Happy weekend, friends! This morning, Jayson and I laced up our boots and started the day with a 3-mile mountain hike, one of those crisp, quiet mornings where the air smells like spring and everything feels just a little more alive. Along the way, we gathered some moss that had blown off the trees (don’t worry, we only collect what nature’s already released!) to use in our yard. It’s such a beautiful, grounding way to bring a little bit of our hike back home.
And speaking of green things… the Watauga County Farmers’ Market kicks off tomorrow, and we’re planning to make a full day of it! Jayson is bring along his Barebones Harvesting Bag for fresh local produce! After, we plan to visit a few of our favorite farm stands (we need eggs for Easter!), and then heading out for either a long hike or a scenic bike ride (depending on how ambitious we’re feeling post-market cinnamon roll!).
There’s something about spring weekends that feel like permission to slow down, soak it all in, and reconnect, with nature, with each other, and with the rhythms that feel most nourishing.
Here are a few green things that might inspire you to do the same:
🧺 The Pajamas So Good I Wear Them to Brunch Yes, I said brunch. These Forever French Baby pajamas are buttery soft, effortlessly cute, and absolutely lounge-to-lifestyle approved. [Read the post →]
🚐 Eco-Friendly Travel Must-Haves My go-to travel companions? A compact refillable first aid kit and the best plant-based wipes. Whether we’re hiking or RVing, these are always in my bag. [Read the post →]
🥜 Sustainable Snack Night with SunButter Nut-free, delicious, and perfect for low-waste snacking—this post includes simple, planet-friendly recipes you’ll love. [Read the post →]
🌸 10 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Spring as a Family From garden projects to backyard brunches, this post is full of easy, meaningful ways to enjoy the season together. [Read the post →]
As the world turns greener, I hope your weekend includes something fresh from the earth, something joyful with the people you love, and a little time to breathe it all in.
Until next time! xo, Sweet Greens
P.S. Do you have a spring ritual, favorite local farm stop, or weekend adventure planned? I’d love to hear what’s growing in your world—just hit reply!
I might not have little ones at home anymore (can you believe Eben’s 24!? He was 8 when I started this blog), but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped keeping a well-stocked, eco-conscious travel essentials kit on hand. Whether we’re hiking in the mountains, road tripping to a new town, or heading off for a weekend in the RV, there are two things I never leave behind: the Keep>Going Woodland Mini First Aid Kit and Handzies Soap + Water Wipes.
These two items have become non-negotiables in my adventure bag—and they’re especially perfect if, like me, you’re always looking for ways to stay prepared and reduce your environmental impact while you travel.
🧰 Keep>Going Mini First Aid Kit – Small but Mighty
Let me start by saying: I’ve owned a lot of first aid kits over the years, and most of them either fall apart or take up too much space. The Keep>Going Woodland Mini Kit is a total game-changer.
I keep one in our RV, one in the car, and another in our hiking pack—and every single one has come in handy at some point.
🌱 Refillable & Built to Last – The soft-shell case is compact and durable, not one of those plastic boxes that cracks after one trip. 🩹 Loaded with 60 Essentials – Everything you need for everyday mishaps: bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, even burn cream. 🎒 Perfect for Travel & Trail – It’s lightweight enough for day hikes but thorough enough to keep in the RV for longer trips. 🌲 Cute, Too! – I know function matters more, but I’ll admit—I love the woodland print. It’s fun and stylish without being overly “medical.”
Handzies Wipes are made with real soap, water, and essential oils, and they actually leave your hands feeling clean—not sticky or overly scented.
🌿 Biodegradable & Plant-Based – No alcohol, no harsh chemicals, and no synthetic fragrances. Just clean, simple ingredients that are kind to your skin and the earth. 🚗 Perfect for Travel – I keep a stash of the individually wrapped wipes in the glove compartment, hiking pack, and my travel pouch. 🖐 Gentle Yet Effective – Whether we’re dealing with sunscreen, trail snacks, or just need a refresh after a hike, these wipes always come through. 🌸 Smell Amazing – Light and fresh, not overwhelming. They feel like a little luxury when you’re on the go.
Over the past few years, these two items have become staples in our travel and outdoor routines. Here’s where they come in clutch:
🥾 Hiking – It’s rare that we don’t need at least a bandage, some antiseptic, or a wipe after a few miles on the trail. 🚐 RV Trips – Both products live in our RV full-time. I keep a pack of these tucked in the driver’s side door of our RV—perfect for when Jayson dumps the tanks after a trip and needs a quick, easy way to clean his hands! 🚗 Road Trips – Long drives, snacks on the go, questionable roadside rest stops—you’ll be so glad to have Handzies and a mini first aid kit close by. 🎡 Outdoor Events & Weekend Markets – You never know when you’ll need a quick clean-up or a bandage for a stubbed toe. These essentials make it all feel seamless.
Why I Love These Eco Essentials
There’s something so satisfying about being prepared and staying aligned with your values. Both Keep>Going and Handzies are focused on quality, sustainability, and real-life practicality—which makes me feel good about supporting them.
✅ Reusable & refillable ✅ Plant-based and biodegradable ✅ Compact, travel-friendly, and functional ✅ Made with families and adventurers in mind
I might not be packing diaper bags anymore, but I still want to keep our adventures comfortable, clean, and as low-waste as possible. These products help me do exactly that—without taking up half the trunk.
If you’re heading out for hiking season, planning a long RV trip, just love a good road adventure, or have kiddos that you are taking ANYWHERE, I highly recommend adding these two items to your essentials kit. They’re small, smart, and eco-conscious—everything I look for in my travel gear.
When it comes to sustainable snacking, not all ingredients are created equal. That’s why SunButter is a true Sustainability Supporter—a delicious, nut-free spread that’s better for both you and the planet.
Unlike almond butter, which requires huge amounts of water to produce, SunButter uses way less water, making it a more eco-friendly choice. Even better? Sunflower seed shells are recycled for turkey bedding, reducing agricultural waste and giving back to the environment. 🌎♻️
So grab your favorite people, get cozy, and let’s make snack time more sustainable!
🥜 Step 1: Choose Sustainable, Nut-Free Snacks
Whether you’re craving something salty, sweet, or crunchy, SunButter has got you covered! Made from roasted sunflower seeds, their spreads are a delicious, nut-free alternative to peanut butter, perfect for those with allergies or looking for a more sustainable, protein-packed snack.
🌿 Why SunButter is a Sustainable Choice:
✔️ Made from responsibly grown sunflower seeds 🌻 ✔️ Non-GMO, no artificial preservatives 🚫 ✔️ Nut-free & allergy-friendly 🥜🚫 ✔️ Comes in recyclable jars 🌎♻️
Skip the plastic-wrapped energy bars and processed snacks—try making homemade SunButter treats using fresh, wholesome ingredients! Here are a few delicious, waste-free snack ideas.
🥄 How to Make It: 1️⃣ Mix all ingredients in a bowl until fully combined. 2️⃣ Roll into bite-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined tray. 3️⃣ Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm, then enjoy!
🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Store your energy bites in a glass container or reusable silicone bag instead of plastic wrap!
🍎 Apple & SunButter Nachos
🍏 What You Need:
2 apples, thinly sliced
2 tbsp SunButter (melted for easy drizzling)
1 tbsp dark chocolate chips 🍫
1 tbsp shredded coconut or granola
🥄 How to Make It: 1️⃣ Arrange apple slices on a plate like nachos. 2️⃣ Drizzle melted SunButter over the top. 3️⃣ Sprinkle with chocolate chips, coconut, or granola for crunch. 4️⃣ Enjoy with zero waste!
🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Buy apples from a local farmers’ market to support sustainable agriculture!
🍫 DIY SunButter Chocolate Cups
🥣 What You Need:
½ cup SunButter
1 cup dark chocolate (melted)
1 tbsp coconut oil
Silicone muffin cups or reusable liners
🥄 How to Make It: 1️⃣ Pour 1 tbsp melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner. 2️⃣ Add 1 tsp SunButter in the center. 3️⃣ Cover with more melted chocolate and refrigerate until set. 4️⃣ Pop them out & enjoy—no wrappers needed!
🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Use Fair Trade chocolate and store your treats in a glass container to keep them fresh!
🥤 Step 3: Elevate Your Sustainable Snack Time Experience
Snack time isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience! Whether you’re hosting a family game night, catching up with friends, or enjoying a solo self-care evening, you can make your snack time fun, cozy, and completely waste-free.
🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Skip the plastic-wrapped prizes—offer experience-based rewards like a homemade snack, a digital gift card, or the chance to pick next week’s activity!
🧘♀️ Self-Care & Relaxation Night
Pair your SunButter snacks with a relaxing eco-friendly spa night or journaling session. Unwind with: 🕯️ Soy or Beeswax Candles instead of paraffin-based ones. 🛁 DIY Sugar Scrub: Mix SunButter, brown sugar, and coconut oil for a gentle exfoliating hand scrub. 📖 Read an eco-conscious book—try The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide by Jen Gale or The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth L. Cline.
🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Use a reusable cloth towel instead of paper towels to clean up after your snack time.
🌎 Snack Sustainably, One Bite at a Time!
Sustainable snacking is easier (and more delicious) than you think! By choosing SunButter and making your own zero-waste snacks, you can enjoy a tasty, guilt-free night without unnecessary packaging waste.
✅ Try SunButter in your favorite snack recipes ✅ Ditch plastic-wrapped snacks & make homemade treats ✅ Use reusable dishware & storage for a waste-free experience
So go ahead—grab a spoonful of SunButter, your favorite sustainable snacks, and enjoy a cozy snack time! 🍿
💬 What’s your favorite sustainable snack? Drop it in the comments!
There’s something magical about the arrival of spring. After months of gray skies, chilly mornings, and bundling up, the season of sunshine and fresh blooms always feels like a deep breath of yes. It’s the time of year that calls us outside, reminds us to slow down, and brings a little more color (and joy!) back into everyday life. Otherwise known as time to celebrate spring!
Whether your kids are grown, you’re enjoying grandkid cuddles, or you’re simply planning weekends with your favorite people, spring is the perfect season to reconnect—both with nature and each other.
Here are a few of my favorite simple, soul-filling ways to make the most of the season together:
🌷 1. Visit a Local Flower Farm or Botanical Garden
Pack up a picnic, grab your camera, and spend an afternoon wandering among tulips, daffodils, or wildflowers. Soak in the color, breathe in the fragrance, and let spring do its thing. We have a lovely little farm near us called Harvest Farm, and their flower section is to die for! I can’t wait until they reopen (they were hit hard by Hurricane Helene!)
🧺 2. Host a Backyard Brunch
Think French toast casserole, fresh fruit, and a pot of coffee on the patio. Whether it’s a quiet Sunday with the family or an open-door invite to friends, there’s something so special about sharing a meal under the spring sky. This is our go-to weekend activity in the mountains! We fire up the Timber Stove and cozy up together!
🐝 3. Start a Simple Garden Together
You don’t need a big backyard to enjoy the magic of growing something. A few herb pots on the porch or a little raised bed can become a family project full of learning, laughter, and life lessons. Bonus: kids of all ages love digging in the dirt. We are starting our first garden here in the mountains, it’s coming along slowly, I can’t wait to share!
🎨 4. Make Nature Art
Collect leaves, petals, and twigs on a nature walk and create a pressed flower frame, homemade cards, or just a beautiful spring collage. It’s a fun way to mix creativity with the outdoors—and a great screen-free weekend activity. Years ago, Eben and I made leaf art (leaf prints and leaf alphabet animals) and they were a huge hit!
🥾 5. Plan a Spring Hike or Nature Scavenger Hunt
Head to a local trail or park and create a fun list of things to find: a bird nest, a blooming tree, a buzzing bee, a feather. Turn it into a gentle competition or just enjoy wandering together with eyes wide open. Sidenote: Do you remember when I use to do the Valentine’s Day thrifted book scavenger hunt for Eben?
🐣 6. Celebrate a “No Plans” Day
Pick a Saturday or Sunday, cancel everything, and just be. Pajamas till noon, board games, banana pancakes, a walk around the block, or a nap in the sun. Let spring’s easy rhythm guide you. So, this one might be my favorite, I’m a huge fan of just being lately, In fact, the slogan for Banner Elk where we live is BE (as in Banner Elk/but really the point is, just BE!)
🌱 7. Volunteer at a Community Clean-Up
Spring is all about renewal—and giving back to the planet is a beautiful way to model kindness and responsibility for younger generations. Bonus: fresh air + feel-good energy = the best kind of day. We have been spending our weekends doing exactly this BECAUSE = Hurricane Helene! 🙁
🧁 8. Bake Something Seasonal Together
Lemon bars, carrot cake, berry muffins… spring baking is light, bright, and often a little messy (which is part of the fun!). Wrap up extras in reusable cloth and drop them off to neighbors or friends. I love to bake and try to squeeze it in at least a few times a month! Up next, a coconut cake (hello, Ina Garten!) for Easter! Yum!
🚲 9. Take a Family Bike Ride
Whether it’s around your neighborhood or along a local greenway, biking is such a joyful way to explore together. Pack water bottles, wear layers, and stop for ice cream or a treat along the way. We LIVE for biking in the mountains. The fresh air, beautiful scenery, quietness, it’s perfection!
☀️ 10. Just Sit Outside Together
No agenda, no phones. Maybe it’s morning coffee on the porch or a glass of lemonade in the afternoon sun. These are the quiet, golden moments that often become the most cherished memories. Need I say more?
Spring reminds us that life doesn’t have to be big or busy to be beautiful. Sometimes, the simplest things—sun on your face, laughter around the table, the scent of lilacs drifting on the breeze—are the ones that fill your heart the most.
Wishing you a season full of fresh air, light hearts, and all the sweet moments you can gather. 🌸
💬 What’s your favorite spring tradition or family activity? I’d love to hear how you’re welcoming the season!
Confession: I’ve officially crossed over into the world of pajamas I don’t want to take off—and I have Forever French to thank.
Yes, they make the cutest sets for little ones, but let me tell you: their adult pajamas are next-level cozy. I can honestly say—they’re the softest, comfiest, cutest pajamas I’ve ever owned. And they’ve quickly become my go-to for lazy mornings, coffee sipping, and yes… even Sunday brunch with the family (at home of course!)
Buttery Soft, Stretchy, and Seriously Adorable
The moment you slip into a pair, you get it. These pajamas are made from the dreamiest blend of soft fabric with just the right amount of stretch—like your favorite t-shirt and your favorite blanket had a baby.
They’re lightweight but cozy, fitted but never tight, and come in the sweetest neutral tones and patterns. Think: soft blush, earthy florals, dreamy stripes, and soft, elevated basics you actually feel good in.
Bonus points: they wash beautifully (a must for something I wear on repeat).
Cute Enough for Company
Here’s what I love most: these pajamas are the kind of loungewear that looks put together, without trying too hard.
When the family comes over for Sunday brunch, I don’t even bother changing. I’ll throw on a chunky cardigan over my Forever French set, and I’m instantly “dressed”! Haha.
They’re also great for travel, slow mornings at home, RV trips, and pretty much any situation where you want to feel comfortable but pulled together.
Made for Moms, Brunch, and Everything In Between
Forever French really gets it. Their adult pajamas are designed with the same love and softness as their baby and toddler collections (and their pajamas come in matching family sets!)—which means they’re great for sensitive skin, thoughtfully made, and designed to move with you.
Whether you’re chasing kids, hosting brunch, or just trying to squeeze in a little self-care time, these pajamas deliver the kind of ease and comfort that feels like a warm hug.
And honestly? I’ve started giving them as gifts too—because everyone deserves pajamas this good.
Final Thoughts: Pajamas You’ll Actually Live In
We all have that one pair of pajamas we reach for again and again. These are those pajamas. The ones that make mornings feel a little softer, evenings a little calmer, and weekends a little more relaxed.
If you haven’t tried Forever French adult pajamas yet, consider this your sign. They’re cute. They’re comfy. They’re family-brunch approved. And once you put them on, you won’t want to take them off.
