Andree

In a world full of screens, my absolute favorite escape is a real, physical book. I am completely obsessed with the weight of a solid hardcover, the smell of the pages, and the quiet ritual of slowing down to read. This list is my personal Bookworm's Sanctuary! Below, you will find my favorite cozy reading essentials, the actual hardcover books that have earned a permanent spot on my shelves, and the personalized tools I use to curate my home library.

I have been on a sourdough journey for nearly a year, and cracking the code on the perfect, soft, from-scratch sandwich loaf has been my absolute favorite rabbit hole! Over the last year of non-stop baking, I learned that you don't need a $300 aesthetic kitchen setup to make incredible bread. (In fact, I still use a $10 scale from Walmart and a decade-old loaf pan!) Below are my 'learned from experience' tools and the exact clean ingredients I use. THE RECIPE: Wet Ingredients: • 100g active starter • 325g warm water • 40g avocado oil Dry Ingredients: • 500g bread flour • 15g cane sugar (or honey) • 10g salt (Redmond Real Salt is best!) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Liquid Mix: In your bowl, whisk together the Starter, Water, Sugar/Honey, and Oil until sugar dissolves & liquid is milky. 2. Dry Mix: Add the Flour and Salt right on top. 3. Combine: Mix by hand or with a strong spoon (or a stainless dough whisk!) until a shaggy dough forms and there is no dry flour left. 4. Strengthen: Perform a few sets of stretch-and-folds over the next 1.5 hours (30 min intervals) to build strength. 5. Rest: Let rest on the counter for 3-5 hours until approx. 50% rise. 6. Bulk Ferment: Place in the fridge, covered, overnight. 7. Shape & Proof: Next morning, remove & shape while cold. Place in a greased pan and proof until it domes 1" over the rim. 8. Bake: Place in preheated 350-degree oven, middle rack, for 40 minutes! Enjoy! (Note: This list contains affiliate links to the exact tools and pantry staples I use to make this loaf!)"

After watching The Plastic Detox, I threw out all my commercial detergents. I engineered this mineral-based, 'Deep Woods' laundry powder to be 100% non-toxic, plastic-free, and perfectly safe for modern HE machines. It costs about $0.17 per load, and the 'baking soda scent sponge' method makes the aroma actually last. Here is exactly what you need to make it! (Note: This list contains affiliate links.)

I fell down the clean-living rabbit hole and never looked back! I have been using Thrive Market for over a year to stock our home with non-toxic essentials, healthy snacks for my teen, and clean cooking staples. These are the exact items I order on repeat every single month. (Note: This list contains affiliate links.)

Born & Raised in South Louisiana, I've got the scoop on the best products, places, and recipes when it comes to our cuisine! I shop for and prepare all of the meals in our home for over 16 years, so I'm no stranger to being in the kitchen. I hope this list helps anyone searching for a little splash of Cajun culture in their kitchen, their lives, and their traveling!