Category: Shop

9 things to look for next time you buy jewelry

The world of jewelry is vast and can be intimidating, given the pressure, pretension, and price tags that are commonplace in the industry. You want your jewelry buying experience to be enjoyable rather than stressful, and come away knowing you got …

The world of jewelry is vast and can be intimidating, given the pressure, pretension, and price tags that are commonplace in the industry.

You want your jewelry buying experience to be enjoyable rather than stressful, and come away knowing you got the absolute best value for your money.

Today we’re discussing nine things to look for the next time you buy jewelry, so you can easily avoid pitfalls and be 100% confident in your purchase.

1. Top Quality Materials

The first factor to consider with any jewelry purchase is the material of the piece itself. 

Precious metals and gems are assessed with strict standards by organizations such as ISO and FTC, whose guidelines must be followed by every manufacturer.

It’s important that you buy jewelry from companies with a clear commitment to these rules and who do not cut any corners or costs in their production processes.

Here are a few materials you should know about when buying jewelry:

Sterling Silver

Also known as .925 sterling silver alloy, this material is durable, easy on the skin, and looks great forever with some simple maintenance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container at night to avoid tarnishing from pollutants and oxygen.

14kt Solid Gold

Made with a ratio of 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, this material looks fantastic on all skin tones and lasts forever without any tarnishing.

It is super durable and can be cleaned up easily with just a squirt of lemon juice and baking soda. Far more affordable than 24kt gold, but still fit for royalty.

Gold-Plating (Gold Vermeil)

Starting with a base layer of sterling silver, a layer of pure gold is electroplated on top to give that distinctive golden glow at a fraction of the cost.

With proper maintenance, it can last up to 10 years in good condition before the gold starts to fade—still, a very affordable and attractive option for your next buy.

The best jewelry brands use these materials exclusively and avoid stuff like nickel, which is lower quality and can cause contact dermatitis for some of us.

Pick a brand that gives you top-notch materials and doesn’t hide behind cheap stuff!

2. Tons of Variety

Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings—you want a little bit of everything, and it’s great to have a one-stop shop that does it all.

Many jewelry producers are known for specializing in only one or two categories, and while it’s fun to mix and match different designers, there’s something to be said for consistency.

We all have brand loyalty for our favorite clothes, perfumes, and cosmetics, so why not take the same approach to jewelry?

Once you have a preferred brand, stick with them for the long haul and try out everything they have to offer, especially if the price and quality are great.

Also, be sure to sign up for their email newsletters and follow on social media, so you never miss an announcement, sale, or new product introduction.

3. Direct to Customer

It’s a joy to walk into a premium retailer and get the celebrity treatment or browse department store jewelry sections searching for the perfect piece.

This has been the traditional approach to jewelry buying for centuries, but the truth is that you end up paying a major markup on every purchase when you take the brick-and-mortar route.

Think about it – retailers have to pay rent, employ staff, and ensure that each item they sell turns a profit. Margins are tight, and all those extra costs are passed along to you, the buyer.

The direct-to-consumer trend popularized in recent years has been a huge blessing for jewelry lovers, who now have access to a world of high-end products at far more affordable prices.

By circumventing the middleman, you get a ton of big benefits as a customer.

Not only do you save money by doing direct, but you also interact with the brand itself and get full transparency on their practices, rather than a third-party opinion.

Customer service is typically stronger, and you rarely see items go out of stock. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. Well, maybe not the department store.

4. Made in the USA

Jewelry has always been an international affair, and in recent years many American manufacturers have outsourced production overseas to cut costs.

While this may have saved everyone some money in the short term, we end up spending more as a result of questionable production, bigger shipping costs, taxes, and long wait times.

Now, we see a resurgence of jewelry here in the States, and it’s having a positive impact on the entire industry – for brands and customers alike.

Stricter regulations mean higher-quality goods and shorter lead times in the product life cycle. That’s important when buying anything custom-made.

American-made products ensure healthier working conditions for people in our own country (higher labor standards) and are considered to be better for the environment.

Rather than being shipped across oceans, jewelry made here does not have to travel far.

You don’t have to be a red-blooded patriot to see the benefits of jewelry made in the USA, since you get a stronger, personalized product shipped to your door faster than ever before.

5. Fully Customizable

Whether you’re giving a gift or treating yourself, customization is key! You have a vision of the perfect pendant, necklace, or bracelet, and the best jewelry brands will bring it to life.

There’s nothing wrong with selecting a ready-made piece from the retail case, but a personal touch goes a long way, especially when gifting jewelry. 

The next time you buy custom jewelry, make sure that your chosen brand inscribes the name, date, message, or symbols that meet your exact specifications – nothing less.

Engravings and inscriptions must be high-quality and meant to last a lifetime, using the best instruments available and expert craftsmanship.

You should also be able to choose your materials and be sure that the fit is perfect for you or the lucky person who will receive the gift. 

The more thought you put into the customization, the more they’ll feel the love!

Give them something that they’ll always wear and remember you by, instead of just another piece for their collection.

6. Ethically Sourced

The jewelry industry has a bit of a checkered past when it comes to sourcing materials. To do your part in the battles against global injustice, you need to pick a brand committed to ethical sourcing practices.

According to the Jewelers of America Code of Professional Practices, there are numerous guidelines and protocols that brands must follow to ensure responsible, conflict-free supply chains. The best producers make it clear that they adhere to these standards.

While progress has been made over the years, you still need to keep expectations high when selecting a brand to buy from.

Do your research, don’t hesitate to ask questions about sourcing, and be certain that it’s coming from a good place when you purchase a new piece.

7. Cash-Saving Bonuses

If you’re used to buying jewelry in retail environments, it’s probably rare that you see many sales, discounts, or special offers. In other words, you’re paying full price every time.

Loyalty matters, which is why companies like Rellery are always offering special promos and savings opportunities to their committed customers. Just signing up for their newsletter can lead to some sweet deals.

Throw in some other bonuses like free shipping on larger orders and credit for friend referrals, and you finally have a jewelry brand that looks out for your best interests.

8. Return Policies and Warranties

There’s no worse feeling than being let down by annoying return policies or warranties that just don’t have your back when you need them most.

Dealing with huge department stores and retail jewelers can be a nightmare when it comes to shipping stuff back and forth, and it always seems like you get the short end of the stick.

Jewelry is a serious purchase, and returns should not have to be complicated.

The best brands will replace broken or damaged pieces for up to a year without question, and some even offer free services that clean up your jewelry to look as good as new!

9. Real People, Real Communication

While online shopping is a blessing like no other, human connection is a big missing factor, especially with those bigger jewelry brands that use call centers and automated support services. Jewelry is super personal, and the customer service experience should reflect that.

Find yourself a jewelry company that treats you like a real person and honestly answers all your questions and concerns—without giving you the runaround.

You should be able to shoot an email at any time and expect a real response, whether it’s about sizing, pricing, sourcing, or just brainstorming gift ideas for the holidays.

It’s the same idea as your favorite salon or spa. When you have a real connection with your jeweler, everything is so much easier and stress-free.

Conclusion

Jewelry is all about expression, inspiration, and connection – not sky-high prices and shady sales practices. 

The next time you buy jewelry, make sure you go with a brand that checks all the right boxes and gives you the top-tier service you deserve.

Sources:

Jewelers of America

DermNet NZ

The Good

10 reasons why you need an emergency survival kit

If there’s one universal lesson we’ve learned from 2020 so far, it’s that we should all be better prepared for emergencies, no matter who we are. From airborne disease to civil unrest and environmental catastrophes, things can escalate quickly, and …

If there’s one universal lesson we’ve learned from 2020 so far, it’s that we should all be better prepared for emergencies, no matter who we are.

From airborne disease to civil unrest and environmental catastrophes, things can escalate quickly, and you need every tool at your disposal to navigate challenging scenarios.

An emergency survival kit can be a literal lifesaver in a world where anything can happen, and every family, couple, and individual needs to have one within close reach.

Here are the 10 biggest reasons why you should invest in an emergency survival kit, with a few tips thrown in for good measure.

1. Water is life

You’ve probably heard the medical community push the importance of water, and it’s no joke: the human body needs a lot of H20 to operate properly and starts shutting down after two or three days without a steady source, according to Medical News Today.

Even a day of dehydration can cloud your judgment, make you sluggish and vulnerable to toxins and infection. Water keeps you mentally sharp, physically capable, and focused on the action when it matters most.

Since you can’t rely on the tap or bottled water to stay hydrated during an emergency scenario, you and your loved ones need to have plenty of extra clean water on hand. It’s number one on the list for a reason!

Be sure to have some fresh water available in your emergency supply kit (in pouches or small bottles) and plenty of purification tablets that let you yield potable water from any source.

2. Food is fuel

When things go south, grocery store shelves begin to run bare, leading to tension and fear in the community. Food insecurity is a scary idea that you should never have to confront.

Everyone should have plenty of non-perishable food in the pantry already, but there may not be an opportunity to gather up all your canned goods when disaster strikes.

An emergency survival kit should contain at least a few thousand calories worth of food in a small, portable form, like protein-packed energy bars that can be consumed on the go.

The human body is well-adapted to function without food for at least a couple of weeks, but during an emergency, you’ll need some additional fuel to stay strong and alert. Prepare ahead of time and load up on reliable nutrient sources while you can.  

3. Remain warm and dry

Nobody can count on friendly weather during an emergency. As they say, “when it rains, it pours”, so be prepared for the worst, including thunderstorms, snow, and frigid cold.

Even if you’re able to shelter in place at home, things can get cold at night, no matter where you live, and you’ll want to bundle up to maintain valuable body heat and energy. 

Be sure that your emergency kit includes at least a couple of blankets, ponchos, and hand warmers to keep your body temperature regulated and your clothes dry at all times. 

RedCross reminds us to plan with clothes to stay protected in your specific environment. This will keep you focused on forward progress rather than recovering from setbacks.

4. Hygiene is Key

The importance of staying healthy, happy, and hygienic during a crisis can’t be understated. You may not have all the comforts of home, but you should do your best to maintain a normal routine when uncertainty peaks. 

That means brushing your teeth, washing your face and body, shampooing your hair, and shaving your face. Conditions may not be optimal, but these practices are important to your health and can even stave off disease and infection.

An article from The Manual also reminds us to pack any other key sanitation items like feminine care supplies, medication, and diapers, depending on your family’s specific needs. 

Make sure your survival kit contains these hygiene necessities so you can stay clean and serene at a time when your daily routine gets disrupted. 

5. Light the Way

Many survival experts stress the importance of flashlights and lanterns when enduring an emergency scenario since power grids have been shown to be vulnerable to environmental influences and even attacks from overseas.

Please don’t trust your cellphone flashlight to maintain battery life for very long, especially when you need it for communication purposes. It’s always smart to have a dedicated light source ready to go in your survival kit when things go dark.

The best kits on the market not only contain powerful flashlights and chargers but also have emergency light sticks that illuminate your path without batteries or outlets. Whether you’re navigating your own home or venturing out into the wild, you need plenty of light on your side.

6. Be Ready to Work

Whether you’re rummaging through the basement for supplies or clearing out a spot to stay the night in the wilderness, you’re going to need some elbow grease to make your way through an emergency event.

Since cuts, scrapes, and injuries are the last things you want to deal with in these circumstances, equipment like muti-tools, gloves, and goggles will be key allies in your effort.

Every survival kit should have the makings of a mobile workbench ready to deploy, even if it doesn’t compare to a full-on hardware store haul.

For example, a multi-tool will feature a knife, screwdriver, ruler, can opener, and multiple wrenches all in a single, sleek unit. The best kits also include ferrocerium rods to help you start fires on the fly with little effort.

Good emergency response is all about maximizing comfort and control over the situation, and these tools will help you stay in the driver’s seat at all times.

7. Call for Assistance

Cellphone service is never a given in daily life, so there’s no sense in expecting our calls to go through when everyone enters panic mode. You need a way to contact friends, family, and emergency services with a reliable connection, no matter where you are.

To give and receive updates from local stations and community members, don’t drain precious cellphone batteries. A hand-crank radio can be a real lifesaver to keep streams of communication open without sacrificing key resources.

Only purchase survival kits that contain a reliable radio, as well as a signaling whistle and compass to navigate and broadcast your position at crucial moments.

Seems outdated? Just wait until that cell signal goes down, and you’ll be grateful you have some old-school technology on your side.

8. Keep devices charged

If you do manage to secure a wifi or cellphone signal during an emergency, you want to keep those devices at a 100% charge. Calls, texts, and social media updates could mean the difference between life and death.

You may not feel the need to bring your laptop or tablet along with you for the journey, but your phone should be in your pocket with a full charge at all times.

Since power outlets will be hard to come by (or rendered useless), be sure to have charging equipment that harnesses the power of the sun or your own strength via hand crank.

A portable charging station with various power sources is an absolute necessity during a scary situation, whether you’re hunkered down at home or out on the road. Pick up an emergency survival kit with at least one form of USB power output for all your devices.

9. Respond to medical emergencies

Remember basic first-aid from school or your first summer job? When an emergency situation goes down, you may need to recall some of that dormant knowledge, and having the right equipment on hand will be key to minimizing damage. 

No kit is complete without a full set of bandages, gauze, bacteria-killing ointments, and some basic pain meds to fight off inflammation and headaches. The best kits also contain more serious items like tourniquets and burn creams for severe situations.

Remember that even small injuries can quickly progress into bigger problems if you don’t address them quickly and completely. Don’t fall short of any first-aid needs when assembling your emergency survival kit. 

10. Stay mobile and adaptable

There’s no such thing as certainty in an emergency situation, and fast-changing conditions can force you to pick up and move camp in the blink of an eye. You need to be ready to pack up all of your gear on the fly and get to the next location with no time to waste.

A small backpack or side pouch may have enough space to hold some devices or clothes, but nothing more. Smart survivalists are sure to have a waterproof dry bag that protects all of their emergency gear from the elements and is easy to quickly load up and carry.

Conclusion

Many of us have had to learn the importance of preparedness the hard way this year, so there are no more excuses to stay oblivious. 

If you aren’t prepared to survive a disaster for at least 72 hours, according to SafeWise, you’re running an unnecessary risk for yourself and any dependents. 

Give yourself some much-needed peace of mind by thinking ahead and procuring an emergency kit containing everything mentioned here. When the time comes, it will be worth it.

5 best natural face masks

Many of us have embraced the natural lifestyle, choosing to eat foods and wear fabrics containing only plant-based materials and eliminate all synthetic compounds. Taking the natural path is a healthy choice for our bodies and the environment, and …

Many of us have embraced the natural lifestyle, choosing to eat foods and wear fabrics containing only plant-based materials and eliminate all synthetic compounds.

Taking the natural path is a healthy choice for our bodies and the environment, and 100% worth spending a little extra for that real peace of mind.

But when it comes to skincare, many of us are still using cleansers, moisturizers, and other products that are not exactly natural. This is especially true for face masks, which we use less frequently than daily scrubs and creams.

It’s time to leave those chemical soaked face masks behind and find products that give you a clean, healthy glow from pure plant-based ingredients. Let’s take a look at five of the best natural face masks on the market right now.

1. Vitamin C Clay Mask from Gleamin

Many powerful skin remedies come from the earth. But if dermatologists had to agree on one naturally occurring skincare powerhouse, it would be vitamin C all the way. 

We typically get this nutrient through lemons, limes, and oranges, but when applied directly to the skin, it works wonders for anti-aging and achieving a smooth, clear complexion. 

Vitamin C on the skin, according to Healthline, has a few of the following effects:

  • Decreases Transepidermal water loss, which helps skin retain moisture.
  • Fades pigmentation, providing a youthful glow on the skin’s surface.
  • Reduces under-eye circles to make you look more alert and awake.
  • Protects against sun damage and provides relief from sunburns.
  • Promotes collagen production to combat wrinkles and boost elasticity.

We see this compound appear in various products, but here’s the question that isn’t asked enough: Why not harness the natural abilities of vitamin C for your weekly face mask?

That’s exactly what the team of skin scientists over at Gleamin set out to do with their Vitamin C Clay Mask, which has been a smash hit in the skin industry this year.

This incredible natural mask is easy to apply, feels great on your skin, and leaves your face feeling fully rejuvenated thanks to 100% natural ingredients from the earth.

Vitamin C is only the beginning with this face mask. The other main active ingredient is Yellow Australian Clay, which works to clear away oils and impurities while combating acne with increased blood flow.

On top of that, Aloe Vera is added to give your skin that incredible cooling sensation after a day in the sun, and lock in moisture so you get a perfect, even complexion every time. Turmeric is included as well to kick collagen production up a notch and restore a vital glow to your face.

Finally, you’ve got two different types of exotic lime extracts to boost vitamin C content, which the mask mainly derives from the beautiful Kakadu Plum. To naturally harvest all those ingredients from the earth, you may have to travel to each continent! 

Aside from its admirable list of components, the beauty of this Vitamin C Clay Mask is the fact that it works for anyone and everyone, with no exceptions. Whether your skin is oily, dry, light, dark, acne-afflicted, or just a bit dull, this mask is going to target those problems one by one.

That’s why it makes the perfect gift, recommendation, or just a go-to mask to share and glow up with your closest friends on a low-key night at home. Versatile, natural, and affordable.

Gleamin has delivered the goods on every level with this product, from top-quality ingredients to great prices and stellar customer service. Few companies have laser-focus on just a few key products, and that’s the exact game plan with this brand. 

With thousands of rave reviews and tons of social media hype, this brand is making waves in the beauty world, so it definitely deserves a closer look. 

2. 3-Minute Flash Mask from Ursa Major

When it’s crunch time, and you need to get out the door fast, you can’t wait around for 20 minutes to do a face mask while the clock ticks on. Every second counts! It’s not a bad idea to have a lightning-fast face mask in your arsenal for those tricky situations.

Ursa Major has you covered with their 3-Minute Flash Mask, which does exactly what it says. 

This impressive product has a tropical ingredient profile, using pineapple, hibiscus, and natural pomegranate enzymes to give you a fresh face in just 180 seconds. 

For a mask that works this fast, you’d probably expect some questionable chemicals to be in the mix. Not the case here. This stuff is completely free of synthetic materials, and you can trust Ursa Major with ethical production and no animal testing.

Considering that it takes an average of 20 minutes to perform a full at-home face mask treatment, this could be a lifesaver when you’re short on time. 

Keep a jar of the 3-Minute Flash Mask in your cabinet for when the pressure is on, or simply add it into your face mask rotation if you love the results. It works for any skin type and may just end up earning the top spot in your routine. 

3. Love + Charcoal Mask from One Love Organics

You may have heard a thing or two about the benefits of activated charcoal for your skin. We all have that one friend who talks about how fresh and clean they look and feel after a charcoal face mask, and it may be time to take the hint.

Although you have the option of buying natural charcoal in powdered form to make your own skincare solution, we’d much rather save ourselves the mess and pick up a product like the Love + Charcoal Mask from One Love Organics.

For newcomers to the charcoal lifestyle, this is a perfect entry-level product to get used to this amazing ingredient’s look and feel.

Few substances are better at drawing out dirt and debris than activated charcoal, and this product also includes alpine rose to keep excess oil to a minimum as you boost your skin’s natural resilience and shine.

Certified organic, cruelty-free, and vegan, this face mask checks all the boxes for a natural product, so pick up a jar ASAP if you want to make activated charcoal a part of your routine.

4. Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask from Alchimie Forever

If you are experienced in the world of face mask treatments, you know a top-quality product when you see it. This brightening mask from Alchimie Forever has a thick, luxurious texture shine from a dense mixture of antioxidants, oat extracts, and natural minerals such as mica.

We’ve all had those dull skin days where no amount of hydration and sunlight seems to brighten up our complexion. The Kantic Moisture Mask is specifically designed to illuminate the skin of your face and neck, giving you that radiant look that will turn heads anywhere you go.

This is also a great mask for anyone struggling with inflammation and other irritation that causes redness of the face. The oats and antioxidants work together to soothe and calm the skin while minerals turn up the brightness to the max.

The result is a great all-around mask that you can use multiple times per week and for extended sessions, if needed. Be aware that this product is not certified organic, but it’s far cleaner than many department store mask brands you see on the shelves.

5. Electric Daisy + CBD Enzyme Face Mask from Shea Brand

Whether you’re a seasoned CBD connoisseur or you’ve been eager to try this exciting compound, why not test out its soothing effects with a CBD face mask?

According to the Cedars Sinai website, CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation on the skin’s surface for patients with conditions like psoriasis and eczema. 

Even if you don’t have medical-grade skin issues, CBD feels calming and cooling after a day in the sun or at work, especially when the compound is mixed into a complete face mask with natural ingredients. 

That’s where Shea Brand steps in with a super-cool, antioxidant-packed face mask that includes a generous 50mg of quality CBD in each jar. 

For a great price, you get a ton of funky ingredients such as periwinkle extract and cassia Angustifolia seed extract, both of which serve as natural hyaluronic acid-style rejuvenators. You can’t forget about the namesake ingredient, Electric Daisy, which is known as nature’s botox.

This may not be the ideal natural face mask for beginners, but it makes a great gift or fun supplement to your tried-and-true skincare routine.

Conclusion

Your face mask routine should be a relaxing, all-natural experience. It’s all about feeling good, with your mind focused on rejuvenation and healing rather than worrying about what weird chemicals might be affecting your skin.

Whether you’re conscious about allergies or environmental impact, you need a face mask product aligned with your body and the ways of the natural world.

All of these fantastic face mask options are better than the synthetic alternatives, so take your pick based on your specific needs. 

However, if you want a well-rounded natural mask packed with high-powered ingredients for an excellent price, the Vitamin C Clay Mask from Gleamin should be your starting point. From there, try out some more specialized products to work into the weekly rotation.

At the end of the day, you want to rely on a face mask that fits your lifestyle and reflects your inner values, so keep it all-natural and love the planet as much as you love yourself!

5 best holiday gifts for family and friends

The holidays are fast approaching, and so is the pressure that comes with picking the perfect gifts for friends and family. You want to buy gifts that your loved ones will use daily, not stuff that will just collect dust in the cabinet or closet. …

The holidays are fast approaching, and so is the pressure that comes with picking the perfect gifts for friends and family.

You want to buy gifts that your loved ones will use daily, not stuff that will just collect dust in the cabinet or closet.

Let’s run down a list of the five best holiday gifts for family and friends that show you care and make your holiday season just a little bit easier.

1. Paint Your Life Portraits

Family photos are treasured for decades, sitting in albums or small frames on mantles and cabinets. You can’t go back in time and take better photographs, but you can translate those images into big, beautiful portraits and give the gift of a lifetime to someone close.

Unless you’re extremely gifted with oil, brush, and canvas, you should look into portraits from Paint Your Life. These custom works capture memorable moments between family members, friends, pets, and loved ones past and present.

All you need to do is send in your favorite photo of your family, select a portrait size, materials, and a frame, then wait a few weeks for the team at Paint Your Life to create a majestic rendition that will last a lifetime. 

It’s a simple process that gives you complete control of the final product. You speak directly with studio managers to add text, scenery, change details, or flourishes exactly to your specifications.

With hundreds of professional artists working in-studio, Paint Your Life matches you with the best person for the job and ensures satisfaction with unlimited revisions. 

You can even bridge the gap between generations by creating portraits that include departed family members and young ones who may not have got the chance to meet. 

Want to try something new? Family portraits are just the beginning. You also have the option to submit photos of your beloved pets, revitalize old wedding photos, capture lovely landscapes, or pay tribute to your family’s favorite beach house or lakeside cabin scene. 

Oil paintings are the most popular offering on Paint Your Life, but you can also opt for watercolors to achieve a lighthearted look or charcoal for a bold black-and-white rendering. Colored pencil and acrylic works are also available, so all options are on the table.

The artwork is high quality, the prices are great, and the level of customization is unparalleled.

Hundreds of positive reviews and emotional reaction videos prove that Paint Your Life will be a memorable gift cherished forever and something you should consider giving this holiday.

2. David Von Jewelry

Gifting jewelry is a challenge, and with so many available options, it’s tough to find a piece that checks all the boxes of personality, quality, and price. These challenges increase in the digital domain, where you can’t get up close and personal with the merchandise.

That’s why your first stop for online jewelry this holiday season should be David Von, and industry leader in custom jewelry that delivers on all fronts.

David Von brands itself as “The Safest Place to Buy Jewelry Online” and has certainly earned its accolades with thousands of stellar reviews over the years. 

Buying jewelry at department stores and big-box retailers can be a pricey, high-pressure affair, and anyway you cut it, you’re going to spend more than is necessary. 

Consider the costs of the retail space, the employees, and all those extra touches. It all adds up, and the customer gets hit with a markup that can be 5 to 10 times what you should be paying. You save time, money, and headaches by buying directly from a producer like David Von, and you don’t have to sacrifice a shred of quality in the process.

Produced with 14k solid gold and natural, ethically-sourced diamonds, these are some of the best custom jewelry products on the market for the price. The David Von philosophy can be summed up in three words: Fast, Affordable, Trusted.

From bracelets and necklaces to rings and earrings, you have a wide range of options to choose from on the site, and customization options are endless with engravings, lettering, and symbols. You can also pick between yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold to match every skin tone and outfit.

Because David Von is headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles and produces all of its products on-site, you can be confident that this jewelry comes from a good place with fair working conditions. In today’s climate, it’s good to know where and how your jewelry is made.

Finally, you can expect next-level customer service from David Von, with the ability to speak directly with representatives on the phone or via email. No more endless mazes of customer support like you’ve experienced with big retailers in the past. 

Browse David Von’s amazing offerings today, and be sure to keep your eyes open for any sales, promos, and checkout codes to save.

3. Senreve Handbags

In a world of mass-manufactured handbags, there’s something to be said for quality over quantity. Senreve hand-crafts some of the most elegant bags in a huge range of sizes and colors, working with the best sustainable materials available.

If there’s a woman in your life who hustles hard in business but doesn’t want to sacrifice fashion, a leather Maestra Bag from Senreve is the best of both worlds. Finally, a bag that can hold everything and still look good doing it!

It has specific padded compartments for laptops, makeup, accessories, and cash, making it a true jack of all trades. Italian leather’s durability is unmatched and completely scratch and stain resistant, so it will last for years and get better with age. 

The Maestra is available in a wide array of colors and textures, as well as three distinct sizes depending on your needs. For the anti-leather crowd, Senreve also offers bags made with vegan materials, with all the same design features.

Does your favorite lady already have more handbags than she can handle? Browse Senreve’s selection of folios, laptop sleeves, wallets, and pouches that she will use every day. Gorgeous cashmere scarves and shawls are also available for the fashionista in your life.

You shouldn’t have to decide between luxury and utility when it comes to handbags! Senreve has both angles covered at affordable prices. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list to receive updates, promos and get 10% off your first purchase.

4. Gravity Weighted Blankets and Throws

When the weather cools down and holidays roll around, comfy couch time becomes a top priority. The folks over at Gravity Blankets have you covered in every sense of the word, offering a wide selection of super-comfy weighted blankets and wellness garments.

Don’t be put off by the fact that these blankets are heavier than others. Science shows that weighted materials help you fall asleep faster, stay warmer, and restore a sense of well-being, so you wake up ready to take on the day.

Each Gravity Blanket is crafted with luxury materials, comes in several clean colors, and is easy to clean and maintain for years ahead. Customer reviews are off the charts, and even the skeptics report deeper sleep and satisfaction across the board.

Gifting linens is tricky, but Gravity has many other products that make for superb gifts.

Does someone in your life feel the need for flannel? Gift a classic red and black striped throw blanket that will get a ton of use all winter long. For a more lightweight option, check out the Cooling Blanket that works great in the summer months or just chilling on the couch.

Weighted sleep masks, robes, and pillows are also available so that you can give the gift of luxury and wellness this holiday season. Bookmark their site and sign up for their newsletter, so you never miss a promotion or new product launch. 

5. VitaminIQ

Giving someone you care about an easy path to better health is one of the most considerate things you can do. Rather than just saying “you should eat better” or some other passive-aggressive comment, give them a great multivitamin as a gift.  

There are many vitamin companies out there, but VitaminIQ ranks among the best as it offers natural whole food nutrition that gives your body exactly what it needs.

For those already healthy or in great shape, the addition of a simple multivitamin may not seem like a life-altering habit. But for many, that’s exactly what it is – a way to improve how they feel throughout the day. You never know how better health may impact someone’s life. Maybe they have more energy and so do better at work, or take up a new hobby in which they meet their future husband or wife. Health-based gifts, in other words, keep on giving.

5 reasons why at-home laser treatment is the best way to remove hair

Hair removal is a never-ending battle, costing you time, money, and effort just to keep up. Since our hair is constantly growing, it can feel like you never make significant progress, and not everyone can spend hours in the salon every week for …

Hair removal is a never-ending battle, costing you time, money, and effort just to keep up. Since our hair is constantly growing, it can feel like you never make significant progress, and not everyone can spend hours in the salon every week for expensive treatments.

Lucky for you, at-home laser treatments have come a long way in recent years, and there are super affordable, effective devices that you can use daily without any hassle.

Fast, easy, and inexpensive hair removal options are here, so it’s time to celebrate! Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why at-home laser treatment is the best way to remove hair.

1. The comforts of home

Going to the salon or clinic for any form of hair removal can be tedious at best and anxiety-inducing at worst. No matter how comfortable you are with your specialist and the environment, it’s always a bit nerve-wracking to go in for treatment.

Intense Pulse Light treatment (IPL) should be your go-to technology these days, and you don’t need to leave the comfort of your house to get amazing results.

Nobody knows your body better than you, and with a handheld IPL device like Kenzzi, you can perform full-fledged hair removal treatment on your own time, on your own terms.

Even the most lavish spa setups don’t match the carefree comfort of your home bathroom or living room. When you’re at the controls, you can arrange your favorite candles, enjoy a drink, talk on the phone, or catch up on shows. No time limits, no random variables, just you!

By doing laser hair removal at home, you can also feel more comfortable targeting those tricky, sensitive and personal areas like the face and bikini line. Everyone faces different challenges with hair removal, and you should never need to feel self-conscious.

As you make IPL a pillar of your weekly routine, it will feel just like shaving, brushing your teeth or doing a face mask: totally normal and chill. Once you get used to the process, you’ll wonder why you took so long to make it part of your life!

2. Better results with less work

Traditional hair removal methods include waxing, shaving, and tweezing, and they all have varying degrees of effectiveness depending on your hair type and personal preference.

But when it comes to saving time, nothing matches the rapid effectiveness of at-home IPL devices. You can cover a lot of ground in just a few minutes of use with an electronic handset, and it doesn’t involve hand-cramping, twisting and turning, or constant reapplication of cream and gels. In other words, IPL fast-tracks your hair removal sessions with very little effort. 

The technology is complex, but the results are easy to understand. IPL uses broad spectrum light pulses to zap follicle units beneath the first layer of skin, killing the hair at its root without causing any harm to your cells. 

All you need to do is guide the handset across your legs, arms, or other target areas and time the pulses to eliminate unwanted hair in a smooth, time-saving manner. 

Compare that to the labor-intensive methods of tweezing and shaving, and it’s on a whole new level. You have got to try it out for yourself to see the difference!

Keep in mind a few caveats when it comes to at-home IPL. People with super-light hair or very dark skin tones may not see ideal results since the wavelengths of the pulse are designed to target melanin in the hair.

Also, the hair on scars, moles and tattoos may not be removed as easily, so proceed with care. It’s always smart to try different treatments to see what works best for you.

Finally, you shouldn’t expect instantaneous results from at-home IPL treatments. It may take a few weeks of frequent treatments to experience effective hair removal, but the outcome is totally worth it once you get over the hump.

3. Way more cost-effective

You don’t have to be a penny pincher to enjoy the cash-saving benefits of at-home laser treatment. Just one payment, and you are the proud owner of a powerful device that performs just as well as the instruments they use at the clinic. 

According to Healthline, clinical IPL treatments can cost between $700 and $1200 a session, putting it way out of most people’s price range. Even if you splurge on the occasional treatment, the results never last as long as you want.

Since hair removal is considered a cosmetic, non-essential procedure, most insurance plans will not cover it, so plan to pay the full price out of pocket. That’s no fun.

Remember that going to a clinic doesn’t guarantee success in a single treatment. Most people have to go back for multiple sessions throughout the year to maintain results. When you see the total cost over the course of the year, you may need to take out a loan.

Thankfully, at-home treatments are more affordable than ever before, and you don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness or quality. 

For nearly a third of the price of a single treatment, you can purchase an electronic handset containing the power and precision of clinical implements and not have to replace it for up to 10 years with proper maintenance. 

Check out Kenzzi’s promotions and checkout codes to save even more money on the sticker price and get sweet bonuses like free shipping.

4. Pain-free and easy

When you bring up IPL treatment to a group of friends, one word comes to mind: OUCH!

It may not be as bad as a tattoo or a prolonged wax session, but many people describe IPL as a repeated pinching sensation on the skin, similar to having a rubber band snapped again and again. Those high-powered machines at the clinic tend to hurt more, as is expected.

We are accustomed to taking on a bit of discomfort to achieve aesthetic perfection, but with at-home IPL devices, this doesn’t need to be the case. Products like Kenzzi’s IPL Hair Removal handset do the job with virtually zero pain, making it way easier to perform frequent treatments. 

Reviewers say that at-home devices only deliver a slight sensation of heat on the skin, rather than snapping or burning. Remember, you’re in the driver’s seat, making it a much more comfortable process from beginning to end. 

Plus, these handsets fit right in your palm and are so easy to use. It’s basically the same technique as shaving, just with a bit more focus and precision. Follow the instructions closely, and it’s hard to mess up. After some practice, you can do it with your eyes closed! 

If you’ve been avoiding laser hair removal because of squeamishness or aversion to pain – you’re out of excuses. Try out an electronic IPL handset and see for yourself just how painless and simple the process can be. 

5. Fewer side effects

Anyone who has experienced professional laser hair removal knows that it comes with a few undesirable side effects. Red patches, blistering and even some light bruising are common in the world of laser treatments, no matter how much your clinic may charge.

Some of us have even had adverse reactions to laser treatments, turning us off for life. Learning that lesson the hard way is tough, but there are easier ways to get the results you want.

As Alite Laser points out, a slight reaction is normal after a treatment, so don’t expect to see instant perfection and 100% flawless skin. However, you want your skin to look great before heading out for a vacation, celebration, work event or date night. No time to waste!

Using an IPL handset will give you results with way fewer side effects and shorten the time between treatments so you can win the war against undesirable hair growth in the long run.

Say goodbye to things like razor burn and that itchy post-wax feeling. IPL targets the root of the hair so it stops growth in its tracks. No more bumps, scratchiness and unpleasant irritation. 

Just remember to use cooling gels or creams after your at-home treatment to make sure your skin stays even and smooth during the recovery period, and space out those sessions using your best judgment.

Conclusion

Tired of tackling hair removal with the same old methods? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by picking up an at-home laser treatment device, harnessing the power of IPL technology instead of shaving, waxing, and tweezing the days away.

Way too many people are turned off by the cost, inconvenience and discomfort of clinical laser hair removal, which is why it’s time to make a change for good.

An IPL laser hair removal handset may just be exactly what you’ve been looking for all along.

Read into the reviews that rave about at-home laser devices like Kenzzi, and figure out if this is the product that will finally deliver the results you want.

4 ways Dr. Brite products can help ensure a safe Halloween this year

4 ways Dr. Brite products can help ensure a safe Halloween this year

4 best ways to buff out paint scratches

Scratches are practically unavoidable and are a sign of some good old wear and tear. Smears, chips, and blemishes can come from any number of things. Whether it was caused by loose pebbles, a collision mishap, or a sloppy parking job, most scratches …

Scratches are practically unavoidable and are a sign of some good old wear and tear. Smears, chips, and blemishes can come from any number of things. Whether it was caused by loose pebbles, a collision mishap, or a sloppy parking job, most scratches can be fixed yourself with relative ease.

But Is a Scratch Really a Big Deal?

Scratches affect more than just the stylish appearance of your car. The paint on your car serves not only aesthetics but also protects your vehicle from the environmental elements. The three layers that most often make up the surface of a car all work together to protect your car from weather, temperature variations, and the sun’s UV rays.

A scratch in the paint job makes a car more vulnerable to these elements. It’s important to tend to scratches as soon as possible.

A visit to the body shop is costly, inconvenient, and unnecessary. Don’t be tricked into thinking they’ll do it best. Car care products have massively improved in recent years and can now enable you to do the job just as well, all on your own.

Before heading to the shop and dropping a few hundred dollars, try these four ways to buff out paint scratches first.

Revive Car Scratch Remover

Revive Car Scratch Remover by Shine Armor uses an innovative formula that doesn’t include any cheap fillers or waxes. Fillers and waxes can make scratches appear less noticeable, but they’re more of a band-aid solution. With something as precious as your car, a band-aid solution just doesn’t cut it – you’re going to want that scratch completely gone. 

The Revive Scratch Remover is made from a scientifically proven formula that uses detail grade compounds to ensure the highest-end removal possible. Years of design engineering have created this product that removes not only scratches and swirls but also oxidation. This 3-in-1 repair power makes the Revive Car Scratch Remover the first of its kind. 

The premium formula works hard yet goes easy on the rest of your car’s surface – there’s no worry about damaging the surrounding paint. Revive Scratch Remover will remove all the scratches and swirls without leaving behind any smudges or smears. 

Shine Armor’s solution even restores your car’s paint job by simultaneously working to shine and rehabilitate the glistening topcoat, leaving it looking even better than before. It produces little to no dust and leaves behind a pleasant, mild grape scent finishing. The solution comes in a convenient squeeze bottle—simply squeeze onto a cloth and buff out scratches. It’s also free from any harsh and harmful chemicals that most repair solutions contain. 

Start by washing the scratched area with soap and a clean cloth (ideally made from microfiber). Then grab a fresh cloth and squeeze out a dollop that would comfortably cover the surface area of the scratch—buff out the scratch by rubbing in small circular motions. Once the scratch is gone, give it a final wipe, and that’s it!

Shine Armor offers a variety of products that bring a new level of detailing and cleaning for cars. Buffing out scratches with Revive Car Scratch Remover is easy, affordable, and can be done in a matter of minutes. It falls nothing short of superior and works the hardest and smartest to restore your vehicle.

Toothpaste DIY

Toothpaste is a budget-friendly DIY repair that can be used to remove surface-level scratches. As long as the scratch hasn’t fully penetrated the clear coat of the paint, toothpaste should be able to do the trick. You can access the deepness of the damage by running your fingernail over the scratch. If your fingernail can catch onto the scratch, toothpaste may not be sufficient (and you should level up to our next solution, using a polishing compound).

Have you heard of toothpaste being used to remove scratches from CDs and discs? It works the same way on your car’s paint surface. Toothpaste is created with a property that allows it to “lift” or “catch” imperfections by gently sanding them away. 

Wash and dry the damaged area before applying the toothpaste. If there is any dirt or debris around the scratch, it may get rubbed into the scratch and worsen. Use a soft sponge with soap and carefully clean the area. 

Apply a dollop of toothpaste to a damp cloth and rub the scratch in a circular motion. The toothpaste helps sand down the uneven surface and works to fill in the gaps. As you rub the cloth around the damaged area, you should be able to see the scuff slowly disappear. Whitening toothpaste will work best because it has the grittiest texture, resulting in more friction to help the sanding process.

This process can be repeated two or three times. If the scratch persists, read on. 

Polishing Compound

Small scratches can be easily fixed in less than an hour with the help of a polishing compound. A scratch qualifies as “smaller” if it passes the fingernail test: as long as your nail can’t latch onto it, you’re good to go.

For this trick, you’ll need 3,000-grit sandpaper, a polishing compound and pads, and either a handheld drill or polisher unit. 3,000-grit sandpaper has the same abrasion capabilities as toothpaste, but is the next level up and may be able to help the scratches that toothpaste cannot.

Start by wetting the scratch and sandpapering it lightly. Rub until the scratch is no longer obvious, and the surface lacks texture. You’ll then want to clean the area with a damp, fresh towel to ensure there’s nothing on the surface that should get rubbed in with the drill.

Apply the polishing compound of your choice onto a pad, evenly distributed. Turn on the polisher unit or drill to a speed that will create a light, foam-like consistency. Use circular motions until the scratch disappears. Finish with a restorative compound to leave the patch with a shiny finish.

If using a polishing compound still isn’t cutting it, carry on reading.

For the Deep Scratches

For the scratches that definitely don’t pass the fingernail test, don’t panic just yet. Painting is the next step for those next level scratches.

As always, wash and dry the damaged area before starting on a repair job. Especially with deeper scratches, it’s important to wash out any dirt or dust before getting to work. This trick requires 2,000-grit sandpaper, sprayable primer, sprayable paint, a topcoat, and an optional sanding pad.

Begin by sanding the scratched area to remove the frayed layers of paint. If the scratch covers a large area, this is where you may want to throw the sandpaper onto a sanding pad to help give you a better grip and more strength. Sand in the direction of the scratch and stop every 10 seconds to access progress; after the area is sanded down to a flatter surface level, re-rinse and dry.

Next, you’ll want to grab your primer and spray in a side to side motion. Try to find a primer that is similar in color to your car’s paint to avoid any subtle differences in the final product. Three coats of primer are usually the sweet spot – wait 10 minutes in between coatings to ensure it has dried before applying the next layer.

Now it’s time for the color. Spray your paint over the entire area that received primer. Again, three coats seem to be the magic number, and wait for each application to dry before adding the next coat. The easiest way to make sure the colors will match is to ask your car’s manufacturer for the paint’s specific name. You may need to go a little out of your way to get the precise match, but it will definitely be worth your while – a car should not look like a Dalmatian.

Finally, finish this paint job with a wax coating of your choice. Use a cloth or buffing pad and gently rub in circular motions. Make sure the wax is evenly distributed to avoid any lumps or bumps. Once the area is smooth and shiny, that’s it!

Fear Not, It’s Fixable

As scary as it is to discover a scratch in your car’s paint job, fear not, it’s fixable. Scratches are inevitable and happen to even the most cautious of us. There’s a special type of pride and joy that comes with doing your own repairs and restorations. Thanks to new technologies and scientifically advanced formulas, some products can help you with this mission and make it easy, fast, and damn-near perfect. 

Take your car care one step further and finish any restorative work with a fortifying ceramic topcoat. A ceramic topcoat can wash, shine, and protect your car in a one-step solution. Ceramic waterless cleaning technology is a new formulation that gently and effectively breaks down dirt, grease, and grime. Try applying a shiny ceramic topcoat after washing your car and see the difference it can make.

The 11 best massage guns for muscle pain and soreness

From everyday trainers to the world’s best sports scientists, the pros all recommend massage therapy. Massage guns are plug-and-play home devices that give you the benefits of recovery and relief, right at home. These products use percussive massage …

From everyday trainers to the world’s best sports scientists, the pros all recommend massage therapy.

Massage guns are plug-and-play home devices that give you the benefits of recovery and relief, right at home.

These products use percussive massage therapy, which delivers rapid but soft bursts of energy to the muscle tissue. Their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.

Let’s look at the 11 best massage guns on the market right now.

Theragun by Therabody

With stellar design, big-time power, and advanced tech, nothing beats Theragun.

Dr. Jason Wersland invented the first Theragun as a product of necessity, meant to treat chronic pain from a motorcycle accident in 2007. He found that percussive therapy gave him ongoing relief like never before.

After some upfront success, Wersland refined the technology and expanded the product line to include massage guns for every type of muscle pain relief and muscle recovery.

Now, this brand is regarded as the Tesla of percussive massage, boasting proprietary QuietForce Technology™, refined ergonomics, and unmatched performance. 

The Theragun Prime is the perfect entry point to percussive therapy, delivering simple essentials to get you going.

Its unique triangular multi-grip gives you leverage from every angle, and an intuitive LED readout lets you navigate the five power settings.

The Prime can also connect via Bluetooth to the Therabody app, which leads you through guided routines designed for your specific needs.

A step up from that is the Theragun Elite, which packs more premium features into the same elegant frame. It’s more powerful than the Prime, and the OLED screen provides better insights.

The Elite is also the quietest product of the bunch, letting you enjoy your massage in peace.

For those seeking professional-grade percussive therapy at home, the Theragun Pro stands tall above the rest.

High-level trainers, athletes and therapists rely on this powerful machine to get deep-tissue percussive therapy at up to 60 pounds of no-stall force.

The triangular grip is further enhanced with a rotating arm, so no more limitations.

Quiet as an electric toothbrush and far stronger than the competition, this is the best massage gun available.

Need relief on the go? The Theragun Mini delivers impressive power in a small package.

Weighing less than 1.5 pounds, and with over 2 hours of battery life, it’s a game changer for travel or quick relief anywhere.

On top of its core product line, Therabody offers a range of proprietary, innovative attachments and accessories for added convenience and utility.

The company also regularly launches improvements and upgrades to previous generations.

With thousands of 5-star reviews and endorsements from industry leaders everywhere, it’s no wonder why Theragun is at the top of the percussive therapy game.

Hypervolt

The Hypervolt from HyperICE looks amazing and delivers a lightweight solution for vibration therapy.

It weighs only 2.5 pounds and keeps a charge for over three hours, so you can easily store this one in your gym bag for some instant relief after a tough workout or pickup game.

You can even pick up a charging dock to ensure you never run out of juice.

TimTam

It doesn’t look quite as sleek and futuristic as the leading massage guns, but the Power Massager from TimTam packs a ton of power at a fantastic price.

Weighing in at only 2.2 pounds, it’s super easy to pick up and operate.

The battery life is under an hour, and you only get one spherical attachment, but this is a great entry-level product for newcomers to percussion therapy.

Vybe

If you need to ramp up the wattage on your percussive massage routine, Vybe is your best bet, with products that deliver up to 60 pounds of force at a time.

Need to ratchet up the intensity? Vybe is not messing around. Plus, it comes with seven attachments out of the box, which is better than most competitors.

The pivoting arm also makes it easier to hit tough spots without angling your arm in awkward ways. Yes, these products weigh a bit more, but the extra horsepower is worth it.

Deep-tissue massage is effective for getting to the root of the pain, and if you can handle the slightly heavier and louder VYBE X or Vybe Premium, you’ll be satisfied with these results.

Lifepro

Too many choices can overwhelm, and Lifepro does a great job mapping out its products in various categories of intensity and precision.

Each of their handhelds is designed with a different goal in mind, from low-key workout recovery to deep-tissue massage and even scar tissue therapy.

The Sonic Mini is a super lightweight device you can carry anywhere, while the Pulse FX offers unique rotating-head technology that adds a new layer of relief.

These products have some of the most unique attachments on the market as well, and you can buy individual upgrades instead of being stuck with the basics.

The battery life is fantastic (up to 6 hours), and the prices are some of the best in the business.

Fusion FX

The Fusion FX from Lifepro deserves its own section with one distinct feature: heated percussion therapy. 

When tackling tough knots and tightness, a bit of heat goes a long way, and customers rave about the extra relief they get from the one-two punch of warmth and percussion.

The Fusion FX not only brings the heat (up to 130 degrees), but it functions as a solid massage gun with three other modes, so you can always cool things down if needed.

This is a slightly bigger product with no adjustable angles, so it takes some getting used to, but the results are worth the learning curve.

Sonic X

Quiet, portable and with an ergonomic curved-handle design, Lifepro’s Sonic X has a great look and delivers big relief.

It is a perfect in-between option for those who need an upgrade from the Mini but don’t want to overdo it with too many RPMs and heavy pressure.

This is the massage gun for everyone, and a great pick if you want a solid, predictable product. For some folks, four attachments are all they need to get started.

Mebak

The sticker shock is real for some of these products, which is where the Mebak 3 Massage Gun definitely has a competitive edge.

You can find it online for a fantastic price if you do some digging, and the main features are up there with the best.

With seven attachments, five different speed settings and five-hour battery life, it’s easy to see why the Mebak has close to a five-star rating online.

If there are any downsides, it’s that the Mebak is not the quietest massager out there, so you may not want to fire it up when everyone is asleep in the house.

It also doesn’t have the most breathtaking design or ergonomic grip, but it’s hard to argue with such a complete package for the price.

TOLOCO

Some folks don’t need all the bells and whistles of a luxury massager.

Weighing in at nearly five pounds, the TOLOCO is no lightweight, but it has the horsepower to justify the added bulk.

The lowest setting on the gun is 1800 RPM, so it’s not for everyone, but athletes looking for extra torque will love this product for the functionality and price.

TOLOCO only has three settings, so it isn’t exactly versatile, but it will get the job done and help you to feel great.

Cryotex

If you need a simple, lightweight and affordable percussive therapy solution, the Cryotex Massage Gun might be for you.

First of all, it is small-sized and weighs just over two pounds, which is a major plus for any non-athletes out there.

While it can achieve speeds over 3000 RPM, the Cryotex really shines at the lower speeds and may not be the best pick for heavy-duty deep tissue massage.

Anyone looking to loosen up before a workout or take some pressure off their shoulders will love this massage gun, but it won’t be fixing any super-serious knots.

The LED readout is a huge plus and tells you exactly how much power is pumping.

As an entry-level product, this is among the best for the price.

FitPulse

Pound for pound, the FitPulse is without a doubt the best bang for your buck in the massage gun game.

With over 10 attachments, 30 speed levels, and a carrying case, you simply get a ton of value for your money. It is, however, a bit bulky and loud.

A low price does not mean cheap, and the reviews speak for themselves. It’s a little rough around the edges but definitely worth the cost.

Whether you prioritize power, portability, or precision, you have a ton of great choices for massage guns.

Budget options are available, but if you’re willing to invest a bit more upfront, Theragun offers the best performance and design for the price.

Their products simply look better, sound better, feel better in your palm, and deliver superior percussive massage treatment.

Be sure to read reviews, select the right one for your needs, and enjoy the results from these game-changing products.

4 things to look for in kids electrolyte products

The importance of hydration is one of the few things everyone in the health industry can agree on. Being well hydrated plays a massive role in overall health and well-being. Kids are particularly vulnerable to dehydration because of their active …

The importance of hydration is one of the few things everyone in the health industry can agree on. Being well hydrated plays a massive role in overall health and well-being. Kids are particularly vulnerable to dehydration because of their active nature and fast metabolism.

Most people don’t know that the percentage of water that makes up our bodies varies depending on age and gender. Our body’s composition of water is highest when we are born and slowly decreases as we age. Infants are made up of approximately 75% water. This number then decreases to 65% for children and settles at around 50-60% in adulthood.

Water serves us in many ways:

  • Regulates body temperature
  • Controlling fluid balance in cells
  • Insulates the brain, bones, and organs
  • Metabolizes proteins and carbohydrates
  • Removes waste and toxins from the body 
  • Acts as the main solvent for everything that is ingested 
  • Carries oxygen and nutrients through the body

Hydration affects almost all of our bodily functions. It’s not always easy to drink enough water to get to the recommended eight glasses per day. This can be even more difficult for kids; drinking water isn’t exactly the first thing on kids’ minds. Kids are easily distracted and don’t understand the importance of staying hydrated—it’s easy for them to forget to drink throughout the day.

Supplementing with electrolytes is an easy way to help kids stay hydrated.

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are a mineral substance that conducts electricity when dissolved with water. Electrolytes play a huge role in our body’s hydration as well as serving numerous other bodily functions.

Common electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. These minerals help conduct electrical signals through your body, connecting the brain and muscles. Many of these electrolytes can be found in healthy foods that are already in our diet. For example:

  • Salt, pickles, and cheese contain sodium
  • Bananas, potatoes, and mushrooms contain potassium 
  • Spinach, nuts, and avocado contain magnesium

Our electrolyte levels can be too high or too low, and both imbalances are unfavorable. 

Electrolytes leave our body through fluids like sweat and urine. Any illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, or fever will increase the risk of becoming dehydrated. Profuse sweating from an intense workout or extreme heat are also common ways for people to lose a lot of fluid.

An imbalance of electrolytes can cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and more.

What Do Electrolytes Do?

Electrolytes help our bodies carry out many of their essential tasks. This is largely because electrolytes play a big role in balancing our hydration, and hydration is crucial for just about every bodily function. 

Electrolytes support functions such as:

  • Proper hydration levels
  • Regulating blood pressure 
  • Cell health for the nervous system 
  • Muscle functioning
  • Internal pH levels 

Changes to the amount of water in our body can cause our electrolyte levels to become either too high or too low; both imbalances will negatively affect our health and well-being. 

Why Kids Need Their Electrolytes

Electrolytes are too often overlooked as an important factor in our overall health. Kids require up to eight cups of water during the day to stay properly hydrated. We all know to drink that much water is not as easy as it sounds. Achieving this recommended intake is even harder for younger kids. Kids are especially vulnerable to dehydration because of their active nature, fast metabolism, and in all honesty, picky eating, and drinking habits.

Recovery from Sickness

Sicknesses can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, all of which will deplete their hydration levels. Unfortunately, a sick child is even less likely to toss back their daily eight glasses of water a day than they normally are. Being well hydrated plays an important role in the recovery from illness. Electrolyte products are an easy way to help your child hydrate, feel better, and get back on their feet as soon as possible. 

Recovery after Physical Activity

A high- energy exertion day can leave kids feeling drained without the ability to recognize that dehydration is what they’re experiencing. Dehydrated children will exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, irritability, and muscle soreness. While these symptoms could be attributed to several things, they can often be resolved by rehydrating.

Boosts Energy Levels 

Playing and exploring is one of the most important things in children’s development. It helps them learn, keeps them active, and encourages social interactions. Electrolytes promote the body’s ability to absorb fluids and nutrients; this helps muscles feel energized. An analogy of a car may help convey how this works: if your body is a car, food is the fuel, and electrolytes are the engine oil. Both components are crucial for a strong, smooth ride. Supplementing with electrolytes will help produce energy to fuel muscles. Healthy and hydrated muscles enable kids to walk, run, skip, and be their playful selves.

Improved Performance in the Classroom 

Dehydration can cause fatigue and affect memory, attention span, and motor skills, all of which negatively impact your child’s ability to learn. With gym class, running around at recess, and playing in the playground, it’s easy for children to become dehydrated while they’re at school. Electrolytes support hydration, which promotes clear thinking and can improve kids’ academic performance at school.

The Problem 

Electrolyte supplements are a healthy and easy way to keep kids hydrated. The problem is that most oral electrolyte solutions are made with artificial chemicals and sweeteners. Some pediatric electrolyte solutions have extensive ingredient lists that include unnecessary and highly engineered ingredients like Sucralose, Acesulfame potassium (Ace K), Blue 1, Red Dye 40, and Yellow No. 6.

Ingredients that we can barely pronounce are not something that should be in children’s supplements.

Some companies have tried to make their rehydration products more “natural” by adding juice. However, juice just doesn’t cut it. As a sweetener, juice doesn’t rehydrate directly to the bloodstream the way that glucose does. Juice-like drinks are perfectly acceptable for their pleasant taste, but they do not produce medical-grade hydration results that oral electrolyte solutions do.

4 Things To Look For in Kids Electrolyte Products

1) Efficacy

Choose products that use dextrose, and avoid fructose (juice). Fructose is a complex sugar that has to be further broken down in the digestive system before it can be absorbed; this is the “slow lane” for absorption. 

The solution is instant absorption technology (IAT). IAT is a delivery system designed to transport electrolytes and other nutrients to the bloodstream faster. IAT mixes glucose and sodium and leverages their co-transportation property, which allows the body to absorb nutrients earlier during the journey through the digestive tract. 

Look for products that use dextrose to ensure your little ones feel better, faster. Kinderlyte is the first company to offer Instant Absorption Technology in a hydration product. 

2) Doctor Formulated 

Look for an oral electrolyte solution that is formulated by doctors and dieticians. Our kids’ health means everything to us. Only trust the experts to create the most effective, healthy, and natural supplements for them. A doctor-formulated supplement contains more electrolytes, potassium, and zinc than other leading brands, making it the obvious and only acceptable choice for our loved ones. 

3) Clean Ingredients 

Avoid supplements that contain harmful ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. There are product options that work even better and are free from any artificial additives, making them both natural and effective. 

An artificial sweetener like sucralose is damaging to gut health. A 2008 research study found that sucralose can reduce healthy gut bacteria by 50%, increase the intestine’s pH level, and get absorbed into and accumulates in fat tissue. Why would we want to give our kids something harmful to them when they’re already feeling their worst? 

Look for an electrolyte product that is made with real, natural ingredients. Juice supplements can be deceiving because of the use of fruits and vegetable images on packaging. Remember that adding juice to a supplement slows down absorption and hydration – no sub-par supplements allowed. Look for clean ingredients to help you choose effective hydration that is powered by nature. 

4) Fun Taste

Kids need something that tastes good. It’s easy to help kids hydrate when there’s a beverage supplement that comes in their favorite flavors. Kinderlyte creates electrolyte solutions in delicious flavors like orange, grape, and fruit punch. 

Other products commonly contain coconut water or honey to try to achieve a pleasant taste. However, these additives result in slower absorption, which diminishes their efficacy; this defeats the point of the beverage in the first place. 

Not All Supplements Are Created Equal

Water is the most essential element in any and every diet. Kids need to be well hydrated to feel their best and have the energy to learn, play, and grow.

For parents, a child’s health is the most important thing. With hundreds of things to worry about at any given moment, hydration doesn’t need to be one of them. An oral electrolyte solution is an easy, effective, and tasty way to help kids rehydrate.

Not all electrolyte supplements are created equal. When we’re trying to help our children feel better, the last thing we should be giving them is juice drinks or electrolyte solutions with long ingredient lists full of unnecessary chemicals and artificial additives.

Look for solutions that are doctor-formulated, effective, and made with real, natural ingredients.

8 best bean bags for your home

It’s exciting to walk into a room and see a bean bag chair. The sight of a bean bag chair can make eyes light up, and there’s usually at least one person who will head right for it and plop on, headfirst. Bean bags have become increasingly popular …

It’s exciting to walk into a room and see a bean bag chair. The sight of a bean bag chair can make eyes light up, and there’s usually at least one person who will head right for it and plop on, headfirst.

Bean bags have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their versatility, comfort, and style. Bean bags can act as a chair, a bed, an extension of your sofa, and are now being made in many different sizes, styles, and with additional cool features. On top of their functionality, a bean bag is a fun way to furnish that can bring a “hip” or “modern” twist to any room. Whether you play it up or tone it down, a bean bag is a great addition that you, your guests, and maybe even your pet will fall in love with.

Bean bags might have traditionally been thought of as something that belongs in the movie room or a teenagers’ bedroom, but times are changing. You don’t have to be a teenager to experience the joys and comfort of relaxing in this fun, lounge-style chair. Companies have caught on and realized that there could be so much more done with the bean bag design; there is now an extensive offering of bean bags that will suit every room and please every person.

Here’s a list of the eight best bean bag chairs to help you find your favorite new addition to your space that you didn’t know you needed.

CordaRoy’s “Convertible” Queen Chair/Bed

CordaRoy’s Queen Chair is not too small and not too large. It’s the perfect Queen size. This chair’s 4-foot diameter makes it the most versatile measurement, perfect for kids, teenagers, and adults. What’s great about CordaRoy bean bags is that they are much more than just that. CordaRoy’s bean bag chairs are actually convertible furniture; they mainly act as a chair but can also fold out to create a bed – perfect for guests or spontaneous sleepovers for the kids. By simply unzipping the bean bag’s outer cover, the inside stuffing is revealed and expands out into its mattress shape that measures 60” by 80”—a standard queen size bed. 

Check out CordaRoy’s demonstration that they presented on the hit TV show, Shark Tank, to see how versatile this bean bag really is and how perfectly it works in a household setting. 

CordaRoy products are made with 100% polyfoam that won’t compress over time; this means you can lounge on it day after day, and it won’t sag, lose its shape, or flatten out. This Queen chair comes in lots of colors – that makes it easy to find the perfect match for every room. The Queen chair covers are also offered in several different fabrics, such as faux leather, faux fur, plush fur, and more. These covers are all safe for machine wash and dry, so it’s not a problem if you happen to spill your snacks or the dog decides to leave a little too much fur behind. CordaRoy products also offer waterproof protection—great if you’re planning on using your chair in the sunroom or your son’s room!. CordaRoy’s convertible chairs have an average lifespan of 15 years and come with a lifetime guarantee—they’re more than happy to repair or replace any part of the bean bag that malfunctions for the life of the product.

CordaRoy’s bean bag chairs were born from an idea that sparked out of true necessity. Founder Byron Young realized he needed a bed for unexpected guests one night after a football game. He decided to makeshift his bean bag into a mattress—this was the beginning but definitely not the end of CordaRoy. They’ve had incredible success expanding into now making their famous bean bag chair in four sizes as well as offering pillow pods, nest chairs, and pet beds. 

Fat Boy Original Bean Bag Chair

Fat Boys’ Original Bean Bag Chair is a slightly different take on the traditional bean bag shape. This bean bag looks like a giant pillow and measures 70” x 55” x 8”, making it a spacious size for adults or anyone who really enjoys sprawling out to relax. It can be sat in like a chair or can create a comfortable hammock shape when placed on its side. This chair is filled with virgin polystyrene beads that will take shape with any lounging position you decide to use. Its Nylon cover is created with a protective coating, which makes it both stain and water-resistant. Fat Boy is creating this bean bag in a wide variety of colors, including vibrant shades of pink, orange and green. 

Chill Sack Bean Bag Chair

Chill Sack has created a sack that is a fun and oversized take on the traditional bean bag chair. This big bean bag chair is a roomy 60” x 60” x 34” sac that allows you to truly get cozied up and sink into comfort. “Oversized” or simply fun-sized, this sack comfortably fits two people, meaning you can cuddle up with your friend, loved one, or even your furry friend. Chill Sack’s bean bag chairs are made with memory foam that is durable and bounces back into its original shape after molding to your lounge position. The cover is made from microsuede fiber that is soft, machine washable, and resistant to stains or discoloration. With 26 colors to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect one for you. 

Big Joe’s Bean Bag Chair

Big Joe offers a bean bag chair that is one of the most chair-like bean bags out there. This chair is made with reinforced sides, armrests, and a backrest, making it one of the most supportive options for a bean bag chair. Because of its structured seating design, this bean bag is great if you’re looking for a comfortable space to read or do laptop work. It’s also double stitched and has dual zippers, which makes it extra sturdy and durable. This chair measures 32” x 28” x 25” and is made in a textile material. Big Joe’s products are also budget-friendly—relaxing in one of these bean bags won’t stress your back or wallet. 

Cozy Sack’s 8-foot Bean Bag 

Cozy Sack has been in the bean bag chair industry since its beginning. They’re best known for supersizing the classic design and creating their 8-foot bean bag. Cozy Sack definitely took “the bigger, the better” to a new level with this massive chair creation. This bean bag creates the most fun combination of seating, lounging, and a bed all in one. The foam that goes into this mega chair is 100% CertiPUR-US certified foam, free from harsh chemicals or heavy metals. Just because this bean bag is supersized doesn’t mean it’s also super priced; these mega chairs are also extremely affordable. 

Flash Furniture Personalized Small Bean Bag Chair

Flash Furniture creates bean bag chairs that can be custom made to display names or phrases. With two lines and a variety of characters to work with, you can create your personalized bean bag chair in any of their many color options. This bean bag is on the smaller side, measuring 30” x 18”, making it perfect for young kids and toddlers. Its lightweight design makes it easy to move this chair from the TV room to the living room, the playroom, and anywhere else. It’s not a problem if snacks are spilled during the enjoyment of this bean bag because its cover can be easily removed and thrown in the washing machine. Nothing says “fun” like a personalized bean bag chair, and that’s exactly what Flash Furniture is bringing to you. 

ACEssentials Gaming Bean Bag Chair

ACEEssentials has created a bean bag chair that they deem is perfect for gaming. They’ve found the perfect combination of comfort and ergonomics to bring you cozy and supportive seating for gaming, reading, or watching TV. This bean bag chair measures 36” x 23” x 36”, which allows you to enjoy the fun of a bean bag without needing the extra floor space that most bean bags require. If you really want to maximize your space and have some extra back support, try placing it up against a wall. This chair comes in four colors and also features a slip pocket on one of its sides. 

Pillowfort’s Cocoon Seat

Pillowfort brings you another variation of the bean bag chair with their cocoon seat. This cocoon seat is made from a soft, velvet material that never fails to feel extra comfortable and cozy. Given its elegant design, you’d be surprised to hear that this cocoon seat is made for young children, sized at 16” x 34” x 34”. The velvet cover, which is available in three colors of grey, blue, and navy, is made with a liquid-resistant liner that protects against spills or accidents. The cover is also machine washer friendly, so if a spill is really stubborn, simply unzip it and throw it in the wash. The cocoon seat’s design is so cozy you’ll be wishing you had one of your own. 

Why Choose a Bean Bag Chair?

Whether you’re redecorating or looking for additional seating, a bean bag chair is definitely worth considering. Although bean bag chairs have been around since the 1970s, they’ve only recently experienced their popularity boom. Bean bags are a fun twist on a traditional chair and can bring extra comfort, style, and practicality to any room. What makes bean bag chairs so great is their mobility, comfort, and multi-purpose functionality. 

Mobility

Bean bag chairs are squishy and easy to fit through halls and doorways. This makes them easier not only to get into your house but also to move around within it. When shopping for a bean bag chair, there’s no worry of trying to calculate and measure if it will be able to fit through the doorway; their form-shifting design allows them to be squeezed, stretched, and shaped, allowing them to get into any space. Once they’re in your home, they’ll also be easier to move between spaces. If you usually enjoy your bean bag in your bedroom but want to bring it to the living room for family movie night, there’s no hassle of having to lift and carry a heavy, clunky piece of furniture. 

Comfort 

Bean bag chairs are more comfortable than regular chairs or couches. Most bean bags are figure-hugging and made with memory foam. This allows you to find your most comfortable position, and the chair will take shape with your posture. Bean bag chairs are also made in a wide variety of materials such as suede, corduroy, and velvet – your favorite material probably comes in bean bag shape too. 

Multi-functionality 

Bean bags aren’t necessarily always chair-shaped. Just like some of the bean bags listed, designs vary. There are classic bean bag shapes, chair-like shapes, and pod-like shapes. Some bean bags, like CordaRoy’s, even have the ability to unzip and turn into a full standard-sized bed. Bean bags can be sat in, laid on, used as a footrest, and more. 

Have Fun With It

A bean bag chair is a great addition to any room that can add functionality, style, and comfort. 

Choose a bean bag chair that will serve you best by offering you the most versatility. CordaRoy’s bean bags are all convertible furniture that can turn into a bed, bringing you an addition you didn’t even know you needed. 

Find the best bean bag for you and watch the eyes light up as people walk in and see it.