I love hearing what other people are using, loving, and learning, so here are my top 5 for October! Enjoy!

1. FALL LINENS

& the importance of ethical and fair trade shopping

These sweet cloth napkins with a subtle fringe are such a lovely addition to a table setting. They’re only $1.99 each, 100% cotton, and the soft rich colors add a perfect fall touch. I bought the mustard yellow, terracotta, and ivory.

A lot of the treasures in our home are from World Market. We love their aesthetic, and that they source unique products from around the world from artisan communities. The company is also committed to working with vendors that provide fair and ethical working conditions, which has become something really important to Stephen and I. We aren’t perfect at this by any means, but we’re doing our best to become more educated and purchase products primarily from companies that are fair trade and ethical as often as we can, because to us it’s a way to better steward the environment and society.

The shocking norm is that a large majority of companies produce goods in a way that harms the environment, creates oppressive working conditions, don’t pay their workers fair wages, and do a lot of damage socially, economically, and environmentally for the sake of cutting costs and mass producing for our consumerist culture of fast fashion and quantity over quality. In a nutshell, fair trade and ethical means that the company sources in a way that benefits both the environment and the society producing the products. This means we can learn more so we can do better!

And now for a completely unrelated topic...

2. AVOCADOS THAT DON’T GO BAD

Yes please…

Ok, this is a game-changer for all of us avo lovers. Did you know that avocados are loaded with more potassium than a banana, fiber that promotes healthy digestion and gut flora, and monounsaturated fats for heart health? Win, Win, Win. But the problem is this…

#Relatable yes? Enter, frozen avocado chunks from Costco. This three pound bag lasts us all month and we can just pull out portions to defrost as needed. They thaw great and can be used for guacamole, smoothies, toast, or wherever your heart desires. It’s saved us money and the disappointment of too ripe or too unripe avocados. I’m all in.

3. SLEEP MASK

& the benefits of 100% mulberry silk on your skin

I’ve tried quite a few sleep masks and this one is my winner. It’s super silky and comfortable with an adjustable back. The full wrap around seemed excessive at first, but now I love that it covers my ears, keeps out more light, and doesn’t have frustrating straps that land at weird places on my head.

It’s also a great option for healthy skin because mulberry silk is 100% natural, odorless, hypoallergenic, and stays cool through the night. Silk and satin has been regarded as the best option for pillows and eye masks for decades because they don’t create friction, therefore preventing hair breakage, skin breakouts, and dryness that other materials might cause. It’s great for the winter months because it locks in the moisture of your skin without being hot, keeping your complexion supple through the dry season.

And obviously….it’s a total fashion statement and looks AWESOME when you wear it ;)

4. THE PERFECT “TREE” SCENTED CANDLE

& how fragrances can impact immunity

Soy candles fragranced with essential oils are a great option if you’re wanting to reduce synthetic chemicals in your home. I talk more about the effects of harmful chemicals in this blog post, and how we certainly don’t need to lose our minds trying to create a 100% chemical-free life. But it’s also important to stay educated and make subtle shifts when possible, because excessive toxic exposure does present a very real negative impact on health in our modern society.

So what does this have to do with your immune system?

We’re exposed to an excessive amount of toxic chemicals daily (much greater than our ancestors), and studies show that overtime, excessive exposure has become a root cause of disease and dysfunction in the human body as it becomes oversaturated. These toxins lead to a decrease in good gut bacteria, and that gut bacteria (among other functions) is critical for proper immune health. Synthetic fragrances are one such toxin, and avoiding them can be a simple step to support your health.

With colder temperatures and flu season drawing near, it’s a great time to make small shifts away from chemical fragrances in your home to empower your body!

So no, I’m not blaming a candle for disease, but just wanting to paint a picture of how we can make simple choices that have a positive ripple effect on our bodies and our families, because even the ocean is made of tiny drops.

So whether you’re wanting to take steps towards reducing toxic exposure, or you just love the smell of the forest, this Bergamot and Elm Candle is crisp and woody and our current favorite as the seasons change :)

5. HOPE WORDS FOR THE HEART

I penned this phrase into my journal last week and I’ve held it close ever since. Maybe you need it today too?

That’s all for October’s top 5! Let me know in the comments something you’re loving this month!