Erin Perez Hagstrom

There’s no question, many people are beginning to rethink their consumption, and have been transitioning to more natural ingredients when it comes to food, skincare, and even medicine. If you’ve ever been curious about some of the positive not-so-known properties of some of these common natural items, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a little 101 to get you started on your path to a more natural and holistic lifestyle in the new year.

If your home is feeling a bit stale, here’s a way to freshen it up and move forward with positive intentions. Burning herbs and flowers is a customizable twist on the incense you might remember from college. Choose your favorite blend of organic materials—based on their individual scents and properties—and create your own unique aromatherapy.

With the new year upon us, there’s no better time to start thinking more intentionally. The simple act of just thinking about what matters to you around your home is a step in the right direction. Whether it’s fostering a positive experience in your life, or just changing something that bothers you (like that pile of shoes in the entryway), there are plenty of small tweaks to make around the home to live a more intentional life.

With the leaves falling and the temperatures cooling, there is no better time of year to bring a little bit of the outdoors in. Not only are organic decorations an incredibly easy and affordable option, but they also evoke the spirit of the season perfectly. So many organic elements naturally find their way into your home, from Christmas trees and garlands, to meals cooked with aromatic herbs and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and rosemary. Wreaths are decorated with twigs and berries.

About a year ago, my partner and I purchased our very first home. It’s a darling 1920s house with tons of curb appeal, but it still needs a lot of renovation work on the inside. And, while much of the house retains its original charm, the kitchen leaves a lot to be desired. After a bit of sleuthing, we learned from past building permits that the previous owners did a complete kitchen overhaul in 1970.

Only a few months after buying our first home and moving into this 1927 fixer-upper, I found out that I was expecting my second child. We knew it was going to be a big project, but we didn’t realize just how urgent it would be for us to transform this darling little house into a home for two little ones. So almost immediately, we shifted gears and got to work on a shared nursery and toddler room for our now 2.5 year old son, Adam, and 3.5 month old daughter, Edie.

With a new kitchen renovation in the early stages of planning, I’m spending my fair share of time browsing the web for kitchen inspiration (hello, Pinterest). With a relatively small home, I’ve opted to skip the upper cabinets in favor of open shelving to help maximize our space. But rather than go the traditional route, I’ve been seeking inspiration in less conventional styles that make a stylish statement. 1.