Anjie's Favorite Things: Let's Get Cozy for September

Anjie Cho September 1, 2024

Welcome to Anjie’s Favorite Things!

Each month, we highlight products to help you create a holistic lifestyle that inspires and nurtures you, so that you can be happier and feel supported.

It’s already really starting to feel like fall, here in NYC. I can't believe it! We've had a long, warm summer, but the weather is beginning to get cooler and crisper, and soon we'll be switching walks in the park for snuggling up indoors. That's why this month's My Favorite Things is all about getting cozy! We put some thought into the necessities for a staying warm in the fall air, and here's what we came up with.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Sun Yantra Mandala for Radiance & Warmth

I love mandalas as a way to add a certain energy or intention to a room. This Sun yantra mandala is perfect for warming up your space as the weather cools off!

The Sun is associated with individuality, radiance and yang energy. It depicts yellows and oranges and radiating lotus petals, and looks similar to the sun itself! As it represents warmth and radiance, this mandala is perfect for seasons when we see less sun.

Yellows and oranges are representative of nature, which is appropriate for autumn, and the bright colors are also a helpful dose of optimism and positive qi during fall and winter months.

Available at: Holistic Spaces

Wei of chocolate’s cardamom

I am a big fan of cardamom, and flower elixirs, and who doesn’t love chocolate??? My current favorite Wei of Chocolate flavor is Cardamom. It’s warming and uplifting and infused with Lotus Wei’s Sacred Awareness flower remedy blend for: heightened intuition, awakening, and energetic perception.

We’re invited to let the chocolate melt in the mouth to enhance the experience!

Available at: Lotus Wei

SENTIA non-alcoholic SPIRITS

I thrilled with the unique non-alcoholic offerings that are now available to all of us. I’ve been getting super cozy in the evenings with a relaxing mocktail with Sentia GABA Red (with passionflower, ashwagandha). I just pour some over ice with some sparkling water, and instant relaxation!

Check out: Sentia GABA Red

SheepSKIN Rug

When it comes to making your holistic space warmer, a wool rug is a no-brainer!

Most rugs can help to reduce the cool temperature beneath your feet, especially here in NYC where everything is wood flooring, but wool and sheepskin rugs are especially warm!

When looking for wool or sheepskins rugs, seek out organic and ethically sourced if possible.

I have two from Quince that I love!

Sandalwood Essential Oil

My favorite things for warming up wouldn't be a complete list without essential oils! Fall is a great time to utilize these incredible healing tools, and sandalwood is on our ultimate fall list.

My good friend, Andrea Giordano, of Aromatherachi, specializes in using essential oils to make amazing products like soap and bath salts, but she also sells the oil itself! Her sandalwood oil is sustainable and eco-friendly, sourced in Hawaii! Can you think of a warmer place?!

Available at: Aromatherachi

by Anjie Cho

Visit the Holistic Spaces Store

Anjie's Favorite Things: the fullness of summer

Anjie Cho August 1, 2024

Welcome to Anjie’s Favorite Things!

Each month, we highlight products to help you create a holistic lifestyle that inspires and nurtures you, so that you can be happier and feel supported.

We’re in the fullness of summer in August. It’s my favorite time of year because it’s also my birthday month! Plus this year I have my third book coming out: Mindful Living. But the real reason why I love August, is that I love the summertime. The last few years we’ve been visiting Maine to enjoy the water, hiking and the last days of summer.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

space | clearing Blend & Amethyst Mist for space & energy clearing

August is a big month to travel, as we’re taking advantage of the last days of summer. I never leave home for a trip without a bottle of my Holistic Spaces Space Clearing mist. The small 2 oz bottle is travel friendly and vital for those of us that are energetically sensitive.

The blend has white sage essential oil which purifies, and the amethyst crystal protects. The smell is divine, but the mist also clears away any stagnant energy that may be lingering in a hotel room or AirBNB.

Available at: Holistic Spaces

The buzz's insect-repelling perfume

I am a big fan of summertime. Biting insects are also big fans of summertime, and of me! I am the best mosquito repellent because they will feast on me and leave you alone!

I am a big fan of this DEET-free, plant-powered, chemical-free insect repellent that is also a wildcrafted botanical handcrafted elegant perfume. I recommend the Charlston scent. Top notes: Lemon & Lime; Middle: Orange, Bergamot & Mandarin; Base notes: Geranium

Available at: The BUZZ

BUG BITE THING

Still on the insect topic, I tried out the BUG BITE THING Suction tool and it really does work! Along with the BUZZ perfume, I also carry the suction tool in my pocket or purse to make sure I can use it if I get a bite.

Check out: BUG BITE THING

Out of the woods eco-friendly cooler backpack

When I think of August, I think of hikes and picnics. So I love my new Seagull Backpack Cooler from Out of the Woods.

Their products are cute, functional.. and did I mention: CUTE!

PLUS: they are lightweight, durable, and made from ethically sourced, sustainable materials, featuring Supernatural Paper® from responsibly managed forests.

Check out: Out of the Woods

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The Perks of Organic Bed Linens

Anjie Cho June 15, 2024

I've noted a few times on the blog, we spend a lot of time in our beds. This is why it's so important that they're comfortable, holistic and have ample room for positive qi to move freely about. Aside from the command position and minimal storage beneath our beds, another important consideration is what we put on top of our beds.

If you're aiming to live a green, holistic lifestyle, chances are you've already made the change to organic in many places, from deodorant to detergent to conditioner, fruits and vegetables, and even paint. While you're at it, look into going organic with your bed linens as well!

The most obvious perk to making this switch is that going organic with sheets, etc. eliminates a number of chemicals added to ordinary bed linens for a variety of reasons. Whether to maintain the bright color of your bedding, keep your sheets wrinkle-free, provide a cooling sensation, or any number of other "benefits," chemicals added to your sheets and other linens are just as dangerous as other household chemicals. In fact, due to the amount of time you spend in your bed, they may even be more dangerous!

Along the same lines, switching to organic linens will significantly decrease the likelihood of allergic reactions to your bedding. Many sheets and comforters contain dyes and other chemicals that may contain allergens. Who wants to sleep in a bed they're literally allergic to? Organic bedding is much less likely to cause skin reactions or aggravate other allergies.

Organic sheets, like bamboo, tencel and organic cotton, are also much more durable and easy to wash. Each of these materials provides a smooth, almost silky feeling, and because they are plant-based and used to standing the test of time and environmental factors, they tend to be much more sturdy, allowing them to be washed over and over without special instructions.

Finally, like most organic products, bedding produced without extra chemicals helps to push toward a more sustainable, naturally farmed planet. With so many factors contributing to the destruction of our natural resources and Earth overall, it's important that we do what we can to help in any way, and switching to organic bedding is one easy, beneficial way to help rebuild our environment.