Sun, surf, and sand: the things Summer is known for can wreak havoc on your skin. Protect, soothe, and hydrate your skin with my favorite summer skincare for glowing skin. I almost never wear makeup, which means I prioritize clear, healthy, radiant skin. Summer is a great time to go “no makeup,” and these favorites…
You already know that Vitamin A Swim is my favorite sustainable swimwear brand, and now you can score their luxury bikinis for up to 25% off during the Fourth of July Sale, going on now. Here are my picks. Run, don’t walk!
Still need a patriotic bikini for Independence Day? Try on these beauties from the Fourth of July sale. Code: July4th20 for 20% off.
With its cute wrapping detail and a strappy criss-cross back, the Yara Wrap One Piece is a chic and fun upgrade to your current white one piece. Toss on jean shorts and wear it as a body suit. I wear my “normal” size in Vitamin A One Pieces, but I would size up if you’re taller than “average.” (I’m 5’6″, for reference!).
Yara Wrap One Piece – White EcoRib BT
There’s just something about a strappy beach look, right? The Yara is a stunning one pi… [More]
If you love the strappy look but want a two piece, get the Upcycled Sol Wrap Top in Papavero EcoRib. It’s made from salvaged deadstock material, making an already sustainable bikini an even better choice for the planet.
I love my triangle bikinis from Vitamin A; they’re super supportive and sexy, and stay on during swimming, snorkeling, and free diving. I recommend going up one size for a little extra coverage.
Upcycled Sol Wrap Top – Papavero EcoRib
All tied up. Give your triangle bikini something a little extra, with sexy wrap around … [More]
A classic Vitamin A silhouette, the Sienna Tank is supportive, easy to pull on, and universally flattering. I’m wearing the Sienna Tank in Black in the cover photo; it’s one of my go-to bikinis, and it’s also only $53 right now!
This comfy pullover style crop tank has a scoop neck and low back. [More]
They might not be patriotic colors, but Black & White are perennial swimwear powerhouse colors, so they have to make my best-of-sale list. Here are some faves, including the Sienna Tank I’m wearing here.
This staple piece is only $52, available in XS to XL right now. Order your usual size; this keeps a bralette top extra supportive.
Seriously comfy and universally flattering on all sizes. “Must have” is an understatement. [More]
For another classic you’ll wear again and again, pick up the Moss Bralette Top and Moss Adjustable Side String Bottom, in White EcoRib.
Moss Adjustable Side String Bottom – White…
A cheeky bikini bottom with a ring & slider for adjustability, designed to lay flat aga… [More]
Vitamin A Swim is my go-to for effortless, sustainable, linen resort wear. The Lana Linen Wrap Skirt I’m wearing in the photo above is the perfect cover up to toss on top of a One Piece! Know that it’s sheer and your suit will show through the back, like mine does!
Lana Linen Wrap Skirt – EcoLinen Gauze White
A wardrobe staple. The always flattering midi length wrap skirt. [More]
If we’re talking linen from Vitamin A Swim, we can’t forget the Playa Linen Boyfriend Shirt! I’m wearing an old color below, but there is a darker green color available still! I always snag another one when there’s a sale. Not only is this coverup perfectly lightweight and chic for the beach or pool, I wear it at home regularly.
I recommend wearing your usual size, or size up if you want a more oversized fit. I’m wearing size S here, but will probably buy an XS next, just to have some variety in fit choices.
Playa Linen Oversized Shirt – EcoLinen Gau…
Breezy, light, and airy from the beach to cocktails. Our best-selling linen cover up is… [More]
It’s the perfect high/low piece: wear it to add instant laidback style over a dress or to finish an outfit, or throw it on before your #hotgirlwalk. It’s a bit of effortless summer style, either way. Aqua Ecolinen is on sale right now; buy it before I do. 😉
Snag these timeless pieces from Vitamin A Swim while they’re on sale. What’s more sustainable than eco-friendly clothing you know you’ll wear again and again?
xx
Today I’m writing all about one of my favorite fertility tracking apps: Natural Cycles!
If you’re a woman, chances are you’ve probably tracked your period with an app at some point. But what was once a glorified digital calendar with a simple average cycle length calculation, is now an advanced wearable with algorithms that can do so much more. Fertility tracking apps are an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding your own fertility, and taking charge of your health journey as a woman. My favorite fertility tracking apps are Natural Cycles, Oura, and Proov, and I’ll walk through how to use each of them during upcoming blog posts!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This income goes to supporting this website. As always, ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.
5 years ago, I started to question my use of hormonal birth control. I wondered what the side effects could be on my fertility, and my body in general, in a way I didn’t consider before. I began looking for non-hormonal methods that were more effective than calendar-based methods, and found Natural Cycles. Natural Cycles is not just a fertility tracking app. It’s the first FDA cleared medical device for birth control. I talked to my OB/GYN, stopped hormonal birth control, started Natural Cycles to prevent pregnancy, and I’ve never looked back. Natural Cycles is as effective as hormonal birth control pills with typical use, which includes any mistakes made by the app or by the person using it. You can also use Natural Cycles to plan for a pregnancy, monitor a pregnancy, and track recovery from a pregnancy using their Postpartum mode.
Natural Cycles works by tracking your basal body temperature (BBT), which is your body’s lowest resting temperature, as it changes during your cycle. After ovulation, progesterone rises, and so does your BBT. An egg can survive for about 24 hours after ovulation, and sperm can survive for up to 5 days in the female body, so about 6 days each cycle could result in pregnancy. By tracking your BBT, the app can identify these fertile days, (and non-fertile days after your ovulation).
If you just want to know which days to use protection to prevent pregnancy, don’t worry: the Natural Cycles app makes it easy. The app’s Home Screen shows either a “red” day where you could be fertile, or a “green” day where you aren’t. No algorithm is perfect, but recall that the app is as effective as hormonal birth control with typical use (93%), so the risk of an unplanned pregnancy is the same.
If you’re looking to plan a pregnancy, you’ll use the app the same way, but your target days to use protection or abstain now become your target days to try to conceive (TTC). The app also prompts you to take LH (Luteinizing Hormone) tests at relevant points in your cycle, to better predict your ovulation day. LH rises and peaks 24-48 hours before ovulation, so simple morning urine tests can detect this rise and give you a closer idea of when you may ovulate. My favorite LH test is from Proov— keep an eye out for my post about Proov for my Women’s Health Month series!
What makes Natural Cycles such a great fertility tracking app is its integrations with the Oura Ring and Apple Watch. Natural Cycles uses the temperature data for your device as part of its algorithm to predict your fertility. All you need to do is keep your device charged, wear it nightly, and check your Natural Cycles app daily. I was thrilled when this integration was announced, because I was already using each app separately! It’s the simplest hormone-free birth control solution, while providing the added bonus of world-class sleep lab data, HR, HRV, and SPO2 monitoring from the Oura Ring for total-body health. This is how I use Natural Cycles, and it’s been such a game-changer.
Buying an Oura Ring along with a Natural Cycles subscription comes with a device and subscription discount. If you don’t want an Oura Ring or Apple Watch, you can always opt for using the NC thermometer to take your temperature manually each morning, included for free with the annual plan.
Thanks to a federal directive in 2022, health insurance companies are now required to cover other methods of birth control, which includes Natural Cycles as an out-of-network provider. You’ll pay for a subscription out of pocket, then submit your receipt, your Rx from your doctor, and an out-of-network claim form to your insurance for reimbursement. This process can take a while, but Natural Cycles provides resources such as a template to use with your doctor requesting a prescription for Natural Cycles, and instructions and links to your insurance company’s forms. Their customer service is also there to help if you need to appeal your insurance claim. Hopefully this process will be easier in the future, as insurance companies adjust to the directive.
Switching birth control methods can be a scary decision. Make sure you talk with your doctor before stopping any medications. Remind yourself of the efficacy of each method you’re considering. If you can, plan your switch for a time that’s convenient to you. It might make sense to switch after a big event such as a vacation, wedding, big work project or move, since your body will likely need some time to adjust to the change in hormones. If your first period off of hormonal birth control is different or painful, don’t worry too much, you’ll adjust! (If you need period products again, head to my post about menstrual cups and other sustainable period products!) Good luck making the switch! I’m rooting for you.
Have you made the switch to non-hormonal birth control? Drop me a line in the comments below.
Cookies are synonymous with the holiday season; I look forward to making these favorites every year! While these are definitely full-fat caloric splurges, I’ll share my favorite ingredients that make these a somewhat healthier, somewhat more sustainable indulgence. Here are 5 of the best Christmas cookies, ever (OK the last one is actually not a cookie but it still deserves its spot…)! Dive in!
There’s a reason I’ve been making these for 10 years now–they’re soooo good! Between the browned butter, the hazelnut stuffing (don’t use Nutella, I have a better one!), and the sea salt dusting, these check all the boxes for what a good cookie should be. Most other cookie recipes just don’t even come close, and they’re not worth the calories. These beauties, however, are definitely worth the calories, and in our opinion, the best Christmas cookies ever!
The recipe for the Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter + Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies is from Ambitious Kitchen, but I think certain ingredients make a huge difference, so here are my suggestions.
Lastly, and most importantly, don’t use Nutella. Use Nocciolata, an Italian brand with a cleaner, tastier recipe. Nutella has palm oil (which is often unsustainably harvested), and natural flavor instead of real vanilla extract. Why bother? If you’re going to splurge, splurge on the good stuff, trust me. Try Dairy Free Nocciolata if you’re sensitive to dairy; it’s just as good!
We started making these Death by Chocolate Peppermint Cookies trying to recreate the insanely delicious version from Colleen’s Cookies in St. Louis. The drizzled dark chocolate on top makes these a delicious and decadent choice! You’ll definitely want some milk to go with that!
My main note for this cookie is to get a high quality candy cane and high quality white chocolate. These Organic Candy Canes from Whole Foods are a good choice. They do have natural flavor, which is annoying because shouldn’t it just be vanilla extract and peppermint extract?! But, organic natural flavorings have the strictest requirements out of the “flavorings” bunch, so this is about as good as it gets. Yum Earth has another similar option, too.
As for white chocolate, it’s not really chocolate at all. So pick one that’s not just sugar, corn oil, and flavorings. Ghirardelli’s White Chocolate Baking Chips is my pick. Or, you could skip the white chocolate and just make some simple icing at home and drizzle it on top. We’ll probably do that this year. Last year’s bag of white chocolate chips did not get eaten!
Gingerbread cookies are a classic Christmas tradition. If you need a break from chocolate, these soft, chewy, flavorful Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are it! Top those classic crinkles with some powdered sugar and enjoy the spicy treat. But don’t worry, these aren’t too spicy, and they’re not too sweet, either. They’re just right!
My one note for these is to use a high-quality molasses, like Grandma’s Original Molasses.
If you prefer unique over traditional, and like a cookie with a bit of everything, these are for you. If you follow Half-Baked Harvest, you’ve probably seen these Christmas Monster Cookies before. These are a newer addition to our Christmas faves. Filled with chocolate chips, chocolate candies, pretzels, and oats, they’re a chewy Christmas treat. Instead of using regular m&ms, opt for Unreal gems and avoid unnatural food colors and added flavor. We love the Dark Chocolate with Crispy Quinoa Gems, but the Milk Chocolate Gems work, too! They wont’ be red and green, but to me they taste so much better than m&ms!
Making cinnamon rolls on Christmas Eve so that they’re ready on Christmas morning is a beloved tradition for many. This isn’t a tradition I grew up with–but my siblings and I did eat cinnamon rolls and we fought over the middle one. Still not over it haha. But a few years ago, I decided I wanted to make some from scratch, and it’s now something we look forward to!
We’ll be making the Best Cinnamon Rolls You’ll Ever Eat again this year, for sure.
This recipe from Ambitious Kitchen makes 9 full rolls, but I had extra dough so I made tiny bonus rolls and stuffed them into the pan, too. I think a metal pan would do better, but this pyrex pie pan worked in a pinch! After all, the mark of a great cook is being able to improvise with what you have, right?
For this recipe, dark brown sugar will be super flavorful. Choose one that’s Organic and Fair Trade, like this Dark Brown Sugar from Wholesome.
I hope you love these recipes, and that maybe one of them will be a new favorite for you. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
(And don’t forget to check out my post on recycling your Christmas decorations once the season is over).
Happy Holidays!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!
We’re heading back to Hawaii this December, and I’ve started packing early (for once!). Here’s my essential, tropical packing list for effortless travel to Hawaii, or any other tropical destination!
If you’re spending the holidays somewhere tropical, lucky you! While I’m not exactly a minimalist packer and will be checking a bag, I’m also not going to recommend buying a gadget or outfit for every scenario. That said, this is not a comprehensive packing list, but rather, a packing list of the essentials that matter most. These are my essentials for a thoughtful, sustainable, and effortless tropical vacation. Here’s what to pack for your next tropical vacation!
Dive in!
I consider “essentials” to be the items that help me travel better, keep me feeling good, or are difficult to buy on vacation. Since it’s rarely possible or practical to bring everything from home, I also leave some room in the budget for purchasing items while on vacation.
These are the tropical travel essentials we’ll be packing for Hawaii.
Of course a hallmark of a tropical vacation is (hopefully) the abundant sunshine and warm weather! Even in the winter, tropical climates close to the equator will have intense sun. Skip the suntan and instead choose to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. At the top of my tropical packing list are these essentials; they’ll help keep your skin healthy and radiant for years to come!
If you’ve read my post about Choosing a Clean Sunscreen, you know that I wear it constantly, and that I’m picky. So, I always pack plenty of my favorite reef-safe sunscreen for a tropical trip. This two pack is the perfect size to toss in a beach bag or a backpack for day trips. The Sunscreen Butter is the ultimate protection during surfing or intense water activities, but a little goes a long way!
But sun protection doesn’t end with sunscreen. An essential part of my sun protection strategy involves making my own shade, so I pack several hats: one to run in, and two to wear on the beach or by the pool. My Vitamin A Swim wide brim hat is an older style, but I’d recommend this recycled straw bucket hat!
Cannes Straw Bucket Hat – Natural
Tailor-made for sunny days, this chic, hand-woven bucket hat is crafted from recycled s… [More]
Lastly, I swear by the Vitamin A Playa Linen Boyfriend Shirt. It’s lightweight, comfy, and breezy in the tropical heat while also offering sun protection. Toss it on as a coverup for the pool bar or lunch. You can also wear it at home as a summer layer for running errands or just going for a walk! Buying pieces you’ll use outside of vacations is more sustainable for the planet, and your wallet.
Playa Linen Oversized Shirt – EcoLinen Gau…
Breezy, light, and airy from the beach to cocktails. Our best-selling linen cover up is… [More]
A tropical vacation needs swimsuits, of course! This is an item where you definitely want to avoid fast fashion, and opt for a sustainably-made suit that will last for years–and not just one trip.
Vitamin A makes my favorite sustainable swimwear. Their pieces are high quality, flattering, and have lasted me for years. If you’ve been wanting to try them, I highly recommend the California High Leg Bottom and the Gia Triangle Top. I’ll be taking this exact ‘kini with me; the Aloe Bloom print just screams “Hawaii!”
California High Leg – Aloe Bloom EcoLux BT
Small but mighty, the California High-Leg is the perfect low coverage swim bottom to fe… [More]
Travel can be hectic and stressful, especially during the holidays. To make the process as effortless and enjoyable as possible, here’s how I pack my carryon bag.
For every flight, I take at least one 20 oz stainless steel water bottle for myself. If the flight is 4 hours or longer, I also take a 40 oz S’well bottle. Staying hydrated helps me feel better on long flights! S’well bottles are my favorite. They’re durable and stylish, come in lots of color and prints, and of course they’re more sustainable than plastic!
Block out the noise and relax with a pair of good noise-canceling headphones. I prefer over-the-ear styles, and have been wanting to upgrade my Beats Studio Pro Headphones to the AirPod Max.
Whether you prefer to watch movies or get a little work done on the flight, I highly recommend a tablet or laptop for long trips. For some things, a bigger screen and keyboard is so much easier. Some versions of the iPad are even on sale on Amazon, up to 22% off right now!
On vacation I tend to wash my hair more than at home, since I’m usually swimming every day! To keep my hair hydrated, I pack my favorite hair products, which can be hard to find on location. While you can use hotel sizes, bringing your own reduces single-use plastic and ensures you’ll have the ingredients you want, and none of the fragrances or ingredients that you don’t. I just bought the Shampoo and Conditioner from Necessaire and love them.
On vacation, I gravitate toward dresses more than at home because they’re so easy to slip on and get ready. I’m taking this L*Space favorite on our trip and can’t wait to wear it!
The Strapless West Dress from Vitamin A would be another great vacation option!
Strapless West Dress – Black Organic Rib
Super soft, super sustainable. This side-slit strapless dress perfectly hugs your curve… [More]
“Effortless” is the theme, here. I almost never wear makeup at home, so I don’t wear much on vacation, either. For fresh skin and easy makeup, I’ll be taking these products with me.
Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint is a lightweight, minimal coverage tinted SPF that’s perfect for vacation. It’s my go-to for my no-makeup makeup routine.
I also love Kosas Wet Lip Oil for an easy gloss with some color. I like their shade “Dip.”
Add on some Merit mascara and voila, vacation makeup, done. Or skip the mascara and accent your eyes by using some clear brow gel on your eyebrows. This one from Milk is my favorite.
I hope that adding these essentials to your next tropical packing list helps to make your next vacation a little more effortless.
Mele Kalikimaka, and Safe Travels!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!
In today’s post, learn how to recycle your Christmas Tree and decorations, as well as how to reuse, donate, or upcycle it first! If you bought a real Christmas Tree this year, read on for how to give it new life and ensure it stays out of the landfill.
If you still need a tree this year, check out my post about Real vs Artificial Christmas Trees!
If your artificial Christmas Tree has been around several years, it may have lost some of its luster. Maybe the lights are burned out, the branches are broken, or you’ve lost some of the pieces. Before you dispose of it, consider these ways to give your artificial Christmas Tree new life by reusing, upcycling, or donating your tree. Reusing what you have is the most sustainable option, so those suggestions are listed first.
If you’re ready to part ways with your artificial Christmas tree, but it’s still usable, consider places in your local community that may want Christmas decorations for their own use. Schools, hospitals, libraries, churches, and thrift stores may be interested in your old tree! Let your tree continue fulfilling its “Christmas Destiny” by donating it and lighting up another part of your community for the holidays.
Alternatively, consider posting your tree for free on sites like Craigs List or Offer Up. Let it be your Christmas gift to someone in your community!
Don’t forget to include ornaments and working strings of lights that you no longer want. These can make the donated tree even more festive!
If you don’t want to redecorate your artificial Christmas Tree, and it can’t be donated, consider upcycling parts of it rather than disposing of it entirely. Can you turn some of the branches into a Christmas wreath? Maybe you can fashion a garland for your mantlepiece out of the branches! Or turn it into several mini Christmas Trees. Pinterest has lots of cute inspiration. Creating new decorations from your old artificial tree helps to keep more plastic out of the landfill, and can make your space even more festive.
As you prepare for the holiday season, I encourage you to make a commitment to sustainability. Whether that’s reusing an artificial tree you already have, upcycling your holiday decor, or decorating a real tree, making eco-friendly choices will help make your holiday just a little bit sweeter.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
