My favorite things, 2018. Roll over any item for more information. Click to shop!
Steals & Stocking Stuffers for the Home Cook (under $15)
Up Your Cooking Game
Safer Skincare & Better Beauty
Cleaner Wines (that are actually amazingly good!)
I am VERY excited to have found this awesome company, Scout & Cellar. As someone who only buys organic grapes, but pays no attention whatsoever to what went into the bottle of wine I’m drinking, I am aware of the hypocrisy. Still, I haven’t loved the organic wines I’ve tried. I recently learned of this company that curates clean crafted wines, and after trying several bottles, I loved them so much I signed up to be a representative. If you’re familiar with this blog (and me), you know that I only promote brands and products that I use and love. This fits the bill perfectly; excellent wines with no added sugars or sweeteners, low in sulfites, no chemical alterations that can exist in other wines. Thrilled to be able to share them with you! Go here to learn more about the wines and the company.
For Your (and your loved ones’) Health
EverlyWell makes health accessible. The at-home tests are easy to take, and the results are accurate and informative. I recently took the Food Sensitivity test and learned a lot about how much my body has healed over the past 10 years of eating the way I have. If you’ve been wanting to learn more about your health, EverlyWell has a ton to choose from in 6 different categories, and they are running incredible promotions for Black Friday & Cyber Monday! Click any of the below to learn more.
Fun Stuff for the Home (maybe yours?!)
(There are some epic sales going on at Wayfair this week if you’re doing a little home improvement or refresh!)
Favorite Cookbooks
And for those of you who are abstaining from consumerism this year, and/or have people on your list who are refusing gifts:
Donating to an organization you love that you know would be appreciated by your friends and family is always a great idea. I’ve listed ones below that are near and dear to my heart, and have also polled my friends for ones they recommend.
With the fires in California the worst the state has ever seen, I’m looking at organizations like:
North Valley Animal Disaster Group – Working with emergency services to educate the public about disaster preparedness, and assist in sheltering and evacuation of animals during a disaster.
California Fire Foundation – Providing emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.
Other excellent organizations for humanity and animals- in the event that any of them resonate with you:
ACLU – For almost 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Save Lives and Bring Hope to Those Affected by Suicide
Heifer International – For generations, they have provided resources and training for struggling small-scale farmers in order to give them a chance to change their circumstances.
Swing Left – helps you find and commit to supporting progressives in your closest Swing District
Act Blue – building fundraising technology for the left. Their mission is to democratize power and help small-dollar donors make their voices heard in a real way.
Black Lives Matter – a chapter-based, member-led organization whose mission is to build local power and to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes
Blue Uprising – a Political Action Committee ready to fight for candidates who are ready to fight for the Ocean.
Hope for Young Adults with Cancer – to connect peers ages 18-40 in the fight to provide financial support and a social network for those battling, living with, and surviving cancer.
National Alopecia Areata Foundation – supports research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, supports those with the disease, and educates the public about alopecia areata.
Doctors Without Borders – An independent, global movement providing medical aid where it’s needed most
Southern Poverty Law Center – dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.
Real Options for City Kids (ROCK) – to nurture the healthy development of children by listening attentively to their needs and by providing opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access.
4ocean – By purchasing a 4ocean bracelet, you will remove one pound of trash from the ocean & coastlines.
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue – to change the way the world thinks about and treats older dogs and to create better lives for them through rescue, foster, adoption, hospice, education, and advocacy.
Surfers for Strays – to nueter and spay local dogs thereby reducing the stray animal population in our communities.
Guide Dogs for the Blind – creating partnerships between people, dogs, and communities.
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Donny B says
I have those spice jar measuring spoons and love them. I don’t know why anyone would use anything else.
zenbelly says
right? They’re the best. I have two sets!
susan says
I love that many of your listed charities are animal oriented. We have supported Guide Dogs for the Blind for over 30 years as both puppy raisers and donors and hopefully soon to be custodians/fosters. A really great win-win organization. Thanks for bringing Muttville to our attention. Senior dogs are a passion of mine.
Happy Hanukah!
zenbelly says
That’s so awesome, Susan! I’m glad you now know about Muttville, they’re such a great organization. I’m not sure if we’ll get dogs after these two kick it, but if we do, I think they’ll only be seniors. They’re just the best <3 Happy Holidays!