Cue Julie Andrews:
“These are a few of my favorite things”
I have spent A LOT of time and money on this Earth making mistakes buying the WRONG products. Lucky for you, I put together this killer line up of my favorite things that also happen to incorporate ways to live a more healthy and sustainable life.
Consider this your one stop shop resource for “all things Jackie” where you can easily find all of my favs that will sure to become yours, too!
FOOD OBSESSIONS
that are also helping our health
As a family, we have fully leaned fully into a healthier lifestyle. What does that entail? We started by cuting out nasty dyes (lookin’ at you RED40!) and are on our way to a life without pesticides, chemicals and bioengineered food.
Soda Alternatives
Soda is not in our house anymore – especially diet soda with it’s inclusion of aspartame. Why? In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) categorized aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans. I’m not willing to take my chances. The good news is that these Poppi Soda alternatives are absolutely delicious!
Sourdough Bread
Remember that scandal that happened with a certain sub shop and all the azodicarbonamide (the “yoga mat chemical”) found in their bread? People picked on that place, but it is literally in bread everywhere. We eat sourdough because it’s made with four ingredients: flour, salt, water and the starter (yeast). I use this special knife to make cutting a bit easier
Hot take: Some people don’t like sourdough because it gets super hard after the first day (because the water starts to evaporate) but if you dip it in water and toast it, it’s good as new. I know what you’re thinking, “That sounds SO strange!” But it’s true and it works. You’re welcome.
A kitchen with a lot less plastic
Did you know people now eat the equivalent to a credit card worth of plastic every week!? Google it! Did you also know that when you cut on a plastic cutting board, tiny micro and nano plastics are getting into your food?! GAH.
We switched to wood cutting boards and these are chefs kiss. Here are some great options for your home, too!
American Walnut Cutting Board
Acacia Wood Cutting Boards
Bamboo Cutting Boards
Thrive Market
Thrive Market has quite honestly saved me in so many ways making things easier to find and the convenience of shipping to home. Here are just a few of our favorites from Thrive. Head to Thrive Market and get 40% off your first order through this referral!
Our kids love these Skout snack bars!
These chips are Ah-maz-ing with guac
10/10 no notes Sweet Thins
NATURAL PRODUCTS
I can’t live without
My DIY Laundry Detergent I Swear By
Way back in 2016, I started making and using my own laundry detergent. I have sensitive skin, so I did it a bit out of need, a little bit to be frugal and a little bit to cut down on plastic use. The photo in the blog post is so crappy it really makes me laugh, but it’s vintage now and you don’t care because it’ll save you money. Oh and did I mention it’s only four ingredients?
Safer alternatives for “that time of the month”
Hate to break it to you ladies, there are harsh chemicals in pretty much all the leading sellers of pads and tampons. But you shouldn’t have to suffer a those period cramps and blues every month with chemicals, too. Now I’m buying the organic cotton, fragrance-free personal care products. Tampon and pad brands that I use are Cora and Rael.
WORKSHOP GEAR
making me a better, safer, diy-er
Xena’s Valence SD Boot
Xena’s Valence SD boot is my go to shoe for in my workshop. It is comfortable while also providing me an unparalleled level of safety. They are so easy to put on with the dual elastics and pull-tabs. Each and every pair is handcrafted in North America with high-performance Vegan or responsibly sourced Full Grain Leather. I wear them when I ride horses, too!
Jackie Hausler 