Fall Forward

Fall edited list, unpopular oat milk stance, & incandescent bulbs for better health.

Briana

Sep 07, 2025

DR. HAUSCHKA Neem Nail & Cuticle Pen // Recommended by a good friend, and it hasn’t disappointed.

OAS Striped Velour Robe // Jacquard woven terry velour for him or her. 100% cotton and cozy.

SAIE Blush Spicy - Warm Terracotta // Clean ingredients deliver a pretty flush.

RALPH LAUREN Logo Sweatpants // Northwest pine color to call in fall.

YETI Soft Cooler // Road-trip ready.

SHOPPE Teakwood Coffee Table // Gorgeous and timeless — as are most things curated by Amber Lewis.

ETSY Buckhead Stationary // “If it’s not moving, monogram it.” While more of a Southern sensibility, I love thoughtfully placed initials. Paired with an antler print and checked envelope pattern, this stationary signals hunting season.

OAT MILK REVIEW

While tasty, I’m not sure how oat milk became widely perceived as a healthy choice as oats are often high in glyphosate (a toxic pesticide). Exacerbating things further, inflammatory canola oil is a common ingredient and the high carbohydrate content and added sweeteners spike blood sugar.

Unsweetened coconut, macadamia, or hazelnut milk are better dairy-free alternatives.

Sugar Comparison:

1 cup Oatly: 7g sugar
1 cup unsweetened hazelnut or coconut milk: 1g or less

INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULBS: BANNED BUT BENEFICIAL

In 2022, the Department of Energy set a minimum efficiency standard of 45 lumens per watt for general service lamps. This effectively phased out the manufacture of most incandescent bulbs when it went into effect in 2023.

While perhaps this sounds like a good energy decision, the standard severely limits consumer choice leaving us primarily with LEDs and fluorescents as “modern light” options.

Incandescent bulbs give a warm, beautiful glow, but aesthetics aside, there are also serious health benefits. As listed in the article, The Hidden Sleep Destroyers Inside Your Home, some of the main differences between these bulbs include:

“Incandescents (these are old school bulbs):

· Smooth, continuous, balanced light spectrum
· Dominated by red and infrared light wavelengths
· Blue light is minimal, especially when dimmed
· Practically zero flicker, to where it doesn’t pose a problem
· Mimics the warmth of firelight → melatonin intact, nervous system calms

LED/Fluorescent (these are modern bulbs):

· Harsh spike in blue light, no red, infrared, or balanced light spectrum
· Flicker from the driver circuits → subtle stress signal with real effects
· Color temperature stays “cool” even when dimmed
· Tells your brain it’s broad daylight → melatonin suppressed, alertness prolonged”

A 2025 executive order calls for a review of energy-efficiency rules but unfortunately, this does not overturn the bulb regulations. While a lengthy federal process is required to reverse the rule, bills have been introduced to repeal existing standards.

Stock up while you can by scouring the internet for old product. Search terms like: incandescent A19 (standard bulb size) along with desired wattage. These treasures come with a scarcity markup, like this listing, but personally, I find it worth it given the benefits.