All over the web, people are advising us on what we need to be spending our money on this Fall. Not sure about you, but some expensive boot trend or fancy jacket that I’d only wear once or twice is not what I would like to see more of. Lets instead focus on being a mindful consumer this fall with items we can use and cherish for what they bring to our lives. So how about five things for Fall we all can afford and need more of in our lives?!
1. Kristen Made Hair Scarves
If you don’t know who Kristen Johns is, you are missing out! She has such a cute and simple style, loves plants, and sells precious accessories on her web site. Her hair scarves are my new favorite item I’ve purchased this season and the Harvest bundle has 3 good transition colors to dress up outfits and your hair while the weather changes. They don’t slide out of my hair and pretty much everything slides out of my hair so take that as a great testimonial…
2. Butternut Squash
Yes, an autumn squash is on my list. Cooking for yourself is one of the most important lessons one learns. And roasted butternut squash screams fall and can be thrown into everything from salads to soups to pastas. Best of all, this item is vegan, has a low price point, and comes in its own packaging (can you say eco-conscious?)! I personally recommend making this dish by a fellow blogger, A Wicked Whisk. I made the sauce a few weeks ago after finding it on Pinterest and it was a perfect pairing.
3. Nature’s Path Pumpkin Spice Waffles
These are the greatest frozen waffles ever made. I am a self titled waffle expert and have tried just about ever type of frozen and batter mix waffles out there. These are great frozen waffles. They crisp up quick, have a great flavor, and are vegan as well as gluten free! You would never be able to tell those last two either as they have a better consistency than traditional Eggo brand. So if you are on the pumpkin spice train but don’t want to support a mega waste creator, aka Starbucks, to get your fill, here ya go! These seriously are wonderful and everyone should try Nature’s Path Organic offerings. I get mine at Target, Kroger, ect. no problem and sometimes are there year round. This brand has other frozen goods which are good but not quite like the magic of these waffles.
4. Handmade Headbands by Very Shine on Etsy
Katie and I have several headbands from the shop and each is so well made for the price! They truly are handmade and most have sewn construction, not glue like you get in most retail stores. If you can’t tell, we’d much rather support a small business than a big retailer and these headbands prove why. The items are more special this way and last way longer because you treat them better! I’ve been rocking headbands longer than Gossip Girl has been around and have the bathroom drawer full to prove it. This shop’s pieces are comfortable, have an incredible selection that extend into bows and barrettes and the proportion/quality/style is nailed! They feel expensive and modern which is the best feeling to add to any outfit, if you ask us. Oh and incredible customer service – when our large order was delayed, she made us a cute ribbon headband for free and gave us a discount code for the future, all unexpected and we didn’t even share a complaint!
5. Great Smokey Mtns. Puzzle
I am obsessed with puzzles. If they weren’t great at keeping your brain active, I’d probably need an intervention. While it gets colder out and the sun sets earlier, these national park puzzles are a great activity for a quiet night that doesn’t use a screen. The design company that makes these puzzles have all kinds of destinations available but I personally love the national parks series. They are 500 pieces, which is the perfect amount for a weekend casual puzzler. The puzzle piece weight is spot on so you don’t feel like you may tear a piece. The print quality is also top notch to the point that they would frame nicely. Really I just wish doing puzzles was less weird and uncommon so get a puzzle that supports artists, educate people about the public lands, and supports better mental health!