Naomi’s Favorite Things for 2022 - support small and sustainable
It’s Christmas present shopping time, so I decided to share some of my favorite small businesses and sustainable products, all things I personally use and love! Perhaps it will give you some gifting ideas for your own loved ones this Christmas.
Beauty Products
Image Credit: Heart’s Path Designs
I carry one of these Heart’s Path Designs lotion bars in my pocket at all times! I’ve used them for dry hands, eczema, mosquito bites, diaper rash, gymnastics rips, and an all-purpose (placebo) miracle cure for kids! Most of the kids in my life know, when they hurt themselves or have discomfort somewhere, they can just help themselves to the tin in my pocket, apply it to the discomfort and they’re good to go. It stops tears about 99% of the time! And if you have concern about nut allergies, she also carries a nut-free version.
Image credit: Okologi Botanik
Okologi Botanik probiotic deodorant
You know those wonderful friends who will sniff your armpits for you and tell you if you have an issue that needs to be taken care of? Well, all of those friends agree that I no longer have much of an issue, even on the hottest, sweatiest Texas summer days. Yay for the powers of probiotics! And with no toxic ingredients, I feel pretty confident that this stuff is not going to give me breast cancer. Bonus is the wonderful lady who hand makes this deodorant to order is super sweet with wonderful customer service!
Clothes
Image credit: wearpact.com
A staple of my winter wardrobe is a soft, comfy sweatshirt and this one from Pact is super cozy! Made of 100% organic cotton and certified Fair Trade, I’m thrilled that I’m supporting neither the slave labor clothing industry nor farming practices that are detrimental to our earth. I’m pleased to have a clothing option that suits my no fuss, practical style without having to wear GMOs or pesticides against my skin.
Image credit: Maggie’s Organics
Oh, these are my all time favorite socks! Maggie’s Organics are, as their name suggests, made of organic cotton and are made in the USA as well! They are thick and soft and hold up well! Yes, the price is high for a pair of socks, however they are very well made, I’m supporting a company that holds to my standards, and the cost has inspired me to learn how to darn my own socks so I’m sending fewer poor quality items to the landfill.
Health
Image credit: Plant Therapy
From keeping my seasonal allergies under control, to clearing up my breathing when toxins and allergens get me wheezing, to sickness aide, to simply making my home smell festive during the holidays, Plant Therapy’s organic essential oil line has long been a staple in my home!
Image credit: Heart & Soil
Do you know of the benefits of eating animal organs, but can’t handle the taste of liver? This company, Heart and Soil, has changed the way I think of supplements and vitamins. I’m making no claims here, but after I started taking their Skin, Hair, and Nails, coincidentally my hair quit falling out. Make of that as you will.
BOOKS
While I believe toys should be minimalist and few (work those imaginations, kids!), I believe books should be available floor to ceiling in every room, lol! These are a few of my favorite books that I will often gift to the children in my life.
The Buffalo are Back by Jean Craighead George
This is a fantastic book detailing the history of our bison and prairie, how we nearly lost both, and how they’re being brought back.
All of Max Lucado’s children’s books are wonderful, but this one is exceptional. If you want one book for your children showing God’s love for each of us individually, this is the one! It is a must for every family bookshelf!
The Peabody Adventure Series by Jeri Massi
This is a series I’ve been sending to my nine-year-old nephew a book at a time. It’s a series I grew up on and still occasionally re-read as an adult (what can I say, they’re good!) They are a Christian series, well-written, and full of adventure and excitement! Jeri Massi has another really good series (The Bracken trilogy) that you should also check out if you want your princess loving girls (and adventure loving boys) to have great examples of many positive character traits! Both of these series are out of print, so if you see them, BUY them!
Are you ready to get back to seeing family portraits? Check out this beautiful fall photo session at Lost Maples State Park!