36 Sustainable Gifts To Indulge Even The Most Finicky On Your Gift List

These gifts will sustainably indulge even the most particular loved ones on your gift list.

Serial Traveler

The ReNew Traveler Tote

Consider this your new travel companion. Complete with two zip pockets, a spacious interior, and a top zip closure, the ReNew Traveler Tote works like a weekender but can easily roll up for no-fuss packing. And did we mention it’s durable, easy to clean, and entirely recycled?*

Patagonia Organic Cotton Bandana

Timeless and simple, our organic cotton bandana will serve you for many years, no matter how you decide to use it; 22" x 22".

The ReNew Catch-All Case

Much more than a dopp kit, it's a travel-friendly toiletry (or other-small-things) bag that's also made for everyday use. The ReNew Transit Catchall features five interior drop-in pockets, one exterior zip pocket, and a design that will snap-down for compact travel or roll back for easy access. Oh, and it’s made from 100% recycled polyester.*

The Baseball Cap

The world’s lightest baseball cap—that we know of. The Baseball Cap is made of lightweight, breathable 4.2 oz cotton poplin, with brushed metal hardware and tonal embroidery. Talk about a home run.

Thalia Fringe Tote Bag

This shaggy straw bag is loads of fun! Three rows of raffia fringe are layered on a sturdy straw bag. It's perfect for small beach essentials or a night out. Handmade by artisans in Bali. This bag measures 13" wide and 9" tall.

Miir Defend 20Oz Tumbler

Cozy Karma 1/4 Zip

FOR: A cold-weather essential for moving to and from the studio

FEEL: Remarkably cozy fabric has a plush interior

FAVE: Versatile funnel neck for temperature control

S'well Calacatta Gold 16-Ounce Commuter

Elevate the coffee on your morning commute with the look of precious Italian Calacatta marble veined in rich gold. This triple-insulated stainless steel thermos keeps chilled beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks warm for up to 6 hours, making it perfect for hot chocolate at an autumn rugby game, ice water on a summer stroll through the city and coffee every day. An inner layer of copper prevents condensation so the bottle doesn't sweat on your hands or desk. With its convenient splash-free, pop-top lid—pop up the tab to drink, snap it shut to seal—the Commuter will keep you stylishly hydrated on the go, whether you're in a car, on a train or at the office.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 100L

Burly recycled polyester ripstop with highly weather-resistant TPU-film laminate and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish

Large opening to main compartment, zippered side pocket, mesh pockets in lid; stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage

Padded, removable shoulder straps and reinforced haul handles for easy carrying

Padded convertible backpack straps for comfortable back carry and versatility

Padded base protects contents

Sturdy, reinforced daisy chains for lashing

1,640 g (3 lbs 9.9 oz)

Patagonia Brodeo Beanie

Warm and comfortable recycled wool/recycled nylon blend

2½" rib-knit cuff fits snugly around ears

Uplifting Scrunchie

eep your hair out of your face and your head in the game with this lightweight quick-drying scrunchie.

All Good All Stars Set

Looking for a gift set that has it all? We have just the one! The All Good All Stars Set includes our first picks to keep you on your A-game from head to toe — no matter what the day throws at you.

Contains:

(1) All Good Goop (1 oz.)

(1) Herbal Freeze (2 oz.)

(1) Mineral Sunscreen Butter SPF50

(1) Cedarwood Deodorant

(1) All Good Lips Tangerine SPF15

(1) All Good Lips Organic Original

For The Home

Petrified Wood Cheese Board

This hand carved piece of petrified wood is the perfect tabletop staple to draw people to the finest of cheeses. No two boards are the same so you know you will be getting something one of a kind. Handcrafted by Duma in Bali. Approximately 7" X 9" (Each piece is handmade and can vary slightly in size and color. The measurements listed are approximate).

JFM Brass Striker

What looks like a cylindrical container from far away is actually a chic match holder that does triple duty as a striking surface and an objet d’art. Swipe a “strike anywhere” kitchen match across the textured knurled brass surface, and just like that—fuego. Place it on your coffee table or in the guest bathroom.

Parker Light Beige Record Player

Whether you have a recently released LP, vintage 78 or bargain-bin 45, you can give it a spin on this sleek record player. Offering three-speeds (33?, 45 and 78 rpm), the turntable issues forth the warm sound of analog recordings through built-in stereo speakers. Housed in beige-finished wood, the clean-lined player also streams music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device.

In the Night Striped Throw

This lightweight striped throw combines navy and cream in a funky striped pattern, accented by large tassels on the ends. Woven on a hand loom using cotton string by artisans in Gulu. We partner with an organization called Wawoto Kacel Cooperative who provides dignified work opportunities to women with disabilities. Made from cotton. Machine Wash & Dry. Approximately 72" by 62".

Reusable Straws

Suck on something reusable—that’s SUCKIT’s philosophy. In with the multi-use, out with the single. Not only are these straws reusable, you can conveniently stick ‘em in your purse, drawer, or gym bag. And no one can hate on that shiny rose gold.

Sand Dotted Ring Dish

This unique ceramic ring dish is perfect for holding your small trinkets. The raw clay is coated with a white wash, with polka dots carved in so the natural sandy clay shows through. It's handmade by artisans in Bali, making each piece one-of-a-kind. It measures approximately 4 in x 4 in and is 1/2 in tall.

Alliance Of Moms Tote -Black -White

For each Mombshell bag purchase, 50% of the purchase price will be donated to Alliance of Moms, a program that supports parenting and pregnant teens in foster care in Los Angeles County. Alliance of Moms works to empower new mothers with tools to create a healthy childhood and break the cycle of foster care.

Ceramic Box -White

Organize in style! Use these boxes to store everything from earrings to bobby pins to bracelets. Each purchase empowers artisans at Chabi Chic in Morocco.

Brass Mister

This adorable little polished-brass can has an easy press plunger for gently misting delicate plants, or for spraying light amounts of water directly onto the soil of plants like succulents, cacti, air plants, etc. that don’t require much water.

Marble + Copper Handled Cheese Board

Our Marble + Copper Cheese Board is a sophisticated way to serve up everything from meat and cheese spreads to appetizers and snacks.

14"diam. x 1.75"h.

Solid marble.

Subtle variations in marble veining and coloring are to be expected.

Metal handles in a Copper finish.

Made in India.

Handwoven Cotton Blanket -Black Fringe Throw

Bundle up with your blanket of dreams. This hand-woven throw is both beautiful and sustainably made, spun from 100% cotton and all-natural dyes. (Plus, it's machine washable!) Each purchase empowers artisan women at Collective Humanity in Cambodia.

Clouded Agate Coasters (Set of 4)

These Clouded Agate Coasters are sliced crystals, polished to reveal naturally occurring patterns and opaque coloring. Each piece is subtly one of a kind, bringing a little jewel-toned beauty to coffee tables, desks and consoles.

Wellness

Honey Berry Mask

The beauty of the Honey Berry Mask: Enzymatic Glow is in its simplicity. With dense superfood ingredients that contain whole fruit acids, enzymes and antioxidants, this Mask is a true multitasker. This nourishing treatment acts as a gentle brightening enzymatic exfoliator, a hydrator that visibly plumps and firms the skin, and an antioxidant-rich feast for an overall healthy glow. It’s no surprise that this all-skin, all-season facial mask has reached cult status. The honey and the fruits in this mask contain an abundance of enzymes, Vitamin C, flavonoids, polyphenols, and B vitamins. This Mask is suitable for all skin types with the exception of extremely sensitive or reactive skin.

High Vibrational Beauty: Recipes and Rituals for Radical Self Care

Kerrilynn Pamer and Cindy DiPrima Morisse, founders of CAP Beauty, the all-natural beauty site and store, want to share their deep knowledge of the benefits of natural beauty, foods, and mindfulness techniques with you. Natural beauty is about making choices that create true radiance from the foods we eat to the way we move to how we care for ourselves and our planet.

You’ve already purified your meals, workouts, and bodies by returning to clean naturals. Now it’s time to align your beauty routine with the other wellness practices you follow. What we put on our skin is easily as important as what we put in our mouths. But natural beauty is about much more than just products. Through routines, recipes, and rituals, High Vibrational Beauty addresses beauty from the inside out and vibrancy from the outside in.

Divided into seasons and focused on self-care and rejuvenation, High Vibrational Beauty combines mantras, meditations, natural skin care regimens, and more than 100 plant-based recipes to help you achieve radical radiance. This is the only guidebook you need to create true and lasting beauty for the mind, body, and soul.

FEELINGS - VOTARY GIFT SET

“We all know emotions are at the heart of your overall wellbeing. Nurturing how you feel emotionally is as important as physical wellness. You live what you feel.”

Arabella Preston,Votary Co-founder

Set contains: Detach 9ml, Desire 9ml and Drift 9ml aromatherapy fragrance roll-ons.

eko® lite yoga mat 4mm

The eKO Lite Mat is a natural yoga mat made from sustainably harvested tree rubber. Unlike other rubber mats available today, the foaming agents used to create the eKO Lite are non-toxic. What this means is that no toxic chemicals have gone into the manufacturing process to soften the rubber. Additionally, instead of using synthetic polyester for reinforcement, we have chosen to use a blend of polyester and natural cotton. According to both customer feedback and published yoga mat reviews, the eKO Lite Mat is a high performance mat that is also good for the environment.

Etch The Clipper

Meet the tea bag 2.0: crafted entirely in a geometric-looking stainless steel by the design-forward team at Tom Dixon, this cone-shaped basket is just plain cool. Stuff it with loose leaf teas and let it steep in a cup or kettle—you do you.

Essential Experience Aroma Diffuser Lamp

Make your mood with our very own Follain essential oil diffuser, featuring optional ambient lighting. Brightness and timer settings give you control over your sensory experience, and the ultra-quiet operation won’t disrupt light sleepers. Each model is hand-crafted from natural beech wood and ceramic, so yours will look beautifully unique.

Big Bertha 40oz - Foam Roller Water Bottle

Perfect for everyday use and high-performance activity, MOBOTs are designed to carry with you and help you roll out anywhere! We combined a sustainable water bottle and eco-friendly foam roller to help your body and the planet.

The science behind hydration and foam rolling shows these are two of the most effective ways to restore your muscles and take care of your body – so you can kill it in your next workout or simply feel better every day.

Big Bertha is the size that started it all. It's everything you need to roll out your entire body, plus drink 2 a day and you've met your hydration needs.

MOBOTs are single-walled to maximize water volume. Fill it with cold water for an icy roller, or fill with warm water for a heated roller!

The Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool

Gua sha has been practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Choose from a jade or rose quartz gua sha tool to introduce this ancient ritual into your everyday routine. Once you get the technique down, you’ll be on your way to the appearance of lifted, firmer skin.

Face Halo Original

Face Halo quickly and easily removes makeup, using our amazing HaloTech fibers with water only. Non-toxic and reusable, Face Halo replaces up to 500 single-use makeup wipes. No need to rub or scrub, Face Halo gently removes makeup and impurities, perfect for any skin type or sensitivity.

California Body Oil

The ingredients in this oil capture the essence of California in every way, focused on seed and raw nut oils grown and pressed in California, along with aromatic essential oils that embody the scents of our dense forests, ocean bluffs, along with vast fruit and floral farmlands.

Follain Lavender Bath Salts

Detoxifying doesn’t have to mean going on a juice cleanse. This next-level detoxifier mixes Magnesium Chloride flakes with lavender essential oils for a one-two punch of balanced and soothed skin. Exclusive to Follain, you won’t be able to find this deeply calming bath treatment anywhere else.

Jade Facial Roller

Discover the power of Province Apothecary’s unique Dual-Action Jade Facial Roller. This ancient beauty tool features a smooth, polished end and a textured, studded end crafted from high-quality Xiuyan Jade. It naturally holds a cool temperature and is durable, making it ideal for everyday use.

Rose Body Butter

Just when we thought Organic Bath Co.’s Drenched Body Butter couldn’t get any better, we upped the ante by adding pure Moroccan rose essential oil. It delivers the same nutrient-packed punch with the added benefit of increased cell turnover. The result? Fresh, renewed skin that feels as great as it smells.

White Turkish Bath Robe

Wrap yourself in luxury. Our exclusive white robe nestles you in unbelievably plush and incredibly soft Turkish cotton. This type of fiber turns into strong, smooth double-ply threads when spun, making the robe especially durable. The weave is looped rather than compacted so the robe dries quickly despite its dense feel. The herringbone detail on the dobby weave adds to its elegance.

Anti Aging & Moisturizing Organic Sheet Mask

Here’s your perfect pick-me-up for dry, maturing skin: a single-use sheet mask that delivers youthifying ingredients deep below skin’s surface. Fortified with Vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, witch hazel and aloe vera, the formulation is delivered with safe “Ecoderma” advanced fabric technology. The result is tighter, smoother, noticeably plumped skin.

Omega 9 Hair Mask

Amazonian powerhouse ingredient Rahua nut oil, chock full of essential omega fatty acids, penetrates thirsty hair through this mask to deeply hydrate and restore strands back to lustrous health. Damaged hair is fortified, leaving it soft and shiny in as little as 15 minutes.

3 Savory Family Friendly Fall Inspired Recipes

With the crispness of the Autumn air seems to bring a resurgence of inspiration for us to get back into our kitchens. Not only does the lower temperatures offer more inspiration to turn the oven on, and even the stove for that matter, but also the more routined schedule of fall lends a hand. Cooking for me takes the approach of ease, nutrient dense, and flavor packed dishes to get my creativity going, also a hungry son and husband help convince me to cook too.

Shifting into Autumn comes an abundance of new seasonal veggies that helps to inspire me into wanting to try new recipes, and needing to perfect the recipes so I can add them to dishes I can bring to holiday festivities. Here are a few recipes that are not overly complicated, and can be made ahead of time and are freezer friendly if you are trying to meal prep, or make bigger batches while being nutrient dense without cutting down on flavor. 

RECIPE
Butternut Squash & Cheese Crostini

Ready in 50 minutes

Serves 8 people

 Ingredients

• 1 Loaf of Sourdough Bread

• 1 Butternut Squash

• 2 Tablespoons Of Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Salt 

• 1 Container of Plain Vegan Cream Cheese ( I Used Kite Hill Brand)

• 1 Whole Head of Garlic

• 1 Yellow  Onion

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven to 375 F  Peel, Discard seeds, then Cut Squash into bite sized pieces. Toss pieces in Olive Oil, Salt also Add 1 Tablespoons of Rosemary,Thyme and Oregano, Stir then add seasoned squash to baking tray. 

2. Cut Yellow Onion into bite sized pieces, then Add to baking sheet with Butternut Squash. Then Remove extra skin on Garlic and remove the top off the Garlic. Place Whole Garlic Bulb also on baking tray. 

3. Place Tray in oven Bake around 30 mins until Squash is tender when poked

4. While Baking Squash, Onions and Garlic. Add Cream Cheese to bowl, including Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano and Salt. Place back in the Fridge. Cut up loaf of bread.

5. Remove Cooked Veggies From Oven, let cool for a few mins until cooled enough to handle. Start removing each clove of garlic from its skin, should just squeeze out of skin. Set aside about 5 cloves, Mash rest of cloves making a garlic like paste. Add the mashed cloves to Cream Cheese Mixture. Place mixture back into the fridge. 

6. Place sliced bread onto a baking sheet put into oven, let slices get a light brown color on edges, once to desired color remove from oven and let slices cool.

7. Loosely mash Butternut Squash with onion (chunks are ok) you want the mixture to be able to be scooped onto crostini, taste and add salt to your taste.

8. Layer Cream Cheese on to each Crostini Slice. Next Butternut Squash Mixture on top and ENJOY!

Tips

Sprinkle on top of each Crostini extra Herbs that you might have left over, Chives, or Sea Salt which adds flavor and a bit of polish look. 

RECIPE
Roasted Tomato and Bell Pepper Soup

Ready in 60 minutes

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 Large Tomatoes

• 2 Red Bell Peppers

• 1 Whole Garlic Bulb

• 1 Yellow Onion

• 1 Cup of Vegetable Broth

• 1 Teaspoons of Smoked Paprika

• 1 Tablespoon of Crushed Red Pepper

• Salt to Taste

• 4-5 Basil Leafs

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven on 375 F  Chop Tomatoes into quarters or large chunks. Next cut Bell Peppers into 1in wide strips, discarding seeds. Next discard extra skin on Garlic bulb, cut top skin off of bulb. 

2. Once chopped place Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with Olive Oil and Sprinkle with Salt. Place baking sheet in the oven. Bake until tender and roasted on edges.

3. Dice Yellow Onion. Add Onion to Sauté Pan Simmer until Translucent and tender. Place Tomatoes and Bell Pepper into pan, slowly add 1 Cup of Veggie Broth with mixture. Remove skin from Garlic cloves then add to pan. Add All Seasoning to Pan. CAREFULLY!!! Blend ingredients with immersion blender, or CAREFULLY Add ingredients to a normal blender. Blend to desired consistency add season and more Broth if desired.

4. When Serving Soup, Lightly Drizzle on top Olive Oil and Basil Leaves

Tips

This recipe is freezer friendly, great to make ahead or in big batches especially with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers being peak season, making produce cheaper at Farmers Markets and stores.

RECIPE
Super Charged Green Pasta Bake

Ready in 50 minutes

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 Package of Penne Pasta

• ¼ Cup of Hemp Seed, Sunflower Seeds, Flax, Pumpkin Seeds, Pine Nuts (Sub in your favs)

• ½ Cup of Panko Crumbs

• 2 Tablespoon of Italian Seasoning (sub for whatever you have on hand)

• Zest of 1 Lemon

• 4 Tablespoons of Vegan Butter or Olive Oil

• 4 Tablespoons of Flour

• 1-1 ½ Cups Of Plain Soy Milk

• 4 Cloves of Garlic

• 1 Bunch of Kale, Swiss Chard, Spinach (use what your family prefers, also can mix your greens)

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven to 375 F. Prepare Penne Pasta as recommended on the package, leaving pasta Al Dente. 

2. Next remove Greens from Stem and chop. Crush Garlic set aside.

3. Sauce: Place Butter in pan and melt, slowly sprinkle Flour in, whisking the butter and flour together, as the butter absorbs the flour add a small amount more in until you have used up all you flour, if the ratios seem off you can add a few drop of Olive Oil. Next add Garlic and allow the flour/butter to brown lightly. When mixture has a light brown color add milk SLOWLY. As your pouring small amounts of milk(can sub ½ cup of a dry white wine) in whisk continually and let the mixture absorb the liquid, continue until you have desired sauce consistency. Add seasoning and salt.

4. Add Greens to saucepan, folding in. Heat is off.

5. Next add Cooked pasta to saucepan folding together until well mixed. If the mixture is dry, add a bit of the pasta water until creamy enough. Stir in Lemon Zest

6. In a Food Processor or Blender add Seeds Pulse until mixture is consistent in size. Add Panko pulse until blended together 

7. Add Pasta with Sauce into a baking dish, Add Seed/Panko on top of pasta. Bake for around 20 mins or until Panko is golden brown! Serve and enjoy!

Tips

Options: top with Pine Nuts, Nutritional Yeast.

 This recipe is great to make ahead of time,  just bake when ready to serve. Once baked is a freezer friendly recipe.

No-Cook Watermelon Recipes That Everyone Will Savor This Summer

Watermelon Cooler

Watermelon the yummy classic cooling and delicious watery fruit of the summer. At our house we have been going through and eating a few watermelons a week. And yes the one doing most of the consuming of the watermelon is me, just give me some watermelon and a bottle of Tajin seasoning, such the perfect combo for my taste bud who prefers food that is on the savory side. When days are longer and hotter during the summer I have been noticing a difference in my appetite, sometimes not getting hungry until later in the day. Also with the warmer days I don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen so I love a good salad and since we always have watermelon on hand I have been finding creative ways to use it, including my smoothies, salads and cocktails. So let me share my hydrating recipes.

Smoothies

Watermelon Cleanser

Watermelon Refresher

• 1 Frozen Banana

• 1/2 of Smaller Watermelon, (Flesh Only, Seedless)

• Handful Cilantro

• 2 Sprigs of Mint

• 1 Cup of Coconut Water

Directions: Blend if you want it a bit Thicker or Colder Add Ice

Tip: Blend up Watermelon, then Pour Liquid in Ice Tray. Add the Ice Cubes to smoothie then blend or Add Ice Cubes to Keep Drink Colder Longer

Watermelon Cleanser

• 1/2 Watermelon (seedless)

• 1 Romaine Lettuce

• 1 Apple

• 1 Lemon (juice)

• Add Water or Ice to get desired consistency (hint: Add a little at a time)

Directions: Blend

Salad

Watercress and Arugula add a nice spice to the salad that offsets the Watermelon’s sweetness

Savory Watermelon Salad

• 1/2 of a Seedless Watermelon, Cubed into Bite Sized Pieces

• Arugula and/or Watercress

• 1/2 Red Onion or more if you Love Onion like me

• 2-3 Sprigs of Mint and/or Basil

• 1 Can Garbanzo Beans

• 1 Avocado

• 1 Cucumber

• 2 Ripe Tomatoes

• 1 Package of Feta ( used Miyokos Vegan Feta)

• Optional: Add Slivered Almonds, Or Pinenuts

Dressing: Mix together Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Chilli Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper. Add All According to your Taste Buds. Add Dressing to salad ingredients and enjoy!

Tip: If making ahead of time or going to have over the next few days add Arugula or Watercress as you serve salad, the lettuce won’t wilt and salad will last longer.

Cocktail

Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita

• 1-3 Cups of Blended Watermelon, Chilled

• 1 Lime, Juiced

• 2 Ounce of Silver Tequila

• 2-3 Slices of Jalapeño, Muddled

• Add 2 leaves of Basil, Muddled

• Ice

Directions: Put all ingredients in a shaker, Salt glass rim, Pour ingredients over ice.

Tip: Make ahead Watermelon Ice Cubes, Use as ice in Drink

Give Your Hair The Boost it Craves This Summer -With These Natural Styling Products

Fun in the sun is what summer is all about, but with all this fun comes dry and frizzy hair for me. After a day of the sun, water, and fun I’ve noticed my hair can feel a bit grimy, oily at the roots and dry at the tips, frizzy, and not able to hold the styling I do to my hair. 

Dry hair is not isolated to just the summer season for me, yet the fun in the sun does intensify hair conditions even more since I have thick, course, curly hair (not the unified curl/texture type, I wish), frizzy if not blow dried. About five months ago now I cut my waist length hair to a longer “Lob” length to above my shoulders, which meant I had to style my hair everyday. Previously when my hair was longer the length helped with weighing the frizz/curl down, or I was able to throw my hair up more easily, meaning a bit less styling was needed. 

Side note here, I have a fascination with other people’s routines and products they use, so I thought why not share mine? So during the summer my routine is washing my hair once or twice a week which I will blow dry. Then on the daily I make sure to really brush my hair well, I believe it helps distribute my hair’s oils throughout my hair so my hair doesn’t get as dry on the ends, then I will put dry shampoo at the roots rubbing it in well. So depending on my schedule or time I will straighten my hair or do some quick curls, both ways of styling I use my straightener, and yes you read that right I use my straightener to curl my hair too. On days I don’t need to really style my hair, when the styling from the previous day has lasted, I will just brush a bit and smooth areas with a smoothing balm (flatten those baby hairs). Or if I know it will be a more active family day or just lazy, I will throw my hair up, or put a hat on which doubles as sun protection for both my hair and face. 

With the products I use in my hair I do try to use clean non-toxic products, and I must tattle on myself a bit in the area of hair styling products. Shampoo and Conditioner I found a couple of options in the “clean” space that work great and that I really love. However hair styling products I hadn’t really found any clean ingredients options that really worked, so I have been using products that I would classify in a grey area of “ok”, not the best as far as ingredients, but also not as bad as many other brands out there…. 

Now entering the picture to save my hair is Rahua hair care brand that is outstanding. I started using their shampoo and conditioner over 10 years ago now. I must admit I wasn’t even looking for a cleaner formula when I found this brand, I hadn’t really gotten into researching that area of clean, non-toxic, organic hair and skin care yet. Rahua Classic shampoo and conditioner got my attention I believe while on vacation, and I was shopping at a random store I again will say I was drawn to the brand by my infamous smell test of every product I use, and their products smell AMAZING! The other important factor that sold me was that both the shampoo and conditioner formulas didn’t seem like they would dry my hair out and the conditioner specifically seemed hydrating. Now fast forward, they have a Hydration formula of their shampoo and conditioner which I have used since it came out a few years ago, and again love this formula and scent, keeping my hair hydrated even during summer activities. I recently brought the shampoo and conditioner with me on a family vacation, knowing Rahua has clean ingredients also gives me peace of mind when my little boy wants to use my shampoo and conditioner. And my son loves the scent too, just like his mom.

Like I mentioned I have had a harder time discovering clean hydrating hair styling products, and I admit to feeling a bit silly that I didn’t check Rahua’s website to see what products that they offered in the range of styling products. Just for reference after I towel dry my hair, brush it out (at this point if my hair is seriously knotted and tangled I can tell if the conditioner didn’t really work, not a problem I have ever had with Rahua) and then add a oil, even if I don’t plan on blowdrying my hair, I always add an oil to the tips to help seal them, and add extra moisture into my hair for protection against daily environmental elements, especially with my recent activities of enjoying pools, beaches, lakes, hikes and bike rides. When adding oil to my hair I also find it helps keep my hair from getting less tangled from all the activity. Rahua’s hair oil (Rahua Legendary Amazon Oil) works like a miracle in a bottle. First off other hair oils that I have used I usually have to do a few pumps, with the Rahua hair oil you seriously need just a few drops. It just smooths all the ends immediately helping me not to turn into a big hair poof ball whether I am blow drying my hair or not, also my hair is just more manageable after summer activities not feeling gross, odd texture and lifeless at the end of the day, instead it’s easy to brush and revive. 

I don’t know about you but getting a professional blow out is amazing not only do I find it so relaxing, yes even with all the loud noise I easily could fall asleep, and the results pure Goalzzzz. Now flash to me in my bathroom sweating and cursing as my hair clips that are sectioning off my hair get tangled and my brush keeps getting caught in some invisible knot, the frizz continues to grow like some new character from Stranger Things (Season 3 Out on Netflix), the blow dryer cord keeps getting caught on the vanity drawer knobs, and my face looks like a tomato from the heat and frustration. All while pretending I can understand what my son is saying to me because I just want to get done with blow drying. So a bit of a process blow drying my hair and that isn’t even styling it lol, and yes I know first world problems, don’t worry I roll my eyes at myself too.

Thankfully the task of blow drying my hair has been made more streamlined with again another product by Rahua called Control Creme so this you can use if you want to define your curls, or to help control with anti-frizz. So I usually have slightly air dried hair by the time I blow dry it, I add the Control Creme to semi pretty damp hair. This creme reminds me a lot of makeup primers that are silicon based with the texture of this formula, and the bonus of its amazing gorgeously light yet beautiful scent. My hair is more easy to manage during the blow drying process and there is very little frizz so I don’t have to repeat going over a section of hair as often, cutting down on drying time. The Creme (again its not really a creamy texture more silky, dense without weighing down) helps also when I style because I don’t have to go over certain known frenemie pieces of frizz strands repeatedly, so the styling goes quickly as well. Then for all my baby hairs or random hairs I use the Rahua Control Balm this helps hold pesky hairs in place especially when I am going to be outdoors enjoying the weather, this smoothing balm smooths my over all look giving a finished polished look. I use the Smoothing Balm to even touch up my hair later in the day or the day after I have styled my hair, and the scent of lite Gardenia making me feel even more refreshed. I loved using the Balm on my vacation so from the pool, to the lake, and other activities where I was in the sun for longer periods of time I would use this balm to help refine my look, while helping moisturize any hairs that were starting to do the frizz thing. 

Summer month’s fly by I can’t believe we are about to head in to August shortly, the time seems to speed up when you are enjoying moments with friends and family. My desire in sharing my current favorite hair products with you is that it saves you time and money, so you don’t have to waste your effort with products that don’t work, and you can have the peace of mind that the Rahua brand is focused on creating products that are safe for our bodies and our environment. I don’t want to waste my time on needless beauty steps when I can be out making memories with those I love, and I am wishing you all your very own amazing summer memories and great hair while your making those precious moments.

Rahua Hydration Shampoo

Rahua Hydration Conditioner

Rahua Classic Shampoo

Rahua Classic Conditioner

Rahua Control Cream

Rahua Smoothing Balm

National Junk Food Day: Healthy Vegan Options That Actually Taste Good, For a Random National Holiday

So who knew there was a national holiday that gives you an excuse to snack? Yes it’s called National Junk Food Day. While I used to pretty much live off of Spicy Cheetos with Limoné, and Mountain Dew (yes great taste lol), when I was in high school. Wow have times changed, yet I still do love snacking. So I wanted to share my favorite healthier snacks that actually taste good!

As you can tell I love savory flavors over sweet, but I want to know what your favorite snacks are, below leave your favorites in the comments I love to find new options!

Siete's Cashew Queso Spicy Blanco

So this is so so so AMAZINGLY GOOD, I can’t rave about how good this is. Even if your not vegan or plant based I recommend getting this asap its just so tasty while being healthier which you won’t know from the taste. Unfortunately it is sold out online so if you see it in a location near you GRAB IT!!!

Siete Grain Free Fuego Chips

These yummy chips are flavorful without being greasy or making me feel over salted or gross after eating a few.

Hippeas

So our whole family loves Hippeas! A healthier option but still taste delicious, I prefer the spicer flavors but buy more milder flavors for my son.

GimMe Seaweed Teriyaki Flavor

So I know you might be rolling your at this suggestion, however this seaweed (I like all flavors) is so addictively good. When I grab these for my son and I I know to grab several of these because we scarf these packs down and always want more. I recommend this flavor especially for those starting to eat seaweed, and when your done you know your body benefitted from all the vitamins and nutrients packed in seaweed

Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar Squares

Again if your plant based or not, these crackers are so Yummy and a great swap compared to other cheese crackers. when we have these around especially when friends are around they go fast!!

Late July Chips Jalapenó Lime

These are a great Gluten Free option I personally so far like all flavors Late July makes, they are a great yummy treat.

Best Swimsuits for Every Body, From Sustainable Brands

Summer is here which means hot temperatures for most of the northern hemisphere. Hot temps for our family usually means that we are looking to head towards the nearest body of water to swim in pools, the ocean and lakes ie. water haha.

Lucky for me this is the first year where I haven’t had to worry about a bathing suit, having gotten one earlier in the year and a couple of backup options from the previous year, and yes finding a suit can be hard, very hard. I am not fully comfortable being in a bathing suits which does mean that I want a suit that I do buy to feel comfortable in is important and key. I’ve been practicing letting go of some of my insecurities because I want to enjoy the time I have in the water with my son and husband. I want to be fully present and not needlessly worrying how I look the whole time (those thoughts do creep in) or wondering if is a boob going to fall out. I like a suit that is cute of course but also a bit supportive especially up top, my string bikini days are of the past, once you have a kid I feel your lounging around the pool days limited and you are required to participate in a activities a bit more hence why support is important to me (haha). 

Another feature that I have been looking into with all my clothing is to find companies that have sustainable practices when it comes to making and manufacturing their clothing. Thankfully more companies each year are stepping up their practices and are using more sustainable materials and processes when making their clothing, and even better yet my picky bathing suit shopping needs were met by a few of these brands, so of course I wanted to share with you loves. In varying degrees the amazing way these new bathing suit fabrics are being made from recycled materials like that of recycled water bottles, regenerated nylon and other fabrics, or recycled old fishing equipment like that of fishing nets and lines. So amazing! I see for the future and hope that with consumer support these kind of these reimagined company practices on where to source materials from becomes a new standard of practice, and second nature in using recycled materials. I have found that companies that are designing with repurposed materials their products are of superior quality, because when you have to  find new ways to construct per say the swimsuit fabric your attention to quality is a must to make sure the fabric works for the design. And the need for attention is key for swim suits if you consider what that specific material has to go through, like hold its shape through activity and stretching in/out of water, the color has to withstand sun, water, washing and fit.    

So without further delay here are some of the amazing bathing suit companies i’ve found. Wishing you many memories from your fun in the sun, cheers!

Athleta

The practice of sustainability is company wide for Athleta, which uses recycled Lycra and other materials in the making go their swimwear. Sizes and styles range widely to fit a wide array of body types. Made with quality to endure outdoor and water sport activities while still offering great styles.

Reformation

Overall a company which is using sustainable practices to the production to all of their manufacturing practices and use of materials. With their swimsuits they are using ECONYL Nylon that is a regenerated nylon. Cute swimsuit designs however I did find the sizes and range of styles to be limited.

Summersalt

Sustainable recycled materials like plastic, fabric and nylon are used to make the Polyamide used for the swimsuits. These suits are made to be more durable, hold their shape and provide UPF 50+. There are a wide range of styles that are beautifully designed while offering a large selection range of sizes. Bonus all are under $95.

Magdakine Designs

Using recycled nylon fiber making their suits durable and sustainable. Their suit designs also cute while bringing awareness to ocean issues like their “Shark Bite” suit which has an intricate shark tooth design but educating on the problem of the illegal shark finning trade and part of the proceeded are going to charity. The sizes and styles are a bit limited, however another bonus with this brand’s suits is that most of their swimsuits are reversible.

Wood Like Ocean

A company who uses sustainable fabric in the making of their swimsuits which are made from recycled fishing gear like nets and lines. Offering a wide range of style to fit a wide range of styles. Their suits are crafted beautifully with attention to detail offering customers more flexibility with most of their suits being reversible.

Vitamin A

Sustainable swimwear company who gives a portion of their sales to the Surfrider Charity. Their swimsuits are cute adding a modern minimalist style to their suits, but are a bit limited in sizing and styles. Their swimsuit are made in CA.

Stella McCartney

Yes that Stella McCartney I have been a huge fan for over a decade now and especially for me to see a woman who has been such a powerhouse in reinventing so many of the traditional yet harmful practices that are still continued by many fashion designers today. Anyways enough drooling over Stella (for now) her suits are made from recycled and repurposed materials, her designs are offer variety for different body shapes. And her suits are wonderful quality, durable, and did I mention on sale on her website?!?

Easy To Care For Indoor Plants -That Purify Your Indoor Space And Are Aesthetically Pleasing

Let us say staying indoors so much, can test anyone's sanity. Since many of us have spent more time in our home than usual, you are likely to have noticed that your interior features could use a little love or upgrading. One easy and more affordable way to change up any interior of a home is with indoor plants. With ease, indoor plants effortlessly add more character, dimension, and color to a room.

 Another bonus many indoor plants help cleanse the air, which is especially beneficial when we spend extra time inside. Even if you keep a tidy home, it's easy to forget that there is off-gassing being released from furniture, paints, carpet, rugs, etc. Off-gassing can contribute to the toxicity of our indoor air. We lovingly use indoor plants to add our design aesthetic with the added benefits of helping the quality of our indoor air. 

Indoor plants range in their difficulty of care, and we have all had that heartbreaking moment when we have killed a beloved plant. To help your plant skip a tragic end, we recommend some beautiful yet easy-to-care-for plants. While also linking you to articles and studies NASA did here and here about indoor plants and the benefits they have on our indoor spaces.

Rubber Plant

Beautiful leaves that provide any space with a powerful color palate. Their beautiful leaves also help remove formaldehyde and carbon dioxide from the air, a beauty with intelligence. Care is easy for this none finicky plant that needs little sun and if you forget to water here and there will cause it to grow slower, but plant can recover with consistent care. Removes from indoor air: Formaldehyde, Mold, Carbon Dioxide.

Peace Lily

Peace Lilys are a flowering plant which sets it apart from most indoor plants. This doesn’t translate to it being high maintenance. Does fine in low light, also beneficial Peace Lilys will help humidify the air. Removes from indoor air: Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, Ammonia. Now that will help you to breathe easily when buying this plant for your home.

Snake Plant

Now this plant I can’t recommend highly enough, specifically to you who are serial plant killers! Snake plants are not only stunning but are so easy to care for. They call for indirect sun, soil that drains well. And for those of you who are gone, travel or busy, you only need to water when soil is completely dried out and the Snake plant prefers the soil to be more on the dry side than moist. So overall perfect plant for those who kill everything! Removes from indoor air: Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene.

Broad Leaf Lady Palm

Broadleaf Lady Palms (try to say that 3 times fast) offers great drama to a space especially since they can grow fast and tall, hopefully you are looking for a little drama from your plant. These plants are another versatile option due to them being flexible with lighting being able to thrive in indirect sun to shady areas. They do need well drained soil as they do like moist soil but are susceptible to their roots getting rot if the soil can’t drain. Removes from indoor air: Formaldehyde, Xylene, and Ammonia.

English Ivy

So if you are looking for a plant who loves bright light to indirect light. While this plant is still easy to care for, however the light situation does need to be saturated. Caution in the summer months make sure the light is indirect, because the light can burn the leaves if the sun light is direct. In the winter the English Ivy can be susceptible to pest and mildew when not receiving enough light. And if the vines are getting to long for your liking you can trim them and can easily be propagated in water. Removes from indoor air: Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene.