my favorite clean beauty from the detox market

THIS is a big ol’ list of some of my top clean beauty favorites from one of my favorite sites. If you want to read more about WHY I love them, take a deep dive into My Clean Beauty + Self-Care Favorites or My Day + Night Clean Skincare Routine. And if you have any questions about my experience with these products, don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m always here for you and I LOVE chatting clean beauty. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS [to yourself]. xo

My favorite clean beauty from The Detox Market

On my wishlist

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a few of my favorite kitchen tools

AS THE school year gets under way and our ‘normal’ routine starts to settle in, I’m easing back into cooking each day for my cutie family. I had gotten a bit out of practice over the summer with our very un-routine schedule. Summer is SO fun, but I do enjoy a good day to day rhythm and cooking is def a big part of that. The amount of effort and energy I want to put into meals fluctuates of course, but I’m in a good flow right now and it got me thinking about the really key kitchen tools that I use EVERY DAY. I’m not talking about the pots and pans and super utilitarian stuff (do you want to see that in another post?), but the ‘little’ things that I pull out just about every time I cook a meal.

THESE AWESOME kitchen goods are the essential super hero bits that I rely on day in and day out and am always so glad to have close at hand. I’m obvs no pro chef, but these things make me feel like one. And they all make really fantastic gifts for the chefs and bakers you love, some on their own and some as toppers or even stocking stuffers [gasp, yeah, it’s coming…]. And if you have little chefs you love to cook with, check out my Gift Guide on Baking Stuff for Kids + Teens for more fun ideas. Enjoy settling into the routine, lovelies. And bon appétit. xo

A few awesome Kitchen Tools that also make great gifts

>> Geometry Tea Towels are my hands-down favorites. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they’re also super duper soft, quick-drying [ie. not stinky] and so absorbent [they don’t just push the water around] AND they’re made entirely from recycled post-consumer materials. Because of the GIANT selection of prints, these Tea Towels are a seriously gorgeous gift for almost anyone. Love the Dish Cloths, too. Use DarcieC15 for 15% off your order every day of the year. << $16

>> This Oxo Mini Angled Measuring Cup is one of the greatest things I bought in 2021. I use it constantly, especially when making dressings and marinades that call for 2 Tbsp of this and 3 Tbsp of that. It’s simple, tiny and brilliant. << $6.99

>> The thing I love about this little Joie Citrus Juicer is the measurements on the side of the reservoir. It has both Tbsp and Ounces so you know that you have exactly the right amount of liquid gold for your recipe. << $8.99

>>These Duralex Lys Stackable Bowls are the greatest bowls ever [no hyperbole, honest]. I use them every day for every meal for mixing, serving, prep, marinating and whatever else you need a bowl to do. They nest perfectly so they don’t take up much space and the glass means they’re super hygienic, clean so easily and don’t stay stinky no matter what you mix in them. I LOVE them so much. I have these and these too and use them all on the daily. << $55

>> If you’re going to use something everyday, it might as well be pretty as well as totally functional, right? My Great Jones Holy Sheets fit that bill perfectly. Pretty? Duh. Functional? Totally. The nontoxic, non-stick ceramic coating never ceases to amaze me. Even when I think I’ve really done it this time, all the burned mess just sloughs right off. Love my Stud Muffin, too. << from $30

>> I have a tenuous relationship with meat. I like to eat it, but I’m kind of grossed out cooking it, especially raw chicken. So my Thermapen ONE is absolutely essential to my piece of mind. It’s the only meat thermometer I trust to be accurate. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and quick. My husband loves it too because I no longer look sideways at his grilling mumbling ‘are you sure that’s cooked?’ And it comes in 10 pretty colors, making it a truly fantastic gift. << $105

>> And for the very same grossed-out reason, I always use kitchen shears for cutting bacon, chicken, shrimp or anything else that needs to be seriously manhandled. I love them for the ease of use, but also because I can just stick them in the dishwasher when I’m done and not feel like I’m splashing raw meat juice everywhere when I wash them. I have a Kuhn Rikon pair that work great, but I’ve been eyeing these Material Kitchen The Good Shears for a while now because they’re so pretty and I’m into the rubber grip. << $35

>> I love this Bamboo Colander and Pour Bowl Set for a bunch of reasons, including that it’s made from sustainable materials. The nesting feature is awesome, especially for saving pasta water, and I love that the colander holes aren’t so big that everything just slips out. It comes in two really useful sizes and 4 pretty colors. << from $35

>> I have a thing with bowls. I love so many of them. But this Emile Henry Storage Bowl is special. It has holes in the bottom for air flow and an insulating cork lid that together create a little root cellar for your onions, garlic, shallots and potatoes. The top is storage for other fruits or veggies, like bananas. It’s brilliant. The ‘cellar’ keeps everything fresher for sooo much longer, meaning that I can stock up a bit and not have to worry about it sprouting. Plus it’s gorgeous. It comes in 2 sizes and 7 colors [I have the Deep in Cream] and makes a beautiful gift. << from $110

>> The first thing I do when I’m getting ready to make dinner is put on my Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron. It makes me look super legit, like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen [fake it til you make it, right?]. It keeps my clothes clean and I use it to wipe my hands in a pinch [good thing I can just pop it in the washing machine]. And it’s so comfortable I often forget I have it on until it’s time to put on my pjs. I have this pretty Rifle Paper Co x H&B collab print, but there are so many awesome ones to choose from and they make a PERFECT gift for almost anyone. << $105

>> GIR stands for Get It Right and boy did they with these silicone Suction Lids. I have a set of 5, plus a few extra 4” ones [for my tea] and I use them all of the time to keep butter or spaghetti sauce from splattering all over the microwave, keep things warm or keep the flies out. I could use one or two more of the 6” size, too. They're totally brilliant. << from $7.95

>> Ok it might sound a bit dramatic, but this Shun Chef’s Knife changed my [cooking] life. I had 13-year old dull knives that made chopping a bit frustrating. This baby is SHARP and precise and is perfectly weighted. I love it so much it’s basically the only knife I use now [I have the Santoku Knife on my list next]. This is def a case where having the right tool for the job makes all the difference. << $184.95

>> Everything mini is cute of course, but these Oxo Mini Tongs are also crazy useful. They’re absolutely perfect for serving and I use them so often, especially for salads and family-style meals, that I now have 3 pairs and use them all. << $8.95

>> I used to hate chopping herbs for some reason, but these 5-Blade Herb Shears make it so easy. I use them all of the time for cilantro, basil and parsley. And they’re easy to clean, too. << $13.99

>> I use this classic Microplane Zester all of the time for some of my favorite recipes. It does the job at hand perfectly and I’ve never scraped my fingers on it [bonus!]. I have the boring black version, but there are so many cute colors now and even a few prints. << $17.50

>> Yeah, it’s another mini [aaw, so cute]. These Mini Whisks are just so perfect for whipping up dressings and marinades in smaller batches. I use them all the time. Plus they are just undeniably cute, so there. They’d make an adorable topper for a larger kitchen-themed gift. << $5.99

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GIFT GUIDES… foodies + chefs + bakers

warm-weather adventure gear i love

OUR LITTLE family loves to adventure ALL year-round. We camp and raft and hit the beach in the warmer months and ski in the winter. Our older son was 6 months old when he camped for the first time. Our younger son was 8 weeks. We would set up the little portable crib in the tent or in our pop-up and let the fresh cool mountain air and sounds of nature lull our babies to sleep. It was awesome. And as they’ve gotten older, we’ve been able to get back on the river. We bought a raft a few years ago and have been lucky to have some incredible adventures, paddling our way through stunning country that’s only accessible by boat. The kids [there are usually like 10 of them] are outside all day, paddling their own duckies, chasing frogs, engineering elaborate aqueducts on shore, stargazing and playing games until they snuggle into the tent and pass out hard with the sound of the river creating the best natural white noise. There are no screens. No phones. No plans. No stuff. Nothing to do but whatever they can imagine. And then they wake up the next day and do it all again. It’s 100% pure priceless magic.

OVER THE years I have tested, rejected and curated some adventure gear that I love. This list doesn’t include the super practical stuff like tents and coolers, but the ‘extra’ stuff that just makes everything more comfortable. After all, I don’t want to be distracted from the scenery or the sound of the kids’ laughter because I’m wrestling with subpar gear. If you’re looking for stuff for more ‘refined’ travel, check out my Gift Guide to Travel for favorites. And if you have any questions, reach out, I’m always here for you. xo

some of my favorite warm-weather adventure gear

~~ My Cotopaxi Backpack fits all the stuff I need for a mid-sized adventure [plus it’s so so cute], including rain jackets, water bottles and snacks for the kids [and for me]. They have lots of style and size choices depending on your preferences. I LOVE their bright Del Dia collection, which empowers the artisan who makes each pack to choose the colors they want to combine from leftover industry fabric. Each one is unique and super fun. For most styles, you can decide to be ‘surprised’ by the color or choose your own from their stash. LOVE their Hip Packs, too. ~~

~~ A pair of good sandals is essential for any warm weather adventure and I looked for nearly a decade before I discovered the very best ones for me. I have tried on like 200 pairs of Chacos, Keens, Tevas and every other sandal that people love, but none of them were a good fit for me. My foot would always sit sort of awkwardly sideways in the footbed. And then I discovered Bedrock Cairn Adventure Sandals and the clouds parted and the sunshine came through. Dramatic? That’s how much I love them. They fit perfectly, had almost zero break-in period, are actually cute [they come in 8 colors] and are totally bomber. I wear them camping, in the river and ocean, on hikes, to the grocery store and everywhere else in between and just love them. My son was about to steal mine, so I bought him a pair, too. ~~ $105

~~ Ok forget adventuring, they should just issue a Leatherman Micra to every mom out there. It’s teeny tiny and has actually useful tools in it, like the clipper that I use all the time, even if just to open a Smoked Salmon Strip for my son. I keep it in my car or bag during normal times, then stash it in either my hip pack or PFD when adventuring. It’s just a super useful thing to have around. ~~ $34.95

~~ I bought these stainless steel cups a few years ago for juice, drinks, oatmeal or anything else while we’re camping. They’re super durable, haven’t rusted and are easy to clean out [they don’t hold on to grease like plastic]. I love the colored silicone sleeves that keep track of who’s is who’s. They’re simple and just work. ~~ $19.99

~~ If I’m leaving the house for more than 2 hours, I’m leaving with at least a few Stasher Bags [or a huge pile if we’re traveling]. They are ENDLESSLY useful, especially when you’re out and about. I use them for everything from snacks to cosmetics to meds to games to stowing trash [like the core from the apple you had in there]. I have every size they make and I use them all for different things. I LOVE them. Really. Buy a bunch, you won’t believe how useful they are. Plus they’re virtually indestructible, leak-proof and can be chucked in the dishwasher when you get back [and find that week-old apple core]. ~~ from $7.99

~~ We use this Rumpl Everywhere Mat outside our tent to stow everything that doesn’t fit inside or is too wet or dirty to come in. The bottom is waterproof, it packs up super small and it has little loops in the corners so you can stake it down. It also repels sand and dog hair. Basically it’s awesome. You can also use it as a blanket at kiddo sporting events or picnics. It would make a truly fantastic gift. ~~ $79

~~ You guys already know how much I love my Aloha Hip Packs, which I bring on every adventure big + small. But I also adore their Pouches. When I travel, I bring two Small Pouches, one filled with clean undies and one empty that I use to keep track of the dirty ones. It works brilliantly to separate them and you never have random pairs of skivvies flailing around. ~~ $32

~~ I love my Nomadix Original Towel so much that everyone in my family now has one. They’re awesome for travel [we brought ours to Hawaii], camping, rafting or the neighborhood pool. These quick-dry beauties are made from recycled bottles, resist odor, sand + pet hair AND pack down super small and light. There are a ton of really cool prints to choose from and they come in an Ultralight version if space is really an issue. I also have a Mini that I keep in my car for post-sweaty runs and hikes. They’re awesome and a fantastic gift if you’re looking. ~~ from $27.95

~~ My husband and I both love our Stio Hylas Hooded Pullover. It’s UPF 50, super lightweight, not too tight and the hood keeps sun off your face either for protection or when you’re just feeling super crispy. ~~ $89

~~ I grabbed this Pelican 1050 Micro Case on a whim a few years ago when heading out for a big river trip and I love it. We have a big family box for all the major stuff, but I felt like mama ‘needed’ my own so I could easily access my phone and charger without having to disrupt the carefully-packed boat ecosystem. It’s super petite, so that’s mostly all that fits in there along with an extra pair of sunnies, chapstick, and my slender card case. It has a little carabiner to clip to a lash or wherever you need it and, most importantly, it works and is totally bomber. The fact that it’s kind of adorable is just a bonus. It’s perfect for any scenario where you need to keep your treasures dry and from getting crushed. ~~ $27.95

~~ I’m a ‘just in case’ kind of gal and I like to feel prepared, especially out in the woods where there is very little else you can control. So I jam this Patagonia 6L Black Hole Cube with ALL the meds and drag it on our adventures. We have a legit first aid kit for serious emergencies, but this is the thing that’s going to keep everyone as comfortable as possible. Whether you have poison ivy, diarrhea or a sunburn, I have a thing for that and I stash it all in this awesome bag. It’s weatherproof, incredibly durable and has a big mesh pocket on either side of the zipper that opens wide to keep things organized, accessible and visible. I love it. ~~ $45

~~ I know everyone has a favorite water bottle or two [or 10], but this Hydro Flask 32oz Wide Mouth is my go-to for adventures for one super specific [maybe super dorky] reason… the mouth of the bottle where you put your sweet lips is covered by the lid so that no dirt or sand or river water gets on there while it’s knocking around. You get a clean drinking surface every time. So there. Plus, it’s a Hydro Flask, so you know it’s indestructible and will keep your water cold for as long as possible. That’s worth the price to me. ~~ $44.95

~~ Ok, lean in, I’m going to tell you a secret… these Eagle Creek Packing Cubes are the single greatest travel item we own. They look a bit dorky I know, but they are EVERYTHING for keeping it all together, especially when you’re living out of a tent, camper or boat [or a different hotel room every night for weeks]. Each family member gets a Cube or two for their clothes and then we chuck all the cubes into a duffle or dry bag for transport. When we get all set up at camp, the Cubes act as a neat little ‘drawer’ for each person and all the crazy stuff is contained. It’s MAGIC. ~~

~~ Every gal needs a good sun hat and this Outback Woven Sun Hat is [extremely similar to] mine. It’s hand woven in Mexico and has a little cotton band on the inside to protect your skin and to soak up the sweat. And it’s super cute no matter where you’re headed. ~~ $68

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gifts i love: great jones

I LOVE when something just perfectly embodies the stunning balance of form + function. If you throw in some awesome pops of color, then it really just ticks ALL the boxes for me. And Great Jones ticks ALL of those boxes. They make GORGEOUS cookware and bakeware that’s both stunning to look at AND a chef’s dream to use. ‘The Duchess’ dutch oven has already reached near-cult status for her good looks and even cooking. She comes in 8 sunny colors and moves effortlessly from stovetop to oven to table, looking just lovely at every stop.

GREAT JONES’ bakeware collection is equally stylish and efficient. I have the Sheet Show in Raspberry [in my photo above] and it just makes me smile. It’s *almost* too pretty to use. They also offer a whole range of stainless pots and pans that are completely non-toxic and easy to use and clean. We have a Small Fry for eggs and stuff just slides right off. My sweet husband has a habit of turning the burner on high and wandering off for a bit, so we’ve gone through a bunch of non-toxic, non-stick pans and this one is really awesome. It has survived a full year of his breakfast-making and still looks basically brand new. Great Jones’ goal is to empower home cooks with the right tools for the job and they do it with gorgeous style. Anything in their beautiful collection would make a fantastic gift for chefs + bakers of any age.

gifts i love: anyday

I HAVE just a few words for you… crispy bacon in 4 minutes. In the MICROWAVE. Yess! When we got our first microwave when I was little, my mom made us stand in the other room while it was on so we didn’t get our brains fried or something. The microwave still has a bit of a bad rep as a sort of pedestrian tool for people who can’t be bothered to make food from scratch. Or as a tool good only for heating up leftovers. BUT Anyday Cookware is out to dispel that myth once and for all and I’m here for all of it. They have designed cookware that’s not just ‘microwave safe’ but that fully harnesses the incredible power of the microwave to make entire gourmet meals in one bowl. Really fast.

WHEN I saw that you could make crispy bacon in 4 minutes, I knew that my paleo-eating dad and bacon-loving son both ‘needed’ this thing. And it has not disappointed. I have used mine so far to make that perfect crispy bacon in 4 minutes and beautiful fork-tender potatoes in 6. I’ve also made Shrimp Scampi in 9. Yep, 9 minutes. The pasta that I made to go with it was the most labor-intensive part. You can also make Kimchi Tofu and Mushroom Stew or Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake with the same ease. And then you just plop the whole thing in the dishwasher and call it good. They have 5 different sizes and 3 colors to choose from, or just go with a set. Anyday has also continues to develop an impressive, diverse catalog of recipes that sound super amazing. And if you’re still skeptical, maybe world-renowned chef, David Chang, can persuade you... Even if your special people are the most staunch make-from-scratch chefs, this thing will impress.

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