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Self Care Gift Ideas: 17 Mood Boosting COVID-19 Care Packages

published on July 15, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on November 2, 2021

Alright. We’re over halfway through the year and what a place to be. I, and so many people I know, are truly feeling the effects of this COVID isolation has on mental health (whether introverts, extroverts, whatever), and feeling guilty for feeling sad when truly there’s much to be grateful for. And around and around (any other HSPs out there?). I’ve been thinking of all of them, and all of us, and everyone, and how in a perfect world I’d send every lovely person all the care packages and deliveries of flowers and original art work and fair trade chocolate and obviously fancy natural wines too. I guess that’s what led me to this post.

One positive note, amongst the dark backdrop of 2020, is that there’s been a really great outpouring of support in the world of small sustainable business and designers and makers. Lots of sharing of favorite artists and shops and lots of stories told. So when the idea came to me to round up all my favorite self care gift ideas into one post about care packages to send to loved ones, I’m so happy to say that I found endless opportunities for thoughtful and conscious gift sets. Here’s just 17 of those.

17 self care gift ideas for COVID-19 care packages

Curated gift set from Eco Vibe Home

Complete Beauty + Wellness Kit from golde

Wall art set from Wilde House Paper

Self Care Bundle from Positive Times

Wellness gift set from Vybes Hemp CBD drinks

Pure Indulgence gift set from BLK + GRN

Essential oil gift set from blade & bloom

Connection Journey Pack from Altheå For Woman Kind

Spa Day at home kit from Seattle’s fruitsuper

Summer Forever self care gift set from local Seattle boutique Prism (for that backyard tanning sesh)

You’re My Hero Care Package from Seattle Chocolate with art by Libby Vander Ploeg

Sooth + Hydrate Gift Bundle from Palermo Body (A friend gifted me their bath sampler and I loved it as well.)

Self Care gift set from Prism Boutique

Askanya Haitian chocolate from 54kibo because, more chocolate.

Magical Mini Bundle of CBD infused bath soaks from Homebody

Tough Stuff collection from Bloomscape

Tea care packages from The Chai Box (on sale!)

Do you have a favorite independent shop or local boutique still operating online? Be sure to check if they offer their own gift sets. I know so many of them are curating self care gift ideas to help us all get through!

Eco Studio Tour: Zuahaza Artisan Workshop in Colombia

published on April 30, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on November 2, 2021

Did you check out our very first eco studio tour with Colombian textile brand Zuahaza? Founder Tatiana told us all about how she started an ethical home decor brand in Bogotá last fall. Now, she works from their office HQ, dreaming, designing, and testing product, before heading off to the workspace of her artisan partners in the town of Charalá. Keep reading for a peek into their process Photos by Ali Campbell.

From the very beginning of Zuahaza, one of the main values was to create not just beautiful items for the home, but truly create products that would not have a negative impact on the environment and the lives of the people who make them. With that in mind, we decided that we needed to work with a material that was earth friendly but also was culturally appropriate for the region. In the region of Santander, organic cotton farming goes back to the Guane indigenous people that lived in this land. The Guane people were experts in harvesting their local cotton, and in making woven goods which they commercialized with other ethnic groups. With the Spanish conquest and later the industrial revolution, the importation of foreign cotton fabrics at a low cost caused the production of organic cotton in Santander to almost disappear.

Today, the artisans in the region are advocating to return to growing organic cotton in the way their ancestors had done it. Sadly, this is still a long-term dream. Organic cotton still exists here, but the lack of government and industry investment in tools to spin that cotton in organic methods has made it difficult. That is why we had to look for another organic cotton supplier meanwhile we continue to get the resources needed for an organic certified spinning mill to make our own organic cotton yarn a reality.

We currently work with another artisan factory from Peru to supply us with the organic cotton yarn we need. We thought it would be very important to still create products with the integrity of the history of the region by only using cotton that was organic. The artisans also use plant and vegetable dyes. We respect and value this choice because we also know that natural dyeing is a very good sustainable option instead of conventional chemical dyes which are widely used in the textile industry and are water pollutants.

Lastly, there is a big problem of waste. I agree when people say that waste is a design flaw. By using the design thinking method, I think it is possible to start redesigning our linear method of production for a more circular one. In our case, we firstly design with only biodegradable materials. This means that even though we are creating new products, at the end of their life cycle they can go back to the earth with no problem. Still, we believe that even when making new products we have a responsibility to design them to last and with minimum waste in mind. We design all our pillows, rugs and blankets to mostly fit the width of our looms entirely, and for the small fabric waste that is created we make smaller items such as pouches and clutches, having a minimum waste design model.

Tatiana also told us about her design process and how she works with her team to bring it all to life.

Inspiration. I collect imagery, memories and photographs of color combinations, textures and scenes that will be guides I we make desicions, making sure what the design is always in tune with the brand’s aesthetic and collection’s theme.

Material Research. Although we only work with organic cotton, we think that thickness of yarn and color do play a big role in textile design, so we try to understand the behavior of our materials very well when designing a new fabric.

Experimentation. This is the step when I try out new weave structures at the handloom. Using a weaving draft as a beginning point, then we explore the endless possibilities the loom can give us to create new innovative patterns and color combinations.

Textile Samples to Final Product. I take these small textile samples to the artisans’ workshop. This is when we start collaborating in choosing the best weaves, finalizing color combinations, trying them out in a product for the first time and making final and important decisions collectively. During this time is when weaving new fabric, cutting it and sewing it into new products takes place.

Final details. Quality control is very important. You can’t make a product that looks gorgeous in a photograph but is not well made. This step is tedious but is crucial. Making sure the fabric is resistant (although our fabrics are delicate, they don’t fall apart), sewing is perfect and some products require final touches such as macrame knots and tassels which will elevate the design.

Given that our products are handmade and there are so many steps to finish one single item, we want to be respectful of the load of work our artisans have and allow them to work at a good pace, not a factory environment. We generally make between 30-50 units per style of each product to keep in stock for our online sales platform and we are currently making one collection a year as we are just staring off. We hope designing 2-3 collections per year to allow for custom projects as well as more homes and businesses want to have Zuahaza products designed for them too. As we grow, we will continue to evaluate and learn better ways to make our production easier and more efficient without compromising our values and the wellbeing of our artisans.

Thanks to Tatiana for diving deeper into her business and gorgeous, ethical home decor at Zuahaza. See part one of this eco studio tour, if you missed it!

Now Is Actually The Best Time To Go Zero Waste—Here’s Why

published on April 28, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on November 2, 2021

If you haven’t gotten around to it, 2020 is a good time to start thinking more consciously about what you do or don’t buy. Now that each grocery run is a risk, now that our wallets are tight, there are many reasons mindful purchases are important now more than ever. The tips below will actually help you be more resourceful and self-sufficient, which is vital in times of crisis. And you can do it slowly (hey, we got time), one step at a time, until you create new habits in your life, ones that align more closely with your values. So if you’ve been thinking about how to go zero waste, but are a little worried about these unpredictable times, read on.

How to Go Zero Waste (or Low Impact) in 2020

Consider each item you’ve already “stocked up” on. The Friday before self-quarantine, I shopped at Whole Foods. It was eerie. I saw streams of people staring at the shelves, looking quite honestly, like they’d never been in a grocery store before. They wondered what I wondered—what else do I need?

We Americans toss the word “need” around quite liberally, so it’s a good time to review all of those purchases you made with “Oh! I need…” in mind. This is not to scrutinize yourself, but become aware of habits you keep simply because it’s second nature. Considering this is a time where medical professionals can’t even get what’s necessary, you might find that some of your needs are truly just habits—and perhaps not even all that practical in a time of crisis. You’ll want to take a particularly close look at single use products:

Hunkered down at home, how does it make sense to stockpile (and then repurchase and repurchase again) single use products rather than those that keep you from running out of such supplies? We’re still clearing the shelves—doesn’t it seem more practical to switch to products that last longer? Cloth napkins are reusable. A water filter—if you need one, depending on your location—lasts about two months, whereas families go through a flat of water bottles every week or so. Once you look into it, you’ll find the swaps that are most practical for your household to make.

Now is a good time to create new habits. Right now, we’re left to control our routines. Habits can be difficult to shift but it’s always possible—and this is something you can control a bit more while in quarantine. It’s just getting started that’s intimidating. You have to redirect a habit from picking one thing for the other—that’s it. Being at home is the best time to take this on (and even get loved ones involved, so it sticks).

The hardest part of going low waste is changing the habit. Habits are so easy once you’re in them because they require less mental energy. All this time at home gives us a greater opportunity to swap old habits for new, and in turn make those habits second nature. Feeling like I’m contributing to a better future during this time gives me a better sense of security at this time. But if it becomes stressful for you, give yourself grace! This post is not meant to add another restriction to your life, but empower you in a time of crisis. Not all zero waste habits are easy to create, or even logical, right now. So do what inspires & empowers and keep your head up. 🙂

Have you implemented any zero waste habits into your routine since Coronavirus? Let us know what tips you’re looking for to get started!

How I Use Konmari to Create a Sustainable Home

published on April 27, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 1, 2023

Have you wondered about konmari and sustainability? Today we have a guest post those of you cleaning in quarantine will find extra helpful. Certified konmari consultant Devin of The Modern Minimalist, shares not only how konmari helps you create a minimalist home, but a sustainable one.

Create a gratitude ritual

The spark joy concept Marie Kondo is famous for starts with honing in on your awareness of the feeling in your body when you experience joy. We go through decluttering belongings in the five categories: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellany) and sentimental. Along the way, you learn gratitude for the items you have.

Learning the signature konmari folding method is a tactile way to show your clothing gratitude by taking the time to fold each item in a thoughtful manner.

As you learn to focus in on the items that bring you joy, and as your belongings become more minimal, you become more interested in keeping them in good condition. Living a more minimal lifestyle allowed me to learn how to mend my jeans, remove stains, and learn all kinds of DIY repairs around my home, because when your surroundings spark joy, you are committed to taking care of them.

Another aspect of the emphasis on gratitude, is the home greeting. The konmari method talks about greeting your home every time you enter it, whether this is by talking to it, or simply offering a phrase of gratitude for everything it allows you to do. Right about now, your home is offering you more than ever as a space for co working, to rest, workout, a bar, restaurant, zoom with friends, its everything!

Creating a gratitude mindset is a small shift that can change your life. I encourage you to try it out!

Use what you have

After the decluttering process is complete, we talk about storage. One of my favorite aspects of the method, this allows us to get creative, and be resourceful to find solutions using what we already have. Much like the DIY mask videos going around, there are so many multi functional items already in our homes that we can use to store + organize items.

• first, look at the built in storage your home has. Built in shelving, cabinets, hooks etc. are the first place we want to look
• shoe boxes + apple boxes for storage containers for clothes, electronics, accessories, office supplies
glass jars upcycled for bulk kitchen storage, flower vases
• store purses inside of each other
• store hats stacked or on the wall
• kitchen pots/pans/baking sheets/tupperware can all be stored inside each other
• become more conscious about future purchases

Once you’ve created a gratitude ritual, minimized, found homes for your items, it’s time to get intentional about anything new that will enter the home in the future. For me, this meant a lot less spending on products that aren’t sustainably made, researching company values and ethics in everything from beauty to cleaning supplies, following sustainable influencers, increased focus on supporting local businesses, second hand and vintage businesses, and farmers markets. Being a conscious consumer theres a lot of ground to cover, and the information out there is ever evolving so don’t be too hard on yourself. I just incorporated a bidet + untoilet paper to address the toilet paper crisis last week and I’m still getting used to it. I’m a firm believer that we’re all works in progress so try to be less judgmental of where others are at in their sustainable journeys.

I hope these tips are helpful to you! If you’d like to start your own konmari journey, you can download my free checklist, find more sustainable tips + schedule a virtual session on my website: themodernminimalist.biz

For a konmari folding tutorial, check out my YouTube.

with gratitude,
Devin
The modern minimalist

Eco Studio Tour: Ethical Home Decor Brand Zuahaza’s Bogotá Studio

published on April 20, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on November 2, 2021

I know we could all use some inspiration at the moment, so I couldn’t wait to post our first ever studio tour any longer. (We’d originally planned to pair this with a styled shoot of our own—so we look forward to that.) I’ve been dreaming of sharing creative studios for years now but never knew where to start. That is until I got to know talented artist and business owner, Tatiana Ordonez of Zuahaza, who shares these stunning process photos on their brand’s Instagram.

Tatiana’s story is fascinating for those of you who love a deeper look into an artisan brand’s creative process and production, which is why we decided to treat this like a guest post and give you the full scoop in her words. Her brand Zuahaza is an all organic + naturally-dyed textile brand based in Colombia. Tatiana collaborates with women artists in rural communities outside the city to bring their woven home goods to life. This is a two part post, with the next being a tour of Zuahaza’s artisan workshop outside the city.

I can think of nothing more inspiring than pairing Tatiana’s story with the magical images Ali Campbell captured of her creative Colombian studio. Keep reading!

From Tatiana: I am from Colombia and lived abroad for many years before coming back to my home city of Bogotá. Zuahaza launched in November 2019, but it was truly the work and relationship building of over 2 years prior that brought Zuahaza into existence. Zuahaza’s main operation happens in Bogotá. Our artisan partners live 7-8 hours away by car in a lovely town from the region of Santander called Charalá.

In 2018 I made a trip to Charalá to learn about the rich history of organic cotton growing, spinning and weaving in this region. During my trip, I met with an artisan cooperative called Corpolienzo. I loved talking to them and learning from their journey making 100% organic textiles for over 30 years. We shared our stories and found a great opportunity to collaborate in a new project. The artisans had expressed the necessity of connecting to larger markets. Although they could sell at art fairs in larger cities, they found it really difficult to sell handmade, organic products at a fair price in the national market. With my background in textile design and having lived in the US, together with my experience working directly with other artisan groups from Latin America, we saw the opportunity to try out a new model of designing and selling handmade textiles to a different market looking for fair trade and sustainable products.

We developed a new line of textiles born of the artisan’s extensive knowledge of craft, and my desire to share creative, innovative textiles with the global market. We wanted to truly understand what a “collaborative” model would look like, honoring ancestral techniques and innovating in design for the contemporary home. That’s when the name “Zuahaza” came to mind. It means “my sister” in the Muisca language of the people who lived in the Cundiboyancense mountain region of the Colombian Andes.

As a social enterprise our main goal is to embody collective sisterhood between women in Colombia. Following an era of intense conflict, which continues to shape and affect Colombia today, we seek to participate in peacemaking efforts to reunite and heal our country. We believe that by collaboratively creating unique products that reflect our diversity, history and dreams, we can start creating a new future for all Colombian women.

Our main studio/office is in Bogotá for the easy access to ship products, network with clients, and the great connection this city has to other countries. I try to work directly with the artisans every 3—4 months and it’s such a joy to spend a couple weeks working together with my team. Although I love having a creative space to try new textiles, material research and make samples, it gets lonely in the studio! Working as a team is definitely the ideal situation and I hope that as we grow, I get to spend months at a time with our team in Charalá.

We only use natural dyes so we end up with a limited color palette to work with. It is a design challenge, to design with only a natural color scheme. Right now, between working with the artisans from Peru (our yarn suppliers) and the artisans in Charalá, we have a whole team of experts in natural dyeing, which is a privilege. They have recipes that have passed from generation to generation, so I think color is a representation of indigenous knowledge that we get to preserve through only designing with natural dyes. Natural dyeing is not easy, it takes so much research to get colors in cotton to look the way they do in our products. I am very proud of the knowledge of our team in achieving gorgeous hues that are long lasting and color fast.

In terms of design, it comes easily living in such a beautiful country like Colombia. The launch collection was inspired by all the colors, textures, patterns and flora found in colonial towns across the country. Colombia is such a diverse and culturally rich country. Every region is so different in its own way because of the historical events that have taken place. Every town embodies the music, gastronomy and art from the people who live there; that inspires me. We wanted to create textile collections that represented our country’s diverse culture in an abstract, eclectic and sophisticated way. To represent our values even in the way we designed our products aesthetically.

Isn’t Tatiana’s studio so dreamy? In our next post we’ll share how she goes from inspiration and design to handcrafting them with the team in Charalá. In the meantime, head to zuahaza.com/shop to see the products!

{to shop on madetrade: mongui rug / charalá blanket / salento pillow / barichara pillow}

photos: Ali Campbell Photography / studio: Zuahaza

Top Sustainable Loungewear Brands… Because Pajamas Are For Work Now

published on April 16, 2020 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 1, 2023

Anyone here already worked from home when this whole quarantine situation came into play? I’ve been a freelancer since 2014 (and an introvert since forever) so I’m no stranger to staying home for long periods of time. For months I’d been thinking about how I really need to invest in some quality, sustainable loungewear. Actually the two of us (Jenn, who built our site, and I) had been talking about how we might as well have something nice if we’re going to be spending all this time sitting at home. (Big revelation after six years, right?) Honestly, I’m used to working in a chocolate-stained t-shirt. And I rarely bother with pants.

It’s been a few years since I began building an ethical wardrobe, but I guess I always thought of basics as something I’d thrift rather than invest in. Since ethically produced and sustainable clothing comes at a price, it can be hard to balance priorities. (And to be honest, I’ve been really into proving that sustainability is anything but basic these last few years, so I’ve been a huge advocate of more creative fashion in the space.) Well, folks, eco friendly loungewear is officially trendy, and now friends who couldn’t previously relate to my work life are in the same boat, so I guess it’s about time we thought about making the leap.

Hosbjerg Ola Lounge Set

So here are all the pretties on my ethical wishlist.

Mary Young Ferris Short

LoveAndConfuse Linen Shirt

Lilac is my current favorite color, so naturally I’m obsessing over this linen set.

Tatiana’s Threads Velvet Socks

And I’m always cold in the morning, so why not some fancy socks? I love Tatiana’s Etsy shop and have purchased from her before. Plus, there are more colors!

Blue Anemone Linen Dress

Everyone talks about the ‘benefit’ of getting fully dressed for your work from home day. I think this linen dress is the furthest I’d go.

At Land Linen Pajama Set

But seriously, this PJ top will do a fine job playing ‘blouse’ on the ol’ web cam.

Sijo Bamboo Modal Shorts

Girlfriend Sherbert Compressive High Rise Leggings

In all honestly, I can probably justify purchasing *one* of these dreamy pieces. I’m happy though because I do have two pairs of Girlfriend leggings and bras (gifted to me by dear friends), so I have those to wear. every. single. day. (Side note for those who haven’t caved: yes, they are in fact worth the hype.) I noticed that putting them on in the morning (rather than opening the laptop sans-pants, per use) motivates me to take a good walk or a do a stair workout at lunch. I suppose that’s the point of athleisure, yes?

Have you invested in sustainable loungewear before? Are you more inclined to now that, for better or worse, we have more time inside?