When the cooler weather and lower humidity of fall arrives, I find that repeated hand washings—particularly when using bar soap—takes a toll on my skin. 

Not anymore. Hello Desert Essence Hand Soap Starter Kit! This kit comes with a refillable and reusable plastic bottle and inside it are two pods of soap—enough to make 10 ounces of super-concentrated, naturally scented, plant-based liquid soap. All you need to do is add water, shake, and you have a hand cleanser ready for duty. 

I like how this product feels concentrated. A little goes a long way. I have the Tea Tree Oil & Lavender variety, and I enjoy its pleasant floral aroma. Since this foaming soap is full of moisture-rich botanicals (jojoba, aloe, and green tea), I found that it didn’t leave my hands dry after using it. This soap also contains tea tree oil, which is known for its antiseptic properties.

Desert Essence eliminates single-use packaging by allowing the consumer to purchase a refill pack of six soap pods. That’s enough to refill the bottle three times. This soap is vegan and gluten- and cruelty-free. It has no dyes, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, artificial fragrances, or sulfates.

Desert Essence’s Hand Soap Starter Kit comes in either Tea Tree Oil & Lavender or Tea Tree Oil & Lemongrass scents. Each retails for $9.99. The Foaming Hand Soap Pods for refilling the bottle are $9.99 for 6 pods.

One of my favorite morning meals is pancakes. I don’t eat them as often as I’d like, but when I do I want them on my plate fast.

In the past, I’ve made pancakes from scratch. Being gluten free, this invariably involved finding and mixing a bunch of gluten-free flours and other ingredients. By the time I got everything together, I was ready to just have a bowl of cereal.

So I was very pleased to discover Pamela’s Pancake & Baking Mix. It’s quick and easy to make a batch of these gluten-free pancakes. All the recipe requires is the addition of an egg, some water, and a tablespoon of oil. 

These pancakes have a soft and fluffy interior and a slight pleasantly nutty flavor. There was a delicate crisp on the outside of each, and they browned up beautifully. 

I shared these with some people who do eat gluten, and they all agreed the pancakes had good consistency and were tasty. One of these individuals is very hard-to-please when it comes to trying anything gluten free, so I knew I’d found a mix everyone could enjoy.

Made from almond meal, brown and white rice flours, cultured buttermilk, and other gluten-free ingredients, a serving of two 4-inch pancakes contains 8 grams of whole grains. This product is Certified Gluten-Free and Kosher Dairy Certified OU-D. I really appreciate how there’s no added sugar in the mix.

Pamela’s has been in business since 1988. Their commitment to creating high-quality products for gluten-free consumers shows, and as they say, everything they make is crafted with love. 

A 24-ounce bag of Pamela’s Pancake & Baking Mix retails on their website for $9.09. A 4-pound bag costs $18.99.

When I first set out as a young adult, I had to buy a bath mat. At the time this bummed me out, since this was such a boring purchase. I’d rather have spent my hard-earned money on something fun like makeup or going out, not something dull like a mat for the bathroom floor. 

What I’ve learned since is I can get pleasure purchasing something functional and necessary. Now I approach the need for necessities by challenging myself to find the best quality at the most reasonable cost. 

Scissors are something we use every day, and most of us don’t give them much thought. That’s changed for me since I discovered Slice Products Large Scissors. I never thought I could be a fan of something as simple as a pair of scissors! 

Slice’s scissors have an innovative and lightweight design that is so comfortable to hold. The finger grips fit securely in your hand, and the blades cut through paper and cardboard with ease. Speaking of the blades: they’re ceramic, so they won’t rust. With their rounded tips, they’re engineered to be safer than traditional scissors. The ceramic blades are up to 11 times longer-lasting than steel varieties. The scissors are free of BPA, phthalate, and lead. These scissors can be used in the kitchen or garden, or with craft projects, and the bold white and orange colors make them easy to find in a drawer.

Being a fan of the scissors, I decided to give Slice Products Manual Mini Cutter a try. This oval-shaped cutter fits comfortably in the palm of my hand. It has a textured sliding safety button that doesn’t need to be held in for the blade to function. The long-lasting, rustproof zirconium oxide blade effortlessly slices through cardboard boxes, layers of packing tape, plastic wrap, and even plastic cable ties. The blade can be reversed in its orientation, so the cutter works just as well for lefties. Its magnetic design sticks to the fridge, so it can always be within reach.

Any way you slice it, Slice Products made my boring tasks more fun!

The Large Scissors retail for $39.99. The Manual Mini Cutter retails for $9.99.

I drank cow’s milk growing up. But as an adult, I don’t tolerate it very well. I’ve tried every vegan alternative out there: soy, rice, oat, almond, coconut, hemp.

In baking, I’ve found it doesn’t matter much which variety you use—unless it’s a milk-heavy recipe like a pudding or a sauce. But over cereal? Or enjoyed on its own? Consistency and flavor are important when it comes to alternative milks.

Plant-based, organic Kiki Milk Original is the closest I’ve found to cow’s milk. It’s smooth, creamy, and mild in flavor. There’s no off-putting aftertaste. And it’s not overpoweringly sweet like other brands. It’s lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and monk fruit extract.

Made from organic, nutrient-dense, and omega-rich super foods such as oats, coconuts, hemp seeds, sprouted pumpkin seeds, bananas, and amla (Indian gooseberry), this vegan milk is non-GMO and third-party tested to make sure the product contains no glyphosate.

Colorfully decorated with the whimsical artwork of dragons and whales, Kiki Milk’s single-serve, shelf-stable packages can be conveniently brought to school, work, or on-the-go activities.

The inside flap of the box the milk arrives in says it right: Made for kids. Enjoyed by all.

Oh, and if you fancy chocolate milk? They’ve got a version of that too.

Twelve-packs are available for $35.

Were you ever a fan of Kit Kat? They’re those crunchy wafer bars coated in chocolate. They’ve been a longtime favorite of kids (and adults) everywhere. They’re still around, of course. But, in my opinion, there’s something even better.

Trupo Treats Mylk Chocolate Crispy Wafer Bars are 100 percent vegan and certified gluten-free. After trying one, I found myself wishing I had a second package to devour.

Each 1.4-ounce package contains two bars to share, or to keep all to yourself! This candy is fun to eat and surprisingly good. The chocolate is amazingly creamy for being vegan, and the wafers are crispy and crunchy—even though they’re gluten free. A satisfying snack, it’s perfect to tuck into a purse, lunchbox, or backpack.

The bars also come in hazelnut and peanut butter flavors. This treat is OU Kosher and Non-GMO Project Verified, and the cocoa used is Rainforest Alliance Certified.

The founders of Trupo Treats are twins Brian and Charlie Trupo, who set out to create a better-for-you treat using sustainable and ethical business practices. A portion of the company’s proceeds goes toward animal sanctuaries.

A four-pack retails for $17.99. There’s a store locator on their site to check if the product is available near you.

I love when things are organized and in their place. What I don’t love is the effort it takes to get them that way. I live in a small space, and clutter is a constant battle. The only thing that keeps the piles under control is to organize items into their own containers.

Superio’s Set of 5 Storage Bins helps me with this task. Each size saves space and keeps my drawers and countertops neat. Made in Spain from durable and high-quality plastic, this organizing collection arranges hair, makeup, and skin care products; office and school supplies; craft items; and pretty much anything you can think of into one convenient spot. 

I use the 3.5x9.5-inch container to corral spices and extracts on a shelf in the fridge. The 4.5x6.5-inch containers (there are two in the set) rest on my bathroom countertop. I use one to contain the products I apply in the morning, and the other is for those I reach for in the evening. This system works out well for me. Before organization, the countertop was an annoying jumble of bottles I hunted through to find what I needed.

The 9.5x7-inch organizer is perfect for my junk drawer, and it holds spare pens, paper clips, and other office supplies. Inside the 9.5x13-inch bin go any papers and bills I need to deal with sooner rather than later. They’re thankfully not floating around anymore. 

The design of these containers is elegant and stylish. The ribbed exterior of each offers a sophisticated look. Even when placed out in the open and on display, it’s clear these aren’t your typical box store plastic bins. I got the White Smoke color, which looks like a cross between white and a very light grey. Some other colors offered include taupe, lilac, stone blue, white, and dark grey. The 5-piece set retails for $11.99.

When I was first learning to cook I faithfully watched How to Boil Water, a flagship program on the nascent Food Network. I adored this show. It broke down cooking techniques with easy-to-understand language and visuals. I learned how to perfectly steam broccoli, and how to best hard-boil an egg. In plain and simple steps, the intimidation of home cooking was dispelled for me. This break-it-down-to-the-basics style reminds me of Chefs Life cooking oils.

What I love about these stylishly packaged oils is the easily viewed description on each bottle. In bold black lettering on each stark white bottle are details on exactly how to use it. Take the avocado, olive, sunflower, and grapeseed blend. On this bottle it clearly states: Use this oil for cooking (sauté, fry, roast, bake).

The evoo (extra-virgin olive oil), avocado, and grapeseed variety tells you it’s for blending and is best enjoyed in dressings, aiolis, and more.

The last of the three is the Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This bottle reminds you it’s best for finishing (drizzle, dip, celebrate). And couldn’t we all use more reminders to celebrate in life?

These tall and elegant bottles are easy to spot on the counter or in the cabinet. They’re comfortable to grip. Their large-font, easy-to-read lettering makes it a breeze to find the one you want at a moment’s notice.

Created by Chef Brian Malarkey and his friends, the goal of these oils is for home cooks to have access to pro-level products so they can make the best food. I really appreciate that the oils are non-GMO.

Their Ultimate Trio Pack, which contains the three varieties above, costs $39.99. Single bottles retail for $12.99 each. The website offers many technique videos and restaurant-quality recipes featuring Chefs Life oils. A portion of the company’s proceeds goes to helping those in the hospitality industry get back on their feet after hardships.

When I used to go for the occasional facial, the esthetician would ask me which brand of products I used. I thought she was genuinely interested in knowing (and maybe she was). But after this happened a few times, I realized the query came about because she was attempting to plug the spa’s featured product lines.

Sometimes these lines were high quality and effective, but other times they were nothing I was interested in.

I wish I was introduced to Mushroom Wisdom’s Aquamella Skin Cream back then. I’m glad I’ve found it now. This cream is advanced skin care containing the intriguing ingredients tremella and pearl. Tremella is a popular mushroom used as a traditional Chinese herb and in Chinese cuisine. It’s also an ingredient Asian women use to enhance their beauty. Tremella is popular for its hydrating properties, and it’s even more effective and longer lasting than hyaluronic acid. Nutrient-rich pearl powder is also added to Aquamella’s formula, offering advanced skin-supporting peptides.

The first time I used Aquamella, I found it to be incredibly rich and creamy with a luxurious feel. My skin felt smoother and softer and immediately had a protective layer of moisture. Even the next morning my skin was still supple and hydrated.  

Aquamella reduces fine lines and boosts hydration with no parabens, TEA, or PEGs. Packaged in a BPA-free container, it can be applied to the face, neck, or hands, or anywhere it’s needed. A 2-ounce jar costs $52.45.

If you're interested in trying it, you can purchase Aquamella from Mushroom Wisdom.

I’ll never forget the first time I had an anxiety attack. It literally brought me to my knees. I was in my 20s and going through a major move that had me stressed and scared. 

I was walking down the sidewalk, and my heart started to race. I couldn’t breathe, so I dropped to my knees in a sort of self-defense. I thought I was having a heart attack. I wasn’t, but it was the start of on-and-off attacks that have followed me through the years.

Thankfully, I haven’t had an attack that bad since. But I still sometimes experience a gut-clenching that leaves me with the impression that something is very wrong (even if it’s not). To quell the miasma of bad feelings, I’ve supported myself with flower essences, essential oils, meditation, and CBD. Some have worked better than others.

My latest supportive effort is Hyland’s Naturals Stress Busters. I felt an attack coming on recently with that telltale sense of my stomach dropping out from under me, and I took two of these stress-busting gummies. And then I forgot about taking them. And then I forgot about my anxiety. They worked for me, so I was able to go about my day. 

These vegan gummies calm with 100 mg each of L-Theanine, chamomile, and lemon balm per serving. They’re free of the nine top major allergens (including soy, milk, eggs, nuts, and gluten). They’re non-GMO and contain no gelatin, preservatives, artificial flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup. And they won’t make you drowsy.

Hyland’s Naturals sources its ingredients locally and globally to be high quality and safe. Its products are formulated and manufactured in the US. Hyland's Naturals has been around for more than 100 years and works to make sure fair labor practices are met. It recently underwent a brand refresh to reflect its high standards, and it shows.

Being gluten free, one of the foods I miss most is pizza. There’s just something about the combination of tangy sauce, melty cheese, and a crisp yet tender crust. Sigh. Gluten-free crusts just aren’t the same. 

When I heard about Snow Days Pizza Bites as a grain-free snack option, I thought, “Meh. How good can they be?” They come frozen, and, in my experience, freezer snacks can taste flat and stale. 

I must amend my opinion! These adorable little bites are chock-full of filling.

There are four flavor options: two that are vegetarian (Veggie White Pizza and Cheese) and two that contain meat (Buffalo Chicken and Sausage).

My favorites were the Buffalo Chicken, which has a little kick of heat, and the Veggie White Pizza, which tasted tangy and has a blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses along with an assortment of veggies.

Depending on the flavor, they’re filled with 7 grams of protein per serving; grass-fed, free-range meat; and veggies such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, spinach, or sweet potatoes.

The crust is made from cassava flour and cassava starch, which comes from a root vegetable. I appreciated that the crust of each bite didn’t split or break apart, as many a gluten-free crust tends to do. 

Snow Days Pizza Bites are USDA certified organic and have no preservatives, artificial ingredients, gluten, grains, or GMOs.

Put these little mini-empanada shaped bites into an air fryer, or bake them in a toaster or conventional oven for a snack or side dish.

A four-pack (one of each flavor) is $69.99. Two-pack options are also available for $39.99. Each pack has about 20 bites. This product is not cheap, but it tastes like real food—not junk.