Caroline, Author at Bloom & Spark

My Favorite Sustainably Sourced Holiday Decorations

by Caroline | Nov 3, 2020 | Mindful Home, Sustainability

Whether you are a “it’s November 1st, time to break out the Christmas Decorations!” or strictly “Not until after Thanksgiving thankyouverymuch” the holidays are fast approaching. This year I’m looking to be more sustainable in all that I do, so naturally this holiday season I’m on the hunt for sustainably sourced holiday decorations.

Normally I’ve been a wait until after Thanksgiving kind of gal for my Christmas decorations. But since it’s 2020, there’s a pandemic, a crazy election, and life just doesn’t seem normal, I’m ready to jump to the holidays right now.

I’ve rounded up some adorable AND sustainably sourced holiday decorations that are sitting in my cart as we speak (re: as I type). All these items are so cute and I feel good knowing they were all sustainably sourced. All of these can be found at Pottery Barn, and you can read more about their sustainable initiatives here. *Also I should note this is NOT a sponsored post and Pottery Barn did NOT pay me to write this. I just like sharing where I see sustainability becoming more accessable to the masses.

In a nutshell here’s what Pottery Barn is doing to be more sustainably minded and responsible with their products:

repairing, refurbishing, and sanitizing returned and/or damaged items so that they can be resold and diverted out of landfills.
partnering with The Better Cotton Initiative to improve cotton farming globally and using responsibly sourced cotton in their items (88% currently, 100% by 2021)
avoiding harmful chemicals in creating their GREENGUARD Gold-certified furniture.
Using plastic water bottles to craft
products like recycled-material rugs (10 million water bottles to be exact).
Using responsibly sourced wood for furniture making (42% currently, 50% by 2021).
Focus on fair trade which helps to empower communities and workers.

My Favorite Sustainably Sourced Holiday Decorations This Year Are…

If you are going for a more minimalist and earthy look for your holiday decorations here are some beautiful, but not in your face decor.

Of course, there are those of us who love the traditional look with lots of plaid, red, and green. These are for you!

Just a friendly reminder the items I have linked here are affiliate links that I use to help support the time I dedicate to researching and writing for you all. I only share products here that I either use myself, or hope to purchase one day because I either LOVE what the brand stands for or find the product conducive to living well. This is no extra expense to you, just a way for brands to say “thanks, Caroline!” when I send my readers their way. You can read more about it in my affiliate disclaimer.

My Go-To CBD Brand and What to Know About Taking CBD for Anxiety

by Caroline | Oct 21, 2020 | Wellness

As someone who has struggled with anxiety and sleep issues in the past I became interested in learning about the benefits of taking CBD as soon as I heard of it. A few years ago when there were whispers of CBD use among those in the wellness community I started to try out different brands, but most importantly I wanted to do my research. Of the brands I have tried in the past I always looked into the farming practices and production of the oil, as well as who was running the show. Beyond that it was important to me that I learn how to take this stuff safely and effectively.

I’m not loyal to any one particular brand but I am happy to share what I am loving right now which is 43CBD. This is not a paid or sponsored post by the way but the guys at 43CBD kindly reached out to me and offered some of their products for me to try out, so I will tell you honestly what I think. But first…

What to know if you’re new to taking CBD

CBD Tinctures are solutions consisting of the cannabinoid Cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from industrial hemp and suspended in organic hemp seed oil. CBD is not psychoactive and will not provide any of the “overly relaxed” sensations commonly attributed to consuming marijuana. Truthfully, I’ve tried marijuana in several forms and I don’t like the feeling one bit. So if that is concerning you, you can rest assured that you won’t feel even the least bit high. Although no health benefits of CBD have been confirmed by the FDA, some of the reasons people choose to ingest CBD are its reported usefulness in:

Pain relief
Inflammation
Relaxation
Reducing seizures
Social anxiety
Nausea
Cardiovascular health

About 43CBD

I like to know where I am getting my CBD and who is making it, so I did a little research. Greg and Dontje, two friends and entrepreneurs from Colorado, are the team behind 43CBD. As the “master formulator”, Greg draws on his chemistry background as a student at the School of Mines, a career as a marine engineer, and a love of farming to craft their artisan hemp CBD oil products. Dontje is passionate about health and wellness (same, bro) and genuinely enjoys exploring how hemp can get people back to health and doing what they love.

Their farms are nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains on the Western Slope of Colorado. Clear mountain spring water and high altitude air create the perfect environment for growing our artisan hemp. Hemp is like wine— special earthly conditions matter (who knew?!). Everything they do, from carefully hand-selecting the seeds, using all natural farm practices, to crafting their own full spectrum hemp oil and testing every batch for quality— is intentional and results in the greatest healing potency.

I personally care about who is making my CBD so when I learned about this team I felt like I could trust in the quality and in the practices with which it’s made. Intention has to be a huge driving force behind any business if I am going to use the products or share it with my audience.

Why does organic matter?

The United States 2018 Farm Bill classified hemp as a legal crop, allowing it to become a USDA regulated product that can be tested to ensure the best quality and purity standards are being met. Consumers hunt for organic foods and products because they’re better for the environment, they don’t contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, herbicides, hormones, or antibiotics, and they boast a better nutritional and flavor profile. To procure the official USDA Organic seal, food producers, manufacturers and farmers have to go through rigorous testing and are required to follow strict guidelines to maintain their status as an organically certified producer.

Here are the guidelines organic CBD producers need to abide by to attain and keep their certified USDA status:

The use of pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers can’t be used on the soil or crops during the growing or harvesting phase.
Growers are required to employ cultivation and tillage methods which limit soil erosion while protecting the overall quality of the soil.
All seeds are required to be non-GMO certified.
Growers are required to undergo a background check and surrender all sales records and lists of businesses they supply to.
CBD producers are required to follow the USDA-approved extraction process guidelines.
The final CBD product must be labeled and certified Organic by an authorized and certified USDA third-party auditor.
All the product’s ingredients before and after preparation are required to be tested by the auditor to guarantee USDA guidelines are being met down the entire supply chain for each and every product.
A yearly third-party audit is conducted in order to maintain organic certification status.

What’s the difference between hemp, cannabis and marijuana?

Hemp

Hemp is a member of the same family as marijuana, however, hemp and marijuana are chemically and characteristically different from one another. Hemp is a specific type of cannabis known as Cannabis sativa L, which contains less than 0.3% THC (the cannabinoid responsible for psychoactivity) and high levels of CBD. Cannabis plants that contain more than 0.3% THC are legally classified as marijuana plants and are still considered a federally illegal drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Unlike marijuana, hemp is 100% legal to buy, sell, and grow. In fact, hemp is incredibly versatile; it can be turned into beer, sunscreen, milk, shoes, rope, skincare products, clothes, soap, a durable construction material, paper, protein powder, diapers, fuel, and even sports cars!

Fun Fact: my husband’s step-grandpa owns a hemp farm in Colorado!

Cannabis

Cannabis is the taxonomic term that references an entire genus of over 170 plants that include both marijuana and hemp. To clarify, both hemp and marijuana are considered to be cannabis plants; marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC and hemp contains less than 0.3% THC.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a species of cannabis that contains more than 0.3% THC — which is the cannabinoid responsible for getting users high and intoxicated when they smoke or eat it. While marijuana and hemp are related, they’re chemically and legally miles apart.

My Honest Thoughts on CBD

I’ve definitely noticed a difference when using CBD regularly before going to bed to manage my daily anxiety and to help me get to sleep. I wouldn’t say it’s been a substitute for me in times when I needed anti-anxiety pharmacuticals though. This is one of many tools I like to employ to manage my mental and physical wellbeing.

I wouldn’t ever say that one product is the be-all-end-all for me. And, I think it’s kinda irresponsible when anybody (influencer, blogger, or business owner) makes blanket claims like that. I will say about the 43CBD that I have been using, that their intention to create a truly high (pun intended *tee-hee*) quality product makes me love it even more.

A lot of people jumped on the CBD bandwagon and started creating products purely for the trend and cashflow. I don’t support that, so I surely won’t be supporting those types of businesses. So I urge you to do your homework when it comes to where you are spending your dollars, when it comes to CBD and otherwise. But to save you time and resaerch I can vouch for 43CBD. Also, their deep tissue muscle salve saved me a couple of times from home-renovation related back pain.

Sustainable and Organic Deals for Amazon Prime Day

by Caroline | Oct 13, 2020 | Shop Posts, Sustainability

Ok friends, it’s Amazon Prime Day and I’m rounding up my favorite organic and sustainable deals for Amazon Prime Day!

As a reader of many blogs I’ve always appreciated transparency between blogger and reader. This relationship is actually really important to me. I write from my heart and I share what I am interested in with the hope that you might glean some inspiration of information from what I have to share, and that is a privilege I don’t take lightly. I want to always be transparent about how things work around here, so I’m disclosing that throughout this site and several posts I’ve included certain links to products that I will earn an affiliate commission for any purchases you make.

I only promote and share products here that I either use myself, or hope to purchase one day because I either LOVE what the brand stands for or find the product conducive to living well. This is no extra expense to you, just a way for brands to say “thanks, Caroline!” when I send my readers their way.

Amazon Organics

Here are some great items that are all organic from Amazon. The thing with the label “organic” is that it’s not always easy to tell when an item is being “greenwashed” and it’s hard to do proper research on all the products in Amazon’s lineup. But I felt that these were all solid organic items that are not to be missed during Amazon Prime Day.

Amazon Sustainable

It might seem counter intuitive to make sustinable purchases from Amazon, seeing as they are not the most eco minded corporation, however many of us use Amazon and the convenience does have it’s value. Also the prime day deals are not to be missed. Here are some of my favorite sustinable products that are on sale for Amazon Prime Day.

3 Simple Fall Breakfasts

by Caroline | Oct 1, 2020 | Recipes, Wellness

Autumn is one of my favorite times of year to cook. Fall flavors tend to be sweet and savory with lots of warm spices. The smells and tastes that are so indicative of this season evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. As much as I enjoy the change from summer to a fall wardrobe, I especially love the shift in seasonal foods in flavors we experience this time of year. I specifically created these 3 simple fall breakfasts with very few ingredients, and to be flexible so they can be enjoyed by all, despite dietary restrictions or not having all of the ingredients.

Sautéed apples

This is a really quick and simple breakfast that makes your house smell like Yankee Candle. It’s one of my personal favorites on cold mornings, when I need something to warm me up. It also makes a great dessert because it tastes like apple pie!

Ingredients

I apple
cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice

Directions

Chop the apple into bite size pieces
sauté in a pan on medium heat for about 5 minutes with some coconut oil and any combination of the above spices (no measuring necessary), occasionally stirring.

Pumpkin cinnamon oatmeal:

Oatmeal tends to get a reputation as boring and bland. Well I’m determined to change that! There are endless ways to spice up a traditional hot breakfast. The best thing is that you don’t need to measure anything! I purposely don’t put measurements on any of the ingredients here because you should decide how much of each ingredient you want.

Ingredients:

Irish steel cut oats
cinnamon
maple syrup
pumpkin spice
walnuts
slivered almonds
almond milk
pumpkin seeds

Directions:

Cook steel cut Irish oats (or instant oats if you prefer).
Add in cinnamon, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, walnuts, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, almond milk.

Orange spice Smoothie

This cooler breakfast is great for early autumn when the mornings are still mild. The flavors feel cozy and fallish, without it being too hot or heavy.

Ingredients

Vanilla protein powder
water or unsweetened almond milk,
cinnamon and/or pumpkin pie spice.
1-2 drops orange essential oil and/or Thieves essential oil (optional but it makes it so good!)
almond butter
1/2 banana

Directions

Just put it all in a blender with some ice and you’re good to go!

Check out some more of my favorite fall breakfasts:

Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

Paleo Apple Cinnamon “Oatmeal”

Irish Steel Cut Oatmeal with Apples

Orange Spice Date Balls

6 Little Ways I’m Incorporating Sustainable Practices Into My Life

by Caroline | Sep 23, 2020 | Sustainability

Before I share anything I think it’s extremely important for all of us to remember (myelf included) that perfection is not the goal here. It’s easy to see things in black and white. When I started trying to be more eco friendly I would sometimes feel guilty when I’d buy something frivolous that comes in a lot of packaging, or when I’d throw away things that I know will sit in a land fill. But then I rememberd something I heard somewhere…

It’s more important to have a lot of people doing this imperfectly, than a few people doing it perfectly.

I tell myself this every day. I am not one of those zero-wasters, and I’m guessing you aren’t either. I still want to enjoy my life without constantly worrying about the trash I’m producing or the carbon I’m releasing. So I’ve slowly begun dedicating myself to doing these things imperfectly:

1. Low Barrier Recycling

My idea of low barrier recycling came from the idea that if I make recycling easier than trashing something I will be more likely to do it. So I’ve made some changes in my kitchen to make recycling easier. Mainly, I got a combo recycling/trash bin with larger bin for the recycling and the smaller one for the trash. I like that this one had a really small trash bin because it is likely to get filled up quicker and therefore I would be less inclined to throw things in it. Trashing is the last resort; f it can’t be composted or recycled that’s the last option. In short: smaller trash bin, larger recycling bin.

2. Reusable Shopping Bags

Living on Long Island where we were charged 5 cents for every single use grocery bag (to help eliminate plastic bags from our local ecosystem) I quickly learned to remember my reusable bags for each trip to the store. However, when I moved to Charlottesville, Viginia I was horrified to see that hardly anybody did the reusable bag thing. I thought this was a solved issue but I guess it’s not. Please, I beg of you, don’t use single use plastic bags. If you get yourself some really cute ones like these you might be more inclined to remember them.

3. Composting

This was one I took a long time to get into doing, but I’m so glad I did it. Here’s what I do: I got this composter and set it up under my back deck. On the counter each day I have a bowl where I throw veggie and fruit scraps when I’m cooking, then at the end of the day I take the bowl to the backyard and throw it in the composter. I use a bowl instead of a canister because I am more likely to take it out regularly if I can see it there.

4. Thrift, Vintage & Consignment

It use to be rather uncool to get your clothes second hand, but with people being more mindful about clothing waste there is now a renaissance of thrift, vintage, and consignment shopping. It’s grown past the Salvation Army (or “Sally’s” as my family likes to call it) to become a huge industry in both the online space and brick and mortar stores. I am most excited about the Luxury consignment market on websites such as The Real Real. Here are some more great online thrift stores:

5. Beeswax Wrap

This was a game changer for me in the kitchen. I was uncomfortable with how much plastic wrap, ziplock bags, and aluminium foil I was using and throwing away on a reguler basis. Beeswax wrap is a really simple way to wrap up food without the waste. I was surprised how well it stuck when I wrapped it around bowls and even food itself. I use it on all sorts of fruits, veggies, leftovers, cheese, or anything in a bowl.

6. Research/Support Sustainable Brands

We all know that we vote with our dollars, which is why I have been trying more and more lately to do my research and look into the brands that are making an effort to do good in the world, reduce their environmental impact, create ethical working conditions, and creating more sustainable products and methods. This doesn’t mean I’ve completely ditched other ways of consuming, but when I can I like to learn a little bit about where my things come from, and who makes them. I’ve been putting together a running list of the clothing brands and furniture brands that are making efforts toward more sustainability.