We can minimize our fossil fuel use and support makers near us by buying more from local makers (and a lot less from big stores). I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So let's look at some of the best stuff together. 

from OnOccassionShop

I love decorations, especially in the fall, but if you are trying to maintain a minimalist style, it's important to not go over the top with lots of stuff. All you need are a few special things to make your space connect with all the beauty outside. Here are my favorite Etsy shops for just those kinds of treasures.

jfjones

This has been one of my favorite Etsy shops to pine over for years. These metal mobiles look so special and precious, and if you are used to the beautiful colors of fall (and especially if you don't see them anymore), these mobiles can bring that beauty inside.

SheilaWeilStudios

This etsy shop, based in Ohio, makes the cutest felted acorns. Such a simple addition to fall decor, but perfect if you have a more minimalist aesthetic.

PlantCraftingCo

I love pumpkins (and using natural decor- it's zero-waste!) but I do notice that there is so much pumpkiny-ness right now. If you want to do something a little bit different, but bring in a fall vibe, check out these white pumpkin planters. Wouldn't this look so good on a table?

DECORsuite 

This Georgia store sells all sorts of adorable signs, lots of which fit for the fall right now. I especially love this trick or treat sign- it looks so clean and simple, but it feels really playful too!

OnOccasionShop

I know the changing leaves are my favorite part of the fall, and these beautiful felt garlands from On Occasion Shop look the perfect (and understated) way to bring the outside in.

Have a favorite etsy shop that didn't make the list? Point me there! Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists. 

What's the easiest switch you can make for the environment? Eat less meat!

On Mondays, we are exploring vegetarian meals for meat eaters. Cooking with seasonal vegetables can seem really limiting at first, but the possibilities are endless. And it is worth it. Just cutting one day of meat eating out of our diet can keep thousands of tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere a year. No seriously, it's that big a deal. Cutting down on fish (and only eating sustainable fish) can also help with our huge plastic problem, because plastic fishing nets are the largest source of plastic in our oceans. The production of fish and meat come at a huge environmental cost, and we are simply eating too much.

Plus, it's a great opportunity to have some new adventures and try new things. Just another way to take care of the planet AND make life a little bit better!



It's pumpkin time! Or maybe it started being pumpkin time a month and a half ago? I do love this time of year, and our house tends to fill with lots of decorative gourds I can't quite resist. This can also be the perfect time to replace a bunch of meat with warm, cozy meals featuring amazing fall veggies like pumpkins.

If you are in a house of meat eaters, but you want to introduce more vegetarian or vegan meals, good for you! It is such a great way to help the environment and to switch up your menu. Here are some ridiculously delicious pumpkin recipes that everyone will love (no one will even miss the meat):



Want something that is warm like fall but also has some real spice? This pumpkin curry from Yup...It's Vegan! is packed with vegetables, spice, and deliciousness. You wouldn't think of pumpkin and chickpeas as going together, but this really works.



This feta and pumpkin tart (ironically from the blog Meat and Travel) has really strong flavor. It could be perfect for dinner or a fall brunch you have coming up soon. A tart feels like a treat too, and you could probably sneak other fall veggies like beets in there too.



At our house, we love roasted veggies, especially in the fall. These roasted pumpkin slices from Drizzle and Dip combine that warm and earthy flavor with a tangy yogurt sauce. It could be a side or a main dish!


Pumpkin's creamy texture lends itself well to pastas. If you want to try something completely vegan, Wallflower Kitchen has a pumpkin mac and cheese recipe that isn't so complicated that it will scare you off, and it still has that amazing creamy texture. It could be the perfect way to sneak a vegan dish into your repetoire!


Want to try another pumpkin pasta dish? I love this stuffed shells recipe from A Couple Cooks. It seems pretty straightforward, but the pumpkin is a nice twist on stuffed shells.



Ok, I must be in a pumpkin and pasta mood, because I can't resist sharing this pumpkin pasta recipe from Farmstyle Food. I love the combination of sweet pumpkin (they actually use a type of squash), parmesan cheese, and garlic.



Want something that really screams fall? I love this vegetarian pot pie from Joy the Baker. I want to eat this right this second as I write to you. Such a fun, simple recipe for a fall favorite. Perfect when you are getting cold and need a cozy dinner.


If you want some pumpkin bread or cookies, it can be a cool place to try some vegan recipes! These vegan pumpkin cookies from Nora Cooks just shows how delicious vegan baking can be. Consider taking the leap and trying it!

Ok, what is your favorite pumpkin recipe? Tried any new vegetarian or vegan recipes lately?



Want more vegetarian recipes to try? Awesome! Adding more meatless meals to your diet is such a fun challenge and you can discover so many things you like. Check out this page for all of the Meatless Monday Recipe Round Ups!

It's getting colder! Yay! If you are like me, you have been dying to get back to your fall clothes, layers, and warm blankets. If you are looking to replace something, or you need to buy a gift, Etsy has you covered. Let's do this.

from The Knot and Chain

from Iris Mint

from Mad about Mittens

Mad About Mittens (Montana) sells really adorable mittens made from reclaimed knits. The style of these are really cute. They look great and use recycled materials, double win! Perfect gift. You can also try Made Again Mittens (from Minnesota) or Miracle Mittens (Pennsylvania) for more styles and maybe a shorter shipping distance.

from Lily and Peabody

Lily and Peabody (San Diego) sells gorgeous chunky knit blankets that look perfect for a cozy netflixy day. I feel like throw blankets are the kind of thing you can buy kind of willy nilly, but finding one with great style can make a space. These ones from The Prairie Boutique (from Arizona) is less stylish, but looks just as cozy. Check Nursey Knits and Colorways Gallery as well. '

from ABC Crochet

Lastly, I love the cozy ABC Crochets, though it's hard not to recommend the crochet bikini tops in their store, because they just make me smile! I want to meet the ladies who have warm nunjas and cold everything else!

Want more warm and fuzzy? Of course! Check out these stores as well- Designs by Elena, Knitting Wonders, Unique Knit Designs, Smitten Kitten Originals, Rosehip Lane Knits, Avaneska, Gypsy Street Stuff, and Knit Couture Co.

Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists.