No longer am I the carefree twenty-something who wore SPF 15 (when I remembered to wear sunscreen at all) so I could “get a good base.” Now that I’m in my early—okay, mid—thirties, I apply lotions, creams, and serums constantly. I’ll try just about anything that promises to reduce the number of fine lines and (dare I put it in writing?) wrinkles that are slowly appearing on my face. Which is why I am so interested in the current collagen craze. There are a host of collagen supplements that promise to restore and rejuvenate the skin, but do they really work? I spoke with Paul Dean, MD, a San Diego-based dermatologist (and creator of Skin Resource.MD cosmeceuticals) to find out if collagen supplements really can give you better skin or if it’s just wishful thinking. Here’s what he had to say.
What is collagen?
“Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies,” Dean explains. “It’s found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, the digestive system, and tendons.” Collagen is what helps give our skin strength and elasticity, and it’s what replaces dead skin cells. Unfortunately, our body’s collagen production decreases as we age, often starting as early as a woman’s twenties and peaking around menopause. And collagen depletion doesn’t just mean more fine lines. It can also affect bone and joint health, which is why it is so important to not only protect the collagen stores your body currently has but to stimulate collagen production, too. Though collagen does naturally decrease over time, certain activities can speed up collagen depletion. “Eating high amounts of sugar, excessive sun exposure, and smoking decreases our collagen production,” says Dean. “So as we age we need to increase our [collagen] levels to slow down the aging process from the inside out.”
A Quick Guide to Collagen Supplements
According to research done by the Nutrition Business Journal, Americans spent almost $100 million on collagen supplements in 2017. That must mean they work, right? Don’t hold your breath. According to Dean, “Collagen supplements simply won’t replace or stimulate new collagen growth in the skin.” Still, some research suggests that collagen supplements may improve wrinkles and skin elasticity. According to one study, significant improvement in skin elasticity was shown in participants who took a daily blend of collagen peptides and antioxidants. However, the study was conducted over a short period with a small number of participants and relied heavily on participant questionnaires. So the results, while promising, are in no way definitive proof that collagen supplements actually work.
[pullquote align=”center”]There is some evidence that collagen drinks and other ingestible supplements actually do improve skin elasticity and moisture.[/pullquote] If you still want to try a collagen supplement, it helps to know a little bit about how collagen supplements—especially powders, drinks, and pills—are made before you buy. And vegetarians and vegans, I’ll warn you now: You’re not going to like it. These types of collagen supplements are made from animal proteins that are often derived from the hides and bones of cows, chickens, and other animals. This is actually the same way that gelatin (yes, the stuff that makes your Jell-O jiggle) is made. When the meat cuts that contain the most collagen (bones, tendons, fatty connective tissue) are cooked slowly to a certain temperature, the collagen begins to melt and eventually forms a thick gelatin, which is what most collagen supplements (and gelled snacks) are made of. The more you know, right? There are hundreds of collagen supplements on the market. Some are focused on collagen as a dietary supplement, but most are found in the skincare aisle, promising more youthful-looking skin by improving elasticity and moisture. Here’s a quick, research-backed guide to help determine if various collagen supplements are worth the cost.
Collagen Powders, Vitamins, and Drinks
Collagen powders are a popular collagen supplement because they are usually tasteless and can be added to everything from your morning oatmeal and coffee to your evening meal. Because they can be added to just about anything—and because one scoop usually provides the recommended supplemental amount of collagen—collagen powders are often pricier than supplements in pill form. Collagen drinks are similar oral supplements and are often marketed as collagen water or collagen juice. These are most often derived from fish (still not vegan, but if you’re a pescatarian, collagen drinks are usually okay to imbibe) and are usually mixed with other flavors to nix the fishy aftertaste. There is some evidence that collagen drinks and other ingestible supplements actually do improve skin elasticity and moisture, but Dean says oral collagen supplements, including powders and drinks, won’t replace or stimulate new collagen growth in your skin. “In fact,” Dean continues, “your body won’t absorb the collagen [from supplements and drinks] as a replacement, and it will just pass through your system as a protein.” Even if you’re not a vegan, there are other issues to consider when taking oral collagen supplements derived from animals. Some doctors and scientists are concerned that there’s a risk that collagen supplements may contain high levels of heavy metals, which are often found in processed meats. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it is up to the consumer (that’s you) to fact-check a supplement brand’s claims. Some supplement brands, like Vital Proteins, do use grass-fed, hormone-free beef and wild-caught fish to reduce the risk of harmful chemicals in their supplements. Plus, Dean warns, “Many supplements can cause allergic reactions since the supplements are usually derived from animal sources and your body may become sensitive to the foreign substance.” While some studies have shown promise that collagen powder supplements may improve skin’s elasticity and texture, Dean doesn’t put much stock in these claims and says, “If you want to stimulate collagen production and protect the collagen you have, stick to using products with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and retinol while wearing sunscreen and eating healthy on a daily basis.”
Collagen Creams and Serums
I don’t like being the bearer of bad news, but that expensive collagen cream you’ve been slathering on your face day and night is probably nothing more than a fancy moisturizer. According to Dean,“Collagen applied topically to the skin will not replace missing collagen in the skin because the collagen molecule is simply too large to penetrate into the deep layers of the skin.” “Collagen proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids (smaller organic compounds that combine to form proteins),” Dean continues. “When this long strand is broken down into short segments of three to five amino acids, these small bundles are called peptides and have been shown to stimulate collagen production.” Some research does show that peptides added to certain skincare products may possibly help boost the production of collagen to help restore skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and increase skin’s moisture and elasticity due to their small nature.
[pullquote align=”center”]Almost 42 percent of dermal filler treatments administered from 2002 to 2010 were collagen injections.[/pullquote] Still, the best “anti-aging” products to use on your skin are those containing hyaluronic acid (a hydrating substance found naturally in the body), peptides, and retinol (a compound derived from vitamin A), Dean tells HealthyWay. Hyaluronic acid actually boosts collagen synthesis and helps skin retain moisture. “When retinol and other retinoids come into contact with skin, the enzymes in the body convert it into retinoic acid. Retinoic acid then works to increase cell turnover, which stimulates collagen and elastin production,” says Dean. “Because [it encourages] healthy skin cell turnover, retinol can treat and prevent multiple skin conditions from acne and eczema to dark spots and wrinkles”
Collagen Injections
Collagen injections were all the rage 15 years ago. In fact, almost 42 percent of dermal filler treatments administered from 2002 to 2010 were collagen injections. But Dean says that most dermatologists no longer use collagen injections. Instead they favor proven dermal fillers containing—surprise!—hyaluronic acid. “There are also laser treatments that can be used to stimulate collagen on the surface, but laser treatments are extremely expensive and really should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes to promote collagen naturally,” says Dean.
How to Naturally Preserve Collagen Production
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on collagen supplements that may or may not improve your skin’s elasticity, there are a few things you can do to reduce collagen depletion without spending a dime (and some will even save you money!).
Quit smoking.
First of all, we’re in what I like to call the judgment-free tree. If you’re a smoker, I’m not here to make you feel bad about it. After all, you likely know all the health risks associated with smoking already. But you can add one more to the list: collagen depletion. Smoking depletes collagen production and directly contributes to premature aging. So one of the best things you can do for your skin is to stop smoking. And hey, I know it’s tough to quit, so if you need help to quit smoking, contact Freedom From Smoking, a program sponsored by the American Lung Association, for more information.
Reduce sun exposure.
As you may have guessed, I am a sun goddess. I love to be bronzed more than just about anything. But repeated sun exposure can seriously break down your body’s natural collagen stores, aging skin much more quickly. Luckily, this an easy one to fix! Wear sunscreen daily, even if it’s cloudy out. Not sure what kind of sunscreen you should get? Here’s a handy video on the ABCs of SPF. In addition to wearing your daily SPF, stay indoors when UV rays are at their most damaging, and opt instead to head outside early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize sun damage.
Improve your diet.
Finally, some good news: “Certain foods can increase collagen in our bodies,” says Dean. Dean recommends eating fish, like salmon, that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, avocados are high in omega-3s and vitamin E, which also has a positive effect on skin aging. Red vegetables such as red bell peppers and citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production. Because dark green vegetables and sweet potatoes contain high levels of vitamin A (which is where retinol comes from), they’re also an excellent addition to an anti-aging diet. “Not only are these favorable vitamins to consume,” says Dean, “but any of them are also are good to apply topically to promote healthy skin.” Seriously, try this moisturizing (and probably delicious) recipe for a sweet potato face mask.
Get more exercise.
Exercise can minimize your risk for heart disease and diabetes, and now a new study shows that when combined with certain dietary supplements, exercise may even boost the body’s natural collagen production. In the study, participants who ate a vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplement prior to intermittent exercise doubled the amount of collagen protein in their blood, unlike participants who took the placebo.
The Bottom Line on Collagen Supplements
Ultimately, more research needs to be done to determine whether collagen supplements really work. Personally, I’d rather save my hard-earned cash for skincare products that are proven to be 100 percent effective. Still, most derms agree that most collagen creams and serums aren’t bad for your skin, and they can prove to be great moisturizers even if they don’t do a whole lot for collagen production. The best thing you can do for your skin? Take care of it the way you take care of the rest of your body: by eating well, using sunscreen, and getting regular exercise.
Every parent of an infant has had that moment where they look at the baby’s snacks and wonder…”What does this taste like?” Then they take a nibble and find out that it tastes great! iStock
Babies, after all, are just extremely young and tiny humans, and products that work for humans tend to work for all humans. The next time you go shopping for your baby, pick up two of everything. You’re going to want to get in on this stuff. iStock
Here are baby products that are great for adults, too, just with a little variation on the uses.
1. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste isn’t just for butts.
This stuff is a goldmine of DIY hacks. It’s full of zinc oxide, which is a great remedy for irritated skin. Alex Zivatar
Try a dab of paste on your next horrible mosquito bite, or slather it on a healing sunburn for a bit of immediate relief. Get a 16-ounce tub here.
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2. Baby shampoo is a super-gentle cleanser.
That means it’s ideal for people with sensitive skin. If you’re prone to eyelid irritation, you can even use a drop of the stuff on a washcloth to scrub those lids in the shower. iStock
Even if you don’t need baby shampoo yourself, it’s the ideal cleanser for dog and cat baths, assuming you can get your pet into the tub in the first place. It’s also useful for cleaning your combs and brushes when they start to get a little greasy or dirty.
In short, baby shampoo is the ultimate soap. Why do we even bother with anything else? iStock.com/MartinPrescott Get a 20-ounce bottle of the OG Johnson’s baby shampoo here.
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3. Baby wipes seem tailor made for makeup removal.
At the end of a long day, use a nice cool baby wipe to scrub away makeup. Pack a few with you when you go out of town to use as a quick, hassle-free face wash. Alex Zivatar
Baby wipes can even shine your shoes. Everyone should have these. Get a 5-pack box of Pampers Baby Wipes (that’s 360 wipes!) here.
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4. Diapers are a key ingredient in a super-effective ice pack.
As the video below demonstrates, you can use diapers for something way beyond their intended purpose. With some specific liquids and an absorbent diaper, you can freeze up a reliable and reusable ice pack.
It’s a decent stand-in for dry shampoo or deodorant, and it can help prevent stinky feet. You can also bring it to the beach to help remove sand from your feet. Watch the video to see a few of our favorite baby powder hacks:
After a night of overindulgence, try sipping Pedialyte. It’s packed with electrolytes and it has less sugar than most sports drinks. Catherine Lo/Spoon University
It was designed to rehydrate sick children, but it can do the same thing for adults. Get 24 powder packs of Pedialyte here—just add water!
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7. People with sensitive skin should try switching to baby detergent.
Soaps for babies are super gentle, and the same is true about laundry detergent made for the pre-K set. iStock
Lots of adults with allergies or skin sensitivities find that baby detergents bother them less than typical adult detergents, which are packed with harsh chemicals and fragrances. Get a 150-ounce bottle of Dreft Baby Laundry Detergent here.
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8. Baby sunscreen is powerful enough to work for adults, too.
No matter how old you are, SPF is SPF. Try pilfering a little of your infant’s sunscreen the next time you head to the beach. iStock
Pick the highest SPF level you can find and enjoy not getting a sunburn. Get two 6-ounce bottles of Babyganics Mineral-Based SPF 50 Sunscreen here.
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9. Baby oil helps you remove mascara.
Waterproof mascara is great. You can even cry without rocking a total goth look. When the night is over, though, it can be a nightmare to get your eyelashes clean. iStock
That’s when you should reach for a bottle of baby oil. Waterproof mascara is, well, waterproof, so trying to wash it off in the sink won’t do much. But oil and water hate each other, so oil helps to break down tough cosmetics. Just dip a cotton swab in baby oil and gently apply to your eyelashes with side-to-side swipes. Then rinse. Get two 16.9-ounce bottles of Johnson and Johnson’s original baby oil for kids here.
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10. Diaper cream is one of the best moisturizing lotions out there.
You can spend $100 on a tub of super-fancy, age-defying face cream, or you can just reach for the nearest tube of diaper cream. It locks in moisture and helps your skin stay hydrated iStock
Diaper cream is also good for dry skin wherever it shows up, and it can soothe the sting of razor burn. Get a 2-ounce tub of Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm here.
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11. Nipple cream is designed for nursing mothers, but it has other uses, too.
Dry, chapped lips love a good slathering of nipple cream. iStock
It’s also helpful for dry skin anywhere on the body, especially when the skin gets so dry that it starts cracking. Ouch. Get a 1.1-ounce bottle of Palmers Cocoa Butter Nursing Cream here.
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12. Gripe water has been keeping colicky babies comfortable for generations.
It can ease adults’ upset stomachs, too. The best brands use real ginger and fennel, which are known to sooth painful bellies. Alex Zivatar
Next time you get a little gassy or come down with some nausea, reach for your infant’s bottle of gripe water for quick relief. Get a 4-ounce bottle of Wellements Organic Gripe Water here.
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13. Baby shampoo doubles as a perfect detergent for delicate fabrics.
You can’t throw your cashmere sweater in the wash with everything else. Fragile, high-quality fabrics require a little babying, and we mean that literally.
Baby shampoo will keep your nicest clothes clean without damaging or discoloring them.
Not into Johnson’s? Get two 8-ounce bottles of Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo for Hair & Body here.
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14. Baby oil is the perfect substance for polishing stainless steel appliances.
Nothing looks classier than a kitchen full of stainless steel. Unfortunately, nothing collects grease and grime like this chic metal does, either. iStock.com/iiievgeniy
The solution is to rinse down your stainless steel appliances with a bit of dish soap. Once you’ve got the gunk removed, though, they could still use a polish. That’s where the baby oil comes in. iStock
Rub down steel surfaces with an oiled cloth to create a clean, bright shine. This works on faucets too, by the way.
Baby oil is also an effective polish for wooden surfaces. Wooden tables tend to collect water rings no matter how many times you tell your guests to use a coaster. Polish a table with baby oil, though, and those rings will disappear. Even better, the baby oil forms a barrier against moisture, so it’ll make new water rings less likely to show up. Get three 4-ounce bottles of Burt’s Bees Baby 100% Natural Baby Nourishing Oil here.
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15. Baby wipes can get rid of deodorant stains.
We’ve yet to meet a dark shirt that doesn’t show deodorant streaks. Deodorant is a tough thing to get out of your clothes. iStock
The only surefire remedy we know of for deodorant stains is, of all things, baby wipes. Just wipe down the white residue on your dark clothing with a baby wipe and watch it disappear! Get a nine-pack of Huggies Simply Clean baby wipes (648 total!) here.
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16. There’s one last use for baby wipes that you might not have thought of: Use them to clean your cat!
There’s no way you’re coaxing Fluffy into the bath, and you can’t take her to the grooming place every time she gets a little dirty. Baby wipes are a great way to take care of a feline’s messy face (or behind!) without infuriating them. Alex Zivatar
Baby wipes aren’t wet enough to irritate your cat, and you might even be able to convince them that you’re just petting them. Try it! Get a six-pack of Amazon Elements Baby Wipes (640 total) here.
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They may not be on your food radar yet, but pulses have been an important part of human agricultural and culinary history since beans and chickpeas were firstmentioned in Homer’s Iliad during the eighth century B.C. If pulses aren’t a regular part of your diet, you aren’t alone. Alarge percentage of the pulses grown in North America are used for livestock feed or are exported to other countries. But pulses are slowly making their way into average North American pantries thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign by the United Nations in 2016 (which they declared the International Year of Pulses) with the hopes of creating new interest in this versatile superfood. It appears that the pulse campaign was a massive success, as domestic consumption of pulses in the U.S. more thandoubled in 2016 and 2017 when compared to stats from 2015. This renewed interest in pulses is beneficial for our own health and for the health of the planet, so we’ve looked into some of the most commonly asked questions about pulses. Here’s why you should aim to make pulses part of your regular diet.
What are pulses?
The Global Pulse Confederation formally defines the term pulses as “crops harvested solely as dry grains, which differentiates them from other vegetable crops that are harvested while still green.” These dried crops include chickpeas, lentils, beans, and peas and are considered important staple ingredients in cuisines all over the world (especially inPakistan, India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean). The difference between pulses and legumes lies in their specific classification: Pulses are a member of the legume family, but not all legumes are pulses. Soybeans and peanuts aretoo high in fat to be considered pulses, and fresh peas and beans are picked before they mature and dry out.
What are the nutritional benefits of pulses?
Protein
Pulses are an excellent source of plant-based protein (often containingtwo times the amount of protein found in whole grain cereals). As with almost all plant-based sources of protein, pulses are incomplete proteins, meaning they don’t provide all nine essential amino acids our bodies need to function. [pullquote align=”center”]“I don’t think people realize how amazing and versatile pulses are. Because of their high fiber content, they can help with maintaining a healthy weight, digestive system, cardiovascular health, and to control our blood sugar levels.” —Gabrielle Gott, certified holistic nutritionist[/pullquote] There is still thecommon misconception that plant-based sources of protein must be combined in specific ways to ensure all amino acids are consumed in one meal. (The myth of complementary proteins has long been debunked; as long as you’re eating a varied diet you should have no issues meeting all your amino acid requirements.)
Fiber
Pulses are an incredible plant-based source of fiber (both soluble and insoluble), and Gabrielle Gott, healthy food blogger and certified holistic nutritionist ateyecandypopper, is a huge fan of pulses for this reason. She says:
On top of being an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, I don’t think people realize how amazing and versatile pulses are. Because of their high fiber content, they can help with maintaining a healthy weight, digestive system, cardiovascular health, and to control our blood sugar levels.
Pulses are such a good source of fiber that a detailed analysis of fiber content in various dried chickpea, lentil, bean, and pea crops for the journalNutrients concluded that “pulse crop consumption should be emphasized in efforts to close the dietary fiber gap.” Fiber is beneficial to your health for many reasons, and a happy digestive system is just one perk of eating pulses regularly. A 2016 study published inThe American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that “the inclusion of dietary pulses in a diet may be a beneficial weight-loss strategy because it leads to a modest weight-loss effect even when diets are not intended to be calorically restricted.” Plant-based sources of fiber (including pulses) have also been associated with a lower risk ofcardiovascular disease, a reduction inLDL “bad” cholesterol, and loweredblood pressure. It’s important to note that for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, suddenly introducing pulses into your diet may causediarrhea and cramping. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making any significant dietary changes.
Other Nutritional Benefits of Pulses
Naturally cholesterol free and verylow in fat, pulses are also high in iron, a good source of folate and potassium, and gluten free. Pulses are also very low on theglycemic index; this means your body digests and metabolizes them at a slower speed, which results in a smaller change in blood sugar levels. (This is especially important to anyone who has diabetes.)
Types of Pulses
Beans
What we call beans are actually dried seeds from a flowering plant family called Fabaceae. If you think of beans in terms of simple baked beans or the non-meat part of chili, Gott wants to inspire you: “They can easily be added to soups, salads, and stews for added nutrition. They can be roasted with spices. They can be blended into hummus-like dips. They can be transformed into burgers or fritters. They can be hidden in brownies.” All beans are delicious, but which beans are best?
Navy beans
Navy beans contain the highest amount offiber when compared to all other beans. Despite their name, navy beans are mild tasting white beans that can be used in a salade Niçoise, mashed in with tuna for a high-fiber sandwich filling, stirred into vegetable soups, and piled high on toast with greens.
Kidney beans
Deep red in color, kidney beans are a popular addition to chili con carne and Italian soups. Kidney beans containphytohemagglutinin, a toxin that can cause potential stomach upset if the beans are undercooked or raw, so it’s important to make sure they’re fully cooked before serving. Use kidney beans for Tex-Mex dips, as a sweet potato topping, or the next time you make homemade sloppy Joes in place of all or half the ground beef.
Black beans (also known as black turtle beans)
Black beans are an especially good source ofphytonutrients, including powerful antioxidants and antiproliferative compounds (nutrients that help slow the growth of tumors). Use black beans as the base for vegan tacos, blend them into Cuban black bean soup, or try Gott’s recipe for healthyblack bean brownies.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are the seeds of the plant family Faboideae and are widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Chickpeas are a hardy pulse and will hold their shape in soup, curried dishes, and salads. Chickpeas require longer cooking times than other pulses if they’re cooked from scratch, so use canned chickpeas if you’re short on time. Gott says, “I love to add sautéed chickpeas to my salads (usually just a quick roast in a pan with olive oil or coconut oil and some spices like paprika, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon).” Puree chickpeas with tahini, olive oil, and garlic for a super simple riff on homemade hummus, roast them in your favorite spices, or try Gott’s recipes for healthychickpea fritters with warm vegetable salad androasted sweet potato, garlic, and chickpea salad with orange dill dressing.
Lentils
Lentils are small, lens-shaped pulses that can be used in a wide variety of recipes and are a staple of many global cuisines. Lentils are a particularly excellent source offolate and an important B vitamin used by our bodies to make DNA, and they have the highestinsoluble dietary fiber content of all pulses. The following types of lentils are easily found in most grocery and natural foods stores.
Green lentils
Green lentils are also known as Puy or French green lentils. (Puy lentils must come from Le Puy, France, and they hold a Protected Designation of Origin certification from the European Union.) Mildly peppery in flavor with mottled dark skins, green lentils hold their shape well and are best suited for salads, as a warm side dish, or in place of sturdy grains.
Red and yellow lentils
Red and yellow lentils cook relatively quickly, collapsing into a soft mush that’s perfect for soups, stews, and dips. Sweet and creamy once cooked, red and yellow lentils are well known for being the main ingredient in dal, a comforting Indian soup that can be scooped up with chapati or roti. To thicken soups, stews, and sauces, add a small handful of uncooked lentils and let them cook in the liquid until they’ve completely broken down (or try Gott’s warming recipe forThai sweet potato and red lentil soup).
Brown lentils
Brown lentils are a great pulse to have on hand for meals that are dependent on your leftover situation the day before your weekly shopping trip. With their gentle, earthy flavor and sturdy shape, brown lentils are the perfect backdrop for hearty salad ingredients and a serving of protein. For a quick-yet-tasty side dish, sauté cooked brown lentils in olive oil and your favorite spices and serve while still warm with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley.
Peas
Dried green peas come from regular green peas that have been allowed to dry out in their pods. The peas split when their casing is removed, and the peas continue to dry out. With their high protein and fibercontent, dried green peas are right at home in many Indian and Pakistani recipes, where they are used to thicken stews and soups. Combine warm, cooked dried peas with Greek yogurt, cumin, coriander, and a drizzle of olive oil for an easy, crowd-pleasing dip for pita bread or crudités.
A Note on Pulses and Flatulence
Pulses have a well-deserved reputation for causing flatulence (we’ve all heard the song) because they contain sugars that our bodies are unable to fully break down. Once these sugars arrive in the colon they begin to ferment, which leads to flatulence. There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to eating pulses and reducing the gas that follows, some more useful than others. To begin with, increase the amount of pulses you eatgradually; this will help your digestive system build up a tolerance. Soaking dried pulses before cooking and chewing slowly should also help clear up the gas situation. (It’s also important to remember that having a healthy amount of gas is a sign you’re on the right track in terms of the foods you’re eating.)
Buying and Storing Pulses
According toPulse Canada, the three most important characteristics to look for when buying pulses are brightly colored seeds, uniform size, and smooth skins without chips or shriveled seed coats. Pulses should be stored in covered containers in a cool, dark area away from any sources of direct or indirect heat (heat can cause pulses to become rancid). For freshest quality, buy pulses from online pulse catalogues or from Middle Eastern, Indian, or Mediterranean grocery stores whenever possible (or any other store with a high pulse turnover rate). Cook dried pulses within a year of purchasing, and use canned dried pulses before their expiration date. Cooked pulses can be portioned out into resealable containers or freezer bags and frozen for up to 6 months.
The Future of Food: Pulses and Environmental Stability
The world is full of people who need affordable, easy-to-grow, and nutrient-dense food. And if current global populationprojections are accurate, there will be far more people in the future with this exact need. [pullquote align=”center”]Pulses are essentially self-fertilizing thanks to their ability to absorb nitrogen from the air, which in turn eliminates the need to add traditional fertilizer.[/pullquote] Fortunately, pulses fulfill all of those requirements while also being beneficial to the environment in which they’re growing. Pulses are essentially self-fertilizing thanks to their ability to absorb nitrogen from the air, which in turn eliminates the need to add traditional fertilizer. This self-fertilization technique means that pulses usehalf the energy to grow as other crops. Pulses have a much lowerwater footprint than other sources of protein (both animal- and plant-based) and are able to thrive in low-quality soil. If you’d like to increase your fiber intake, up your plant-based protein options, lower your grocery bill, and help save the planet, a diet rich in pulses can assist you in achieving all of those goals. The examples mentioned in this article are just a starting point if you’re new to the world of pulses. Heirloom varietals are making their way to farmers markets near you and will continue to do so as long as there is interest from the general public.
Travel styles are as vast as the stars in the sky. Some travelers jet off in search of a whirlwind adventure that’s completely unlike anything they can have at home. Others crave little luxuries that give them a sense of home when they’re in faraway lands. And then there’s the social sightseer, who somehow makes friends at every destination she visits.
How do you know which type of traveler you are?
Surprisingly, your astrological sign reveals a slew of clues about how you like to explore the world—along with the ideal travel accessories to pack for your journey. With limited space in your carry-on bag, are you better off bringing along a pair of noise-canceling headphones, a sleeping mask, or a neck pillow? We consulted the stars to help you figure out. Here are the best travel accessories you can find on Amazon based on your zodiac sign.
Aries: She’s a bold, ambitious traveler who’s always up for a challenge, and dreads mundane chores.
1. Never waste time untangling cables.
Nothing frustrates an Aries quite like boring, time-consuming tasks—like untangling a rats’ nest of cables. The Travelon World Travel Essentials Tech Organizer will save her a major headache when she needs to dig out a charger. Amazon
With two zippered pockets and two open pouches, the organizer’s simple design makes it easy to store all of your adapters and cables. Plus, you can see exactly what you have to work with—leaving Aries more time to spend on her next big adventure instead of rummaging for her spare batteries deep inside her backpack.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Travel-Essentials-Organizer-Peacock/dp/B078Y4BTH4″]Get Travelon World Travel Essentials Tech Organizer on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. Get the camera that can capture all your adventures.
Whether she’s cliff jumping in Acapulco, taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, or riding a dune buggy through the desert in Dubai, Aries lives in pursuit of adventure. She can capture every adrenaline-fueled moment with the GoPro Hero5, a palm-sized camera that shoots 4k video and 12-megapixel photos. Amazon
The portable, durable camera is waterproof to 33 feet, includes video stabilization technology, and automatically uploads your pics and videos to the cloud. Plus, with all of the attachments and cases, you can outfit this tech toy with whatever gear you need for your next thrilling getaway.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MT0TJOM/”]Get GoPro Hero5 on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. Your wardrobe’s always ready with this.
Unpacking at her hotel might be one of the least fun parts of traveling for an Aries. She just doesn’t have the slightest interest in carefully folding and hanging all the garments. Fortunately, with the Travelon Deluxe Packable Shelves, she doesn’t have to! Amazon
This innovative travel accessory allows you to fold all your clothes and pack them in your suitcase with ease. When you’ve arrived at the destination, simply pull out the shelves and hang them in your closet. Your outfits will stay perfectly organized and wrinkle-free, saving you the monotony of unpacking.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Packable-Zippered-Compartment-Organizer/dp/B007XAIFC0″]Get Travelon Deluxe Packable Shelves With Zippered Compartment on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Taurus: Pleasure is high on the list of necessities for this relaxed traveler who craves creature comforts and a sense of security.
1. Try a neck pillow that won’t cramp your style.
Wherever Taurus goes, she’ll want to get there in the most comfortable way possible. That’s easier said than done when flying coach, but the Sleeper Scarf 2-in-1 Travel Scarf And Inflatable Neck Pillow can help. There’s no need to drag a regular neck pillow all around the airport. Amazon
Instead, just drape this light, breathable scarf around your neck. And when you need something puffy on which to rest your head during a long-haul flight, the scarf will automatically inflate into a comfy pillow. It’s the closest thing Taurus will get to the first-class ticket she deserves when she’s traveling on a budget.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sleeper-Scarf-Inflatable-Traditional-Inflate/dp/B0749N4M9B/”]Get Sleeper Scarf 2-in-1 Travel Scarf And Inflatable Neck Pillow on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. Soothing Sounds for a Good Night’s Rest
Rest and relaxation are high on the list of priorities for comfort-seeking Taurus. Nothing throws her off quite like a night of tossing and turning on a trip. The LectroFan Micro Wireless Sleep Sound Machine And Bluetooth Speaker is exactly the thing she needs for guaranteed shut-eye. The portable white noise maker includes four white noise variations, five distinctive fan sounds, and the calming ambience of the ocean that will lull you to sleep. Amazon
One full charge of the built-in battery offers up to 16 hours of sounds from the machine (or six hours of music streamed via Bluetooth). Never again will a thumping nightclub or traffic-riddled street keep Taurus from getting her beauty rest.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/LectroFan-Wireless-Sound-Machine-Bluetooth/dp/B01LBVLBKY/”]Get LectroFan Micro Wireless Sleep Sound Machine And Bluetooth Speaker on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. The Worry-Free Way to Protect Your Stuff
The only way a Taurus can get completely into vacation-mode is when she knows that her belongings are safe and secure. A set of TSA-Approved Cable Luggage Locks will protect her valuables. Amazon
The nice thing about these locks is that they’re not at all bulky—the thin cable can easily slip into standard-sized zippers and lock holes while securing the contents of most suitcases, carry-on bags, and backpacks. Here’s to keeping your stuff safe, without lugging around a heavy lock.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Approved-Cable-Luggage-Re-settable-Combination/dp/B01NAOEBZ0″]Get TSA-Approved Cable Luggage Locks on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Gemini: The always-busy Gemini spreads her interests over a variety of pursuits. She’s a playful, curious social butterfly who never has trouble finding a friend.
1. Share your favorite tunes with your new travel buddies.
The highly social Gemini will almost always make a few new pals on the road. And even when she needs some down time, she doesn’t want to isolate herself to get it. That’s why she’d benefit from tossing the AmazonBasics 5-Way Multi-Headphone Splitter into her suitcase. Amazon
When she’s ready to zone out with a movie, a podcast, or her favorite playlist, she can share it with up to four other friends at the same time through this useful gadget.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-5-Way-Multi-Headphone-Splitter/dp/B0716ZWX4K/”]Get AmazonBasics 5-Way Multi-Headphone Splitter on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. Exercise anywhere with a portable yoga mat.
Sometimes struggling to stay focused, Gemini can get thrown off from her exercise routine when she’s on the road. Fortunately, the portable yoga mat in the Sugarmat Travel Set will help her keep up with her practice when she’s on the go. The ultralight, thin mat has a synthetic suede top designed to resemble the swirls of a crystal. Amazon
It folds up perfectly into a sassy pouch that reads, “Sugar how you get so fly?”—just the burst of confidence she needs to invite some folks out to brunch after their Vinyasa’s over.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sugarmat-Designed-Montreal-Non-slip-washable/dp/B07CL41Z7S/”]Get Sugarmat Travel Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. The Gadget That Breaks Down Language Barriers
Language barriers are no match for inquisitive Gemini, whose favorite travel accessory might just be the TT Easy Trans Smart Language Translator. The handheld voice translator can help you carry on two-way conversations in 52 languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Italian, and Arabic. It can also help you pick up key phrases in a foreign language and learn to pronounce them like a native speaker. Amazon
Language barrier? What language barrier? Gemini will be able to connect with anyone she wishes with the help of this smart tool.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Language-Translator-Electronic-Bluetooth-Languages/dp/B077MXFZLH/”]Get TT Easy Trans Smart Language Translator Device on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Cancer: Intuitive cancer is a creature of habit. She’s sensitive to whatever environment she ends up in, so she needs travel accessories to make hotel rooms feel more like home.
1. Candles to Warm Up Each New Hotel Room
Cancer can pick up on the energies of a room right away. Packing a few travel-size aromatherapy candles from Chesapeake Bay can help her manifest the exact atmosphere she needs to feel at ease. Amazon
This set contains four small jars themed around key moods, including joy and laughter, reflection and clarity, peace and tranquility, and balance and harmony—each of which have their own signature scent. Light one when you’re settling into a room and let the calming aromas blanket the entire space.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Chesapeake-Bay-Candle-Scented-4-Piece/dp/B01N1T6D36/”]Get Chesapeake Bay Candle Mind & Body Small Scented Candle Gift Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. Your aching feet will thank you for buying this ball.
A little self-care goes a long way toward helping Cancer feel her best on the road. Rolling her foot out on the Saj Mini Relaxation Foot Massager might be just what she’s looking for to give her body a little TLC. It simulates the feeling of a soothing trigger-point massage, easing tension and pain. Amazon
What can be better than that after hiking up a mountain or exploring a new city all day? Plus, a massage with this spiky ball puts her on the fast-track to chill-out mode—no expensive spa treatment necessary.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Saj-sAHHHj-Ball-Single-Reflexology/dp/B076HFKKNS/”]Get Saj Mini Relaxation Foot Massager on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. Slip on these headphones to tune out the stress.
Sounds as subtle as a dripping faucet, travelers walking through the hall, or a noisy TV next door can ruin sensitive Cancer’s sleep. A pair of AcousticSheep SleepPhones can help her maintain a calm atmosphere while she’s catching some Zs. The thin headphones rest comfortably inside a snuggly headband that you can slip on when you crawl into bed. Amazon
Then stream your most relaxing playlist or ambient noises via Bluetooth from your smartphone or laptop. They’re like magic for frequent fliers who need to find a way to rest on cramped flights, and for stressed-out globetrotters who like to create a meditation sanctuary wherever they are.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AcousticSheep-SleepPhones-Bluetooth-Headphones-Rechargeable/dp/B00EZ4L5GU/”]Get AcousticSheep SleepPhones on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Leo: When Leo travels, she brings the party with her. This theatrical character is beloved by other travelers for her vivaciousness and extreme loyalty.
1. Stream your party playlist just about anywhere.
Party girl Leo’s always down to get down. She’s constantly on the lookout for a party, and when she can’t find one, she starts her own. The Polk Audio Portable Speaker allows her to stream her most dance-worthy playlist wherever she wants to boogie, whether it’s on the beach, in the park, or at the hotel. Amazon
This tiny (yet mighty) speaker is also capable of balancing its volume with your immediate surroundings, meaning you’ll always be able to hear the tunes without annoying bystanders. Party on, Leo.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-BITB-Boom-Black/dp/B01HIS5NIA/”]Get Polk Audio Portable Speaker on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. Take selfies shamelessly with this tripod stick.
A selfie stick is just the device Leo needs to capture photos of herself in all her vacation glory. She has no fear of being perceived as vain. In fact, she lives to have the spotlight shine brightly on her. But the standard stick just won’t cut it for this sign—she needs the DOKRO Selfie Stick With Tripod Stand so she can set up the perfect shot and snap it from afar using the Bluetooth-enabled remote control. Amazon
The dramatic Leo will love having the ability to take dozens of selfies in a variety of poses, without fear of judgment from her more reserved pals.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DOKRO-Extendable-Bluetooth-Android-Blackberry/dp/B07F9QFNYZ/”]Get DOKRO Selfie Stick With Tripod Stand on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. A Sunhat with That Old-School Hollywood Glamour
Leo doesn’t just want to see new places—she wants to look the part of a traveler with a true zest for exploring. That’s why she pops on a wide-brimmed sunhat whenever she’s on an adventure. This foldable, floppy hat is embroidered with the eye-catching phrase “Hello, sunshine!” that will help Leo stand out from the crowds at the beach. (Not to mention the fact that it’ll look absolutely amazing in her Instagram photos.) Amazon
And if Leo’s ever ready to tone down her look, she can just fold up the hat and stow it in her bag—no need to lug around an extra accessory.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Foldable-Floppy-Travel-Packable/dp/B078LSZ5CZ/”]Get Women’s Foldable Floppy Travel Straw Hat on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Virgo: Logical and practical, Virgo takes a systematic approach to everything does, including her travels. She’s diligent and dedicated to the art of perfection.
1. A Reusable Bottle Without the Bulk
You’ll never see Virgo going through disposable plastic bottles on her trips. (She’s too concerned about the damage they do to the environment.) But you won’t see her with those heavy aluminum bottles, either. (They add way too much weight to her bag.) Instead, Virgo stays hydrated with the Bubi Silicone Water Bottle. Amazon
The squishy bottle can be filled with up to 22 ounces of water to sustain you on a hot day. And when you’re done with it, just roll it up and stuff it into the attached carabiner clip until you’re ready for a refill. It’s light, sturdy, and fits well into Virgo’s practical approach to packing.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBC4ZUU/”]Get Bubi Silicone Water Bottle on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. The Ultimate Bag Organizers
Virgo’s obsessed with perfecting her packing strategy. She’s pared down her packing list to the bare minimum and has started rolling (instead of folding) her clothes. But to take her minimalist packing to the next level, she’ll need a set of Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes. They give her three separate storage containers to keep her gear sorted and organized. Amazon
They squeeze the air out from in between garments so she can condense her stuff into a smaller suitcase. And they have cool nature-themed designs that will inspire her journeys. That’s a triple win in Virgo’s book.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Well-Traveled-Compression-Packing-Cubes/dp/B07664WLQ3/”]Get Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. A Towel That a Minimalist Won’t Mind
Virgo rarely brings anything from home that she can get on the road. While she typically relies on hotels to provide her towels, she makes a big exception for this one from Sand Cloud—for one very good reason: It doubles as a bag! She loves being able to stash her sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, and other essentials in the lightweight backpack, then rolling it out into a blanket when she’s ready to sunbathe. Amazon
And just because the towel is multipurpose doesn’t mean it skimps on quality. This handmade design is made entirely out of Turkish cotton, so you know it’s soft, absorbent, and durable.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sand-Cloud-Mint-Towel-Blanket/dp/B06W5VBSFJ”]Get Sand Cloud Mint Baja Towel Blanket Bag on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Libra: Libra travels in search of balance and harmony everywhere she goes. She’s a connoisseur of the finer things in life.
1. A Skincare Kit to Help You Look Fresh
While other signs may look at travel as an opportunity to leave their standard makeup and hair routines back at home, you won’t see Libra looking anything less than her best. That’s why she travels with the Daily Concepts Spa To Go kit. Amazon
With its cleansing wash, gentle exfoliating scrub, purging mask, nourishing lotion, and washcloth, this kit helps Libra keep her complexion bright and fresh—even after a red-eye flight.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Concepts-Spa-To-Go/dp/B01GJ7YMGA/”]Get Daily Concepts Spa To Go on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. A Watercolor Kit to Use When Inspiration Strikes
Libra’s got a thing for good art, and she seeks it out every time she travels. When inspiration strikes at a museum or gallery, she even likes to create some of her own designs. Fortunately, the Field Artist Pro Travel Watercolor Kit contains everything she needs to create watercolor paintings on the go. Amazon
The travel-friendly kit easily slides into a purse, so Libra can have it at the ready next time she wants to capture a scene by hand.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Field-Artist-Pro-12HP-WATERCOLOR/dp/B01N7KV2DI/”]Get Field Artist Pro Travel Watercolor Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. A Scale to Keep the Peace
Few things will frazzle harmony-seeking Libra more than getting called out by a gate agent over the weight of her bag. Amazon
A luggage scale will help her make sure her bag doesn’t exceed any of those pesky limitations from the airlines, so she can board the plane without a hitch.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-EL15-Digital-Luggage-Scale/dp/B0186K8T9O/”]Get AmazonBasics Digital Luggage Scale on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Scorpio: Scorpio values her privacy and her control when traveling. She hates being derailed, and instead prefers to pursue her passions with a sense of empowerment.
1. A Shield from Prying Eyes
The Zoppen Multipurpose RFID-Blocking Travel Passport Wallet will help Scorpio maintain her privacy when she’s away from home. It can hold her passport, credit cards, boarding pass, cash, and everything else she might need as she gets from point A to B, and it has a built-in shield to prevent thieves from stealing her personal info. Amazon
Once she has it, she’ll never travel without it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Zoppen-Mulit-purpose-Blocking-Passport-Organizer/dp/B07CWKLS16/”]Get Zoppen Multipurpose RFID-Blocking Travel Passport Wallet on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. Travel Bottles for Your Favorite Toiletries
If you think Scorpio’s okay with using whatever shampoo’s available at her hotel, you’ve got another thing coming. She demands control over everything she’s putting on her body. These Kitdine Portable Soft Silicone Travel Bottles make it easy for her to take along her favorite toiletries, so she doesn’t have to worry about dry skin or frizzy hair when she’s away from home. Amazon
Plus, these TSA-approved bottles are reusable, so you never have to buy the overpriced travel-size versions of your favorite products again.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kitdine-Portable-Silicone-Travel-bottles/dp/B00WO69JOQ/”]Get Kitdine Portable Soft Silicone Travel Bottles on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. Travel Planner to Capture Every Detail of a Trip
Scorpio likes being in control of her schedule and travel plans. The Erin Condren Travel Petite Planner helps her keep all of the nitty gritty details of her trips in one organized place. The book offers places to jot down your packing list, travel to-dos, flight info, hotel details, weather, outfit of the day, must-see sites, and just about anything else you’d like to record on a trip. Amazon
Sure, you could do it all on your phone—but there’s never a risk of running out of battery with an old-school notebook, and that’s just the control that Scorpio thrives upon.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Condren-Travel-Petite-Planner/dp/B07D3YCCNX/”]Get Erin Condren Travel Petite Planner on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Sagittarius: Wanderlust-fueled Sagittarius has the most frequent flier miles of all the signs. She maxes out her vacation time every year, and never returns to the same place twice.
1. A Power Adapter That Works Almost Anywhere
With so many trips to keep track of, Sagittarius can’t be bothered fumbling around with a sack of different power adapters to find a particular one. She’s better off relying on a Universal Power Adapter that will give her electronics some juice any place she visits. Amazon
This one works in more than 150 countries.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Universal-HAOZI-International-European-Countries/dp/B074CRS574/”]Get Universal Power Adapter on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. A Passport Holder with a Mantra
Sagittarius collects just one thing: passport stamps. The Nomad Lane ‘Just Go’ Standard Passport Wallet will protect her most important documents in style. The RFID-blocking wallet can hold up to two passports, along with SIM cards, credit cards, and boarding passes. Amazon
What’s more, it’s got a beautiful vegan leather shell with a simple outline of the world—the perfect reminder for Sagittarius to press forward on her next adventure.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Nomad-Lane-Standard-Passport-Wallet/dp/B07F93RFVF/”]Get Nomad Lane ‘Just Go’ Standard Passport Wallet on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. Bag Tags That Just Won’t Quit
It’s no secret that the airlines don’t exactly treat your luggage with the utmost care. Durable luggage tags, like these rose gold ones, will stand up to all kinds of abuse Sagittarius’s luggage might endure on her adventures. Amazon
It also hides her personal details behind a discreet airplane icon—it’s there if her bags get lost, but it won’t reveal her contact info to other nosy travelers along the way.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Luggage-ACdream-Leather-Travel-Pieces/dp/B071CDKDF5/”]Get Rose Gold Luggage Tags on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Capricorn: A climber at heart, Capricorn never gets distracted from her goals, whether that’s trekking to one of the world’s highest peaks or just having the most relaxing vacation ever.
1. Socks to Hit the Trails
Goal-oriented Capricorn’s bound to hit the trails whenever she can on her travels. A pair of well-made socks, like the FITS Light Hiker Socks, will aid her journey. These socks promise to stay in place, cushion the heel, wick away sweat, and keep her cozy—even on a challenging hike. Amazon
This is one travel accessory that will stand up to all the physical challenges this persistent traveler takes on.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/FITS-Light-Hiker-Socks-Titanium/dp/B07BVS1K88/”]Get FITS Light Hiker Socks on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. A Spare Charger to Juice Up Your Devices
With her work-hard, play-hard mindset, Capricorn can sometimes find it hard to step away from a pressing assignment—even when she’s traveling. The ZMI PowerPack Portable Charger will ensure her essential devices have enough power to let her finish up every last outstanding task on her to-do list. Amazon
This portable charger is super slim, yet can charge an iPhone 7 almost four times—perfect to help Capricorn keep busy on her journeys.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ZMI-PowerPack-Smallest-Ultra-Compact-Separately/dp/B06XRVHDLM/”]Get ZMI PowerPack Portable Charger on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. Headphones for Supreme Focus
When Capricorn’s got a goal in mind, she has no tolerance for anything that might distract her from achieving it. These Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones will silence any distracting sounds and help her focus on whatever needs to get done. Amazon
The battery allows for 20 hours of uninterrupted wireless use (40 hours if you plug the headphones in!). Break these headphones out and you’ll be able to focus on the details of your planning, finally get through that novel, or focus on a flick.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bose-QuietComfort-Wireless-Headphones-Cancelling/dp/B01E3SNO3E/”]Get Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Aquarius: A non-conformist at heart, Aquarius takes pride in forging her own path. She’s free-spirited, humanitarian, and spontaneous.
1. Pretty Postcards for Snail-Mail Surprises
Known for getting caught up in the moment, Aquarius can sometimes struggle to stay in touch with her friends and family back at home. Taking along a pack of postcards, like this vintage travel-themed set, will ensure she has all the necessary supplies to jot a quick note to her loved ones when she’s far away. Amazon
Plus, she’ll love switching over to snail mail instead of using email like everybody else.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Postcard-Vintage-Posters-Aviation-European/dp/B071ZB36RQ/”]Get Vintage Travel Posters Postcard Set on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. An Instant Camera for a Rebel Photographer
Aquarius despises conventionality—she’s over the idea of taking millions of pics on her phone and posting the gems on social media. The Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera will give her the chance to go analog in a digital world. Amazon
She can snap photos of all her adventures and print them instantly—all from one compact device. And should she wish to sneak back on Instagram once again, she’ll be able to download all her favorite images right from the camera.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Instant-Digital-Printing-Technology/dp/B015JIA97Q/”]Get Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. Sleep anywhere with these silk travel sheets.
A traveler as free-spirited as go-with-the-flow Aquarius needs to be able to plop down anywhere. Fortunately, these mulberry silk travel sheets from Brave Era allow her to do just that. They fold up into a handy pouch no larger than your smartphone. And when you’re ready to use them, simply spread them along any flat surface. Amazon
Voila! You’ve got a portable bed that’s just as comfy as what you’ve got back at home.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRF32D8/”]Get Brave Era Naturally Hypoallergenic Silk Travel Sheets on Amazon here.[/link-button]
Pisces: Pisces is a compassionate traveler who has a lot of wisdom and can occasionally get caught up with her emotions.
1. A Journal to Record Your Journey
Travel is a time of deep personal growth for many people. As a sensitive sign, Pisces in particular will benefit from processing her experiences by journaling in the Moleskine Voyageur Traveler’s Notebook. Amazon
With ruled, dotted, and blank pages, the notebook offers plenty of opportunity for Pisces to practice free-form expression in whatever way resonates most with her. She’ll love reflecting back on the thoughts and ideas she had on the road once she gets back home.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Voyageur-Travellers-Notebook-Nutmeg/dp/8867326155/”]Get Moleskine Voyageur Traveler’s Notebook on Amazon here.[/link-button]
2. An Audrey Hepburn-Inspired Sleep Mask
The vivid experiences of the day can keep Pisces up for hours at night. The Fitglam Natural Silk Sleep Mask will help her wind down without distraction when she’s turning in at night. Amazon
Just slip it on when you’re ready for bed and let the woes of the world fade away naturally.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Fitglam-Natural-Sleep-Eyelashes-Patterns/dp/B01HPODBJK/”]Get Fitglam Natural Silk Sleep Mask on Amazon here.[/link-button]
3. A Quick-Dry Towel with Lunar Energy
A water sign, Pisces is never too far away from the river, lake, or sea. A quick-dry beach towel, like this one from DryFoxCo, will help her stay dry and comfortable once she’s done splashing around. Amazon
Plus, the heavenly moon design will look gorgeous spread out onto the sand and inspire Pisces to tap into her inherent wisdom.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YXSTPF/”]Get DryFoxCo Quick-Dry Reversible Microfiber Beach Towel on Amazon here.[/link-button]
The moment has come. You’ve traveled a long way to get here. This time five years ago you were fingering Cheeto dust at the bottom of the bag, trying to scrape out those last crumbs as you finished binge-watching reruns of Friends. (Alright, that was also you last weekend. Some things will never change, okay?) You were numbing your feelings with junk food and the wrong people, completely cut off from your own mind. You were at a job you hated, just trying to make it to the end of every day because sleep. You couldn’t remember when you’d last taken the time to look closely at your own body in the shower. Now, things are falling into place. You’re going to therapy and doing the internal work. You have a 401k and supportive coworkers. You’re brushing your teeth the recommended number of times a day and sleeping on a regular schedule and eating spinach most days. Crucially, you believe in your ability to live differently. One thing you have always thought would be fun to be—not as a necessity for value, but as the kind of cherry on top of a rich inner world, a fulfilling job, and healthy relationships—is A Polished Lady. You know at least one of these women already. They’re handy and scrappy and effortlessly pretty. They have an encyclopedic knowledge of life and beauty hacks. Their nails and their homes are always clean. They carry healthy snacks with them and can tell you exactly what to order at Starbucks that will keep you within your macronutrient goals for the day and they give great restaurant recommendations and their white shirts stay so, so white. They know how to sort laundry! “Effortlessly” is an illusion, of course. That is the trick! These women work incredibly hard. Either that or they have, over time, mastered a way of incorporating these routine investments in maintenance tasks (tasks that you’ve routinely ignored, because you like to spend as little time as possible in the shower, doing laundry, or staring at your own toes) so that they become effortless. Once you realize this, you can stop A) beating yourself up for being the lovable, beautiful slob that you are and B) telling yourself that you could never be like them even if you tried, so why bother? Now that you are meeting your most basic needs with regularity and are interested in this pursuit of polishedness, read on for 40 recommendations that may help you master the process.
1. Rub some dirt on your face.
Part of looking polished means keeping the largest organ of your body—your skin—healthy and clear. It’s interesting to think about who might’ve been the first human to say, “Let me rub this mud on my face and wait for half an hour while my pores get smaller.” We are glad someone did, though. Since our skin is of the oily, acne-prone variety, one of our skincare favorites is this Dead Sea mud mask, which is supposed to remove dead skin cells, improve acne scarring, stimulate circulation, and unclog pores. Amazon Made from mineral Dead Sea mud, shea butter, and aloe vera, this mask should be used only once a week and left on for 10-15 minutes (though we have definitely left it on for upwards of an hour). The scent is hard to pin down, but the words “floral,” “earthy,” “magical,” and “forest” come to mind. Pure Body Naturals Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body, $12.66 from Amazon
2. Peel off blemishes.
This resurfacing Korean beauty product uses green tea extracts to brighten skin and tighten pores. Centella extract is supposed to help heal wounds, fight wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity. Amazon The product—comprised of 30 solution-soaked cotton pads—acts as both a chemical and mechanical exfoliant. Use it anywhere from twice a week to twice a day, depending on what your skin handles best. Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Green Tea, 30 pads, $19.50 from Amazon
3. Patch your pimples.
Beauty writer Rio Viera-Newton swears by Cosrx Pimple Patches, calling them “the Holy Grail.” We all know that you aren’t supposed to pick at your pimples or pop them, but if you do, these patches—which come in varying sizes to help you find the perfect fit—can do serious damage control. Amazon Just put them on before bed and by morning your acne will be flattened and less inflamed. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, 24 Patches, $4.97 from Amazon
4. Shrink and prevent painful bumps.
All bodies manifest stress in different ways. Ours tells us is it is unhappy—because of too little sleep, not eating well, or PMS—by sprouting swollen, angry bumps that scar our delicate skin, making that fresh-faced, makeup-free look kind of an impossibility. Amazon This cystic acne spot treatment uses bentonite clay to draw out impurities and calm irritated skin, making it the perfect balm for an inflamed face. It also employs pink grapefruit, lemon, spearmint, and peppermint, meaning it smells absolutely delicious. TreeActiv Cystic Acne Spot Treatment, $23.70 from Amazon
5. Acupressure your pressure away.
Speaking of stress, it’s best dealt with early. If at all possible, you want to manage your tension before it shows up in your body as a strange skin ailment. Enter the acupressure mat, a treatment you can administer to yourself whenever and wherever you need it. While the scientific literature suggests that acupuncture and acupressure benefits are only placebo effects, these can still be powerful—even equal to the positive effects offered by traditional treatments, according to Harvard Health—particularly in scenarios where your brain is controlling the symptoms, as with pain perception. Amazon Even if you don’t reap the desired benefits, if you have a flexible spending account, you should be able to use it to buy your mat, tax-free, meaning it can’t hurt to give it a try, right? This mat and pillow set comes with a vinyl carry bag for storage and travel, and claims to relieve stress, back, neck, and sciatic pain. The reviews are glowing, with the product receiving a 4.4-star rating out of 5 from 2,593 consumers. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Guess the placebo effect is strong with this one. Nayoya Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set, $39.97 from Amazon
6. Blot your shine.
There’s nothing that can ruin a lovely face of makeup quite like looking as if you’ve dunked your face in oil. For those of you who have naturally dry skin, this sounds like a strange concept, but please believe us when we say that many of us confront the daily reality of makeup melting off our faces because of a naturally oilier disposition. Amazon Rather than layering powder on your nose and cheeks several times a day, you can use blotting papers to get that cleaner T-zone look you crave. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Facial Blotting Sheets, $26.42 from Amazon
7. Screen the sun.
Another way to stay looking fresh is to protect your skin from UV rays. How? Get into the habit of wearing sunscreen every single day, rain or shine, summer or winter. Ideally you would do this with all parts of your exposed skin, but if you do it nowhere else, at least protect your face and neck. Amazon We’re fans of this hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, fragrance-free, and oil-free daily facial moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 35 sunscreen, which moisturizes without looking greasy. Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer With Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen, $8.69 from Amazon
8. Shield yourself.
Because the importance of sun protection cannot be overstated, we’re going to also recommend mechanically screening the sunlight with a big, luscious hat—one of those floppy, wide-brimmed numbers that make you look classy as all get-out. Amazon Luxury Divas Wide Brimmed Wool Floppy Hat, $24.99 from Amazon
9. Shave with the right blades.
In order to get the best shave, experts recommend choosing a razor with a soothing strip and more than one blade. If you’re going to invest, might as well hit two birds with one stone and go for this Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor for Women with Bikini Trimmer, so that you can address all your different shaving needs with one razor. Amazon This comes with a built-in waterproof trimmer, an adjustable comb, five “curv-sensing” blades, and a soothing strip with hypoallergenic moisturizing serum. To soften the skin and make hair removal easier, be sure to let yourself warm up in the water for about 10 minutes before putting these blades to work. Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor, $8 from Amazon
10. Try a man’s razor.
For years we have been a devotee of the Schick Hydro Silk TrimStyle Moisturizing Razor for Women, so we feel pretty confident about this recommendation. But, let’s say you’ve been using that for a while and you’re looking to switch things up, perhaps to see if the grass is a little greener—and better trimmed—on the other, more masculine side of the fence. Amazon If there is one issue we are more inclined to defer to men on, it’s shaving, since the hair they’re removing is literally all across their faces, and it’s coarse. Certainly they’ve had incentive to master the art of shaving coarse hair well. Plus, their products are usually cheaper. GQ recommends sticking to three or fewer blades, as the fourth or fifth blade’s pass over sensitive skin may be too much. Gillette Mach3 Men’s Razor, $7.05 from Amazon
11. Use a pre-shave oil.
This luxe pre-shave oil contains grapeseed oil, organic olive oil, sandalwood oil, meadowfoam oil, vitamin E, wheat germ oil, cranberry oil, red raspberry oil, rosemary extract, and neem oil. It is formulated especially “for men with tough beards, ingrown hairs and sensitive skin prone to razor burn.” Amazon What is a woman’s underbrush if not a small beard? We’re taking a page from the men’s grooming book and buying some for our new shave routine as A Polished Lady. Best Pre-Shave Oil, Sandalwood, $12.97 from Amazon
12. Exfoliate down there to prevent ingrown hair.
To prevent irritation, stick to shaving your nether regions only once every third day, using a disinfected razor that is still sharp. (A razor is officially too old to use once you notice rusting, dulling, tugging of the hair, or nicking of the skin. To prolong your razor’s life, you can cut down your shaves to once or twice a week and store your razor in a dry place instead of in the shower, where it’s more likely to rust or accumulate bacteria.) Amazon Before these shaves, you can exfoliate the skin with these colorful washcloths to prevent those painful bumps where your hair curls back into your body like a terrible magic trick. Unclog those pores before it’s too late! 8-Piece Asian Exfoliating Bath Washcloths, $5.19 from Amazon
13. Nix razor bumps.
In addition to choosing the right razor, letting your skin warm up, and exfoliating, you’ll want to use an after-shave solution to minimize irritation. Amazon After splashing skin with cold water to close up pores and drying the skin, you can apply this solution—made up of organic coconut oil, unrefined African shea butter, vitamins A and E, jojoba oil, olive oil, and willow bark extract—to help with redness, ingrown hairs, and razor bumps. Shea Moisture Tea Tree After Shave & Bump Preventer Herbal Elixir, $8.79 from Amazon
14. Catch strays.
If you thought all you had to worry about was your bikini zone, well, maybe you are right! It is your body, wonderful however you choose to keep it. But, for many of us, feeling put together means making sure we have the means to get rid of some random stray hair, however unlikely a place it might pop up. Amazon Sometimes there are hairs on our faces that catch us by surprise, and for this, we have precision trimmers. If your eyebrows, nose hairs, or delicate ladystache are giving you grief, mow ‘em down with a handy gadget like this one, which comes with multiple attachments to fit your needs. Philips Norelco Nose, Ear, and Eyebrow Hair Trimmer NT5175/49, $17.95 from Amazon
15. Wax on, wax off.
There comes a time in every lady’s life when she considers the pros and cons of waxing. For those of you unwilling to brave the salon (or spend all your money there), you may be interested in at-home options. Amazon According to many, waxing is painful and not worth all the effort—but sometimes the promise of a few extra hairless-without-having-to-shave days is worth it, especially if you’ve got a vacation planned. This waxing kit includes four packs of hard wax (lavender and honey!), a professional-style variety that adheres to the hair instead of the skin. SKINOSM Hard Wax Warmer Kit, $28.99 from Amazon
16. Make your hair removal portable by always carrying a pair of tweezers.
Now that we’ve covered the bases as far as body hair goes, let’s consider the hair on our heads. Flakes in the ’do will not do, so if you suffer from regular dandruff, make sure to have a few shampoos in your lineup to rotate between that make your hair feel luxurious and not sad. Amazon This hypoallergenic shampoo from Maple Holistics is gentle and contains no sulfates or parabens. After 4,484 customer reviews, the product has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo for Anti Dandruff, $10.40 from Amazon
18. Hot oil treatment yourself.
Your hair needs some hot, hot lovin’ to keep it shiny, strong, and soft. Treat yourself by giving it a weekly hot oil soak.
Whether you suffer from stankfeet, calluses, toenail fungus, or athlete’s foot, regularly dunking your dogs in this tea tree oil foot soak should be your salvation, according to 3,352 reviewers who gave this product a 4.7-out-of-5-stars rating. Amazon Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak, $13.16 from Amazon
20. Peel your way from Baby Dino to baby toes.
Before you begin a regimen of regular soaks, you may want to take on the task of watching your stompers molt like two desert lizards. Amazon Truly, during the treatment, they will seem as exotic to you as two rainforest insects during metamorphosis. You will barely recognize your feet by the end, because, friend, they will be the feet of an infant human, as is promised by the brand name, Baby Foot. Lavender Scented Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel, $15.99 from Amazon
21. File your feet.
If you want to be A Polished Lady while not also becoming A Broke Lady, you will want to invest in the kinds of items that you’d be treated to during a professional pedicure so that you don’t have to spend a big chunk o’ cash on them several times a month. Amazon A foot file is the callus remover you’ll need to make your DIY pedi a reality. Microplane Colossal Pedicure Rasp, $8.99 from Amazon
22. Choose a go-to nail color that’s clean and versatile.
Nude, white, and light pink are all good options for a nail color that will match almost anything while resembling the color of your actual nail or nail bed. Amazon essie nail polish in fiji, $8.77 from Amazon
23. Tend to your cuticles, carefully.
Even if you don’t have time to paint your nails, a little cuticle work and clear polish can go a long way. This stainless steel cuticle trimmer and cuticle pusher are easy to hold because of an ergonomic non-slip rubber-coated handle design. Experts recommend not cutting your cuticles because of the increased risk for nail damage and infection. Amazon The point is this: Your cuticle is your last line of defense against bacteria entering the nail, and live skin should not be cut. Instead, use the cuticle pusher to push back the cuticle skin, only using the trimmer to nip away dead skin and hangnails. ECBASKET Cuticle Trimmer with Cuticle Pusher, $8.49 from Amazon
24. Or keep your cuticles completely intact and condition them.
If you don’t want to do anything at all to your cuticles and are more concerned with making your nails strong and healthy, you can still look polished by keeping your nails filed or trimmed and throwing on some cuticle oil with healing properties, like this option with lavender, lemon, and antifungal tea tree essential oils. Amazon Bee Naturals Nail Oil, $17.83 from Amazon
25. Scrub your paws with a little nail brush.
Your long, gorgeous, pristine nails will only stay that way until you eat lunch, or a chocolate donut, or dig into a bag of Cheetos. Then it’s gunk city. Amazon Even if your nails are painted and you can’t readily see the grime underneath them, it’s just unsanitary. Invest in some nail brushes and keep them around your home and in your purses so that they’re always available when you need them. BTYMS Handle Nail Brush Nail Hand Scrubbing Cleaning Brush, Pack of 6, $6.99 from Amazon
26. Find a tailor and a sewing kit.
One of the surest ways to look put together is to wear well-made clothing that fits you properly. Choose fabrics that are high quality rather than the kind of cheap threads that are designed to fall apart after a single wash. One of the easiest ways to test a material’s durability while you’re shopping is to take a handful of it and ball it up in your fist; if when you let go it stays crinkled rather than returning to its original shape, you should probably pass. Find a good tailor and cherish them. Amazon Then, get a sewing kit for yourself so you can do the simple stuff—like replacing buttons or patching up holes—by yourself. Weecosy Sewing Kit, $9.99 from Amazon
27. Get a couple of travel makeup bags and fill them with the same items to keep in different places.
Once you’ve mastered a shorthand version of your makeup routine—something quick and dirty that you’d be able to do in a mirror the size of the palm of your hand in little more than five minutes—buy those items in sets of two or three so that you can make a few different mini makeup bags to travel with you anywhere.
One way you can cut down on the number of things you need to bring along in your travel makeup bag is by choosing multipurpose items, like a lip color that’s good for any occasion and that can be used as both a blush and a lip moisturizer. Amazon This Lipstick Queen Lipstick in Medieval is a sheer red with moisturizing vitamin E, so it will offer a subtle lip color—modeled after the natural blush medieval women used to create on their lips by rubbing lemon on them—while preventing dryness. Smudge on the apples of your cheeks and you’ve got a quick blush! Lipstick Queen Lipstick, $18 from Amazon
29. Floss.
In addition to the makeup, throw in something mouth-freshening—like toothpaste or mouthwash—and floss. Amazon Floss might seem like overkill, but imagine the number of times you’ve been stuck in public having eaten something seedy or gristly or pulpy, with no way to clean between your teeth. You’ll thank us later. Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Dental Floss, $5.77 from Amazon
30. Smell good.
In addition to a perfume that you keep at home, you can stash away a small bit of smell-good scent to slap on after the gym or before you go out for after-work festivities. Amazon This fruit-forward rollerball from DKNY is described as “a modern feast for the senses.” Donna Karan DKNY Be Delicious Eau de Parfum for Women, $18.74 from Amazon
31. Remove your stains on the go.
Being A Polished Lady is a lot of work if you haven’t gathered that much yet. It means anticipating problems and already having the solution available. A common problem is STAINS, so another thing you’ll want to have around at all times is a travel-size stain remover since every stain is best dealt with early. Amazon At home you can get to the specifics of how to best deal with the stain, but if you’re out you have to work with what you’ve got. (A quick warning: Don’t treat the stain with this stuff while the clothing is still on your body.) OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick, Pack of 2, $6.88 from Amazon
32. Fit what you need into one or two big purses that will match anything you wear.
As we have established, looking polished is all about planning—and packing. When you’re going out for a long day—one that starts with work and ends in a night out with no time to go home and freshen up in between—you’ll want to rely on a large purse. Amazon Buy a few that you like and at least one that will match with anything you wear and rotate between them. Jack&Chris New Vintage Cow Leather Handbag, Tote Bag, MC506
33. Invest in a pair of earrings that won’t irritate your ears and that you can wear every day.
The point is to look put together but not to spend your life doing so. Hacks like choosing a pair of earrings that you don’t have to change out of every night can make things simpler for you. We love our tiny, endless hoop gold earrings because they are real gold, meaning they cause zero irritation, and they match with everything. Amazon We literally haven’t taken them out a single time in over 7 months. There’s just something that feels glamorous about showering in jewelry! 14K Yellow Gold Continuous Endless Hoop Earrings, $59.95 from Amazon
34. Cheese with confidence—and charcoal.
Pearly whites feeling lackluster? The color of your teeth can have a huge impact on your overall appearance of health. Many (74 percent of 17,128 customers, at least) swear by the whitening powers of stain-sucking charcoal, specifically this Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder. Amazon The product is a natural alternative to peroxides, whitening teeth over time by removing marks from the big offenders like coffee, wine, and cigarettes. Be warned that you will look like your teeth are rotting out of your skull when you’re in the middle of this treatment. Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder, $19.99 from Amazon
35. Or whiten more traditionally.
If you’re a bit skeptical about rubbing something gritty on your teeth because you love your enamel VERY, VERY MUCH and don’t want to risk anything happening to it and are worried about the fact that dentists haven’t exactly given their seal of approval to the charcoal whitening method, you can always rely on the tried and true Crest Whitestrips. Amazon Crest 3D White Glamorous White Whitestrips, $34.79 from Amazon
36. Stop stuffing your workout clothes in your work bag.
Your sweaty, smelly sneakers do not belong right next to your expensive work laptop! Purchase a bag that’s intended specifically for the gym, like this sleek, breathable, and not-too-big option with a special compartment for shoes. Amazon You’ll be a regular gym rat before you know it! Kuston Sports Gym Bag Shoes Compartment Travel Duffel Bag, $29.89 from Amazon
37. Weekend in style.
The days of lugging around your beat-up rolling suitcase from 2009 are over. No longer will you struggle to stuff your barely-meets-size-requirements suitcase into the overhead bin as annoyed passengers look on. Amazon You are A Polished Lady now, and you will travel elegantly with this well-designed weekender bag, which holds three to five outfits and your toiletries while looking extremely pretty. Malirona Canvas Weekender Bag Travel Duffel Bag, $31.99 from Amazon
38. Buy a neutral-colored clutch as your backup purse.
While a big purse is a must-have for the woman on the go, she must also have something smaller to switch to when it’s not a good idea to lug around a giant bag, like at a club or party. Amazon Carrying around a neutral-colored clutch inside your larger bag gives you the option of leaving your larger items at work or at a friend’s place and taking with you only what you need for the night out, without risking a huge mismatch. Humble Chic Vegan Leather Wristlet Wallet Clutch Bag, $19.89 from Amazon
39. Declutter your home and wardrobe.
Sometimes one of the most transformative things you can do is to simplify the space where you spend most of your time. Amazon In this book, Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo gives a detailed guide on how to minimize the things that are junking up your home and stealing your joy. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, $9.99 from Amazon
40. Hoard some words that ground you.
As you’re making all the external changes, don’t neglect what’s inside. Heather Havrilesky’s weekly advice column, Ask Polly, is one of our go-to reads when despair is high and inspiration is low. Amazon How to Be a Person in the World: Ask Polly’s Guide Through the Paradoxes of Modern Life is a compilation of some of her greatest hits. How to Be a Person in the World, $10.20 from Amazon
Is there anything more beautiful than healthy, glowing skin? You’ve probably looked in the mirror, maybe after splurging on a facial or taking a restorative yoga class, and noticed an inexplicable radiance. Your skin looked perfectly sun-kissed, with a bright complexion and dewy shine. Why can’t your skin look like this all the time? Here’s a skincare secret: You can get that glowing skin every day, with a diligent skincare regimen and the right arsenal of products and cosmetics. Here are the ones that will help you get your glow on.
A single product that claims to do seven different things (act as a serum, eye cream, anti-aging cream, moisturizer, brightener, and more) immediately had me skeptical. But just one application of the MMXV Infinitude cream got me hooked. The gluey formula, infused with fermented white truffle, falernum grape extract, and olive extract, blended into the skin surprisingly nicely. While my skin absorbed it in just a few minutes, the cream gave my complexion an elegant luminescence that lasted longer than the effects of most facials.
After trying this scrub a few times, I’m still not sure whether I prefer putting it on or taking it off. The snow-white paste blankets my face in the most beautiful botanical scent, while the exfoliants are so fine, they practically tickle away dead skin and build-up in pores. But what’s revealed when you wash it away is a smooth, shining complexion that feels hydrated and fresh. I could use this stuff every day.
It’s tough for the natural glow of your skin to shine through layers of pollution that build up over time. Enter this serum from ASARAI. It uses natural antioxidants (like bisabolol extract from chamomile and seaweed) and vitamins to destroy free radicals on the skin. A few drops of this serum, which had a lotion-like consistency, gave me a velvet glow akin to the best Instagram filters. You know how it can take a couple of tries before you decide whether you like a skincare product? With this serum, it was love at first pump.
The famous, spa-like Blue Lagoon outside of Reykjavík, Iceland, has built a reputation as the go-to place to reap the healthy properties of mineral rich water and soil. Fortunately, you don’t have to hop on a plane to experience the skin-enhancing benefits of volcanic earth. This lava scrub mask, straight from the natural attraction itself, features geothermal seawater, silica, and granular lava that help remove dead skin. After wearing the coarse black mask for 15 minutes, my skin felt smooth and even, and my natural radiance peeked through. It still doesn’t beat a trip to Iceland—but it’s a pretty good way to look like you were there.
While I’m normally a mix-and-match kinda girl when it comes to skincare products, the entire Katess collection won me over for its simple assortment of products that play really well together. (Not to mention the packaging that looks straight out of a Wes Anderson film.) The Japanese brand takes a four-step approach to skincare. It starts with a cleansing foam that bursts with a citrus scent, and leaves the skin feeling equal parts clean and hydrated. Then, you apply a “treatment essence” (basically a toner made with sake) that seemed to suck up all the oil. The day serum completely rehydrated the skin and even plumped it up a little bit, using wasabi extract to even out the tone. Already, my skin was beaming. But there was still one more step to go: Applying the non-oily sunscreen—because there’s no such thing as glowing skin when you’ve got a sunburn.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not feed your skin something amazing in the morning? Meet the No B.S. Vitamin C+E Serum—It’s like a healthy, organic meal packed with vitamins for your skin. Vitamin C helps brighten your complexion, while vitamin E aims to protect skin from aging agents, like pollution. What I love about this serum, though, is that the golden goo blended in smoothly and left a subtle shimmer on my skin. This glow-inducing product gets bonus points for having a chemical-free formula and ingredients I could actually recognize (well, most of ‘em).
Dream of a dewy complexion that looks like you’ve been sleeping in a field of posies all day? I’m not saying INIKA’s new Cream Illuminisor will give you exactly that, but it’ll come pretty close. It has a different feel than other highlighters—more of a chapstick-like texture than a pressed powder—so you have to spend a little extra time blending it properly. But once you’ve applied it evenly, you’ll get an ethereal glow that’s tough to mimic with other products. Choose from rose, gold, or spice, depending on the tone of your skin and your desired look.
A healthy glow starts with cleansers, serums, and moisturizers that keep the skin clean and healthy. But a cosmetic highlighter, like Bar of Gold from celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, gives your overall look some oomph. A couple swipes of this delicate gold dust on my cheekbones, nose, cupid’s bow, and wherever else is looking a little dull has become a part of my morning routine—and just pulling out the glamorous flip case makes me feel like a diva. This product frequently sells out, so consider splurging on the newBar of Gold Palette if you can’t wait for a restock of the original, and get ready to shine. We’re not saying you need products to look your best—but when you’ve got #glowingskin goals, there’s nothing wrong with a couple potions to give you an extra boost. Here’s to a healthy radiance, however you get there.
There’s no one path to wellness. In a world filled with dictatorial diets, detailed skincare routines, endless pressure to stay fit, and apps that nudge us to meditate on schedule, it’s totally refreshing to remind ourselves that we can pick and choose the practices that make us feel our best—even if that changes day to day. But the idea of individualized wellness isn’t a novel concept—it’s exactly what Ayurvedic medicine has prescribed for 5,000 years. Ayurvedic medicine is widely considered the world’s oldest healthcare system—yet, with so many of us seeking alternatives and complementary approaches to traditional Western medicine, it’s more relevant than ever.
What is Ayurvedic medicine?
On a metaphysical level, Ayurveda is built around the five elements of ether, fire, air, water, and earth, and says we’re all composed of three distinctive doshas, or energies, known as vata, pitta, and kapha. The Indian philosophy finds no separation between the mind and body; rather, every part of ourselves is intertwined deeply with spirituality and the environment. Ayurvedic medicine aims to determine what you need and when, in effort to optimize your wellbeing. “Ayurveda is the ancient Indian science which I call the manual for living a healthy life. In the age of modern medicine … Ayurveda can bring a fresh breeze,” explainsSeema Datta, an Ayurvedic medicine consultant with more than 20 years of experience. “Ayurvedic medicine focuses on prevention of the disease first and treatment when needed. It includes diet and lifestyle, meditation, breathing, positive affirmations, herbs, and various physical treatments.” Here’s the thing, though: If you’re looking for scientific proof for most of the promised benefits of Ayurvedic medicine, you won’t find it (at least not according to theNational Institutes of Health). But anyone who’s dabbled in wellness rituals knows that these practices are instead much more about whether something makes sense for your life in a given moment. And that idea perfectly complements the philosophy behind Ayurveda. Plus, the vast array of Ayurvedic medicine practices have little to no risk of harm, so you’ve got nothing to lose. Devoted Ayurvedic practitioners use the teachings of the original Vedic texts (the oldest scriptures of Hinduism) to influence every aspect of their lives, from precisely when they wake up to what to eat when the seasons change. In short, there are lots and lots of rules. But it doesn’t have to be an all-consuming routine. The beauty of Ayurvedic medicine is that you can select the exact combination of practices that work for you—and leave the rest behind. Ready to dive in? Here are some easy ways to incorporate Ayurvedic medicine into your modern life.
Take the Ayurvedic approach to sleep.
Human beings used to rest when it got dark and wake up around sunrise. But in our modern world, our nature as diurnal animals is continually disrupted by our work-focused culture and endless screen time. How many times have you stayed up way too late scrolling through the ‘gram like a zombie (and woken up feeling like one)? Strict Ayurvedic medicine recommends impossibly early bedtimes (i.e. sunset). That’s when we’re most likely to getnon-REM sleep—the kind of shut-eye that actually makes us feel refreshed when we get back up. But since hitting the hay at dusk just isn’t realistic, modern Ayurvedic practitioners say going to bed by 10 p.m. is a happy middle ground. Adjusting your sleep schedule isn’t easy, but it can be done over a couple of weeks. Work on building a better bedtime routine to get your brain ready for sleep earlier in the night. “Notice when you first start yawning and begin your wind-down practice then,” says Cat Pacini, Ayurvedic lifestyle consultant atKripalu Center for Yoga & Health. “Put away the electronics, read an actual book or write in a journal, and consider doing some restorative yoga or stretching—anything that shifts the energy to help you ground.” Ideally, Ayurvedic medicine recommends rising just before sunrise. Easier said than done, but setting your alarm an hour or two before you have to jet off to work will give you time for contemplation and mindfulness—and help you become a more balanced version of yourself. “Even spending just five minutes in the morning to check in with yourself and how you feel will set the right energetic tone for the day,” explains Pacini.
Build a better bathroom routine with Ayurvedic medicine.
Do you brush your teeth and wash your face in the a.m.? Then you’ve already begun incorporating Ayurvedic medicine into your life. “Ayurveda says to do a whole routine in the morning,” says Pacini. “If you really did what the classic texts say, it would take a couple of hours. But the basic idea is you wake up early and take care of your senses.” Since you probably don’t have the time to spend half the morning primping, focus on a few key practices. Ayurvedic practitioners strongly recommend including tongue scraping in your dental hygiene. It helps “clear toxins, bacteria, debris” and other gunk from your tongue, according to Sahara Rose Ketabi, author of the Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda. Just place the scraper on the back of your tongue, gently scrape it forward 10 times, then rinse out your mouth. Ayurvedic medicine also encourages people to give their eyes a little TLC with a gentle spritz of rosewater. “It’s really refreshing, especially for people who do a lot of computer work or face a lot of pollution. Rosewater is cooling—it helps calm red eyes,” says Pacini. Finally, drink a full glass of room-temperature water before ingesting anything else in the morning. It stimulates the “fire” of the digestive system, according to Ayurvedic medicine, and rehydrates you after 8 hours of sleep.
Take care of your skin.
Given that Ayurvedic medicine is about total body healing, it makes sense that it prescribes specific rituals for the largest organ: our skin. Ayurvedic skincare practices will help keep your skin healthy and might even give you an all-day glow. “Try garshana, which means dry brushing,” says Cat Aldana, an integrative Ayurvedic medicine practitioner and founder of the corporate wellness and Ayurvedic retreat companyEat Stretch Nap. “This practice involves using a dry brush to brush skin (like you would hair) in long upward motions towards the heart to circulate energy, increase blood flow, and help shed dry skin. Dry brushing is typically done for 1-2 minutes before a shower and leaves you feeling super refreshed and clean.” You know how glorious your skin and body feel after a massage? You don’t need to go to a spa to get that feeling—give yourself Ayurvedic medicine oil massages, known as abhyanga, right at home. Choose a natural oil, such as organic coconut oil, warm it up, and gently massage it into your body, scalp, and hair, says Aldana. “After you have finished rubbing in the oil, set a timer and lay down in savasana on a towel for 5-20 minutes, or however long your body needs to rest,” she says. “This practice is perfect for smoothing and nurturing your skin while detoxifying the body. The best time for an oil massage is right before a shower. It’s also also a perfect opportunity to notice and appreciate your body for all that it does for you.”
Eat the Ayurvedic way.
Ayurvedic medicine gets pretty detailed when describing what you should eat. It takes into account which dosha is predominant and offers guidelines on meal times, portion sizes, and the best kinds of foods for your body as the seasons change. The idea is that mindful eating fuels our bodies and acts as a deterrent for disease. If you want to dabble in the Ayurvedic diet, start by regulating the size of your meals. While Western cultures typically make breakfast or dinner the largest meal of the day, Ayurvedic medicine recommends lunch as your main meal—that’s when you’ll need the most energy and have ample time to digest properly. “It shouldn’t be a huge meal, but make it the one with the densest amount of nutrients,” says Pacini. “Digestion is strongest at the pitta time of day [10 a.m.-2 p.m.]. Take a lunch break and focus on what you’re eating.” Think salad is your best bet for a healthy, nutrient-rich meal? You’re not wrong, but Ayurvedic medicine believes that cooked food is a little easier on the digestive system. Opt for lightly cooked vegetables and lots of whole foods whenever possible. “Stay clear from excess cold, dry, and raw foods, which can cause a vata imbalance. Vata is a cold, dry energy, therefore we must counterbalance it with warm, moist foods,” says Ketabi. “Make your salad and have soup on the side. Drink hot water with your green juice. Use room temperature instead of frozen fruits in your smoothie. Warm your body so your digestion can work more effectively, allowing you to absorb more nutrients.” As much as you can, cook your own foods to align your body with Ayurvedic medicine. The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook: A Seasonal Guide to Living and Eating Well by Kate O’Donnell offers plenty of easy, tasty recipes backed by vedic knowledge, and serves as a thorough starter guide to Ayurvedic cooking. Finally, eat slowly and mindfully—the Ayurvedic way. Don’t rush through meals or try to work as you chew. “Actually sitting and eating is really important so we can digest our food well. That’s what’s giving us energy and strength,” says Pacini. Ayurvedic medicine provides plenty of tools to help us build healthy, self-care lifestyles. Try out the rituals of this ancient philosophy to see what helps you thrive. And if certain practices don’t appeal to you, ditch ‘em. It’s about making time for yourself, not forcing you into a rigid routine—so embrace it!
Sex toys for women have come a long way from the standard-issue vibrator. Nowadays, you can find discreet devices that simulate oral sex, multipurpose magic wands that bend to your body, sculptural toys that are beautiful enough to display—even hands-free spot stimulators that are controlled from your smartphone. It’s not that there’s anything inherently wrong with the phallic playthings of the past, but women’s bodies are super complicated. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pleasure. Anyone with a vagina has known this since, well, forever, so it should come as no surprise that some of the most innovative sex toys for women are designed by women themselves. Meet the empowered ladies behind 10 pleasure shops and sex toys for women that are putting orgasms in your hands and creating a more sex positive world for all of us.
[sul title=”Le Wand” subheader=”An unexpectedly innovative sex toy for women in a familiar shape”] At first glance, Le Wand might look like a number of other vibrating sex toys for women out there (except its smooth, pearly finish makes it much prettier). But this magic wand (designed by a team of women) features 20 different vibration patterns and 10 speeds, putting it worlds above the competition in terms of personalized pleasure. This sex toy for women is also rechargeable, splash-proof, and cordless (for seamless orgasms). “Tapping into the pleasure your body is capable of is a powerful experience, and we created Le Wand to help people do that,” says Alicia Sinclair, CEO of Le Wand and a certified sex educator. If the 200 combinations of vibrations weren’t enough, Le Wand has also launched an assortment ofattachments you can pop on Le Wand for even more variety. Therippled silicone head promises both clitoral and vaginal stimulation, while thefirm curve attachment targets the G-spot. For Sinclair, it was about offering endless options of sensations from smartly-designed sex toys for women. “We want to give women, and people of all gender identities, the power of choice when exploring their sexuality, rather than a prescribed method for getting off,” she says.
[sul title=”TickleKitty” subheader=”Sex toys for women, curated by a sexology expert”] Sadie Allison knows a thing or two about sex toys for women—she holds a doctorate from theInstitute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality and has authoredsix “how-to” sex books. So when you browse the handpicked products on offer at Allison’s online sex toy boutique, TickleKitty, you really can’t go wrong with anything that ends up in your shopping cart. “Launching my boutique was a natural extension to my mission [of sharing my knowledge on sexuality],” she says. The selective stock of sex toys for women at TickleKitty feels exclusive, yet anything but limited. Customer favorites include theWomanizer Starlet(an air puff toy similar to the Satisfyer), Le Wand, and theRocking G Rabbit (“which has an independent stroker that moves in the ‘come-hither’ motion,” says Allison). “I select toys that are female body-safe, made with the highest quality materials, offer a multitude of functions and vibrations, and come at a variety of price-points so everyone—from the newcomer to the aficionado—can enjoy,” she says.
[sul title=”Dame Products” subheader=”Raising our expectations of sex toys for women”] Alex Fine has a “true passion for passion.” But rather than pursuing a career in sex therapy, she channeled what she learned from her clinical psychology education at Columbia University into something else entirely: creating sex toys for women. The products out there didn’t excite her—so she decided to start creating her own. “As a woman, I felt that we weren’t expecting enough from sex toys simply because we weren’t expecting enough from our own sexuality,” says Fine, now CEO of Dame Products, a sex toy company for women. She experimented with creating vibrators at home, soon coming up with two distinctive sex toys for women: Fin and Eva. Fin’s a vibrator worn on your fingers, intended to amplify the human touch through clitoral stimulation. Eva, on the other hand, looks like an emerald beetle, whose wings tuck under the labia and whose buzzing body rests atop your clitoris. It stays in place, even during penetrative sex. Innovative products aren’t the only thing that sets Dame Products apart from other companies making sex toys for women, though. The store offers a hassle-free return policy—something rare in this market—and it speaks to Dame’s focus on creating a sex-positive, shame-free experience. “Returns are about making our customers feel like they can explore our products without the pressure of worrying they won’t work for them,” says Fine. “Being able to return a vibrator is a really important part of educating people that not every sex toy will work for you, and that’s OK.”
[sul title=”Crescendo by MysteryVibe” subheader=”Bendable, body-adaptive sex toys for women”] Size might not be everything, but angles have a surprising level of influence over sexual pleasure, according to Stephanie Alys, CEO of MysteryVibe. The company’s luxury vibrator, the Crescendo, features a long, thick body that can bend into tons of different shapes, adapting to any body. Plus, the six built-in, buzzing motors are nothing to scoff at. “No two bodies are exactly the same. Crescendo’s bendable feature was designed with everyone’s pleasure in mind, and to give the user the power of customization. For example, the G-spot is often elusive to people with vulvas, and a toy that simply curves in one direction may not be your perfect curve. Crescendo allows for experimentation to unlock your personalized pleasure spots,” she says. Playing around with the bendy, snap-bracelet like vibrator is so exciting, you might not even realize that it connects to the MysteryVibe app. But between the app’s remote control option and the endless downloadable vibration patterns, you might want to keep one hand on your phone.
[sul title=”Squish from Unbound” subheader=”An egg-shape sex toy for women you won’t want to let go of”] One look at Squish and it’s doubtful you’d realize it’s a sex toy for women. The design of the squishy pink egg is closer to one of those battery-powered facial cleansing devices than something you’d use to reach orgasm. But this little thing is as satisfying as it is inconspicuous, using the power of your squeeze to control its every rumble and vibe. “Squish’s haptic technology is both deeply personal and incredibly intuitive. The harder you squeeze it, the harder it vibrates,” says Polly Rodriguez, CEO and co-founder of Unbound, the company behind Squish. “We found that our customers wanted a product that was easy-to-use and not necessarily phallic.” Squish is not only subtle—it’s also smart. This sex toy for women has built-in memory that allows you to record and replay pulsation patterns you create. The customizability makes Squish appeal to women with all kinds of preferences, from tender, low-key purring to powerful vibrations. The most challenging part of using this innovative product is finding the perfect pattern for you—but figuring it out will be infinitely fun.
[sul title=”Vibrant” subheader=”Feel good. Do good.”] If you’ve ever felt even a smidge of guilt from giving yourself pleasure, online sex toy store Vibrant will help make sure it never happens again. The boutique sends the proceeds from the sales of vibrators, butt plugs, dildos, lubes, and all kinds of other products toPlanned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM)—an organization where CEO Angela Wells worked for 15 years before founding Vibrant. “I tasked myself with creating a solution to fill the funding gap at PPRM by creating a social enterprise that supports the message and values of the organization,” she says. “Our commitment to body-safe products underscores Planned Parenthood’s commitment to the health and safety of patients. Everything that we do is very intentional and created with the goal of inclusivity, sex positivity, and creating a comfortable, fun environment to talk about sex.” While Vibrant’s sex toys come in every shape, size, color, and price-point imaginable, the clear winner among customers is theMimic by Clandestine, says Wells. “[For] folks with a vulva who use their fingers for external masturbation, this vibrator is a perfect extension of the hand. It’s pliable so that you can provide the right amount of pressure for your body and the vibrations start gentle enough for those who are sensitive or new to vibration,” she explains. But why not try out a few different sex toys for women from Vibrant? After all, it’s for a good cause.
[sul title=”Satisfyer Pro II” subheader=”The sex toy for women that conjures up orgasms with air”] Many sex toys for women rely on direct contact with your lady bits to make you climax. Not the case with the Satisfyer Pro II. Instead, this radical gadget gently suctions over the clitoris and releases pleasurable air waves to create mind-blowing sensations—perfect for women who don’t always get off with internal stimulation alone. “Unlike many contemporary solo play items, the Satisfyer II is designed to be non-touch. A comfortable seal is formed around your love bead and the unique air pressure technology takes you from the starting block right to the finish line,” says Melissa Kramer, who works on the Satisfyer design team. Online reviewers say that the Satisfyer takes some time to get used to, but ultimately rave about rapid-fire orgasms unlike anything they’ve been able to get from conventional personal massagers. Who knew little puffs of air could hold so much power?
[sul title=”Maude” subheader=”Sex toys and accessories for minimalists with an eye for design”] It’s exciting to play around with bendable, buzzing, high-tech sex toys for women. But sometimes, you just want a straight-forward assortment of products and accessories without all the bells and whistles. Enter Maude. With the motto “sex made simple,” this online store has curated its stock down to four essentials: ultra-thin latex condoms, Vibe (a body-safe silicone vibrator), silicone-based lubricant, and aloe-based lube. “We hope to be the company that’s with you throughout your entire life and that means creating well-made products that are easy-to-use, timeless, and essential,” says Maude cofounder Eva Goicochea. “Simplicity means inclusivity and that is the foundation of our company.”
[sul title=”Emojibator” subheader=”Giggle your way to orgasm with emoji-themed sex toys for women”] Can a vibrator that looks the eggplant emoji actually be taken seriously in a sex positive world? Hell yes, says Kris Fretz, who cofounded Emojibator, a company that sells personal massagers shaped like the most suggestive emojis. The friendly, LOL-worthy design actually makes sex toys for women more approachable for people who might otherwise be too shy to buy them. “We love using humor as the driving component to our brand and customer experience. Obviously, human beings love to laugh, and we knew [that people] love to communicate with emojis,” says Fretz. “Our tagline, ‘Go Fuck Yourself. Literally.’ is meant to remind women that orgasms and masturbation are natural parts of life, and they should feel zero shame when they explore their sexuality with sex toys.” Each of Emojibator’s sex toys for women feature 10 vibration settings, medical-grade silicone, and waterproof materials, so it’s really just about finding the design that speaks most to you. Choose from eggplant (the most popular), chili pepper (the pointy tip’s great for G-spot stimulation), or banana (with firm ridges that making playing fun). Once you start using the Emojibator, texting will never be quite the same.
[sul title=”Good Vibrations” subheader=”The legacy shop for sex toys for women”] Good Vibrations’ standards for sex toys for women were so high, it only sold about a dozen options in its San Francisco boutique when it opened in 1977. Fast-forward more than 40 years later, and you’ll find more than 1,000 products in the online store, including vibrators, dildos, and anal toys. “Today, sex toys have emerged from the shadows,” says Carol Queen, staff sexologist and historian at Good Vibrations. “Premium or designer sex toys, especially vibrators, have overtaken the marketplace—even the old-school manufacturers have upped their game as technology and materials have changed.” While most of the sex toys for women available at Good Vibrations have changed over the years, one has stood the test of time:The Magic Wand. “This is the [sex toy for women] that we’ve recommended for over 40 years,” says Queen. “It’s strong, with a vibration type that many people really love. Its tennis ball-sized head provides diffused stimulation and its length makes it easy to use. It’s well-made and tends to last a long time.” A sex toy for women that’s been a best-seller for decades? We’re in.
Life is messy, and therefore kitchens and cars and closets and bathrooms and everything else are messy too. While we all wish we could have perfectly organized homes, it just doesn’t seem to work out that way. Even when we buckle down and do some much-needed cleaning, it just doesn’t seem like everything has a place. Inevitably, things end up in random locations. Then you can’t find them, you finally find them, you still don’t have somewhere to put them, and they end up in another random location, so the cycle continues. It’s time to get your life together, which means giving everything that seemingly has no place a designated spot. Fortunately, Amazon has organizational items for pretty much everything you can imagine. That perfectly organized home could be just a couple of clicks away!
1. Use this counter display to beautifully lay out your array of nail colors.
Throwing your nail polish in a bin under your sink seems like an okay storage option, but sifting through it to find the color you’re looking for? Not ideal. Amazon This counter display is perfect for the at-home manicurist. It turns your bathroom or vanity into a private nail salon. With the tiered levels, you can see all your color options at once, and when you find one that suits you, you can simply pull it off the shelf. Also, you can expand your nail color collection without worrying about where you’ll put them all since it holds 60 bottles. So pick up this holder and some new nail polish while you’re at it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Home-Acrylic-Counter-Display-Bottles/dp/B00GBCPM6I”]Get it on Amazon for $14.99[/link-button]
2. Take your K-Cups out of those clunky boxes and put them in this sleek drawer instead.
K-Cups are a lifeline for heavy coffee drinkers, so they should be treated with care. This drawer will be the lovely home they deserve. Amazon When you open it, you can see all your options and flavors, then select whatever you’re in the mood for. Place your Keurig right on top, and it’s like having a teeny-tiny coffee shop in your kitchen. If you’re a real K-Cup fiend who downs four cups of joe a day and one isn’t enough, pick up a second one (or more if necessary) and stack ‘em up. You can never have too many K-Cups, right?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DecoBros-Storage-Drawer-Holder-Keurig/dp/B007R900WA”]Get it on Amazon for $16.87[/link-button]
3. This is the perfect way to display your plethora of mugs.
Most homes have way too many mugs for the amount of available cabinet space, but it’s hard to part ways with our favorite drinkware. These bronzed hooks neatly hang all of your mugs under a shelf or cabinet. Now you don’t have to feel bad about all the cute mugs you’ve impulse bought, and you don’t have to stress when someone gifts you yet another mug. Amazon This rack is easy to install and holds 12 mugs. It also comes in a rustic bronze or classic black, so it can match pretty much any kitchen’s color scheme.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/WTT-Creative-Cabinet-Glasses-Organizer/dp/B0784SBVLS”]Get it on Amazon for $38.00[/link-button]
4. Keep your false lashes nice and neat in this handy box.
With the recent surge in “full glam” makeup, false lashes continue to grow in popularity. They’re gorgeous when they’re on, but they’re also small and dainty, so once you take them off, they can get lost anywhere. For hygiene purposes and so that you get enough wears out of each pair, people who wear false lashes should really invest in a storage space for them. Fortunately, Amazon has you covered. Amazon This case will keep up to eighteen pairs of false eyelashes organized, and it’s made from quality acrylic material. No more finding random busted lashes at the bottom of your makeup bag!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Empire-Acrylic-Eyelash-Organizer/dp/B073PLZMWF/”]Get it on Amazon for $32.98[/link-button]
5. Keep your cords in line with these clips.
Everyone has so many tech products that their cords quickly become tangled, making desk space a disaster. Not with these cable clips, though. They’re an easy way to keep chargers, headphones, and all your other cords and cables securely in place. Amazon They come with an adhesive back, so you can stick them on any flat surface—desks, monitors, floors, walls, or wherever you want to feed your cord through. They come in a set of six, so you can cord-inate your entire desk however you like and nothing’ll get in your way. No more cord catastrophes!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/ONME-Multipurpose-Cable-Clips-Black/dp/B01EMSEN9Y”]Get it on Amazon for $5.89[/link-button]
6. The perfect place for all of your heated styling products.
You’re in a rush to get out of the house, but your curling iron is still hot. You can’t wait for it to cool down and you don’t want to leave it out. That’s where this basket comes in. It safely holds your styling tools, hot or cold. Amazon Its three slots are perfect for the three holy grail heat styling tools: hair straightener, blow dryer, and curling iron. Because it’s made of steel, you can stick hot tools in there without worry. And it’s perfect for bathrooms with limited sink counter space because you can mount it on the wall right by your mirror.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/mDesign-Bathroom-Styling-Organizer-Straighteners/dp/B0759TNZX5″]Get it on Amazon for $14.99 [/link-button]
7. This stand will keep your beauty sponge clean and dry.
Beauty blenders get gross enough without the excess product that gets on them when they sit in your makeup bag. And if you’re a germophobe, we don’t recommend looking at videos where people cut open their old, nasty beauty blenders. It’s not good. Amazon Let’s be clear: You should wash your beauty sponge. This holder is perfect for holding your beauty sponge to dry it off or just keeping it in a more hygienic spot. You don’t want that broken eyeshadow palette getting all over it, so when you’re at home, might as well give the sponge its own little space.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sunmore-Blender-Drying-Rack-Sponges-Organizer/dp/B01NCQGR58″]Get it on Amazon for $5.99 [/link-button]
8. Clean up your underwear drawer once and for all.
Socks and underwear are notoriously difficult to keep tidy, hence that drawer is usually a disaster. This honeycomb organizer will solve all your underwear drawer woes so you don’t have to hunt around for the specific pair you’re looking for anymore. Amazon Each organizer has 18 slots, and it comes with four organizers, so you’ll have 72 slots to work with if you order this set. With that many storage spaces, you don’t have to limit yourself to socks and underwear. Tuck away any little clothing items that tend to get lost in the abyss of your dresser drawers.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Evelots-Honeycomb-Drawer-Organizers-White/dp/B079SJ8NWP”]Get it on Amazon for $14.99 [/link-button]
9. There’s a better place for all of those grocery bags stuffed under your sink.
Everyone should do their part to be environmentally conscious, which means stashing their plastic bags to use later rather than throwing them away. Amazon To reuse and recycle in an organized manner, keep your plastic shopping bags in this sleek dispenser. It can be easily hung on the wall, and the stainless steel finish will blend in with your appliances. Whenever you need a bag, easily pull it out. And when you want to store one, simply shove it through the top.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Utopia-Kitchen-Grocery-Holder-Dispenser/dp/B01G5K1AM0″]Get it on Amazon for $12.99 [/link-button]
10. This is the organizer that every aspiring beauty guru needs.
If you’re sick of digging through your makeup bag or you’re just overwhelmed by how messy your bathroom counter is getting, maybe it’s time to consider a different way to store your makeup. This makeup organizer from Amazon could be the solution you’re looking for. Amazon It has spots for everything from brushes to lipstick tubes to foundation and adjustable levels to fit different size products. It also rotates for easy access to products. Plus, since your makeup will be on display, it’ll finally pay off if you bought products based on pretty packaging, which, let’s face it, we’ve all done.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DreamGenius-Organizer-360-Degree-Adjustable-Multi-Function/dp/B074QGYDT4″]Get it on Amazon for $22.99 [/link-button]
11. If your spices are all over the place, it’s time to get this spice rack.
If you’re keeping all your spices on a random shelf in your pantry, you’ve probably had the experience of hunting all over for the one spice you need only to have to leave it out of a recipe because you couldn’t find it. Amazon If this sounds familiar (and you’ve observed your cooking is tasting little lackluster), it’s time to invest in a well-organized spice rack. This one’s revolving function and labeled lids make the spices much easier to find. As a bonus, when you first order it, the spice jars come full of their respective spices. With this bad boy, you can unlock your true cooking potential.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008WQ3L”]Get it on Amazon for $40.08 [/link-button]
12. This pan organizer will keep your cookware in line, literally.
When the drawer under the stove just isn’t cutting it, this pan and pot lid organizer will help. You can set it up vertically or horizontally, depending on what kind of space you’re working with, then just slide in whatever pans and lids you want to store. Amazon Rather than have to hear that terrible clank every time you get a pan or lid from that awful drawer, easily pull them out from this rack, no loud clattering required.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/SimpleHouseware-Kitchen-Cabinet-Pantry-Organizer/dp/B01K07MZPK”]Get it on Amazon for $14.97 [/link-button]
13. A place to put your vitamins and supplements.
Between all the vitamins, prescriptions, and over-the-counter meds, medicine bottles can take up a lot of space, but these products aren’t exactly something we can just get rid of. One medicine cabinet might be enough, but it’s usually not (and some bathrooms don’t even have one to begin with). Amazon Since it seems like everyone keeps a variety of drugstore pain relievers and vitamins on hand, this expandable shelf is perfect for providing extra medicine bottle storage. It’s three tiers high and can expand up to 20 inches, depending on how much space you have on your counter or vanity and how many bottles you need to set up on it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/mDesign-Expandable-Vitamin-Organizer-Bathroom/dp/B071DQDKB6″]Get it on Amazon for $19.99 [/link-button]
14. Yes, you should organize your mops and brooms.
It only makes sense that the tools you use to clean your house are stored in a tidy way. This mop and broom holder will keep everything upright and in place—no more leaning things up precariously in a sad corner. Amazon Mount it on the wall in your garage or laundry room, then you can easily stick the handles in the slots. Now there won’t be an excuse if anyone claims they can’t clean because they don’t know where the supplies are. Nice try.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Home-position-solutions-organizer-shelving/dp/B00EJU3SWY”]Get it on Amazon for $11.99 [/link-button]
15. There’s a new way to organize and display your sunglasses collection.
Sunglasses notoriously either break or get lost, which sucks because they’re also a super fashionable and functional accessory. This sunglasses organizer will prevent both of those scenarios. Amazon It looks like a store display, so your sunglasses can make a statement on and off your head. It’s also a nice excuse to buy some designer pairs to show off. BRB, going to Sunglass Hut.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Whitewashed-Barnwood-Sunglasses-Display-Tabletop/dp/B075786B2F”]Get it on Amazon for $22.99 [/link-button]
16. Keep all your clips, ponytail holders, and bobby pins stored and separated.
Do you just throw ponytail holders in a plastic bag? Not cute and not functional. What about bobby pins (which always seem to run out, even though you buy them in packs of 300)? We might not be able to save all the bobby pins and hair ties, but we can at least try to minimize our losses. Amazon Keep all your hair accessories tucked away and in one place with this box. Each compartment can be for a designated product, so no more digging through purses and drawers for extra bobby pins and ponytail holders. You’ll know exactly where they are.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/mDesign-Accessories-Organizer-Bathroom-Headbands/dp/B01C9F0MY2″]Get it on Amazon for $14.99 [/link-button]
17. Untangle your necklaces once and for all.
Putting dainty necklace in a jewelry box just does not work. You’re pretty much guaranteeing they’ll become super tangled up, potentially to a point of no return. That’s a real bummer, especially if they’re sentimental or expensive necklaces, which a lot of dainty ones are. Amazon This rack will keep all of those pretty necklaces nice and separated. Just carefully hang them on the hooks, and unless some serious gusts of wind happen indoors, you can trust they won’t get all twisted up. There’s extra storage space for watches, rings, and other chunkier pieces too.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Hanging-Jewelry-Organizer-Necklace-Bracelet/dp/B01DNI0DXO”]Get it on Amazon for $19.90 [/link-button]
18. We’ve got a storage solution for all your undergarments.
If your dresser is just a complete mess, this set has spaces for all of those small items that are difficult to organize. Amazon Ever wonder how you’re supposed to store your bras? Stack them up in a cube specially designated for that exact purpose, or fold them over and place them in the rectangular bin. The smaller compartments are perfect for socks, underwear, and rolled-up tees and tanks.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Magicfly-Organizer-Underwear-Collapsible-Clothing/dp/B075GJL1X9″]Get it on Amazon for $13.99 [/link-button]
19. Too many teas? Organize them!
Tea tins can be cute and all, but throwing a bunch of teas in there doesn’t make it easy to find the specific tea you’re looking for. As fun as it is to root through a tin to find your decaffeinated green tea, there’s a better option for tea storage. Amazon With this teastand, you can sort your Earl Grey from your chamomile and easily choose whatever tea you’re feeling that day. It can hold more than 100 tea bags, so even the most avid tea drinker will have enough storage.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/YouCopia-Teastand-100-Organizer-White/dp/B015JF78TQ”]Get it on Amazon for $24.99 [/link-button]
20. Finally, find a home for your LaCroix.
Soda can boxes can mess up the whole aesthetic of a fridge, plus they’re just not that functional. They never open as advertised, and it’s hard to tell how many you have left. Amazon With this beverage dispenser, you can put all of your LaCroix or soft drinks in one place and easily pull them out. Plus, you’ll always see how many you have left so you know when you need to restock. Because running out of LaCroix is not acceptable.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Pack-SimpleHouseware-Stackable-Beverage-Dispenser/dp/B06ZZ3L8GN”]Get it on Amazon for $18.87 [/link-button]
21. You’ll love these adorable jars for cotton balls, Q-tips, and whatever other little items are in your bathroom.
All of the itty-bitty items in bathrooms make organization quite difficult. Apothecary jar sets like these simplify storing those small bathroom necessities. Pick the finish that matches your bathroom best, then fill them up with whatever you want. Amazon It comes in a pack of three, so you can designate each one for a specific item. Obsessed with micellar water? Pack one with cotton pads. Big fan of baths? Fill one with Epsom salts or bath bombs. They’re practical and versatile.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/mDesign-Bathroom-Storage-Organizer-Canister/dp/B077YZNNV3″]Get it on Amazon for $19.99[/link-button]
22. Stack all of your makeup palettes with ease.
Makeup palettes often don’t fit in cosmetic bags, so do you just leave them out on your vanity or sink? No! You probably spent some serious coin on those, and they should be treated with care. With new palettes dropping all the time, you need lots of space too, because you shouldn’t have to pass on the next Urban Decay Naked palette if you really want it. Amazon The solution? Stack them in this organizer, which can sit vertically or horizontally depending on your preference. It has eight compartments that can fit compacts or palettes big and small. And since it’s clear, you can see the palette you want to reach for.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/FAJ-Acrylic-Organizer-Tier/dp/B0779K7JCN”]Get it on Amazon for $22.50 [/link-button]
23. Keep all of your belts in one place.
Belts are one of those clothing items that don’t have obvious storage place (until you buy this belt hanger, that is). Amazon Hook them on this hanger then hook the hanger in your closet, so when you need a belt, they’re all right there. Hang it next to your pants so you can see your color options and pick an outfit accordingly.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TI17ED8″]Get it on Amazon for $11.97 [/link-button]
24. Replace your old hamper with this color-separating option.
It can be tempting not to separate our laundry when we’re feeling lazy—even more so when it’s in a big pile in a hamper. Really though, we should always be keeping our lights, darks, and whites away from each other in the wash, and we always regret not doing it when our clothes get ruined. Amazon Put this three-bag sorter in your laundry room and when you bring your laundry down, sort it right then and there. With the sorting already done, you’ll be sure you’re doing your laundry right.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-LAU-006-3-Bag-Laundry-Sorter/dp/B073P2LH2V”]Get it on Amazon for $34.99 [/link-button]
25. Give your boots their own space.
Boots take up a lot of space (too much space), and you can’t set them on a standard shoe rack. If you’ve got a decent amount of tall boots, it’s probably time to invest in a boot organizer. Amazon This boot storage rack stores your boots hanging and upright to prevent creasing and allow air to circulate, because the depths of boots can get smelly. It works with boots of all materials and styles, so it’s all you’ll need to organize and maintain the quality of your entire boot collection.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Organizer-Storage-Sturdy-Space-Saving-Stackable/dp/B079H6QST5″]Get it on Amazon for $32.97 [/link-button]
26. Tidy up your shower with an easy-to-install corner caddy.
Showers usually have more than just shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—there are razors, loofahs, exfoliators, shaving cream, and whatever other special products you like. No one’s criticizing a thorough self-care routine, but if you are working with a lot of different products, you should find a way to keep it all organized. Amazon This four-tier caddy easily fits into the corner of your shower to hold all of your products. You can separate them into his-and-hers shelves or just keep them all for yourself. The important thing is your ledge and/or floor will be clear of bottles and clean of residue.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Zenna-Home-2131NN-Tension-Corner/dp/B00J1ZLUB8″]Get it on Amazon for $29.99 [/link-button]
27. There’s a better way to store stud earrings.
Stud earrings don’t store well in standard jewelry boxes. How many times have you lost one of the earrings? And the backs go missing all the time. Seriously, it’s like socks in the wash. Amazon Fasten your studs to this jewelry frame to prevent any part of your stud earring set from disappearing. It keeps the stud and back together, and you can see right away that the complete pair is there.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Jewelry-Earrings-Earring-Display-Organizer/dp/B075R738NP”]Get it on Amazon for $9.99 [/link-button]
28. We’ve found a desktop alternative to buying a filing cabinet.
Storing and organizing important documents is, well, important. Not everyone’s desk has a file drawer, and who really wants to buy an entire filing cabinet for your house? It’s a home—not a business office. Amazon This desktop organizer will keep all your files and papers organized and on hand. Stock it with classic file folders, or stack notebooks, computer paper, planners, and mail. It has eight slots, so there should be enough space for all the important stuff and then some. Pick a black or silver finish for that sleek office feel in the comfort of your own home.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Mindspace-Multi-Organizer-Collection-Silver/dp/B01MTISIES”]Get it on Amazon for $19.99 [/link-button]
29. Clean up your junk drawer with this impressive organizer.
The thing about junk drawers is that there usually is some pretty essential stuff in there. Pens, stamps, tape, Post-It notes…most people use all of those things. It’s only called a junk drawer because it’s unbearably messy, so fix that problem with this compartmentalized bamboo storage tray. Amazon Adjust it to fit your junk drawer, then voila! Junk drawer no more. Now it’s just a plain old drawer where everything has a place.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Expandable-Organizer-Adjustable-Dividers/dp/B01ERRJPNO”]Get it on Amazon for $22.97 [/link-button]
30. Don’t lose another lid ever again.
Food storage containers are great because we all love leftovers. Every home usually has a nice stockpile of them, but they’re pretty useless without lids, which go missing far too often. Amazon This organizer is made specifically for food storage container lids, so you never have to worry about where you’re putting the leftover spaghetti again. It has spots for all different size lids to be neatly stacked and accessible.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/InterDesign-Cabinet-Binz-Compartment-Organizer/dp/B01M4IZFE9″]Get it on Amazon for $25.19 [/link-button]
31. We’ve found the fruit bowl of your dreams.
A standard fruit bowl can quickly become overfull, even if it has one of those nifty banana hooks. Rather than pile all your apples, peaches, oranges, and whatever else in one spot, risking a fatal roll out, try this two-tier system. Amazon Put apples in the top and oranges on the bottom. Or if you’re a veggie lover, keep your vegetables separate from your fruit. The important thing is that there won’t be any fruit overflow.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Gourmet-Basics-Mikasa-5217596-Countertop/dp/B075QR3TBY”]Get it on Amazon for $29.99 [/link-button]
32. When you have way too many baseball caps, this rack is a must.
Baseball caps are fun, easy accessories, especially when you’re having a bad hair day. When you have a lot of them, they need their own space. This handy rack will hold and display your baseball caps so you can keep them neat and show off the teams, schools, brands, and whatever else you support. Amazon Hang it over your closet door (inside or out depending on how proud you are of your hat collection), and place the hats on the hooks. It’s as easy as that.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/CapRack18-Baseball-Cap-Holder-Black/dp/B001DTA6MY”]Get it on Amazon for $9.99 [/link-button]
33. Here’s your closet-friendly shoe storage solution.
Shoe racks are great, but they take up a lot of space in a closet or hallway. Plus, if you have a lot of shoes, you probably don’t want to buy a bunch of racks to fit them all. To maximize your closet space, opt for a hanging shoe organizer. Amazon It won’t take up any floor space and keeps your shoes all in one place. Plus, they’re only a little over five bucks each. With all the money you save, you can buy more shoes!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Hanging-Shoe-Shelves-Organizer/dp/B00K5NBQGO”]Get it on Amazon for $5.25 [/link-button]
34. Store things under the bed the right way.
Shoving things that don’t seem to have a place under the bed is a classic lazy-person move, but it’s actually not a bad idea. What else is that space being used for? But there’s a difference between shoving trash or loose items under there and using the space under the bed properly. Your best bet is to buy some storage containers specifically designed to fit under the bed. Amazon These underbed organizers will tidily stash off-season items or clothes you’re just not using at the moment. Just pull it out when you want to access them or swap items, then zip it back up and tuck it away again.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Sorbus-Underbed-Organizer-Foldable-Bedrooms/dp/B07FV5QF5W”]Get it on Amazon for $16.99 [/link-button]
35. Gather up your remotes and put them all in this one location.
Remote controls aren’t like they were back in the day. Now, there’s a remote for everything: TV, cable, Blue-ray, Apple TV, Roku, the list goes on. Amazon can’t help you figure out which remote goes with what and how to use them all, but there are products you can buy to at least make sure you don’t lose them under your couch cushions. Amazon Keep them in this handy caddy so whatever remote you’re looking for will be there when you need it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Remote-Control-Holder-Connected-Essentials/dp/B01N0NZS69″]Get it on Amazon for $24.99 [/link-button]
36. Give your trunk space some structure with this storage solution.
It’s never great to hear miscellaneous objects rolling around in your trunk. No one wants their apples bruised or their milk to bust open, and plastic bags don’t exactly keep everything locked in. This trunk organizer will, though. Amazon It has compartments to hold groceries, soccer balls, gym equipment, or whatever else you might be toting around in your car. Whether you’re going on a trip or just going to the grocery store, this trunk organizer makes it a better, sturdier storage space.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Rola-59001-Rigid-Base-Organizer-Customizable/dp/B000E81VN8″]Get it on Amazon for $52.99 [/link-button]
37. Keep your keys on this rack so you always know where they are.
Losing car keys is an unnecessary but preventable pain, so make a designated spot in your house for them. A simple wall mount with hooks does the trick, so everyone can put their keys there as they’re coming and going. Amazon Hang this hook fixture at your entryway so that right when anyone walks in, they know to put the keys away. Bonus: It has a spot for mail too.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DecoBros-Letter-Holder-Organizer-Bronze/dp/B00OLHLDFY”]Get it on Amazon for $12.87 [/link-button]
38. When you have this sink caddy, cleaning dishes doesn’t have to be any more annoying than it already is.
Washing dishes is a dreaded chore, but what makes it even worse is the messy sponges and scrubbers dripping food residue and soap everywhere. Amazon This sink caddy will solve that dilemma by giving you a spot to place those cleaning tools. And it comes with a drip tray, so wet sponges and brushes don’t make your entire sink area a wet mess.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Stainless-Steel-Caddy/dp/B000FEDCNI”]Get it on Amazon for $14.99 [/link-button]
39. Use one product to sort out your entire nighttime routine.
Keep this sleek storage box on your bathroom sink and put everything you need all in one place. Amazon This five-compartment organizer has just enough spots for everything you use right before bed: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, face wash, face cream, and whatever else your beauty routine entails.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/PuTwo-Bathroom-Sections-Organizer-Organzier/dp/B074W6F55C”]Get it on Amazon for $21.99 [/link-button]
40. This set of bins’ll make your fridge nice and neat.
If you have a mostly empty fridge, this might not be necessary. But for those who like to keep theirs fully stocked, buying this organization pack could do wonders for you. They’re stackable, so they’ll maximize the space in your fridge without you having to insert other shelves or buy a bigger fridge. Amazon This set of six has several different size containers, so all your groceries can be divided and stored accordingly. They’re also clear, so you can see exactly what’s in each container, instead of having to pull everything out of your fridge or freezer to see what’s in the back. With this product, house guests will be in awe of your pristine fridge.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Adorn-Home-Refrigerator-Organizer-Containers/dp/B074QVKGZR”]Get it on Amazon for $26.99 [/link-button]
During the dog days of summer, it might not feel like cooler temperatures will ever arrive. But trust us: Autumn is right around the corner, and now’s the time to get your home ready for the falling leaves and crisp air of this beloved season.
Fortunately, Amazon’s got everything you need to fall-ify your home. We’re talking autumnal decor, cozy stuff to fill your digs, seasonal art, and (of course) pumpkin spice everything. Here’s your guide to the best fall stuff for your home that you can find on Amazon.
1. The Coziest Addition to Your Couch for Fall
If tossing this seasonal throw blanket on your sofa was all you did to get ready for fall, that would be enough. The Tache Fall Farmhouse Patchwork Throw Blanket brings a palette of fall colors and patterns to your couch. Amazon
The brown and orange squares allude to the changing colors of the foliage, while the plaid patches give this blanket a cabin-like quality. Plus, the ultra soft fleece is super snuggly—perfect for a cozy night in during this fresh, crisp time of year.
[link-button href=” https://www.amazon.com/Tache-Farmhouse-Fleece-Patchwork-Blanket/dp/B06XN5G2MM”]Tache Fall Farmhouse Fleece Patchwork Throw Blanket, $49.39 [/link-button]
2. Lean against some leaves.
So you’ve tossed a cuddly throw blanket on your couch, but you’re looking for a way to take this cozy area of your home to the next level for fall. Enter the LEIOH Fall Decor Cotton Linen Throw Pillow Covers. Amazon
The set features four distinctive foliage designs, including a striking red sugar maple leaf and foliage with artfully blotchy color patterns. If you want to plump up your couch just a little more, toss them on top of solid-colored throw pillows in hues like burnt red, marigold, and evergreen. Your couch will look like it belongs in a magazine.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/LEIOH-Cotton-Leaves-Decorations-Cushion/dp/B074DW3F2F”]LEIOH Cotton Linen Leaves Throw Pillow Covers, $12.99 [/link-button]
3. Waft the scent of the season through your home.
No matter what time of year it is, the Village Candle Spiced Pumpkin-Scented Glass Jar Candle will fill your home with the quintessential scent of fall: pumpkin spice. Amazon
The sunset-orange paraffin wax candle is infused with the fragrance of pumpkin, with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and ginger. Light it, and anyone who steps foot inside your home will suspect that you’ve got a scrumptious pumpkin pie baking right now—even if your oven’s completely empty.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Village-Candle-Spiced-Pumpkin-Scented/dp/B002YX0GAA”]Village Candle Spiced Pumpkin-Scented Glass Candle, $19.99 [/link-button]
4. Set the mood with flameless candles.
As much as most people love classic scented candles, the fire hazard they present makes them difficult to have around when you have a big family or pets. Fortunately, Flameless Candle LED Lights With Decorative Fall Leaves give you the same romantic lighting you’d expect from a conventional candle in a completely safe form. Amazon
It won’t offer the same scent, but the gorgeous leaf decoration more than makes up the difference. Pop them on a nightstand, table, or in strategic places throughout your house.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Flameless-Candle-lights-decorative-leaves/dp/B01MY7WC7R”]Flameless Candle LED Lights With Decorative Fall Leaves, $19.90 [/link-button]
5. Twinkle lights aren’t just for Christmas.
Fall’s the time of year when the sun starts to set earlier and earlier each day. Keep your home bright and festive with a battery-powered fall garland. Amazon
This one features orange and yellow maple leaves wrapped around copper twinkle lights with adorable pumpkin accents. They’re the perfect decoration for a fall get-together—but we wouldn’t be surprised if this pretty garland stays hung all the time this season.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/shopping-Battery-Powered-Lighted-Garland/dp/B01LQLKYSE”]Battery-Powered Fall Garland, $14.99 [/link-button]
6. K-Cups in All the Fall Flavors
While pumpkin spice reigns supreme in the land of fall flavors, there are a variety of other seasonings to savor in autumn. This Coffee Variety Pack For Keurig K-Cup Brewers seems to capture just about every fall flavor into one handy pack. Amazon
Start your mornings with coffee flavors like butter toffee, spiced apple cider, caramel apple, cinnamon roll, caramel creme, vanilla velvet, and classic pumpkin spice. Pop one of these in your brewer and relish in the tastes of fall as you start your day.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Variety-Pack-Brewers-Flavors/dp/B00L3F2GNK”]Coffee Variety Pack For Keurig K-Cup Brewers, Fall Flavors, $19.99[/link-button]
7. Get your pumpkin spice fix at home.
Some of us just can’t make it through the season without the sweet taste of pumpkin spice first thing in the morning. Rather than falling into the expensive trap of buying a pumpkin spice latte from your go-to cafe every day, stock up on Fall In Love Pumpkin Spice Flavored Ground Coffee, so you can brew your own right at home. Amazon
You’ll notice an autumnal aroma with notes of cinnamon and spice as soon as you open the bag. And the taste is even better once you brew it into a steaming cuppa Joe.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Flavored-Ground-Coffee-Pumpkin-Spice/dp/B009FMSH3Q”]Fall In Love Pumpkin Spice Flavored Ground Coffee, $10.39[/link-button]
8. The Seasonal Tea That Will Become Your Year-Round Favorite
Coffee isn’t your thing? Don’t worry—you don’t have to live without pumpkin spice drinks. Twinings of London Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Bags infuse fine black tea leaves with that same beloved pumpkin spice flavor found in the season’s most popular espresso drinks. Amazon
Serve it with milk for a latte-like beverage, or just drink it black for a robust burst of flavor to jumpstart your day. Who ever said pumpkin spice was strictly for coffee?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Twinings-London-Pumpkin-Spice-Count/dp/B0041OQ9CY”]Twinings Of London Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Bags, $6.98[/link-button]
9. A Mug for All Your Beloved Fall Beverages
With all the warm drinks around in the fall, you’ll definitely need a nice big mug to help you savor every last drop. The Hello Pumpkin Campfire Mug is perfect for just that. Amazon
The limited-edition mug’s cute hand-lettered design, bright orange hue, and wide mouth will have you reaching for it for months. Could you think of any vessel more perfect for all those pumpkin spice lattes? Neither could we.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Campfire-Decorations-Halloween-Accessories/dp/B07F2LM9H4″]Hello Pumpkin Campfire Mug, $14.99[/link-button]
10. Rustic Decor Inspired by Harvest Season
If you have ever driven through the countryside during the cooler months, there’s no doubt you’ve seen those giant bundles of recently harvested wheat dotting sprawling fields. Bring a piece of that glorious view indoors with a Blonde Club Wheat Bundle Tied With Raffia. Amazon
Throw it into a vase for a delightfully rustic table centerpiece, or hang it on a wall for a subtle fall accent. The soft blonde color will match just about any style of decor. And if you treat it with care, this dried wheat bundle should last for years, making it a much better investment than disposable decorations.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Blonde-Bundle-Raffia-Decorating-Arrangements/dp/B0763BPPYF”]Blonde Club Wheat Bundle Tied With Raffia, $29.99[/link-button]
11. A Wall of Foliage for Fall
Whether you live in a boxy urban apartment with no great view outside or a tropical environment where palm trees dominate, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning beauty of the fall foliage. Fortunately, Wall26 has found a way to bring the glorious sight indoors in the form of peel-and-stick wallpaper. Amazon
This fiery red tree mural is easily applied to any flat, dry surface either inside or outside your home. And when you’re ready for a new seasonal view, simply peel it off and slap on another scene.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Wall26-During-Sliding-Creative-Wallpaper/dp/B01EMJ3M72″]Wall26 Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper, $59.99[/link-button]
12. Fall foliage that actually lasts all season long.
Fall foliage is a fleeting phenomenon. It seems like one minute, gorgeous leaves fill the trees. And the next, the branches are bare and leaves are in big piles on the ground. Bring some of this magic inside (and keep it there throughout the season) with Moon Boat Fall Artificial Maple Leaves Decoration. Amazon
The box contains 500 individual leaves that look completely realistic. They make for a lovely decoration when tossed on a dining room table, stuffed in a clear glass bowl, wrapped around candles, or woven into a wreath.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Boat-500PCS-Artificial-Decorations/dp/B076CD95WM”]Moon Boat Fall Artificial Maple Leaves, $11.99 [/link-button]
13. Douse your pumpkin pancakes with this spiced syrup.
Pumpkin pancakes are a brunch staple come autumn. But rather than relying on the same-old pancake syrup, why not kick them up a notch with Runamok Maple Cardamom-Infused Organic Maple Syrup? Amazon
The cardamom perfectly complements the array of flavors in the pumpkin spice of your pancakes. Or, you can add a splash to your pumpkin chai, pumpkin spice latte, spiced cider, and any of your other favorite fall treats.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Runamok-Maple-Cardamom-Infused-Organic/dp/B01ITMJZ3I”]Runamok Maple Cardamom-Infused Organic Maple Syrup, $28.24 [/link-button]
14. The Only Plates Worthy of Your Thanksgiving Feast
Switching out your regular dishes with something more seasonal is a premium way to welcome the start of fall into your kitchen. The Better Homes and Gardens Fall Botanical Leaves Design 16-Piece Ironstone Dinnerware Set has a watercolor aesthetic that will look graceful beneath a slice of apple pie, a pile of pumpkin pancakes, or Thanksgiving dinner. Amazon
The affordable set includes four dinner plates, salad plates, and soup bowls, along with a couple of ramekins and salt and pepper shakers. Why would you serve a fall feast on anything else?
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Better-Homes-Gardens-Dinnerware-Multicolor/dp/B07C6NQ3BC”]Better Homes And Gardens Fall Botanical Leaves Ironstone Dinnerware Set, $47.59 [/link-button]
15. Glowing Acorns for Your Patio
Even though summer’s over, you can still enjoy your outdoor spaces well into autumn with the right decorations. Spruce up your patio, porch, or garden with Impress Life Decorative Acorn Lights. Amazon
The delicate strand of glowing copper acorns adds a sophisticated look to the rest of your fall decor. These lights can also be used indoors—drape them around a doorway, along a table, or over your bedroom headboard to infuse every room in your home with an elegantly understated motif of the season.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753BVQQH”]Impress Life Decorative Acorn Lights, $13.99 [/link-button]
16. Pumpkin Treasure Chests for Your Halloween Candy
Fall is the time of year when we tend to gather around the dining room table more often than usual, so it makes sense to zhush it up with some seasonal accents. This Pumpkin Table Centerpiece Bowl Set serves the dual purpose of giving your table a fall look and storing Halloween candy to munch on while you’re hanging out. Amazon
The design of the orange and white bowls seems like it was plucked right out of Cinderella, with their bulbous shapes and twisted vine wire holders. They’re both whimsical and stylish at the same time.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Centerpiece-Thanksgiving-Harvest-Kitchen/dp/B01KEU5GTA”]Pumpkin Table Centerpiece Bowl Set, $31.54 [/link-button]
17. Create a bathing ritual for fall.
We live for cold showers during the hot summer months. But come fall, all we want to do is soak in a warm bath. The Level Naturals Autumn Bath Bomb Variety 6-Pack will turn your standard soak into an autumn bathing ritual. Amazon
The pack contains three fall scents: Pumpkin spice, cinnamon vanilla, and apple cider. Drop one of the balls into the tub and watch it fizz and bubble, creating a botanical bath that will nourish your skin and melt away stress.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Level-Naturals-Bath-Bombs-Cinnamon/dp/B00OC3H12G”]Level Naturals Autumn Bath Bombs, $13.50[/link-button]
18. These placemats are like fine art for your table.
If you’re hosting dinner parties this fall, you’ve got to get your table ready for guests. These Ambesonne Bicycle Place Mats will add just the fall atmosphere you’ve been looking for. Amazon
The art on the placemats captures the scene of a late October day with the vibrant red leaves of a sugar maple blowing away with the wind and the orange bike you’d want to ride around town on throughout the chilly months. Plus, it’ll protect your table from spills, scuffs, and scratches in the most beautiful way.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ambesonne-Bicycle-November-Washable-Placemats/dp/B077H4KMN2″]Ambesonne Bicycle Place Mats, $19.90[/link-button]
19. The Last Rake You’ll Ever Buy
Speaking of fall foliage, you’re probably going to need to spend a weekend or two raking up piles of leaves. The Gardenite 63-Inch Adjustable Garden Leaf Rake is the right tool for the job. Amazon
The adjustable head expands and contracts to give you just the right size claw for tidying up any space in your lawn. And if you accidentally leave it outside on a rainy day, don’t fret—the steel handle is plated with zinc to help prevent rust and keep this rake going for seasons to come.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Inch-Adjustable-Garden-Leaf-Rake/dp/B00H0D7ISC”]Gardenite Adjustable Garden Leaf Rake, $24.95[/link-button]
20. Put your passion for fall on full display.
Want to show your neighbors just how much you love autumn? Hang this Oakwood Silk Door Wreath on your front door. The 22-inch handcrafted wreath bursts with leaves, pine, cones, wheat stalks, silk foliage, and orange flowers. Amazon
The orange and brown wreath will add serious curb appeal to your home throughout the fall season. And when you’re ready to tuck it away until next year, just use the sturdy white storage box that comes with the wreath. It’ll protect it from dust, dings, and damage.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Oakwood-Silk-Fall-Wreath-Inches/dp/B06VW9ZGX6″]Oakwood Silk Door Wreath, $59.99[/link-button]
21. Fireplace or not, you need a log bin.
Got a fireplace? Lucky you. The Panacea Products Mission Log Bin With Log Carrier is just what you need to have your chopped wood at the ready when you want to sit around the fire this fall. Amazon
But even if you don’t have a fireplace, you can still use this log bin to give your apartment or house a cabin atmosphere. There’s just something cozy and warm about having logs on display in your living room.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Panacea-Products-15245-Mission-Carrier/dp/B0013K3XKA”]Panacea Mission Log Bin With Log Carrier, $64.61[/link-button]
22. Carve the best jack-o-lantern in the neighborhood.
Whether you’re 8 or 80, you can always have fun carving a pumpkin. And for under $20, the Halloween Haunters Ultimate 12-Piece Professional Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit will give you everything you need to carve an exquisitely detailed jack-o-lantern. Amazon
The kit contains six double-sided sculpting tools, mini saws to carve out shapes with precision, and special blades to hack away the pumpkin guts. All that’s left is picking out the perfect pumpkin and figuring out exactly what kind of face to give it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Haunters-Ultimate-Professional-Lanterns/dp/B074XJHZX7″]Halloween Haunters Professional Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit, $19.96 [/link-button]
23. Enjoy the great outdoors without tracking it inside.
With the fresh, crisp air, cool breeze, and striking scenery, fall is one of the best times of year to be outside—but you have to be wary of tracking dirt and soil into your home. An autumn-themed doormat, like the Toland Home Garden Pumpkin Tower Doormat, is exactly what you need to wipe off your shoes and add to the decor of the outside of your home. Amazon
The imagery, with three stacked pumpkins and a black bird wearing a scarf, will look just right around Halloween—but isn’t too spooky to have around all season.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Toland-Home-Garden-Pumpkin-Decorative/dp/B01FJEGNXY”]Toland Home Garden Pumpkin Tower Doormat, $22.53[/link-button]
24. A Fall Facelift for Your Bedroom
If you’re so into autumn that you even want to give your bedroom a fall makeover, we’ve got just the thing for you: The NEWLAKE Striped Classical Cotton 3-Piece Patchwork Bedspread Quilt Set. Amazon
It combines perky floral patterns and bold stripes of color with forest hues to bring a sense of seasonal cheerfulness into your bedroom. The quilt is designed to stay on the bed all year long, just in case you can’t bear to let the fall go once the season ends.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/NEWLAKE-Striped-Classical-Patchwork-Bedspread/dp/B01MSYIN75″]NEWLAKE Striped Classical Cotton Patchwork Bedspread Quilt Set, $55.89 [/link-button]
25. A Splash of Pumpkin on Your Window
You know what’d look great next to that fall bedding? A pair of pumpkin-colored curtains, like these ones from GoodGram. They’ll give any room just the pop of color you’re looking for this season. Amazon
The sheer voile allows plenty of that golden sunlight to shine right through your bedroom, but still offers a sense of privacy from passersby. Orange not your jam? The company also has the same curtains in red and chocolate, which also fit the fall theme.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/GoodGram-Pack-Luxurious-Curtains-Assorted/dp/B018HAP14E”]GoodGram Ultra Luxurious Curtains In Pumpkin, $12.99 [/link-button]
26. A Place to Put Your Bounty
If all the themes of fall could be boiled down into just one symbol, it’d probably be the cornucopia. It represents the full bounty of the season’s harvest. The Lucky Clover Trading Harvest Basket brings that sense of abundance into your home. Amazon
You can fill it with whatever you consider your personal bounty, like a collection of mini pumpkins, a haul of fresh produce from the farmers’ market, dried flowers and wheat, or something else entirely. Or, just leave it empty as a traditional decorative centerpiece.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Clover-Trading-Harvest-Cornucopia/dp/B00PG6X3A2″]Lucky Clover Trading Harvest Cornucopia Basket, $9.99[/link-button]
27. A Table Runner You Can Dress Up
When it comes to decorating your table for fall, you want a set up that’s casual enough to leave on all the time but fancy enough for those occasional dinner parties. Enter the DII Cotton Woven Heavyweight Table Runner With Decorative Fringe. The “pumpkin spice check” pattern immediately splashes an autumnal look onto your table. Amazon
The fringe gives it a relaxed feel that works for lunches. But the table runner could also be dressed up with an elaborate centerpiece and decorative candles. Best of all? The price—this table runner clocks in at under $10, leaving plenty of room in your budget for that ornate centerpiece.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DII-Heavyweight-Decorative-Dinners-Everyday/dp/B01MZCXH9N”]DII Cotton Woven Heavyweight Table Runner, $8.99 [/link-button]
28. A Tablecloth That Amplifies the Feeling of Fall
Perhaps a tablecloth makes more sense than a runner for your dining room. Amazon’s got you covered with the Montvale Woven Jacquard Tablecloth. Amazon
Between its palette of red, gold, and orange, and its textured foliage pattern, this tablecloth delivers a sense of fall elegance wherever you use it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Montvale-Woven-Jacquard-Tablecloth-70-Inch/dp/B00GP13ZQO/ref=sr_1_18?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1533908403&sr=1-18&keywords=fall+tablecloth”]Montvale Woven Jacquard Tablecloth, $44.99 [/link-button]
29. Art That Creates an Autumnal Ambience
Switching up the art in a room can dramatically shift the ambiance of the space. This fall, why not display a seasonal scene, like this three-panel canvas from My Easy Art? Amazon
One glance at the print and your mind’s immediately transported to a brisk fall afternoon hiking through the forest. You can practically hear the crunch of dried red maple leaves under your feet and feel the warm setting sun on your skin. Talk about atmosphere!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Painting-Art-Decoration-Beautiful-Landscape/dp/B011JG80EG”]My Easy Art Modern Canvas Fall Scene Wall Art, $39.99 [/link-button]
30. Embroidered Dish Towels to Drape in Your Kitchen
There’s something pleasant about having fresh dish towels with designs that reflect the season. It makes your kitchen seem even more orderly and welcoming. Looking for new ones this fall? Try the DII Cotton Decorative Thanksgiving Dish Towels. Amazon
The set features three distinct embroidered details: Leaves with acorns, a pumpkin with a green vine, and a floral and foliage sprig. Plus, they’ll come in handy with all the cooking and baking you’re likely to do this season.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/DII-Thanksgiving-Holiday-Decorative-3-Harvest/dp/B076HPLCJK”]DII Cotton Decorative Thanksgiving Dish Towels, $20.99 [/link-button]
31. Steep your bathroom in a fall scene.
Let’s get real: If you’ve started to decorate your bathroom, you’ve got a serious case of fall fever, and we’re cheering you on. A splashy shower curtain, like this maple leaf-themed one from Ambesonne, will give you the biggest decorative bang for your buck. Amazon
The birch tree-inspired backdrop combined with the colorful leaves will breathe fall into your bathroom. Every morning when you go to shower, you’ll be instantly reminded of your favorite season.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Diagonal-Bathroom-Valentines-Polyester-Decorative/dp/B019ABZSX8″]Ambesonne Fall Maple Leaves Shower Curtain, $15.90 [/link-button]
32. Drop your toothbrushes in a jack-o-lantern.
Perhaps you’re looking for an understated way to celebrate fall in your bathroom (or just something to complement that flashy shower curtain!). The Lakeside Collection Halloween Pumpkin Toothbrush Holder is a charming way to bring a sense of Halloween to the bathroom. Amazon
With its gapped-tooth grin, the whimsical ceramic jack-o-lantern will also serve as a regular reminder to keep up with your dental hygiene—especially after all that Halloween candy.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lakeside-Collection-Halloween-Pumpkin-Toothbrush/dp/B07D4M3SN2″]Lakeside Collection Halloween Pumpkin Toothbrush Holder, $14.97 [/link-button]
33. Don’t pull your pies out of the oven without this.
Ready to get your pie game on point this season? Start by picking up a festive oven mitt that will protect your hands. This Kay Dee Designs Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Oven Mitt is just the right fit for someone who wants a beautiful, yet functional product for baking. Amazon
The handy loop means you can hang this useful item where it’s most convenient, so you’re never stuck scrambling for something protective when the pie’s ready to come out.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kay-Dee-Designs-Autumn-Pumpkins/dp/B01JJZN58A”]Kay Dee Designs Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Oven Mitt, $9.95 [/link-button]
34. The Dish for All Your Favorite Fall Desserts
What’s your favorite fall pie? Apple? Pumpkin? Pecan? No matter your answer, you can bake it in the Emile Henry Made-In-France HR Modern Classics Pie Dish. Amazon
The dish’s burgundy color will make any pie look just a little bit more autumnal. And check out that wavy ridge—press your crust against it before baking to give your pie a fancy finish. You can thank us later.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Emile-Henry-France-Modern-Classics/dp/B00WRIJ45A”]Emile Henry HR Modern Classics Pie Dish, $39.95[/link-button]
35. Stock your pantry with this essential stuff.
Nothing’s worse than running to your grocery store when you want to whip up a quick pie, only to discover there’s been a run on cans of pumpkin and your grocer’s fresh out. Amazon
Stocking up on a few cans of Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin now will ensure you’re never in a bind when you’ve got a hankering for pumpkin pie.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Libbys-100-Pure-Pumpkin-29/dp/B00IAE79QG”]Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin, $3.09 [/link-button]
36. A Fall Upgrade for Your Floors
So you’ve got your fall dish towels, some orange curtains, a cozy couch set-up, and some aromatic candles. What more do you need to fall-ify your home? The Ottomanson Glamour Collection Contemporary Moroccan Trellis Design Area Rug will amp up your autumn decor. Amazon
The bright orange color pays homage to pumpkins, while the trellis design tones down the overall look—perfect for a contemporary kitchen that wants just a touch of country for the season.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Ottomanson-Collection-Contemporary-Moroccan-Non-Slip/dp/B018H5SRO0″]Ottomanson Glamour Collection Contemporary Moroccan Trellis Design Area Rug, $19.75 [/link-button]
37. These turkey candle holders are too cute not to have around.
It’s obvious that The Lakeside Collection Turkey Tea Light Candleholders were designed with Thanksgiving dinner in mind. But these little guys are so cute, we don’t see a problem with using them throughout the season. Amazon
You could flock them together in the center of the dining room table. Or, you could tuck them in nooks throughout your home, like on a bookshelf, coffee table, windowsill, or kitchen countertop. You (and your guests) will smile every time you spot one.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Set-Turkey-Tea-Light-Candleholders/dp/B074RCDPZJ”]Lakeside Collection Turkey Tea Light Candleholders, $14.36 [/link-button]
38. Accessories for Even the Tiniest Kitchens
Small upgrades in decor can go a long way toward infusing your home with autumn. Take the Collections Etc Fall Leaves Dining Table Accessories Set, for example. Amazon
Both the napkins and salt and pepper shakers hide behind something much more pleasant to look at: vivid fall leaves. They can add some fall colors throughout your kitchen without the need to make major changes in decor. And the functionality of this set makes it a welcome addition to homes that are tight on space.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Leaves-Dining-Accessories-Napkin-Holder/dp/B07FL2VG99″]Collections Etc Fall Leaves Dining Table Accessories Set, $11.99 [/link-button]
39. The Tissue Box That Turns Your Home Into a Cabin
With allergies and colds on the rise, chances are good that someone in your household will be reaching for the tissues this season. Why not put them in this wooden tissue box holder from Redwood & Sage? Amazon
Anything wooden fits in well to fall decor, and this holder looks a lot nicer than whatever’s on the cardboard box your tissues are in. Plus, the solid construction keeps the box firmly weighted down, making it much easier to grab a tissue.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Tissue-Holder-Rustic-Facial-Slide-Out/dp/B07BP11XL8″]Redwood & Sage Wooden Tissue Box Holder, $19.10 [/link-button]
