By: Olivia Alexander

One of the most commonly asked questions is if our Kush Queen bath bombs are hot tub/spa safe. I myself just moved and have a hot tub for the first time in my life. I love a soak in the bath and always feel the benefits of using our Kush Queen bath bombs. I can only imagine how turning up the heat and adding one of our bath bombs could make a hot tub sesh even better. But I definitely had lingering doubt that bath bombs could be used in a hot tub. I immediately had a visual in my head of that time I saw someone put dish soap in one and the resulting calamity that ensued.

How could I get to the bottom of this? Should I just toss one in my own hot tub and risk it to get down to the bottom of this? Would the hot tub be destroyed? More questions began filling my mind like, is it even good for you health to use an infused bath bomb in much hotter water? I decided to speak with a few trusted sources and consult the oracle to see if I could find an answer.

First, I contacted someone I have a ton of respect for, Kyle Johnson, the creator of Get Zen. He is not only a respected cannabis product manufacturer but he has a lot more knowledge of medicine than I do. That’s what makes their company different than other cannabis companies, they have a background in healthcare.

He explained that an easy rule of thumb is: “If you are a healthy person, hot baths with THC or CBD are great! If your doctor does not want to exercise because of heart problems, we would not recommend getting in a hot bath. THC and CBD would only exaggerate a pre-existing problem.

Most physicians advise their patients to keep safety in mind: Make sure the water temperature is not too high; stay hydrated, and if you choose to use a hot tub or sauna — especially if you have a cardiovascular disease — engage in activity for only a brief period of time.”

Cardiologists, in general, describe the process this way: “A sudden rise in body temperature creates significant stress on the cardiovascular system, predominantly via a cascade of adjustments resulting in an elevated heart rate. The higher heart rate, especially in the presence of reduced heart function, arrhythmia, and coronary artery blockages, can precipitate a cardiac event such as blood flow problems and in the worst case manifest as a heart attack.”

He explained what happens to the body when submerged in hot water: your body temperature rises, but your blood pressure drops. Normally we evaporate sweat to help cool the body off, but when you’re immersed in hot water that natural “cooling mechanism” doesn’t work. As a result, you can’t cool off. When the body gets “superheated” your blood vessels dilate to try and cool the body. Blood diverts to the skin away from the body core; your heart rate and pulse increase to counteract the drop in blood pressure. Normally these events don’t cause problems unless you have existing cardiovascular disease. So the biggest thing he stressed was to be aware if you have heart problems.

Woah. Ok, so it seems from a medical perspective that as long as you’re well, it wouldn’t be a danger to your health. But would it forever destroy the hot tub?

The first thing I discovered from Google is that there were some hard ‘no’s. Any bath bombs containing petals, confetti, glitter, or ornaments of any kind would definitely damage the spa. Anything solid that could clog the filter system or anything that produces bubbles would be a big no-no. It would be the same as the dish soap in the fountain. The good news is that Kush Queen bath bombs do not contain any potential debris. We have tons of fun and aesthetic bath bomb favorites like Lush, Da Bomb, and The Crystal Cult , but Kush Queen has always been about targeted wellness. The largest portion of our bath bomb hot tub worries is the oil: essential oil, cannabis oil, and olive oil. I spoke to a 20+ year specialist in pools, jacuzzis, and spas who confirmed that you could use them, but you would need to clean the spa after. How relaxing.  

Would he recommend regular use of them? Absolutely not. Why? Because oil erodes the spa system over time, creates build up, and could age the spa quicker than usual. If you do decide to use one for a special occasion, you would need to clean the spa with a special process to remove all traces of the bath bomb. The process includes first running non-foaming or bubbling dish soap with hot water through the spa for a minimum of 30 minutes. This is to remove all the traces of the oil. Next, you will drain the spa and run hot water back into the spa with 2 caps full of bleach to sanitize the jets. Once you are done running the spa for another 30 minutes, drain and refill with cold water to run for a final 30-minutes.

I myself will be going for it, next time I have a special occasion. I would toss in Relieve if I was super stressed, Love for an anniversary, or Awaken for long summer nights.  I can only imagine how incredible it will feel and will most certainly have to report back with my findings. You have to weigh the pros vs. the cons of whether or not using a cannabis-infused bath bomb in a spa is for you. I received the information from trusted sources and feel confident, but it’s always best to do your own research if you are truly concerned and to talk to a doctor first if you are unsure of your health condition.

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By: Morgan English

With spring in full effect and summer on the horizon, there’s no better time to do a little reset and check in with yourself. As much as people preach trying to find a perfect balance between work, home and everything else, I personally don’t buy it. I did for a while and I chased balance (whatever that means) only to realize that balance will mean different things from week to week. Which is why I don’t try to achieve perfect balance, but instead I make time to do “resets” and check in with myself.

The beauty of resets, for me, is acknowledging the parts of your life that need more attention or require more love. It is not about seeing where you dropped the ball or that you aren’t working out enough or your “bikini body” isn’t ready. It’s about finding small, easy ways to improve both your body and your mind.

The first thing I do for any reset is asking myself a few questions like these: How am I feeling emotionally? How is my body feeling? What does my body need? Where can I improve my habits to help myself continue to grow?

I love meditating and keeping these questions in mind while doing a body scan. It helps me realize a few things, time and time again…

1. Drink more water

2. Stretch every day

3. Stop forgetting to take your CBD daily

From there, I write down what my goals are and why. I put the list on my fridge and I jump into it. I highly recommend physically writing down what you want to focus on. It really helps it click and allows you to look at the list or reference it for inspiration and motivation when needed.

For this spring reset, I am making a point to stretch and take my CBD every morning. Even if that means stretching in bed. Beyond stretching, I’m committing to moving my body 4-5 times a week, even if it’s only for ten minutes.

This is my ten minute, go-to flow whenever I do a reset. It helps strengthen every part of the body, from the glutes to the core, and helps build muscle while improving balance. It’s perfect to do in the morning as a wake up for your body or at night to wind down.

1. Place your feet directly under your hips, so there’s about enough space for a fist between your feet. Press your heels down into the ground, take a few deep breaths, reaching your arms up and drawing your arms back to open your chest

2. Lock your fingers together and raise your arms so your biceps are by your head, make sure your shoulders are relaxed and drawn back. Gently lean to the right, come back to center, lean to the left, come back to center.

3. Leaving your left foot planted, step your right foot back into crescent lunge and hold

4. Sweep your arms back, bringing your chest forward. Engage your core

5. Engaging your biceps, do a bicep curl while you drop the right knee. Keep your glutes squeezed and engaged

6. Rise back into a crescent lunge and sweep your arms forward

7. Press your arms down as you lift your right leg forward into a march.

8. Slowly step your right foot back and repeat.

9. Do this 10 times on each leg

10. End in a stretch. Fold your body at your waist and connect your arms, sway back and forth. Allow your head and upper body to feel heavy here

And lastly, part of doing a reset for me is also tackling my terrible sweet tooth and snacking habits. Life moves fast, days are busy, and as much as I’d like to think I eat healthily, it truly ebbs and flows; Which is why I love doing a spring reset. I love having a healthier snacking option ready to go, especially to help curb those late night munchies. Over the years, fruit dipped in chocolate has become a staple in my household. Especially frozen chocolate covered banana slices. The best part about this snack? You can customize it to whatever you like! The options are literally endless.

 

CBD chocolate covered fruit

What you’ll need:

– Banana, sliced

– Apples, sliced

– Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

– BARE CBD tincture

– Crushed candied walnuts (optional)

– Coconut flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Slice all fruit and set aside

2. Melt chocolate as directed, typically microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir chocolate in between each until fully melted

3. Add BARE to melted chocolate and stir until completely combined

4. Dip half of the banana or apple slice into melted chocolate

5. Add crushed walnuts or coconut flakes to the chocolate

6. Let the fruit set in the fridge for two hours and enjoy!

Optional tip: freeze the chocolate covered bananas, you won’t regret it!

Any time you do a reset, just remember it’s for you. Not for anyone else. Do what feels right and what feels good for you, and everything else will fall into place.

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Need CBD oil to create your own Spring Reset Rituals? Grab a bottle of our Kush Queen Bäre Tincture below!

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By: Tiffany Whitmore

We all know how vital self-care is and at the same time we all know how easy self-care is to neglect. Add in the commonality that most of us are busy, have stressful jobs, or are too consumed with a fast-paced life to make time for ourselves.

For the past three months, I’ve been working to establish a habit of practicing 5 mins of self-care every day. Starting small has been a game changer for me. The biggest lesson I’ve learned thus far is that self-care can be anything that gives you the space to take care of your body, mind, and soul.

In the past my ideas of self-care never included walking meditations, an 8-mile hike, reading books out loud to my partner or learning new hobbies in the kitchen. In this short time, I’ve discovered freedom in self-care. Nowadays, I spend this valuable time for me anyway I want and with any intention as long as it involves refreshing my body, mind, and soul.

My self-care sessions from March and April included:

• Regular walking meditations – I use Calm, a meditation app, to lead me through a body scan and mindful walk during work breaks. Connecting and accepting your body’s current state is a great way to acknowledge how you are processing life events physically. Working towards a state of acceptance is a highlight of the walking meditation I’ve found impactful.

• Naturing – That’s a made-up word for spending time in nature. There is something about getting out of the city that almost instantly puts me in a different state of mind. Nature’s beauty speaks directly to my soul and reminds me of the bigger picture.

• Making CBD mocktails – CBD cocktails and mocktails have been popping up on menus in hot cities like Los Angeles and Nashville. I wanted to learn how to make at-home versions as a fun hobby. The first test kitchen recipe is the “Chilloma” my riff on the classic Paloma. Find the Chilloma recipe below – it’s my new Saturday afternoon must have.         

Previously, I would not have considered any of these activities self-care. Now I know they are for me because I feel the effects they have on my mind, body, and soul.  

Processing the bad and the good.

Sometimes (read as often) I forget to give myself acknowledgment or celebrate my personal growth. This past weekend, I completed a goal I set for myself and received terrific feedback in the process. My goal was to speak as a thought leader in my industry, and this past weekend I spoke at a local event. The process taught me so many things, I met a new friend and gained a sense of confidence I didn’t have before. From start to finish the experience was great!

In the past, it was a common practice for me to shrug off personal success and not give myself the time to process those good feelings. Now, I build in time to process all feelings.

After the conference, I came home and took an energizing bath to create a space for processing the day’s success and to reflect on how completing my goal made me feel. A 20-minute soak in Kush Queen’s Citrus bath bomb refreshed my body from being “on” all day connecting with peers and the invigorating citrus scent guided my mediation and reflection on processing the personal success.

I emerged still feeling the joy of the day and proud I gave myself space to personally celebrate. Naturally, I walked into the kitchen and made myself a Chillloma.  

Chilloma presented by Kush Queen Test-Kitchen

Makes 2 CBD Mocktails

Ingredients:

• Blood oranges (5 qty)

• Lime (2 qty)

• Kush Queen Bäre Tincture

• Honey

• Club Soda

• Ice

Tools:

• Juicer

• Teaspoon

• Stirring Utensil

• 2 Rocks Glasses

• Large glass or cocktail shaker

Recipe:

• Juice the 5 blood oranges, cut one lime in half

• In a large glass or cocktail shaker pour in 5 ounces of blood orange juice and squeeze the juice of one lime.

• Stir in 2 teaspoons of honey until the honey is mostly dissolved off of the spoon.

• Grab 2 rocks glasses and fill each glass nearly full of ice.

• Pour half of the blood orange and honey mixture into each iced rocks glass.

• Add 1 dropper of Bäre Tincture to the middle of each glass. Stir.

• Top with Club Soda and use the second lime to make a garnish.

• Cheers to chillin!

Self-Care Can Be Energizing If That’s What You Need

Self-care can be anything you need it to be. In my current season of life, self-care is energizing and focuses on connecting with my physical body to help guide the process. Give yourself the freedom to explore all types of self-care and remember to acknowledge your growth.

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Want to try the Chilloma? or create your own CBD Mocktail? Shop Bare Daily Wellness Below!

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By: Ben Mervis

The first time I went to a real yoga class about 5 years ago, I was shocked to realize something I hadn’t fully acknowledged in all my years of working out; I truly disliked feet. I had never been a fan of them – but I quickly noticed my own tell-tale scowl every time the class was instructed to bend over and touch our unsocked toes.

In bed, I’m a big fan of a cuddly caress, but try to run your foot up my leg under the covers… and I’m out of there faster than if a spider had fallen from the ceiling. In fact, that might even be my excuse as I run away, rather than reveal my distrust and distaste for the lowest extremities.

As I processed my disgust over many stoned yoga classes, I came to find that – as is often the case – this thing that I disliked so much about other bodies truly stemmed from something I disliked about myself. And thus the connection was born – a well-timed pedicure would lead to a happier yoga class, with more understanding, empathy, and less judgment about other people’s grubby ground hands.

But alas, my lesson went awry and without Uncle Jessie (NOT aunt Becky) to ask “what did we learn today” – I associated the found “okayness” with a fresh coat of paint.

This was the beginning of what I call my “teen years” of foot care, except I was 26 and going to yoga with busted polish that I had applied myself… weeks before. A whole new reason to be embarrassed and ashamed!  Maybe not the first time, but for sure the second, third, and definitely that time I decided to just not go to class because of it. And yet, again, some weed and deep thinking would soon reveal that it wasn’t a fear of what others would think that was upsetting me, it was the lack of love and appreciation I was showing for my own body – my own uncared-for “little piggies.”

That’s when I realized it – I’m a pedicure person. A real, genuine, passionate pedicure person every 3-4 weeks. I trim in-between of course, but I’ve found that dedicating that 45-60 minutes to a full foot service is worth it, for me. Beyond the nail shape and color, there’s the cuticle care, the callus removal, the little leg rubs… it’s everything. After some shopping around for the perfect salon, I finally have “my place” and it’s a little vacation for my mind, and puts a spring in my very pretty step.

Being a Kush Queen, and maybe the king of footbaths – I sometimes bring a mini bath bomb for the foot soak – after first asking the salon owner if it was okay. It’s a leveling-up of my spa moment and HIGHly recommended for anyone making this a ritual.

When I’m in the mood for a special treat, I head over to Bellacures for our signature collaboration service, the cannacure! The Cannacure service is longer, and incorporates Kush Queen products every step of the way: Relieve CBD mini bath bomb(s) in the water, CBD sugar scrub for the legs, Melt lotion for the massage… I leave a different person. If you live in the LA-area, treat yourself to one of these services at your local Bellacures.

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it.”

― Muhammad Ali

Pedicures have helped me to love a part of my body that I thought I never could – my feet. I look at them and smile, which should be our goal for our whole body, right? I went from someone who was unable to touch my toes – physically, and mentally – to someone who can gladly wrap my palm around my arch.

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By: Olivia Alexander

I recently decided it was time to start a new adventure for 2019: the quest for the best bathtub I could find. I stumbled upon this beauty on Airbnb and knew I had to book it. It was also a perfect time for me to escape LA and get some serious quiet time in.

I dropped in a Love 1:1 bath bomb just as the sun began to set. The bath was hot and it was beyond quiet. I honestly couldn’t believe how relaxing it was to soak outside. I love using THC and CBD in the bath because it is like getting a full body massage. People always ask me if you get high with these. You don’t get high through your skin, but your skin gets high. It’s absolutely the next level in bathing. It balances the PH and softens the water immediately. The organic essential oils burst as the bath bomb hits the water. Love is a blend of Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Orange, Patchouli & Cedarwood.

There’s something so special about being in Joshua Tree. It was so incredible being in nature in a bath. I could hear my mind settle and felt all my problems disappear. The light from the sunset gave me this incredible and indescribable feeling. I soaked and meditated in the tub for a good 30 minutes. If you ever have the chance to take a bath outside, you should. I hope this is the first of many outdoor baths for me. I have already begun my quest for the next few epic bathtubs on my serious bathing adventure.

 

Don’t forget to tag and follow @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in your Instagram posts and stories.

In the California Area? Find our 1:1 Kush Queen products new your HERE!

Not in California? No problem! Try a soak in one of our CBD Bath Bombs!

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By: Ben Mervis

“Birthday” no longer refers just to the day of your birth – didn’t ya know?

Some people claim a birthday week, some a long weekend, and we all know somebody who stretches their celebrations over an entire “birthday month” – we’ll call them #NationalHolidayBirthdayPeople. When our Blog Manager let me know my birthday blog wouldn’t be coming out until 3+ weeks following my birthday, my first thought was, yas – remind them of the momentous occasion.

Tyler Oakley Pay Attention To Me GIF from Tyleroakley GIFs

Fortunately, there’s no rule on birthdays – except that you only get one each year. Okay maybe two rules because (per the community standards of my last blog) murder remains a universal NO…. even on your birthday. #NoPurgeParties

I’ll even endorse the “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to” approach. I get it girl – if you want to cry, hide, escape, lie about your birthday – live your life.

The only thing I truly believe we should all do on our birthdays is to take a moment and honor ourselves. Celebrate another lap around the sun that was never promised, and set intentions for the coming year.

This year some of my very best friends offered to come spend my actual birthday with me – which is special since we’re rarely all in the same place at the same time. I was ready to celebrate another year of growth with lots of laughs and many many carbs. I also wanted to honor and practice the forms of self-care that I’ve been finding most beneficial.

I knew I wouldn’t be sleeping particularly well for two nights between the general excitement of all being together, and sharing my bed. So I mentally prepared myself to skip the gym. It can be difficult to break from a routine, but I’ve regained a lot of power by planning the breaks ahead of time, rather than trying and failing to fit a mountain of activities into one day.  

I do get some great meditation time in during my workouts though, so I made sure to get it in a different way. I put away my Soaked (which I use almost every day) – and instead opted for an energizing and nourishing BIRTHDAY MORNING BATH, adding both an Awaken and a Love bath bomb to the water! It was my only 30-minutes alone in the 24-48 hour span, and it was perfect.

Next, in lieu of gifts, I asked my friends to go through their closets and do some spring cleaning. I declared that we would donate everything to the LGBT Youth Center here in Hollywood; from there, they serve at-risk LGBT youth and young adults across the greater-LA area. I was so proud to see what just the 6 of us were able to pull together.

And since we’d made so much room in our closets… I wanted the big “activity” of my birthday – besides a heavy incredible Italian dinner – to be an interpretive costume contest! We each pulled spirit guide cards out of a deck from @TheWildUnknown and adventured to DTLA for some shopping in the wilds of Santee Alley – which resulted in some phenomenal LEWKS and lots of laughs.

Pictured from left to right: a panther, a moth, a shark, an oyster, a beaver, and a dragonfly.

It was a birthday well-spent, and I feel great about our clothing donation, particularly with the change of seasons upon us, and at-risk and homeless youth numbers on the rise. We all know what it’s like to crave a wardrobe update – so here’s hoping our once-treasured items bring joy to someone who has very little. Consider incorporating something like this into your own birthday, for a cause near to your heart! Even if it’s one of those Facebook fundraisers – it might be one of the best gifts you give yourself.

If you’d like to keep the birthday spirit alive and have the means, please consider donating to the Los Angeles LGBT Center through their website.

 

Don’t Forget to follow and tag @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in your instagram posts and stories.

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By: Olivia Alexander

Another day we continue our quest to educate the world on CBD. If you missed our first blog, All Hemp Is Not Equal make sure to check it out.

Now it’s time to discuss the different types of CBD. At Kush Queen, we’ve been labeled a beauty brand but we will always first and always be a cannabis company. We spent years cultivating, extracting, and learning as much as we could about the plant.

Our products are created for self-care and wellness. We aimed to create a product range that would honor the plant in its most effective form to help you achieve ultimate wellness. In our experience, feeding our endocannabinoid system daily is not only a way to feel better, but to practice preventative wellness. With this being the philosophy that guides us, the type of CBD is important to some consumers and as always at Kush Queen transparency is our top priority. Accordingly, we always mention what type of CBD is in every product. We’ve carefully considered each product and the type of CBD used with you in mind.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is cold pressed from hemp seeds. It does not contain CBD or any phytocannabinoids.

Isolate

Some products contain CBD isolate, which is a purified CBD molecule. CBD isolate is white and powdery in its appearance. It does not contain other phytocannabinoids like full or broad spectrum.

Full-Spectrum

Full Spectrum refers to cannabis-derived from the whole plant that contains CBD and other phytocannabinoids such as THC, CBN, THCA, CBC, and CBG.

Broad-Spectrum

Broad Spectrum contains all phytocannabinoids in the plant but does not contain any detectable amount of THC.

Nano CBD

Nano CBD is a compound where the molecules of CBD are shrunk down to extremely small sizes (less than 100nm) and turned into a water-based form. This process allows the CBD to pass through skin much more easily and quickly than any oil-based form.

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By: Angela Viesti

Spring has sprung and festival season has begun. Each year, new and established festivals publish their set times, maps, and afterparties to the eagerly awaiting masses who’ve secured their coveted (and costly) tickets and lodging.

A three day festival weekend can easily cost a couple grand, depending on where you stay and what you bring. Then there’s the question: how far will you go to make a statement? The outfits, the accessories, the grooming–all expressions of You. And finally, you have the physical preparation and post-fest recovery, which varies greatly from person to person and festival to festival.

In order to bring you the best tips and ideas for making the most of your experience, I consulted two queens from the cannabis space who happen to be well versed in the festival scene:

Leah Stella, a resident Kush Queen, has worked and attended just about every type of festival that exists as an experience creator, performer, and booth manager, among countless other roles, and Roni Stetter, a blogger and cannabis professional at The Hurt Guru by day and a festival enthusiast, harm reduction advocate, and safety volunteer by night.

Leah and Roni were kind enough to share some incredible insights that I sprinkled in throughout this blog. Read on and take what resonates with you into the 2019 festival season!

Festival Bod

Festival attendees are known for donning eccentric fashions and baring lots of skin. Many spend weeks and even months at the gym shredding and counting macronutrients. I fully support anyone wanting to get fit and feel their best, however, I see nothing healthy about overworking your body and depriving yourself while obsessing over the way you look.

Commit to healthy food choices leading up to the event rather than “quick fixes” or weight loss supplements, as most result in temporary results and have unpleasant to downright unhealthy side effects. Balanced nutrition, proper hydration, and sleep will fuel you and help you perform at your peak while supporting your body’s recovery in preparation for and, as echoed by Roni, in recovery from a festival.

Take the perspective of building stamina, strength, and flexibility to prepare your body for all the dancing and walking you’ll do so you can focus less on external results. Pay attention to your body and give yourself time to rest between intense workouts. Challenging yourself is great, but if you wind up injured you’ll set yourself back in terms of your fitness goals and you could ruin your festival experience if you hurt yourself.

To boost your recovery, draw yourself a bath and drop in a Kush Queen bath bomb (Relax and Relieve make a great combo for post-workout!) or try the DIY Infused Bath recipe from our blog. Incorporate tinctures or edibles to ease pain and heal from within. After your bath, apply Melt pain relief lotion to any tender and sore areas to keep the pain at bay while you sleep or go on about your day. Adapt this as your post-festival recovery by taking your bottle of Soaked with you to the bathroom or showers.

Festival Threads

Festivals are all about self-expression, and as such, considerable time is spent shopping for and putting together unique festival outfits. To save money, experiment with DIY embellishments, shop at vintage or second-hand stores or organize a clothing swap with your festival loving friends. I asked Leah for tips on hosting clothing swaps as she had this to say:

“Make them mostly female so girls are comfortable undressing around each other…lots of food, drinks, and mirrors. It’s so fun to see other girls enjoy your clothes and to find new gear for yourself. Arrange everything into piles by type of clothing.”

If you must buy something new, shop socially responsible brands that pay livable wages and provide safe work environments, or support a local artist or maker who’d love for their creation to be at a festival. Since your threads are an expression of you, customize pieces to make them unique and special. Leah chimed in with this:

“Go downtown or a craft store and buy cool appliques to attach to clothes. Glue/sew jewels onto clothing and accessories. Don’t just buy whatever trends are current for “festival fashion” in social media. People support originality and can always tell if you’re wearing something that isn’t you. Be comfortable above all else.”

Roni seconded the importance of being comfortable and added:

“…Having comfortable shoes goes a long way in ensuring that you’ll only have good memories of the event. Everyone loves a crazy costume, but when choosing your clothes and gear for the night, try to think of how you’ll feel at 2 am.”

So true. It may not seem necessary at noon when you’re getting ready to head to the venue, but consider packing a light sweater for the later hours. A long day in the sun followed by a long night under the stars will impact your body temperature, especially if you suddenly go from a dense crowd to a wide-open field. Thinking ahead will save you from a potential disaster and misery.

 

Festival Fundamentals

Exercise caution when it comes to bringing cannabis. All three of us agree that although cannabis is always present at festivals, it’s not always allowed–with the exception of some cannabis festivals (yes, some…there are weed festivals that don’t allow consumption, believe it or not)–and you run the risk of having it confiscated (or worse) by entering a festival with it.

It’s important to protect yourself from the elements whether you’re out perusing the fairgrounds, splashing away at a pool party, or setting up your campsite. Failure to do so can result in the dreaded festival flu–not pretty at all. I’d highly recommend bringing these items:

• Sunscreen (must-have) and a hat or parasol to block direct sunlight

• A water container that you can clip to yourself (a great suggestion by Leah)

• A bag that attaches to you, like a fanny pack, backpack, or crossbody bag

• Bandana or mask to protect your respiratory system from dust

I’ve never camped at a festival before, so I asked Leah what first-time campers should know and she offered this wisdom:

“Be ok with manual labor, heavy lifting, and ‘living’ with your campmates; don’t camp with people you don’t know because you’ll be living together and working together. Come prepared. Don’t mooch…[to make the most of your experience,] go with people you truly like.”

Speaking of people, it’s important to have a plan in place with the folks you’re attending with since you’ll all be in a new element that’s nothing like the outside world. Roni suggests this:

“Being with a group, or at least a buddy, at all times is your best bet for staying safe at a big event – and these should be people you trust….identify where all the first aid stations are in the venue… [and] set a meet-up spot in case someone gets separated (cell phones rarely work at large-scale events).”

Despite interference from shitty cell service, download the Find My Friends app (for iPhone here or Android here) and share your location with your squad for the duration of the event. Phones may not always work but this extra step could make all the difference. Just don’t forget to turn it off afterward!

 

Frolic Festively

The real point in going to a festival is to have a good time and discover something new about yourself, about humanity, through music, art, and connection. Leah offers up some excellent reminders about being present for the experience:

“We go to festivals to play and reconnect with our inner child…Get lost by yourself at least once…get off your cell phone…practice being in the moment and not worrying about schedules.”

No matter the type of festival you’re drawn to–music, art, cannabis, transformative, or anything else–there are universal ways to make the most of your time and have a life-changing experience. Test out these tips and let us know what worked for you and your festival crew!

 

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By: Morgan English

CBD and skin care. Everyone and their mother is talking about the two right now. And I get why because CBD mixed with your skincare routine will produce amazing results. The problem is that not all CBD is created equal and some brands are pushing products with absolutely no CBD in them.

You might be wondering why CBD is even mixed with skin care? You hear of it helping with inflammation for pain and easing anxiety, but your skin? Well, it helps that too. Every awful skin symptom I’ve had, I have been able to fix with DEFYNT, a CBD skin serum. Puffy eyes from stress or not enough sleep? DEFYNT has you covered. Red splotchy cheeks? DEFYNT has you covered yet again. Need something moisturizing? You can already guess my answer by now.

As a cannabis consumer who loves a good night of self-care with a face mask (and a bath, and a joint), I really wanted to combine CBD into my routine but wasn’t sure what products on the market to trust. So, I made my own using DEFYNT, and wow. It was completely worth the (little) effort of making my own face mask.

First I did some research on at home DIY masks and honestly got overwhelmed, thank you anxiety and trying new things, so I settled on getting this premade kit to start. It came with three base options (rose, french green clay, and volcanic clay) as well as two essential oils (peppermint and lavender), and gave me the ability to test out what I liked before spending too much money on all things face masks. Truthfully, I can’t lie, this little kit was the perfect starting point. It made everything easy and even came with the cutest little storing containers.

Now to actually make the mask!

The kit makes making your own mask really simple and nearly mess-free (a wonderful bonus for any neat freaks out there). It’s three easy steps and then straight on to self-care time!

1. Add 2 scoops of clay powder to face mask base, mix until completely combined

2. Add 3-4 pumps of DEFYNT skin serum, stir

3. Optional: add a few drops of essential oil, mix until completely combined

Once your mask is made, apply an even layer to a clean, dry face. Let it sit for at least ten minutes or until it’s dry; this is the perfect time to light up a joint in case you were wondering… Rinse the mask off with warm water and pat dry! Hello, fresh face!

As for choosing which clay powder or essential oil, think about your skin and what it needs. If you have sensitive skin or dry skin, use rose powder! Oily or acne prone skin? Try out the french green clay mask. Still feeling unsure? The volcanic clay is a safe bet for anyone.

My personal favorites were a simple Rose Clay + CBD mask and the Volcanic Clay, CBD + lavender essential oil. I’ve been switching between the two, doing one face mask a week, and my skin has never been better. It’s radiant, more even toned, and moisturized. For the first time in my life, I don’t mind leaving the house without a full face of makeup.

Not really one to make your own face mask but still curious about adding CBD to your routine? Just grab some DEFYNT skin serum and apply it daily; either in the morning so that the serum can work its magic under your makeup or before bed to let it soak in overnight. And lastly, don’t be afraid to add it to any store-bought face mask; it will still work wonders. Using a sheet mask? Apply a thin layer of DEFYNT to your skin before putting the sheet on your face and you are all set.

Happy masking, my friends!

 

Don’t forget to follow and tag @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in your instagram posts and stories.

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By: Ben Mervis

THE PRE-(R)AMBLE

There’s a heated debate over the phrase “everything in moderation” – but I remember my Bubbe saying it, so I hold in high regard. A quick Google search shows that the phrase triggers the haters because some things really are not good, even in moderation: self-harm, cancer-causing chemicals… murder (?).

And so while I’m certain that whoever first-coined the phrase never expected to need this disclaimer, I’ll just start this blog by establishing that as a community standard: “all things” in this case are things that do not inherently cause harm.

Another way to look at “everything in moderation” is to think about balance, right? In a growth-oriented world, balance allows us to build a strong foundation, to identify areas that are growing at different rates, and gaps where we may not be growing at all.

When seeking sustainable abundance we need self-awareness: what have I done that has led to this success, and what can I do to keep it going? Few people find abundance by luck, and even fewer sustain it.

When practicing self-awareness, we need patience for understanding and experience for appreciation. Self-care, humility, generosity, boundaries – what good is an abundant life if these other pieces are missing.

Fun fact: Jennifer Lopez was 33 when “Jenny from the block” came out – 3 years after her debut studio album “On the 6” was released. Sure she was in the game much earlier, but rather than become a full-blown diva at a young age, she waited, and she’s outlasted so many others.

TO BRING THIS BACK TO EARTH and talk about this in tangible terms, I’ve chosen to focus on three important areas where I’m trying to achieve balance in my life. They are really figureheads for greater self-awareness, and for some reason, I’ve always had an affinity for alliteration, so here it goes: crystals, carbs, and cardio.

 

CRYSTALS – the energy I give and receive

• The need for moderation: I inherited a giant crystal collection about a year ago; 1-2 pieces of every mineral from A-to-Z, which in many of my circles, is a wet dream. But I actually found it pretty overwhelming. The need to understand them, the desire to create altars, and set intentions, the guilt of doing so, while still forgetting gem’s names, and the chakras they ground.

• The awareness I’m practicing: Setting and sticking to intentions. I acknowledged said-guilt and released myself of it. My altars are smaller, so I stand a better chance of remembering everyone’s names – and now I focus more on the intentions that I’ve set, I make a practice of breathing good energy into them. I also tell people about my intentions, particularly when they visit my home. I cherish the opportunity to share them, to give them a voice and a real place in my life outside of my head.

• The long-term goal: Keep the energy exchange positive and beneficial. Reflect often and in-aggregate, express gratitude.

   

CARBS – the way I fuel myself, and loving the body I’m in

• The need for moderation: I’ve never met a carb I didn’t like, and have always claimed pasta as my favorite meal, but about 6-months ago I started calling myself a #carbinfluencer on Instagram. I just wanted to give people the carby content that they wanted… but a few short months later (and a couple of months ago), I also found myself at the highest body fat percentage I’d ever hit. I’m actually still there, although (twist) I’m also at my most-muscular.

• The awareness I’m practicing: I know better, so I can do better. Not all carbs are created equal (here’s looking at you chocolate croissants and super-processed mini-muffins). Carbs also cannot replace major food groups like vegetables; pesto pasta was not what the doctor meant about ‘eating my greens.’

• The long-term goal: Truly hold in-balance my carb consumption with my nutrition and energy exertion (read as: exercise). Continue to allow myself to enjoy the carbs I REALLY love, and make *cheats* less often so I can appreciate them more. (Here’s looking at you bread pudding).

   

CARDIO – movement, breath, and forgiveness

• The need for moderation: Work out too much, work out too little – kept in context of the carb influencing – it makes a difference in how I look, but more importantly in how I feel.

• The awareness I’m practicing: Understand that no Instagram bodybuilder, no doctor, no personal trainer, certainly no supplement salesman knows my body better than I do. I know the level of fuel (aka carbs) I’ve consumed, and I know how my muscles are feeling – so I have to be the one to decide how much energy I can burn, and it’s my responsibility to monitor that. Stretching has become a non-negotiable and feels almost meditative at this point – turning something rhythmic all the way up on my headphones – and connecting with my body bone by bone.

• The long-term goal: Stay in balance – grow, feel strong, be flexible – and understand that we only get one body, so I’d better take good care of it.

I’m giddy at the thought of keeping these three areas in balance; partially because they feel like choices – my choices. They feel like part of the intentional living I admire in others – they feel like steps of growth, and I feel prepared to take them on. And for me, blogging about crystals, carbs, and cardio might be one of my steps in sealing my intentions. For you, it might be journaling your intentions, writing them on some of that wish paper and lighting it on fire, or just sharing them with a best friend. Just know that however we do it, the only person who should hold you accountable is, well, you. But feel free to ask me how things are going, I love sharing updates on my public Instagram account @ben.mervis, and have learned so much from other people’s experiences on similar paths.

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Don’t forget to follow and tag @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in your instagram posts and stories!

Elevate your daily balance and awareness practices by adding CBD into your Self Care and Recovery Routines. Shop Kush Queen Bath Bombs, Topicals and Tinctures below!

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