January 2018 – user's Blog!

January 29, 2018

9 Nifty Home Essentials to Get You Organized Now

Clutter, mess and mayhem — it’s hard to stay organized when you have #allthethings taking up all your space. But getting the house neat and tidy again is easy with the help of a few smart storage solutions and nifty home essentials. Start sorting one room at a time, find a designated home for every paper and knickknack and you’ll soon see the floor again!

Drawer Organizer Spice Rack

If you’re guilty of throwing all your spices in one cluttered cabinet (been there!), you need this super-cool horizontal drawer rack. Having everything you need within reach next to the stove ups your kitchen-organization game and makes cooking quicker and more convenient.

Drawer Organizer Spice Rack
from Bed Bath & Beyond

Under-Bed Organizer

When you have small closets and minimal space, you have to get creative and make the most of the room you do have. That’s why this clever under-bed organizer is a savvy solution. It’s ideal for housing spare linens, storing extra clothes and hiding a mess in a pinch!

Better Homes and Gardens Under-Bed Organizer
from Walmart

Utility Entryway Organizer

No room for a mudroom? No problem. Bid farewell to spare shoes and strewn jackets with this organizer, which features three spacious, moisture-resistant shelves and an umbrella holder to boot.

Organize It All Utility Entryway Organizer
from Jet.com

Industrial Closet Organizer

Great for rooms lacking storage space, this wardrobe closet-organization system is so stylish that you’ll be proud to keep it on display for everyone to see.

Neu Home Industrial Closet Organizer
from HSN

Studio Organizer Cart with Drawers

Crafters need not stop their paper-hoarding ways; this amazing studio drawer set has 12 compartments to house everything a DIYer needs.

Honey-Can-Do Studio Organizer Cart with Drawers
from Bed Bath & Beyond
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Wicker Basket with Chalkboard

A large wicker basket in every room is the secret to successful home organization. Use it for blankets, throw pillows and quick cleanups when unexpected company arrives.

Bryant Large Wicker Basket with Chalkboard
from Pier 1 Imports

Bookshelf Media Tower

Shelfie Instagram alert! A chic bookshelf not only adds sophistication to a room, but also provides space for all the decorative accents you previously didn’t know where to put.

Weston Home Elements Bookshelf Media Tower
from Walmart

Bathroom Storage Cabinet

Small guest bathrooms can present a particular challenge, but this cabinet enables you to store all the essentials — from shampoo to TP to magazines.

Costway Narrow Wood Floor Bathroom Storage Cabinet
from Overstock.com

Wall Organizer with Hooks

Keep your calendar front and center, hang your keys and keep essentials safe in this family wall organizer.

Kate and Laurel Darla Chalkboard Wall Organizer with Hooks
from Bed Bath & Beyond

January 26, 2018

5 Non-Lame Valentine’s Day Gifts He’ll Actually Use

When it comes to Valentine’s Day gift guides for guys, I’ve seen it all. Usually, they start with something golf-related, have a bunch of tacky gag gifts shoved in the middle and end with a wildly expensive present that no human woman would ever purchase for herself, let alone her boyfriend or husband. I’m here to fix that. These Valentine’s Day ideas are useful. They’re classy. They are, in essence, the best Valentine’s gifts for guys. And a couple of them are even designed with you in mind. To top it off, you’ll also be helping yourself by earning Cash Back at Ebates while shopping for all the best products.

Help Him Manage His Time — Literally

Some may advise against buying your guy a watch for Valentine’s Day. Watches tend to be personal investments, and a quality timepiece can run you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. But you don’t have to drop a fortune to give him something he’ll value. The Timex Weekender is a bona fide classic, and the brand has really stepped up its game in recent years to compete with the likes of Shinola. Give him all the style and flash of a $1,000 watch with a sub-$100 price tag. You’ll save even more after you get Cash Back from Ebates.

Timex Weekender Slip-Thru Tan Leather Strap Chronograph Watch
from JCPenney

Let Him Slice and Dice His Way to Kitchen Glory

Guys like knives. That’s a fact. And this V-Day gift works on two angles. First, upon opening his gift, he’ll likely want to chop, dice and slice every vegetable in the house. Second, said vegetable chopping will result in him staring at his handiwork feeling guilty about wasting the results, and he’ll most likely make you an awesome meal. It’s a win-win! There’s no better knife to take him from everyday Joe to kitchen ninja than a Shun Classic chef’s knife. I’ve had mine for years, it’s still as sharp as the day I bought it (with proper care, of course) and it’s just as much fun gliding through onion number 1,000 as it was on day one.

Shun Classic Chef’s Knives
from Sur la Table

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Gift Him a Tool He Never Knew He Needed

There’s a good chance he already has a drill set and a toolbox full of the staples, but if I was a betting man (I’m not, but roll with it), I’d guess he doesn’t own a Dremel rotary tool. The Dremel 3000 is the chameleon of power tools. It can slice, grind, chop, polish and cut metal, wood, plastic and more. And Dremel makes a boatload of attachments, so it can be used in hundreds of ways. This thing is a monster, and it saved me time and money more times than I can count when remodeling our home. It’s something he may never buy for himself, but he’ll thank you every time he busts it out of that gray-and-blue case.

Dremel 3000 Rotary Tool Kit
from Walmart

Reconnect Him With His Old Friend: the Grill

Most guys will look for any excuse to break out the grill, but snow, ice and a gnarly windchill tend to put a damper on flame-filled festivities — unless there’s something to make it all worthwhile. Cue Omaha Steaks and the Amazing Griller’s Banquet. It’s a straight-up feast that will coax him out of hibernation to put match to flame and make him forget for a few hours that he’s tending to his prized grill in sub-zero conditions.

Amazing Griller’s Banquet
from Omaha Steaks

Keep Him Looking His Best

Collar stays (used to keep a shirt collar straight and crisp) are a man’s equivalent to hair ties, in that they always seem to go missing. But that doesn’t mean they’re not important. If he already uses them, he’ll appreciate this handsome collection from Ties.com. Since they’re fancy metal (there’s even a rose gold one, which is so hot right now), he’ll be forced to at least try not to lose them. If he doesn’t use collar stays, it’ll be a revelation. He can say goodbye to wonky-looking collars, and his sad, deformed dress shirts will be given new life.

4-Pack 2.5-Inch Assorted Collar Stays
from Ties.com

January 22, 2018

Make Your Morning: 6 Ways to Wake Up and Beat the Alarm

An early alarm might be the worst way to wake up. How I get started makes a huge difference in how I feel about the day, and I often have trouble waking up, leaving me feeling sluggish and tired for hours. Transform yourself into a morning person with these suggestions for how to wake up early and energize yourself for a running start.

Begin with Mindfulness

If you really don’t want to get out of bed just yet, make yourself a deal: You’ll sit up and do some bed yoga first, and see how you feel after that. Chances are that after you finish your second seated twist pose, you’ll be thinking more clearly.

Try Morning Coffee Alternatives

Although coffee may be your drug of choice, consider other energizers. Kombucha is a brightly flavored drink that will wake up your senses, and the probiotics it contains can help your digestive system get going. Like coffee, you can either buy some or make your own.

If fermented drinks aren’t your jam, try green tea. Sure, green tea has caffeine, but it also has components that have been shown to increase energy, enhance your mood and help with concentration.

34-Ounce Clear Glass Bottle for Kombucha
from The Container Store
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Wake Up at the Same Time Every Day (No Matter What!)

Research tells us that you go through cycles of deep and light sleep in very predictable patterns. If your alarm wakes you up when you’re in a cycle of deep sleep, it will be much harder to get up. Experiment with different wake-up times and record your findings. If a certain time is particularly painful, try 20 minutes earlier or later the next day and see how that feels. Once you find your light sleep zone, stick with it. Try to wake up at the same time every day — even weekends. If you think of it as your time regained rather than sleep lost, it will be worth it.

Use Natural Light

Blackout curtains can certainly help us ignore the signs that morning has broken, but that false dark is confusing for getting up early. If the first rays of sunlight are peeking out when you have to get up, let them reach you by getting some thin curtains or even opening the drapes before you go to bed. The natural light will help your body recognize those diurnal cycles. If you have to get up when the world is still dark, a light-brightening alarm could help.

Light from your phone messes with your melatonin production. Although it may be difficult to break your pre-bedtime habits, at least keep your phone out of reach when you settle down to sleep. Even a quick time check in the middle of the night could be enough to throw off your body clock.

Wake-Up Light
from Philips

Never, ever snooze

Sleep experts say this one again and again. Don’t look at the clock and then burrow yourself in deep for 10 more minutes of hibernation. You’ll only find it more difficult to get up when the alarm rings again. If you consistently find yourself waking up 10 minutes before the alarm goes off, get up! That’s your light sleep zone.

Be Exercise Ready

A lot of us plan to exercise first thing in the morning and then miss our chance if we hit the snooze button. The night before — no matter what — capitalize on that intention and set out your exercise clothes. The bonus of exercising in the morning is feeling productive and accomplished early in the day. That is always enough to spur on my positive energy.

Revive Drape Tank
from Athleta

January 17, 2018

Working With Ultra Violet, Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year

Pantone’s color of the year is Ultra Violet, a regal blue-purple that celebrates originality, visionary thinking and the ability to take our mystical and imaginative awareness to the next level. This enigmatic shade, popularized by musical icons (David Bowie, Prince and Jimi Hendrix, for example), is all about individuality and nonconformity. Celebrate a dreamy state of being with these Ebates finds below, all in the spirited hue.

Eileen Fisher Drop-Shoulder Pocket Wool Sweater

The basic drop-shoulder sweater gets the royal treatment in this magical shade. We love it to add a punch to jeans or poking out from underneath your favorite winter jacket. The silhouette is structured yet still cozy.

Drop-Shoulder Pocket Wool Sweater
from Bloomingdale’s

B.tempt’d by Wacoal Lace Kiss Bralette

If you’re not exactly the bold color type of person, an interesting way to experiment with Ultra Violet is with your lingerie. This pretty bralette is comfortable and flirty.

B.tempt’d by Wacoal Lace Kiss Bralette
from Bare Necessities

Tabitha Simmons Jodie Satin Platform Sandal

Everyone needs a very special pair of shoes. These doll-like platforms will lift more than your height — dress up basic jeans or a simple black dress, or even experiment with mixed prints.

Tabitha Simmons Jodie Satin Platform Sandal
from Barney’s New York
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Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bright Violet

A pop of hot violet is the new magenta and red when it comes to makeup trends. Keep the rest of your face neutral to allow this shade to take center stage.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bright Violet
from Sephora

Lululemon Get Set Bra

Keep your commitment to New Year’s resolutions with this Ultra Violet sports bra. Come summer, you can even transition it into a fun crop-top that works outside of the gym.

Lululemon Get Set Bra
from Lululemon

Benefit Lollitint Cheek and Lip Stain

This liquid cheek stain adds a burst of violet sheen to cheekbones. Paint a bit on your lips for a subtle hint of color.

Benefit Lollitint Cheek and Lip Stain
from Benefit Cosmetics

January 11, 2018

5 Healthy-Eating Trends Still Going Strong in 2018

If you missed the boat on these healthy-eating habits popular in 2017, there’s still time. Your healthy New Year’s resolutions aren’t likely to stick unless you’re making changes to the way you look at nutrition. These trends are not get-fit-quick schemes, but they may give you the lasting change you’re looking for.

Real Food

The one constant of diet trends in the past several years is eating “real” food. A mountain of research has been dedicated to cutting out processed conveniences — especially sugar. Although there’s plenty of disagreement on proteins, fats and grains, many people on diets that focus on whole foods and eating less sugar — from the DASH Diet to Whole30 — report feeling better and looking fitter. This Whole30–compliant breakfast bowl features cauliflower rice, organic protein and fresh herbs.

Whole30 Cookbook
from Barnes & Noble

Fermentation

Fermented food got a huge upvote in 2017, with many people putting kimchi in their grocery carts. Different fermented foods provide different benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting weight loss. Probiotics lurk in more than sauerkraut, and you can even spoil, er, ferment your own milk. Making fermented food requires little more than some research, a few jars and time.

Kilner Fermentation Set
from Gardener’s Supply Company

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Mushrooms

Everyone’s still talking about mushrooms as mood- and energy-boosters. Although it might be difficult to find reishi mushrooms in your local store, try putting them in your coffee if you do.

Chaga Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps Drink Mix
from Vitamin Shoppe

Meal Prep

Meal prepping can be done in combination with all diet plans: vegan, Mediterranean, Paleo or whatever best suits your interests. (Yes, I’ve seen fast food bundled up in meal-prep containers, thanks to the Internet). What’s nice about meal prepping is that you make your decisions ahead of time, the containers help with portion control and it saves you time when you’re busiest. If you like the idea of prepped meals but don’t have time to cook them, healthy food subscription services are becoming increasingly popular and are delivered right to your door.

Jaxx Fitpak Meal Prep Start Kit
from GNC

Fasting

If you listen to any fitness podcast, you have likely heard mention of intermittent fasting. There are several types, and a fasting cycle has been shown to reduce inflammation and help regulate blood sugar. Intermittent fasting proponents say it can be combined with healthy eating for the greatest benefits.

January 3, 2018

Quiz: What Fitness Routine Should You Try in 2018?

[qzzr quiz=”455379″ width=”100%” height=”auto” redirect=”true” offset=”0″]

Shop the Results

Boxing

You’re looking for a high-impact, intense way to blow off steam and stress. Boxing is the ultimate release, and it’s gaining popularity in 2018. Keep everything in place as you shake things up with this Nike Indy Logo Back sports bra.

Nike Indy Logo Back
Women’s Light Support Sports Bra
from Nike

Ballet

Barre exercises are an excellent way to tone, shape and strengthen your muscles. The best part of the routine is you’ll be so focused on holding the positions that you won’t even remember that you’re working out. Step up your game with this cotton leotard from All About Dance.

Natalie Studio Collection Women’s Back Detail Cotton Tank Leotard
from All About Dance

Swimming

Leisurely laps around a pool build muscle and soothe the soul. You can vary your routine with kick boards, a variety of strokes and water-treading spurts. Slip into this sleek one-piece from Lululemon. The high neckline is comfortable and practical as you glide along.

Deep End One-Piece
from Lululemon
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Yogalates

You’re bored in Bikram, yet Pilates pushes your limits. Find a happy medium with this new hybrid class. You’ll build muscles you never even believed were there and gain peace of mind in the process. Most class sizes are small, so you’ll receive ample attention as you work through the routine. These pants from Lululemon are fun and functional.

Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight
Mix and Mesh 28
from Lululemon

Belly Dancing

This workout takes you out of the gym and into a more experiential routine. Through rolls, hip drops and pivots, belly dancing works muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis and spine. Keep comfortable with plenty of room to move in this mesh-back leotard from All About Dance.

Mirella Women’s Ladder Mesh-Back Tank Leotard
from All About Dance