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Want a Smoke-Free 4/20? Try This Cannabis Beer Instead

Want a Smoke-Free 4/20? Try This Cannabis Beer Instead

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With 4/20 a day away, countless people are looking to celebrate the stoner holiday in style. But if you’re not one for smoking, how else can you honor this heady holiday?

The cannabis industry is only expected to grow in the next few years as more and more states begin to legalize this plant’s prolifery. In fact, more than 62% of Americans expect the product to be legal throughout the United States in the next 10 years. That means more marijuana distributors will begin to form, but many other businesses will hope to integrate marijuana and cannabis into their products.

Want a Smoke-Free 4/20? Try This Cannabis Beer Instead

This is great for people who love the benefits of weed without actually smoking. Even though pot doesn’t have the tar and chemicals associated with cigarettes, any form of smoke inhalation isn’t great for your lungs.

Luckily, marijuana-infused products have taken the health industry by storm with a number of beauty products and lotions. It’s no wonder that the health and wellness market is worth over $52.5 billion this year.

But it isn’t just the beauty industry that’s been experiencing waves thanks to this growing trend. The number of marijuana edibles and cannabis-infused products is also expected to thrive in the coming years.

Want a Smoke-Free 4/20? Try This Cannabis Beer Instead

While many beer and beverage companies have begun to infuse their drinks with cannabis, however, one company has managed to streamline the brewing process, resulting in a 100% renewable beer product.

Province Brands has officially become the first brewery to implement this innovative process. Instead of just relying on the cannabis extract or oils, Province Brands brews their cannabis beer with the entire plant, including the stock, root, and stem. Because every part of the plant is used, this means that they’re able to craft a product with no waste whatsoever.

Want a Smoke-Free 4/20? Try This Cannabis Beer Instead

This looks even better among the health-conscious and environmentally-friendly consumers who often go hand-in-hand. Best of all? It’s low-calorie and nonalcoholic. This means that it appeals to beer fans, partiers, and health-conscious consumers, alike.

Innovating the brewing process is also a vital next step for breweries looking to make a name for themselves in the cannabis industry. It’s expected that 4/20 will yield more than $90 million in weed products alone in the weeks leading up to this infamous holiday. This is a huge source of revenue for new companies and state taxes, alike.

It’s also a smart venture for the struggling beer industry who has failed to make waves among the Millennial generation. Even though 35% of Americans will visit a casual restaurant once per week, the beer industry has lost nearly 10% of its Millennial audience to wine and booze drinkers between 2006 and 2016 alone.

Want a Smoke-Free 4/20? Try This Cannabis Beer Instead

With the help of innovative marijuana products like these, it’s no wonder 4/20 is being compared to some of the largest partying holidays in the United States. Independence Day and Labor Day better watch out: 4/20 revelers are expected to spend as much on snacks as they are on weed-infused products.

If you’re planning on hosting a 4/20-friendly event at your humble abode, be sure to account for the non-smokers in your life this year. While serving cocktails, pot-tails, and a smorgasbord of snacks, be sure to space tables five to six feet apart for a little elbow room and give your rabble some extra space to space out for the holidaze.

It might seem a little weird to drink your pot, but companies like Province Brands are proving that pot appeals to just about everyone. Province Brands cannabis beer is set to launch in 2020, so we have to ask, will you be smokeless on 4/20/2020?

Designing a 'Zen' Space: Important Tips to Know

Designing a ‘Zen’ Space: Important Tips to Know

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In today’s society where everyone constantly seems to be in motion, it’s nice to have a relaxing, calm environment to come home to. This is why more and more homeowners are choosing to design their house more zen-like. Having a place where you can relax both your body and mind is important. So if you’re looking to create a calming ‘zen’ space in your home, keep reading for some great tips.

Designing a 'Zen' Space: Important Tips to Know

Utilize Natural Lighting

One of the first things you should focus on when creating a relaxing environment is the lighting. You shouldn’t have harsh fluorescent lighting in your zen space — this lighting can keep you feeling restless and even give you a headache. Instead, opt for natural and soft lighting. If you’re focusing on one room, choose a room that has windows that can let natural lighting in. For other sources of soft light, mix a variety of floor lamps and wall-mounted light fixtures to give yourself the ability to control the lighting in the room. With soft, natural light, you’ll be able to relax easily. Furthermore, you should consider moving any electronics, including your phone, out of your new space. Blue light emitted by electronics can not only be harmful to your eyes, but it can cause difficulty focusing and sleeping as well.

Get Rid of Clutter

With the average U.S. home having 300,000 things in it, you probably have a good amount of belongings in your house. And while it’s certainly fine to have some items in your home, you don’t want to try relaxing in an area that is cluttered. This is because extra objects in the room will cause distractions and could even prevent you from forming a relaxing space in the first place. So when you’re designing your zen area, make sure you get rid of unnecessary clutter to allow yourself to clear your mind. You should stick with some comfy furniture and maybe a few decor elements to make the space truly your own, but otherwise, unnecessary items should be moved out of the room.

Choose Warm, Earthy Tones

There are a lot of different ways to design rooms. While a recent survey found that 60% of respondents agreed they would have a sofa be the center of focus in their living room, it’s important to create a space you feel comfortable in. An easy way to do this is to use neutral and earthy tones throughout your space. Whether it’s the color of the walls, furniture, or accent elements, being in a space that offers warm and neutral tones — these colors will promote relaxation and allow you to not be distracted by bright colors around you.

While it’s true that a bathroom remodel can offer a return on investment of 70%, you should focus on making your home a space that allows you to de-stress and feel at peace. So keep these tips in mind when designing your ‘zen’ space for a result that truly allows you to feel your best.

ARM & HAMMER™ Fruit & Vegetable Wash

Eat Pesticide-Free: Arm & Hammer Fruit & Vegetable Wash

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For centuries we’ve been told to wash our fruits and vegetables with water to make them clean enough to eat. Of course with the increased use of pesticides, water isn’t enough when it comes to washing fruits and vegetables. To protect your family from pesticides and other contaminants, we have the perfect solution – Arm & Hammer Fruit & Vegetable Wash.

ARM & HAMMER™ Fruit & Vegetable Wash

This latest launch from Arm & Hammer safely eliminates more than 90 percent of pesticide residue while also washing away wax and soil. Made with only  7 ingredients, including Arm & Hammer baking soda, lemon oil, salt, and plant-derived cleaning agents, the new fruit & vegetable wash is scientifically proven to clean 4x better than water alone. According to independent studies, washing your fruits and veggies with water and/or bleach still leaves behind large traces of pesticides. The Arm & Hammer Fruit & Vegetable Wash removes surface pesticide residues more effectively than using tap water or a bleach solution.

ARM & HAMMER™ Fruit & Vegetable Wash

The first thing we noticed about the fruit and veggie wash was that it’s free from harsh chemicals. The second thing we noticed was its refreshing lemon scent. Other noted points are that it leaves no odor or taste behind, and is vegan-friendly and gluten-free.

“Arm & Hammer Fruit and Vegetable Wash is the only produce wash with baking soda as the primary active ingredient,” noted CR Brands CEO Dan Mickelson, whose company manufactures the product under license. “No one wants to leave wax or dirt, and certainly not pesticides, on the fruits and vegetables they serve. This is a safe, effective, and easy-to-use solution that makes sure the only thing we taste is delicious, natural flavor.”

Launched just in time for spring harvest, you can get the Arm & Hammer Fruit & Vegetable Wash for around $5.00 per 16.9oz spray bottle. Or better yet, get a 3-pack for $14.99 at Amazon and other select retailers. For more information, please visit www.armandhammercleans.com.

‘Check, Please!’ Restaurants Including Fee In Bills To Cover Employee Healthcare

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Healthcare has been a part of the national conversation in the United States for some time. Different solutions have been a part of trying to figure things out, but one thing remains certain: not everyone has access to the healthcare they need.

It’s common for people to think of their own healthcare without much considering what others are going through. Many Americans receive health insurance through their employers, but this isn’t the case for all American workers. This is especially true of the service industry. Your servers, bussers, bartenders, barbacks, cooks, etc. don’t often receive healthcare benefits through their jobs. Obviously, this doesn’t make them need it any less, yet they remain in a difficult situation when it comes to accessing affordable healthcare. This can be particularly taxing when workers in these industries work peculiar hours or multiple different service jobs.

Group of Happy friends having breakfast in the restaurant

A little perspective: people can bill a 45 to 60 minute acupuncture session to their insurance company in the name of wellness, but large groups of service industry workers lack any insurance to cover even the cost of an annual checkup. Some restaurants are attempting to rectify this issue by passing a percentage of the cost onto the customers. As you can imagine, restaurants that have decided to do this receive all manner of mixed feelings, opinions, and comments. Let’s explore.

To explain how it works in the most basic sense, let’s say you’re out to eat with friends. The four of you have dinner, a couple of bottles of wine, and dessert. When it comes time to pay the bill and leave, your receipt breaks down the cost and you’ll see the typical things, but among them is one you haven’t seen before: healthcare tax, for instance. It’s not much, maybe even a few dollars compared to the rest of your bill. This extra tax is being added to your bill to help the restaurant pay for health insurance for their service staff. Some like the idea, others don’t.

With the average age of retirement at age 63, health insurance becomes an increasingly important consideration for everyone. By 2030, more than 20% of the population will be above age 65, and as age and time increase, so does the need for proper and affordable healthcare options. As such, closer attention is being paid to the healthcare access of the historically underserved restaurant industry. We mentioned the people who were adverse toward spending an extra percentage on an added health insurance tax at a restaurant, but there are many who support and champion the idea.

This isn’t a new thing, with restaurants across the country adding these provisions to their guest checks. Some help cover health insurance costs, others supply service industry workers with higher wages, paid time off, and the like. While some restaurants make this fee optional and give guests the freedom to remove such fees from their bill, others announce them as non-optional. A simple, small cost for the service provided and an investment into the community that serves. The move has been largely accepted by diners who, for the most part, aren’t going to cease frequenting a favorite restaurant for reason of paying a small percentage toward the waitstaff. Still, others aren’t so keen, saying that such fees rob guests while negatively impacting the tips that make a bulk of service worker wages.

Millions of Americans donate to charities every year, which are contributions that receive tax kickbacks. Nobody bats an eye at such things, but the same isn’t true for adding a small percentage to a restaurant guest check to help pay for an establishment’s waitstaff health insurance. There seems to be a disconnect there, thus the issue remains split. One thing, however, remains the same: people aren’t going to stop going out to eat and the service industry isn’t going anywhere. Where this brings us down the road remains to be seen.

As always, tip your servers and bartenders.

These Unconventional Acne Treatments Could Clear Up Your Skin

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Whether you’re a teenager or you’re in your mid-30s, there’s no doubt that acne can put a real damper on things. In fact, 96% of people with acne have reported feeling depressed due to their skin issues. And while there are plenty of topical treatments on the market, many of the most common over-the-counter and prescription remedies may fail to do the trick. So if nothing you’ve tried has worked and you’re feeling discouraged, you may want to check out one of these lesser-known acne treatments to see whether it might clear things up.

Light Therapy

Many acne sufferers have to be careful about their sun exposure. Although more than two-thirds of U.S. adults believe that the sun can’t damage their skin when they’re inside, people with acne tend to know better. Even though there’s a misconception that tanning can hide acne and acne scars, that practice can actually make acne worse. As a result, many people with skin issues stay out of the sun or slather on the non-comedogenic sunscreen when they know they’ll be outdoors.

But there is one light source that could actually help people with acne. Homeowners have embraced LED light in recent years, as LEDs use only 15% of the energy used by standard halogen bulbs but provide up to 85% more light output. But LED light is also becoming a popular way to treat acne. Phototherapy, or light therapy, is sometimes used by dermatologists to target and treat acne. Experts will use blue light to fight acne-causing bacteria and red light to reduce inflammation, combat redness, and heal the skin. If you’re not keen to undergo this treatment in a medical setting, you could also try Neutrogena’s light therapy mask, which uses the same technology to treat acne (albeit on a slightly less powerful scale). Dermatologists caution that you might not experience the same results with the mask as you would with phototherapy sessions and that these treatments work best if utilized in conjunction with other treatments (like topical gels). It’s also important to be patient when trying out any new form of acne treatment, as it could take up to three months to see effective results. But if you want a more affordable way to try out light therapy, this might be an option.

CBD Oil

It seems like CBD products are popping up everywhere and are being lauded as a cure-all for any number of conditions — particularly anxiety. But evidently, CBD oil might calm your nerves and calm your skin. It’s thought that CBD oil has an effect on how the body produces sebum (the oily substance that, when combined with dead skin cells and dirt, is often blamed for acne development). And since CBD oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, it makes a lot of sense that it could make a viable acne treatment.

One 2014 study found that CBD prevented sebocytes, the cells that create sebum, from creating too much of this oily material. What’s more, CBD oil triggered anti-inflammatory reactions in cells and kept cytokines (an inflammatory component blamed for triggering acne) from activating. A review conducted in 2016 involving the cannabis plant focused on its antifungal and antibacterial properties, which further points to the idea that products derived from cannabis could reduce infections caused by pollutants and harmful bacteria on the skin.

Ultimately, there have been too few studies of the effects of CBD oil on the skin to reach a definitive determination as to its effectiveness, but many acne sufferers have reported positive effects after using it. You can apply CBD oil directly to the skin, though it’s essential to use what’s known as a carrier oil with it to ensure safe usage. Olive oil, coconut oil, and argan oil are all examples of carrier oils that can be mixed with CBD oil and applied to the skin. Others may find that taking CBD orally may improve acne. If you do decide to use CBD for acne, you should ensure that the distributor has conducted third-party testing to confirm the content of the CBD and that no other compounds are used (like THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis).

Vitamin-Infused Serum

So what if you’re able to clear up your acne but are still dealing with the scars left behind? Although there are some invasive dermatology treatments that can help, other former acne sufferers want to go a more soothing route. Face oils have been catching on for a while, and there’s a new vitamin oil that’s become extremely popular with those hoping to fade their acne scars — so much so that the company that makes it has had to limit how many bottles each customer can order.

Slurp Niacid

The serum in question, made by a Korean skincare brand called Slurp, has been flying off the internet shelves and has been applauded as a miracle cure for stubborn acne scars. Niacid, their clear-colored formulated with vitamin B3 and tranexamic acid, is said to “cure inflammatory trauma” and actually raise the indentations in the skin caused by acne. It also regulates sebum production, exfoliates the skin to prompt new growth, and minimizes pores. Despite the fact that the product is currently on pre-order, the reviews look promising. It’s recommended that users apply only three to five drops to the skin after cleansing and use a gentle pressing technique to evenly distribute the product. The makers note that it’s essential for users to wear SPF 50 sunscreen (or higher) to protect their skin in the sun, as the serum does contain acid. It, therefore, might not be the best choice for those with sensitive skin, but it may give hope to those who still aren’t pleased with their appearance due to the lingering after-effects of acne.

These unconventional acne treatments may work well for acne sufferers who want to avoid invasive treatments or who have not experienced success with other methods. But ultimately, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a dermatologist to tackle the root causes of your acne before trying out a bunch of different methods.

SHOPPING NYC: Designer Fashion and Accessories Sample Sales

SHOPPING NYC: Designer Fashion and Accessories Sample Sales

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Tis the season of spring sample sales and many are already in full swing. Here are a few of the current and upcoming New York sample sales happening in NYC from 260SampleSale. We strongly believe in the rule of never paying full retail, and we’re sure you to do. So keep reading on for several fantastic sample sales from some of the most wonderful designers. We’re sharing sales from Maje, Marissa Webb, Sandro, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, and more.

Maje Women’s RTW & Accessories Sale: April 16th – April 21st

The French women’s ready-to-wear brand will have their signature delicate blouses, folk-rock shirts, cashmere jumpers, and ethnic-inspired accessories t prices far below retail.

Nest Fragrances and S’well Bottle Sale: April 16th – April 21st

Shop discounts on candles, diffusers, and perfumes, as well as the reusable and sustainable bottles from S’well Bottle!

Eberjey, Marissa Webb, and Apparis Sale: April 17th – April 21st

Shop women’s ready-to-wear apparel, pajamas, and intimates, plus accessories from Eberjey, Marissa Webb, and Apparis at up to 75% off retail prices.

Sandro Sale: April 23rd – April 28th

Shop discounts on Men’s and Women’s Apparel & Accessories from this French clothing brand that offers chic, visually striking pieces, impeccably cut and fitted suits, and modernized vintage styles.

Derek Lam Sale: April 23rd – April 28th

Shop true samples including women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories from this incredible designer, at up to 70% off retail. Known for his luxurious and wearable fashion, with a feminine and unfussy feel, You’ll definitely want a closet full of this luxury brand.

Diane von Furstenberg Sale: April 23rd – April 28th

Get your hands on offerings from Diane von Furstenberg’s full collection of ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories. Go home with some of her iconic wrap dress and signature prints at prices far below retail.

Mark your calendars for some non-retail priced, retail therapy. Are you excited for a particular sample sale? We’d love to hear which of the sales you’re most looking forward to.

Farm To Fashion Week: Manure And Nettles Used To Make Eco-Friendly Clothing

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Would you wear clothing made from nettles? What about a hat derived from cow manure?

These are questions you never thought you’d ask yourself, but companies and researchers are working hard to provide innovative, sustainable, and eco-friendly clothing alternatives across the globe.

One of the most recent victories was achieved by Dutch artist Jalila Essaïdi who was able to make clothing from the manure of farm animals. Yes, I know how it sounds.

Herd of cows grazing on a farmland in Devon, England

When she hoped to use the proteins in goat’s milk for an art project, she was introduced to the hazards posed by excessive amounts of animal manure. Though the Netherlands is able to use some of this manure as fertilizer, there’s simply too much dung to handle. As such, this waste invades local waterways and poses a sanitary threat to local ecosystems.

This issue is also prevalent in the United States. It’s estimated that 80% of hazardous waste sites, including those from local farms, have negatively impacted groundwater quality.

Luckily, Essaïdi was able to find a unique characteristic in cow manure: cellulose.

Researchers found that cow manure is made of 33% cellulose due to the vegetarian diet the animals keep. Cellulose is a common component in plant materials that textile manufacturers utilize to make a variety of clothing products.

Even though it seems odd, Essaïdi was able to use these regenerated cellulose fibers to create clothing. This product, fabricated through the use of biotechnologies, has been dubbed Mestic.

Viscose made from mestic®

Not only has Essaïdi provided a new sustainable product in fashion, but she has also developed a product designed to significantly cut down on the animal waste present in the Netherlands.

Biotechnology has been around since 1919, but it was only 50 years later that researchers were able to perform a successful recombinant DNA experiment. It’s through that same biotechnology that researchers hope to craft more sustainable methods of living in the future.

One Kenyan company has also created an eco-friendly clothing line using nettles. Green Nettle Textile won the year’s most prestigious award recognizing sustainable fashion, the Global Challenge Award. This annual challenge is hosted by the H&M Foundation to inspire innovative, sustainable designs in clothing and textiles around the world.

By developing a clothing line from nettles which grow veritably anywhere, Green Nettle Textile was able to produce a form of sustainable fashion while also supporting local farmers. The group was awarded $170,000, beating out more than 6,600 entries in the competition.

These innovations are another way that the market is changing to favor eco-friendly initiatives. Even celebrities like Kate Hudson have begun to enter the sustainable fashion world.

It’s not surprising that Hudson has entered this emerging market. The co-founder of Fabletics has already shaken the fashion industry with her size-inclusive athletic wear. But her new eco-friendly clothing line Happy x Nature, which is made from recycled plastic bottles, has been released just in time for festival season.

Her collection will be available online with clothing priced between $45 and $150, making it accessible for many.

Women Are Ditching the Dye in Favor of Going Gray With Grace

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By the age of 35, two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of hair loss. But for many women, going gray has often been seen as the equivalent to balding. And though a lot of women will still reach for a box of dye or make regular appointments with a stylist to ensure their grays are well-covered, it’s becoming more popular for women to go au naturale and to embrace the gray in a self-love power move heard ’round the world.

Yes, dyed silver and gray tresses were a trend on Instagram not too long ago. But now, women are more inclined to give up the extra maintenance and let their locks go. Grombé, a relatively new Instagram account that celebrates women who are in the midst of their gray hair transition, has grown to amass 74,000 followers and counting. Celebrities are starting to embrace their grays as well, as Jessica Biel and Katie Holmes have recently walked the red carpet with streaks of natural silver showing. And while many women (and stylists) are still decidedly anti-gray, representation is growing — and that’s typically an important first step to widespread acceptance.

Photos courtesy of Popsugar

But why do we even go gray in the first place? We tend to fear gray hair because we don’t want to get old, but gray hairs often start to appear on women in their 20s and 30s. Achromotrichia, the process of hair turning gray and then white, often starts around this time. Race and other genetic components are typically what determines when and how much of your hair starts to turn. Nutritional factors can play a role, as can stress — which may be why regular exercise is a good idea. Partaking in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times per week can also improve cardiovascular health, which is a win/win for many women. Gray hair does tend to be drier due to decreased oil production, which is another reason to follow a protein-rich diet, stay hydrated, use moisturizing products, and stay active.
Ultimately, the gray hair movement is still (ironically) in its infancy. But if the growing popularity of these communities is any indication, it’s about time women were able to opt out of society’s unrealistic and expensive expectations of conventional beauty and start embracing their natural allure.