Serene wall colors certainly evoke calm, but the true pillar of a healthy bedroom is the mattress—one that encourages quality sleep and well-being. In our Zuma Beach House, I looked to Avocado Green Mattress to anchor the bedrooms in our renovation with mattresses that support restorative rest and, ultimately, better health.
Sleep Matters
As someone who has struggled with insomnia, I take my sleep very seriously. Sleep is a true pillar of health—so much depends on it! Between shutting down my phone hours before bedtime to wearing breathable pajamas, I’ve gotten my wind-down routine on lock. But one of the most critical parts of inducing calm sleep is to reduce the harmful toxins that come into the bedroom.
Made of certified organic materials, including GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton, Avocado’s mattresses are more durable, breathable, and supportive than those made with synthetic materials, says Jessica Hann, Avocado’s Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing and Sustainability. “Polyurethane foams can emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation or other health problems,” she adds, pointing out that Avocado avoids chemical flame retardants and adhesives.
While I’ve also been a long-time lover of Avocado’s certified organic pillows and mattress toppers, I’ve really noticed the difference in my sleep quality since switching to an Avocado Green Mattress in my Austin home. We sleep better at night and wake up feeling great, knowing we’ve spent the last eight hours in a bed free of VOCs, formaldehyde, and phthalates.
Optimizing Comfort
In addition to its certified organic materials, Avocado makes body support paramount. According to Hann, there are up to 1,438 pocketed support coils made of recycled steel throughout five strategic zones in each mattress, offering pressure-point relief, improved weight distribution, and spinal alignment. Additionally, Avocado’s team members needle-tuft each one by hand at the company’s Los Angeles factory. Such attention to detail proves that comfort and sustainability can co-exist.
Honestly Natural
Today, countless companies claim to deliver a product aligned with nature and wellness. But how can you know? I highly encourage consulting with the GOTS Public Database. If a company is truly organic, the brand and its products will be listed here. Avocado obtained a GREENGUARD Gold certification, which focuses on indoor air quality and low chemical emissions, and the Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification, “which confirms that our products do not contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances,” says Hann.
Because of its integrity and purity, Avocado is an ideal complement to our coastal beach house. Choosing incredibly comfortable beds that support our health and earth is a no-brainer. That’s my kind of luxury.
We’ve made it through the post-Christmas lull ready for a fresh start. While much of what’s posted online and shared on social media still centers on weight loss resolutions, we’ve learned to set our sights on goals that align with our 2024 intentions. This collective shift toward size inclusivity and body acceptance not only paves the way for greater self-love but also frees up more headspace for all the ways we truly want to grow. Maybe that’s becoming a more engaging conversationalist, or perhaps you’d like to dedicate more time to your hobbies. Whatever you want from the year to come, these monthly goals will help you get from Point A to Point B.
Trust me: countless years before this saw me defaulting to the same “lose X pounds by X date” resolution. Now, with experience and perspective, I see the countless ways in which this didn’t serve me. Not only that, but the weight-loss resolution distracted me from the more impactful and aligned intentions I could have made. But, over the past few years, I’ve grown into a more observant, compassionate, and curious person thanks to the monthly goals I’m sharing below. My hope is that they’ll do the same for you.
12 Monthly Goals to Try in 2024
This time of year can be a lot. Not only do the holidays bring on deadlines, travel, family gatherings, and more potential stressors, but there’s also the immediate return to our fast-paced lifestyles come January 1. We’re overbooked and overwhelmed—and the pressure to change our habits, rituals, and routines doesn’t help.
And while all of this comes with a certain level of excitement (I too, love the energy of a new year), it can be difficult to know what intentions support you best when social media is saturated with others’ resolutions. For clarity, Camille’s vision workbook is all the guidance you need. And when it’s inspiration you’re lacking, these monthly goals help you stay focused on what’s truly important.
So if you’re ready to hit the ground running and dive full-speed into your 2024 goals and intentions, I have advice: slow down. I like to think of these monthly goals simply as invitations. They are ideas that can help you experience the year as a calmer, more content, more connected, and more creative version of yourself. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t. And don’t be afraid to move slowly. After all, the more sustainable we make our goals, the more likely they are to become habits—and transform into a lifestyle you love.
January: Explore a New Form of Movement
If we’re on the same side of Instagram, then your feed has also been inundated with offers for exercise programs and studios touting the ‘New Year, New You’ promise. Thankfully, plenty of new fitness programs have cropped up in the past few years, and as a result, there’s truly something for everyone.
Our 2024 wellness trends forecast saw experts predicting a continued interest in low-impact workouts. While you might not sweat as much as an hour at the gym, your body and mind still benefit whether it’s Pilates, yoga, or even walking (a favorite among Camille Styles editors). Take this as an invitation to switch things up. If you find yourself dreading your workouts, connect with something fun and playful. That could be trying a dance-based workout or joining an adult sports league. Bonus points for training your social muscle.
Workouts programs we love include:
Remember: It’s always important to find and build a movement routine that supports your body, mind, and fitness goals best. Explore the options above or chat with your healthcare provider about what might be best for you.
February: Build a Self-Love Practice
While this month focuses largely on the role romantic love plays in our lives, trust that you don’t have to be in a relationship to experience the joy of human connection. What’s more, February can be an opportunity for you to shift your focus inward and make time for more self-love in your everyday life.
This all begins with how you speak to yourself. Are you overly critical when you make a mistake? Do you often compare yourself to others—based on appearance, intelligence, or success? In the past, have you spent more energy on other people in your life at the cost of your own wants and needs?
In February, make it your monthly goal to prioritize yourself. Despite what many people think, self-love isn’t selfish—and the cliché is true, that we need to pour into ourselves first before we can support others.
Ways to Practice Self-Love
Say positive affirmations. Say them in the morning, at night, in the mirror, on your drive to work—whenever and wherever. By speaking affirmations out loud, you’re giving power to what’s innately true about who you are. Get started with these 60 affirmations for women.
Reflect on your successes. Before bed, at the end of the work week, and at the end of the month, spend time with your journal reflecting on what went well for you. Write about your role in making these events and successes happen. Not only does it help you relive those affirming moments, but you’ll also have a concrete log detailing just how amazing you are.
Practice owning your wins. Some may call it bragging, but I call it speaking the truth. So often, we’re afraid to congratulate ourselves or talk about our accomplishments out of fear that it may be seen as bragging. In conversation, try speaking proudly about what’s going well at work and in your personal life. And the more you do it, the more it invites others to honor themselves as well.
March: Deep-Clean Your Home
Spring cleaning is one of my favorite annual milestones. The yearly ritual gives me a concrete timeframe dedicated to refreshing my home. When we set aside this intentional time to clear out what no longer serves us and scrub down those often-forgotten places, it becomes less of a stressor and more of a routine we can look forward to.
So, how do you make this monthly goal happen without getting overwhelmed? See these tried-and-true tips below.
Make a priorities list. What cleaning or organizing tasks would be the most impactful for your space? List out 2-3 priority rooms or areas and tackle those first.
Romanticize your cleaning routine. Pop in the AirPods and put on your favorite podcast or an audiobook. Use non-toxic cleaning products and light a candle as you go. When you accomplish one of your priority tasks, enjoy a little treat like a solo coffee date.
Take it step by step. No matter how small your space, it’s likely that you won’t be able to do it all in one day. Release the pressure to have a clean, sparkling home immediately, and remember: you have the entire month to accomplish this goal.
April: Carve Out a Daily Creative Block
It’s true: there’s never enough time. That’s why we have to make time for what’s important. If you have hobbies or creative projects that have fallen by the wayside thanks to the busy shuffle of everyday life, try getting critical about how you’re actually spending your time. Is your phone your default source of entertainment at any lull in the day? Do your evenings look like a movie and takeout—night after night? While there’s no shame in zoning out every once in a while (trust me, it can be so good for the soul), it’s easier to manifest our dream lives when we incorporate them into our daily routines in small, but game-changing ways.
While all of our schedules are different, the majority of us can find 30-60 minutes in the morning or evening to dedicate to something we love doing. Maybe you’re writing a novel you haven’t touched in months, or you’re haunted by the half-completed knitting projects piling up in your closet. Whatever the passion or hobby, this month, experiment with finding the sweet spot in your day when you can do exactly that. No, they may not catapult your career or provide monetary value, but hobbies have a way of infusing our lives with meaning, promise, and joy.
May: Try Silent Walking
Silent walking blew up into a trend late this summer. While the idea of walking without your phone and nothing in your ears sounds far from groundbreaking, we all know how hard it can be to disconnect. Our lives are filled with constant distractions, and finding a little peace in our day where we’re left with nothing but our thoughts can be uncomfortable at first. But when we commit to intentional time moving our bodies outside, it can transform our energy, our emotions, and how we approach the day.
Start with 10 minutes and experiment from there. If your experience is anything like mine, you’ll be craving 30 minutes or more of silent walking—daily.
June: Get Intentional About Your Social Life
Maybe it’s all the holiday parties we’ve been attending, but I’ve had countless conversations throughout the past month with friends and family saying that they want to be more intentional about their social lives in 2024. Our time and energy are finite resources, and understanding that saying yes means saying no to something else has helped me pause before taking on responsibilities and accepting invitations.
The next time you’re invited to a dinner, happy hour, or on a trip, remember to pause. It’s perfectly okay to respond with: “I’m not sure of my plans yet, let me get back to you.” Then, take the next day to look at your schedule, reflect on your bandwidth, and get quiet with your needs. Would saying yes to this event contribute to your well-being or detract from it? Respond accordingly.
July: Get Closer to Your Food
I get it—this probably sounds like a pretty abstract monthly goal. But rather than setting hard-to-commit-to intentions about consuming certain amounts of protein or the nebulous “healthy” meals, I like to weave more intention into my eating habits. This looks like eating more mindfully, making cooking more fun, and getting curious about certain ingredients and how local produce was grown. It’s a reminder that wellness is more than what you eat—how you eat counts, too.
Some ways to do this:
Join a CSA.
Visit weekly farmer’s markets.
Romanticize your grocery shopping. Get coffee, go with a friend, wear a cute outfit, etc.
Treat yourself to a new cookbook and challenge yourself to make a recipe each week.
Grow indoor herbs, join a community garden, or plant in raised garden beds.
Sit down to dinner without any distractions and practice mindful eating.
Focus on cooking with seasonal ingredients.
August: Revamp Your Morning Routine
We’re all about setting a strong foundation for the day with a morning routine. By giving yourself time to gradually reorient yourself to the day and get aligned before jumping into work, it’s possible to feel more grounded and calm as you move from task to task. Trust me, I’ve been the person who wakes up five minutes before her 8:30 Zoom call—and after months of feeling both sluggish and stressed, I knew it was time to switch it up.
And despite what social media might make you believe, your morning routine doesn’t need to be a complex process. Rather, as with all of these monthly goals, it’s important to make them work for you.
Morning Routine Template
Follow this template to help you design a morning ritual that supports you best.
Something for your mind. Allow your mind to wake up and mentally stretch before diving into your work day. This can look like journaling, praying, meditating, reading an inspiring book, or listening to a podcast that’ll help you set the tone for the day to come.
Something for your body. No, it doesn’t have to be a full-blown, hour-long workout. Instead, try a (silent!) walk outside, moving through a stretch routine, or doing a quick 10-minute yoga flow. Whatever makes you feel present in your body, do exactly that.
Something just for you. This is entirely up to you. It can be a few minutes scrolling Instagram if that’s what you need. Or, perhaps the morning is the only opportunity you have to read. Maybe you love relishing your morning coffee. Be selfish and protect this time at all costs. Whatever you decide to do, ensure that it supports the version of yourself that you want to show up as each day.
For more inspiration on practicing grounding morning rituals, get inspired with Camille’s time-stamped routine.
September: Do a Life Edit
I can’t take credit for this idea—an episode of the Almost 30 podcast introduced me to the concept. And while a life edit might seem like an ideal practice for the top of the year, it’s become my favorite September tradition. (The back-to-school season inspires a natural, fresh-start feeling.)
A life edit asks you to do an audit of every part of your life, helping you clear away any unnecessary clutter and carve out space for what you want to attract. Start by reflecting on the primary areas of your life: digital, home, financial, wellness, mental health, and social life. From there, ask yourself the following:
What feels overwhelming?
In what ways am I not feeling fulfilled?
What can I let go of?
What do I want to let in?
Outline the steps that will help you create more clarity for each area of your life. Once you’ve finished the process, you’ll feel more confident and content with how you’re spending your energy, attention, and time. (For a more robust outline of how to do a life edit, visit Almost 30.)
October: Replace Phone Time With Reading
I’ve read 60 books this year, and I get asked all the time: how do you have so much time for reading? (Hint: I don’t.) The majority of my reading is done in those in-between moments—when I’m sitting in the doctor’s office, waiting for a friend to meet up for dinner, on the train, etc. Yes, I have an evening reading habit, but I’ve discovered that reaching for my book instead of my phone has been the biggest game changer.
And while the concept is simple (swap your phone for a book), in practice, it can be a challenge to carry out. I keep my phone on airplane mode throughout the day so that I’m not tempted by a screen cluttered with notifications. What’s more, I always have a book on me. I store small paperbacks in my purse, larger hardcovers in my work bag, and I always have an audiobook downloaded on Libby.
To be successful with this, I’ve found that crowding out the temptation to reach for my phone by making reading more appealing lowers the barriers to entry that exist with any new habit. And the good news is that the more you do it, the easier it becomes to forget all about your phone.
November: Go Deep With Gratitude
With Thanksgiving near the end of the month, it makes sense that November’s theme would be centered on gratitude. But I like to do this so we can more intentionally and deeply consider the ways gratitude positively contributes to our lives. For many people, the concept of gratitude feels like a superficial, nice-to-have practice in their routine. And while it’s easy to simply list off the things we’re grateful for, I’ve discovered that it’s all the more gratifying to consider the why. Oftentimes, when we do so, we reveal the underlying gratitudes that exist within.
An example: One day I was journaling about how grateful I was for my morning cup of coffee. I had the luxury of enjoying it in bed with my cats circling me. A candle was flickering and I made it through 20 pages of my book before getting ready for the day. And while it might seem that the coffee was the central point of this ideal morning, in reflecting upon it further, I realized that it was my partner prepping the coffee the evening before that allowed this moment to happen. In truth, I was grateful for my partner and his small, thoughtful act that led to a beautiful morning.
To summarize: That process was more impactful than simply writing, “I am grateful for my coffee.” This month, challenge yourself to think critically about your gratitude and understand the why. I’ve found that by doing so, it’s easier to live in a state of thankfulness and awe at the everyday magic all around me.
December: Commit to Journaling
If you’ve already built a consistent journaling practice—bravo! I’ve found that it’s one of the most difficult monthly habits to commit to, but once you do so, it’s also the most transformative. As a previous journaling skeptic, it took forcing myself to sit in silence with my thoughts and being open to whatever came up. A word of warning: it can be a difficult and uncomfortable process at times, but it’s one that will help you foster a more compassionate and curious relationship with your thoughts.
When I was a beginner, guided journals and prompts helped me find a place to start when I was lacking inspiration. For a deep dive into starting your practice, look no further than Camille’s ultimate guide to journaling. Even just five minutes a day can change so much.
Looking for more ways to level up in 2024? Camille shares her step-by-step process of creating a vision board—and manifesting your dream life.
It always comes back to olive oil, doesn’t it? In the kitchen, it’s a constant while others oscillate in and out of favor. Who remembers when everyone was cooking everything with coconut oil? Using olive oil for skin is also a wellness superpower. It’s a frequent fave in Blue Zones for any number of applications and health benefits. (Also, it’s delish.) And no, the claims aren’t overblown. If you want to age well, reduce inflammation, and enjoy the complexion-boosting benefits of olive oil for skin care, keep reading.
Rich in antioxidants as well as vitamins A, E, and D, olive oil is famed for its cleansing, moisturizing, and skin-protective properties. To uncover the secrets of using olive oil for skin, I went to the experts. Ahead, learn how to pick the right olive oil for your skin and where the golden elixir fits into your beauty routine.
Featured image from our interview with Laura Lee by Sara Ligorria-Tramp.
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Meet the Experts
Alison Carroll, co-founder of Wonder Valley, has made olive oil the star of your tablescape and skincare routine. Wonder Valley does it all, developing olive oil-infused skincare and producing our go-to olive oil for any and every recipe. “Extra-virgin grade olive oil has endless benefits and uses for skin care and really is one of the oldest beauty ingredients,” she says.
I also spoke with Lena Philippou Korres, founder of the Greek beauty skincare brand, Korres. Korres harnesses natural ingredients bountiful on the Grecian islands, like Greek yogurt and olive oil, to create lush, effective skincare with a modern take on ancient rituals. “Anyone can use a product containing olive oil or its derivatives and enjoy multiple skin benefits,” says Korres.
Ahead, our experts offer insights into how to use olive oil for skin. Get ready—you’re about to take this underrated beauty secret way more seriously.
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Image by Michelle Nash
The Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin
Of course, olive oil isn’t the only pantry staple known to make a skin-brightening impact. From probiotics to collagen, what’s good for your gut is usually good for your face. And fun fact: olive oil is an ancient beauty trick. With a history that can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, using olive oil for skin care isn’t anything new. (People literally bathed in olive oil to reap its moisturizing properties. I’d call that an ideal self-care ritual.)
But what makes olive oil so versatile is its laundry list of beneficial beauty ingredients. Korres lists them off:
High concentration of essential fatty acids. This includes linoleic acid, oleic acid, and squalene (a skin-strengthener) with “excellent emollient, nourishing, and antioxidant properties.”
Natural source of vitamins. Including A, D, K, and E.
Carroll expands on this, noting olive oil’s potent polyphenols (antioxidant) content. “Antioxidants fight free radicals caused by pollutants, environmental toxins, and sun damage. These can have a premature aging effect on the skin, particularly its elasticity.”
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Image by Michelle Nash
Olive Oil Skin Side Effects
Though olive oil can have many benefits, picking the right formulas is crucial. You shouldn’t raid your pantry for a DIY treatment, for example. Olive oil “is a heavier oil,” says Carroll, “which can clog pores if used directly onto your face or not balanced with other, more linoleic oils like sea buckthorn or rosehip.”
Korres adds: “Despite the superior beneficial effects of olive oil, there are controversial opinions about its effects on the skin with an epidermal barrier dysfunction such as atopy-prone skin or immature, newborn skin. Therefore, olive oil is not recommended for atopy-prone skin types or baby products due to its high content of actives.”
Tips for Use
The good news is, you can use this multi-tasking ingredient everywhere. “Olive oil is literally a skin-compatible multi-tasker,” says Korres. “It moisturizes and deeply nourishes the skin, while also improving elasticity. Even oily skin types can benefit from olive oil as long as the formula is balanced for their skin type.”
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Image by Michelle Nash
The Best Olive Oil for Skin
“Olive oil is a universally beneficial ingredient that helps repair, hydrate, and soften skin. My favorite way is using it in [Wonder Valley’s] Oil Cleanser,” says Carroll. “Oil cleansing is a great alternative to using a face wash. It removes all the build-up, excess oils, makeup, sweat, and SPF without disrupting sensitive and hardworking microbiomes or our skin’s pH.”
Singing the product’s praises, she says: “Our Oil Cleanser has a gorgeous, thicker texture like honey that has the added benefits of boosting circulation and promoting lymphatic draining if you spend a few minutes massaging it in. When it comes in contact with water, it transforms from honey to a milky consistency and washes all those impurities away. This results in a soft, clean, balanced complexion.”
Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
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Taking Carroll’s directions, I added the Wonder Valley Oil Cleanser to the first step of my routine. She was right, the texture was like no other oil cleanser or balm I have ever tried. The consistency was somewhere between the two—both fluid but thick and substantial—unlike other runny or more viscous formulas.
Applying it felt luxurious. I have begun using this when my skin is irritated and stressed. It instantly calms my skin and bathes it in a relaxing film with an almost-cooling effect. I also enjoy using it when my skin is extra grimy with sweat and SPF after a long summer day outside. Unlike other oil cleansers, I feel like this thick texture can handle it and effectively eliminate the day’s impurities.
Washing it off is satisfying too, as it turns into a milky consistency. I like to follow up with a foaming cleanser to make sure any excess oil comes off. Alternatively, I pair it with the Olive & Lotus Exfoliant, a powder cleanser that’s activated in water. This gentle exfoliant foams and instantly clears any residue that might be left on my face.
Afterward, I am left with softer, calmer skin. This cleanser is now a double-cleanse staple for me and a treat for the senses.
At a Glance: A nourishing oil-to-milk cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin.
“Our Pure Greek Olive collection is formulated with organic, extra-virgin olive oil from world-renowned Cretan groves along with our Korres Cretan Olive leaf extract. It is a luxurious, highly effective, non-comedogenic, and clinically tested formula.” — Lena Philippou Korres
At a Glance: A 3-in-1 olive oil formula for face, body, and hair.
Soothing green tea and moisturizing olive oil combine to create this gentle but effective cleansing balm. The sherbet-like texture melts into a balm on your skin, then washes away like a milky cleanser.
At a Glance: A green tea and olive oil balm for your double cleansing ritual.
Whether you’re looking for the second step for your double cleanse or a gentle cleanser for everyday use, this blend of barrier-boosting botanicals delivers. Olive oil and other antioxidant-rich ingredients help fortify and revitalize your skin while removing impurities.
At a Glance: A lathering cleanser to help support your skin barrier.
This holy grail face oil is a must-have for youthful skin. Olive oil moisturizes and fights free radicals alongside brightening vitamin C. Meanwhile, leaf water locks in hydration and plumps the skin. Together, they feed your skin barrier and create an envious glow.
At a Glance: An oil and water-based serum for glowing skin.
“Our new Hinoki Body Wash has a really hydrating and creamy lather,” says Carroll. Enriched with the natural scent of hinoki, it’ll have you smelling and looking your best. The fragrance is subtly piney—not too floral, not too spicy but with a hint of citrus that’s pure luxury.
At a Glance: A lathering body wash to hydrate and purify your skin all over.
This mineral SPF protects your skin with its non-sticky, lightweight shield. The oil-based spray uses olive oil for its moisturizing and UV-resistant properties while other antioxidants help fight sun damage.
At a Glance: An oil-based mineral sunscreen spray for both face and body.
This salve is great for dry or damaged skin, especially on your lips, hands, feet, or elbows. The olive and sunflower oils are known to be effective for wound healing. Plus, black seed oil combats damaged skin with anti-fungal properties and vitamin-rich oils.
At a Glance: A thick, healing salve for dry and damaged skin.
Take the power of olive oil wherever you go with this rollerball version of the cult-favorite, lightweight olive oil. The metal applicator is great for de-puffing and soothing skin. Pro tip: Keep it on hand for dry skin and eczema flare-ups.
At a Glance: A facial oil with a rollerball applicator for portable convenience.
In a perfect world, I simply do my skincare and rouge my skin with a few swipes of this multi-stick. Made with skin-supporting ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and olive oil, it’s a hydrating and moisturizing option for cheeks, lips, and whatever else could use a little color. The clear version can even be used on hair or dry patches!
At a Glance: A tinted multi-stick that blends skincare and makeup for non-irritating, natural pigment.
