By: Olivia Alexander

I will never forget the day we got our first email from Urban Outfitters. They were interested in selling our CBD products and I couldn’t believe it. I immediately ran into our warehouse to tell everyone the good news. I always knew the world would change and cannabis would become mainstream, but I never realized it would be so soon.

As it always seems to go in cannabis, things would not be simple, and it was only the beginning of nearly a year-long process. One of the misconceptions about CBD is that it can be sold like any other product, but there are a number of hurdles to overcome. Even for a global company like Urban Outfitters.

Our excitement was building for weeks after they placed their order. It was almost time to ship, everything was ready to go and then the call came. They had a legal issue and we couldn’t move forward. This was not a surprise for a small cannabis company, but disheartening none the less. On top of it all, our internal world was crumbling as my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was a heartbreaking time for us and it truly felt like we were on a roller coaster. You can see an inside look at this journey in our web series here.

Luckily, our team is resilient. We held out hope that it wasn’t a matter of IF our products would launch in Urban Outfitters, but when. So we all waited patiently and kept going. Many months went by and the email finally came. We would launch online and in their top retail locations. A collective sigh of relief, joy, and anticipation rang through the office. It was finally happening.

Seeing our products on a website I have shopped at since I was 14 is mindblowing. Being in the company of so many other brands I aspire to be and of other women-owned CBD companies is a proud moment. I have received many messages from small women-owned startup cannabis companies who have been so inspired by this moment. While it’s been a rocky journey, every struggle makes it sweeter.

This moment is about creating access points for CBD that had not previously existed. It will inspire other specialty and big-box retailers to bring this category into their stores. It will put our product in front of so many people who have not yet tried CBD. It may seem like just a bath bomb in a store, but it is part of a larger movement.

Every moment pushing CBD forward should be celebrated. When businesses move, the government and banks will eventually need to follow. It’s what we need to keep the momentum going, so we can free CBD and cannabis from its chains. Then, we can free the millions of people who need this nutrient and the prisoners of the drug war from their chains as well. This is why it is important to continue to support CBD and Cannabis Brands.

You can shop CBD products at Urban Outfitters online and grab our Kush Queen Relax, Love, and Sleep Bath Bombs right now! Our Relax Bath Bomb will also be available in select Urban Outfitters stores in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled!

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

 

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By: Angela Viesti

If there’s a downside to using Kush Queen bath bombs and topicals, it’s that you become spoiled to the point that nothing else is good enough. These were my sentiments exactly one cold January evening after I’d gotten home from the gym and decided to take a bath before realizing I was out of bath bombs. I had a mini shit fit then reluctantly proceeded to prepare a bath sans bomb. As I gathered my Epsom salts and a few essential oils to spruce up the lackluster bath water, I remembered that I had a bottle of Soaked Transdermal Shower Gel and figured I could use it as a bubble bath. What ensued was a euphoric, meditative bath experience that I wasn’t expecting, but embraced wholeheartedly and have repeated many times since.

To create this experience at home, you’ll need:

• Bathtub or footbath

• Soaked Transdermal Shower Gel (I used the THC version, available in CA dispensaries; you can order the CBD version here.)

• Epsom Salts

• Essential Oils

• Optional: diffuser, candle, smudge stick, flower petals

I opted to go with a full bath experience, but if you’re not into baths or don’t you have a bathtub, you can use this recipe as a foot soak instead. Topicals and soaks are great for novices, but I’d recommend starting with the CBD Soaked or a very small amount of THC Soaked until you’re familiar and comfortable how these products affect you. (Use about a third of the recipe for foot soaks.)

I always like to clear the space and set the mood for relaxation when preparing a bath, so I use sage or palo santo to smudge the bathroom, set the intention to honor myself and make space to heal, and give gratitude for the opportunity to practice self-care with cannabis. Then I light some candles so I have soft lighting during my bath and draw the bath water. I like hot water because I spend at least 30 minutes in the tub, but you can opt for warm water if that suits you.

When the tub is about half way full, I add in 2-3 cups of Epsom salts, a blend of essential oils (try lavender, chamomile, and bergamot for a relaxing, end of day bath), and 2-3 pumps of Soaked. Bump up the aromatherapy factor by diffusing essential oils while you bathe. I love eucalyptus and clary sage for refreshing spa vibes, but play with whatever scents call to you.

Since the formula for Soaked is transdermal and contains nano-CBD and nano-THC, the effects of the shower gel are felt instantly–easing pain, soothing tension, moisturizing skin, and increasing circulation throughout the body–making this the perfect way to enjoy a bath or foot soak for just about anyone with any needs.

I must advise those of you dipping your toe in the THC-infused bath water for the first time, that the psychoactive effects are intensified the more submerged your body is under water. Since Soaked is a transdermal formula, it penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream. This makes the experience more euphoric and allows you to reach deeper meditative states. I urge you to ease yourself into the water and remain present to the sensations you feel at all times. You can always shift so that only part of your body is underwater to better gauge how your body responds to the psychoactive effects. And you can always decrease the amount of Soaked you use or opt for the CBD formula instead.

By mixing Kush Queen’s innovative products and some everyday healing tools I keep on hand, I accidentally stumbled upon my new favorite way to practice self-care. Give it a try and let us know how your experience went!

 

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

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By: Ben Mervis

Like so many millennials, from a young age, I’ve felt the calling to be a part of something special, something big… my own path, not one with a well-worn trail. So, after graduating from college with a hard-earned Bachelor’s degree, I went and worked in a restaurant. (LOL). I negotiated the title of Marketing and Events Coordinator, and when I wasn’t upselling private party menus from chicken to steak frites, I was cutting flowers, taking pictures, and serving sass as a front-door host with the most.

The 6+ months I spent in that role gave me time to manifest a job in public health, where I could merge my passion for developing creative marketing campaigns with programs that could make a real impact in our world. That’s not to diminish that a steak frites upgrade really will improve your life, sorry plant-based friends.

Since those early post-college months, I’ve had a pretty exciting career reshaping how health messages are marketed, first from our State and Federal Governments, and for over 2-years now, from cannabis companies.

The thing about marketing is that it’s all around us, and people are constantly working to steal more of your attention to try to get some of your hard earned dollars and coins.

So when I first met Kush Queen CEO Olivia Alexander and saw how much she cared about her social media communities, and Kush Queen customers, I was impressed and inspired. Olivia’s passion rivals that of many of my former colleagues who had (then) been working on public health campaigns since 1975.

In my many years, I’ve seen that it’s mostly been women who have been advocating for public health; creating heartfelt campaigns about women’s breast and pelvic cancer screenings, nutrition and health assistance for single mothers and their children, and campaigns to keep children from smoking cigarettes. These women have been the behind the scenes backbone of public health for generations, and I’m a proud supporter and ally of female leaders taking their seats at tables of all kinds, from boardrooms to whatever table Senators, Congresswomen, and Governors sit at.

I’m going to tell you one of our recipes for success at Kush Queen. It only works because it comes from the top – and I hope Olivia doesn’t mind that I’m spilling the tea – but we evolve based on the needs of our communities, and we do our best to represent different people not just in the color of our models, but in the stories, the fantasies, the experiences, the heart and soul of who we are. It’s a pulse, an energy that runs through the products we release, the creative campaigns we create, and the partnerships we enter.

Very few cannabis brands get this right – and very few consumer services and brands do it at all. Medmen does a great job with their Ember magazine, diving deeper into the facets and intersections of our communities. Equinox maintains a market-leading presence as a home for athletes and wellness at all stages. Whole Foods does an amazing job – even in the aftermath of an Amazon acquisition – of valuing organic local products, and expanding accessibility to food deserts. Apple has worked hard to protect customer privacy and data, and to be a trustworthy voice in this new age of digital lives and histories.

This first year of queening has been nothing short of kismet. I feel so very fortunate to work for a brand and CEO that can make us feel like royalty, just by loving ourselves a little bit more. Thank you to my colleagues, our customers, our photographers, our models (who often start as customers) – everyone that makes this feel like that something special that this millennial always wanted to be a part of.

 

 

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

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By: Angela Viesti

As we kiss February goodbye and anticipate the arrival of spring, it seems timely to set the intention of keeping love in our hearts throughout the year. Romance aside, we all have people, animals, places, activities, and belongings that bring us joy and keep our hearts open. Love is the most powerful and transformative feeling in the Universe, so what can we do to tap into love, when times are tough and our vibes are low?

 

Stir up Memories of Love

A great way to get out of a mental funk or share yourself with a loved one is to indulge in the nostalgia of happy memories. Open up a photo album (either digital or physical), spark up a joint, and reminisce on the good times. This temporary escape will shift your mood in an instant and allow greater connection as you share yourself with your partner or loved one. Go back to the simpler times and consider all that’s changed since then. No doubt, you’ll find yourself laughing at obsolete technologies, remembering old friends, and asking yourself how anyone got around or got in touch using Thomas guides and landlines.  

Another way to reminisce and get into a headspace of love is to play old music from back in the day–whatever that means to you. Open up your Spotify and find a playlist rich with Motown jams, lowrider oldies, love songs from the 80s, or those 90s R&B tracks that peppered your childhood with the desire to be in love. If you have company, take turns sharing your favorite love-inspired music from the past and see if your tastes intersect. Try dancing to the music or switch to something more upbeat to get you moving and sweating out that stagnation.

 

Surround Yourself with Loving Energy

Being stagnant is defined as an inactive person, society, or body of water, with no flow or movement and little change or progress. Under those conditions, it’s nearly impossible to create positive feelings of love within our beings, but we have the ability to change that at any time.

There are several ways to physically get out of a mental funk and move the energy stored in your body. Taking a brisk walk, stretching in between periods of being seated, and getting up and moving (like dancing, as described above) are effective ways to kick up our energy and get it flowing through our bodies. If weather and location permit, get to the ocean or a lake to help stimulate flow or create the experience at home by filling a tub with warm water and a Kush Queen Love bath bomb, with Frankincense and Bergamot to elevate your vibe.

Create a sacred space in your home that reminds you of the things that bring you joy. Collect pictures of loved ones and beloved pets, your favorite crystals, and gift or tokens of affection and create an altar of love to help you drop into your heart when you need a break from the day to day minutia.

 

Heart Opening Practice

If you’d like a more refined practice to get you back into a state of love, try these simple exercises to open your physical heart space and let love flow. You can do these solo or with a partner or group:

• Sit or stand up with your feet evenly placed on the ground and take a deep breath in. Roll your shoulders forward and up toward your ears 3-5 times; reverse the direction and repeat as desired to loosen up your shoulders and chest

• Continue sitting or standing with feet placed evenly on the ground and clasp your hands together behind your back with fingers interlaced and palms touching (if possible). Gently pull your knuckles down toward the floor for 5-10 deep breaths; maintaining this position, roll your shoulders just like in step one. Gently sway side to side and feel your heart space stretch and expand.

• Place a mat or a towel down on a solid surface and lay down on top of it; extend both arms into a T position and bring your knees up above your hips. Let your legs drift to one side while you turn your head to face the opposite direction for 3-5 breaths before switching sides. Repeat as desired.

 

• Take a yoga block or a small, firm pillow and place it in the center of your upper back (think of the place where a bra strap would land) while still on the mat or towel; you can also use a foam roller instead and place it vertically under your back. If desired, place a pillow under your head. Extend your arms out and bend at the elbows, creating a goal post position, lean your head back gently and take 3-5 deep breaths.

• Remove props from underneath you and lay flat on your back with your eyes closed. Place one hand on your heart and the other on your abdomen below your belly button. Take 3-5 breaths here and repeat as desired.

• Gently bring one knee up to your chest and then the other; wrap both arms around your bent knees and pull them towards you. Bring your head in toward your knees and tightly clench the muscles in your face for 5-10 seconds. Release and extend your arms upward above your head and your legs beneath you in an upside-down V shape for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 3 times or as desired.

 

Keep Love in Practice Year-Round

I hope this blog helps you to actively keep love in your life long after the Valentine’s Day high comes down. Adapt this practice to fit your life and style and add in anything that expands your capacity to feel and receive love.

 

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

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By: Angela Viesti

Looking back on cannabis in California during the pre-Prop 64 era feels like reminiscing on childhood. So much has changed so quickly and it seems worlds away from where we are now.

Before the Green Rush began, when the cannabis industry was the cannabis community, prior to adult-use and CBD rescheduling, there was a small collective of pioneers willing to put their names and faces out in the public to stand up for cannabis patients and the victims of the war on drugs, many of them members of or loved ones of members belonging to one or both groups.

One of those trailblazers was Kush Queen’s founder and CEO, Olivia Alexander, someone whose influence and support continues to impact my life and career since meeting her in 2016.

We met synchronistically one March evening in Venice, CA, at an open house of sorts for Elevate LA, an organization whose efforts were aimed at reforming cannabis laws in the city of Los Angeles.

We discussed what it was like being Millennial women in a space largely inhabited at the time by men and older generations. We agreed that change was required and would be inevitable. It was important to both of us that the mainstream understood, cannabis was medicine. That those whose suffering ignited the Compassionate Use Act and those behind bars for touching the plant were included and had a voice in the evolution of cannabis.

She had plans to grow her feminism-focused cannabis lifestyle brand, Kush Queen, and turn Crystal Cult, the business that catapulted her into entrepreneurship, into something bigger.

We exchanged contact information and soon after she reached out to see if I was interested in working Crystal Cult and Kush Queen’s booth at Compassesh, a gathering that allowed cannabis consumption under Prop 215, which was my first cannabis gig ever.

Over the next few months we worked together at events for Elevate LA, Crystal Cult, and Kush Queen, including Chalice Festival in 2016. By the end of that summer I was blogging for Olivia’s media channel, The Budd, which sparked my renewed interest in writing and was my first paid writing opportunity.

Over the next year and a half a lot changed in our lives and within the cannabis space. Shortly after Prop 64 was approved by California voters, Kush Queen became an official cannabis brand, launching their THC- and CBD-infused bath bombs into dispensaries across the state. I dove into working and navigating the grey area between the approval of Prop 64 and the official start of adult-use sales in California through various roles with cannabis brands and organizations.

After major shifts on both our ends, we found ourselves reconnected in the summer of 2018 when I reached out to her about bringing Kush Queen to an event hosted by Positive Vibes Cancer Foundation and the stars aligned for us to work together again.

The brand was evolving and there were ample opportunities to collaborate. I got to know the Kush Queen team and felt at home in an environment where high vibes, creativity, innovation, and happy, healthy employees were paramount. I trusted the integrity of Kush Queen’s products because I was using them myself and always heard rave reviews from anyone I introduced to the brand. But it was the brand’s inclusive and socially responsible ethos that hit the high note for me. Kush Queen has supported cannabis patients, the LGBTQ community, victims of the devastating California wildfires, POC-run grassroots organizations and so many others. All of this, despite reluctance from many corporations to even receive donations from cannabis companies, and with no signs of slowing.

In the fall of 2018 I became a regular contributor to the Kush Queen blog, an affiliate of the brand, and a part-time brand ambassador.

With so many new celebrity-owned brands hitting the market, countless so-called-experts emerging, and established mainstream companies jumping on the CBD and cannabis bandwagons, it can be challenging to discern a quality product from effective marketing. The long standing history in the cannabis space and continued efforts to change the paradigm in cannabis from what was once a mostly male dominated industry to what is now becoming a corporate rat race is what sets Olivia, and the Kush Queen team, apart from the newcomers. It’s my personal policy to only promote brands I believe in and work with companies whose founders I align with and few are as fitting as Kush Queen and Olivia Alexander.

If you are loving your Kush Queen products, we want to know! Don’t forget to follow and tag @kushqueenshop and @kushqueenco in your Instagram posts and stories!

 

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By: Megan Lyn Farley

2019 is moments away and as the tradition goes you should be preparing for the countdown with a Champagne Cocktail in hand and your lips at the ready for a little New Years smooching. I do, however, feel it is my duty to remind you that your worth does not stem from whether or not you have a kissing partner when the ball drops. 2019 has so many possibilities in store for each and every one of us, and you don’t need anyone to validate these opportunities for you. This is such a beautiful time to go inward and reflect. Single, or coupled up, taking a moment for yourself to begin manifesting all you want in the year ahead will bring so much value to your life. Fall in love with yourself just a little deeper in this moment. Breath and savor it.

Okay, enough of the gooey stuff! Let’s talk about that Cocktail thing. While I am definitely a fan of Champagne, it is not always the best option for everyone. You or some of your guests may be pregnant, planning to get sober in the New Year, or may prefer to enjoy a Cannabis enhanced New Year over booze. Whatever the reason, if alcohol is off the table, that does not mean you can’t still ring in the New Year with a tasty mood enhancing beverage in hand.

Enter the Mocktail. A delicious, sans alcohol option, that can be customized to your taste. Yes, please! This year I am adding Bäre Daily Wellness + Gummy RX to my Mocktail menu. You won’t miss the alcohol and will enjoy a decadent treat that is sure to have you feeling relaxed and ready for the New Year. I highly recommend this beverage for anyone with social anxieties or chronic pain that may prevent you from enjoying the festivities. Close your evening out with a nice hot bath in one of our Kush Queen Bath Bombs for some extra relaxation and much-needed relief.

Keep in mind that almost any cocktail can be turned into your new favorite mocktail with a few replacements and a bit of creativity. Scour Pinterest for inspiration and have fun with your new concoctions.

The Bubbly Berry Mocktail

This Mocktail is delicious and refreshing and will be hard to put down. The recipe Serves 2

And includes 66 MG CBD per beverage.

You will need:

• Gummies RX ( 2 Extra Strength or 4 Standard)

• Bäre Daily Wellness Tincture (2 Full Droppers)

• ½ Cup Fresh Raspberries

• 1- 2 Cans Bai Bubbles ( I used Watermelon Lime)*

• 2 Champagne Flutes

• 2 Cocktail Toothpicks

• Blender or Food Processor

*In place of the Bai Bubbles you can use any Sparkling Water of your choosing. I recommend adding a ½ TBSP of Agave Syrup to your berries to add a touch of sweetness.

Whip it up:

• Add your berries and Bäre tincture (+ agave if using) to your blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

• Pour your berry mixture into the champagne flutes.

• Add your Bai Bubbly to the champagne flutes. You will want to do this very slowly as it will foam and overflow if you pour too quickly. Fill each flute to the top.

• Add your Gummy RX to the Tooth Picks (2 extra strength or 4 standard on each toothpick)

• Top each flute off with 1 toothpick

• Enjoy!

If you happen to be throwing a NYE party this would make a great addition to the menu. You could even make it a beverage bar with multiple fruit puree and Bai Bubbly options to choose from. Need a little Last minute party inspo? Check out this Blog Post by our very own Morgan English of @ThisCannabisLife.

 

We can’t wait to see how you are using Kush Queen to bring in the New Year! Don’t forget to follow and tag @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in your instagram posts and stories!

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By: Morgan English

Thought you weren’t going to host anything for New Year’s Eve and now you are? Or maybe you always planned on throwing a get together, but Christmas shopping and celebrating kept you from the NYE planning? Don’t let the stress get to you, we’re here to help!

Here are some go to KQ tips for the perfect NYE party.

Set your budget + make a list

The best thing to do going into your last minute party is setting a budget and making a list of what you need. This keeps the overspending to a minimum and let’s you tackle the to-do list in an efficient way.

A few items that are good for any party, especially a NYE party

• Party hats

• Noisemakers

• Confetti poppers (optional)

• NYE Banner

• Balloons

• A backdrop for the photobooth (optional)

• Napkins

• Recyclable cups

Pro tip: Don’t purchase too many NYE decorations with the actual year on it. This way you can save a few party hats, banners and leftover noisemakers for next year. It’s a great way to slowly build having decorations without breaking your bank.

 

Skip the dinner + big menu

One of the best parts about New Year’s Eve is that it’s a late night celebration. Skip the dinner! Start your party around 9 PM (at the earliest), build a cheese and charcuterie board, throw together an easy dessert, and get the sparkling cider ready to go! We’ve got you covered with this easy CBD fudge recipe and a fun way to class up the sparkling cider.

CBD Fudge Recipe

Everything you’ll need:

• 1 (12 ounce) bag of semisweet chocolate morsels

• 9 ounces (¾ of a 12 ounce bag) of butterscotch morsels

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon BARE CBD tincture

• 8 inch cake pan, lightly greased with softened butter

• Optional toppings: walnuts, candy canes, toffee bits, sea salt

   

Directions:

• Place a heavy pot on the stove and preheat it over low heat

• Add chocolate + butterscotch morsels and condensed milk into pot, stir until morsels are melted and combined with the condensed milk

• Stir in vanilla extract and BARE, once combined remove pot from heat

• Spoon fudge into pan, it will set almost immediately. Add garnishes right away (first minute that fudge is in the pan)

• Chill covered in the refrigerator, slice into small pieces when ready to serve!

Apple Cider with CBD Apple Slices

Everything you’ll need:

• Sparkling apple cider

• Apples, sliced

• Cinnamon sugar

• BARE CBD tincture

Directions:

• Slice apples and place on flat cutting board

• Lightly drizzle BARE over the apple slices. You can use a spoon or small spatula to evenly spread the BARE on each apple slice.

• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the apple slices

• Flip apple slices and repeat on other side

• Pour sparkling cider into glass, and place the apple slice on the rim!

 

Make it a BYOB party

Whether it’s booze or buds, ask your guests to contribute! They really won’t mind and it takes the financial burden off the hostess, and I promise you will still be the hostess with the mostess!

Set up + P A R T Y!

Now it’s time to decorate before the guests arrive…

Not quite sure where to put the party hats? Throw them onto the Christmas tree! It’s a fun way to decorate the tree for NYE without spending additional cash. As guests arrive, encourage them to take a hat off the tree.

I always recommend finding a little place to set up a photo booth. Hang up some streamers or a premade backdrop and a NYE banner, and boom! A great place to snap photos and make memories with your best friends.

Blow up a ton of balloons and just let them float around on the floor! It’s fun to have, people will start playing with them, and they add an extra element that you can pull together quickly. If you’re brave and don’t mind the mess, blow one of the confetti poppers before the guests arrive.

Need some music to get the party started? Try one of these Kush Queen Curated Playlists.

Hope this helps you pull together a wonderful New Year’s Eve.

We can’t wait to see how you are using Kush Queen to bring in the New Year! Don’t forget to follow and tag @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in your instagram posts and stories!

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By: Alison Musat

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and well, of course, I’ve got the munchies. Much like Ol’ St. Nick, I love a good spin on the classic gingerbread cookie recipe. When I get that craving, I reach for my traditional Swedish Pepparkakor recipe. Pepparkakor, by definition, are traditional Swedish ginger snaps that also double as the perfect gingerbread cookie.

This recipe has been handed down 3 generations of my family and was originally from a publication in McCall’s magazine. Nothing gets me into more of a holiday mood than the smell of the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves aromatically blending together in the air to provide a scent that just screams ”IT’S CHRISTMAS MORNING!!!”.

 

Tradition

The Swedish tradition is to place 1 of your cookies in the palm of your hand, make a wish and then use your pointer finger to tap on the cookie 3 times. If the cookie breaks, your wish will come true! I think we can all use a little luck around the holiday season so I happen to love sharing this tradition with my friends and family.

By incorporating bäre when creaming the butter, sugar, and eggs,  I am able to benefit literally from my sweet tooth, while adding to my daily ritual of microdosing CBD to enrich and support my daily life and activities. For more information on how bäre works in your endocannabinoid system, I recommend reading another informative Kush Queen Blog post that goes into detail about the products abilities.

 

Traditional Pepparkakor Recipe

3 ½ Cups unsifted flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 ½ teaspoons ginger

1 teaspoon cloves

1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

1 teaspoon or 6 full droppers bäre Tincture

¾ cup sugar

1 egg

¾ cup light molasses

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel

• In a large bowl, sift flour with spices, salt, and baking soda. If you don’t have a sifter at home, you can always shake the flour through a sieve to break up any clumps while evenly blending in the spices.

• In another large bowl, separate from your flour mixture – beat together with an electric mixer, the unsalted butter, sugar, egg, and bäre; until blended smoothly.

• Add molasses and lemon peel; beat ‘til well blended, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl intermittently to ensure an even mixture.

• With a large spoon, stir in the flour mixture.  Once the flour is incorporated into the mixture, use your hands to knead the dough together until completely smooth again.

• Wrap the dough with a piece of wax paper or foil and put into a plastic bag, ensuring no air can get inside. You can even use parchment paper tied up with hemp string if you’d like a more eco-friendly option!

• Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4-5 hours or overnight. It is important that the dough is cold enough to work with.

• Having the dough ready to go ensures you and your guests will have freshly baked cookies, hot out of the oven, on Christmas morning. You may even lure Santa back down the chimney to steal a bite or two!

• Preheat oven to 375°. While the oven is heating up, prepare your cookie sheets by greasing lightly with butter.

• Divide dough into 4 parts, keeping one section out and return the rest back into the refrigerator.

• Lightly flour a pastry cloth and rolling pin, keeping a small pile of flour off to one side. This will make it handy to re-flour all surfaces regularly.

• Take the ball of dough in your hands, pressing between your palms to make it flat like a pancake.  Lightly rub flour on the top of the dough.

• Start to roll the dough to a ⅛ inch thickness. Flip dough occasionally, re-flouring all surfaces including the rolling pin as needed, so that the dough will not stick to anything.

• Cut rolled dough into desired shapes with cookie cutters.

• Transfer the cookies onto a pre-greased baking sheet using a metal spatula, placing ½ inch apart. The metal spatula will help maintain the edge and definition of the cookie.

• Combine the leftover trimmings together with the unused dough and return to the fridge. I like to transfer the cookies one at a time, however, you can also cut the cookies first and then place them onto the sheet.

• Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let the baking sheet cool for 1 minute and then using a metal spatula carefully scrape the cookies off, removing them to wire racks to cool. After cooling, frost if so desired.

• Makes 6-7 dozen cookies depending on size.

Helpful Tips

• Grate your lemon first using a box grater on a plate. This step can be time-consuming and I find it much easier to gather all my ingredients first, ensuring no last minute trips to the store.

• It is also handy to keep a pile of flour in case the dough becomes too warm and sticky.

• If you find that the dough is becoming too warm during the process, feel free to put it into the freezer for a few minutes. This allows you to work the dough, without it being unmanageable- if you don’t want your cookies to look like they had one too many eggnogs.

These cookies are amazing unfrosted, or fully bäre, as I like to call them.  However for a more traditional frosted cookie please see the recipe below. I love this step because it really can add the custom holiday vibe to your creation! Every year it is what I look forward to the most.

Royal Icing Recipe

1/4 C Egg Whites

3-4 Cups Powdered Sugar

Create your piping bag

• In a medium bowl, beat egg whites with powdered sugar, using an electric mixer on medium speed, until smooth and stiff. Be sure to have enough powdered sugar on hand if you need to adjust the stiffness of your frosting. The frosting needs to be thick enough to hold its shape on the cookie, however not too thick as it will not connect well while decorating and be tiresome to use. If the frosting is not stiff enough, add a little more powdered sugar.  If it is too stiff, add a few drops of water.

• Once the frosting is done, take your premade piping bag and spoon ½ cup of the frosting into the bag.  Once done, fully roll the end of your bag down, so that while working you will not have frosting coming out of the top.

• During the decoration process, be sure to cover mixture with a damp paper towel so that it doesn’t dry out.  This will give you ample time to work.

• Use a #4 piping tip for writing or following the outlines of each cookie. Get Creative!  I like to use tips 3 and 4 however you are welcome to use any style tip.

Adding bäre to your daily ritual will not only help your overall wellbeing, but it can also serve a multitude of beneficial long-term effects as well. I find that the value it brings to my life is immeasurable. If you’re feeling especially festive, pair our Black Magic bath bomb – an excellent belated stocking stuffer or gift for the family member who deserves better than the traditional lump of coal.

We would love to see how you are incorporating Kush Queen recipe ideas and products into your Holidays! Don’t forget to follow and tag @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in all your instagram posts and stories.

Feeling the FOMO? Grab your Bäre below!

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By: Angela Viesti

This year’s Gemini Full Moon falls on Black Friday and serves as a timely reminder to express gratitude for what we have and to let go of what isn’t working.

Gratitude can feel elusive when we’re facing challenging times. The holiday season can bring up intense emotions, stress, grief, and tension, which can leave us wishing we could fast forward to January. Combined with all the loss, tragedy, injustice, and political turmoil IRL and in our news feeds, and it can be difficult to see the light.

Use these tools to be more intentional about how you show up and what energy you give off as the holiday season kicks off.

 

Get Grounded

Instead of mentally checking out to avoid an emotional rollercoaster ride, try these simple ways to relax and get grounded:

• Go outside and appreciate the natural beauty that exists; look up at the night sky and bask in the glow of the Gemini Full Moon

• Pause and take a few deep breaths with your feet planted on the ground; close your eyes and feel your breath move through your body; allow it to expand into your belly and lungs

• Smudge your space – light a sage bundle, incense, palo santo, or a candle to lift your mood and bring you into the present moment

• Brew a cup of chamomile tea and drop in a dose of Bare Tincture to relax physically and mentally.

• Draw a footbath and choose your favorite bath bomb from the Kush Queen mini collection to soak your feet in while you puff on a joint

Harnessing the energy of the moon to align your body, mind, and spirit will increase your appreciation for your innate ability to heal yourself.

 

As Above, so Below

If we take a cue from nature we can see how letting go is essential to our evolution. The moon is a perfect example of this playing out every 28 days as she cycles from stage to stage: Waxing to full, waning to new.

Create a mini-ceremony of appreciation for whatever you’re ready to let go of with this ritual:

• Get grounded using your prefered grounding technique

• Write down what you’re letting go of on a piece of paper and fold it to about palm-size

• Meditate with your hands in prayer, the piece of paper in between them

• Thank it for the lessons it’s taught you and bid it farewell

• (Safely) burn the piece of paper or rip it up to symbolically release it

There is beauty and strength in letting go of what once served us with gratitude and appreciation for what it represented in our journeys.

Give for Gratitude

The full moon can amplify people’s vibes for better or for worse. You have the power to create a positive shift in the collective energy by doing something kind for someone else.

• Hold the door open or make an extra effort to greet someone warmly

• Buy a stranger a coffee or offer to cook dinner for a busy friend

• Donate to a good cause or volunteer to help someone in need

• Host a holiday sesh for your closest friends or plan the next group dinner

These small gestures will raise your vibrations and those of the people you interact with.

 

 

Let us know how these rituals and techniques worked for you and share your adaptations with us by tagging @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in your Insta posts and stories!!

Find more Kush Queen products to assist in your grounding rituals below!

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By: Megan Lyn Farley

Hello, My name is Megan, and I am a procrastinator.

As it stands, we are just three days away from Christmas and I am not even close to finishing my shopping. Typical.

I am making the flight from Cali to Texas for the Holidays tomorrow and I haven’t even started to pack. Obviously.

I scheduled appointments for my nails, hair, brows and my pups grooming for the day before traveling because I like to live my life on the edge I guess?

Why I torture myself with the last minute hustle, I have yet to uncover, but I do it and I go hard every time.

If you happen to be anything like me and have procrastinated your Holiday gift shopping to the last critical moment, I am here for you. I support you. I am taking care of you, and I am doing it for free!

That’s right. We are offering FREE printables to help you with your last minute gifting needs. It doesn’t matter if you are in need of a quick gift for your white elephant party, are still in need of a little something for your roommate, or had some people slip through the cracks while shopping, these printables are a playful and versatile gift for all. Not sure how to gift a printable? Here are a few of my favorite Ideas to help spark your imagination. Have fun, adapt as needed and breath. You are all set now.

The Placeholder Gift

While you may have missed the cut off to receive your Holiday gifts from Kush Queen in time for Christmas day, that does not mean all hope it lost. You can still gift your bestie that bottle of Defynt she has been hinting at. Start by placing your order now, print and frame one of our free printables, and include a note letting them know the gift will arrive directly to their door soon. They still get to open a gift on Christmas and you still get to save the day with Kush Queen.

Keep it Simple

The easiest way to gift a printable would be to pick your favorite one, grab a frame and wrap it up. If you are framing your printable you can totally print it out on your standard printer paper too. The frame will hide the fact that it’s not a high-quality paper. Keep the person in mind when choosing the frame. Do they have a desk they will be putting this one? Print a 5X7 and make sure the frame will stand up on the desk. Will they be hanging it on a wall? Print an 8X10 and make sure the chosen frame will easily mount to any wall. You can even let them know in a note that you picked this print out for their office or bedroom. The thought means so much, and the fun printables don’t hurt.

Make it Unique

With a quick trip to your local dollar store you can actually create some fun and unique custom framing options. Adding a little whimsy can take a basic print to the next level. For these methods below I would recommend printing on a nice cardstock as they will not be hidden behind a glass frame.

• Clipboards: a Basic clipboard makes a great alternative to a traditional frame. Print your Image, place it under the clip and add some command strips or a wall hanging kit to the back and it is ready to add to any wall.

• Clothespins: This is such a cute Idea and so affordable. Using a standard clothespin, add command strips to the back of the pin and cut to size. Clip in the printable and you are set. Alternatively, you can skip the command strips and opt for some twine. Hanging three to four photos from the twine using the clips adds even more interest.

• Foamboard: If you would like to add a more modern touch, mounted prints make a great option. You can actually mount your own printables easily with some glue, an Exacto knife and a sheet of foam posterboard. You will glue the print of choice to your foam board, let the glue dry completely and then using the knife, cut the board to size. Using a permanent marker in the color of your choice, fill in the exposed sides of the foam board for a more refined look. Add a couple of command strips to the back and done.

Go all out

If you want to take your printable gifting to the max then it’s time to go full gallery wall. All of our printables were created to look amazing alone or together so they will make a great collection for a gallery wall. The prints are available in two sizes so you can play with formation options. Print all your images, choose one of the methods above for hanging or go with your own personal favorite method. You win at last minute gifting!

 

Whether you choose to gift just one printable, or gift all six, I would recommend adding a heartfelt note so that the receiver knows you picked this gift just for them. You can even use one of our free printable greeting cards for this! Now wrap it, Bag it or simply add a bow. How easy was that?

Download 8×10 Prints

Download 5X7 Prints

 

We hope these printables help with your last minute Holiday needs. Don’t forget to share how you are gifting with Kush Queen this season by following and tagging @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in your instagram posts and stories.

 

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