This master guide to the 100 best pregnancy-safe skincare and beauty products on the market today combines scientific research, beauty editor tips, EWG and environmental advocacy recommendations, and other holistic health insight into the coolest, safest products every mom-to-be needs to try. When shopping for pregnancy-safe skincare and beauty products, always remember: What goes […]
Cool Ideas
How To Roast Fresh Chestnuts in The Oven
Roasting fresh chestnuts in the oven is the modern equivalent of “chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”, the iconic lyrics to one of the most quotable American Christmas songs in the canon. Every year when winter comes around, securing a bag of locally-grown chestnuts and roasting them in the oven is a local food lovers’ […]
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 […]
The 7 Best Natural Eczema Shampoos of 2026
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” now. 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 shampoos still contain […]
The 5 Best Mineral Sunscreens for Babies (2026 Edition)
This guide to the best baby-safe mineral sunscreens came from our own head-spinning experience searching for baby-safe skincare products in the wake of the cultural revolution currently taking shape around the importance of clean skincare and sun care. Shopping for a natural, baby-safe sunscreen is now easier than ever since there are so many great […]
The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Down Alternative Comforters of 2026
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 […]
Kiwi Picking in Virginia is The Fall Activity I Didn’t Know I Needed
Yes, you can go kiwi picking in Northern Virginia! Chances are you are reading this because you were like, “What?! I didn’t even know kiwi picking was a thing! I want to do that!”– and so here are the details, my friends: Kiwi picking at Virginia Golden Kiwi in Vienna, Virginia opens each Fall for […]
At This Charming Paw Paw Festival in Maryland, America’s “Secret Fruit” Shines
Momentum is growing behind a beautiful Paw Paw Festival that takes place at a 25-acre homestead in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Frederick, Maryland– an event that’s fast becoming one of the DMV area’s best-kept secrets in the realm of local food. Organized by permaculturist and landscape designer Michael Judd of Ecologia […]
The Incredible Science of Stress Granules (and How To Counteract Them)
Stress has been something of a human paradox since the dawn of human existence. On the one hand, humans need stress to identify danger in the environment around us. But on the other hand, if left unchecked, this unbridled stress response can lead to a host of inflammatory diseases that can cause poor health outcomes […]
7 Natural Face Moisturizers That Are Good for Mind, Body & Earth
There’s a renaissance happening with clean skincare, particularly with respect to all-natural face moisturizers. Not only do consumers want face moisturizers to be chemical-free, but they’d like them to honor the environment and the people who make them. To succeed in this increasingly conscientious consumer market, they also need to have beautiful packaging and a […]