Caring for Your Skin with UNDER AURORA

Last year I began to incorporate more all-natural and plant based products into my daily life. The first things to go were household cleaners and laundry detergent. It was pretty freaky when I actually sat down and read the list of chemicals contained in the stuff lurking under my sink. Then I cleared my pantry of processed packaged foods and filled my fridge with whole foods. The last to go was my skincare, makeup, and beauty products. After all, it's just as important that what I put ON my body is as nourishing and healthy as what I put IN my body.

All in all, it feels so amazing to know I'm using products that are not only good for the environment but also good for me. But I'll be honest, the switch to chemical free hasn't always been easy. You'll still find a few cheats in my medicine cabinet (I'm only human and I can't live without my Ruby Woo)! And until recently, I had a hard time finding a skin care line that met my chemical-free criteria and actually felt like it was working.

Enter Under Aurora, a line of all-natural, plant-based body and facial care products, and fragrances based in Columbus, Ohio. Their approach to skin care makes so much sense. "We believe that the products you put on your face & body should always be simple, natural, and pure. We use only 100% pure essential oils and plant botanicals in all of our products." Plus all of their products are cruelty-free and bottled in eco-friendly packaging. I'm absolutely obsessed!

But I love Under Aurora for so many more reasons than just the good vibes they're putting out there into the beauty industry. Their products have totally changed my skin in the most lovely way. I use the Gentle Facial Cleanser, Balancing Facial Toner, Nourishing Facial Oil daily. A couple times a week I use the Brightening Facial Scrub. I also moisturize my whole body daily with the Coconut Oil Spray (and occasionally spritz a little in my hair for some extra deep conditioning). My skin is softer, brighter, and more clear than it's been years!

The cleanser is perfect for all skin types (mine is a combination of both dry and oily AND super sensitive) and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean without being drying. The toner is made from rose water, lavender water, and aloe vera and smells heavenly! And omg do I love the nourishing facial oil. This stuff is like food for your face. Ingredients like rosehip seed and carrot oil are packed full of vitamins and Golden Jojoba oil not only moisturizes dry skin but it also thins sebum helping to prevent acne and regulate oil production.

As if I couldn't love this line anymore, Under Aurora is offering an exclusive flash sale on all their facial care products just for Foxtail + Moss readers! Today through Wednesday, enter the promo code: FOXTAILMOSS at check out for 30% off. Do yourself and your skin a favor!

{Lauren}

Using Essential Oils

I was introduced to essential oils a few years back by a friend who recommended them to me after I was experiencing some sleepless nights. When the idea of a natural remedy came to light, I jumped at the idea and immediately dove into research mode to learn everything I could about this ancient form of healing. I got my hands on a diffuser, bought a few oils, and slowly figured out what helped me rest and relax. My collection and knowledge of essential oils has grown and now I don't think a day goes by that I don't turn on my diffuser and benefit from aromatherapy.

Have you heard of essential oils? Probably. The rapid growth in popularity over the past few years has much to do with this natural medicines lack of side effects. Full of powerful antioxidants, essential oils are created by extracting liquids from different parts of the plant - including the seeds, bark, leaves, steams, roots, flowers, and fruit - and have been used for centuries in various cultures for holistic health care. Essential oils embody the immune-strengthening properties of each plant and are so highly concentrated and potent that a single drop can be equal to multiple teaspoons of the dried herd (example - one drop of peppermint oil equals 25 cups of peppermint tea!) Along with aromatherapy, oils can also be ingested and used topically*. So next time your feeling restless, have a headache, low on energy, or feeling a bit under the weather - give essential oils a try!

*As with anything you put in and on your body for medical reasons, do your research before using essential oils. A great resource is Modern Essentials.

{Claire}

We're Loving... Palm Leaf Print EVERYTHING!

Image via Pinterest

Are you guys digging the oversized tropical leaf trend? Palm leaf prints and banana leaf patterns started popping up on the design scene here and there last year and we are absolutely gaga for them! Maybe it's all this dreary Winter weather (anyone face Storm Jonas head on over the weekend?) but we're tempted to cover every last thing in a frond! What do you think?

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

You can ogle more palm leaf porn here. And don't forget to follow us on Pinterest to check out what we've been digging lately!

Mineralogy 101 // Himalayan Salt Lamps

Sure, you've seen Himalayan Salt Lamps emitting their lovely pink glow in your yoga studio and local health food store. But they go way beyond a new-age tchotchke you're apt to find in your eccentric hippie Aunt's house. These salt crystals have been proven to provide a ton of benefits to your health and happiness. In our second installment of Mineralogy 101, we're talking about how salt can naturally purify the air in your home, give you more energy, and help you sleep better!

First, here's a little science lesson. Positive and negative ions are always floating around in the air. Negative ions occur more often in nature. They are created by things like lightening storms, sunlight, and ocean waves. This is one of the reasons people feel renewed and refreshed after a storm or a trip to the beach. It's believed that heated salt crystals emit negative ions, or positive energy waves, into the air.

Things like airborne mold, bacteria, and dander carry a positive charge. Positive ions can also be created by electronic devices like computers, TVs, microwaves, and cell phones. These ions exacerbate problems like allergies, stress, and insomnia. Negative ions bond to positive ions and neutralize them. Zap! The air is cleansed of those negative energy waves. But what does that mean for you?

Sleep Better
We all know that reading on a screen before bedtime is a no-no. Over-exposure to positive ions can rob you of quality sleep. This happens because those positively-charged particles actually reduce blood and oxygen supply to your brain. A salt lamp night light in the bedroom will not only calm you, but improve the air quality so you get a better night’s sleep!

More Energy
The negative charge from a salt lamp combats positive ions that drain our bodies of energy. Meaning, keeping a salt lamp glowing will naturally give you a boost!

Reduce Allergy + Asthma Symptoms
Salt lamps remove microscopic particles of dust, pet dander, mold, mildew and the like from the air through a process called hygroscopy. Not only will a lamp seriously cut back on allergy symptoms, but asthma sufferers have reported breathing easier after a week or two.

Battle the S.A.D.
Negative ions improve mood and energy levels. That's something we can all use in the dead of Winter. Salt lamps give off a soft natural light that mimics the warm glow of sunshine, and that can ease your case of seasonal affective disorder!

Feeling the need for some negative ions in your life? Shop our favorite lamp here!

Shop Small with Humboldt House

Last year we made an effort to shop small for all of our Holiday gifts. We blew off the Black Friday madness and skipped out on big box chain stores. And we found that by browsing locally and independently owned shops, we were able to find truly unique presents that made our friends and family feel extra special. Our go-to local spot to snag all the best gift ideas is Humboldt House, a vintage modern shop in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. The store front is full to the brim with mid-century furniture, groovy 70's finds, and the most drool worthy textiles one can imagine. They also carry a selection of the best Chicago local artists and makers!

This Saturday, November 28th, we're celebrating Small Business Saturday by throwing a party at Humboldt House! Swing by from 6-9pm to sip cocktails, enter in a raffle giveaway, and shop our favorite HH goodies with an extra special discount. Aaaand our girl-crush local maker Leah Ball Handmade will be popping up! She  recently collaborated with Humboldt House to make an absolutely scrumptious ceramic candle called Love Child, and Saturday will be your first chance to snag one. Check out all the details here. Can't make it on Saturday? Shop our most loved Humboldt House finds below!

Mineralogy Necklace / Natural Roll On Perfume by Hidden Folk / Sunrise Wall Hanging by Attalie Dexter / ceramics + theory Tumbler / The Keeper Pouch / Cavity Tooth by ChristiAhee / Tisane Candle / Trippy Mug by Leah Ball / Demi Ring in Turquoise / Remix Hand Balm / Laura Berger Print

We're Loving...Turkish Blankets

With the cooler weather upon us, blankets are in full force in our homes. What's better than curling up on the couch with a good book, some tea, and a comfortable throw...ah Autumn, we love you so. This season our blanket of choice is the Turkish blanket - created using looms in Turkey with 100% cotton (these linens are also known as peshtamal). Lightweight, soft, simple elegant patterns - they are perfect for any date you have with your couch or a cool night in front of the bonfire munching on s'mores.

Do you have a favorite throw this season? Let us know what keeps you warm and what you can't live without.

The Printed Word / Our 5 Favorite Magazines

Of course we love a well-made blog as much as the next girl. But there's nothing quite like the tangible weight of a fresh issue of your favorite magazine held in your hands. Tearing out a particularly inspiring page here, dog-earring a corner there. Who says the printed word is dead!? With constant access to digital publications in the palm of our hands, there's a nostalgic feel to physically flipping through a magazine that we truly love. (Incidentally, do you start turning pages from the front cover or the back? I've always been a back to front flipper, myself. But annnnyway...) We're going beyond Kinfolk to share five independent journals that we can't get enough of right now.

The Lifestyle Mag / Driftless Magazine
Driftless magazine is proof that the Midwest is more than merely flyover territory. Exploring the world around you, cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients, slowing down to fully take in your surroundings and spending time with those who mean the most to you...these are the values that middle America holds close to their hearts. This biannual publication is filled with stories, illustrations, photos, seasonal recipes, guides and interviews that celebrate the down-to-earth lifestyle of the Midwest.

PS. We're popping up over on Driftless Magazine's blog with a little Faux Weaving DIY. Be sure to head over and check it out!

The Art Journal / Ancestry Quarterly
Ancestry is a publication for those stuck between their day-job and their dream-job. It falls somewhere between a beautifully curated art magazine and a punk rock zine someone sold you on a street corner for a quarter. Photography heavy, and dabbled with insightful interviews and features on struggling artists, accomplished artists, and everyone striving and starving in between, Ancestry showcases not only the work of artists, makers, movers, and shakers, but details how creatives live today.

The Fashion Rag / The Gentlewoman
Published biannually, The Gentlewoman focuses on inspirational modern women of purpose and explores personal style- the way women actually look, think, and dress- through stunning photography and smart journalism. Finally, a fashion magazine that talks to women like the intelligent, glamorous, warm beings that we actually are!

The Travel Guide / Cereal
Cereal approaches the typical travel magazine in a totally innovative and breathtaking way -perfectly minimalist and absolutely engaging. Published twice a year, the journal pairs city-specific features on places, people, and products with seriously striking photography.

The Shelter Inspo / Anthology
A shelter and lifestyle magazine that takes a narrative approach to its coverage of home decor, travel, design, entertaining, and culture. Each issue is conceived as a collection of stories, all centered around a theme. Anthology's beautiful home tours not only inspire but at once feel relatable and accessible.

And there you have it! But we'd love to know, which publications are drawing you to the newsstand?

{Lauren}

We're Loving...Na Nin Fragrance

My current favorite perfume oil is Landslide from Na Nin. Over the past couple years, I have tried numerous perfumes and am constantly looking for a scent that compliments my natural body oils. When I can across Na Nin, I fell in love. The clean and crisp packaging caught my eye but it was the incredible aroma that lured me in. These natural fragrances are created by Kate Jennings of Richmond, Virginia. Kate's scents are inspired from "the feeling that you get from listening to a certain song that reminds you a favorite memory." Landslide is an earthy scent with notes of patchouli, cedarwood, rosewood & sandalwood. When I found out the fragrance is inspired by my favorite gypsy Stevie Nicks, I knew it was meant to be!

Do you have a favorite perfume or body oil that you've been wearing lately? 

{Claire}

*This is not a sponsored post. We just genuinely love this product!

7 Podcasts to Give a Listen

What do you listen to throughout your day? Are you more of a music person or are you tuned in to podcasts? Perhaps 'silence is golden' is your motto? I'm a music listener through and through. On the radio in the car, on the turntable at home, from my phone when I'm walking the dog... I pretty much always have tunes playing. I like that music makes great background noise and doesn't require too much attention from me. I've always avoided podcasts. They just seemed too distracting to me, like the little voice in my headphones is demanding all my focus and attention!

But then Serial happened. All it took was one long boring solitary road trip to Michigan. And I was hooked.

I wouldn't necessarily call myself podcast addicted, my default is still Spotify. But now I have a list of episodes that I look forward to catching every week. Here are some favorites that you might enjoy too!

WTF with Marc Maron | Although he's not my favorite comedian (I'm more of a Louis CK kind of girl), Marc has hosted everyone from Bobcat Goldthwait to President Obama. His interviews are always genuine, insightful, and human.

This American Life | Each episode is based on a theme (think pets, superheroes, summer camp, all night diners, regrets) and then features three or four wide ranging, sometimes strange, sometimes relatable, stories on that topic. Side note: Host, Ira Glass, might be my top celebrity crush.

One Part  | Super inspiring lady, Jessica Murane, talks with other super inspiring and influential minds about wellness, music, food, fashion, business, and design. Expect to be inspired, duh.

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! | NPR's long standing weekly current events quiz show always makes me giggle. Plus I walk away having learned a thing or two.

Call Your Girlfriend | I was just introduced to this darling concept of two long distance besties discussing everything from Hillary Clinton to menstruation news to the beauty of caftans. Girl talk!

Undisclosed | Pick up where Serial left off. Lawyer, Rabia Chaudry, delves deeper in to the now infamous case “from an investigatory perspective instead of a narrative one.” I haven't had a chance to listen to this podcast yet, but I can't get enough of Adnan's story.

How Did This Get Made? | Have you ever seen a movie so bad that it's amazing? Comedians Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, and June Diane Raphael tear apart "film" gems like Junior and Face/Off. Hilarity ensues.

So what are you listening to? Have a favorite podcast or two?  Lay your suggestions on me!

{Lauren}

Ceramic Obsessed

Photo Credit / Sword and Fern

Are you guys as ceramics obsessed as we are? These clay creations are popping up everywhere. Planters, mugs, vases, plates...we love that ceramics are such an accessible and functional form of art for your home! Here are a few of our current favorite ceramicists.

1 Red Raven Studio / 2 Group Partner / 3 Claire Ginn / 4 ceramics + theory / 5 Leah Ball / 6 AQOE

We're Loving...DRIFT / RIOT (+ Giveaway)

Handmade in Richmond, Virginia Drift / Riot creates simple jewelry with a modern twist. Working with wax, wire, and stone, co-owner Kristy Santelli's designs caught our eye and ended up on our wrists, fingers, and ears - we're totally diggin' it all! We love the versatility of the collection. Whether we're heading out for a night on the town or simply enjoying a casual date night at home - Drift / Riot jewelry is our go to accent piece that completes any look. Their goal - "making you jewelry you will LOVE to wear (and maybe never take off!)" - is definitely on point. We've been rocking these Drift / Riot beauties every day this summer.

 Above  -  Finger: Tusk / Spacer / Quartz   Wrist: Tusk Cuff   Ear: Eye Love You / Quartz Spike Studs

We're excited to be teaming up with Drift / Riot to give one lucky reader a pair of Snake Earrings! Learn how to enter to win below. Don't be shy...leave us a comment and go for it! #winning

Here's how to enter to win:
Step One // Follow Drift / Riot on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Step Two // Visit Drift / Riot and have a look around
Step Three // Leave a comment below (include your email address please!) telling us which piece of jewelry is your current favorite.
Step Four // Cross your fingers. Winner will be contacted on Monday, July 6th. Good luck!