Violet & Hawthorn Blog

And just like that, Halloween is over and the holiday season is upon us! I know holiday shopping can definitely be a stressful thing for people, especially trying to find and choose environmentally friendly businesses on top of it all. The more transparent brands are with what products they use and how they run their business - the easier it is for us, as consumers, to make the best purchases for us as a whole and for our planet. Here at Violet & Hawthorn we put together a little holiday shopping guide including some of our favorite businesses to buy from to make it easier for you!

We’re in the midst of the spookiest season of the year and Halloween is approaching very quickly. My all time favorite part of this season is being able to connect with our families and friends through traditions like pumpkin carving, apple cider making and various craft projects. I have a DIY project that will not only make the outside of your home festive for years to come but also it’s a fun project to do with the entire family. I will show you how to create custom gravestones for a little cemetery, it is very cheap and SIMPLE to put together but it looks high quality. If you have a bit of time, this is an easy project to do but very rewarding and fun!

Organic cotton - we’re all aware it’s known for being a soft and cozy yet breathable fabric, but what sets it apart from all the others? Unlike other fabrics, organic cotton production does not use any toxins or pesticides. As a drought and heat tolerant crop, it seems like the more obvious choice of fiber to use for our future. Organic cotton is biodegradable and recyclable so we can have peace of mind that it can be reused and returned back to the Earth. Choosing this fabric is choosing to protect our workers, consumers, natural habitats, groundwater and animal life. 

The changing of the seasons, Autumn is here and she is here to teach us how to reconnect back with ourselves and with nature. So many of us get caught up in the routine of school, the holiday traditions and just the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to actually be present with our families, our children and our friends. Too many moments are lost by getting caught up in all the details of life. So we must slow down alongside nature and learn to be present with ourselves and our loved ones. To do so, we must first start within. 

A good start is to reflect back on this last season with a journal or paintbrush in hand. Listen to the call of this season, revel in the beauty and take time to recharge. Plan an adventure with your family. With the warm days and cool nights it is a great time to spend it outdoors and slow down among the trees together. We often forget that nature is a sweet medicine to our spirits. By reconnecting with ourselves, it brings balance to our core and in doing so - bringing balance to our family.

Environmental toxins, which are toxic chemicals that are found in our environment, are an invisible threat that are lurking in all of our homes. These are toxins that are not only in the air we breathe but also in the household products we buy. In America there is actually no federal regulation of chemicals in household products nor is it a requirement to list the ingredients in them. So basically, it’s up to us to be vigilant in regards to our health in what we choose to purchase. 

Making healthier adjustments to the way we live doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. A rule of thumb: Any cleaner that has a warning on the label or states it could be dangerous, probably is. Do a little research on the products you’re eyeing from a reliable source. Or better yet, make your own cleaner!  There are so many options we can take to reduce our exposure to toxins within our home.

Fast fashion price tags might be appealing to one’s eye in the moment but the impact of our choices in clothing goes deeper than our wallet. Here are our Top 3 Reasons to Avoid Fast Fashion (and choose a small eco-friendly business instead)

Get to know me, the owner of Violet & Hawthorn

Handmaking children's clothing is my dream. I love sewing and seeing the joy on kids faces when they wear something I have created.