Asheville, North Carolina is a charming little mountain town known for its wonderful food, which showcases the robust Appalachian tradition of using seasonal, local, heritage ingredients. This description may conjure images of Edenic farmers’ markets (which are indeed idyllic in Asheville), but this is also true when it comes to birthday cakes. Local bakeries here […]
Cool Ideas
This is “The Most Calming Song in the World” According to Neuroscientists
Hunting for relaxation music and want to get really clinical about it? Marconi Union’s “Weightless” is literally the most calming song in the world– at least according to neuroscientists. Allow me to explain further. In 2011, British ambient band Marconi Union worked with sound therapists and researchers from Mindlab International to specifically design an 8-minute […]
3 Breast Milk Facial Recipes (Yes, Seriously: It’s Great for Skin + Using Leftover Supply)
When I was in my mid-twenties and traveling like crazy in pursuit of unique wellness treatments, a beauty bar in Chicago started offering breast milk facials for $40 a pop at their hip facial spa in River North. As a skincare junkie obsessed with trying new things, I immediately flagged this treatment as something I […]
The 7 Best Natural Eczema Shampoos of 2023
It’s hard to find an all-natural eczema shampoo that works to calm itch and inflammation without chemicals. Luckily, natural anti-itch shampoos are becoming more of “a thing”, especially among online shoppers. Accordingly, natural beauty brands are responding with earth-friendly and pregnancy-safe natural eczema remedies that get better every day. Unfortunately, most over-the-counter anti-itch and anti-dandruff […]
This Cool Scientific Survey Accurately Identifies Your Character Strengths
I was first directed to the VIA Character Strengths Survey in the course of taking Dr. Laurie Santos’ class, The Science of Well-Being, which is the most popular course ever offered in Yale‘s 300-year history. As part of an initial happiness assessment, Professor Santos directed us to this character strengths test as part of a […]
Understanding Ho’oponopono: A Beautiful Hawaiian Teaching About Forgiveness
People who struggle with the concept of forgiveness– both for themselves and for others– often find comfort in a deeply healing age-old practice that comes from Hawai’i. The beautiful Hawaiian teaching for Forgiveness is called “Ho’oponopono” (pronounced HO-oh-Po-no-Po-no), and it’s lovely. This ancient Hawaiian practice of forgiveness functions as both a communication concept for reconciliation […]
6 Great Eco-Friendly Maternity Clothing Brands
When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, comfort is of the utmost importance. But many new moms also find themselves increasingly worried about the environmental impact of their consumer choices. So, where can moms-to-be look for comfortable, stylish eco-friendly maternity clothes? Knowing where to shop, in this case, is key– especially if you’re on a budget or […]
The 10 Best Cruelty-Free, Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands of 2023
So, you’re in the market for cruelty-free, non-toxic nail polish. And if you aren’t, here’s why you should be: new studies from Duke University and Environmental Working Group show that nail polish chemicals can seep into the bloodstream even through the nail bed. Ah! For that reason, and the fact that traditional nail polish has […]
The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Down Alternative Comforters of 2023
When it comes to getting better sleep, your choice of a comforter couldn’t be more important. If you aren’t already using a weighted blanket to encourage deep, restful sleep, these eco-friendly, hypoallergenic down alternative comforters are the next best thing to a prescription. Trust me! This is in part because staying cool is key to […]
9 Adorable 1st Birthday Gifts (Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic)
If you’re looking for an adorable 1st birthday gift that’s eco-friendly, non-toxic, and stylish, we’ve got you covered. When shopping for a thoughtful birthday gift for a one-year-old, keep this in mind: Today’s modern parents want toys that are functional, educational, and ideally made from non-toxic, sustainable materials (and if they also look aesthetically pleasing, […]