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Showing posts with label Sometimes Wants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sometimes Wants. Show all posts

Sometimes Wants (Winter 2023)

  These are the winter "Sometimes Wants" that have caught my eye lately.

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1. Georganics has some great items for oral care, but I am currently loving their refillable dental floss. I have a monthly subscription to Kiwi Eco Box and in that subscription I was introduced to eco-friendly dental floss in a glass container. Once you go with better dental floss options, you really don't go back. I love the refillable glass containers and refilling them with an eco-friendly option, like the one here is a plus. The spearmint flavor is my favorite. There is also a charcoal version from ME MOTHER EARTH that is great, too. Check out Georganics toothsoap.
2. These plantable thank you cards from Rock Woods Studio are my favorite thing to send to people, especially around the holidays. I have taught Skylar that the best way to show your appreciation for gifts that come from a good distance away (family in Arkansas) is to send them thank you cards with a personalized, handwritten message of thanks inside. And, what better way to do it but with plantable seed cards that the recipient can use in the spring. I love their plantable yearly calendars, too.
3. We have been composting anything and everything we can, instead of tossing it into the garbage once a week. We are still in a learning curve process, but these bags have helped with our indoor composting bin that we keep near our kitchen sink. It has been working out pretty well and these Bio Bags have helped a great deal in keeping our compost can clean after each toss. I love their pet waste bags, as well.
4. These are by far the best teeth whitening strips on the market currently, without going to the dentist. I have sensitive teeth and was hesitant of using these and not feeling sensitivity. After a month of using them consistently I had whiter teeth and not a change to my sensitivity level on my teeth. Luminex makes a lot of lists of mine on a regular basis because it is a great company with good products.
5. One thing I regret when I had Skylar was researching healthier options for him and myself. I did raise him on Burt's Bees products, when the company was still owned by Burt Shavitz, and the products were made with a more care to the environment. But one big thing I wish I had known better was using cloth diapers instead of disposable. The amount of diapers that end up in a landfill that don't break down for several years, is upsetting and I still hate that I added to that issue when Skylar was younger. The changes I've made since then have been great, though, so I don't beat myself up too bad. But if I could do it over again, I would definitely try these cloth diapers from Dyper. They are made from bamboo and their starter kit comes with 12 cloth diapers. They also carry composting diapers from newborn to size six and plant-based wipes.
6. These Washi Paper Snowflakes from Mighty Nest are so fun. They are reusable and festive, and best of all, they are easy to apply and easy to remove. They are handmade in Japan using their Mino Washi papermaking tradition. Created from the fibers of native Japanese shrubs. I purchased one of each size offered and I have loved them. They apply to your window, or glass (I've used them on a mirror, too) with water and they dry and adhere to the surface. Once you are ready to remove them, you ever-so gently lift one corner and slowly lift. You can reuse them over and over again and the best part, they don't leave a nasty or annoying residue, or a sticky mess.
7. Finding good quality, comfortable, and sustainable footwear for walking, cycling, or running seems to be a never ending game of whack-a-mole. I have tried so many different brands that are a workhorse when needed and I have found a good brand that actually lasts longer than a year when worn regularly. Hylo Athletics makes women's and men's athletic shoes that really do go that extra mile for when I need them. They are also great for hiking, too. They also offer a recycling program for used shoes when it is time to upgrade to a new pair.
8. Along the lines of cycling, these Ignite Cycling Socks from Rockay are so nice. They are made from recycled material and don't rub when you're riding. We have been getting our wheels moving a lot this last season because once winter hits we find it harder to get out and take rides, because the wind, rain, and at times the ice and snow. These socks are some of the best ones we have found for cycling in and the one thing I like about them the most, they don't fall down your leg as you're riding. To me, that's a plus!
9. With the seasons changing I always like to do an evaluation of my perennial plants and repot the ones that need it, so they can be brought inside, or into our greenhouse area near our garage. These plastic pots I found recently have worked out great. Of course, there are several companies that now use recycled plastic to create something new, but the one thing that drew me to these was the fact that they are created from discarded fishing nets and fishing ropes that have been recovered in Scotland. Ocean Plastic Pots come with a hole in the bottom and a tray to collect water, so they work out perfectly for less watering over the winter months. I love the yellow ones, but ever pot they make is beautiful. And everything that can be done to reduce the amount of plastics in our oceans is definitely a plus.
10. I love birthdays and the ones thing I love the most about birthdays is making the birthday person feel important and special. I bought a few of these beeswax number candles over the past couple of years - two for when Jeff turned 50 and two more when Skylar turned 20. I have enjoyed watching them see the candles when I bring the cake out, and the look on their faces just makes my heart soar. I love these number candles so much that I am hoping to carry them in my store before too long.

Happy Winter Solstice!

Sometimes Wants (Autumn 2023)

 These are the autumn time, "Sometimes Wants," that have caught my eye lately.

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1. We have been giving instant coffee a go, well Jeff has, but it was hard to find an organic instant coffee until I found Anthony's Instant Coffee. I use their turmeric, but finding instant coffee in a trusted brand is great. We hunted for instant coffee to use on trips in the bus, or for camping because it's a heck of a lot easier to pack than an entire coffee setup.
2. I have loved watching birds, even when I was little. The birds that visit our yard come because of the ducks and their food they scatter, and we have had some amazing birds come visit. Chickadees and Starlings are the most popular, but every once in awhile we will get a visit from wild ducks, owls, Robins, Blue Jays, Crows, Ravens, and an incredible mix of smaller birds. I've been placing feeders around our yard to encourage more birds to visit us and I love this Bird Silo. It's set up like a grain silo where you place the seed in the top and it filters down. The little birds love it filled with thistle seed. It's made of 100% recycled plastic, so it gives comfort knowing you aren't using virgin materials, which the planet has enough of.
3. Well, everything from Moon Juice is incredible, but I have started taking SuperBeauty capsules every day for the last six months and honestly, they do a lot more than labeled (this is my own opinion). I have seen increased energy, less stress lines around my eyes (mostly crying when my mental health hits hard), my mood is better when my monthly cycle hits, when I keep with my regular sleep schedule it is a great companion to give me the extra boost I need. I also love the Sex Dust for boosting my libido as I get older, and hormonal balance. All of the "dusts" from Moon Juice are great.
4. If you're still using regular plastic can liners for anything, what are you doing? Plastic is not for the environment, so make a change, especially with what is going to end up in the landfill anyway. If you must use some sort of "plastic-type" liner in your cans, try using ones that compost, like these, but more importantly it is best to switch from single-use bags to reusable ones you can wash once a week. These from Teamoy are the exact same ones we use in our cans and we love them. When our garbage goes out once a week on Tuesday, we toss them in the next load of laundry.
5. This scarf has been great for the past week when the winds picked up here in the Valley. It is 100% wool, comfortable, sustainable, and the color is a minimal coloring that works with my wardrobe. And Ten Tree is such a great brand. I can not wait to use it every day once the weather gets colder here. Oregon winters are harder each year, but at least I am learning what clothes and coverups work for me. I highly recommend this wool scarf, you won't regret it.
6. Along the same lines of the weather changing, my skin gets incredibly dry this time of year. As the winter weather hits it gets even drier. I have always had oily skin from my teens and into my thirties, but once I hit my forties, especially 45, my skin took a 360 degree turn and I had to develop and all new regimen. Using face oils and lotions have been my go-to salvation. The entire line of sensitive skincare from Wildcraft is great, but I love their Refine Face Serum the most.
7. Season changes are a great time to replace your toothbrush, refill you dental floss container, sanitize your tongue scraper, and restock your toothpaste. We have been using tooth tablets for the past few years and we love them. The ones we use are from Refinement House and we use the fluoride-free ones. I love this toothcare kit they carry and it's a great way to get started in rethinking your entire mouth care routine. We order three kits with different toothbrush ends on them and it allows us to have our own products and another toothbrush at the beginning of the winter season, too.
8. I actually bought this Plant Life Support automatic watering system as a gift for someone to add to their housewarming basket, but when it came I loved it and kept it. I ended up getting them something else to fill the space. I loved this so much that I ordered two more. They are so convenient for plants that need less water than most. I fill them up, place them in the plant pots and I don't have to fill them up again until a week later.
9. Beeswax food wraps are my go-to for storing and covering bowls, food items, and even wrapping sandwiches, or bagels. They come in different sizes and can be used for literally anything. Instead of using plastic zipper bags that are thrown away so quickly without thinking about it, these beeswax wraps are just as good, and can compost when they are done with their usage. Compostable sandwich bags are another option when you need several for snacks for a team, or a work function, but for everyday use and packing your lunch, definitely love Abeego's Beeswax Wraps.
10. Lotion bars don't get enough attention. I started using lotion bars after I got a sample of one from a subscription box two years ago. I used it after we got done surfing and my skin has never felt so good. Salt water can really tear up your skin if you don't rinse and moisturize a lot, especially your hair. Once my sample was gone I did some research and found the lavender lotion bar from Moon Valley Organics. They have several different scents, but I love the lavender one the best. I use this lotion bar on my body, feet, and even in my hair and it is amazing. And the best part, it's organic.

Happy Autumn Solstice!

Sometimes Wants (Summer 2023)

 These are the summer time, "Sometimes Wants," that have caught my eye lately.

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  1. Lately I've taken to seeing a lot of spice racks change their jars out for ones that are more uniform and minimal. Although we purchase organic spices, and all of them come in glass containers anyway, it would be nice to have some that look cohesive in the cabinet. I have had my eye on these lately, because they have bamboo lids and come with labels. I am also liking these from KonMari, as well. The black bamboo lids look sharp.
  2. You can never have enough good quality cotton t-shirts and these are so soft and comfortable. They come in three colors, but the company makes a lot of great cotton items to add to your wardrobe and clothing rotation. I've replaced a lot of my lesser quality cotton shirts with these and I love all three colors and sizes from XXS to 6XL. FYI: They are perfect for yoga sessions and working out, and if you size up about three sizes, they are great for sleeping in and lounging around, too.
  3. This was a pricier purchase for me this season, but one that I will be making again. These are some of the best lip balms I've ever used. They are smooth, classy, and feel great on the lips. They are just under $50, and are 16 ounces each. I've been using them now for about two months and I love them a lot. The colors I have are the Clear, Translucent Garnet, and Sheer Rose, but will be purchasing the Clear, Peony, and Tomato soon. The Clear along is a great lip balm to just have on hand, too.
  4. I have been using these pot brushes for everything lately. We've been cleaning up areas on the bus and these have come in handy to get into small cracks and crevices to really get the grime out of them. We recently finished placing insulation is the wall areas and these little pot brushes came in super handy to be able to clean the small areas before putting in the insulation sheets. I've also been using these around the house to clean and scrub appliances, floors, and even walls.
  5. Been rethinking how I ship things lately and the amount of waste that goes into packaging items to ship through the mail. I recently found these biodegradable shipping bags. They come in a 50 count package and are perfect for smaller items being shipped. They are compostable poly mailers with eco-friendly packaging that break down over a short period of time. The company also makes other biodegradable packaging and other items that make me feel just a bit better about doing my part of the environment.
  6. Looking at light puffers lately and I fell in love with this longer puffer from Everlane. It's a nice color for fall and can be worn clear into June here in the Willamette Valley. It's comfortable and does a nice job of keeping even my legs warm on road trips. Comes in black, as well and is made from 100% recycled polyester material. Easily packs up and can be worn alone or in layers, I just love it. It comes in XXS to XL and tends to run a bit larger.
  7. Along with going more eco-friendly in our house, I have found better ways to help the environment, while not compromising my cleaning habits. We have been using better sponge options lately and these are great. They are all natural, biodegradable, made with hemp/sisal plant, non-scratch, chemical-free, and odor free. With a bit of elbow grease, they really get the job done. I use one for about three weeks with my regular daily cleaning routine and toss them in our compost bin. They work for household cleaning, as well as dishes, and countertops.
  8. We are still loving our Daxlena Safeparty Firepit Mat and when Summer Solstice hits we always know it's time to break it out for the season. With having the school bus now when we go camping, it has definitely come in handy no matter where we end up. We loved ours so much we ordered two more to use in different locations. We use it under anything hot to save the surface of what's underneath. We also use it in the sand and on our lawn when needed, as well. It's a great addition to your camping box, or just to use every day at your own home. Check out my blog post on the Safeparty Fire Pit Mat here.
  9. These notebooks were a random find while working with some Amazon affiliate companies recently and they are perfect for what I needed at the time. We are planning a big trip here soon and I'm hoping we can document the trip in our own words in a notebook. These pastel colored notebooks will be just the right thing for that. I can't wait to be able to get back and read what all of us put in our notebooks about our trip. These come in the pastel colors pictured, more bold colors, and vintage colors and are 16 to a pack.
  10. We've taken to coffee scrubs lately and not to discredit the companies that make quality coffee scrubs, but some are way overpriced. We found a good recipe, after some trial and error, that works for us and have been making it now for about three months. It's a simple recipe that has ethically-sourced ground coffee in it, coconut oil, sugar, and a bit of essential oils. The essential oils we change out depending on the season and whether we want to mix it up for a more uplifting scent. We create about a pound at a time and separate it into 20 ounce containers. We keep one of the 20 ounce containers in the shower and use it at least three times a week. The coffee we use is from Ethical Bean Coffee and we love that their coffee is better for the environment and the farmers that grow and harvest it. They carry whole beans and ground. If you're a coffee drinker, this a great brand to add to your morning brew.
Happy Summer Solstice!

Sometimes Wants (Spring 2023)

These are the spring time, "Sometimes Wants," that have caught my eye lately.


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  1. BunchaFarmers Stain Stick. I have been on a mission to completely overhaul my cleaning routine and this has been added to my arsenal. It's all natural and 100% biodegradable. The outer packaging is recyclable and is completely environmentally friendly. The best part, it actually works for a wide range of stains, even ones on furniture and car upholstery.
  2. QALO/Pela Women's Rubber Silicone Ring. Such a great ring that you can feel good about wearing. It's breathable, durable, and comes in a wide range of colors. It's compostable, made from plants, sustainable, and affordable.
  3. CBD Pain Relief Stick (Sport). This CBD stick has been my go-to for over a year now. I am actually wearing some on my right shoulder as I type this out. ☺ I absolutely can not say enough about it. The CBD helps with mild pain relief, while the cooling camphor and menthol bring much needed aid to the area asap. It's non-gmo and vegan, and works great for period cramps and migraines, as well. 
  4. MountainHares Organic Cotton Body Pouf. This pouf, as well as this shop are a self-care lovers dream. If you've been looking for some items to add to your Self-Care Sunday routine, this is it. This body pouf is a good start. It's 100% organic cotton and comes with a crocheted loop to hang dry. It feels more like a smooth pouf than an exfoliating one, but it is a nice "hug" in the shower while using.
  5. Hugs Blanket (Minky Couture). I can't do weighted blankets, but this is a great alternative to that. It is so soft and comforting. It comes in a wide range of colors and sizes from (infant (30in x 30in) to (grande 60in x 84in).
  6. NARS Audacious Lipstick. These lipstick colors have been a new change for me. Some days I feel upbeat enough to wear *Scarlet* and other days I want to disappear, so I wear *Pink Beige* to kind of "blend in." The texture of the lipstick is a nice smooth feel on the lips and doesn't rub off onto glass rims. It's paraben free and well worth the price. I may venture out and try other shades, too.
  7. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore. I've been using this lipid restore since my breast surgery in 2020 and I will say that it has definitely made a difference. It's a bit pricier than other brands, but it's well worth it. It has drastically reduced the appearance of my surgery scars and also helped in softening and the stretch marks I gained from before my surgery from the size of my breasts previous. I highly recommend it. I like it so well that I sometimes cheat and use it on other areas of my body, as well. ☺
  8. Your Super Life: 100+ Delicious, Plant-Based Recipes Made with Nature's Most Powerful Superfoods By Michael Kuech, Kristel de Groot. I love their powders, so of course I preordered my book. Excited to see how to incorporate my mixes in everyday recipes. 
  9. Monster Away Spray. This is such a cute and relaxing way to help children with their "scaries" at night. It is made with cedarwood, chamomile, vetiver, orange, and ho wood essential oils. I already use a spray similar here, but this one I would definitely try just to see how relaxing and mind calming it is for adults. But, if you have a child with nighttime worries about monsters under the bed or in a closet, definitely give it a go.
  10. The Self-Care Planner. For anyone that knows me, like really knows me well, will tell you I have to have a routine and I am very OCD about that routine. One missed moment in my routine and it sets me up for a lot of mental health issues later in the day, or even in the week. It seems to be something that helps keep me from falling apart, honestly and this self-care planner has helped a great deal with me staying on track and focused. Through the last several years I've even gotten better at telling people, "NO!" Just to be able to stay the course and on my routine. The best part of it all, though, is the ability to change up a few things if I wanted to do that for myself. Say I have a dentist appointment one day, I can move and shuffle my routine around that fits best for me to be able to fit that appointment into my own personal schedule. I do suggest this planner if this sounds like you, too. You'll love it!

Happy Spring Equinox!

Sometimes Wants (Winter 2022)

 These are the winter "Sometimes Wants" that have caught my eye lately.

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  1. With anxiety, comes nausea and these gummy bears have been my recent go-to to help with that. They also have helped with bloating and digestion issues, so win-win. I've been trying to use more natural and organic approaches to handling anxiety issues, so if you suffer, too, I will do my best to post what works for me and maybe they can help you, as well. You can also make your own here.
  2. I've been slowly switching my clothing out for more sustainable, organic, and earth-friendly brands and I've also been enjoying jumpers and jumpsuits when at home. They are not only comfortable, but practical if I do need to leave the house for a quick errand.
  3. I feel it's literally impossible to use up a bar of soap until it's totally gone without the help of one of these bags. We've been using them for awhile now and I will be honest, I feel less like I'm completely wasting the last parts of the soap with them and the bag feels nice on your skin and exfoliates in the process.
  4.  This wooden bath mat has been a great addition to our bathroom and I feel like I am not missing washing our cloth floor mats, either. It soaks up water and dries quickly, so there is no water standing on the floor, or hoovering in a cloth mat. Highly recommend switching.
  5. On our quest to switch to less waste and more minimal options in our home, tissue was a huge problem, especially this time of year. Making a simple switch to reusable tissues, we feel we are doing one more thing to keep less waste going to the landfill. This option comes in white, gray, pink, and denim color for the dispenser box.
  6. We are huge The Office fans in our house, I mean, HUGE, and this water bottle is definitely going to end up in someone's stocking, or gift bag this year. I will definitely purchase one for myself, as well. I mean, we have to represent Sabre and Dunder Mifflin, right? "Dunder Mifflin Is A Part Of Sabre"
  7. I've been using reusable, cotton, makeup pads for some time now and I have recently purchased these from Paula's Choice to add to my "collection." They are super soft, absorbent for makeup remover, toner, and even sunscreen, and lotions that I put on my face. I love that they are bamboo and cotton, and sustainable to the environment. Plus, I no longer purchase disposable cotton rounds since making this switch.
  8.  If you haven't tried DAE, you're really missing out. I am absolutely in love with the Deep Conditioner and the Prickly Pear Hair Oil. There really isn't anything I have tried from DAE that I haven't loved. I use the hair wrap, brush, and leave-in conditioner after surfing and it cuts drying time literally in half and makes my hair healthier from being in salt water.
  9. With making the changes to more reusable items, these dry dusting, fleece dusters that fit on the Swiffer duster handle works out great in our favor. I've ordered two of the five packs and when they are dirty, I just throw them in the wash. They pick up dust and work just as well as the disposable dusters, but have less of an environmental impact over time.
  10. For cleaning, changing to more earth-friendly products has been a bit of a struggle, but slowly and surly we are doing it. One of the easiest things was the cleaning cloths, instead of paper towels, and sponges that are biodegradable over disposable. These hemp sponges are incredible, to say the least. They really are a powerhouse with dishes and I've even started using them in the bathroom.
Happy Winter Equinox!