Class & Style with the Google + Fossil Smartwatch

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Best Buy. Though I was compensated for my time. all opinions are my own.

If you are like me, you are a bit of a watch snob. I have always liked nice watches, and haven’t been a fan of the bulk and look of your average fitness/smart watch. Sure they are great to wear to the gym, or on a run or hike, but most of us like to wear our smartwatches where ever we go – work, church, dinner; places where a  bulky, black plastic band look out of place. So when I heard about the new Google + Fossil Smartwatch 4.0 I was so excited – especially when I saw it came in rose gold!

The watch is classy, and stylish yet still has all the great capabilities of any other smart/fitness watch.

  • Make every minute matter with smart help and health coaching, from the convenience of your wrist.
    Proactive Help From the Google Assistant: Keeps you ahead of your day with proactive, personalized help from Google Assistant, even before you ask.
    Smarter Health Coaching from Google Fit: Motivates you towards a healthier life with coaching and activity tracking based on guidelines from the American Heart Association & World Health Organization. Makes it easier to be healthy with the Google Fit app’s two new activity trackers—Heart Points and Move Minutes —which were designed in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization. These evidence-based metrics measure activity intensity, and smarter health coaching makes your fitness goals more achievable by motivating you to stay active throughout your day, everyday. This smartwatch is also swim proof and able to play stored music on your runs. (Additional background.)
    Maximizes Your Time: Get more done and maximize your time with more glanceable, easy to manage notifications, with smart replies to respond quickly on the go.
  • Compatible with iPhone/iOS and Android
  • Quick access to Google Pay—so you can pay with a wave at almost anyplace that accepts credit cards.

This is the perfect gift for any lady on your list – and you don’t even have to worry about which phone she has, which I think is amazing! If she goes from Google, to Android, to iPhone, this watch is compatible with them all unlike a lot of smartwatches on the market today.

Pick one up now at Best Buy  – they offer a price match guarantee, and offer 6 months financing if needed!

Posted in Fashion for Less, Techy | Leave a comment

CBD Infusion – Making Your Own Edibles

If you are familiar with cannabis, then you may know that ingesting it is usually a lot more intense than smoking it because the body breaks down the THC differently when its eaten then when it’s smoked.

But because CBD oil does not have psychoactive properties the intensity isn’t as much of a concern, however if you use CBD oils to make edibles you can enjoy the great benefits – in a tasty treat!  CBD infused edibles are a good choice if you don’t vape, or want to consume the drops alone.

Make CBD Infused Ingredients
A great ingredient you can use when making edibles is infused butter. It can be used pretty versatile for sweet and savory snacks. When you make your own CBD butter, be sure to infuse the CBD oil in the butter slowly and over a low eat. It will infuse with the butter without burning or evaporating the active compounds.

Start with about 15 ml of oil for about 500 grams of butter. Cut up the butter into several pieces and place in saucepan over low heat, gradually add the CBD oil, and about a quart of water. Keep on low heat and cook for 3-4 hours; be sure to stir the butter about every 30 minutes. When it’s done put it in a bowl and let it chill for at least 2 hours before using.

Once you make the butter you can use it in many snacks, or put it on your potatoes at dinner, your popcorn when you snack, add it to biscuits or toast, and of course use it in your favorite sweet treats as well. (Be sure not to bake anything over 350, as super hot temps can evaporate the CBD).

CBD Infused Gummy Bears
This is probably my most favorite CBD edible. 1. You can make a batch that will last for quite awhile and 2. you can grab and go and eat them whenever you need them. This recipe takes about 45 minutes or so – and makes about 50 gummy bears.

  • 1 oz CBD oil (I used Medsbiotech 250 mg CBD oil—if you use a tincture with more or less CBD, divide the total milligrams in your tincture by 50 to calculate the approximate dosage of each)
  • 3 green tea bags
  • 3 tablespoons creamed honey
  • ½ cup coconut water
  • ¾ cup tart cherry juice
  • 1 ½ tablespoons gelatin
  • ⅛ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

  1. Pour the coconut water into small saucepan. Bring to boil, then steep green tea bags in coconut water for about 10 minutes – then throw out tea bags.
  2. Add the cherry juice, salt, and creamed honey to saucepan. Stir gently until mixture is thoroughly.  Return mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  3. Add gelatin powder and whisk constantly for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add your desired dosage of CBD oil and whisk thoroughly until fully incorporated.
  5. Turn off stovetop and place funnel in condiment bottle.
  6. Transfer gummy bear liquid to condiment bottle. Be careful! This liquid is super hot and you will need to get to work quickly!
  7. Using oven mitt or hot pad, hold bottle and squeeze liquid into gummy bear mold.
  8. Transfer mold to refrigerator and let set for at least 15 minutes.
  9. Remove bears from tray and store in airtight container.
  10. Enjoy one or two at a time in 30 minute intervals until desired dosage is reached.

Another great -and classic recipe – is of course, infused brownies. These are a little tricky to make, you want to make sure to add enough oil – but not too much! Your best bet is to just use the recipe above for CBD oil butter – and put it in your brownies. Here’s the recipe:

CBD OIL BROWNIES


Ingredients

  • 1 stick of your infused butter – and a little to grease the pan
  • 1 cup sugar (or stevia for sugar-free)
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs (chilled)
  • 1/3 cup + 1 Tbs flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp water

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Grease a brownie pan with your extra infused butter.
  • Add the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, salt and water to the mixing bowl containing your melted infused butter, and whisk.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating them vigorously with a whisk until the mixture is shiny.
  • Add flour and whisk the entire mixture for 60 strokes.
  • Bake about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Use your spatula to cut and transfer brownies to a wire rack to cool.
  • Optional – Add toppings such as Himalayan Pink Salt (a fine sprinkle on top right before they go in the oven), sprinkles, or icing.

 

 

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It’s Not Just a Gift Card: its a Happy Card

This is a sponsored post; though I was compensated for my time all opinions are my own.

No matter how great of a gift giver you are (and I don’t mean to toot my own horn here, but I kinda’ got skills) there is always someone who is hard to buy for. Someone that has everything, or you just can’t pinpoint what they need. Or maybe, like so many men I know, they wait until the last minute and then can’t find what they went looking for (don’t deny it guys, I’ve worked retail, I know). This is why Happy Cards are the perfect gift!

Happy Card is not just your average gift card – Happy Cards help match your favorite people with their favorite places to shop, taking the guessing out of gift giving.

Have a foodie in your life? Check out Happy Eats, or Happy Local Eats which includes places like Buffalo Wild Wings, Panera Bread, and Cracker Barrel, Old Country Store and Dave & Buster’s.

Have a college student you want to buy for? Check out the Happy Student Card which gives them money for Dell, Burger King, Bed Bath & Beyond and JCPenney, American Eagle and Aerie.

Shopping for a man in your life that seems to have everything, or is just hard to buy for? Check out Happy Guy that gives them access to McCormick & Schmick’s, AutoZone, Lord & Taylor, Burger King, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Home Depot.

Or my favorite, which is what we will be giving away the $100 Happy Lady – giving you the chance to shop at Lord & Taylor, Sephora, Bed Bath & Beyond, Saks Fifth Avenue, OFF 5th, Panera Bread and the  Cheesecake Factory!

Happy Cards are available for purchase online, or at some of your favorite neighborhood grocery stores such as Kroger, Giant Eagle, Safeway and Albertson’s. You can buy them at values between $20 – $500!

Enter below for your chance to win a Happy Lady card valued at $100! Enter in the rafflecopter below, contests ends on Christmas Eve! (U.S. entrants only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted in Deals, Giveaways, Reviews/Giveaways | Leave a comment

The Health Benefits of CBD Creams

You’ve probably heard or seen ads for CBD oils and creams online, whether as an ad or article on Facebook, or even a link in your email. CBD  is all the rage, and for good reason – this natural, holistic remedy has helped with numerous health problems; with amazing results.

Prevents Neurodegenerative Disorders
Antioxidants in CBD oils and creams offset the harmful effects of glutamate toxicity and free radicals in the brain which helps prevent brain damage, memory loss, etc. In some trails it’s been shown to improve Parkinson’s disease symptoms, and even help reverse cognitive impairment for some with Alzheimer’s disease.

Improves Anxiety and Mood Disorders 
Just a mere 600 milligrams can help reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognition – including decreasing some physical symptoms of anxiety like a fast heartbeat , reduces stress, and improves sleep.

 

 Reduces Pain and Inflammation
CBD oils and creams are used a lot for a pain relief – the cannabinoids in the oil and creams influence the glycine receptors which help suppress inflammation and pain. To get relief for internal and muscular inflammation it’s recommended to take either orally, or a really good rub down with the best CBD creams in order to really sink into your muscle. Studies have also shown that it could be a great treatment for arthritis as well as a treatment for chronic pain too!

Skin Ailments/Acne
Some research has showed positive results in treating acne by limiting inflammation in the sebum producing glands that lead to breakouts. Not to mention the antioxidants in the CBD oil and creams kill acne-causing bacteria, and helps protect against oxidative damage which can lead to a clear complexion and younger looking skin.

Cancer Prevention 
There’s a ton of evidence that suggests that CBD oil and creams could fight cancer – and at minimum help ease symptoms of cancer and side effects of chemo using the oil as an anti-nausea treatment. There was even a study a few years back about how it can help inhibit the growth of different breast tumor cells as well – with no adverse effects on healthy cells! It is also being tried to help treat leukemia, colon, and lung cancers as well.

Why Use CBD cream?
CBD creams act upon the body’s natural occurring CB2 receptors by binding with them. The CB2 receptors are activated by the body’s own endocannabinoid system, or through the presence of phytocannabinoids which are usually in the form or CBD or THC.

Many creams, ointments and salves do contain small quantities of THC, but they do not cause the high that normally come with a traditional THC consumption since they don’t enter the blood stream, they just penetrate to the depth of the CB2 receptors.

 What are the Side Effects?

Though CBD creams have tons of health benefits like we have listed above, some people are still concerned about side effects. Good thing is – this product is safer than almost every prescription drug and dietary supplement out there! Side effects are rare, but some users do experience low blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness, and dry mouth. Until you are sure how your body will react, stick to a lower dosage working your way up – lower doses are less likely to have any adverse effects.

Where to Buy – when buying CBD creams stick with quality brands such as Diamond CBD, that doesn’t have preservatives or fillers. Remember, the best CBD products contain pure hemp oil! Use trusted sites, and read reviews!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Preparing Your Car for the Winter

As you know winter is on it’s way – or for some, it’s already here! We know there are probably harsher conditions to come, so making sure your car is prepared for the winter weather is always a good idea! Here are a few must do tips for preparing your car for winter.

GET A TUNE UP. Winter or not, regular vehicle maintenance is always a good idea. But harsh temperatures and weather changes can affect your car – in a bad way, if you are not prepared. Make sure everything is in working order and have your mechanic do a winter check up, such as making sure you have wiper fluid, winter-grade oil, your battery is in good shape, all hoses are top notch, and the cooling system is working properly. I always ask for them to put an extra bottle (or I go buy one) of wiper fluid, because I always run out before my next oil change.

DO A WALK AROUND. Make sure your headlights and taillights are in working order.; we usually change the bulbs after our winter tune up just to make sure – and clean the fixtures as well! They can get grimy and its hard to see. Also make sure that your wiper blades are working properly – if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, check with your local dealership and just set up a a maintenance appointment or ask them to check for you during your tune up.

DON’T FORGET THE TIRES. As the temperature falls, so does the air pressure in your tires. Tires can lose pressure at a rate of about one pound per 10 degrees! It can also effect the handling of your vehicle, so make sure that they are at the correct pressure. If you are in an area that has a lot of snowfall, getting special snow tires would be a really good idea s well!

MAKE SURE YOUR EMERGENCY KIT IT UP TO DATE. Most of us throw a box or bag of ’emergency items’ in the back of the car and then forget about it. THIS is the time to make sure that you have everything you need, including blankets, maybe extra gloves, a flashlight, etc. Getting stranded in the summer is a whole different ball game then in the winter. . winter can definitely mean life or death. So make sure your kit is up to date; charge your extra battery charger for your phone, get a portable jumper (and make sure its charged) throw in some non-perishable snacks and some bottled water. You won’t be sorry!

 

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