Archive | FASHION AND BEAUTY

Hiking in Style: Why I’m Loving My New Mondetta B-Corp Activewear

Ever since we moved to the mountains full time, I’ve been spending more time out on the trails—breathing in the fresh mountain air, soaking up the sunshine, and reconnecting with nature. Hiking has become one of my favorite ways to reset and recharge. Jayson and I (and Olive!) do a 1.5 hour hike every morning! And recently, I discovered a new activewear combo that I had to share with you: Mondetta High Waist Active Leggings and their Fitted Active Seamless T-Shirts.

Funny story—Jayson had to make a Costco trip to return some greenhouses that weren’t cutting it, and he surprised me by picking up some new hiking clothes (he knows me well 💚), and I couldn’t believe how perfect they turned out to be. Not only are they ridiculously comfortable and flattering, but they’re also certified B Corp, FSC, and meet the Global Recycled Standard. Cue the heart eyes, right?! 😍🌎

Why I’m Obsessed with These Mondetta Leggings

Let’s talk about leggings first—because finding the right pair is no small feat. The Mondetta High Waist Active Leggings check all the boxes for me:
Supportive yet breathable
Sleek high-rise fit that stays in place
Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Made with recycled materials (yes please!)

Whether I’m on a steep incline, doing a quick yoga flow, or just lounging post-hike on the back deck, these leggings are comfortable, functional, and cute enough to wear beyond the trail. I love the minimal design and smooth seams—no weird bunching or awkward tugging. Just the kind of all-day comfort every hiker dreams of. And I have been wearing them for my regular at-home workout too, and they are perfect!

Seamless, Sustainable, and Seriously Soft T-Shirts

Now, let’s talk about the Mondetta Fitted Active Seamless T-Shirts. I’m kind of picky when it comes to performance tees. I want something that fits well but needs to wick moisture—and this tee delivers.

✨ It’s soft and smooth with a barely-there feel.
✨ The seamless construction means no chafing (thank you!).
✨ It wicks away sweat on hot hikes and dries quickly after.
✨ It layers beautifully under a fleece or my Patagonia nano puff!

I love that I can wear it on the trail and to grab lunch after without feeling like I’m still in workout mode.

Sustainability that Walks the Walk

As someone who’s always looking for ways to live more sustainably, I was so impressed to learn that Mondetta is a Certified B Corporation—which means they meet high standards for social and environmental responsibility.

🌱 FSC-Certified Packaging – Responsibly sourced, recyclable packaging.
🌱 Global Recycled Standard Materials – Their fabrics are made with certified recycled fibers.
🌱 Ethical Manufacturing – Fair labor practices and environmentally conscious production.

I always feel better supporting brands that are working hard to make a real difference—and it’s even better when their clothes perform as well as these do!

The Verdict? I’ll Be Wearing These All Season Long

If you’re looking for sustainable activewear that’s trail-tested and eco-approved, I highly recommend checking out Mondetta’s active line. The high-waist leggings and seamless tees have quickly become my go-to outfit for everything from early morning hikes to weekend errands.

They’re proof that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort, performance, or style to be kind to the planet. 💚And I love that I can wear this outfit for one of my and Jayson’s day trips! We pick a new town on the map, and then do a hike, visit a few shops/antique stores and wrap up with dinner. I don’t have to worry about changing (I just layer a jacket over the top and I’m good to go!)

📍 PS: I’ve been hitting some amazing trails lately—let me know if you want my go-to hiking spots in the Western NC mountains!

Have you tried Mondetta activewear yet? Or do you have a favorite sustainable brand you love for hiking and outdoor adventures? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking to try something new! 🌿💬

The Pajamas So Good I Wear Them to Brunch – Meet Forever French ☕

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.

💗 Shop them here!

5 Easy Sustainable Beauty Routine Swaps

Your beauty routine should make you feel refreshed and radiant—but many conventional beauty products are filled with toxic ingredients and excessive plastic packaging that harm both our health and the environment. From harmful chemicals in skincare to single-use plastics in cosmetics, the beauty industry creates over 120 billion units of packaging waste every year! It’s time for sustainable beauty!😱♻️

If you’re looking to detox your beauty routine in a way that’s better for your skin AND the planet, this guide will show you how to switch to non-toxic, sustainable beauty products without creating more waste. 🌿✨

💄 1. Read the Ingredients & Ditch Harmful Chemicals

Many beauty products contain questionable ingredients that can be harsh on your skin and harmful to the environment. Look out for these top toxic offenders:

🚨 Ingredients to Avoid:
❌ Parabens (linked to hormone disruption)
❌ Phthalates (often found in fragrances & harmful to reproductive health)
❌ Sulfates (SLS/SLES can strip natural oils & irritate the skin)
❌ Synthetic Fragrances (can contain hidden chemicals)
❌ Plastic Microbeads (pollute oceans & harm marine life)

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of conventional products with long lists of unpronounceable chemicals, opt for clean beauty brands with organic, plant-based ingredients that nourish your skin without toxins.

💚 Best Non-Toxic Beauty Brands:
🌱 Ilia Beauty – Clean, high-performance makeup.
🌿 OSEA Malibu – Ocean-inspired, toxin-free skincare.
💧 100% Pure – Natural, fruit-pigmented makeup & skincare.
🧴 Pacifica – Incredible collection of clean beauty products.

♻️ 2. Switch to Refillable, Recyclable & Compostable Packaging

Plastic beauty packaging is one of the biggest waste contributors in the industry, with most items ending up in landfills or oceans. One of the easiest ways to detox your beauty routine is by choosing packaging that’s refillable, recyclable, or compostable.

✔️ Ways to Reduce Beauty Packaging Waste:
💄 Look for brands that offer refillable makeup & skincare.
🛍 Recycle empty containers through in-store take-back programs.
🌎 Buy from companies using glass, aluminum, or compostable materials instead of plastic.

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of single-use plastic deodorant tubes, try a refillable, zero-waste option.

💚 Best Sustainable Beauty Packaging Brands:
♻️ Elate Beauty – Bamboo & refillable makeup.
🌱 Meow Meow Tweet – Compostable deodorants & skincare.
🔄 Kjaer Weis – Luxury, refillable beauty products.

🧴 3. Opt for Solid Beauty Products to Cut Plastic

Switching to solid beauty bars is one of the easiest ways to eliminate waste in your beauty routine. Solid products last longer, require less packaging, and are often free from unnecessary preservatives.

✔️ Best Solid Beauty Swaps:
🛁 Shampoo & Conditioner Bars instead of bottled products.
🧼 Facial Cleansing Bars instead of plastic tubes.
🪒 Solid Lotion Bars instead of pump bottles.

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of buying liquid shampoo in a plastic bottle, switch to a shampoo bar that lasts twice as long and creates zero waste!

💚 Best Zero-Waste Solid Beauty Brands:
🛁 Ethique – Shampoo, conditioner & body bars.
🧴 Lush – Naked packaging-free skincare & haircare.

🌎 4. Choose Multi-Use Products to Reduce Waste

Instead of buying dozens of beauty products, simplify your routine by choosing multi-purpose items that save space, reduce packaging, and streamline your regimen.

✔️ Best Multi-Use Beauty Products:
💄 Tinted Lip & Cheek Balms – One product, multiple uses!
💧 Face Oils That Double as Moisturizers & Hair Treatments.
🧴 All-in-One Cleansing Oils That Remove Makeup & Cleanse Skin. I adore Pacifica’s Melt for You Moisturizing Cleansing Oil

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of buying separate highlighters, blushes, and lip tints, choose an all-in-one balm for a natural, effortless glow!

💚 Best Multi-Use Clean Beauty Brands:
RMS Beauty – Coconut oil-based, multi-use cosmetics.
💖 Cocokind – Simple, multi-purpose skincare solutions.
🌿 Tata Harper – Luxury, all-in-one skincare formulas.

💚 5. Recycle & Dispose of Old Beauty Products Responsibly

Even with the best sustainable swaps, we all have old beauty products that eventually need to be thrown out. Instead of tossing them in the trash, make sure to recycle or properly dispose of them.

✔️ How to Responsibly Dispose of Beauty Products:
♻️ Check your local recycling program for accepted beauty packaging.
🔄 Use beauty take-back programs (like MAC, Kiehl’s, & Lush) to recycle empties.
🚫 Properly dispose of expired products to prevent harmful chemicals from polluting the environment.

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of throwing out old mascara wands, donate them to wildlife rescue organizations that use them to clean animals! Wands for Wildlife is a great program to check out!

💚 Best Beauty Recycling Programs:
♻️ TerraCycle Zero-Waste Beauty Program – Send back empties from any brand.
🔄 Credo Beauty Recycling Program – A clean beauty retailer that recycles used products.
💋 MAC’s Back-to-MAC Program – Return empty containers for free products.

🌿 Detox Your Beauty Routine the Green Way!

Switching to a low-waste, non-toxic beauty routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming! By making small, mindful swaps—like choosing refillable packaging, using multi-purpose products, and recycling responsibly—you can create a cleaner, greener beauty routine that’s good for your skin AND the planet.

💬 What’s your favorite sustainable beauty swap? Drop your best zero-waste beauty tips in the comments! 🌎💚

How to Shop Sustainably Without Breaking the Bank

Shopping sustainably often comes with the misconception that it’s too expensive or only for people with big budgets. But the truth is, making eco-friendly choices doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, sustainable shopping can actually save you money in the long run by focusing on quality over quantity, reducing waste, and making mindful purchasing decisions.

If you’re looking to live a greener lifestyle without overspending, here are some practical, budget-friendly ways to shop sustainably and make a difference for both your wallet and the planet.

♻️ 1. Buy Less, Choose Wisely

One of the most sustainable shopping habits is simply buying less. Instead of shopping on impulse, focus on quality over quantity and invest in items that are well-made, long-lasting, and truly needed.

✔️ Ask yourself before buying:

  • Do I really need this, or is it just a want?
  • Will I use this often, or will it sit unused?
  • Can I buy this secondhand or borrow it instead?

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of buying multiple fast-fashion pieces, invest in timeless, high-quality clothing that lasts years instead of seasons. This is something that I have done for years, I resist the urge to purchase the latest trends, and instead have really focused to build a high-quality wardrobe that has lasted me years!

💚 Where to Shop Smart:

  • Everlane – High-quality, ethically made essentials.
  • Pact – Organic, sustainable clothing at budget-friendly prices.

🛍️ 2. Shop Secondhand & Thrift Stores

Buying secondhand is one of the most budget-friendly ways to shop sustainably. It keeps perfectly good items out of landfills while also being significantly cheaper than buying new.

✔️ Best Things to Buy Secondhand:

  • Clothes & shoes 👗👞
  • Furniture & home decor 🛋️
  • Books & toys 📚🧸
  • Electronics & appliances 📱

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of buying new kids’ clothes that they’ll outgrow quickly, shop secondhand for high-quality brands at a fraction of the price! I lived for this when Eben was little – I knew he would only fit into a particular size for a short period of time. Then, when he did outgrow the clothes, I would resell them on eBay and use that money to buy his next set of clothes!

💚 Where to Shop Secondhand Online:

  • ThredUp – Affordable secondhand clothing.
  • Facebook Marketplace – Buy & sell locally to avoid shipping waste.
  • eBay – A great place to find secondhand gadgets & appliances.

🌱 3. Buy in Bulk & Reduce Packaging Waste

Buying in bulk is an easy way to reduce waste and save money on food, cleaning supplies, and household essentials.

✔️ How to Shop Bulk Sustainably:

  • Bring your own reusable containers & cloth bags.
  • Choose dry goods like rice, beans, pasta, and oats.
  • Look for refill stations for things like soap, detergent, and oils.

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of buying small plastic spice jars, refill glass containers at a bulk store for less waste and cost. We always buy in the largest quantity that we will actually use!

💚 Where to Shop Bulk:

🛒 4. Support Ethical & Sustainable Brands on a Budget

Sustainable brands don’t always mean expensive! Many brands are working to offer affordable, ethical, and eco-friendly alternatives to everyday essentials.

✔️ How to Shop Smart:

  • Look for brands with transparent sustainability policies.
  • Buy directly from eco-conscious brands to avoid fast-fashion markups.
  • Watch for seasonal sales & discounts on sustainable brands.

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of buying plastic-packaged beauty products, look for refillable, compostable, or package-free options to save money and reduce waste. Right now, my favorite is Elate Beauty for their zero waste makeup with refillable, recyclable, and compostable products!

💚 Budget-Friendly Sustainable Brands:

  • Girlfriend Collective – Affordable, sustainable activewear.
  • Etee – Plastic-free home & personal care products.
  • Allbirds – Sustainable, comfy shoes made from natural materials.

🏡 5. Choose Reusables Over Disposables

Investing in reusable products can save you hundreds of dollars over time by replacing single-use items that constantly need repurchasing.

✔️ Best Reusable Swaps:

  • 🥤 Reusable water bottles instead of bottled water.
  • ☕ Stainless steel coffee cups instead of paper cups.
  • 🥪 Silicone snack bags instead of plastic baggies.
  • 🧻 Cloth napkins instead of paper towels.

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of constantly buying plastic razors, invest in a safety razor that will last a lifetime and reduce waste. We’ve always used cloth napkins in our home, and if you buy a quality set they last for years (seriously, we have had our current set for over a decade!)

💚 Affordable Reusable Swaps:

💡 6. Be a Conscious Consumer & Avoid Greenwashing

Not every product labeled “green” or “eco-friendly” is actually sustainable—some brands use greenwashing to appear more ethical than they are.

✔️ How to Spot Real Sustainable Products:

  • Look for third-party certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS (organic textiles), and Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free).
  • Read ingredient & material lists to ensure they match eco-friendly claims.
  • Support small, local, and ethical businesses over mass-produced products.

🌿 Eco-Smart Swap: Instead of buying fast fashion “eco” collections, invest in genuinely sustainable brands or shop secondhand for pre-loved quality items.

💚 Helpful Green Shopping Resources:

🌎 Small Changes Make a Big Impact

Shopping sustainably doesn’t mean spending more—it means spending wisely. By making small, intentional choices—buying less, choosing secondhand, investing in reusables, and supporting ethical brands—you can live a greener life without breaking the bank.

💬 What’s your favorite budget-friendly sustainable shopping tip? Share in the comments! 🌱

New Clean Beauty Must-Haves: Skinovo’s Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist and Strawberry Lip Balm

If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for high-quality, clean beauty products that actually work. I recently tried Skinovo’s Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist and Strawberry Lip Balm, and I have to say—I’m obsessed! Not only do they deliver on hydration and nourishment, but they’re also vegan and cruelty-free, which is a huge win in my book. Let’s dive into what makes these products must-haves in any skincare routine.

🌹 Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist: A Refreshing Skin Boost

One of my favorite skincare steps is a good facial mist. Whether I’m starting my day, refreshing my makeup, or just giving my skin a mid-day pick-me-up, a hydrating mist is a staple in my routine.

Skinovo’s Rose & Coconut Water Hydrating Mist is a perfect blend of botanical goodness and lightweight hydration. The rose water soothes and tones, while the coconut water provides deep hydration—leaving my skin feeling refreshed and glowing. It’s especially great for those days when my skin needs an extra boost of moisture without feeling greasy or heavy.

Why I Love It:
Ultra-hydrating without feeling sticky
Soothing & refreshing—perfect for all skin types
Vegan & cruelty-free (because beauty should be kind!)
✔ Smells divine 🌸

I love spritzing it on in the morning after cleansing, and it’s also a fantastic mid-day refresher, especially if I’ve been sitting in front of a screen for too long.

🍓 Strawberry Lip Balm: Smooth, Soft, and Oh-So-Nourishing

Let’s talk about lips! I’m super picky about lip balms because I can’t stand anything too waxy, sticky, or drying. Thankfully, Skinovo’s Strawberry Lip Balm is the perfect balance of moisture, smoothness, and just the right amount of shine.

From the moment I applied it, I noticed how silky it felt on my lips. It keeps them hydrated for hours without constant reapplication, and the strawberry scent is just enough to be sweet without being overpowering. Plus, it’s completely vegan and cruelty-free, so I know I’m using something that aligns with my values.

Why I Love It:
Deeply nourishing & long-lasting hydration
Non-sticky & smooth texture
Delicious strawberry scent 🍓
Vegan & cruelty-free

This little balm has officially earned a permanent spot in my bag—I never leave home without it!

Clean Beauty That Delivers

Skinovo is quickly becoming one of my favorite skincare brands. Their commitment to clean, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty is something I truly appreciate, and the quality of their products speaks for itself. If you’re looking for a hydrating mist that refreshes and a lip balm that keeps your lips soft and smooth, I highly recommend checking these out.

Have you tried Skinovo products yet? Let me know your favorites in the comments!