As we near the end of pride month, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite queer owned local businesses. As you all know, shopping small and shopping local is so important. Plus, small businesses tend to be incredibly focused on their sustainability practices and use the best natural, clean ingredients. Many of these highlighted shops are women or BIPOC owned as well. You’ll find a little bit of everything in this list, I hope there’s something you love!

I love summer. There’s something in the air - can you feel it?! Even though many of us don’t get a full three month summer break anymore, this season comes with a sense of relaxation and ease. What are your summer plans? Whether you’re staying home, in need of a daycation, or going on a trip, we’ve got some ideas for you to stay sustainable while you’re at it. Grab your sunscreen, and I’ll meet you at the beach!

It’s summertime, and I wanna be spending allll of my time in the backyard, by the pool, and in the sun. Anyone else relate? Having an outdoor space that is both incredibly relaxing and functional is of utmost importance to me. Having outdoor storage is essential for all of those miscellaneous items that don’t really make sense anywhere in the house: gardening supplies and tools, grilling accessories, and all those outdoor kids toys that are usually big and clunky. Let me show you my faves!

As more and more research shows just how much the last couple of years has impacted a large majority of people’s mental health long term, it’s important to be aware of our own self care, as well as that of our friends, family, and employees. Unfortunately, resources for mental health are expensive and unaccessible for many, but there are a number of organizations and companies working to remedy this little by little by offering mental wellness programming to the public and their employers.

Being a parent can feel like you’re the backbone of the house, steadily keeping everything in order and afloat. And, it usually isn’t easy!! I try to always stay 10 steps ahead, planning out my and my kids’ days in advance. But, as we all know, sometimes the best laid plans still go awry, and that’s okay! Having systems in your house is a great way to maintain some form of consistency amidst the chaos and ensures that no matter what happens, you’re prepared to handle it.

Nothing raises my cortisol levels more than walking into my space when it’s a mess. I want my home to be my safe space, a carefully curated haven. When it looks like chaos, it is quite literally all I can focus on. Keeping your home and work spaces organized increases mental clarity, reduces anxiety and stress, and offers a rewarding feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from putting something in order.

I’m always on the hunt for amazing companies to support that have more than profit in mind. More and more brands are popping up with incredible missions to do their part in evading the climate crisis by using alternative, recyclable, and degradable materials for both the product and packaging. Plus, it feels so good to know that you’re wearing or using an item that is good quality, will last a long time, and isn’t damaging our planet further.

It can sometimes feel helpless when thinking about the trajectory of our planet. Although big corporations are at fault for the majority of the damage to our eco-system, there are tons of things we can do on an individual level to help in the fight to save our planet. And, there are tons of organizations and companies that have awesome missions and sustainable products that are awesome to support. By making some simple swaps and choices in our life, we can be part of the change.

Who doesn’t love some retail therapy?? I know I do. But, it’s even more fun when you do it responsibly. While searching for some pieces to amp up your summer wardrobe, don’t forget to take the environment and working conditions in mind. Take a break from Amazon and instead, support a small local business who shares your values. Plus, there are so many ways to buy used online and in person - take advantage!