Author: Abby Piper

40 Products For Organizing Everything You Didn’t Know How To Organize

Post author By Abby Piper
Post date August 15, 2018

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

Tags Commerce, social

Lifestyle Well-Traveled

37 Carry On–Friendly Travel Products For The Girl On The Go

Post author By Abby Piper
Post date August 13, 2018

Many travelers avoid checking a bag like the plague. Why? First of all, it costs extra money. Second, it’s a hassle. Third, we think we can fit everything we need to in our “carry-on and personal item,” meaning hassle and extra cost are two things we shouldn’t even have to think about.
But there are many chronic overpackers and inexperienced travelers who struggle to get everything they want into their carry-ons. The key to overcoming this is packing smart, which means packing small. It means figuring out what’s essential to you, and finding the smallest version of it or the smallest way to pack it. These products will help you master the art of packing small.

1. Little hand sanitizers will help you stay clean and fresh.

Hygiene doesn’t take a break because you’re traveling. Airports and airplanes and tourist attractions are notoriously germy places, so keeping some hand sanitizer on you is the smart thing to do.

Who makes better scented hand sanitizer than Bath & Body Works? Uh, no one. This Classic Faves pack comes with all the best scents: peach bellini, cucumber melon, black cherry merlot, sweet pea, and beautiful day. With a mix of natural and germ-killing ingredients, these are a must for the hygienic traveler. Stash a couple in your carry-on to kill bacteria on-the-go.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bath-Body-Works-Pocketbac-Antibacterial/dp/B00GZRA3MW”]Get them on Amazon for $14.75[/link-button]

2. Put the medicine you’ll need in a small case before you go.

Travel is definitely not the time to bail on your medication regimen. Whether it’s prescription meds, an over-the-counter option, or vitamins and supplements, chances are you need to bring some type of medication with you when you travel. Rather than stash a whole bottle of ibuprofen, divvy up what you’ll need and put your capsules and pills a little case.

This cute medicine box will hold your meds and take up practically zero space in your purse or carry-on. The saying on the front, “Good Vibes Only,” is also a nice reminder during potentially stressful travel.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Life-Vitamins-Organizer-Vibes/dp/B07DVTP41B”]Get it on Amazon for $12.19[/link-button]

3. A portable charger will be a lifesaver when your phone’s about to die.

Between looking up directions, trying to find places to eat, and playing games on the plane, odds are you’ll be using your phone a lot when you travel. That means your phone’s battery will be feeling the burn, and the last thing you want is to be away from home with a dead phone. That’s why you should always bring an external charger when you travel.

This small and light option provides three and a half iPhone 8 charges and two and a half Galaxy S8 charges. Plus, once you get to the next airport or your hotel, you can recharge it and hit the trail again knowing you’ll never be without power. This Anker PowerCore 10000 External Charger comes with a travel pouch and cord and will also slide into your carry-on without taking up much room.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI”]Get it on Amazon for $29.99[/link-button]

4. Don’t forget your essential cords, cables, or power banks.

Most people at least bring their laptop and phone with them with they travel, but it’s 2018, so a lot of people also have Apple watches, tablets, Airpods, and other tech gadgets that require additional charging gear. Rather than just throw all these cords and cables in your bag, pack them up neatly in their own little case.

This one has four elastic bands to hold cables and cords, plus a mesh zipper pouch for bigger items. It’s has a flat, compact design perfect for travel, but also features foam padding to protect your gear. The best thing about it: You won’t have to deal with a tangled mess of cords when you get to your destination.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/UT-Wire-UTW-PKT3-BK-Organizer-Accessories/dp/B01KGCRGGM”]Get it on Amazon for $9.15[/link-button]

5. Get a case for your contacts, so you can, you know, see and everything.

Normal contact lens cases are small enough for travel, but contact lens solution? Not so much. Those bottles are usually too big for TSA. And even though the contact lens case is small enough, it’s easy for it to get lost in the depths of carry-on duffel or purse.

This travel case comes with a TSA-approved solution bottle, contact lens case, and mirror. It also has a little lens holder and inserter if you need those. Plus, it keeps everything all together in a single case so you don’t have to dig through everything you packed when you want to take your contact out or put them in.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/VAMIX-Simple-Contact-Travel-Container/dp/B06XGXT15D”]Get it on Amazon for $9.88[/link-button]

6. Equip yourself with wireless earbuds for planes, trains, and automobiles.

Nobody has time to deal with corded headphones while traveling. It’s just another thing to get tangled in your under-seat bag. Wireless options are less messy and earbuds are less bulky. It’s the perfect choice for minimalist traveling.

These Bose earbuds have a neck strap, so you can pop them in and take them off without having to put them away every time. They’ll simply rest around your neck when they’re not in use. If you do want to take them off, they come with a convenient travel case.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Bose-SoundSport-Wireless-Headphones-Black/dp/B01L7PSJFO”]Get them on Amazon for $149[/link-button]

7. You’ll need these small toiletries because showering is important.

TSA rules pretty much guarantee your normal size shampoo and conditioner won’t make it through security, that is, unless you normally use teeny-tiny hair care products. If you’re going to a hotel, they’ll have some, but it might not be the best quality.

To make sure you’re hair care is under control, it’s best to just buy travel size bottles of a tried and true brand, like TRESemme. This TSA-friendly moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner duo will keep your hair from suffering during travel.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/TRESemme-Moisture-Shampoo-Conditioner-Travel/dp/B018J0DDOW”]Get it on Amazon for $6.39[/link-button]

8. Again, travel size body wash, because showering is important!

Cleaning your hair is important, but we can’t forget about the body. Hotel soap bars are notoriously the worst and leave that filmy feeling on your skin. Pass. Again, taking a travel-size version of your favorite brand is your best bet.

Caress’ Daily Silk smells good and will leave your skin moisturized and clean. No awkward bars, no nasty film, and a nice smell. Perfect!
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Caress-Daily-Silk-Body-Wash/dp/B00NG4F160″]Get it on Amazon for $9.99[/link-button]

9. If you travel a lot, investing in travel-size bottles might be best.

Rather than buying travel size products, you could just take the products you have already and dump them into travel bottles. If you’re a frequent flyer, this is definitely the better choice from an economic perspective (and also works well if you have to have a shampoo, conditioner, or body wash that doesn’t come in a travel-size container).

This four pack is leak proof (triple sealed just to be sure) and TSA-approved, so you’ll be good to go. Refilling is normally the hardest part with these bottles, but these have a wide opening to make it as easy as possible.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Leakproof-Containers-Refillable-Squeezable-Toiletries/dp/B0716QRQPD”]Get them on Amazon for $7.99[/link-button]

10. Treat yourself to the cutest razor you’ll ever see.

Razors are easy to forget. Since a lot of women don’t use them every day, it’s not on always on our minds. Plus, no one wants to throw a wet razor straight from the shower into their bag, and who has a razor case?

This itty bitty razor from Gillette is the perfect solution. It’s so compact, which is perfect for touching up fuzz while your traveling, and it’s a full size razor, so you can do some full-on shaving when you get to your destination. It also comes in a little case that you can throw it in your bag without worry.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Gillette-Venus-Cosmo-Smooth-Womens/dp/B00I5H5Z1O”]Get it on Amazon for $6.99[/link-button]

11. These tiny tissue packs are made for on-the-go sniffles.

You don’t want to be that person who’s on the plane, clearly struggling with a runny nose and not handling it. You also don’t want to be the person who sneezes in the confined space of an airplane seat without any protection. It’s best to be prepared for these scenarios.

You should carry tissues, like Kleenex Pocket Packs, all the time, but especially when you’re traveling. Whether you have allergies, feel a cold coming on, or just have one massive sneeze, you want to keep whatever’s coming out of your nose off of everybody else. Be ready with tissues you can grab at a moment’s notice, and also offer up to someone who might be suffering through the same unpleasant travel sniffles.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Kleenex-Balsam-Pocket-Packs-pack/dp/B00KO2NEWA”]Get them on Amazon for $6.39[/link-button]

12. Soothe (some of) your travel anxieties with a pocket-size stain remover.

You’re at the airport at 6 a.m. to catch your flight, so naturally, you run through the Starbucks line. Then when you’re groggily taking your first sip, you spill some on your shirt. Great start to a day of travel.

That’s why you carry a Tide To Go pen on your person. They work on most stains, so rather than walking around with coffee on your meticulously planned travel getup, you can handle it right away and board the plane confidently.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Tide-Instant-Stain-Remover-Liquid/dp/B01C3NAT16″]Get them on Amazon for $6.79[/link-button]

13. This is the perfect mat for the traveling yogi.

Traveling shouldn’t mean that you have to give up your flow! In fact, vacation destinations can be great for exploring different yoga classes (or doing yoga outside or on the beach!). Luckily, finding a mat that fits in your carry-on isn’t as hard as you might think.

This 2 mm foldable mat from Gaiam is perfect. Since it folds rather than rolls, it fits into your suitcase just like a piece of clothing. It’s scored for easy folding and still has a sticky texture to give you the grip you need.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Foldable-Yoga-Mat-Grey/dp/B010I7BUG2″]Get it on Amazon for $24.98[/link-button]

14. Moisturize to prep your face for the flight.

Air travel can seriously dehydrate our skin, so it’s important to care for it as much as possible before, during, and after the flight. Before bucking up, it’s a good idea to apply a quality moisturizer.

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost water gel is infused with hyaluronic acid to boost moisture levels in the skin and the water-based formula feels light. At 1.7 oz, it’s TSA-friendly and perfect for preparing your skin for jet-setting adventures.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Hydro-Boost-Water-Gel/dp/B00NR1YQHM”]Get it on Amazon for $16.17[/link-button]

15. A nice (but tiny) in-flight mist is a must.

Again, the air pressure on a plane can make you pretty dehydrated. Moisturizing before is a good idea, but during the flight, you might not want to smother a cream all over your face.

The more refreshing option is this non-aerosol mist. Hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, and bilberry-leaf extracts counter inflammation and the peptides and antioxidants help protect the skin. When you’re feeling a little dry, give your face a little mist.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Grown-Alchemist-Hydra-Mist-Desert-Amino-Peptide/dp/B00G3J8K9K”]Get it on Amazon for $30[/link-button]

16. A collapsible water bottle means you can hydrate anywhere.

You can apply all the creams and serums you want, but the best way to stay hydrated is drinking loads of water. TSA won’t let you bring a full water bottle through security, so having one that can collapse until you get through is ideal. You won’t have to waste space on an empty water bottle or buy anything at the newsstands on the other side.

Once you’re on the other side, you can unfold this Vapur bottle and fill it up for the flight. Then, when it’s empty, you can roll it back up and tuck it inside your purse or carry-on.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Vapur-Element-Foldable-Flexible-Carabiner/dp/B007UU6JI0″]Get it on Amazon for $9.62 and up [/link-button]

17. Befriend this odd but compact travel pillow.

We could all use a little in-flight beauty rest. You might get away with clasping your travel pillow to your carry-on, but if you don’t want to deal with all that bouncing around or resort to wearing it around your neck the whole time, you should consider this out-of-the-box option.

The Trtl travel pillow is made with super soft fleece and looks like a scarf, but it has hidden support and extra cushioning for your neck. Because it’s not the standard travel pillow shape, it’s not as bulky and can lay flat in your carry-on or purse when you’re not using it.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LB7REFK”]Get it on Amazon for $29.99 [/link-button]

18. Don’t forget a lightweight blanket to bring along.

Unless you’re on an overnight flight, don’t count on the flight attendants to bring you a blanket. Bring your own! Of course, most of your plushy at-home blankets would take up way too much space, but there are blankets made for travel.

This lightweight option is small and light (only 11 ounces)—perfect for throwing in your bag or carry-on without adding weight. It also comes with a carrying case that makes it easier to tuck away when you’re not using it. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you can’t be cozy.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Cocoon-CoolMax-Travel-Blanket-Black/dp/B00815F0NI”]Get it on Amazon for $37.95[/link-button]

19. This is the better alternative to a Ziploc bag.

You could stick all of your TSA-sized liquids into a Ziploc bag, but that’s not very cute or secure. You might as well pick up a reusable option for all your future travels.

The 3-1-1 liquid rule says you can bring one clear quart-sized bag of 3.4 oz liquids through TSA security. This zipper bag follows those regulations, making traveling with liquids much easier. You can trust it for this trip and all your future adventures.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Lermende-Toiletry-Approved-Airport-Compliant/dp/B074X786H2″]Get it on Amazon for $11.95[/link-button]

20. A mini kit will help you keep your nails neat and trim.

We shouldn’t forget about nail care while we’re traveling. You don’t want to be stuck without a nail file when your nail chips or have an overgrown toenail you can’t clip before hitting the beach or pool deck.

This manicure kit from Tweezerman provides just the essentials, like a file and clippers, so you can quickly fix up your nails if they’re looking a little rough.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Tweezerman-4073-r-Nail-Rescue-Kit/dp/B002HK2H1G”]Get it on Amazon for $14.99[/link-button]

21. Be prepared for any little messes you might encounter.

You don’t want to be stuck on a plane with oily or sticky hands after eating—not to mention any other random messes that could happen when you’re confined in a cabin with lots of other people.

Bring a travel pack of wet wipes so you can clean yourself up if you need to. These ones are antibacterial and have a citrus scent, so you’ll feel clean and refreshed when you use them.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Ones-Antibacterial-Citrus-Travel/dp/B01MY23N1U”]Get them on Amazon for $13.35[/link-button]

22. You’ll need a tiny cream for hand hydration.

Going back to the dehydration thing, having a nice hand cream on board a plane is a must for keeping your hands soft and smooth.

This travel size hand cream from Crabtree and Evelyn has shea butter and macadamia nut oil for hydration and French verbena and lavender for a nice scent. Plus, myrrh extract in the formula conditions your nails and cuticles. Keep this on hand for when your hands aren’t feeling their best.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Crabtree-Evelyn-Verbena-Lavender-Therapy/dp/B00IZ0PP3E”]Get it on Amazon for $8.00[/link-button]

23. Keep it together with an all-in-one passport case and wallet.

Rather than tote around a wallet and passport holder, just put everything in one location. Since you really shouldn’t bring all of your cards when you travel anyway, stash the essentials (credit, debit, cash, passport) in a multi-use passport case.

This one from Fossil has a side for this (your passport) and that (everything else). It’s much easier to keep everything in one place so that it’s all easily accessible when you’re at the airport. Fossil also makes the case in several colors and patterns, so you can pick your fave and travel in style.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Fossil-Passport-Wallet-Black-Floral/dp/B0753QXKJV”]Get it on Amazon for $55.00[/link-button]

24. Keep your jewelry safe in this miniature box.

For some trips, you might need to pack some jewelry. Who said you can’t wear a little bling on vacation? Obviously, you can’t take a full-size jewelry box, but there are only so many ways to store and transport jewelry.

This tiny box is the perfect size for travel. It’s got a row for rings and studs, three little compartments, and an elastic pocket, which is just enough for a week’s worth of jewelry.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Vlando-Leather-Organizer-Earrings-Necklace/dp/B014T5TNYK”]Get it on Amazon for $10.99[/link-button]

25. Pack these, then pack your carry-on.

Despite seeming small, carry-ons can accommodate quite a bit of stuff. But in order to maximize the space, you have to be mindful of how you pack. Randomly filling your suitcase probably won’t be the best way to fit everything you can.

These storage cubes can help guide your packing. They’re designed to fit snugly into carry-on luggage. The pack of six has two large cubes, two medium cubes, and two small cubes for different types of clothing. Fill them with the essentials, then fit them into your carry-on like puzzle pieces and you’re ready to fly.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/BAGSMART-Packing-Portable-Organizer-Accessories/dp/B0747LB67S”]Get them on Amazon for $34.99[/link-button]

26. Here’s a clean way to store your toothbrush.

A standard toothbrush holder is good, but and considering your toothbrush goes inside your mouth every day, twice a day, maybe you should consider something with a little more to it.

The Steripod keeps your toothbrush “clean and fresh” with active vapors. Clip the pod on your toothbrush head for physical protection and the active vapors inside will work to sterilize it as well.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Steripod-Toothbrush-Protector-Protects-Against/dp/B0762293TY”]Get it on Amazon for $14.79[/link-button]
[related article_ids=1078186]

27. Go to bed with a clean, fresh face.

Whether your skin’s just feeling a little oily or you want to take your makeup off for the night, skin cleanser is essential. Your whole bottle of face wash won’t make it through security, nor is it convenient for traveling. Face wipes, on the other hand, are TSA-friendly and easy to use on the go.

These Yes To Cucumbers wipes are hypoallergenic and contain soothing aloe. They’re the perfect pick-me-up for your face during or after a long day of travel.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Yes-Cucumbers-Soothing-Hypoallergenic-Towelettes/dp/B00RAP5O3Q”]Get them on Amazon for $5.46[/link-button]

28. Give your face a good scrub with this mini cleansing brush.

Washing with the hotel washcloth is fine, but if you normally use electronic cleansing brushes and want to stick with that, there are carry-on friendly options out there.

FOREOs are the latest cleansing brushes people are obsessing over. Their LUNA play plus is the smallest model, but it still has some serious cleansing power. FOREO says using the LUNA play plus twice a day for just one minute will “remove dirt, oil, and impurities, diminish the appearance of pores and improve the absorption of your favorite skincare products.” If it’s really that quick and effective, this mini face scrubber should definitely be on your packing list.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/FOREO-LUNA-play-plus-Cleansing/dp/B06XSY57C1″]Get it on Amazon for $49.00[/link-button]

29. Make (a little) space for a complete travel skincare kit.

One way to pack efficiently is to rely on multipurpose, travel-size beauty products. Instead of sacrificing quality in your beauty routine, just simplify so that you only need a few products to get that glowy skin you’re after.

This travel kit from Kopari includes their Coconut Melt, Coconut Sheer Oil, Coconut Balm, and Coconut Body Glow. The Coconut Melt alone can be used as a moisturizer, under eye cream, makeup remover, shave oil, hair mask, and more. If you want to make sure you have your beauty bases covered, a kit like this won’t take up much space but will get a lot of use.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0734B26ML”]Get it on Amazon for $38.00[/link-button]

30. Protect your skin, even if you’re not going to the beach.

People tend to think sunscreen is only necessary when they’re going somewhere hot and sunny, but those rays are hitting you any time you’re outside. So regardless of where you’re going, bringing sunscreen is probably a good idea. Your skin will thank you later.

This travel spray from Coola will be perfect for lightly misting your face and body throughout the day. It has SPF 30 and anti-aging ingredients, so your skin will definitely be grateful you brought this along.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Coola-Travel-Continuous-Spray-SPF30/dp/B075TJPDVD”]Get it on Amazon for $11.16[/link-button]

31. Clean your hair without taking a shower.

When you can’t bring all of your hair care products, you really need to consider what the essentials are. For a lot of women, dry shampoo is something they absolutely need on their hair’s oilier days.

This small bottle from Living Proof will give your hair a cleaner look, even if you’ve been traveling all day. It eliminates oil, sweat, and odor, so you can have fresh-feeling hair whenever and wherever.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Living-Proof-Perfect-Hair-Day/dp/B016LOCL2S”]Get it on Amazon for $9.00[/link-button]

32. This is the only heat-styling tool you’ll need.

Sometimes you want to straighten your hair, sometimes you want to curl it, but you don’t have the space to pack a flat iron and curling iron—or do you?

Not only is this a two-in-one straightener and curling iron, but it’s also mini. So you can style your hair however you want to and wherever you want to. It will fit into your carry-on without a problem. In fact, it’s so small, you can even carry it in your purse if you want.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Curling-Straightener-Ceramic-Tourmaline-Included/dp/B07BMQ5YSD”]Get it on Amazon for $26.99[/link-button]

33. For when you’re feeling a bit peckish…

Nowadays, they only give you one crummy bag of peanuts on the plane. No thank you. You want to bring your favorite snacks, and there’s no shame in packing a little something for the flight.

These snack containers are perfect for packing a little in-flight treat, just for you. You could spend your money on overpriced airport food, but you could also pack your fave snack from home. While everyone else munches on a tiny bag of pretzels, you’ll have a full serving of something you actually want to eat on the ready.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Steelware-Leak-proof-Stainless-Containers-Adults/dp/B01AVW9BCE”]Get them on Amazon for $14.95[/link-button]
[related article_ids=1079031]

34. Invest in a little notebook for (potentially) big thoughts.

Sometimes you just need something to do while traveling, and it could be the perfect time to let the inner writer and/or artist out. At the very least, you can kill some time doodling.

These tiny Moleskine notebooks take up very little space, but they could occupy your brain on a long flight, at least for a little bit. Plus, little journals like this are the kind of thing you’ll enjoy revisiting one day—especially if they’re filled with your travel tales.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Volant-Journal-Pocket-8051272890402/dp/B00UG3IZVC”]Get them on Amazon for $9.95[/link-button]

35. In Case of Emergency, or Paper Cut

You want to be prepared for anything when you travel, but that’s hard when you only have a carry-on bag. It’s not like you can pack your whole medicine cabinet, but you can still try to have the essentials medical supplies on hand.

This mini first aid kit is smaller than the palm of your hand and has all the basics: bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic—basically what you’d need for anything you could handle without a doctor. It won’t take up much space and it’s just generally smart to pack one of these.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Purpose-Piece-First-Travel/dp/B00BIRMTY4″]Get it on Amazon for $6.97[/link-button]

36. This raincoat fits in its own pocket.

A rain jacket is one of those items you might decide to leave out to save space. You looked at the weather and it’s not going to rain, but we all know that weather people aren’t always perfectly accurate.

Luckily, you can pack this Eddie Bauer rain jacket without worrying about wasting precious space. It folds up into its own right pocket. If it doesn’t rain, it didn’t take up that much space; if it does, it will save you from getting totally soaked.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Eddie-Bauer-Rainfoil-Packable-Regular/dp/B01MYB7XYR”]Get it on Amazon for $69.30[/link-button]

37. Detangle your hair on the move.

You can’t comb out knots with your fingers. Unless your hair is perfectly silky, it just won’t get the job done. That’s why it’s essential to pack a brush. Since brushes can take up a lot of space, this miniature Wet Brush will be your go-to for travel.

It works on dry and wet hair, so you’re good to go right out of the shower, or out and about doing touch ups. It might take a few more strokes than it’s larger counterpart, but you can’t beat its travel-friendly size.
[link-button href=”https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Brush-Squirt-Pocket-Detangling/dp/B00BISIMYO”]Get it on Amazon for $6.74[/link-button]

Tags Commerce, social

Happy x Mindful Wellbeing

8 Good Podcasts To Listen To For An Empowering Commute

Post author By Abby Piper
Post date July 23, 2018

Driving to work can be a drag. Whether you’re headed to a confining cube or you’re going to the job of your dreams, a long commute doesn’t exactly rev you up for the 8+ hours of work you have ahead of you. That’s why we’re recommending some majorly inspiring and interesting podcasts (all lady-led, of course) that’ll give you some real-life motivation, advice, and entertainment to empower you before you dive into the daily grind.

1. Girlboss Radio

Former Nasty Gal CEO Sophia Amoruso talks to other—you guessed it—girlbosses. When you’re heading into a job, whether you love or hate it, this podcast will motivate you to keep up the hustle. Not to mention, these successful ladies have some kickass advice for your day-to-day life too.

Our Episode Picks

For the Pop-Culture Junkie: Sarah Jessica Parker, actress, producer, entrepreneur
For the 60-Hour Workweek Warrior: Arlan Hamilton, founding and managing partner of Backstage Capital
For the Workout-Legging Addict: Tyler Haney, CEO of Outdoor Voices

2. Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin, a writer who studies happiness and human nature, and her sister, Elizabeth Craft, discuss the ins and outs of finding happiness in the chaos of daily life. They give straight-up advice for boosting happiness and discuss the value of self-reflection. For practical-minded women, these tidbits of advice and insights give tangible steps for increasing happiness and fostering good habits.

Our Episode Picks

For the Realist: “Remember, This Is Supposed to Be Fun”
For the Post-It Queen: “Write It Down (Really)”
For the Yoga-Pants Zealot: “Wear ‘Clothes’ Every Day”

3. Almost 30

Friends Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, a playful duo from Los Angeles, chat about the fun of transitioning into adulthood and all that comes with it. For those approaching 30 (which can seem daunting), there’s so much—too much!—to figure out. Regardless of what you’re feeling uncertain about (whether it’s your health, your career, your relationships, your mental state, or all of the above), you can find a relatable episode that’ll encourage you and let you know you’re not alone.

Our Episode Picks

For the 420 Friendly: “Cannabis 101 + Why It’s Important”
For the Yogi: “The Beats, The Sweat, The Tribe”
For the Foodie: “‘Genius Foods’ + How Eating for Optimal Brain Health Will Make You Happier and More Productive”

4. Forever 35

If you’re over 30 and interested in what wellness can look like for you in this chapter of your life, listen to these two friends and self-described wellness addicts discuss how people in the real world (i.e., not wellness influencers) are trying their very best to be comprehensively well. They talk to women who are engaged in the pursuit of wellness from all angles—from maintaining practices that focus on their physical bodies to working with their minds and souls.

Our Episode Picks

For the Minimalist Mom: “Mother of Intention” with Emily Gould
For the Naturalista: “Talking Natural Beauty” with Jessa Blades
For the Serum Devotee: “Skincare Questions” with Courtney Chiusano

5. On Being with Krista Tippett

For the deep thinkers, Krista Tippett will get your gears turning as she discusses life’s big questions with interesting people. If you’re looking to go on a deep dive into your mind, listen to On Being for your fix of profound reflection.

Our Episode Picks

For the Artist: “The Normal, Daily Things We Fall in Love With” with Maira Kalman
For the Self-Identity Seeker: “Finding My ‘I Am’” with Maria Shriver
For the Writer: “Soul Food, Sex, and Space” with Nikki Giovanni

6. By the Book

Each week, Jolenta Greenberg, a producer and performer in New York City, and Kristen Meinzer, an audio producer and host, live according to the advice of a self-help book to determine if these authors know what they’re talking about or if they’re just selling a gimmick. For those who frequent the self-help section of their local bookstore or the cynics calling BS on Malcolm Gladwell, this podcast assesses the power of such literature to revolutionize your life.

Our Episode Picks

For the Eternally Messy: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
For the Real Housewives Fanatic: Class With the Countess
For the Down-on-Her-Luck: You Are a Badass

7. Free Cookies

Hosted by real-life couple Kate Fagan, an ESPN reporter, and Kathryn Budig, a yoga teacher and foodie, this podcast shares “free cookies” about their respective areas of interest, plus deets on their relationship. Juicy.

Our Episode Picks

For the Sports Fan: “Abby Wambach Kicks Off Cookies”
For the Barre Class Enthusiast: “Curtain Calls & Cookies”
For the Yogi: “Cookies for Every Body”

8. Unladylike

Unladylike gets into the challenges, stigmas, and stereotypes women face in today’s society and what they’re doing to overcome them. Hosts Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin bring on ladies who talk about self-empowerment and ignore the haters trying to tell them how to live their lives.

Our Episode Picks

For the Women Crushing on Fitness Influencers: “How to Get a Yoga Body” with Jessamyn Stanley
For the Working Mom: “How to Nanny Up”
With intelligent and genuine ladies like these paving the way, it makes sense that podcasts have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years. The right Beyoncé track can pump you up momentarily, but the right podcast can give you some sustainable motivation to work hard while making your daily commute more empowering.

Tags Commerce, Featured, organic

Healthy Her Way Lifestyle Uncategorized

Personal Trainer × Life Coach Jess Pack

Post author By Abby Piper
Post date July 19, 2018

If you want to know why we’re crushing on Jessica “Jess” Pack, look no further than her book title: Planking for Pizza: The No BS Guide to Getting Fit and Reaching Your Body Goals. Here at HealthyWay HQ, we do love pizza. More importantly, we love to prioritize fitness, reaching goals, and, of course, a BS-free life.
Jess’ health and fitness journey all started with her self-diagnosed “quarter-life crisis,” and girl…we’ve all been there (some of us more than once). For Jess, this quarter-life crisis soon led to what she calls her “butterfly moment,” when she took ownership of her life and began actively working toward transforming herself for the better.
You’re probably wondering how exactly she did that. Jess experimented with different exercise routines and diets to find what made her feel good inside and also made the decision to go to therapy to work on her mental health. This period of self-reflection led to lifestyle changes that resulted in a new life filled with self-discovery. Lucky for her social media followers, Jess began to document her journey, and thus, Planking For Pizza was born. Since then, Jess and her brand have grown and evolved, and her followers have gotten to see it all—from the struggles to the successes. It’s an ongoing journey, but Jess has recognized that you have to approach health from all angles: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Jess’ huge following is no surprise. She’s incredibly relatable and knows how to speak to the average woman. She works a nine-to-five job. So do we. She’s had moments of doubt. Same. She rushes to get out the door in the morning. We don’t all get up with sun. She’s gotten stuck in a rut. Everyone’s got to switch it up once in a while. She orders a trenta at Starbucks. Uh, we have a cold brew keg at HealthyWay HQ.
We could go on, but you get the idea.
Most importantly though, Jess helps others find the same self-love and confidence she once struggled to find herself. She wants women to feel good in their bodies, no matter where they are in their wellness journey, and she is proud to embody the belief that you don’t have to look a certain way to find happiness and health. Nourish—that’s Jess’ advice for success. Nourish your body, but also your mind, heart, and soul. Jess recognizes that’s not always easy. Her Instagram posts are very open about the natural ups and downs of finding health, happiness, and self-confidence. She’s not shy when she’s struggling, but she’s learned how to put things in perspective and tries to help her followers do the same. Currently Jess has been getting into weightlifting and has even created an 8-week program for beginners. She’s “empowering women to build confidence in the weight room,” and we’re here for it!
In the social media world, where filters and strategic posing often blur reality, Jess’ candor provides a much-needed breath of fresh air on the ’gram. She might not have intended to become a #fitspo influencer, but we’re sure glad she did.

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

A typical day for me starts at 8 a.m. as I am rushing out of bed to get ready, take care of my dog and cat, and be out the door by 8:20 a.m. so I can be at work by 8:30 a.m. I work a desk job and am there from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Spending 40+ hours in a sedentary state always has me craving a good sweat sesh. So after work, I go to the gym for my powerlifting training and am there for about an hour to hour and a half. I get home around 8 to 8:30 p.m., shower, eat, play with the fur babies, and then hustle until about midnight working on my passion projects. Go to sleep. Wake up. Repeat.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

I am currently working really hard on some passion projects that occupy all my free time. It can be hard, and I don’t always feel like I have a good life balance, but I know it will be worth it for the reward of living my dream life. So self-care for me is being gentle on myself when I don’t accomplish all that’s on my to-do list. It is allowing myself flexibility to go with the flow and not always be in hustle mode. It is allowing time with friends or giving myself a Saturday to do absolutely nothing.

How do you stay inspired?

We live in a content-consumer world, so I find when I consume too much content from others, it bogs me down and makes me feel inadequate. So for me, inspiration comes from shutting down from social media and allowing myself to get lost in my own thoughts and inviting space to just be with myself. I often do a lot of brain dumps and brainstorm ideas with good friends and just let all my thoughts and ideas flow. Sometimes they become something, or other times I leave them to come back to at a later time when I am ready to invest more time and energy into developing an idea.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

I recently got into essential oils! I love diffusing them at night to help me unwind and relax.

What are your favorite apps?

Instagram, Audible, Asana, Over, Unfold

Whose Instagram is on your radar? #squadgoals #gramlove #hashtag

Katie Crewe will forever and always be someone I look up to for her drive, dedication, inner and outer strength, and beauty!

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

I love just-cut-up veggies and hummus or plain Fage yogurt with fruit and almond butter.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

Reading: Crushing It, Unfu*k Yourself, The War of Art
Listening: Novo Amor, The Receiving End of Sirens, Freya Ridings, Rob Bailey & the Hustle Standard, Breaking Benjamin, SMYL, “Everything is Love” by the Carters

Jess IRL

What is your bucket list travel destination?

Bali!

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

My great grandma! She was locally famous for her hellion nature—always fighting for what was right—and everything I have heard about her is everything I aspire to be!

What’s your coffee order?

Trenta iced coffee with toffee nut 🖤
Sometimes I add cream, but most of the time I drink it black.

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

“Treat others the way you want to be treated,” and “Say what you mean, but don’t say it mean.”

Whether you’re interested in learning how to lift or just looking for some down-to-earth words of encouragement, we recommend taking a look at Jess’ website and Instagram.

Tags HHW, noads

Healthy Her Way Lifestyle

Davida Lederle Of The Healthy Maven

Post author By Abby Piper
Post date July 16, 2018

“We could all use a little more kale AND wine in our lives.” You know we had to feature whoever wrote this—so we did.
This week’s Healthy Her Way feature calls herself The Healthy Maven, and we think it’s a pretty appropriate moniker. Not only is Davida Lederle a self-made maven, she also makes living a healthy lifestyle relatable. She’s not a certified nutritionist or dietitian—and we love that! After all, most of us aren’t either. She’s just a normal girl turned wellness junkie, inspiring us with her attainably healthful lifestyle.
Davida preaches living “healthFULLY”—emphasis on fully. There’s living “healthy,” according to the standards of health set by who-knows-who, but she’s figured out that if you don’t feel happy, you’re not living healthFULLY. She’s committed to sharing this lifestyle with her followers and uses several mediums to get her message across, including her blog, Instagram, YouTube channel, and podcast.
Part of a full life is a full belly, and Davida discourages restricting what we eat to the point of feeling undernourished—and that means in our bodies and our souls. She has a flexible approach to food: “Most of the time this means eating an organic plant-based diet, but if that scone is calling my name, I want bacon with my eggs, and my dinner is begging for a glass of wine, then that’s okay too.” It’s all about the balance.
She doesn’t just say that either. Her Instagram feed proves that she practices what she preaches. Scattered between the bright smoothie bowls and delicious chicken and veggie dinners, you’ll spot (multiple times) her ultimate grain-free brownies and French toast. She even posted a photo of herself drinking a beer—or, as she called it, “fermented grain juice.” 🙌 Whatever you want to call your drink of choice, we’re here for a wellness guru telling us an occasional beer is influencer-approved.
Davida covers more than food and drink, though. She recently became a certified yoga instructor, so you can also turn to her for some flow inspo. And if you want to explore green beauty, Davida dishes about her best finds on that front too. Plus, her travels outside of San Fran make us want to hit the road ASAP. As if all that’s not enough, she and her husband are so freaking adorable together. #wellnessgoals, #relationshipgoals, and did we mention #doggoals? She has the cutest damn goldendoodle. She’s killing it.
Of her approach to health, she says, “If it makes me feel awesome, then I am on board.” Well, we certainly love feeling awesome, so we’re on board with Davida, too.

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

I am not an early riser, so I usually get up around 9:00 a.m. I start my day slow with some tea or coffee—depending on how I’m feeling—and breakfast, which is usually a green smoothie or oatmeal. I then jump into work, starting with my inbox. I only answer my emails once a day, so I try to have that done first thing in the morning. From there we’ll see how the day goes!
Sometimes it’s recording a podcast, filming a video, or shooting a recipe. I’m usually done by 4:00 p.m., which is when I take my dog on a long walk or go to yoga or pilates. I come home, cook dinner, and then hang out on the couch watching some TV or reading a book. I’m usually in bed around 10:30.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

It changes every day. Sometimes it’s as simple as sleeping in or binge-watching a TV show. Other times it’s more proactive, like taking a spa day or doing a tech detox in the woods. I like to believe that self-care looks more like self-preservation i.e. “What do I need to do today to survive and feel happy?”

How do you stay inspired?

Get outside! Go offline! I think there’s a misconception around bloggers that we’re online all the time. I’m sure that’s the case for some, but I try to take a few hours a day offline and at least one day of the weekend. I like to go out and experience the world to get inspiration. Hang out with friends, go on hikes, try new restaurants. Inspiration comes when you’re not seeking it, but living it.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

So many! I’m a green beauty junkie and have been loving the Jasmine Green Tea Toner from Herbivore and the Red Wine Mask from 100% Pure. In terms of food, I have been loving the Beauty Chef Glow Powder in my smoothies. I hate how much I love it because it’s so expensive, but it actually works!

What are your favorite apps?

Snapchat! We have a family snapchat group, and I love seeing what everyone is up to since we live across the continent. I took down my public Snapchat account, but I still use it privately and love it.

Whose Instagram is on your radar? #squadgoals #gramlove #hashtag

My friends and family! They inspire me daily. In terms of people with public profiles, I love following Meg from The Well Essentials. She has such a refreshing take on the world and the wellness space.

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

Veggies and hummus

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

Watching: The Handmaid’s Tale; reading: The Untethered Soul; listening: Oprah’s Master Class

Davida IRL

If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?

My dog, Bodhi, would say I am needy, lazy, and completely whipped. Though to be fair, he’s all of these things, too.

What’s your most-used emoji?

😘

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

My grandmother: She passed in my early twenties, but I feel like I only got to know her after she passed. I wish I could take her to brunch and ask her all the questions about her upbringing, raising a family, and how she became the ultimate matriarch.

What’s your coffee order?

Iced almond milk latte

Read Davida’s blog, listen to her podcast, or check out her Instagram for some encouragement and to keep up with Davida’s own wellness journey!

Tags HHW, noads

Healthy Her Way Lifestyle

Registered Holistic Nutritionist Meghan Doll

Post author By Abby Piper
Post date July 3, 2018

Officially, Meghan “Meg” Doll is a registered holistic nutritionist. Her brand name, Meg the RHN, confirms it. Really though, she is so much more than her occupation.
At first glance, holistic nutrition can be an intimidating idea. It seems like something your favorite food bloggers and wellness influencers have down pat, but trying to recreate those very beautiful—often very green—plates of food seems likes something that should be left to the pros.
Meg proves that’s not the case. Scrolling through her Instagram, you’ll start to understand that holistic nutrition is not that daunting. Scrambled eggs? Uh, we can do that. “Love Bowls”? Sounds like something we could get into. Of course there’s still a lot of green, but here at HealthyWay we’re definitely down for some veggies and avo toast. Not to mention the food itself is just a portion of Meg’s holistic approach.
In case you aren’t familiar, holistic nutrition is a more comprehensive approach to health that looks at the whole, individual person, not just what they’re eating. Meg’s personal bouts with eating disorders inspired her to help other women feel healthy, but they also taught her that actually being healthy goes beyond food. It includes feeling empowered and loved by yourself, which happens by paying attention to how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking. Meg teaches women how to connect with their natural intuition to figure out what they need to live their best life. Her goal isn’t to tell women exactly what to do, but listen to her clients so she can teach them how to listen to themselves—their bodies and their minds.
Besides the yummy food, inspirational posts, and self-love selfies that make up Meg’s feed, you’ll probably notice the plethora of small bottles of something. They’re essential oils—rose, grapefruit, frankincense and many, many more. We’ve seen lots of food inspo on the ’gram, but essential oil inspo isn’t quite as common, and you might never meet an essential oil enthusiast as passionate as Meg.
Due to her fervor for all things related to essential oils, Meg has created an entire program, Nourished & Free, dedicated to showing women the benefits of essential oils so they can find the same freedom and empowerment she did. With the way she gushes about the benefits of essential oils, you’ll want to make your way to the doTerra website to get shopping ASAP.
Above all, Meg believes in women and their power to create a happy, healthy life. As one of her Instagram posts said, “We all have this incredible ability to change the story we are telling ourselves, holding onto, and believing.”
Meg’s living proof of that. She changed her story for the better and wants other women to know they can too.

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

As an entrepreneur who works from home, I am able to schedule my day in a way that feels good for me! Since there are several different aspects of my business, no day of the week looks the same, but a typical workday involves:
Waking up between 6 and 8 a.m., naturally—without an alarm.
Having a big S’well bottle filled with warm water, a pinch of sea salt, and lemon essential oil.
Taking my pup for a little walk around our neighborhood. Coming home to have a nourishing breakfast that will fuel me through the morning as I work. I will then break for lunch and work through the rest of the afternoon, breaking again at least once to take my pup for another little walk outside, and then I finally wrap up my work day around 4:30/5 p.m., which is when I’ll move my body in some way that feels good for me that day.
I love strength training, so I lift weights in my full home gym three times per week, which is what I’ve found to be a great schedule for me, my mind, and body! However, if I’m not lifting weights, I also love yoga and leisure walking. So depending on the day, I will do one of those types of movement.
One of my greatest passions is cooking, so I look forward to making a new meal every night for my boyfriend and I to enjoy together.
After dinner, what I do all depends on the day, but I usually take it easy—a warm shower, reading a book, and journaling before I go to bed at 10/10:30 p.m.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

I absolutely love the topic of self-care, so I could talk about this forever as I think the practice of self-care is so much more than simply pedicures, massages, and bubble baths. For me, self-care is listening to what I need in the moment. However, I’ve found that daily movement, staying properly hydrated, eating foods that I enjoy and allow me to feel my best, daily journaling and reading, and communicating my thoughts and feelings with my boyfriend on a daily basis are some of the self-care practices that I would consider to be non-negotiables for me, so I guess I would say they would be my favorites, as well!

How do you stay inspired?

I find that I am most inspired and “in the flow” when I’m journaling daily. If I don’t journal, I feel disconnected from myself, which leads to lack of inspiration.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

I wouldn’t be caught anywhere without my Verage skincare! It’s completely transformed the look and feel of my skin, so that’s the first thing to come to mind!

What are your favorite apps?

The app I use most would be Instagram, so that would probably be my favorite, too!

Whose Instagram is on your radar? #squadgoals #gramlove #hashtag

@rochellebilow! She’s an Instagram friend of mine and a soon-to-be guest on my podcast as well! Her food pictures inspire me, her captions move me, and her cute little pup Cedar Boots is adorable!

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

I am currently reading the book The Path of Practice.

Meghan IRL

What is your bucket list travel destination?

Since travel is on the top of my Joy List, so I have a lot on my list—Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and Morocco, to name a few…

Would you rather explore space or the ocean? Why?

Ocean, but only if I could be a mermaid at the same time 😉

What’s your coffee order?

I don’t drink coffee—not even decaf! However, my favorite drink is reishi with black pepper and cardamom essential oils.

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

No one has the power to dictate the way you feel about yourself—only you have that power. My dad told this to me as a young 10-year-old girl.

For more food and essential oil inspiration, plus some pics of her adorable dog Penny, check out Meg’s Instagram and website.

Tags HHW, noads

Healthy Her Way Lifestyle

Nutritionist × Functional Medicine Practitioner Jennie Miremadi

Post author By Abby Piper
Post date June 22, 2018

The sheer amount of nutrition “rules” and advice circulating in society right now makes it difficult to determine what is actually healthy. Paleo? Keto? Fro-yo? Who knows. And even if we do know, that doesn’t mean we’ll always make the right choices. Sometimes it takes help from a professional who understands the struggle, like Jennie Miremadi.
Jennie embodies many nutrition goals worth aspiring to. She is a licensed integrative clinical nutritionist, after all. Scrolling through her website and Instagram, you can tell Jennie has found her true calling. Her recipes are the healthy-but-delicious meals we all obsess over and hope to create in our own kitchens. Her cacao almond chia seed smoothie? It legit looks like a chocolate milkshake. And her collard wraps look so good that giving up tortillas doesn’t even seem that upsetting.
But wellness didn’t always come easily to Jennie. In fact, Jennie struggled for years with body images issues that began at the age of 14. She tried all of the fad dieting and restrictive methods that seemed like obvious solutions to her struggles. It took her years (and a lot of work with her body and mind) to figure out that these approaches to food were wrong—very wrong. Eventually, Jennie realized she needed to nourish her body, not deprive it of essential nutrition and care.
Jennie felt so passionately about helping others navigate their own health, nutrition, and wellness journeys that she gave up her career as an intellectual property attorney and went back to school to earn her master’s degree in nutrition and integrative health. Eventually she developed and started teaching a successful seven-factor methodology that focuses on all aspects of wellness: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
What exactly does that mean? Jennie doesn’t just help her clients understand food in terms of what’s healthy and what’s not. Having her own problems with food sensitivity and a background in science, Jennie still helps clients find what foods make them feel their best, but she also recognizes that the relationship we have with food, not just our knowledge about food, matters. From EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) to an anti-inflammatory nutritional approach to helping clients understand how to bring their bodies into balance biochemically to mindful eating (and so much more), Jennie gives her clients the tools they need to create lasting change. She believes that by looking at food together with biochemistry, physiology, spirit, and psyche, we can achieve true wellness.
While we’re whipping up that cacao smoothie, read on to learn more about Jennie and how her methodology takes shape in her personal life.

Photo by @valoriedarling

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

Every day is different, but the one constant is my daily gratitude practice where I think about what I’m grateful for.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

Yoga, hiking, gratitude practice, EFT, meditation, visualization, spiritual practice, getting a massage, and going on vacation.

How do you stay inspired?

Connecting with nature always inspires me.

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

I recently discovered La Tierra Sagrada’s Dry Shampoo for brunettes and I love it. It’s not only made from completely natural ingredients like cacao, lavender flower, and he shou wu—it’s also brown so it doesn’t make my dark hair turn white, which happens with most other dry shampoos.

What are your favorite apps?

I love the Insight Timer app. It has so many incredible meditations.

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

A handful of nuts—it makes the perfect snack! Nuts are filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fat so they fill me up and keep me satiated—and they’re delicious!

Jennie IRL

What’s your most-used emoji?

It’s a three-way tie between the heart emojis, praying hands emoji, and the avocado emoji!

What superpower would you like to have?

I would love to be able to fly so that I could go anywhere that inspired me anytime.

What’s your coffee order?

A latte from Moon Juice—they make it with their own homemade coconut milk and almond milk and it’s amazing!

What is your bucket list travel destination?

I love hiking and glamping and I’m so enamored with all of the stunning national parks in the U.S. I would love to do a national park hiking tour and stay at all of the Under Canvas glamping locations.

Peruse Jennie’s blog or scroll through her Instagram for a healthy dose of food inspo and advice.

Tags HHW, noads

No Gym Required Sweat

A Beginner’s Guide To Bouldering

Post author By Abby Piper
Post date June 3, 2018

Gripping neon moldings, hanging upside down, arms quivering, scanning the wall for where you’re going to plant your hand next—not exactly the badass image you had in mind when you decided to try bouldering.
That’s probably many climbers’ first experience with ropeless rock climbing, though. You might envision yourself straight out of a North Face ad, scaling a mountain, but it takes time to get the hang of anything. With a little work, though, a realistic version of that image might be possible, and it’ll be worth it for your mind and body.

First Things First: What is bouldering?

Is that even a verb? Yes. To quote REI, “Bouldering is climbing in its simplest form, sans ropes, harnesses, and hardware on rock faces that are shorter than the walls at cragging areas.” The route to the top of a boulder outside or wall inside is called a problem, and the climber’s goal is to find the solution—that is, how to get to the top.

Why should I try bouldering?

Physically, bouldering is pretty much a full-body workout. Not only do you work out your arms, but you also use your back, shoulders, core, and leg strength to move yourself up. While at first glance bouldering would be considered a strength exercise, any type of rock climbing is also considered a cardio workout. A 2004 study concludes, “During climbing, there are increases in oxygen consumption and heart rate, suggesting that it requires utilisation of a significant portion of whole body aerobic capacity.” Increased oxygen intake (aerobics) happens simultaneously with increased heart rate (cardio). Besides that, watching pros climb, you can see that bouldering requires that you bend your body in ways you wouldn’t ordinarily, boosting flexibility.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhtkcXLDe92/?taken-by=shaunacoxsey
Mentally, there’s some problem solving involved, hence why the climbs are called problems. In addition to using your mind strategically, bouldering is also an exercise in mindfulness. This kind of mindfulness therapy can treat mental health disorders, with one study proving that bouldering helped mitigate symptoms of depression. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Socially, you can also get the benefit of working out with others. Climbing gym communities can be pretty tight-knit, and watching each other try to scale (and fall) makes the individual activity more social than you might expect.

Where can I get started?

If hopping on a boulder outside seems a little daunting as a beginner, start out at a climbing gym. Gyms usually mark the grips for different problems and label sections for varying difficulties. Plus, there are mats around the gym to make the falls somewhat less traumatizing, plus knowledgeable employees you can [linkbuilder id=”6572″ text=”ask for help”].
The popularity of climbing gyms has continued to grow steadily, so most sizeable towns should have an option for indoor bouldering. Inside, you can master some of the basic skill sets before venturing outdoors. Like lots of fitness activities, the gym’s expert climbers might intimidate you as a novice, but odds are they’ll be welcoming and might even teach you a thing or two. Still, you can start out in a class or join a beginner group.
Once you do make it outside (if that’s one of your goals!), the possibilities are plentiful. Since bouldering doesn’t require great heights, even non-mountainous regions have areas outside where you can try it. You can do a little internet searching, but asking around at your local climbing gym might be the best bet for finding safe spots for beginners.

What gear do I need for my first bouldering sesh?

Especially if you’re going outside, where rentals aren’t likely, it’s best to invest in some essential gear.

Crash Pads (for outdoor bouldering): Not as scary as they sound, crash pads are just mats, like gyms have inside, to catch you when you fall.
Climbing Shoes: You can rent these at most gyms, but if you decide you like bouldering, it’ll pay off to invest in a pair.
Chalk and Chalk Bag: Chalk dries up any moisture on your hands and improves your grip.
Spotters: i.e. friends who will be there to catch you when you fall and yell words of encouragement as you climb.

What’s next, boulder babe?

Getting into new fitness activities can be a little daunting, but if you’re in a workout rut or simply want to find a new hobby, bouldering is a super badass way to shake up your routine. The first time I bouldered was a haphazard attempt on a service trip in Appalachia that proved to be a physical challenge and a great bonding experience.
To make yourself a bit more comfortable prior to your first climb, read up on some basic tips and terminology so you have some understanding of what’s going on around you. Then try it out for yourself!
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Tags Commerce, organic

Lifestyle

10 Common Product Combinations You Should Never, Ever Mix

Post author By Abby Piper
Post date May 8, 2017

It is terrifying how many potentially disastrous products you have underneath your kitchen sink right now.

Or maybe you keep them in a pantry or a janitorial closet, but you see what we’re getting at. Totally innocent, common household products can combine with other totally innocent, common household products to become weapons that are probably banned by the Geneva Conventions.
Chemistry doesn’t care that you need to clean your toilet; it’ll still go through with the reaction that transforms everyday cleaning sprays into toxic gasses.
Health experts warn us to always read the labels on new cleaning products. Just because something isn’t labeled “one-half of poison gas” doesn’t mean that it’s free of chemicals that could very easily turn into poison gas.

Study this list carefully, and if you plan to scrub the toilet, keep a close eye on the products you’re using. In fact, why even scrub the toilet in the first place? It’s fine.

1. Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

There are some nice cleaning hacks out there that call for a quick scrub with white or apple cider vinegar followed by a spritzing of hydrogen peroxide. Those actually work. They’re great for disinfecting sensitive surfaces like cutting boards and even fruits and vegetables.

Whatever you do, though, don’t try to speed things up by mixing both household products together in a single container. When combined, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide form the very corrosive peracetic acid. It’s not the kind of acid that will eat through multiple decks of your space ship, but it can cause plenty of damage without getting into Alien territory.

That stuff won’t stop at just disinfecting your kitchen counter. It’ll also irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. Too much can cause permanent lung damage. By all means, harness the disinfectant power of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar in combination. Just always keep them in separate containers.

2. Bleach and Ammonia

This may be the highest-profile of all the cleaning no-nos, but people still manage to kill themselves by mixing these ingredients together. It bears repeating: Never mix ammonia and bleach together, not even if your toilet looks like a Jackson Pollock.

The mixture reacts to produce chloramine gas, which is highly toxic. Also, it’s gas. That’s not something you want to go around inhaling.

Carefully check labels before using multiple cleaning products; you might be surprised at those that list ammonia as an ingredient.

3. Vinegar and Bleach

If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: Just don’t mix bleach with anything, except maybe water.

When you add vinegar to bleach, the chemical reaction turns the mixture into chlorine gas. This caustic substance will burn you wherever it lands, whether that’s your skin, your eyes, or, worst of all, your respiratory system. Let’s keep the bleach solo, okay?

4. Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol

We weren’t kidding. Bleach doesn’t play well with others.
Mix bleach and rubbing alcohol together and you’ll end up with a big pool of chloroform, which can wreak havoc on your nervous system. It will also irritate any part of you it comes in contact with.

Oh, and to add insult to injury, bleach and rubbing alcohol also produce hydrochloric acid when they get together. The only thing that you should mix with bleach is water.

5. Multiple Brands of Batteries

When just one of the batteries in your remote control goes dead, it’s tempting to grab the nearest AAA and get back to watching the tube. Don’t give in if you have multiple battery brands lying around the house.

Despite working similarly, different brands of batteries have subtle differences in their chemical composition. Their voltages might not line up precisely. Mixing brands often leads to leaky batteries, and battery acid isn’t something you want at the heart of your most precious electronics.

6. Different Brands of Drain Cleaners

Say you’ve got a clogged drain and just a bit of one type of drain cleaner and a full bottle of another. The last thing you want to do is blend them.

A drain cleaner is strong stuff. It has to be to dissolve all the gunk that accumulates in drains and eventually causes a clog.
Carolyn Forte is the director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and s he told the magazine Good Housekeeping that mixing multiple brands of drain cleaners is a terrible mistake.
“I would never recommend mixing two different drain cleaners or even using one right after the other,” she said (their emphasis). “These are powerful formulas, and could even explode if combined.”

Imagine explaining to your plumber that you accidentally blew up your pipes. That’s going to be an expensive fix. So read the directions on your drain cleaner bottle, and follow them exactly.

7. Milk and Red Bull

Unfortunately, this mixture is most likely to happen in your stomach. We can’t think of a reason to mix Red Bull and milk anywhere else.

If you’ve just enjoyed a nice, frosty glass of milk and you start to get sleepy, don’t reach for the Red Bull to perk up. Coffee is probably a better bet.
That’s because Red Bull instantly curdles milk like it was a witch in a bad fairy tale. The energy drink is pretty acidic, and milk proteins react with acids to form a salt. Then the casein, a particular protein found in mammal milk, clumps together in big gross lumps. (That’s a long way of saying that the milk curdles.)

You’re not going to make any poison gas or cause an explosion, but you might cause an unfortunate episode of explosive vomiting. No burst of energy is worth that, trust us.

8. Grapefruit Juice and Medicine

While we’re on the subject of household stuff you shouldn’t mix in the beaker of your belly, let’s add grapefruit juice and medication to the list.
But grapefruit is just a giant bitter orange, right? How could that change the way pharmaceuticals work?

Incredibly, grapefruit juice contains chemical compounds that interrupt the enzymes responsible for breaking down certain chemicals found in drugs. That means the substances are present in your system longer than their manufacturers intended. This can increase the overall level of the substance in your blood.
In a worst-case scenario, so much of the substance can stick around that you end up overdosing on a typical dose. (Just to keep things confusing, in some cases grapefruit can keep your body from absorbing what it needs to from a medication, thus making the drug less effective.)

Who knew this healthy breakfast could be so dangerous? If grapefruit is a regular part of your diet, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any new prescription. They’ll be able to tell you if your medication will be affected by a giant pink orange.

9. Milk and Antibiotics

Grapefruit juice isn’t the only morning beverage that can mess with your medication. It turns out that milk can also interfere with your antibiotic regimen.

Substances in dairy products bind to certain antibiotics, preventing them from being absorbed in your body. That can ruin their effectiveness. Ask your doctor about dairy products whenever you get a prescription for antibiotics.

10. Vinegar and Baking Soda

The internet is full of cleaning hacks that involve the combination of baking soda and vinegar. This mixture won’t cause poison gas or an explosion (unless you seal it in a bottle), but there is a very good reason that you should avoid it: It doesn’t really help clean anything.

Vinegar is acidic, and baking soda is a base. Mix them together and what do you get? Neutralization! The result of this chemical reaction is mostly just water, which is easier to get out of the tap.
Do yourself a favor and save your vinegar/baking soda for making model volcanoes erupt at the elementary school science fair.

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