesn’t take that much effort and it prevents my purse from getting overloaded.

My Top Ten Favorite Non-Clothing Items From Anthropologie

If you’ve walked in to an Anthropologie any time in the last ten years you know that they carry so much more than clothing. In fact they carry some really great health, lifestyle, personal care and beauty items both online and in the stores. While Anthropologie is known for their creative and unique clothing styles, they are getting a reputation for the place to go for emerging personal care and beauty brands as well as popular, well-known brands like Mario Badescu and Caudalie. There are a handful of items that I have purchased and love from Anthropologie that do not fall under the clothing category. Check out a few of my favorites!

My Top Ten Favorite Non-Clothing Items From Anthropologie

1. Cocofloss Dental Floss and Toothbrush - Cocofloss was started by a dentist and her sister. I have been using Cocokind’s dental floss for a few years now and it is by far my favorite. Its design cleans really well between teeth, it’s free of parabens, BPA, SLS and PFAS, Leaping Bunny certified (cruelty free) and the flavors are so fun. The toothbrush is amazing! The bristles are soft and designed to effectively clean between teeth (16x more than the standard toothbrush), under the gumline and easily reach tartar prone areas. The handle is made from 98% recycled Oceanworks plastic and is food grade and BPA and BPS free. SHOP: Cocofloss Dental Floss and Toothbrush.

2. Ten Over Ten Nail Polish - I was using Ten Over Ten nail polish before they started carrying it at Anthropologie and I really liked it a lot. They have a nice selection of colors, the polish lasts and the formulations are free of 8 of the most toxic nail polish ingredients, cruelty free and vegan. Now that they carry it both in the store and online, it’s so much easier for me to grab a new bottle or shop a new color! SHOP: Ten Over Ten Nail Polish

3. Tiled Margot Monogram Mug - Anthropologie has carried this mug for a few years now and it makes a great gift. This is actually my go-to gift when I am buying for someone who has everything. It’s also a fun mug to have on hand at home when you have someone over for coffee or tea because it has little glam vibe. It’s reasonably priced at $14 and fun to pair it with many of Anthropologie’s candles or recipes and cookbooks. SHOP: Tiled Margot Monogram Mug

4. The Cheese Board Deck - This 50-card deck of various cheese board ideas is so fun and such a great gift. I have given this one a few times along with a unique cheese board and some simple cheese knives. SHOP: The Cheese Board Deck: 50 Cards For Styling Spreads, Savory, and Sweet

5. Kitchen Notebook Set - I am a sucker for a cute notebook. I have to consciously stop myself from buying them and Anthropologie always has the nicest notebook sets. I typically like the ones that contain plain, lined paper because I can use them a variety of ways but this kitchen notebook set designed by author and food stylist, Jerelle Guy is really pretty and perfect for keeping an organized kitchen and meal planning. SHOP: Jerelle Guy Kitchen Notebooks, Set of 3

6. Nette Candles - Anthropologie is known for their candles especially their signature volcano scent. Shocking, but I am actually not a fan of the volcano scent. I also like candles that are made with either coconut, soy or beeswax, lead-free cotton, paper or wood wicks and less toxic fragrances. Luckily, Anthropologie carries so many candles including this great brand with amazing scents and beautiful resuable, handmade vessels that are both dishwasher and food safe. SHOP: Nette Scented Candles

7. Caudalie Hand Cream - I’m obsessed with this hand cream. It is wonderfully moisturizing and the perfect size to fit in your purse or for traveling. Caudalie uses the therapeutic and anti-aging properties of grapes and their vines to create a beautiful line of spa-quality skincare. SHOP: Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand and Nail Repairing Cream

8. RMS Beauty Lip 2 Cheek Quad - RMS Beauty is clean beauty company that was started by 20-year master make-up artist, Rose-Marie Swift. I love this little make-up quad because you can use the colors for both your lips and your cheeks and you can blend them to get just the right color. It’s also perfect for travel because is small and compact. SHOP: RMS Beauty Lip 2 Cheek Quad

9. KITSCH Satin Scrunchies - I love the soft neutral colors of these slender scrunchies and the satin material is easy on the hair. They also make a nice add-on to a gift. SHOP: KITSCH Satin Scrunchies, Set of 6

10. Tangle Teezer Compact Hair Brush - I’m stuffing three recommendations in this one because they are all hair centric. I like this particular Tangle Teezer brush because it’s compact and fits perfectly in a bag (purse, travel, gym, etc). The Tangle Teezer glides through hair without tugging and breaking strands. It’s a must. I also love this Rahua Hydrating Detangler + UV Barrier for protecting strands while styling. It comes in both a full size and travel size and this AQUIS Hair Drying Tool which is this innovative towel that cuts drying time while reducing frizz. I bought this trio for my daughter one Christmas for her thick, frizz-prone hair and she loved it! SHOP: Tangle Teezer Compact Brush, Rahua Detangler, AQUIS Hair Drying Tool

8 Clothing Basics That You Will Always Find In My Closet

It’s no mystery to my friends and family that I love clothes and fashion. I have since I was a teenager and would be known to save my babysitting money for coveted items like Swatch watches, Ray Ban Wayfarers and J. Crew rollneck sweaters (yes, I was teen in the 80s). I was all about the trendy, “must have” items for many years, until sometime early last year when I became frustrated with the amount of items in my closet that I was not wearing. I did a major cleanout and realized that my most favorite items were actually simple, well made basics that I could wear many different ways. I realized that basic weren’t boring, they were the foundation of my wardrobe. Of course, I have clothing items above and beyond these basics items but these are the core of my wardrobe and I can’t live without them!

8 Clothing Basics That You Will Always Find In My Closet

A Neutral Pair of Non-Athletic Sneakers

I don’t think I can count how many times I have worn my sneakers. They work with everything from jeans, sweats to dresses and skirts and they are comfortable! A neutral pair of sneakers also travels really well because you can wear them with so many things. While the retro trend is going strong, I actually recommend also having a pair that are a bit more classic that way you’re not having to buy a new pair everytime a trend changes. Try these classic Veja Campo sneakers.

Short and Long Sleeve Tees in White, Black & Gray

Yes, I also own tees in other colors but these neutrals are non-negotiable. I prefer the look and feel of tees in cotton or a cotton blend and a little stretch doesn’t hurt. Quality definitely matters to me because I wear them so frequently and I want them to hold their shape through washing and wearing. These Monrow Textured Tri-Blend tees are fantastic and available in crewneck, v-neck and short sleeve.

Black Pants

Denim has pretty much taken over and can be worn almost anywhere (almost). For the most part, I live a pretty casual lifestyle so denim is a staple in my wardrobe. However, there have been a number of occasions where I have needed to wear something dressier and I don’t like that feeling of not being prepared to dress appropriately. I always keep a pair of versatile, comfortable black pants with a classic cut in my closet for this reason. I own these Naomi pants from Anthropologie and I like they are available in four fits (standard, petite, tall and plus) and multiple sizes. More importantly, they are really comfortable and they have stretch!

A Versatile Sweater

I live in New England and it gets cold so a light to midweight sweater that can be worn with almost anything in my closet and to pretty much any occasion, is another essential I’ll always have on hand. I usually have a couple, one in a color and one in a neutral shade. They are the perfect weight to wear during most of the year, not too light and not too heavy and made from a comfortable, breathable material like cotton. I always like a sweater with a little detail but this cotton mockneck sweater by Quince is a great basic and really well priced.

A Denim Skirt

While they are really trendy right now, I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a denim skirt. I wear mine with boots and a sweater in the colder months and then tees, tanks and sandals in the summer. They also travel really well as all denim does. I pick one in a classic medium wash, knee length and slight a-line silhouette, nothing too trendy. A little stretch helps too. I really love this knee length denim skirt by Wash Lab. It’s a nice medium shade of blue, has a cotton/poly/spandex blend for comfort and stretch and is a classic style that will last for years.

Booties in Black and Brown

Booties are popular for a reason, they work with everything: pants, jeans, skirts and dresses. I like the heel to be about 2” to 3”, not too high that they are uncomfortable or too low that they aren’t dressy enough to wear on a night out. Having both black and brown adds versatility my wardrobe and I find if stick with a classic style and take good care of them, they will last for years. I really like either Nisolo or Frye for boots. I think they both have great quality and plenty of style options.

A Nude Bra

Yes, you’re right, a bra is technically not clothing but I think this one is worth a mention. Also, there is really nothing exciting about a nude bra but the right one will disappear under your clothing (especially those whites and lights), give you great support and ultimately help you look more pulled together. I was in my early 20s when I learned that if you want your bra to disappear under white/light tops then it needs to be nude and not white. Since then the nude bra has been a staple in my closet. Fit and style preference is a very personal thing so recommending what bra I wear is likely useless but I have to say I’m incredibly impressed with the style, size and color options of Kim Kardashian’s line, SKIMS. Say what you want about her and her family but if she makes a great bra, I’m going to buy it. You can shop the full line of SKIMS bras here.

A Classic Pair of Jeans

How could I not mention jeans? They are essential! Denim styles go in and out but a pair with a clean, finished hem, classic styling, and versatile wash is indispensable. I’ve worked in clothing retail for a few years and purchased jeans in all colors and styles and I get the most of out of my pair that has a more classic styling. This means a straight or slightly tapered or flared leg that is not too loose or tight, medium wash, mid-rise, finished hem with a little stretch. I really like either AYR’s The Pop Jean in the Laid Back wash or Madewell’s The Perfect Vintage Jean. AYR jeans are a bit of investment but they are super comfortable and provide a nice range of fits. Madewell is more affordable and provide a lot of options but they can vary depending on the wash.

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My Cozy Shackets Picks That Are On Sale Right Now

I’ve been wearing shackets all through fall and this winter because they are the perfect jacket and shirt hybrid. I love wearing them over a tee or tank, just like a cardigan, using it as a light jacket or as an extra layer if it’s chilly in the house. They are an absolute must for me during the cold weather season in New England. Coziness is imperative, of course, so I’m sharing two that I already have and love along with a few others that seem really cute and cozy. This is also a great time to pick one up on sale. Please keep in mind that, because these are on sale, not all sizes and color options will be available.

My Cozy Shackets Picks That Are On Sale Right Now

1. Orvis Sunday Shirt Jacket - I own this one and it so warm and cozy. I’ve used it as a jacket and an extra layer inside when it’s been chilly. I LOVE the dark green and navy blue check. Fits true to size. Orvis Sunday Shirt Jacket, regularly $149, ON SALE for $99

2. Abercrombie & Fitch Onion Quilted Shirt Jacket - I also own this one in the beige color. It’s lightweight but also super cozy. The beige pretty much goes with anything, but it does come in two other colors. Fit is a tad oversized but it does shrink a bit when washed and dried. A&F Onion Quilted Shirt Jacket, regularly $90, ON SALE for $44.99

3. Sanctuary Town Shirt Jacket - Super cute plaid in two colors. A blend of polyester and wool for comfort. Reviewers say it nice but oversized (oversized is definitely in right now). Sanctuary Town Shirt Jacket, regularly $129, ON SALE starting at $51.60

4. Thread & Supply High Pile Fleece Shacket - I picked this one because I love the fun orange color. It also looks super cozy. It does look rather chunky and oversized so check out the reviews for fit details. Thread & Supply High Pile Fleece Shacket, regularly $59, ON SALE for $38.99

5. Madewell Belrose Cassel Plaid Shirt Jacket - This one is a little more substantial and, thus, more expensive. It has a vintage work shirt styling (love) and some other wonderful details like Italian boucle fabric, dropped shoulders and a nice long length. Madewell Belrose Cassel Plaid Shirt Jacket, regularly $268, ON SALE for $199.99

My Favorite Cozy Travel And Game Day Essentials

On a recent trip to Tennessee, I was limited to a medium-sized carry-on and had to be really intentional about what I packed. The weather in Tennessee is changeable, just like New England, and I needed items that I could layer for warmth and inclement conditions. As predicted, when we arrived it was warm but by game day (Go Vols!), when we needed to be outside for a good three to four hours, it was raw and cold. I also needed items that I could wear on the plane and be comfortable with the shifting temperatures and tight seating. So, what to pack? After decent amount of travel over the past few years, I have found some great items and I’m always on the lookout for new ones to make traveling easier and more comfortable. These items are also great for a chilly game day or any low-key outdoor activities. Here are the items that worked well for me and that I recommend on your next trip!

My Favorite Cozy Travel And Game Day Essentials

1. Good Quality Non-Athletic Sneakers - Hear me out on this one. First of all, non-athletic sneakers are much more versatile and the ones made with all leather protect your foot from rain and cold much better than the fabric and “new material” construction of many of the athletic sneakers now. They also look better with your outfits! This pair from Soludos is very similar to what I wear when I travel and the neutral color goes with everything. I was very happy I wore them on a particularly rainy day because my feet stayed dry. They are also easy to take on and off at security and look great with both jeans and sweats. Soludos Ibiza Platform Sneakers $139

2. A Lightweight Rain Resistant Hooded Jacket - Depending on the weather, I like to bring a lightweight, breathable hooded jacket that can easily fit over a warm sweater or sweatshirt and is also rainproof. I really love this jacket by The North Face. It’s nice looking and the blend of cotton, nylon and polyester makes it breathable but also good for dashing from here to there when it’s raining or a little windy. The North Face Women’s Rainsford Jacket ON SALE for $49.57.

3. Lightweight Wool Socks - When I think of wool socks, I think of the thick-knitted variety that I wore growing up and had to stuff, along with my foot, into my winter boots. Not anymore. The wool sock has evolved and it turns out that wool may be much better for your foot than cotton and certainly synthetics. Wool has this natural temperature regulating ability that keeps your feet cool, dry and warm depending on the conditions. I needed a warm sock for the game and the nice lady at the general store in downtown Knoxville convinced me to try them. They were warm and comfortable but not itchy and I’m pretty sensitive to wool. I really like both Smartwool and Darn Tough brands for well-made, comfortable construction and a wide variety for various activities and needs. I bought these long socks by Darn Tough and the no show socks by Smartwool and they were perfect for everything we did that weekend, even on the plane ride back my feet were warm and comfortable. Darn Tough Socks Wool Socks $24 and Smartwool No Show Socks $16.

4. Comfortable Sweatshirt and Sweatpants - If you’ve talked to anyone who traveled in the “golden age” of air travel you know that attire was much more formal and people took how they looked seriously. Like the wool sock, air travel attire has evolved just a bit. Truthfully, and with no disrespect, if I am going to be packed into a metal tube like a sardine, I’m going to dress comfortably. I am also not going to look like I just rolled out of bed either. A cute and comfortable sweatshirt, sweatpants and sneakers are my go-to. I, personally, do not like to travel in clothing that I am going to wear at my destination because of the risk of staining and that I always feel so grimy after sitting in airplane or car for a few hours. I love this comfy matching sweatshirt and sweatpants from Madewell. It comes in 6 colors as well as petite, regular and plus sizing. Another thing I love about Madewell is that they are almost always running some type of sale or coupon deal. Madewell MWL Superbrushed Easygoing Sweatshirt $65 and Sweatpants $75.

5. A Neutral Lightweight Scarf or Wrap - This is an essential for me. A lightweight wrap or scarf is an easy way to add warmth. I wear it on the plane and out and about, if needed. I like to bring it when I’m out to dinner in case the restaurant is chilly. A neutral color or motif makes it easy to pair it with any outfit. This double layer wool/cotton blend scarf from Madewell is similar to the one I take with me on trips. It’s comfy and cute. Madewell Double-Faced Plaid Scarf $52.

6. A Neutral Knit Hat - A knitted hat is an easy thing to throw in a suitcase or bag in the event that you need that extra layer of warmth. I was very happy I had one on this last trip. One note: bring a hat with no pom-pom so that you can easily wear your jacket hood if needed. Trying to stretch a hood over a pom-pom hat is not a great look and not comfortable. Also a neutral color allows you to wear with whatever jacket you decide to pack. Herschel Elmer Knit Beanie in Heather Black $25.

7. Dark Denim Jeans - I don’t think there is anything more versatile than a pair of dark denim jeans. You can wear them both day and night and denim is sturdy enough to stand up to several wears. I have a few denim brands I really like but I brought these Everlane ‘90s Cheeky jeans in Deep Atlantic. They are well-made, comfortable and very reasonably priced. They also come in seven washes and three inseams. Everlane The ‘90s Cheeky Jean $108.

2022 Conscious Living Holiday Gift Guide

We are quickly approaching the holiday season and gifting is inevitable. I’ve tried to be more conscious about the types of gifts I purchase for others and support local, handmade and responsibly run companies and much as possible. I’ve put together this season’s gift guide based on the principle of gifting better and more consciously BUT making sure that the gifts are still things that people would actually want. Many of these items I have actually purchased for myself and are made by companies with the mission of making better products and supporting ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes.

2022 Conscious Living Holiday Gift Guide

Coyuchi Unisex Organic Cotton Waffle Robe

One of my favorite brands for consciously crafted textiles. Coyuchi’s products are crafted with 100% organic fibers and a traceable supply chain. Everything is made with the welfare of people and the planet in mind. This spa-style robe is made of soft organic cotton that gets better with every washing. Comes in five colors and is GOTS and MadeSafe Certified. ON SALE for $96-$111 (regularly $128-$148) SHOP HERE

Coyuchi Topanga Organic Cotton Matelasse Throw

I have this throw and I absolutely love it. Also made by Coyuchi, it’s beautiful, soft and well-made. 100% undyed organic cotton. It comes is four colors and is GOTS Certified. It’s such a nice gift for someone with a new home or baby. ON SALE for $111 (regularly $148) SHOP HERE

Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towel Set

A set of six organic waffle cotton kitchen towels. I have these and love them. The more you wash them, the better they get. I love this as a gift for someone who loves to be in the kitchen or someone with a new home. Comes in four different color schemes. ON SALE for $43.50 (regularly $58) SHOP HERE

Connected Goods Mini Wooden Heart Dish Set

Connected Goods works with global artisans to bring their handmade goods to the modern marketplace while ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions. These sweet little heart bowls are hand-carved by Kenyan artisan from scraps wild olive wood. They are tiny (about 1.5” by 2”) and perfect for salt or small items or pieces of jewelry. SHOP HERE

Connected Goods Cotton & Lace Tablecloth

A beautifully handmade tablecloth in a soft neutral white. Detailed with Portuguese lace, delicate red stitching and a raw edge hem. Such a nice gift for someone with a new home or apartment. Approximately 55” x 94” SHOP HERE

Connected Goods African Sandalwood Bottle Vessel

Also from Connected Goods, these earthy handcrafted bottles are made by expert wood carvers from Mozambique. They are beautiful alone or with a sprig or two of dried lavender or eucalyptus. SHOP HERE

The Italian “ReWool” Cocoon Coat by Everlane

Everlane is a clothing company that focuses on ethical manufacturing practices and radical transparency. When you shop, you know exactly where each item is made and how much it costs. This gorgeous coat is made with recycled wool from a mill in Italy along with other recycled materials. It comes in three neutral colors. SHOP HERE

Everlane Cashmere Crew

A great wardrobe staple in super soft cashmere. You can’t go wrong with this simple silhouette and who doesn’t love giving and getting cashmere! Comes in 6 colors. SHOP HERE

The “ReCashmere” Beanie by Everlane

This beanie is made from recycled cashmere and is also from Everlane. I love giving winter accessories for the holidays especially cashmere. This one comes in 8 colors including stripes. SHOP HERE

Remarkable Radiance Body Duo by True Botanicals

A luxurious duo from clean beauty company, True Botanicals. Loaded with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients, it’s the perfect gift to pamper someone who needs a little self care. ON SALE for $32 (regularly $40) DISCOUNT AT CHECKOUT SHOP HERE

Wildling Body Dry Brushing and Gua Sha Kit

Gua sha and dry brushing are the hot new trend in wellness and self care. This set is a contains both a beautiful gua sha body tool made of sustainable sourced Bian stone known for its healing properties along with a body dry brush, Aura Detox Body Mist and Aura Rose Pepper Toning Oil. Perfect for someone always looking for the best trends in body and skincare. FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $50 SHOP HERE

Blume Salted Caramel Drink Mix and Frother

Blume is a company crafting cafe-style beverages with the power of superfoods. I’m loving their holiday collection especially the salted caramel flavor. The mini-size drink mix and brother would make the perfect stocking stuffer. FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $50 SHOP: DRINK MIX AND FROTHER

Gourmet S’Mores Kit by Ticket Chocolate

Ticket Chocolate is a small gourmet chocolate company out of Northern California. These s’mores kits are so cute and the perfect little stocking stuffer or hostess gift. SHOP HERE

Poppy & Pout Premium Lip Tint Gift Set

Poppy & Pout is a small company in Idaho that has been making lip balms since 2014. They recently launched a tinted version in six colors. This is gift set is “Oprah approved” and the perfect little girly gift for a friend, mom or daughter. 20% OFF GIFT BUNDLES WITH CODE OPRAH20 SHOP HERE

Poppy & Pout Lip Balm 10-Pack Premium Gift Pack

Poppy & Pout’s original lips balms in a set that can be gifted or kept. I love the feel of these lip balms and that they are available in a wide variety of flavors. They are made with only the best and safest ingredients and no animal testing. Honestly, who wouldn’t love getting this gorgeous rainbow of lip balms? 20% OFF GIFT BUNDLES WITH CODE OPRAH20 SHOP HERE

Beautycounter Bright Side Duo Gift Set

Beautycounter is a skincare company dedicated to bringing the safest, cleanest and effective products to the market. I have used both of these products for a few years and they are amazing. One is a vitamin C serum for brightening to even skin tone and the other is a resurfacing peel to help cellular turnover that boosts radiance for beautiful glowing skin. The perfect gift for that skincare junkie! SHOP HERE

Beautycounter Good Scents Hand Cream Trio Gift Set

Also from Beautycounter, this sweet hand cream trio is the perfect little gift for a teacher or a party hostess. SHOP HERE

Pyt Beauty Eyeshadow Palette

Pyt Beauty was started by Amy Carr and Mary Schulman in an effort to create safe and non-toxic, but on-trend cosmetics for their daughters. I love their eyeshadow palettes, they are full of fun colors for ultimate creativity. The perfect stocking stuffer for the young and young at heart. There are 3 palettes color schemes available. SHOP HERE

RMS Beauty Magic Moments Collection

RMS Beauty was started by make-up artist, Rose-Marie Swift in 2009. She wanted products that helped people feel more beautiful but also contained safe, non-toxic ingredients. I love this collection because it contains all of my favorite RMS Beauty items in one little set. It contains a cream eye shadow, lip tint, bronzer and luminizer. Perfect gift for that make-up lover. SHOP HERE

14 of My Favorite Fall Picks From Anthropologie

If you’ve ever walked past an Anthropologie, you know it’s hard to resist going inside, especially during fall. That window display alone is enough to pull you in. Once inside, it can be exhilarating and a tad overwhelming especially if you’re looking for something specific and not just browsing. Fall is one of the best times to shop because the store is loaded with wonderful items. I’ve picked out a handful of things I think are perfect for the cool, cozy weather ahead. Of course they have great clothing and accessories to help keep you warm and comfortable but they also carry some great things to make your home look and feel inviting. If there’s ever a time to treat yourself, it is now, because you know you’re going to be buying for everyone else very soon!

14 of My Favorite Fall Picks From Anthropologie

You can buy many of these as a special treat for yourself but they make a nice gift for a fall birthday or event or you can start shopping ahead for the holidays. I’ve made sure that everything on this list was picked carefully and consciously so you’re sure to find something you will love. Let’s dive in!

The Cheese Board Deck

This is great for gifting but it’s nice to get for yourself and a fun way to get clever, new ideas for cheese and charcuterie boards. Perfect as we head into the season of celebrating and entertaining but also just a nice way to enjoy a cozy night at home with family and friends. Pairs nicely with this cheese knife set and rustic wood and marble cheese board. SHOP HERE

Cookies: The New Classics by Jesse Szewczyk

Baking is one of my favorite things to do in the fall and cookies are number one on my list. This book takes cookie classics and puts a spin on them. I have to say I’m intrigued. SHOP HERE

Half Baked Harvest Every Day Cookbook by Tieghan Gerard

If you have been following Half Baked Harvest on social media then you know the recipes are amazing. Tieghan’s dishes are easy and perfect for those cozy fall nights at home. SHOP HERE

Pastel Pumpkin Apron

Super cute and so fun for fall entertaining or just a little refresh for your kitchen textiles. Perfect for fall gifting too. You can also get the matching oven mitt. SHOP HERE

Mushroom Candle

It’s a candle and it’s cute fall decor! What more could you ask for? The mushroom is the vessel for the candle so once it burns down you can either put another candle in it or just use it as decor. SHOP HERE

Set of 3 Botanica Journals

I buy these journals trios all the time and usually have to update them seasonally. The botanical theme and warm hues of these journals are perfect for this time of year. They are great for journaling, notes, grocery and to-do lists and are light and slim enough to put in a purse or bag. They are also easy to recycle after you are done using them. SHOP HERE

Natropathica Sweet Birch and Magnesium Bath Flakes

A warm bath with magnesium is a great way to relax and unwind and ease tired and sore muscles. I love a warm bath on a chilly night. Light some candles, get a book or some music and enjoy! SHOP HERE

Greylin Long Shacket

This shacket is so soft and cozy and I love the longer length. It’s perfect for football games, fire pit gatherings, hay rides and all of those other chilly fall activities. This shacket will have you coming up with excuses to wear it. Comes in three colors. SHOP HERE

Favorite Daughter Collegiate Sweatshirt

Cozy season is not complete without a comfy sweatshirt. This one caught my eye because of its preppy college sweatshirt vibe. It’s perfectly oversized and in a classic navy color and made of all cotton. This is one that just keep getting better every time you wash and wear it. SHOP HERE

Daily Practice Joggers

I like these because they are soft and comfortable but also tailored enough to feel put together while out and about. I also like that they contain some cotton which is comfortable and breathable and the grey is the perfect neutral. SHOP HERE

Lemon Cozy Cotton Crew Socks

I have a couple pairs similar to these that I bought last year from Anthropologie and they are so comfortable. I use them for lounging around the house because they are bit more substantial than a regular sock but they would also work in boots that allow for a thicker sock. SHOP HERE

Anthropologie Houndstooth Scarf

This is beautiful oversized scarf. The pictures do not do it justice, the colors are so warm and inviting. Brushed for softness and large enough to wear as a wrap. Cozy and cute. SHOP HERE

EMU Australia Plush Shearling Micro Boots

These are the cutest and coziest boots. Shearling both on the inside and outside in a neutral cream color. You could wear them as slippers or out and about to keep your feet warm on the chillest days. SHOP HERE

White & Warren Striped Cashmere Beanie

Super cute and cozy. 100% cashmere and so luxurious. You deserve to treat yourself! I love the stripes and it comes in two color ways. SHOP HERE

Cozy Sweatpants for Fall and Beyond From My Favorite Organic and Sustainable Brands

Cozy season is finally here! After a long and very hot summer, I know I am ready for some cooler weather. I’m also ready for all of those soft comfy clothes, especially a great pair sweatpants. Finding clothing that is comfortable as well as safe and sustainable has gotten so much easier. More and more new sustainable clothing brands are popping up and offering multiple style and color options for every taste and lifestyle. I’m loving some of the loungewear that is coming from these brands; they are on-trend, cozy and well-made. I picked a handful of styles from trusted brands I love but there are so many more to discover and I will link to those as well.

Cozy Sweatpants for Fall and Beyond From My Favorite Organic and Sustainable Brands

Coyuchi Solstice Organic Cotton Jogger - I own this jogger in two colors. I love them; they are incredibly soft, wash well and fit perfectly (true to size). They are lightweight so great for warmer weather or just hanging out inside on colder days. Made of GOTS certified, Made Safe and Fair Trade cotton. Coyuchi Solstice Jogger $58, 3 color options. Also take a look at Coyuchi’s Dillon Organic French Terry Jogger.

Pact Organic Cotton Airplane Jogger - Made with GOTS certified and Fair Trade organic cotton. Double ribbed fabric, pockets and the comfort you need for a long plane ride or just hanging out. Available in 6 colors. Pact Airplane Jogger $68. I love that Pact also offers this matching Airplane Cardigan ($88). Here are a couple other options from Pact that you might like: The Downtime Sweatpants $68, 8 colors or the Thermal Waffle Jogger $78, 5 colors.

The Studio Track Pant by Pact - Another cozy option by Pact but with a long wider leg and side snaps. Also made with GOTS certified and Fair Trade cotton french terry as well as some elastane for stretch. Super cute and on-trend. Available in 4 colors. The Studio Track Pant by Pact $78.

Amour Vert Salice Mixed Cupro Pant - Made from repurposed cotton waste fabric, which is also 100% biodegradable. I like this pant because you can wear it as a lounge pant or dress it up to go out and about. Cropped wide-leg and elastic waist. Amour Vert Salice Mixed Cupro Pants, 5 colors $138.

Amour Vert Skylar Paris Rib Joggers - Created from beechwood fibers, these joggers are super cute and made for comfort. The ribbing is a nice detail that makes these unique. They come in 6 colors, but three are currently on sale for a really good price ($24). Amour Vert Skylar Paris Rib Joggers $98.

Mate the Label Organic Terry Classic Jogger - All cotton comfort and available in 6 essential colors and 8 limited colors. Mate the Label Organic Classic Jogger $128. Mate has incredibly high standards and ethical practices.

My Top Eight Favorite Travel Essentials For 2022

*Updated from a previous post on 8/2020

While I would not necessarily consider myself a “professional” traveler, I have traveled quite a bit over the last couple years. College tours were the beginning, then my daughter decided to go to school in Tennessee, let’s add in regular vacations and long weekend getaways. I looked back and realized that I had spent a lot of time packing my bags, racking up car and air miles, staying in hotels, booking car rental cars, dinner reservations, tours and excursions and that everything I did while I was gone needed to fit into the size of a suitcase. I wanted to plan for the “what ifs” but I also didn’t want to deal with heavy, over-packed bags and multiple suitcases. I also wanted to be able to get through the airport checkpoints with ease, especially if I only had carry-on bags. Through my travels I have discovered items that have made packing and traveling so much easier and carefree, aside from the travel-sized, TSA approved items.

My Top Eight Favorite Travel Essentials

Go From Liquid to Solid - One of my favorite switches was going from liquid moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner to the solid versions. Solids eliminate any worry about leakage, especially during air travel. They are carry-on friendly, plastic free, easy to pack and they have come a long way in terms of efficacy. I’ve been traveling with Kate McLeod’s Mini Body Stone and loving the compact, small size and I was surprised to find that my skin was still moisturized at the end of the day. On my most recent trip, I tried HiBAR shampoo and conditioner bars and was really pleased with how easy they were to use and how soft and manageable my hair was. I haven’t fully explored the world of solid beauty products but there are solid facial moisturizers and cleansers available as well that would be great for traveling. Those are next on my list to try! Kate McLeod Mini Body Stone Moisturizers $14 and HiBAR Solid Shampoos and Conditioners $26.50 (for both).

Facial Mists - I completely forgot to bring my facial mist on my last trip and totally regret it. My face gets so dry on the airplane, in the hotel and at the beach and facial mists do a great job of temporarily replacing moisture and alleviating that dry, tight feeling I despise. I’ve been loving Ilia’s Blue Light Mist ($18 for .47 oz. travel size or $38 for 1.7 oz.), it moisturizes but also protects against blue light and other pollutants. This travel size fits perfectly in your purse or luggage.

Lightweight Drawstring Bag - One of the most versatile things I pack is a drawstring bag I received as a freebie. It takes up no room, weighs next to nothing and I have used it for everything from wet clothes, excursions, dirty shoes, a beach bag and as a purse. I just turn it inside out, give a good wipe down and it’s ready to use again. They are also incredibly inexpensive (every single one we have in our house was a freebie) so if I need to replace it, it’s not a big deal. If you don’t already have one hanging around your house, here’s one for $10 on Amazon.

Individually Packaged Towelettes - I generally try to avoid individually packaged items because of the extra waste, but these are a must for me when I travel. They are great for refreshing after a long plane or car ride, wiping down surfaces and for cleaning hands when a sink and some soap are not immediately available. I keep a couple in my purse, beach bag and my toiletry bag. I love both Herban Essentials $16.00 for 20 wipes and Giovanni $12 for 20 wipes, both on Amazon.

Convertible Lip, Cheek and Highlighting Palette - Anytime I can find a multitasking product, it makes packing and traveling so much easier. I especially love multitasking beauty products like this lip, cheek and highlighting palette by RMS Beauty. It includes a bronzer, highlighter, two colors that can be used for both lips and cheeks and a balm for skin and lips. It all comes in a slim, easy-to-pack compact. RMS Beauty Pop Collection Signature Set and Mod Collection Signature Set, both under $45 on Amazon.

Cord Snaps/Keepers - I kept passing by these in my local Anthropologie and thinking they were a good idea but did I really need them?? I finally ended up purchasing them when I received a gift card and I’m so glad I did. They are the perfect way to keep all of my tech cords organized when I travel. No more tangling, knotting or digging around my bag. The Anthro cord keepers are no longer available online but you can find a similar version on Amazon for about $7.

A Versatile Pair of Jeans or Denim Skirt - I used to be a terrible “over packer” because I had no strategies for efficient packing. While I’m not as minimalist as my husband (that’s never going to happen), I am much better than I used to be. One of my strategies is to pack a pair of jeans or denim skirt that can be used for a variety of uses like shopping, sight seeing, casual dinners and other events. Denim is a good material that can typically stand up to multiple wears and it looks good with everything. I’ve really been loving the AGOLDE’s Riley Straight Jean. It comes in several washes and they are super comfortable and flattering. Our recent trip was to an area with a warmer climate so opted for a denim skirt to keep me cooler. I hit the jackpot when I found an awesome Rag & Bone denim skirt on Poshmark, but I also love Madewell’s collection of denim skirts in a variety of lengths and washes.

Washi Tape - Washi tape is a great little tool for giving toiletries and other potentially leaky items an extra seal before they go into your bags. The nice thing about washi tape is that it’s easy to tear off of the roll (no scissors necessary) and easy to peel off your items when you’re at your destination. I keep a small roll in my toiletries case when I travel so I can re-seal before I head home. Try this set for under $10 from Amazon or buy individual rolls at your local craft store.

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My 6 Steps To Creating A Fun And Functional Wardrobe I Love (From A Former Clothing Hoarder)

The decision to fine-tune my closet and stop over-buying clothes comes in the midst of a two year project to really clean out my entire house and keep only the items we really need and want. My goal is to be as minimal as possible without feeling like we are deprived or lacking in any way. Swedish Death Cleaning, I think? When it comes to cleaning out my clothes, it’s been a bit more challenging. I love clothes, I have since I was a pre-teen. My thought had always been, more is more. If I saw something I liked and it fit, I bought it. After a while I started noticing a recurring trend of accumulating a bunch of clothes and then getting rid of them after only wearing them a couple times or, um, not at all. Also, despite having a closet full of clothes, I was not able to easily put together outfits that I loved. In fact, it was opposite. Often times, I felt overwhelmed and put together outfits that I felt were just okay when I knew I had better options. So, I decided to do something about it and I knew it had to be done in a way that was sustainable for me. I pulled ideas from a variety of sources including Marie Kondo, Emily Ley, a free capsule wardrobe guide I downloaded a couple years ago, slow fashion expert and advocate Sarah Fagan of Wander and Rove as well as my observations and experiences from working in clothing retail. No, I’m not a professional organizational expert but these steps are what has worked for me so far and I feel will continue to work for me.

Relentless Clean Out: This has been the hardest part for me. I spent days going in and out of my closet deciding what stays and what goes and sometimes it was things I bought only a few weeks or months ago. A relentless clean out means only keeping the things you really love and wear on a regular basis. One suggestion I received was to pull everything from my closet and drawers and lay each item out in one of three categories: Love and Wear Regularly, On The Fence, No Way. While I haven’t pulled every piece of clothing out, I have been using this three-category method to sort through my clothes at a pace that I find comfortable. I also plan on applying this method to accessories, jewelry and make-up.

• Clothes that fell under the “love” category were pretty easy for me to pick out. They are clothes I wear regularly. They’re comfortable, fit well, and flattering. I will admit that this has ended up being very few items, which means that I still had a lot of clothes that needed some serious contemplation and many of them were going to end up being sold or donated. These were the “no brainers” in my wardrobe.

• Clothing in the “on the fence” category was a bit more challenging. Clothing that made it into this category were items that I just could not make an immediate decision and required me to evaluate them in some way and then decide if they were worthy of taking up space in my wardrobe. If the issue was just fit and it could be easily altered, then it stayed. If it was a matter of styling and I was easily able to find something to go with it, then it stayed. If it was uncomfortable, unflattering color, did not fit my personal style or cheap construction and fabric, I let it go.

• Clothes that made it into the “no way” pile were really a mix of clothes that were just complete impulse purchases, not at all my style, out of style or were worn out or damaged in some way (stained, frayed, torn). The most frustrating part about this pile was that many of those impulse purchases were items that were so similar to something I already owned that it seemed ridiculous to keep both. I also noticed that a handful of items were relatively new and were already pilling, fading or showing other signs of long-term wear. This made start to re-think my standards when it came to new clothing purchases.

Applying the three category process to my sweatshirts.

Choose Quality Over Quantity: This mission all started with a growing frustration over the lack of quality in many of the mainstream clothing brands I have bought over the last few years. It also started with a fabulous pair of boots. I bought a nice well-made pair of boots last fall and absolutely fell in love with them. I wear them multiple times a week. I wear them out at night, to work, running errands. You name it. Every time I wear them, they get better and better. I can see myself wearing these and continuing to love them for many years. I realized that this needed to be my benchmark when cleaning out my current wardrobe as well as purchasing new items. I also realized that there were only a handful of items that I have purchased over the last ten years that fell into this category. That’s right, a handful. The truth was that my closet and drawers were full of things that just felt…“meh.” Which meant they were full of things that I didn’t love or the quality was just okay and they were not going to stand the test of time. I realized I was okay with having fewer things I really loved and that would last, rather than having a wardrobe busting at the seams with mediocre items. Affordability was certainly something I had to consider when making this decision. Quality can cost more, but it doesn’t necessarily have to in every case. I’m okay with investing a little more in certain items from time to time, but I also love to hunt for a bargain. This is where clothing resale and consignment platforms like Poshmark, The Real Real and Thred-Up are incredibly valuable. They make it very easy to find what you are looking for by using customized filters and you pay a fraction of retail prices. They are also great for selling unwanted items.

Avoid Being Lured By Trends & Cheap “Fast Fashion”: The fashion industry is perpetually focused on “the next shiny new thing” and there are plenty of manufacturers and retailers willing to play that game and offer a wide variety and high volume of those items at enticing and affordable prices. The problem, for me, was that the gratification from buying those items was fleeting. I’d wear them a few times and then realize the quality was terrible and/or they were so trendy that I could only wear them for a short period of time. Buy, wear and toss, again and again. It was a cycle that no longer felt comfortable. Fast fashion also has a huge impact on our environment between sourcing of raw materials, irresponsible manufacturing practices and textile waste. It became more important to me to seek out companies that were dedicated to more responsible manufacturing practices and focused on quality and timelessness of items over quantity.

It’s estimated that 92 million tons of textile waste is created globally each year. Yikes!

Find a Good Seamstress or Tailor: Sometimes the only thing standing in the way of actually wearing and loving an existing piece of clothing is a little nip and tuck. It took me a while, but I found a seamstress who is well-skilled and can provide good advice on whether or not an item can be tailored to my needs. Before I decide to donate, sell or return, I get her advice and then make my decision to from there. There are many times a little tweak took a piece of clothing from “on the fence” to “love.”

Reselling on Poshmark has been a great way to make money on items I let go.

Get To Know Yourself and Your Style: Getting to know myself and developing my own individual style was another way I started creating a more enjoyable and functional wardrobe. For me, this meant taking note of the items I already had and loved as well as observing the types of items I was drawn to when I went shopping. I also took note of what colors looked best with my skin tone and the silhouettes that looked best on my body type. This was much more important than I ever thought. Even though I love certain colors and styles does not mean they are meant for me. So, I took off my rose-colored glasses and got really honest with myself about what I could and could not pull off even if I really loved it. I knew that even if I initially loved it and kept it, eventually the illusion would dissipate and I would see that it really just did not work for me. Another one of my shopping pitfalls was getting “lured” into buying items based on how they looked on someone else (i.e. that model who makes everything look good) rather than how they looked on me or completely ignoring my individual style because I admired someone else’s. Again, just because they made it look good and felt comfortable, did not mean that I would too. I also want to mention that sticking with your individual style does not mean you can’t push yourself out of your comfort zone. Sometimes we don’t know what we like until we try it so it’s good to keep an open mind but forcing or fooling yourself into liking it and then later regretting that decision, is a completely different story.

Playing around with outfits is a great way to figure out if certain clothing items are going to work in your wardrobe.

Do Try-ons and Outfit Building Sessions: The only real way for me to know if an item is going to work in my wardrobe is to do a try-on and outfit building session. It is important for me to know that I have other items in my wardrobe that will make it work. It’s also important to know that it will fit my lifestyle. I may be able to build a great outfit but if it doesn’t work in my lifestyle then it’s not worth keeping because it’s just not going to get worn. I’ve also purchased items thinking that they will be so easy and versatile in my wardrobe, only to try it on and find out that it was a complete dud. The other advantage of doing these sessions is so that I have outfits ready to go for all types of occasions, even casual everyday outfits. No more standing in my closet wondering if this and that will look good together. This worked well for going through items in my “on the fence” cleaning out phase, especially with items that had me really stumped.

While this has been a really great cleaning out and organizational project, it’s also been a very interesting journey of self discovery. It really pushed me to look at my purchasing habits and understand how and why I ended up with such an unnecessary surplus of clothing. It also pushed me to find sustainable strategies to help me avoid falling into the same vicious cycle over and over again. Breaking old habits takes time and so does sifting through years of clothing purchases so this project is far from done, but I do feel I have the right mindset and strategies to finally get the fun and functional wardrobe that I love.

My Top Ten Whole Foods Favorites

I’ve been shopping at Whole Foods since the late 90s, early 2000s and it pretty much used to be the only place that you could find a wide variety of good organic produce, meats and dairy as well as specialty health food items. Things have changed quite a bit and conventional grocery stores are now offering a decent variety of organic and health food items. It’s made shopping so much easier and cheaper. However, there are still items that I absolutely love from Whole Foods that you either can’t find anywhere else or they just do them better. Here’s my most recent lineup of products!

My Top Ten Whole Foods Favorites

Yes, Whole Foods does have the nickname “whole paycheck” but there are some very reasonably priced items and an incredible variety of wonderful specialty foods. The quality of their produce and meats is excellent so I feel confident shopping there. They have an easy, no hassle return policy just in case you end up with a spoiled or bad product. Whole Foods also offers an online shopping and pick-up or delivery service through Amazon and that has been a huge time saver for me. This might be the perfect time to check out what Whole Foods has to offer!

1. 365 Organic Creamy Peanut Butter (no sugar added): Whole Foods has several different versions of creamy peanut butter, but this one is my favorite. It’s fully blended (no stir) and contains no added sugar and has a rich peanut taste. I do choose peanut butter without sugar and I do not notice the difference with this kind. $2.49 for a 16 oz. jar.

2. 365 Organic Light Lemonade: A touch of stevia helps cut the amount of added sugar but doesn’t have that weird artificial sugar taste that comes with stevia-sweetened items. We like to mix it with seltzer and lemon wedge for a healthier alternative to soda. $2.99 for 64 oz.

3. 365 Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Whole Foods carries a large variety of olive oils but we really like the large 101.4 ounce BPA-free can because we use A LOT of olive oil and this goes the distance. This is not the highest quality olive oil you can get there but we like the flavor and the value is hard to beat. $19.29 for 101.4 oz.

4. 365 Organic Chopped Kale: I use kale for a variety of things including smoothies, soups and salads. This pre-chopped kale is such a time saver. Just remember anything pre-chopped or prepared tends to spoil faster so it’s good to use this up soon after you purchase. $3.99 for a 12 oz. bag.

5. 365 Organic Thick and Chunky Medium Salsa: It’s taken me years to find a salsa that every single person in the house likes and this is it. I love that is has good, clean whole ingredients and no funny stuff and my family likes the consistency and taste. $3.26 for a 16 oz. jar.

6. 365 Frozen Cooked Quinoa - This frozen quinoa is the perfect time-saving hack. Having pre-cooked quinoa on hand for salads, soups and sides is so handy on nights when I’m putting dinner together in a rush. You can leave it out to defrost or defrost it in the microwave. $3.99 for a 12 oz. bag.

7. 365 Frozen Cooked Brown Rice - Again another time saver for when I need to get dinner on the table in a pinch. These pre-cooked grains are also great if you’re just looking to heat up a single serving. I love this brown rice for soups and as a base for bowls! $2.99 for a 12 oz. bag.

8. Whole Foods Dutch-Style Pancake Bites - This is a new favorite with my kids. It, by no means, takes the place of a batch of delicious hot homemade pancakes right off the griddle but it’s great for a quick breakfast without any weird ingredients. $3.99 for a 10.8 oz. bag.

9. 365 Organic Chocolate Almond Ice Cream Bars - If you’re going to have a treat, have a treat! Real ice cream inside a real chocolate shell. My kids love these. My only issue is that they come in packages of three and I really wish they came in at least packages of four (six would be better). If you’re not into almond, try the regular chocolate option. $4.39 for a box of three.

10. 365 Pink Himalayan Salt Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps - I love these for dipping in baba ghanoush and hummus but I’ve also used them for tuna salad instead of bread or a wrap. They have a touch of cauliflower which gives them a little more substance and flavor than a plain rice crisp. While they are good with dips, I actually think they are pretty good on their own too. Also check out the other flavors buffalo and Korean BBQ. $2.99 for a 5oz. bag (by weight).

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My 2021 Mother's Day Gift Guide

Believe it or not, Mother’s Day is right around the corner (May 9th to be exact) and before you know it, you’re either going to be scrambling to find a gift or figure out what to tell your family to get you. Mother’s Day gift giving does not have to be extravagant but rather something thoughtful that makes you or the mom in your life feel pampered and special. My gift guides always include items that I would either like for myself or to give to someone in my life. It includes thoughtfully selected gifts including items from my favorite handmade shops and small businesses. I always try to pick affordable items along with some high end gifts when you’re willing to splurge a little. Lastly, all personal care products and cosmetics included in my gift guides are clean and non-toxic. So let’s get shopping!!

Floral Clutch by Daisy Faye Designs - I love this super sweet floral clutch/zipper pouch. The larger size makes this perfect for organizing a larger bag, diaper bag or suitcase, but can also transition to a pretty clutch for a night out. I love Daisy Faye pouches and clutches because not only are they pretty but they are lightweight and easy to pack. Designer/owner Kim Chapman is a doll and offers other items like masks, key fobs, apparel, scrunchies and scarves. Check it out!

Satin Dressing Robe by Hey Mavens! - Hey Mavens! is and lingerie line all about body positivity and acceptance and I love that. Designer/owner Annika has worked tirelessly to bring the cutest and most comfortable bras, panties and other accessories to individuals of all shapes and sizes. I love this sassy, silky robe but check out her entire site. It’s so fun!

Motherhood Affirmations Card Set by Abundant Affirmations - Give mom a little boost of confidence with these thoughtfully designed motherhood affirmation cards by Jen Hatzung of Abundant Affirmations. Affirmations are an effective method of transitioning a negative and destructive mindset to a more positive and constructive one. Check out the rest of her fabulous offerings!

Trio of Floral Journals and Pen by Rifle Paper Co. - I love RPC’s fresh, floral prints! So fun and feminine and the perfect mom-gift. I have received these journal sets in the past and I have used them for everything including making lists, journaling and sketching out ideas. Throw a cute pen in there and call it “a done deal”!

Citrus Mimosa Hand Wash and Hand Cream Set by Beautycounter - Make mom’s hands happy with this hand wash and hand cream set in a light citrus scent by clean beauty brand, Beautycounter. I’ve purchased this set many times in the past and I love it and mom will too.

Hair Dryer Brush by Revlon - A hairdryer for Mother’s Day? Hear me out. This has changed my life and cut my morning routine significantly. Not to mention that I no longer have to juggle the hairdryer and brush combination and my hair looks good every time I use it. What mom wouldn’t want that? If you’re not into giving just a hairdryer, try pairing it with another item, more luxurious item.

Clean Eye Shadow Palette by Jane Iredale - This is something I know my own mom would love to get as a gift because she would never buy this for herself. There are eight palette options (wow) and all shades are safe for sensitive eyes.

Lip and Cheek Palette by RMS Beauty - I love a multi-tasking product and even better one that’s all in one neat little palette (win-win). It’s perfect for travel or to store in your purse for work. The universal colors make it easy to gift to any mom. RMS beauty is another brand committed to transparency and safe ingredients.

Generations Necklace by EFYTAL - What a sweet, simple idea to honor a mother or grandmother. I love the simplicity of the design and that it’s made from sterling silver. EFYTAL is U.S. based company and all jewelry is crafted by artisans in New Jersey, California and Texas. Check out their other designs.

The Comfy In Lightweight Microfiber - A lighter version of the famous Comfy for these upcoming warmer months (it does still gets cold!). I love the idea of wearing it by the back yard fire pit, on a long car ride or camping.

How to Breathe Book - Moms need effective ways to chill and de-stress because mommin’ isn’t easy. The breath is incredibly powerful and one of the easiest and cheapest ways to relax and restore the restless mind and body. This beautifully written book is a guide to to channeling the power of our breath.

Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit - I think this is a great gift for someone who is just starting to explore the world of gardening. You can start inside and move outdoors when the weather is right or keep indoors by a sunny window for a little edible greenery in the house. Everything is included all in one east to use kit.

Lime Printed Jammies by Print Fresh - I’ve had my eye on these pajamas for a while. The prints are so gorgeous! What better way to pamper mom (or yourself) than with a set of beautifully made and printed pjs. Not into limes? Print Fresh has plenty of other beautiful options.

Strong as a Mother Tee by Suburban Riot - I love these fun graphic tees and sweatshirts from Suburban Riot. Their mom-themed collection is a perfect for that fun mom on your list (or maybe yourself). Shop the entire collection.

Petite Designer Floral Arrangement from Olive and Cocoa - There’s nothing wrong with a classic Mother’s Day gift like flowers, but make it something unique! I love the beautiful selection of floral arrangements and gifts from Olive and Cocoa. The petite size is perfect for someone with a small space or to even put on a bedside table. The succulent can also be taken out and re-potted as a house plant. Shop the entire site for other ideas.

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Hygge Ideas for Spring and Summer

Hygge gets a lot fo attention in fall in winter because that’s typically the time of year we think about getting cozy and comfy, but the Danish practice Hygge all year, even in the warmer months. It is so much more than putting on your cozy clothes and sitting in front of a fire with a cup of tea. Hygge is doing things that make you feel good; things that bring comfort and contentment and that can be done all year. Of course what you do in the spring and summer is going to be different than what you do in the fall and winter. Here are some ideas for some warm weather Hygge!

Hygge Ideas for Spring and Summer

Create and Outdoor Space for Relaxing: One of my favorite things to do when the weather gets warmer is to relax on my back patio. I especially love it in the late afternoon or early evening when it’s a little cooler. We also do a lot of entertaining on our patio. I’ve always tried to have an outdoor space to relax and socialize no matter where I lived, even in some of my apartments. Sometimes it was just a couple chairs and potted plant, but it worked. If you have the opportunity to take advantage of an outdoor space, do it and do it right! To make the space more inviting, try an outdoor rug, lighting, a patio pit, cushioned chairs, a hammock and potted flowers; make it your outdoor sanctuary! Need inspiration? Check out these 58 patio ideas from House Beautiful.

Photo by Arcwind on Unsplash

A Good Spring Cleaning: It’s such a great feeling when your home is neat, clean and organized. Whatever it is that you need to get your house in order so you can go out and fully enjoy the warm weather, just get it done! Getting rid of excess crap is always a good place to start. Clean out your drawers, closets and other storage areas. Open up your windows and get some fresh air in the house. Launder your throw blankets, comforters and throw pillows. Get your rugs, sofas and chairs professionally cleaned. You don’t have to do this all at once; I do all of this over the course of a few weeks. For other ideas and tips on spring cleaning, check out this guide from The Spruce.

Make Some Sun Tea: I loved doing this last summer. I took our largest pitcher (FYI, this pitcher with a twist and lock lid is awesome), filled it with water and a handful of tea bags and let it sit in the sun for a few hours. Sometimes I would throw some lemon and mint in there and sometimes I left it plain. Put it in your fridge for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up. It’s also really good mixed with lemonade. Yes, you can go out and buy iced tea but this is much more fun and it tastes much better than what you can buy in the store.

Go for an Evening Walk or Beach Trip: Dusk in the summertime is my favorite time of the day. It is a great time for a walk or a beach trip. We like to order pizzas and then bring them to the beach for a little picnic and then do some beach combing. I also just like to go out and walk my neighborhood with a friend or my husband for a casual evening walk. No sunscreen needed. However, you might want to use a little bug spray!

Fill Your House with Fresh Flowers: Okay maybe not FILL your house, but a bouquet of fresh flowers has a way of instantly brightening up a space. You don’t have to spend $50 a week on a fancy bouquet; you can buy inexpensive ones from your grocery store and rearrange them to look like they came from a more high end florist. Check out this 5 minute tutorial on how to make inexpensive grocery store flowers look amazing!

Plan a Small Outdoor Gathering: Use that gorgeous outdoor space you’re creating and host a gathering! Yes, you can do this safely. I like the idea of individually packaged snacks like S’mores kits. You can also order individuals meals from a restaurant that does take out. Beverages, even wine now, comes in single serving sizes. Hook up a bluetooth speaker, hang some lights, light a fire and just enjoy the company.

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

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My Top New Kitchen Gadget Picks for 2021

The kitchen is one of our favorite places to be as a family; cooking, baking entertaining, snacking, family dinners, homework, coffee chats. The kitchen is definitely the hub of our household and I know we’re not alone. The right tools make a big difference and I’ve been thinking recently that we need to refresh some of our own kitchen gadgets. I started doing some research on the latest and greatest tools and keeping a list of what I wanted to purchase for the upcoming year for ourselves and also as gifts for friends and family.

My husband and I will be married 19 years in April (wow) and we still have many of the kitchen tools and gadgets that we received as wedding gifts. Some of them are getting old and need replacing but trends and life circumstances also change (ahem, two teens) so updates are not only fun but necessary. The right kitchen tools can help you stay consistent with your healthy habits by making it easier to prep, cook and store healthier options. In addition, they help you run your kitchen and baking or cooking projects more efficiently. Honestly, for me, the quicker I can get in and out of the kitchen, the better!

What have I had my eye on? Quite a few items, actually, but I am especially excited about a tea pot that is basically indestructible (I’ve gone through quite a few) and some avocado accessories to help make processing and storing avocados easier. There are also a few items that will make great gifts especially for my husband who is the real kitchen master.

My Top New Kitchen Gadget Picks for 2021

Le Creuset 2.25 Quart Saucepan

Le Creuset 2.25 Quart Saucepan

We own a few Le Creuset pans and dishes and they are incredibly versatile and durable. They are also expensive so we’ve slowly collected them over the years or received as gifts. I’ve had my eye on the 2.25 quart saucepan in this gorgeous deep blue color. It’s just the size I’ve been looking for and I love that it can go from stovetop to the oven.

Dreamfarm Large Supoon

Dreamfarm Supoon

I love the smaller version of this spoon because it’s the perfect size for getting into condiment jars and scraping out the last bits so you’re not wasting any product. The larger version is great for scraping pans, bowls and it can also be used for measuring and serving. I love a multi-purpose tool!

Staub Tea Kettle

Staub Cast Iron Tea Kettle

I drink tea instead of coffee so the tea pot is my tool of choice for my morning beverage. I have been through quite a few kettles and finally decided to search for one that would last, well, forever. Even some of the nicer ones eventually rust and break down after daily usage. This Staub tea kettle is made of cast iron so I’m guessing is pretty much indestructible.

Hamilton Beach Single Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker

With two teens in the house, we make (no, buy) a lot of breakfast sandwiches. I’ve had my eye on the breakfast sandwich maker because I’d like to occasionally be able to make them from home without creating a zillion dishes. It looks easy to use, clean and store and I’m hoping it’s enough of novelty that my kids will compelled to start making their sandwiches at home more often.

Simple Spreader Butter Spreader Knife

Simple Spreader Butter Knife

No one likes trying to spread cold butter on a nice warm piece of toast. This simple little tool solves that problem. We actually keep our butter at room temperature*, which makes it so much easier to spread but this is perfect for when we take a new stick out of the fridge.

*You can safely keep butter at room temperature with a few easy tips. 1) Keep in a butter dish or crock that protects from air and light. 2) Only keep salted butter at room temperature as the salt acts as a preservative. 3) Don’t store it in a hot kitchen for too long. If the temp in your kitchen is consistently above 70 degrees, you may want to keep your butter in the fridge. 4) Don’t leave out more butter than you’ll use in two weeks. Two weeks is about the maximum time butter will stay fresh a room temperature.

GuacLock Guacamole Container

GuacLock by Casabella

My daughter and I eat a lot of avocados and I like to make enough guacamole or smashed avocado (for avocado toast) to last a couple days but keeping it from browning is a constant challenge. I was really excited to see this storage container specifically for keeping guacamole fresh.

Butefo 8-in-1 Kitchen Tool

8-in-1 Kitchen Tool by Butefo

While I don’t really need this particular tool for my own kitchen, I thought it would be a great housewarming gift for someone living in a small space or with a kitchen with limited storage. I love that of the pieces stack together neatly so you’re not searching around your drawers for the right tool.

Chefn’ Strawberry Huller

Chefn’ Strawberry Huller

I’ve been procrastinating on buying one of these, but I like that it removes the parts you don’t want without removing the parts that you do and makes processing strawberries easier. This is sure to be a hit with my son and if gets him to eat more fruit, it’s a win-win!

OXO 3-in-1 Avocado Tool

OXO 3-in-1 Avocado Tool

Back to our love of the avocado. Removing the pit can be a little daunting and this tool helps you safely cut open, remove the pit and slice your avocado. Again, I love a convenient, space-saving, multi-purpose tool.

OXO Mini Measuring Nesting Cups

OXO Mini Measuring Cups

These little mini measuring cups are perfect for measuring out and pouring small amounts of liquid without risking spillage. I like that they stack neatly together and will fit easily in any kitchen drawer.

Chefn’ Corn Cobb Stripper

Chefn’ Cob Corn Stripper

We always end up with leftover corn and I like using it salads and other recipes but do not like cutting it off the cob. It makes a mess and I’m concerned that the cob will slip and I’ll end up cutting myself. I was happy to see that there is a tool that does that easily and safely without the mess.

Whiskware Pancake Mixer and Dispenser

Whiskware Pancake Batter Mixer and Dispenser

I’m finally going to buy one of these pancake mixer/dispenser bottles. It’s a simple design and concept that I’m hoping saves dishes and some time. I like that you can also use it to mix and dispense muffins and cupcakes.

Chefn’ Stem Stripper

Chefn’ Stem Stripper

We use a lot of fresh herbs and leafy greens and this little tool is super handy at efficiently stripping the stem of the usable parts. No more cilantro stems in my guacamole!

Simple Human Touchless Soap Dispenser

Simple Human Touchless Soap Dispenser

Finally! A soap dispenser for the kitchen that doesn’t quit in six months. This version is touch-free which is super handy when you’re washing hands after handling raw meat. One charge can last up to 3 months and it comes in five finishes to match your kitchen. You can find the less-expensive, pump-version here.

Cave Tools Meat Shredder

Cave Tools Pulled Pork Shredder

My kids and husband really like pulled pork sandwiches and shredding the meat with two forks has always been a bit awkward and using your fingers while the meat is still hot, umm, hurts. The design of this tool will make shredding easier without burning my fingers or messing up my forks.

Chefn’ Garlic Zoom

Chefn’ Garlic Zoom Garlic Chopper

We use a lot of garlic; sometimes I’m peeling and chopping up to 10-15 garlic cloves for just one meal prep. Anything to help make this process quicker and easier, I’m all for it. I also like that it keeps the garlic oils off of your cutting board.

Ninja Foodie

Ninja Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker, Broil, Dehydrate, Slow Cook, Air Fryer, and More, with a Stainless Finish

After losing my Crockpot in a freak accident, I’ve decided to upgrade to the Ninja Foodie. I’m not really sure how one appliance can effectively do so many things but I’m willing to try it out. I’m especially interested in trying out the air fryer and pressure cooker functions and this larger size 8 quart size is perfect for entertaining.

Vitamix Immersion Blender

Vitamix Immersion Blender

I’ve had my immersion blender since we were married and it’s time for an upgrade. It was great for starting out but I want a more professional version since I use it so often. I like the stainless steel design and that it has five speeds.

OXO Handheld Mandoline

OXO Handheld Mandoline

We actually have a full-sized mandoline but it’s a little bit of a production setting it up, breaking it down and cleaning it. I want the handheld version for smaller projects, everyday projects and I’ll leave the larger mandoline for our special cooking projects (i.e. this unbelievable au gratin potatoes my husband makes for Christmas Day dinner).

Kochblume Spill Stopper

Kochblume Spill Stopper

One of my biggest kitchen pet peeves is when something boils over on the stove. It’s a pain to clean and it disrupts the flow in the kitchen. This simple little tool is supposed to stop that from happening and it’s gotten some pretty positive feedback!

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My Favorite 12 Hygge Ideas for Happy Living

As I have said many times before, if we are going to be home, we should make home one of our favorite places to be. Hygge is a great way to do just that. If you still do not know what hygge is, it is the art of doing things or creating opportunities that bring comfort and contentment. The beauty is that the simplest things can help you make that shift and create a cozy, inviting vibe in your home. I’ve been a big fan of hygge for a few years now because it embraces many elements of self care and conscious, intentional living. It’s a lifestyle and a state of mind.

Hygge Ideas for Happy Living

Throw Blankets Everywhere - Okay, maybe not EVERYWHERE but all places that make sense. On the sofas, beds and a few tucked away in the closet for guests or to take on trips. I love these thick super soft fleece blankets. They are inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colors. and sizes.

Get Rid of Clutter - I always get overwhelmed when I think about tackling clutter but I realize that I don’t have to do it all at once. Pick one thing to clean out and organize once or twice week or set aside 10-15 minutes a day dedicated exclusively to decluttering. There’s nothing like the feeling of purging things you no longer want or need and having a clean and organized space when you’re done. There are multiple benefits of a purging unwanted and unnecessary items like decreased stress and anxiety, better sleep, increased creativity and overall happiness. I found Emily Ley’s book, A Simplified Life and Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up books very helpful in getting started on my decluttering journey.

Lighting - Lighting can make such a difference when it comes to how your home feels. I really like to reserve overhead lighting for the kitchen, bathrooms, the laundry room and the dining room. Lamps create a cozier, more inviting atmosphere in your living room and family room. The right bulbs matter too. I always pick soft lighting with no more than 60 watts; there’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re on display at a department store when you’re in your own home. While I’m not a huge fan of LED bulbs, they are getting better at creating softer, warmer lighting. I like these GE Relax HD LED light bulbs. I also love fairy lights. I have these battery powered fairy lights in various spots around my house. I like putting them in hurricane lamps and setting the timer so that they go on at dusk and then turn off a few hours later. I even have them on the mini evergreen trees on my front porch and on a faux olive tree that sits on the balcony that overlooks my foyer.

Scent Your Home - I love using scent to help create a relaxing and inviting vibe. I, personally, love candles, but there are other ways to scent your home if candles aren’t your thing. Essential oil diffusers have become very popular and you can also make a simmering potpourri on your stovetop. If you do use candles make sure they are made with clean-burning waxes like soy or coconut, lead-free cotton wicks and clean, non-toxic fragrances. I really like the candles from Brooklyn Candle Studio.

Pick a Baking or Cooking Project - Recently, I’ve dedicated part of my Sundays to doing some cooking and baking for the week. There’s something about being productive in the kitchen that is very satisfying and fulfilling. You certainly don’t have to meal prep for your week, but try a fun baking project or something challenging that you wouldn’t normally make. I really love how cooking projects bring us together as a family, so get your kids or spouse involved and make it an event.

Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash

The tub can be the perfect place to relax

Create a Space Just for Relaxing - Find a little corner of your home and create a space that is just for you and completely restorative. Perhaps it’s chair or small sofa with cozy, blankets, lighting and pillows perfect for reading, meditating or watching TV. If you have a lot of creative energy, put together a maker space or crafting nook for yourself. Do you love a bath? Stock up on products to make your bath amazing. There are so many fun bath products. A few things on my list are this bamboo bath tray, these Vertly CBD Bath Salts and I love the Honest Company line of bubble baths (they are not just for baby!). Also, don’t forget your favorite candles and a Bluetooth speaker for some music!

Set Boundaries - Create a schedule and set boundaries so that your have time to do the things you really enjoy and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ in order to make it happen. It’s really okay to take time for you. This doesn’t have to be anything drastic or monumental. Carve out a couple hours on the weekend for just hanging out, end your work day a little earlier a couple days a week, delegate a chore or task to someone else, drop an activity that is no longer enjoyable or fulfilling or even add an activity like yoga or mediation that’s restorative.

Stock Up on Your Favorites - Stock up your fridge and pantry with items you love. That does not necessarily mean junk food, but do make sure you have some treats for yourself. In my pantry, I keep a couple of my favorite tea flavors, dark chocolate, and a couple salty crunchy snacks. In the fridge I stock these iced teas I really like and healthy foods that can be easily prepared or heated for my daily meals, including breakfast. This is how I like to think of it: imagine waking up, coming home from work, sitting down for a break and having your favorite foods or drinks right at home and ready to go.

Cute and Comfy Set by Sundry

Cozy Wardrobe - Cozy living needs a cozy wardrobe and there are so many options now. I love a matching sweat suit so I can just throw it on and be done. They are super popular right now so you can find them pretty much anywhere. I love Sundry for cute, functional loungewear.

Get Together With People - A little more challenging in the time of COVID but it can still be done. Get creative and connect with people you love and enjoying being with on a regular basis. Isolation is not healthy or normal and socializing with people has consistently shown to increase or sustain happiness.

Get Outside - Connecting with nature regardless of the season is an essential part of hygge. In the colder months, I am bundling up and getting into the woods and our local walking trails with my husband and two dogs. In the summer, when it’s scorching out, I’m walking early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hotter parts of the day. I also love sitting on my back patio as often as possible. We invested in a fire pit so we can enjoy it all year!

Start a Gratitude Journal - Expressing gratitude is a wonderful way to bring more contentment and happiness into your life but consistency is key. A journal is a great way to make gratitude a habit. I keep one by my bedside table and write down 3 or 4 things I am grateful for before I go to bed. The journal doesn’t have to be anything fancy! I really like this hardcover notebook with an elastic closure.

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Valentine’s Day 2021 Gift Ideas

I’ve never been one to make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day. I don’t expect gifts from my husband and I know he doesn’t expect anything from me. However, if there was ever a year to take any given holiday up a notch, this would sure be the one. This gift guide is collection of things that I would love to get and love to give and they are all simple, affordable items from my favorite brands. And let’s be clear, you don’t need a sweetheart to celebrate; there’s a reason the new term “galentine’s day” has become so popular. It’s fun to treat yourself, your closest girlfriends or even a pre-teen/teen daughter. If you feel like you’ve been last on the list lately, maybe this is your chance to do a little something yourself.

What will we be doing on Valentine’s Day? The same thing we do every year: A cozy day/night at home. It’s on a Sunday so maybe we’ll make something special for dinner and have a cocktail. We save our dinner dates for other special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. I typically buy the kids some chocolate a couple of little things (I’m always amazed what I can find during a CVS trip). It’s always super low key!

Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Jane Iredale Clean Beauty Just Kissed Lip Plumper

2. Sundays Studio Nail Polish in #17

3. J. Crew Sweatshirt in Dried Violet

4. Pre de Provence Peony-Scented Bar Soap

5. Happy Socks Heart Socks

6. J. Crew White Ruffle Neck Tuxedo Button Down

7. Skylar Clean Perfume Sampler

8. Pearl Embellished Hair Clips

9. Glossier Cloud Paint Blush in Puff

10. Madewell Pink Floral Bandana

11. Brooklyn Candle Studio Love Potion Candle

12. C.C. Pink Knitted Hat

13. Red Faceted Glass Drop Earrings

14. Tom’s Red Redondo Flats

I know I would also love going for a walk, doing a little baking, exchanging foot rubs, watching a movie and eating a nice some-cooked dinner. No matter what you decide to do, make sure you take care of yourself too. You don’t have to go crazy making everything perfect. Sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most.

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My Top Ten Favorites - Fall 2020 Edition

Pandemic or not, we still need and want products. Some make our lives a little easier and some are just for pure enjoyment. There’s nothing wrong with wanting “things” as long as that’s not your source of happiness and contentment. And who doesn’t love a good recommendation? Here’s a list of what I’m loving these days!

Stars Above (Target) Knit Joggers - I found these beauties for $25 at Target, so you can’t beat the price. I love them because they fit my short legs without looking dumpy, they are super soft and cozy and they actually contain some cotton which I find breathes better than a lot the popular synthetic fabrics. Grab a pair for yourself before they sell out!

oSea Sea Vitamin Boost Antioxidant Hydration Mist - Phew that’s a mouthful. Basically, it’s a facial spray with some hydrating and antioxidant properties. Once the humidity drops and the heat goes on, my skin can get dry, tight and itchy from the lack of moisture. I use this hydrating mist to give me a boost of moisture throughout the day without disturbing my makeup (it’s also great for refreshing your makeup). I love the oSea line of products. They are effective, safe and consciously made in the USA but most of all very luxurious. Click here to shop the OSea line of facial mists.

CocoKind Turmeric Stick - I love this little stick as a spot treatment for minor cuts, bug bites, acne and even dark spots. It contains turmeric, ginger and tea tree oil which are great for any type of inflammation. Because it contains turmeric, you do have to be careful about it staining clothing and other fabrics so use with caution. Find it at the CocoKind website or Anthropologie.

Z Supply Zoe Puff Sleeve Sweatshirt - I spotted this sweatshirt at a local clothing boutique and snagged it in both the gray and off-white because I am sucker for a puff sleeve. I also like it because it’s made of cotton and is the perfect weight for fall outfits. I’m wearing it both to work and off-duty. If you’re local, I found this sweatshirt for $60 at Whispers Boutique at Merchant’s Row in Hanover. You can also find it online right here.

Crate and Barrel String Lights - I love these little battery powered light scattered around the house. They are perfect in hurricane lanterns, on plants and on a fireplace mantle. The 10-inch strand is $12.95 on the Crate and Barrel website.

Plants and Ponytails Intuitively Selected Crystal Bundle - These little kits make jumping into the world of healing crystals simple and fun. Set your intention and then pick your kit. I like placing them in various places around the house like my dresser, under my pillow, on a window sill or in a plant. Each kit is carefully selected by the talented people at Plants and Ponytails in my hometown. Available for $24 on their website.

Molly’s Suds Non-Toxic Stain Spray - I’ve been using Molly’s Suds cleaning products for a couple of years. I’ve loved everything I’ve tried and I was thrilled when they came out with a stain treatment spray that not only works but is non-toxic and not laden with a heavy scent. $10.99 at Molly’s Suds.

Skinny Pop Microwave Popcorn - What’s better than curling up to watch a movie on a cold fall night with a bowl of freshly popped popcorn? While my preferred method for popping is on the stove top, microwave popcorn is quick and easy and now we’ve finally found one that is tasty and with chemical free popping bags. Conventional microwave popcorn bags contain chemicals that can be potentially carcinogenic and cause lung problems. Do yourself a favor and just buy the natural stuff or pop your own popcorn in a large pot with some avocado oil and sea salt. We found Skinny Pop microwave popcorn at Whole Foods.

Lululemon Align Pants II - I desperately needed to replenish my yoga and workout leggings. I’m talking bagging at the knees, pilling, and practically see-through. My daughter actually recommended the Aligns and they are hands down the softest, most comfortable leggings I have ever owned. They also come in a zillion colors/prints and three lengths, which is perfect for me since I’m petite. I also like them because they are thin enough to layer under a pair of thicker sweatpants for walking on colder days. You can find the Align II leggings in all three lengths on the website. Kind of pricey at $100 for one pair but I do get at least 5 years or more out of them when I wash and dry them properly. I also highly recommend Molly’s Suds All Sport Laundry Wash for getting that weird lingering “stink” out of synthetic athletic wear.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Brioche Twist - Most of you know I am gluten-free but I had to make an exception for this bread. It made its way into our house via leftovers from my husband’s weekend getaway with friends. It is insanely delicious. Now take that up a notch and make some French toast out of it. Damn. I also like it toasted with some butter a swipe of Trader Joe’s Maple Butter. Find it your local Trader Joe’s for $3.99.