So, this month’s favorites are especially home-heavy, but still with beauty and movement mixed in. Here are the things making our new space feel like home.

Canopy air purifier + bathtub filter

Two small upgrades with an outsized impact. Indoor air and water quality are both high on my healthy-home priority list. I brought both of these from our NYC apartment and just changed out the filters. They are easy to maintain, offer high-quality filtration, and aesthetically fit right into our home.

Pepper Home custom pillows

Pepper Home has become my favorite new find for custom pillows, wallpaper, and upholstery. The company offers natural-fiber fabrics and prioritizes low-VOC furniture practices, and many items are Greenguard Gold Certified. Safe to say I am obsessed. These pillows were my first purchase from them, but definitely will not be my last!

Speaking of pillows, here are affordable, certified feather pillow inserts that have become a staple.

Scalloped waste basket

Is it possible to be excited about a trash can? Apparently yes. This one exudes chiccc and I just got it for our office. It blends really well with the room - making something necessary feel like part of the decor.

Stakt mat towel

I already love my Stakt mat, and the towel has been such a good addition for late-summer workouts. It fits the mat perfectly, stays in place, and makes sweaty workouts feel a little more doable. Functional, but still cute.

Kosas blush

I always get so excited when I find a new product that meets my standards and delivers. This blush is easy to apply and adds the perfect glow. I reach for it every day!

Biom mini set

The cutest little extension of a product I already use and love. Biom’s mini set is perfect for keeping in your bag, car, or carry-on for quick cleanups without the harsh ingredients found in many conventional wipes.

Plastic-free phone case

This is one of those everyday items that’s easy to overlook. Most phone cases are made entirely from plastic, so I was thrilled to discover a low-tox option. Since our phones are basically attached to us, this swap feels especially worthwhile.

As always, these are things I’m genuinely using and loving. Nothing makes the list unless it earns it. I hope you find a new favorite or a little inspiration for making your own home feel healthier and more like you.

Happy end of summer!!

xx
Amanda

But furniture? Furniture is a completely different beast.

As I’ve started researching pieces for our new home, I’ve realized that shopping for “non-toxic” furniture is still very much the Wild West. There is no single certification that tells you a sofa, bed, or dresser is entirely free from potentially harmful chemicals. Brands use terms like clean, natural, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and sustainable freely - and they don’t always mean the same thing.

A sofa might be made with organic fabric but contain conventional polyurethane foam. A dresser might be GREENGUARD Gold certified but still be constructed with MDF (engineered wood). The more I researched, the clearer it became: certifications can be helpful, but only if you understand exactly what each one is certifying.

So, consider this my attempt to make sense of it all. For myself and for anyone else trying to create a healthier home.

Read more

Salty Face tanning water

My new discovery for a non-toxic summer glow!! It’s buildable, streak-free, and gives you summer skin without the sun damage. It’s a spray-on mist, so impossible to mess up. The first self tanner I’ve found that passes my ingredient standards - and actually works.

Melissa Wood Health

I love MWH workouts! I’ve especially gotten into the strength training videos (been doing them with the Stakt weights below). It’s a good reminder that even 20 minutes of movement can have a real impact. I also tried one of her pool workouts recently and let’s just say it was way harder than it looked.

Stakt weights

Okay, these are so good. Adjustable between 2, 4, and 6 pounds and compact enough to live on your dresser or travel with you. I’ve been using them for my MWH strength and pilates-style workouts and they are the perfect pairing. You know when something makes Oprah’s Favorite Things list, it’s worth paying attention to. And AMANDA15 gets you a discount!

Dirty Labs laundry detergent

A repeat staple that keeps earning its place. Non-toxic, microbiome-friendly, and actually gets your clothes clean. The scent of jasmine is also divine. Summer means more laundry (beach towels, workout clothes, all of it) and this keeps up effortlessly.

Tomato Peach Chicken Salad

This is my summer salad of the moment and I cannot stop making it. Juicy peaches, heirloom tomatoes, shredded rotisserie chicken, it has it all. The vinaigrette alone is worth making. I found this one via Half Baked Harvest last year and I often switch around the salad fixings slightly based on what’s in season.

Dôen organic cotton top

I’ve been wanting this top from Dôen for a while and finally pulled the trigger. The price tag often keeps these items in my cart indefinitely, but this one was worth it. The soft organic cotton is super breathable - I wore this with white shorts + pants on repeat allllll July.

As always, these are things I’m genuinely using and loving. Nothing makes the list unless it earns it. Happy last licks of summer!!

xx Amanda

Linen on repeat

100% linen clothing is a necessity for summer. It’s breathable, synthetic-free, and naturally hypoallergenic (linen resists bacteria, absorbs moisture quickly, and dries fast). A great clean fabric choice that has been high in my summer rotation. I especially love my J.Crew pants and this Reformation top. Here’s a short list of my linen favorites.

Biom wipes

These wipes have officially become a staple in our home. Biom’s formulas are non-toxic, safe for pets and kids, and are great for everything from countertop clean-ups to on-the-go spills. How cute is their mini set for days spent at the beach and pool!

Lacey Ryan necklaces

I have been seeing these necklaces everywhere and am completely obsessed. I mayyyy have just purchased this fish necklace to add to my collection in time for the 4th. Shoutout to Shopbop for 2-day shipping.

Boll & Branch organic cotton

Sleep is a non-negotiable pillar of health, and what you’re sleeping on matters. I’ve been using B&B’s organic cotton sheets for years and WOW do they hold up. I also am a big fan of their pillows. We have the down alternative ones because my husband is allergic to down fill, and they are the best hypoallergenic pillows that I’ve found. Encased in organic cotton, and while filled with polyester, each component is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified — which gives me confidence in the quality.

Koala Eco floor cleaner

Koala Eco continues to deliver on every. single. product. Their handwash and multi-purpose cleaner are already my go-tos, and now I’m adding their floor cleaner to my favorites list. It smells incredible (think: natural peppermint and no artificial “clean” scent). They’re having a 20% July 4th sale right now and you know I stocked up.

Castor oil packs

If you haven’t heard about castor oil packs yet — let me put you on. As a board certified health coach, this is something I often recommend because the benefits are real: improved digestion, liver detox support, and hormone balance. This article is a great place to start if you want the background and a step-by-step guide.

The thing that used to hold me back was how messy and involved the process felt. This castor oil wrap has completely changed that for me and makes the whole practice so easy and mess-free. No excuses now!

*note that there are a few contraindications for using castor oil packs, be sure to read the article for more info if this is something new you’d like to try

As always, these are things I’m genuinely using and loving. Nothing makes the list unless it earns it. Hope you find a new favorite or two.

Happy 4th of July weekend!

xx

Amanda

Here are the things I found myself reaching for all month long - a mix of longstanding favorites and new discoveries.

LA RELAXED organic white tee

Dare I say it - I think I have finally found the perfect white tee. It fits exactly right, isn’t see through, and most importantly, is made from 100% organic cotton.

Chic handsoap without synthetic fragrance

Flamingo Estate hand wash comes in the chicest bottle. It’s giving Aesop-level luxe but without the synthetic fragrance. I love keeping this on hand as a gift!

Another obsession is Koala Eco’s hand soap in the glass bottle. It’s a much more approachable price point and what I use day to day. It smells incredible and looks great on the counter.

SPF season is in full swing

We are NOT skipping sun protection this year. These are the mineral sunscreens I’ve been reaching for - effective, low-tox and with a sheer finish.

The Ciele SPF 30 primer is amazing for under makeup, I’ve been using it for the past 6 weeks and just bought another one. You know if I finish a product, it’s that good. 

I reach for the Sunsolve Calm SPF 50 on days when I need strong sun protection. My veryyyy sensitive skin responds really well and it lasts all day!

The Bask mineral sunscreen body spray is so easy to throw in your bag on the go. I’m always looking for body sunscreen that goes on sheer, and this delivers.

Curious about why mineral sunscreen? See my post on the topic here. 

Ere Perez jojoba eye pencil

Clean eyeliner has been a very elusive product and I have finally found one that I love! I use the natural bronzed brown shade and it’s earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag. 

AquaTru reverse osmosis water filter

One of the highest-impact swaps you can make for your health, full stop. As a health coach, this is always one of the first things I bring up with clients. What you’re drinking matters as much as what you’re putting on your skin. This is the one I personally use and always recommend.

Magic Molecule hypochlorous acid skin spray

If you’re not onto hypochlorous acid yet, now is the time. I use it for everything - face mist, acne, after workouts, minor skin irritations. It’s literally what your body produces naturally to fight bacteria and inflammation, and it’s completely nontoxic.

Hope you find a new favorite in this list and cheers to the summer season ahead.

Xx

Amanda

When I was first navigating my health issues (autoimmunity, endometriosis, lyme disease) I thought the answer was intensity. More supplements, more protocols, and stricter rules for better results.

But what actually moved the needle were the small, daily habits that consistently reduced my overall exposure - without taking over my life.

Low-tox living isn’t about perfection. It’s about paying attention to the little things that add up. Here’s what genuinely made a difference for me.

1. Reducing plastic at home

This was one of the first tangible changes I made by moving to:

• Glass food containers

• Wooden cutting boards and utensils

• Stainless steel cookware

When you’re thinking about hormone health, removing endocrine disruptors matters.

2. Clean beauty that lowers daily exposure

Your skin is your largest organ. And while I don’t believe every conventional product is “toxic”, I do believe daily, repeated exposures can add up.

Switching to cleaner beauty and personal care products was key to lowering my overall load. Less fragrance. Fewer ingredients. More intention.

Here are my everyday favorites.

3. Prioritizing natural fabrics

This one surprised me when I first realized how many pieces of clothing are not natural fiber-based. Polyester and synthetic fabrics are often treated with chemicals and can also contribute to microplastic exposure.

I started gravitating towards 100%:

• Cotton (organic where possible)

• Linen

• Wool

I personally believe 100% cotton is most important when it comes to underwear (for both men AND women). In fact, this study found that men who wore 100% polyester underwear had fertility issues and decreased sperm count. Counts returned to normal once they stopped wearing polyester underwear.

TLDR of it all - I’m not throwing everything I own away, but rather making a conscious decision to prioritize natural fibers for items like underwear and when I purchase something new.

4. Air filters + plants (especially in a big city)

Living in NYC, air quality is something I think about allll the time.

Adding HEPA air purifiers and plants into a space can reduce air pollution and make home feel like a reset button.

AirDoctor is one of my favorite brands and I also really like Sans air purifiers (great for small spaces).

5. Rethinking cleaning products

Harsh cleaning chemicals used to feel like “the cleanest option.” But, clean shouldn’t mean inhaling fumes and using harsh chemicals when simple household ingredients are more than capable.

I lean toward simpler formulas and DIY mixes when I can — vinegar, baking soda, non-toxic alternatives that don’t leave me with a headache.

Branch Basics, Koala Eco, and Molly’s Suds are three favorites.

Wherever you are in your journey, I hope this is helpful and reminds you that small shifts truly add up.

xx,

Amanda

Here are some of my favorite ways to treat yourself and those you love this month.

The meaning of the heart.

I’ve always loved the “seeing hearts everywhere” concept from Mel Robbins. It’s essentially a mindset-shift exercise designed to rewire the brain for positivity by intentionally spotting heart shapes in daily life (e.g., in nature, coffee foam, on the street). This practice encourages daily presence, helps to reduce anxiety, and increases feelings of connection.

SO with that said, how could you not want some more hearts in your life?

This glass heart mug brings me such joy. And how cute is this tray to go with it.

My favorite pilates socks have small hearts on the ankle and it makes me smile every time I wear them!

100% cotton is IN. My goal this year is to prioritize clothing made from natural fabrics. This cotton heart pajama set is on the top of my list!

I just got this heart necklace as a gift and am OBSESSED! It’s lightweight, chic and totally customizable with a ton of charm options.

We all know I loveee a journal. This one from papier features such a cute heart design.

Clean favorites

Lately, I’m loving Soshe Beauty. I have both their clean lip kit and blush (in shade speakeasy).

La Bonne Brosse is the epitome of french chic. Their detangling comb is my go-to for wet hair and the cherry red shade is to-die-for.

Clean Towels are AMAZING especially if you are prone to acne or any skin irritation. They are hygienic, compostable and perfect for on-the-go.

Scalp care is self care!! I use this scalp exfoliator with the Roz detox shampoo.

NYC self-care experiences

If you want to take your scalp care to the next level, I highly recommend Fourteenjay’s scalp treatment. You won’t regret it!

Angela Guerra is THE BEST for lymphatic and contour body work. I always walk out feeling lighter and like my circulation is flowinggg.

Shun Fa is no frills but has incredible hour long foot massages.

Enjoy!!!

xo,

Amanda

Health benefits

• Calm, steady energy throughout the day (no jitters or crashes)

• L-theanine for better focus and a balanced stress response

• Rich in antioxidants that support cellular and skin health

• Enhances metabolic health, detox pathways, and combats inflammation

What you need

1. Ceremonial grade, organic matcha. I love the one from Pique tea (especially their single serve packets for on-the-go) as well as the one from Shayna’s Kitchen.

2. Traditional bamboo whisk or an electric frother

3. A wide bowl (ones with a spout are helpful)

4. small stainless steel sifter (to break up any clumps)

5. Filtered water (make sure it’s hot but not boiling)

6. Natural sweetener, if desired (organic honey or maple syrup)

Directions

1. Using the sifter, add 1–2 teaspoons of matcha to your bowl

2. Pour in a small amount of hot (not boiling) filtered water

3. Whisk briskly until smooth and lightly frothy

4. Add a splash of natural sweetener (optional)

ENJOY!

The Clean Edit is an extension of what I share every day: clean living tips, low-tox swaps, elevated essentials, and everyday wellness habits designed to help you feel your best.

My health journey

My own healing journey is what led me here. Over the years, I’ve navigated endometriosis, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, histamine intolerance, celiac disease, and other autoimmune challenges. These experiences have shaped my approach to wellness and fuel my mission to help you feel good and live well in a way that’s realistic, informed, and attainable.

Functional medicine played a pivotal role in my healing, and ultimately inspired me to become board-certified so I could support others through their own journeys.

My background

My degree is in environmental science and public health and I’ve always been fascinated by the powerful connection between our environment, nature, and human health. I’ve spent the past 10+ years working in corporate settings across clean beauty, climate, and sustainability.

I’m a former Division I college track athlete, a chapter that shaped my love for movement and taught me the importance of creating routines focused on longevity, balance, and nourishment - rather than burnout.

I also have a love for elevated essentials: from skincare, to style and meaningful experiences. I’m drawn to quality pieces and moments that bring joy, feel intentional, and support me in feeling my best.

What you’ll find here

On Substack, I’ll be sharing:

• Clean living tips and realistic wellness habits

• Low-tox and clean beauty swaps

• Evidence-informed insights, explained simply

• Curated product recommendations I genuinely use and trust

• Health & wellness city guides (because life is about living!)

• Chic, elevated essentials and experiences

Think of this space as your calm corner of the internet, where wellness feels supportive, not stressful. As a recovering perfectionist, I believe true change comes from small, intentional choices made consistently. Not from extremes, rigidity, or an all-or-nothing mindset, but from habits that genuinely support your body and fit into real life.

What’s next

New posts will land right in your inbox, and you can explore the archive anytime on Substack or in the app for a clean, ad-free reading experience.

Here’s to feeling good, looking chic, and living well — thoughtfully, intentionally, and with joy.

xoxo, Amanda