It seems like everyone skipped right to Christmas this year, and I can both appreciate and support anyone who’s already decorating their tree, belting Mariah Carey, and taking advantage of all the holiday sales. I, however, love the cozy, comfy, slow, and spicy in-between that is fall and am just not ready to trade in my pumpkin spice for an eggnog latte quiiiiiiiiite yet.
I don’t know what it is, but lately I find myself leaning into each season and soaking up all the goodness it has to offer. (It’s probably because I’m a mama now and time really is going by so fast!?) The hygge vibes and back-to-school energy that ooze out of autumn juuuust might be my favorite, and while I struggle to find beauty in the wetter and shorter PNW days, cuddling up at home after a crisp walk or morning at the market simply speaks to my soul.
As someone who enjoys the little things, I thought I’d share a few [random] items I’m using and loving this fall season. None of these things are “needs” or “necessities”, but they bring my life the beauty, joy, and little extra somethin’ somethin’ my old soul and libra heart crave.
I truly own (and use) everything on this list, and my intention is to have fun sharing things that make me smile and let you in on these “whole package” finds that check all of my must-have boxes of quality, aesthetics, ~and~ holistic, health-conscious living. If you’re thinking mmmmmhhh, yes please, then take a peek at my recent obsessions, and shop (mindfully) at your own risk *wink wink*.
1. THESE PILLOW COVERS
We bought our house almost three years ago now and are slowly turning it into the home of our dreams. I try to be very intentional when buying décor (or scoring it at a thrift store) but when I find an item that I can’t stop thinking about and know right where to put …I jump on it.
Enterrrrrrrrrr…these checkered fleece pillow covers!
IMO, pillow covers need to be removable (any fellow toddler parents, clumsy gals, or fur moms relate?) and I always feel like the cutest pillows never are. Ughhhhh. So when I saw this simple and classic yet whimsical option, I clicked that “purchase” button and am so happy with how soft they are, how good they look in every room, and how well they hold up in the wash #pottytraining.
I stuff all my pillow covers with these feather down inserts from IKEA, and for the fuller, fluffier look I definitely recommend getting inserts that are slightly larger than the cover. (I bought the 18”x18” pillow covers and stuff them with the 20”x20” inserts.)
We all have that favorite spot on the couch, and you better believe one of these made its way to my go-to corner. If you’re looking for me this fall and I say I’m busy or my “silence mode” is on, I’m either spending QT with the fam bam, checking off chores and errands, or snuggled up right by these pillows in front of the fire with a cup of coffee and my kindle.
2. BATTERY-OPERATED “MARBLE” CANDLES
There once was a time where I would drop a pretty penny on the Bath & Body Works 3-wick candle sale, but the older, wiser, more health-conscious me now knows the dangers of fragrance and other chemicals most candles emit. I’ve searched high and low for a better alternative (let your girl know if you have any secret intel), but most “natural” candles are pricey, and for how often I like to burn them, I needed a more budget-friendly an option.
I received these battery-operated marble candles for my birthday this year, and…let’s just say I’m hooked and mayyyyyy never buy a real candle again. With a remote to set a timer or turn them on and off while still snuggled under the sheets, these beauties are flickering in my bedroom late into the night without worry of endocrine-disrupting toxins or fear of burning the house down.
Bob has rolled over in bed and asked me to turn these candles on a time or ten, Sloan is mesmerized by them, and I love them so much that I ~literally~ carry them from room to room for that soft, hygge (and crazy realistic) glow. There’s also a 3-wick version whiiiiich might find its way on my Christmas list *wink wink*.
Power outages, holiday parties, romantic evenings, afternoon naps…you name it and I’ve found an excuse to light these candles daily with the click of a button. Don’t be surprised (or judge) when I have a set in every room of the house someday, m’kay?
3. ALL THINGS PRIMALLY PURE
You knowwwwwww I’m obsessed with Primally Pure for its quality products, clean ingredients, beautiful packaging, and exceptional customer service, but my fan-girling hits a whole new level when the colder months roll around and I find myself grabbing ~something~ from their skin, home, or wellness line nearly every second of the day.
A few of my favorites this time of year include the hand sanitizer which is strong (you’ve been warned) but effective for sick-y season. Their lip balm is so good I’m genuinely upset when I realize I left it in the other purse. The fall and winter essential oils are my favorite to throw in a diffuser and pair with the battery-operated marble candles for the *full* experience. And the baby balm is a must for dry skin anywhere and everywhere that’s inevitable as the months get colder.
Honestly…I could go on (and on, and on, and on, and on).
Our family uses Primally Pure in one way or another year round, but in the fall we seem to run out of our favorites faster than usual. I’m sure to stock up whenever Primally Pure has a sale, and their biggest one of the year is coming up on Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, so you better believe three of all of the above will be in my cart. Use code BFCM-MANDM20 for 20% off your purchase November 25th-28th.
4. THIS PALEO CHILI RECIPE
Ok…not necessarily something you can just throw in your online shopping cart (unfortunately)…but this chili recipe is a key player in our lives right now so it had to make the list.
We have a little fall tradition in the Davis house where we make one soup a week from the first day of autumn until the last day of winter. I challenge myself to try a new recipe every week (and overall succeed!), but at least once a month we go back to this chili recipe because it’s simply worth repeating.
With beef, sausage, and bacon (no beans…my sister makes the version with beans and says it’s so good she’s never been able to wait the three hours for it to simmer), hidden veggies, and a bit of spice, this is the best chili I’ve ever had. We double the recipe and freeze it for busy weeks ahead aaaand use it at least once per batch for chili dogs.
To take a peek at all the soup recipes we’ve tried and loved as well as others that are waiting their turn, you can follow along with our fun and tasty tradition here. We’ve tried so many good soup recipes this year (Pinterest is really steppin’ up their game), but this chili remains the G.O.A.T. we keep going back to even once spring hits.
5. APPLE CORER, SLICER + PEELER
Sloan’s and my favorite weekend pastime (other than playing tag around the kitchen island) is making homemade applesauce, especially as we’re in the middle of apple season here in the PNW. We’ve been doing this together ever since she could stand with me at the counter, and other than eating half the apples, her favorite part is operating this apple corer, slicer, and peeler. (To be honest…I probably wouldn’t even attempt the task of involving Sloan or processing that many apples without it.)
This peeler/corer/slicer combo is ridiculously sturdy, super easy to use, and you can choose to leave the skin on with just a little click (how we like our applesauce). There are some sharp edges, so baby hands beware, but neither Sloan or I have ever had an issue.
OUR APPLESAUCE RECIPE
- Fill a pressure cooker with 8-10 honeycrisp apples that have been cored and sliced with this bad boy. We leave the peel on to keep all the extra micronutrients, plus we’re convinced it’s a bit sweeter that way.
- Add 1/8 – 1/4 cup honey (depending on how sweet you like it).
- Add 1-2 Tbs cinnamon (depending on how cinnamon-y you prefer it).
- Add juice of half a lemon and 2 tsp salt.
- Fill with filtered water to the pressure cooker’s max capacity line.
- Cook for 12 minutes on high, then let it sit for the pressure escape naturally.
- Drain the water and set aside for homemade apple cider (Lolo’s favorite part).
- Use an immersion blender to mash the apples to your desired consistency
I have a genius idea to use this to prepare my mashed potatoes this year and will ~definitely~ report back. In the meantime, this device is a must for the apples you bring home from your photo-worthy orchard outing orrrrr your grocery store grabs. Trust me.
6. THESE JOGGERS
I was gifted my first pair of Vuori joggers over three years ago and have since added a week’s worth of colors to my collection addiction. Now…you could easily get joggers from any ol’ place and they’d likely be lounge-worthy, but ~these~ joggers are light while warm, ridiculously soft, come in the cutest colors, and are the perfect length with a not-too-big, not-too-small cuff at the ankle. They are literally the tall, dark, and handsome version of joggers you’ve been looking for.
I’ve loved and worn these for years now, but once fall rolls around I basically live in these things. Casual Friday at work, what I change into the second I get home, my weekend uniform, nightly pajamas – I look for any and every reason to slip into my joggers and would probably wear them to church if I knew my mom wouldn’t say something.
Cute but casual is my MO, and if I could wear Vuori from head to toe every day of the week I would. This shirt is perfect for cool morning runs and this coat has been calling my name for months now. Basically…I have #noshame admitting I’d willingly own a closet full of Vuori.
7. THIS SOAP DISPENSER
Hi…it’s me…just a millennial talking about the joys of a good soap dispenser, m’kay?
But seriously – cold and flu season is upon us, so we’re being extra diligent about washing our hands lately, and why not feel a little extra special with every trip to the sink!? We make our own soap because it’s cheaper, cuts down on plastic waste, and I can control the fragrance and chemicals, and these foaming, amber colored (I told you…so special!) soap dispensers are simple yet beautiful and make me smile with every use.
Call me crazy for blogging about soap dispensers, but have you ever owned one that just didn’t work? It’s ~literally~ the worst when the pump gets broken or stuck and the soap barely eeks out. Not with these! We’ve had ours for a hot minute and they’ve stood up to a toddler who thinks washing hands in a playtime activity. Sooooo messy, but so fun!
OUR SOAP RECIPE
- Put 2-3 Tbs of Dr. Bronner’s soap (the almond scent is my favorite) in the bottom of the dispenser.
- Add water until full.
- Give it a little shakey-shake.
- You’re ready to go!
We have one of these at every sink in our home because I believe something as simple as a fancy soap dispenser can really elevate your mood and life…so why the heck not? This is adulating at its finest, friend, and I’m here for it.
8. WASHABLE BOOTIES
You ~know~ it’s fall when I pull my boots out of the closet, and these booties from Rothy’s have been my go-to’s for years. Truth be told…Rothy’s are really all I wear and I cycle through their styles depending on the season. They’re made from recycled water bottles (so fun!), are washable (my favorite feature!), are comfy enough to wear all day long, and have that cool but classic look that pairs well with literally any outfit.
I personally own and love the Chelsea boots, but lawwwwwwd…my wallet!!! I just browsed the Rothy’s website and they have a whole new line of ankle boots and utility boots that I’ll take a pair of in each and every color, please and thank you. I’m personally more of a jacket girl, but I may have just converted to a shoe fiend instead.
Nothing beats a product that lasts for years and looks amazing doing so, is women owned, eco-friendly, and responsibly made. *Chef’s kiss* Rothy’s is a bit on the pricier side, but I’m willing to spend a more on a shoe I’ll wear every day of the week and I can feel morally and ethically good about buying.
Aaaaaaand there ya have it!
I don’t know about you, but I’m one to scour the reviews before making a purchase or trying a recipe, and these are my five star fall faves all in one place, tested and approved by a busy mama, working woman, and Libra who…let’s be honest…only settles for things that are ~perfect~.
I have an affinity for a life full of beauty, ease, happiness, and comfort, and you better believe I’ll share the deets when I find things that bring me (D) all of the above.
Now I wanna know…do you like these kinds of posts? I personally wouldn’t mind rounding up my seasonal favorites a few times a year, especially if you enjoy them too. Tell me in the comments what you think (all opinions welcome) and you juuuuust might see a winter version in the next few months.
Until then!
– Amanda
Disclaimer: The content provided here does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for personalized healthcare. I’m a doctor, but I’m not your doctor. If you have concerns about a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. No pressure, but I have a feeling you’re gonna like what I’ve taken the time to put my recommendation behind.
