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Why I Broke Up with Air Fresheners (and You Should Too)


Spoiler: They’re toxic. Literally.

Let’s just get this out of the way: I love a good-smelling home. Walking into a space that smells like “Coastal Rainforest Morning Dew” or “Vanilla Bean Magic” used to make me feel like I had my life together. But plot twist—turns out those lovely scents were basically chemical cocktails in disguise. 😬

Like most people, I didn’t question it. I thought I was being extra clean and put-together because my bathroom smelled like cucumber melon. (If you know, you know.)

But here’s the thing…

The Dirty Truth Behind That “Clean” Smell

Fragrance air fresheners-sprays, plug-ins, candles, those cute little gel thingies—are often filled with harmful chemicals. And I mean harmful in a “how is this even allowed in stores?” kind of way.

Let’s break down what you’re really spraying around your house:

  • Formaldehyde: Yes, the same chemical used to preserve dead things. A known carcinogen and major irritant.
  • Benzene: Another known carcinogen. Excellent.
  • Phthalates: They make the smell last longer but can disrupt your hormones and reproductive system. Cute.
  • Toluene: Linked to developmental issues. So no, not baby-friendly.
  • Xylene: Messes with your central nervous system. Think headaches, dizziness, and feeling foggy for no reason.

Like… why are we doing this to ourselves? All in the name of making our living room smell like a fake ocean breeze?

So What’s the Healthy, Still-Nice-Smelling Option?

Two words: Essential oils.

Making the switch to essential oils has been a game-changer in my health and wellness journey. Not only are they non-toxic, but they actually support your body rather than sabotage it. And no, they don’t make your house smell like a crunchy hippie commune unless you want them to (and hey, no shade if you do).

Here’s why I love them:

  • They’re natural and safe for kids and pets.
  • You can customize your own blends depending on the vibe or season.
  • Some oils (like lavender and eucalyptus) actually have therapeutic benefits.
  • They make you feel like a holistic goddess, and that’s a fact.

A Few Favorite Essential Oils I’m Obsessed With:

  • Lavender + Lemon: Relaxing and refreshing at the same time.
  • Peppermint + Eucalyptus: Think spa day but in your kitchen.
  • Orange + Clove: Cozy fall vibes without the toxic candle smoke.
  • Geranium + Cedarwood: Romantic and grounding.

Things To Do: Charlotte, NC

When I moved to Charlotte 12 years ago, this was a city that felt like a big town. Things have drastically changed for charlotte over the last 12 years. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the US, and has so much to offer.

If you are traveling here for work or play, there are so many fun activities, sites to see, and places to eat and drink that are unique to the city. I recently contributed to the Redfin blog as a Charlotte, NC expert! Check out the article we were featured in: Charlotte Bucket List: 10 Things to Check Off Your List.

There are some great ideas for your next visit!

XOXO, Katie

Amazon Home Decor Finds

I don’t know if you love a good dupe or just good aesthetic, but the easiest way to freshen up a home vibe for less is Amazon. They have a ton of great products, highly reviewed for a fraction of the price of some other major retailers I love. We grabbed a hodge podge of products that can fit any aesthetic.

Enjoy!

Holiday Gift Guide For Him

The holidays can be overwhelming with all the gifts to find and buy, so hopefully this gift guide is a little help during this busy season of life. I start my shopping in September/October to try and get it all done. The holiday blog gift guide for him are some items that are not only cozy, but active thoughtful gifts.

I have made it easy to link the items below to zip on over and make your purchases.

Hope this is helpful!

XOXO KT

Trifle Recipe

My mom has been making this trifle recipe for us for as far back as I can remember and has definitely perfected it over time. In general, I am obsessed with light dessert recipes that incorporate fruit. It makes me feel better about consuming a ton of sugar. The added bonus here is it is easy to make and you can feed a dinner party. It is also even better for left overs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Pound Cake (Diced)
  • 2 Cartons of Organic Strawberries (Sliced)
  • 2 Kiwi’s (Peeled & Sliced
  • 2 Cartons of Organic Blueberries
  • 6 Banana’s (Peeled & Sliced)
  • 1 Large Carton of Cool Whip (Make sure it sits out prior to putting together the trifle to become more pliable)
  • 1 Clear Trifle Dish

Directions

  1. Clean all fruit and place in separate dishes (we usually sprinkle fruit with Stevia and let sit for 30 minutes prior to construction)
  2. Place a Layer of Diced Pound Cake on the bottom of Trifle Dish (Make sure to completely cover the bottom
  3. Completely cover the diced pound cake with a layer of cool whip
  4. Place cut strawberries around the outer edge so the center is visible on the outside of the dish
  5. Add strawberries in the center to cover the cool whip
  6. Add another layer of cool whip and make sure to build up around the sides and completely cover the strawberries
  7. Place a layer of blueberries and remember to build up around the sides
  8. Add another layer of cool whip above the blueberries and layer up on the sides
  9. Layer in the bananas and make sure you have the cut pieces showing on the sides
  10. Add another layer of cool whip above the bananas and layer up on the sides
  11. Layer in another layer of pound cake
  12. Cover pound cake layer with cool whip
  13. Repeat steps as many times as you need to, but remember you will need to finish with the cool whip topping.
  14. On top for the aesthetic part make sure you decorate with the kiwis, strawberries, and blueberries (Bananas don’t look the best over time.

Hope you enjoy this trifle recipe as much as I do. XOXO Katie

Trifle Dishes I Love:

Pomegranate Prosecco Recipe

One of my favorite drinks for brunch or a little festive pre dinner drink situation is a Pomegranate Prosecco.

It’s so easy to make, and putting the pomegranates inside almost gives you something to look forward to as you end your drink. This is a great option if you are looking to make drinks for a crowd.

Pomegranate Prosecco
Pomegranate Prosecco

Recipe

Ingredients

  • Pomegranate Seeds
  • Sparkeling Pomegranate Juice (Trader Joe’s)
  • Prosecco

Directions

  • Include two finger height of pomegranates on the bottom of the glass
  • Pour enough pomegranate juice to cover the pomegranate seeds on the bottom of the glass
  • Pour Prosecco to top of glass

Enjoy!

XOXO, Katie

Anthropologie Summer Sale

Sharing some of my favorite finds during the Anthropologie additional 25% off Sale.

Farmacy Cleansing Balm

If you follow me on instagram you know I have done a couple of posts around my skincare routine. One of my constants over the past year has been the Farmacy Cleansing Balm.

Historically I have used make-up remover wipes, which were my favorites especially if I didn’t want to clean my face. Then after learning they can be some of the most toxic things to use on your skin, I quickly changed over to oil cleansing. I actually really enjoyed oil cleansing. It was an easy way to remove all the dirt and make-up from the day and clean your face at the same time. You typically use a hot towel to remove the oil making it a “spa like” experience. If you know me, I’m here for a spa experience….ALWAYS.

Oil Cleansing also cleared up completely when I stopped using “face wash” and make-up remover wipes. When I talk about break-outs, my version would come and go, multiple at a time. A few weeks into oil cleansing that all went away. With that being said, I was hesitant to try new products knowing I had success with oil cleansing.

However, the only downside to oil cleansing is using hot towels to remove the oil with the make-up can be a chore if you are trying to be in and out of cleaning your face quickly. I came across the Farmacy Cleansing Balm so thought I would give it a shot since it seems to be in the middle of oil and a cleanser.

After almost a year of using it I am really happy with the product and the results, so I wanted to share what I have noticed.

Farmacy Cleansing Balm Benefits:

  1. It is a mix between an oil and a cleanser which makes it hydrating without the oily residue
  2. I don’t have to wash my face in the morning because it feels moisturized and clean from the night before
  3. It easily removes hard to get off make-up
  4. When you wash your face with the cleansing balm (oil removes oil) so it attaches to the dirt and washes off which in turn helps keep break-outs at a minimum.

They just came out with an apple version, and I am currently obsessed. I also have to say of a lot of the cleansers I have used the price point is also not bad. If you are on the fence, I would definitely give it a go.

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Amazon Sandal Finds

I am sharing my latest Amazon Sandal Finds that are currently on my Wishlist. All are highly rated on Amazon and under $20.

Enjoy, XOXO Katie

Old Navy Children’s Haul

I’ve shared with you guys before my favorite place to get children’s basic clothing is Old Navy! You can’t beat their pricing, selection, and quality. When your kids are constantly playing outside in the mud, who wants to spend a fortune on clothes?

Shop My Picks Here:

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