Tatyana Thomas

6 Ways To Dress Up Your Plant Shelves With Thrifted Decor

published on December 17, 2021 by Tatyana Thomas
updated on December 20, 2021

Anyone else go straight to the pottery and glassware when they go thrifting? There are always so many unique glasses, baskets, and more, at even the smallest shops. Yes, it’s fun to adorn your kitchen cupboards with vintage housewares, but what about your houseplants? Your plant shelves want to be dressed up, and you won’t have to break the bank or contribute to more waste. Here are some of my favorite plant accessories to thrift:

Baskets

Wicker and straw baskets are always plentiful at thrift stores. Different shapes, shades, and sizes galore. These work great if you don’t like the nursery pots that plants usually come in. Hang them up or set them on your counter for some boho vibes.

Pots

Pots! While it’s fun to buy a new planter every now and then, thrift stores always have so many varieties to choose from for just a few bucks. Some will already have drainage holes, and some are just decorative. You can use these as cover pots as well to hide the nursery pots. Big pots are especially expensive to buy new, so keep an eye out for those 10-12 inch pots for your large monsteras.

Vases and Glassware

These are some of my favorite things to thrift! Glassware is super easy to clean and makes great plant supplies for propagations. Stock up on these so your cuttings have a place to live! I also love to use thin cord (use this technique) and hang them on the wall or by a window.

Candle Accessories

Candle accessories and holders are a super unique way to decorate your plant shelves as well. They fit smaller pots perfectly and help maximize space on your shelves. These are also pretty plentiful at thrift stores.Try and find pairs of them for a more cohesive look!

Mini Plates

Mini plates or tea plates make great saucers to catch water. They often come in sets of 4+, and I’ve snagged a few for a dollar or less! Pro tip: Make sure you still pour the water out of the saucer after watering so your plants don’t sit in it.

Cake Stands

Cake stands are a creative way to style your plant shelves that like the candle holders, help maximize your space, as well as the amount of light your plant receives. Look for them near the cooking accessories!

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Do you thrift for plant accessories? What décor items can you use creatively like this?

5 Beautiful Pink Houseplants And How To Care For Them

published on November 17, 2021 by Tatyana Thomas
updated on November 5, 2021

Hey ecofam! It’s your favorite plant gal again. When we think of plants, we don’t usually think of pink, we think of green! Fortunately for lovers of candy-colored hues, there are so many beautiful varieties of plants that come in different shades of pink. Plus, they are super easy to take care of. Check out some of my favorite pink houseplants below, and let’s bring some spring color into these cool upcoming winter months…

Pink Princess Philodendron

photo by @plantsbybing

Yes, you read that right, the one true pink plant queen! Everyone is trying to get their hands on one right now. They grow super quick, are easy to propagate, and they have pink variegation! I just got my hands on a cutting from my local plant group, and I can’t wait to pot it up and let it grow up a pole. The Pink Princess Philodendron (PPP) grows best in bright, indirect, filtered light and medium to high humidity. So if you too are an Ikea greenhouse plant parent, the PPP will love you. She likes well-draining, moist soil, but be sure to only water when the top 1-2 inches is dry to avoid overwatering and root rot. Once your PPP starts growing, give her a moss pole to climb!

Tradescantia Nanouk aka Fantasy Venice

photo by @plnt.co

The Tradescantia Nanouk also known as the fantasy Venice is a great starter plant. This pink, purple, and green plant grows really well in bright light! They don’t need much humidity because of their thick leaves. BUT, she will thrive in a humid environment. Bring her into your bathroom while you shower, and she will live her best life. She likes to be in moist soil, so watering once a week is perfect. Place her into a hanging basket and watch her grow!

Calathea Roseopicta Rosy aka Rose Painted Calathea

photo by @lolaflora.roslinna

Okay greenhouse parents, here is a high humidity plant that you will love. Don’t worry if you don’t have a greenhouse, spritzing the leaves throughout the day will work. Most calatheas are very vocal when they need help. Their edges will get crispy, and they will curl up. As for light, they thrive in bright indirect light. Too bright and the leaves will burn. Too dark and they will droop. They really love moist soil, so watering often is necessary. To avoid fungus gnats from wet soil, try mosquito bits and cinnamon. Once you perfect your calathea care routine, you will want every kind you can find.

Pink Rubber Plant aka Ficus Elastica Ruby

photo by @roomwithry

Dear new plant parents, the Pink Rubber Plant is for you! Coming from experience, this plant likes to be neglected. I was over watering and it was struggling. I let the soil dry out, and put her closer to the window, and now she won’t stop growing. So learn from me, and water only when dry. During the winter, wait even longer between waterings. In the summer, add some fertilizer to their watering schedule, and watch her grow!

Polka Dot Plant aka Hypoestes Phyllostachya

photo by @plant.the.town.pink

And last but not least the most famous of all pink houseplants, the beloved Polka Dot Plant! This plant is pink with green (polka) dots, and can grow both indoors and outdoors. For indoors, put her near the window, to catch some bright filtered rays between your blinds. Once the leaves start fading, be sure to move her away from the window. Well-draining soil that is slightly moist will work best. Avoid soggy soil so that the roots don’t rot. Spritz the leaves throughout the day to simulate a humid environment.

Remember that as it gets cool outside, plant care is especially important. Water less, and put your plants closer together to keep them warm. And be sure to check out my last plant post to find some eco-friendly plant supplies!

What pink houseplants do you have your eye on?

How I Green My Natural Hair Routine + DIY Natural Shea Butter Hair Cream

published on September 16, 2021 by Tatyana Thomas

The natural hair journey is a long (very long), beautiful process. In the beginning, it takes a lot of patience, adaptability, and trial and error. Sounds similar to the sustainable living journey, doesn’t it? Keep reading to learn more about my own sustainable natural hair care journey, including my tips for keeping the process as eco-friendly as possible.

Cleansing

As naturals, we have to be very mindful of the products that we put into our hair and the ingredients they contain. Sulphates and other drying ingredients can lead to breakage and damage in the long run. Not to mention, most hair care products come in plastic packaging, and a laundry list of not-so-sustainable ingredients.

A great alternative to conventional natural hair care products is African Black Soap. It’s all natural, chemical-free, and detoxifying. You can find it at your local beauty supply store in the soap aisle. You can also find similar products on Etsy or from seller Ethical Chick (pictured below), who uses ethically sourced products and recycled packaging.

Moisturizing with DIY Shea Butter Hair Cream

The next big staple in sustainable natural hair care is a nourishing moisturizer. Whether you use the LOC method or you do a wash and go, moisture is important. I enjoy making my own DIY shea butter cream, full of enriching oils. All you need is refined shea butter (not the yellow one!), jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and any other oils that you hair loves. Mix thoroughly, until all oils are blended. Be sure to keep it in an air tight container. The cream lasts for months, and can be used on your hair and body.

Styling and Protecting with Thrifted Scarves

Now that you’ve cleansed and moisturized, it’s time to style your thick curls. To avoid tangling and breakage, I usually put my hair into a protective style, like 2 strand twists. This helps to lock the moisture into hair and protect your ends. My favorite way to dress up my twists are with head wraps and scarves, which you can easily find at your local thrift store! I have gotten most of the scarves in my collection for $3 each. Plus, thrift shops are always the best for finding fun colors, textures, and fabrics that no one else will have. I love this video by Jae from faceovermatter over on Youtube and was inspired to create my own version to share on Insta:

When you start on a more eco friendly lifestyle, you realize just how many areas of your life are connected to this journey. Once you find what works for you in both your sustainable and natural hair journeys, you’ll feel empowered to bring sustainability to other parts of your routine. It can be challenging but you’re guaranteed to learn a bunch of unique and inventive things along the way.

What are your favorite sustainable natural hair care products and tips? Would you like to see more posts on this topic? Let us know!

Sustainable Houseplant Supplies to Green Your Indoor Jungle

published on September 10, 2021 by Tatyana Thomas
updated on September 7, 2021

Hi! My name is Tatyana (or Tat for short). This is my first plant post, and I am excited to bring you fun plant content! I have about 60+ houseplant in my loft, and my collection continues to grow!

Am I the only one who just can’t stop buying plants? It has gotten to the point that I come home multiple times a week with a new plant child… And all of these new babies need homes, so my next outing is usually the thrift shop to find unique planters. Then, it’s looking online for sustainable houseplant supplies to keep everything fresh and thriving. Here are a few of my top reccs!

From top to bottom, left to right: Blush Ceramic Watering Can from Eco Vibe, Grow with Noot, Den Sustainable Plant Food, Pot of Gold Hanging Planter from Holistic Habitat, Den Sustainable Cactus Soil Mix, Bloomscape Eco Pot Round Pots, Bloom Plant Nutrient, Eucalyptus Hydroponic Planter from Earth Hero, Paper Bag Planter from Uashmama, Plantopedia: The Definitive Guide to Houseplants, Shell on Earth, TECTLE Plant Based Pot, Propagation Gift Set, Whitewash Planters from Bloomist, Peat Free People Tote Bag

Some of my other interests are roller skating, decorating, and thrifting. Like I said, my favorite things to thrift are planters… On any given day, you can find the most unique, and coolest planters, at your local thrift store. There are also tons of eco-friendly accessories that you will love, and your plants will love even more out there. From fertilizer to totes to the cutest plant stands the picks above are sure to make your at-home jungle even more impressive.

Lastly, I know that it’s important to look into the sustainability of your houseplants themselves! Check out this post to learn more about the most eco friendly plants.

What is your must-have plant accessory? Have you tried sustainable houseplant supplies?