Monday, August 10, 2020

talking sustainability! (and favorite brands)






I know that shopping from a sustainable and ethical brand is often more expensive than their fast fashion "conventional" counterparts, but there are other ways to shop sustainably! 

I often get asked if there are cheaper sustainable baby brands or how we afford and/or justify buying such expensive clothes for Miles when kids typically “ruin” and grow out of clothes so fast. So I'm sharing a quick little post with some thoughts on sustainability, how we justify it for a toddler (and ourselves) and our favorite brands. 

. . . 


A big part of shopping sustainably and ethically is changing HOW you shop, not just where. Changing the way you think about shopping and your needs is just as important as where you’re getting them from. 

We are often consumed with the idea that more is better - so no wonder it seems impossible to strictly shop from these 'more expensive brands'. The mantra “buy better, but buy less” is key. 

First - these brands are more expensive for a reason. It costs to make clothing the right way (faster = cheaper = not quality = not made to last = need to buy more). It costs to pay someone an ethical wage that they can live off of for working on a garment/product. Natural fibers are usually more expensive. Having a plastic free supply chain means using either reusable, recyclable or biodegradable items which are more expensive. They make items in smaller batches and it is typically more expensive to produce clothing this way. Small batch manufacturing means brands aren't over-producing which leads to waste (basically, more = faster + cheaper = not intentional production or conscious consumption). The list goes on. 

 But what if in addition to shopping from sustainable brands, we switched our mindset on consumption. What if we started buying LESS. If you’re buying less in  general, then you’ll be saving overall. If you have less items, but they’re quality, then you won’t need to keep buying more (like you do when your other clothes don’t even last the year). Remember “buy better, but less”!

This is how we justify the more expensive pieces from sustainable brands for Miles (and ourselves!). We make sure to spend on items that we know will last him (we typically buy larger so they fit longer) and last to pass on to our next baby. We have less “variety” - his closet is pretty small! You’ll notice he wears an assortment of same pieces over and over. Lizzie McGuire was an outfit repeater and we are too. 


So with all that in mind, here are some tips for making the switch:

- rethink how you're shopping - you don't need a ton of options, you don't need a closet bursting at the seams with pieces you don't wear. few but better is key.
- start slow! when you need a new item, consider replacing it with a one from a sustainable / ethical brand.
- buy the pricier brands/items secondhand! (buy secondhand in general! ) a great way to shop these brands for a lower price and continuing a sustainable practice. (full circle people! if you have the means to shop the more expensive brands, do it and then re-sell or pass them on to continue the chain so everyone has access to organic quality clothing. accessibility is the goal).
- shop at the end of a season for the next one (or even next year) ahead. know what you / your child needs for that next season and use the end of season sales to prepare in advance!
- if you have the ability, make  your own clothes! something I've wanted to get into more and develop my skill in. 

* (especially for kiddos) 
- stick with hardier fabrics! Natural fibers are naturally forgiving. 100% organic cotton, linen, 100% cotton denim, etc.
- buy larger so they can be worn longer! if you have multiple kids, start with the eldest and you'll be able to pass them down to the next kids to get the most wear! hand-me-downs are sustainable! 


It wont happen over night, but with time and a little effort it will become second nature. As your kids get older, talk to them about sustainability! Talk to them about how things are made and who they're made by. Talk about fabrics that are natural and good for your body and the earth and ones that aren't. The more you talk about it, the more interested they'll become in their clothes and it will shape their habits as they get older and make these decisions for themselves! 

Some of my favorite brands:
Lacausa
Indigo Luna (for workout gear)
Mate The Label
All The Babies
Outerknown 
Whimsy and Row
Christy Dawn 
Doen 
Jenni Kayne 
Youswim + Galamar + Lacausa for swim
Poshmark (for second hand!)
Etsy (for vintage)



and for kids:
The Simple Folk 
All the Babies
Rudy Jude
Nico Nico 
Bobo Choses
Summer and Storm
Parade Organics
Numero 74
Roux Kids 
Kidizen (for second hand!)
Poshmark (for second hand!)
Etsy (for handmade + vintage!)

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

a look inside with Morgan Suarez

Today Morgan Suarez is giving us a look inside
Morgan is a wife, mama of 2 sweet girls, blogger, photographer and barre instructor. I am always finding myself inspired by her honest words, beautiful presets and most recently the workouts she has been sharing through IGTV! She is sharing her skill (read: job. for free) and keeping everyone moving with easy-to-do at home workouts! 




describe where you are and what you can see?
I am laying on my bed with the windows open and the cool breeze flowing in. I can hear my daughter playing in the blow up pool on our porch and helicopters patrolling our beach lol

tell us about your home. how would you describe your home’s aesthetic?
We live in a 500 square foot beach cottage, and it took me a long time to find my style. I was constantly redecorating because it was never exactly what I wanted and it never felt like “me”.  Because we’re renting, there’s some limitation to what we can change, but we work with what we have. I would now describe my aesthetic and a mixture of beachy, moroccan, spanish, and midcentury. I felt very inspired by our trip to Puglia, Italy last year and pull a lot of inspo from the scenery and architecture there. It feels very calm and comfortable and we love our little home. 

what is your favorite thing / part about your home?
I love our loft. Even though you can’t stand up in it, I’ve always loved the character a loft adds to a house. I also love the high ceilings everywhere else because it make the house feel much bigger!

what are your favorite local spots where you live (that you can’t wait to enjoy again)?
Our beach just closed, so definitely the beach. Other than that, all our cute locally owned coffee shops and restaurants. We used to walk to some local breakfast spots on the weekends and then take it to the beach to eat, and I really really miss that.


what are you reading / watching / listening to right now?
Definitely don’t have time to read, by the time the kids go to sleep we’re so exhausted that we end up going to be too. So the answer is nothing lol

what are you wearing these days? what’s your quarantine uniform?
All the lounge sets and I recently bought an oversized linen dress that I’ve been living in.

what are your daily rhythms? have you implemented some (or new) structures to your day or are you taking it a day at a time?
We’re kind of taking it a day at a time, but one thing we’ve been sticking to is a bedtime routine.  Other than that we just try to get out of the house at least once per day. I’m definitely not the craft-a-day, perfect schedule type of mom.

favorite recipe or meal during this time?
Banana bread, like everyone else lol. Also my husband makes a BOMB fettuccine alfredo. 

how are you filling your time?
Walks, bike rides, taking photos, rearranging the house, decorating, crafts, cleaning, purging, and going on drives.


how are you feeling? how are you staying positive?
My feelings change by the day and depending what I’ve read on the internet haha. When I’m feeling down or discouraged, I try to think about all that I’m grateful for: health, a roof over our head, quality time spent together. 

how do you make time for yourself and what does that look like in this season of life?
Oh man, that’s the tough part these days. I’ll enjoy a bath in the evening sometimes, or lounge on my bed while the kids play with my husband in the other room. 


what has been the most unexpected blessing that has come out of this for you?
Definitely the quality family time. Such a blessing in disguise and something I’ll really miss when everything goes back to normal. I will most certainly cry when my husband goes back to work. Also just slowing down. We’re a very go go go family, can’t sit still, can’t stay home all day, so it’s been a nice forced restful season for us. 

what has been the hardest part of this season for you?
Honestly, all the time together. While it’s a huge blessing, it’s also been tough on our marriage because we’re not used to being together 24/7. But it’s brought up a lot of issues within ourselves that we wouldn’t have had the chance to deal with normally, so it’s also been a little refining time for us. 

what are the big and/or little things you miss the most?
Sitting at a coffee shop, play dates/ mom dates, and definitely beach days. 

what is getting you through this?
Knowing that it’s temporary, and that God has a plan and a reason for every season. Trusting that He is in control no matter what is happening and how scary it may be. 

who or what is inspiring you these days?
Pinterest, instagram, and the little bit of nature we get to see. 

 

 fill in the blank:

a worthy investment is…. some quality linen bedding to lounge on.
every woman needs…. a piece of chocolate a day.
favorite morning / day of the weekMonday morning, feels like a fresh start.
three things on your side table right now…. diffuser, coffee mug, a vase.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

a look inside with Abby Tohline

Today Abby Tohline is giving us a look inside. 
Abby is a mama to the sweetest boy (with the best hair), William, as well as a wife and photographer. She shares the most beautiful photos of their life and within 5 seconds on her feed you’re trying to figure out how to move to Portland. Abby and I started following each other and became friends through Instagram as we ended up delivering our baby boys 2 weeks apart! I’m always inspired by the recipes she makes and seeing Portland through her lens.



describe where you are and what you can see?

I'm sitting in my living room, which is currently covered in the warm glow of the setting sun. 

tell us about your home. how would you describe your home’s aesthetic?

we live in a three story town-home in a Portland, OR. our living space is on the third floor, which is unique but wonderful. It's like living in a tree house in the city. I would describe my aesthetic as light and airy minimalist with some playful vibrant touches. 

what is your favorite thing / part about your home?

I love the lighting our place gets. Living in the PNW you have to be okay with overcast days, and our big windows make that easy for me. I love rainy days and gray skies, and these big windows help me enjoy that fully! 


what are your favorite local spots where you live (that you can’t wait to enjoy again)?

I love our local art museum. I feel so calm and at ease there! I also love my neighborhood stores! Solabee is this amazing floral shop, with what have to be the most talented florists in the world. Their bouquets are so uniquely beautiful. when we aren't quarantined, I visit them often to have bouquet made and just be in there lovely shop. next door to Solabee is a wonderful shop called Shipwrecked. the owner keeps her pup with her and the shop is full of local skincare, vintage clothing, records, vegan nail polish, clogs - it's basically heaven. I also really miss my favorite vegan burger place. It's a straight edge bar called Blackwater, and they make the single best burger I've ever tasted (vegan or otherwise) 


what are you reading / watching / listening to right now?

I'm reading There I Am by sweet friend Ruthie Lindsey. she is incredible, and her story is intoxicating. 
My partner and I just started The Sopranos and we are LOVING IT. Give me all the HBO dramas. 
I'm listening to a million podcasts ALWAYS! 

what are you wearing these days? what’s your quarantine uniform?

loungewear! But the kind that I feel good going out in public in. I need to feel put together, but also comfy comfy. 

what are your daily rhythms? have you implemented some (or new) structures to your day or are you taking it a day at a time? 

I definitely thrive with a rhythm in place! At the beginning of this, I needed to just take it day by day, but now I've found a good rhythm for my family and me!
my son and I spend the morning together, playing, meditating, hydrating, and working out (in no particular order) then while he naps I go for a quick run around our local park. in the evening we go on a walk the three of us, then eat dinner together. It's been nice to have that structure and so much outside time. I need those endorphins from fresh air, running, and meditation - so it's been really positive finding this flow that works for us. 

favorite recipe or meal during this time?
Steamed broccoli with some creamy quinoa. my mouth is watering even thinking about it! 

how are you filling your time?

Lots of playtime with my son, FaceTiming family, cooking, keeping things clean - just controlling what I can and doing things I know will boost my mood! 



how are you feeling? how are you staying positive?

At the beginning I found this situation to be very overwhelming. I'm an empath, and having the whole world go through a collective trauma felt so heavy. I would lay in bed at night with my heart and mind racing, trying to fight off the anxiety and deep sorrow I was feeling. We have been very lucky and privileged to be affected far less than some, but the grief in the world was affecting me deeply. 
I needed to sit in that, and feel those feelings for a few days instead of fighting it, and then after that I was able to find this positive rhythm, and focus on things I know keep me mentally healthy, like getting outside, staying hydrated, meditation, exercise, getting dressed each day. I would say now I'm feeling good! some days are harder, and I just let them be tough days, then I can move on more easily the next day. 


how do you make time for yourself and what does that look like in this season of life?

That's one thing that has been completely cut out. Someone teach me how to get alone time during this pandemic! 

what have you learned about yourself in this season of life? anything new?

that I am more adaptable than I thought. 


what has been the most unexpected blessing that has come out of this for you?

Our daily evening walks have been the greatest discovery! It's one hour where we are completely unplugged and away from our phones, we just talk, or smile at our boy, or enjoy the fresh air and walk together. I hope it's something we continue to do after this, because it's been such a beautiful time together. 

what has been the hardest part of this season for you? 

Staying positive and keeping mentally healthy! This has been a challenge for me most of my life, but this season is especially difficult in combating anxiety and depression. 

what are the big and/or little things you miss the most? 

I miss seeing family. most of our family lives states away, and some on the opposite coast. Usually we do an excellent job of seeing one another regularly, so putting a pause on that has been tough. Especially with William growing and changing so much. his grandparents miss him terribly. 
I also really miss interacting with the small business owners in my neighborhood. I regularly visit the shops I mentioned before, and knowing they are in a huge time of stress, and not getting to see them and chat makes my heart ache. 

what is getting you through this?

my son! he really makes each day so joy filled. it's hard to focus on all the negative, when I'm living with an actual sunbeam. 


fill in the blank:


a worthy investment is…supporting local businesses! Restaurants and small shops need our help now more than ever.

every woman needs…a gua sha stone! 

favorite morning / day of the week…Sunday! something just feels special about a Sunday morning

three things on your side table right now...oil diffuser, polaroids of my son, water bottle



 Thank you to Abby for agreeing to invite us in and share your thoughts during this time!
Come back next Wednesday for a new look inside. 
XO,
SK





Wednesday, May 6, 2020

A look inside with Cait Regan



Today Cait Regan is giving us a look inside. 
Cait is a blogger, wife and mama to a sunshine boy named Wave. Cait shares their beautiful sunny life in California and her thoughts on motherhood and all of the real + raw moments that come with it. I love seeing Wave in my timeline and all of the health tips I’ve picked up from Cait along the way! 





describe where you are and what you can see?
I’m currently in the living room in a rocking chair with Wave asleep on my chest. Mama bliss!


tell us about your home. how would you describe your home’s aesthetic?
We live in a tiny one bedroom apt a few blocks from the water, so I would describe it as minimal + beachy!


what is your favorite thing / part about your home?
My favorite part is our location - since we can walk to the beach and downtown! 


what are your favorite local spots where you live (that you can’t wait to enjoy again)?
I’m in love with a fancy little plant based restaurant called Oliver’s of Montecito! We actually had our wedding reception + dinner there- it’s divine! :) Can’t wait to go on a date there with my husband after all of this madness! I also can’t wait to drive down the coast + have another day in the sun out in Malibu. Malibu is so special to me! 




what are you reading / watching / listening to right now?
I’m currently reading Little Fires Everywhere + so far I’m loving it! I recently finished the book called Where The Crawdads Sing + the ending left me speechless! We’ve been watching Ozark Season 3 on Netflix + we’re going to watch the movie 1917 this weekend because everyone says it’s incredible! I’ve been listening to the playlist on Spotify called “Surfrider Sounds” that the Surfrider Hotel made + it’s a total vibe. Sunshine + happiness in a playlist! 


what are you wearing these days? what’s your quarantine uniform?
99% of the time I’m wearing something from Mate The Label (even before quarantine hah!), Arq, Lullaby Club, You Swim, or Hara The Label! If I’m feelin’ like dressing up a little for fun, I’ll throw on some Auguste The Label dresses or The Bare Road linen! 


what are your daily rhythms? have you implemented some (or new) structures to your day or are you taking it a day at a time?
Honestly- no routine! It’s been refreshing to just take it day by day right now + go with the flow. Routines for me personally can feel a little “groundhogs day” 


favorite recipe or meal during this time?
I’ve been loooooving pancakes + on a serious kick! Haha! Almond flour ones or simple banana oat! 




how are you filling your time?
I’ve been going on lots of long walks around the neighborhood to get fresh air + sunshine! It helps break up our days + makes us feel less “stuck” 


how are you feeling? how are you staying positive?
Pretty dang stir crazy haha! I’m an outgoing person so I’m really missing social interactions + our friends! But I’m really grateful that we are all healthy + I’m enjoying slow living + extra family time! 


how do you make time for yourself and what does that look like in this season of life?
I don’t get much time alone, as Spencer is still working during this time + I’m a full-time SAHM! But even throwing on a face mask or taking a hot bubble bath at the end of the night really keeps me grounded!


what have you learned about yourself in this season of life? anything new?
That the “fluff” doesn’t matter. The fancy cars, the big house, the lash extensions, whatever. All that matters is love + family + nature! 


what has been the most unexpected blessing that has come out of this for you?
The extra time to appreciate what we already have instead of looking at things we “want”! You really learn the true meaning of gratitude in a time like this! 


 what has been the hardest part of this season for you? 
Being alone with the babe 95% of the week! A lot of people have their spouses home with them during this time + I think that would make this experience a little easier for me! Wave + I are used to being out all day or with our friends while Spencer is working, so being quarantined alone for almost 2 months now in a tiny apt has been wild! 



what are the big and/or little things you miss the most?I miss beach days with our friends, eating out at our favorite restaurants, + the freedom of being able to “go anywhere” when you feel like it! I was really hoping to take Wave to Disneyland for his birthday in May (obviously not happening now)- so those are the things I’m sad to miss out on! 

what is getting you through this?
My beautiful little family! knowing that there are many lessons to learn from this, hoping this is a reset for humanity + we can all come out of this just a little more selfless!


who or what is inspiring you these days?
nature. If the flowers are still blooming, bees are still buzzing, + the sunshine is still shining- then we can still wake up happy + with smiles on our faces! 


Thank you to Cait for agreeing to invite us in and share your thoughts during this time!
Come back next Wednesday for a new look inside. 
xo 
SK
Back to Top