Stylish & Healthy Kitchen Essentials

by Caroline | Jun 4, 2021 | Shop Posts

I truly believe there are health benefits just from being in a beautiful space. It’s not just enough to eat well, but I think living well in your home is about more than pretty things. It’s about creating an environment that elevates the mood. Make a cup of tea in the special china usually reserved for guests. Mix a fancy cocktail in a beautiful shaker. Creating small special moments everyday is just good for the soul. Here are some of my favorite beautiful things for the kitchen. Whether you’re making a tray of brownies for your best friends, or a pot of chicken noodle soup for a sick relative. Do it in the lovliest way possble!

Sustainable & Ethical Gift Guide: For The Newly Eco-conscious

by Caroline | Dec 10, 2020 | Shop Posts, Sustainability

I thought it was only fitting for the Sustainable & Ethical Gift Guide series to include a gift guide for the newly eco-conscious. Whether you are shopping for someone who has long been a lover of the planet, or just a budding environmentalist, all of these items would make great gifts.I have taken a look at all the things I use in my daily life that help me be more sustainable. Whether it’s using products that help me reduce waste in my kitchen, like using beeswax wrap, or trying to buy items made with recycled materials, there are little ways we can all be a little more eco-conscious with our everyday household things.

I find one of the things that makes it easier to be eco friendly in your home is to make small substitutiuons rather than sweeping changes. The little every day things add up over time- just imagine how much plastic saran wrap I’ve saved just by using my beeswax wraps!

Low Waste Gifts

I love low waste options for my kitchen. It takes no more effort to use these things becuase they are merely substitutes. My habits didn’t have to change once I got these. And I can honestly say I LOVE the beeswax wraps- use them every day, mainly for cheese…we eat a lot of cheese.

Gifts Made with Renewables

By looking at the materials that make up our every day items we can start to move away from materials that deplete our earth’s resources. While bamboo is a tree (and we don’t like cutting down trees) it grows incredibly fast so it is a rapid self renewing resource. Honestly, I need to do more research on this subject to truly understand if using bamboo is better for the planet, but so far it seems like a better choice than other materials.

Made from Recycled and Biodegradable Materials

Aside from not purchasing anything new (which to me isn’t that realistic) it’s a great option to start using items that are made from recycled materials. This phone case is actually biodegradable! It will take 3-5 years to decompose, rather than 500 years that most plastic phone cases will take. Yikes!

Just a friendly reminder the items I have linked here are affiliate links that I use to help support the time I dedicate to researching and writing for you all. This is NOT a sponsored post and I was not gifted any of these items. I only share products here that I either use myself, or hope to purchase one day because I either LOVE what the brand stands for or find the product conducive to living well and sustainably. This is no extra expense to you, just a way for brands to say “thanks, Caroline!” when I send my readers their way. You can read more about it in my affiliate disclaimer.

Small Businesses You Can Support on Amazon

by Caroline | Dec 7, 2020 | Lifestyle, Shop Posts

The ethical practices of large corporations such as Amazon are often called into question. While I know it’s so much easier to remain ignorant of issues and keep on clicking “add to cart” I am trying to become a more mindful and informed consumer. Even if that means still choosing to purchase from billion dollar giants from time to time, at least I am doing it knowing what my dollars are supporting. It’s all about being informed, and then making decisions based on what matters to you. Sometimes shopping ethically is more important than getting that free 2 day shipping. But I’ll be honest, sometimes convenience is more important than ethics- ugh I cringe saying this but in certain instances it’s true.

When I learned of some small businesses that sell on Amazon I was compelled to share them so this holiday season if you determine that shopping on Amazon is something you are ethically prepared to do, at least you can support some small businesses at the same time!

BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold, a black founded Certified B Corp, sells high quality coffee and teas. They also pledge 5% of profits to initiatives aligned to sustaining youth programming, enhancing workforce development, and eradicating youth homelessness.

Honeycat

Honeycat was founded by two best friends looking to create fine jewelry that has longevity and is high quality with an affordable price point. They have a variety of pieces but all are great if you like the delicate, minimal look, like me!

The Seaweed Bath Co.

Started by two Coloradians looking for a natural solution for sensitive skin. They discovered seaweed spas in Ireland and after experiencing the amazing benefits of seaweed, they realized that it could help consumers of all skin and hair types. Their seaweed contains over 65 vitamins and minerals, and sustainably-hand harvest the seaweed off the coast of Maine to allow for maximum regrowth. In addition to seaweed, they formulate their products with powerful plant-based ingredients to hydrate and detoxify your skin.

Iya Foods

This black female owned health food company makes dozens of better for you flours such as cassava flour, African inspired spice mixes, whole food powders, baking mixes, and dried flower powders. Iya Foods is also committed to doing their part to be environmentally sustainable and responsible. That means they buy from local growers when possible and source from growers that use environmentally responsible growing methods. They also utilize energy efficient and environmentally responsible production practices, and use non-polluting, renewable energy resources safe for our communities, future generations and planet. Happy to support that!

Piper Wai

Piper Wai was actually co-founded by a friend of mine (Jess Edelstein) though I didn’t put two and two together until I was half way through writing this post, and then I realied “OMG, I KNOW HER!” So that’s fun! Jess was determined to create a non toxic deoderant that worked. It took over a hundred test batches and almost a year as her own deodorant guinea pig until she had one that was good enough. Founded my two friends, Paiper Wai went global through a successful crowdfunding campaign and an appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2015, creating unprecedented demand in the market for charcoal deodorant.

This activated charcoal cream deodorant is gender-neutral, American-made, vegan, cruelty-free, and free of synthetic fragrances and aluminum compounds.”

Karmalit

These handcrafted soy candles are made in Colorado by Sejal, who started KarmaLit out of a love for giving back and a desire to do something that set his heart on fire. I love the Smell.Good.Do.Good initiative they started as a way to stand for something greater, facilitate learning, and to have an impact that lasts beyond the product’s brief life.

Hearth and Harrow

This 5th Generation Maine Dairy Farmer began Hearth and Harrowfrom her kitchen table after the birth of her second child. What began as a hobby selling organic textiles at small farm stands has become a thriving business, and she still designs and hand-prints each one (often at her kitchen table)!

I find her prints so charming! I will definitely be purchaseing a few of these as gifts, and also for myself.

Full disclosure, I was not paid to write this, this is not a sponsored post, nor was I gifted any of these items. I have however included my affiliate links so if you do purchase an item I have shared here through one of these links I will get a small commission as a “thank you” at no additional cost to you of course.

My goal with this post was to simple highlight small businesses on amazon that might not show up right away in a search. I do my very best to buy from small businesses or businesses that put ethics and sustainable practices as a high priority but I realize that many of you use Amazon, so this felt like a nice way to meet in the middle. If you want to learn more about small businesses on Amazon check out Shop Local at Amazon.

Sustainable & Ethical Gift Guide: The Weekend Adventurer

by Caroline | Dec 4, 2020 | Lifestyle, Shop Posts, Sustainability

I initially wanted to make a gift guide focused on the traveler, but since none of us have major travel plans and time soon I decided to focus this guide on the weekend adventurer. Since the pandemic hit we all have been finding different ways to safely get out and explore. Whether that is taking a road trip to an airbnb, checking out some nature trails you never tried, or exploring what your region has to offer over a long weekend. I know I was able to explore areas here in Virginia that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise.

All of the brands I have included in this guide either use sustainable materials in their products, eco friendly processes for manufacturing/distribution, or has a strong ethical component to their brand. I’ve curated this list to include items from Everlane, Coyuchi, Jenni Kayne, Rothy’s, Girlfriend Collective, Summersalt, and ABLE. You can read all about their ethicical and sustainable practices in the links I’ve privided.

Bundle Up

For Covid friendly travel, a warm coat is a must this winter. I imagine we will be spending more time outdoors whether at restaurants or visiting with friends, so bundle up! These coats from Everlane are made from recycled and renewd textiles and look oh so cozy, and I think this is the year I finally invest in a cashmere beanie, this one from Jenni Kayne is so luxurious!

Pack Your Bags

Weekend or day trips are always elevated by a cute bag, whether a backpack or diffle. I’ve got my eyes on these ones from Cuyana, Everlane, and ABLE are next level gorgeous, and of course sustainable.

Dress Comfortably

When adventuring to new areas you definitely want to be dressed appripriately. Chic yet comfortable is always my motto when traveling. These pants from Summersalt and Girlfriend Collective (my personal favorite), and shoes from Rothy’s and Everlane are the perfect combo of both!.

Just a friendly reminder the items I have linked here are affiliate links that I use to help support the time I dedicate to researching and writing for you all. This is NOT a sponsored post and I was not gifted any of these items. I only share products here that I either use myself, or hope to purchase one day because I either LOVE what the brand stands for or find the product conducive to living well and sustainably. This is no extra expense to you, just a way for brands to say “thanks, Caroline!” when I send my readers their way. You can read more about it in my affiliate disclaimer.

Sustainable & Ethical Gift Guide: For The Decor Obsessed

by Caroline | Dec 3, 2020 | Mindful Home, Shop Posts, Sustainability

As someone who is a bit decor obsessed at the moment, but also mindful of making sustainable and ethical purchases I though I would put together a sustainable & ethical gift guide for the decor obsessed, like me, but who also want to shift toward buying more sustainable and ethical products.

All of the brands I have included in this guide either use sustainable materials in their products, eco friendly processes for manufacturing/distribution, or has a strong ethical component to their brand. I’ve curated this list to include items from Pottery Barn, Parachute, and Accompany. You can read all about their ethical and sustainable practices in the links I’ve provided here.

Sustainable Gift Ideas For The One

Who Loves to Decorate

Just a friendly reminder the items I have linked here are affiliate links that I use to help support the time I dedicate to researching and writing for you all. This is NOT a sponsored post and I was not gifted any of these items. I only share products here that I either use myself, or hope to purchase one day because I either LOVE what the brand stands for or find the product conducive to living well and sustainably. This is no extra expense to you, just a way for brands to say “thanks, Caroline!” when I send my readers their way. You can read more about it in my affiliate disclaimer.

5 Ways to Shop Ethically and Sustainably This Holiday Season

by Caroline | Nov 23, 2020 | Lifestyle, Shop Posts, Sustainability

It’s important to be a conscious consumer all year round, but in particular the holidays are a really easy time to be swept up in the holiday hustle of shopping and stressing. I know I am really trying to shop ethically and sustainably this holiday season. Reasons why one would want to be a more conscious consumer include saving money, wanting to support small businesses and ethical/sustainable brands, and protecting the environment from waste, pollution, and loss of resources.

Most consumer habits are unknowingly harming the planet by wasting resources, creating packaging waste, producing excess carbon emissions to ship items …and GIRL, we don’t want that!

First, let’s define what a conscious consumer is and isn’t:

A conscious consumer is someone who:

knows what they like
knows what they need
knows what’s safe for the planet and their body
makes deliberate and informed choices
is confident that they can rely on themselves to make good purchasing decisions.
is comfortable paying a little bit more for a higher quality item that will last longer.

A conscious consumer ISN’T someone who:

is cheap
is easily swayed by deals/sales
going to the mall or online shopping out of boredom
uses retail therapy to treat their emotional problems (ok I’m very guilty of that!)

Now, I want to share what I’m doing to try to shop sustainably and ethically this holiday season, and maybe you can get some ideas that fit your lifestyle!

1. Intentional Holiday Gift Giving for Your Littles

For your kids use the blueprint: want – need – share – read. Now, I don’t have kids yet, but I love this concept. Four gifts…so simple. Something they need like clothes or a new backpack; something they want like a craft kit, legos, or a bike; something to share for the family like an experience, tickets to a sporting event/concert, or a gift card to their favorite restaurant; and something to read like a box set of their favorite book series or a monthly magazine subscription.

2. Educate Yourself on Where Your Dollars Are Going

More and more lately I’ve been doing a little bit of research whenever I am buying something. Since we’re furnishing our home I’ve been researching how sustainable the furniture is, and how far it has to travel to get to me. Obviously it’s most ethical and sustainable to purchase locally made items from small business owners, but if you are making purchases from big-box stores it’s nice to see what their mission is, whether they are focusing efforts on sustainable production or giving back.

Support your values with your dollars. Maybe you buy from companies that give back, or you use companies that use sustainable packaging, or perhaps you support brands with lifetime warranties that replace parts so you don’t have to constantly buy new items..

Where do you find conscious companies?

Go to the Environmental Working Group and look up the products that you are interested in purchasing and it will tell you what impact is has on the environment, and how safe it is for you.

BuyMeOnce.com is a website that sources and seeks out products that are both ethically and sustainably made. They also highlight products that are made to last as long as possible.

Finally, right here on Bloom & Spark. I have been pouring so much energy into creating resources here on my blog that show different brands and how they are being more sustainable. I’ve been making lots of sustainable and ethical gift guides too so be on the look out for those!

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3. Shop Vintage & Thrift

It use to be rather uncool to get your clothes second hand, but with people being more mindful about clothing waste there is now a renaissance of thrift, vintage, and consignment shopping. It’s grown past the Salvation Army (or “Sally’s” as my family likes to call it) to become a huge industry in both the online space and brick and mortar stores. I am most excited about the Luxury consignment market on websites such as The Real Real and Poshmark. Here are some more great online thrift stores:

4. Shop Local

We all know the importance of shopping local, but in the midst of a pandemic it’s more important than ever for us to support our local businesses. There’s lots of ways you can do this. Maybe you make a pledge to yourself to only shop at local botiques for gifts, or maybe you just make a point to stroll down your town’s business district once a week instead of online shopping. However you do it, know that shopping from locally owned small businesses is one of the best ways to be a conscious concumer this holiday season.

5. Support Your Friends Who are Business Owners

If you scroll through your facebook feed chances are you’ll come across a handful of high school or college friends who are in the business of selling something. Makeup, skincare, exercise programs, vitamins, nailpolish, jewelry, clothes, the list goes on! Whether they are independent crafters or selling for a larger company like Beauty Counter, I highly recommend doing your holiday shopping from your friends. Supporting people you know in your immediate community feels so good, it helps them, and you can get some great gifts!