7 things you should always buy at HomeGoods for a CHIC and blissful home

There’s nothing quite like the magic of a HomeGoods run. You walk in for one thing—maybe a new candle or a throw pillow—and suddenly you’re lost in a sea of stunning mirrors, designer-look rugs, and that one perfect decorative bowl you didn’t know you needed. But as dreamy as it is, HomeGoods can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. With new inventory arriving constantly and every store layout a little different, it truly is a treasure hunt. The key? Knowing exactly what categories are worth scoping out and how to spot the gems among the chaos.

Over the years, I’ve developed a bit of a strategy—and honestly, a lot of my favorite home decor pieces have come straight from those well-spent HomeGoods strolls. From sculptural accent chairs to high-end-looking bathroom accessories, the right finds can instantly elevate your space and make your home feel more curated, cozy, and chic. Shopping at HomeGoods isn’t just about scoring a deal (although that part is pretty great); it’s about discovering pieces that bring joy and beauty into your everyday life.

The seven items I’m sharing below are my go-to categories—things I consistently look for and always recommend. These are the little design secrets that help me keep my home feeling elevated, organized, and blissfully put-together. If you’re craving a home refresh or want to add a dose of personality to your space without spending a fortune, this list is your starting point.

FUN FACT: TUESDAYS are the best days to shop at these stores. They typically put out all the new inventory out on Monday evening. (My friends mom has a part time job at one of these stores, so that’s how I get all the juicy details) Come to think of it, how fun would it be to have a part time gig at HomeGoods when retired and just looking for something fun to do. I love that.

Anyway, here we go…..

You should also see: 15 bohemian chic affordable finds from Wayfair

7 things you should always buy at HomeGoods:

01 | LOAD UP ON LAYERS OF PILLOWS

K, so I love velvet pillows, accent pillows with texture and the very soft and plush throw blankets they have. They come in almost every color, so you are sure to find one to fit the vibe of your home. I like the velvet pillows that come in a set of 2. They’re affordable and comfortable. So, it makes it easy to switch up your pillows for the seasons.

02 | SHOP FOR SCENTED CANDLES

Omg. This is one of my most favorite things to do in life. Smelling candles at HomeGoods. I can’t believe I actually just admitted that. Anyway, I do. Right now they have the winter candles out and they are soooooo good! I really anything by DW Home candles. Those are the best candles in my opinion, they burn the longest and have really good burn range, meaning they smell up not just one room but will linger into others. They also have Yankee Candles which are also really fragrant, too.

03 | HIT UP THE HEALTH ISLE

I am obsessed with these Lifestyle Awareness teas. I probably have about 5 at home currently. They really are so good. There are a ton of vitamins, teas, collagen powders, etc. This is a great way to get a bargain on your health needs. There are also chic containers and jars that you could use to organize all of your health essentials.

04 | DIG THROUGH THE DISHES

One of my biggest secrets for really good self care and healthy eating, is always using gorgeous dishes to eat on. When you are eating with beautiful things, you tend to focus more on the food and less on the distractions. Make eating a beautiful ritual with things that make you happy. I found these gorgeous white and gold quilted dishes which would look so glam with a breakfast, no?

05 | HEALTHY COOKING ITEMS

Wood cooking spoons are much healthier to cook with than the plastic ones. Same for strainers, get them in gorgeous copper. They have done such a good job making pretty things for kitchen. I love the wood cutting boards, spoons, etc. They look glam mixed with copper.

06 | PERSONALIZE YOUR PLACE WITH PRETTY PULLS

I spoke about this in one of my recent podcasts. When you are renting, one great way to personalize your space is through hardware. There are so many affordable options here. They are always mixing the styles up so you gotta keep going to get the good ones. I love the agate and stone pulls.

07 | VELVET HANGERS

Okay, so having matching hangers is everything. My boyfriend has so many wire hangers from the dry cleaners and I literally cringe at the sight of them. I am desperately trying to move these babies in. I have shopped everywhere for velvet hangers and HG has the best looking, most durable and most affordable ones. They keep clothes hung properly which helps your clothes last longer. Also, you can have each family member with a different color, so when sorting hanging laundry, you always know what is what. I just love these.

At the end of the day, HomeGoods is more than just a place to browse—it’s a goldmine for affordable, elevated home decor that helps you turn your space into a sanctuary. Whether you're styling a shelf, refreshing your entryway, or just want that little pop of something new, these seven tried-and-true finds are my personal musts for creating a home that feels both chic and blissfully lived-in.

So next time you head out on a HomeGoods run, bring this list along—you might just walk out with a few treasures that make your home feel even more you. Let me know in the comments below what you like to buy at HomeGoods.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT….check out the podcast I recorded about turning your home into a sanctuary. This episode will make this post make much more sense. Hope you enjoy.

Why Women Need Oxytocin More Than Ever (And How to Naturally Boost It Every Day) podcast ep. 342

Why Oxytocin Matters for Women’s Nervous Systems — and How to Gently Boost It Every Day

In today’s dopamine-driven world, many women are unknowingly living in a state of chronic stimulation and nervous system burnout. We chase, we scroll, we achieve — but we often feel more anxious, disconnected, and exhausted than ever before.

One missing piece behind this? Oxytocin.
Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is crucial for a woman’s nervous system health, emotional well-being, and even her ability to manifest her dreams.
Without enough oxytocin, the body struggles to feel safe, soft, and receptive — all states that are essential for true abundance and peace.

Why Oxytocin Matters for Women

Oxytocin is the hormone of connection, calm, bonding, and trust.
When it’s flowing through your body, you naturally feel:

• Safe in your own skin

• Warm and connected to others

• More loving and compassionate

• Open to receiving support, money, love, and new opportunities

Oxytocin is like a balm for the nervous system.
It shifts you out of the "fight-or-flight" stress response (which dopamine constantly triggers through overstimulation) and into the "rest-and-receive" state — the feminine, magnetic, peaceful state where healing, attraction, and manifestation happen naturally.

Signs You Might Have Low Oxytocin

Many modern women unknowingly have low oxytocin because our lifestyles constantly stimulate dopamine instead.
Here are some signs your oxytocin may be low:

• Constant anxiety or restlessness

• Difficulty trusting yourself or others

• Feeling lonely or emotionally numb

• Struggling to feel connected even when around people

• Trouble receiving compliments, love, or help

• Chronic self-criticism and perfectionism

• Lack of creativity, playfulness, or joy

• Trouble manifesting desires despite working hard

• Feeling stuck in survival mode (fear, scarcity, control)

The good news?
There are simple, nourishing habits you can weave into your life to naturally boost your oxytocin and heal your nervous system from the inside out.

Habits That Help You Release More Oxytocin

Unlike dopamine spikes, oxytocin rises slowly, gently, and sustainably.
Here are 10 beautiful & simple ways to nurture more oxytocin every day:

01. Create a cozy home sanctuary
(soft blankets, candles, warm lighting, comforting spaces)

02. Take a walk in nature
(trees, flowers, ocean, or even just a quiet street)

03. Engage in a creative ritual
(build a mood board on Pinterest, collage, write a blog post, paint, journal)

04. Enjoy a bubble bath or skincare ritual
(slow, sensory self-care that soothes the body)

05. Thrift or mindfully shop
(the joy of discovering special treasures boosts oxytocin — especially when it's relaxed and playful, not rushed or stressful)

06. Spend gentle, undistracted time with loved ones
(hugs, laughter, eye contact)

07. Practice small daily gratitudes
(catching little moments of beauty throughout your day)

08. Cuddle with a pet or loved one
(physical touch directly releases oxytocin)

09. Watch a romantic comedy or engage with laughter
(laughter and loving feelings directly release oxytocin)

10. Savor warm foods and drinks mindfully
(feeling cozy and nourished)

The key is slowing down, softening, and savoring.
When your body feels safe and connected, oxytocin flows naturally — and your entire life shifts.

Certain vitamins and foods can support the natural production of oxytocin by nourishing the body and helping balance hormones. While oxytocin itself isn't directly sourced from food, consuming nutrients that boost overall hormonal health and nourish the nervous system can create an optimal environment for oxytocin production.

Here are some key nutrients and foods that can help:

Vitamins and Nutrients to Support Oxytocin Levels

1. Magnesium

   • Magnesium is essential for relaxation and calming the nervous system. It's involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body, including hormone regulation.

   • Foods: Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds), avocados, bananas, and dark chocolate.

2. Vitamin D

   • Vitamin D supports overall hormone health and has been linked to better mood and well-being. Adequate levels of Vitamin D can support oxytocin's effects, making you feel more positive, connected, and calm.

   • Foods: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified foods (milk, cereal), egg yolks, and mushrooms.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

   • Omega-3s are excellent for brain health and help maintain a balanced nervous system. They also enhance the flow of neurotransmitters that are linked to mood regulation, including oxytocin.

   • Foods: Fatty fish (salmon, sardines), chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae oil.

4. B Vitamins (especially B6 and B12)

   • B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, are key for brain function and mood regulation. They also contribute to the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, helping to balance the stress response and support oxytocin's calming effects.

   • Foods: Poultry, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, legumes, whole grains, and fortified cereals.

5. Vitamin C

   • Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and ability to support the immune system, but it also plays a role in reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, which can help balance oxytocin.

   • Foods: Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

6. Zinc

   • Zinc plays an important role in neurotransmitter function, particularly in the brain's ability to respond to stimuli that may trigger oxytocin release.

   • Foods: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews, lentils, oysters, and beef.

Foods That Can Help Boost Oxytocin

1. Dark Chocolate

   • Dark chocolate (70% or higher) contains compounds that promote the release of serotonin and endorphins, hormones that are closely connected with oxytocin in creating a sense of pleasure and relaxation.

   • Eating small amounts can help boost your mood and set the stage for oxytocin production.

2. Honey

   • Honey has been linked to brain health and overall well-being. It contains antioxidants that help promote a positive mood and can potentially stimulate oxytocin release. A spoonful of honey might also support relaxation.

3. Bananas

   • Bananas are rich in magnesium, vitamin B6, and dopamine, which contribute to a sense of well-being and a calm, happy state, indirectly supporting oxytocin levels.

4. Chili Peppers

   • Eating spicy foods can trigger the release of endorphins, which in turn can help raise oxytocin levels. The heat from chili peppers provides a pleasurable sensation that can promote the feeling of happiness.

5. Avocados

   • Avocados are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, and vitamin B6. They help nourish the nervous system, and when eaten regularly, they can support a balanced mood, which is important for oxytocin production.

By including these foods and nutrients in your diet, you’re not only supporting your overall well-being but also promoting a hormonal environment that supports the natural release of oxytocin — the love, connection, and calming hormone.

How Oxytocin Supports Manifestation and Money Flow

One of the most magical things about oxytocin is how deeply it supports the manifestation process — including money, opportunities, and abundance.

Manifestation happens most easily when you’re in a receptive, trusting, magnetic state — not when you’re frantic, stressed, or controlling.
Oxytocin creates the inner atmosphere where miracles can happen by:

• Calming the nervous system

• Building feelings of trust and openness

• Anchoring the belief that it’s safe to receive love, money, and blessings

• Shifting you from chasing to attracting

In fact, money manifestation in particular relies heavily on feeling safe to receive.
When oxytocin is low, your body may subconsciously push money away because it doesn’t feel safe or possible.
When oxytocin is high, your body feels at ease — and abundance flows naturally toward you.

"Oxytocin creates the inner atmosphere where miracles happen. It shifts us from scarcity to abundance, from striving to receiving."

Manifestation happens most easily when you’re in a receptive, trusting, magnetic state — not when you’re frantic, stressed, or controlling.
Oxytocin creates the ideal inner environment for this kind of soft receiving. It helps you:

• Trust your desires instead of doubting them

• Feel safe enough to receive bigger blessings

• Relax your nervous system so intuitive ideas and money opportunities can flow in

• Stay energetically open, playful, and magnetic

In other words, the more oxytocin you nurture, the more effortlessly you align with the energy of abundance.

Oxytocin Manifestation Rituals to Try

You can intentionally pair oxytocin-boosting activities with manifestation practices to amplify your results.
Here are some ideas you can start today:

1. Morning Receiving Ritual

• Place your hand on your heart before checking your phone.

• Say softly: “I’m open to receiving love, abundance, and support today.”

• Breathe it in slowly and let your body soften.

2. Manifestation Mood Board (Pinterest or Physical)

• Make a mood board of your dreams in a cozy, playful state.

• The creativity and beauty you experience naturally raise oxytocin and help you align vibrationally with your desires.

3. Sensory Self-Love Practices

• Wrap yourself in soft textures, light candles, sip warm tea, indulge in scents you love.

• Nourishing your senses builds deep trust and openness in your body — making it easier to attract good things.

4. Nature Walks for Receptivity

• Walk outside and gently affirm: “My life is blossoming naturally.”

• Moving your body in a peaceful environment while saying kind words to yourself connects you to the flow of abundance.

5. Scripting After a Cozy Ritual

• After a bath or skincare routine, journal your desires as if they already happened.

• Your softened, oxytocin-rich state will imprint the manifestation deeper into your subconscious.

6. Micro Moments of Gratitude

• Catch three tiny moments each day (like the feel of sunshine or the taste of coffee) and let yourself really feel gratitude for a few seconds.

• Gratitude, like oxytocin, keeps you open and magnetic.

Your Softness is Your Superpower

In a world that glorifies hustle, urgency, and constant dopamine hits, women are being called back to something deeper: softness, connection, and trust.
Boosting your oxytocin is one of the most loving things you can do — not just for your nervous system, but for your entire life.
When you soften, you open.
When you open, you receive.
When you receive, you manifest with ease.

Let your body and soul remember: you are meant to feel safe, connected, and abundantly loved. The more you nourish your oxytocin, the more your life will naturally blossom in the most beautiful ways.

Listen to the episode here: