Organizing recipes, buying ingredients, portioning it all out, and chopping it up takes most of the day, maybe two days, but if cooking is a form of love then you don’t want to just buy takeaway from a restaurant.

But what if I told you there’s a ~middle way~??

FreshDirect’s Thanksgiving meal bundles come ready to cook. Their chefs have already set the menu, prepped the food, and provided the cooking instructions. After it lands on your doorstep, you just have to pop it all in the oven or onto the stovetop. You can be thankful for that, right?

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FreshDirect

Thanksgiving Meals (opens in a new window)

Available at FreshDirect

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

there’s Room at the table for everyone

Thanksgiving for folks eating alone is tough. Hell, buying ingredients for any one-serving meal is tough, let alone on Thanksgiving when you want, nay, need a sampling of all the traditional sides. The meal for one includes turkey, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy (suck on that, Hungry Man).

If you’re dining with an intimate group, step up to the 2-4-serving meal, which includes a 3-5.8 lb. antibiotic-free turkey breast, gravy, mashed potatoes, apple and herb stuffing, garlic roasted green beans, and cranberry sauce.

For a full turkey (also antibiotic free), weighing in from 12-14 lb., order the 6-8-serving meal. It includes the previously listed sides and adds cornbread and sausage stuffing, herb roasted root vegetables, and creamed spinach.

And if you’re breaking out the extra panels for the dining room table and plan on hosting 8-12 people, the largest meal bundle includes a slightly larger, 14-16 lb. turkey and larger portions of the sides.

tailored for you

If you’re committed to providing the turkey yourself but feel overwhelmed about all the sides, you can order boxes of sides separately. Size small includes mashed potatoes, apple & herb stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

Size medium adds cornbread & sausage stuffing, herb-roasted vegetables, and creamed spinach. Plus, there’s a selection of desserts and bread rolls for rounding out the meal and leaving the night on a sweet note.

If you’d like to support local farmers and cut down the carbon footprint from transportation, check out the Organic Thanksgiving Farm Share Box for 4-6 people, which includes organic, humanely raised turkey and sides to feed 4-6 people, all sourced from local farms.

All are available for pre-order now and will arrive between Monday, November 25 and Thursday, November 28. For you procrastinators (mostly writers) out there who wait, express delivery for the non-single-serving meals will become available on November 25.

Thanksgiving should mean football on TV, automotive Tetris in the driveway, and obnoxious political discussions silent treatment. For the person quarterbacking the whole thing, it shouldn’t mean sweating out the whole day in the kitchen while everyone else relaxes.

As for the dirty dishes later on at night, though, that’s on you. Or maybe make a new rule this year. Anyone who breaks the peace with unwelcome political debates gets to pitch in with the clean-up.

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FreshDirect

Thanksgiving Meals (opens in a new window)

Available at FreshDirect

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

The post You Couldn’t Pay Me to Host Thanksgiving. But This Meal Bundle Changes Everything appeared first on VICE.

a Look at The MysteryVibe Legato

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MV Health

Legato (opens in a new window)

Available at MV Health

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

Turns out, that’s no coincidence: the Legato is the world’s first—yes, you read that right— flexible vulva vibrator, designed with “revolutionary body-adapting material” that adapts to all labia shapes and sizes. The design of the toy lets is sit securely on the labia so it can deliver vibrations evenly, while the opening in the middle of the toy lets you keep it on during penetrative sex, giving you an extra realm of stimulation.

The toy’s one-of-a-kind design was constructed with a purpose: to help people struggling with vaginal dryness or arousal disorder. The toy’s motors are strategically placed to stimulate all parts of the labia and vulva, which helps enhance arousal and your body’s natural lubrication.

Of course, just because it’s a medical-grade toy doesn’t mean you have to be struggling with symptoms to enjoy it. Who doesn’t want more arousal and pleasure in their life? But because it is designed by doctors and clinically proven to work, you get to use your FSA/HSA money on a high-end sex toy, which is a win.

Already, the toy is earning rave reviews online, with a nearly 5-star rating backing it up. You don’t have to be a sex toy pro to benefit from Legato, either. “Legato is a great first vibrator for anyone looking to explore and discover external stimulation, especially if they are not sure about or experience pain from internal stimulation,” says the brand. “Every body is unique, [and] Legato’s bendability allows users to personalize it to perfect fit their labia and vulva in ways other vibrators cannot. You never have to worry that Legato won’t be a good fit.”

It’s fit isn’t the only area where it’s flexible, either. The toy has eight different vibrational patterns and sixteen different intensity levels, giving you a wide terrain to explore. Plus, it syncs up to an app, so it can also function as a partner-controlled sex toy (if that’s what you like).

final thoughts

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MV Health

Legato (opens in a new window)

Available at MV Health

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

Whether you’re looking to improve your sexual health or spice up your sex life, what better way to do so than with a whole new type of toy that’s reinventing what bringing pleasure to the world—and just as importantly, your labia and vulva—looks like.

The post ‘Personalize It to a Perfect Fit’: Meet the World’s First Flexible External Vulva Vibrator appeared first on VICE.

Folk wisdom has always recognized the the power and influence of our gut: sayings like trust your gut or go with your gut instinct suggest there’s more going on in our guts than just digestion—that there’s also a deeper mind-body connection at hand.

Now, science is backing up the same idea, as the brain-gut connection is being increasingly studied, talked about, and explored. And it turns out it’s pretty major. There’s 100 million nerve cells in our guts, communicating back to our brain constantly. With knowledge comes responsibility: if we really want to take care of our health, we need to care for our gut properly, and Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is here to help.

seed probiotics: the benefits

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Seed

DS-01® Daily Synbiotic (opens in a new window)

Available at Seed

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

According to John Hopkins Medicine, “Researchers are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes.” This means that common problems like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain and upset aren’t just a physical nuisance: they can actually negatively impact our emotional states, even contributing to anxiety and depression.

Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic was designed to help gut immune function and boost whole-body health. Seed uses 24 strains of probiotic and prebiotics that have been painstakingly selected by scientists to accomplish this goal, and is even conducting a clinical trial through Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to study the effect on Seed DS-01
Daily Synbiotic on IBS symptoms.

According to Seed, “Our probiotics are among the first to undergo end-to-end, whole-genome testing—the application of nanopore and shotgun sequencing of microbial DNA to genetically validate each strain and species.” What’s that mean for us? Quality is of the utmost importance over at Seed, and those of us (like me!) who have made Seed a regular part of our lives can have peace of mind knowing the strains we’re taken have been carefully chosen and tested.

In a Seed member survey, 75% of members reported seeing an improvement in regularity after taking DS-01, while 87% felt more in control of their whole body health since starting DS-01.

As a self-described health-freak, I needed to test the benefits in my own life after I first learned about Seed.

That was two years ago, and I’m still taking it today.

seed probiotics: my full review

Before I started taking Seed, my digestion wasn’t regular, and I had a relatively persistent tight, anxious feeling in my stomach. After hearing about Seed and the importance of your gut on the To Be Magnetic Podcast, I decided to give it a whirl and see if it could help.

Sustainable Packaging

Before even taking the capsules themselves, one of the first things I appreciated about Seed (and still do today) is its sustainable packaging. It’s mailed in recyclable packaging, and then the capsules themselves come in a fully compostable green little sleeve—which holds a month’s supply. (I love to compost, so this is major points for me.)

When you first subscribe, this comes in a kit where you also get your re-fillable green jar, and a smaller travel vial, which, alas, I have misplaced over the years. Then, in the months to follow, you’re refill comes in a recyclable mailer. Since Seed is a subscription service that I plan to take advantage of for a long, long, time, it’s important to me that it’s sustainable.

Easy to Use

Now: taking Seed. When you first start taking seed, there’s a little adjustment window. You start your first three days taking just one capsule. Then, on the fourth day, or whenever your body feels acclimated, you start taking two capsules at a time.

According to Seed, you should preferably take it “on an empty stomach to limit exposure to digestive enzymes and bile salts.” This is what I do—first thing in the morning. Still, Seed adds, “You know your body best—if it’s more comfortable for you to take with food, please feel free to do so.”

What Seed Did for Me

When I first started taking Seed, the first benefits I noticed within the first month or so was that my digestion was becoming regular and any bloating I’d previously felt had gone away.

For me, the most remarkable thing I noticed in the first few months of taking Seed was that the tight anxiety feeling I’d usually felt in my stomach went away. I am obviously not a scientist, so I can’t say why or how this happened—just that it did. I was finally able to feel a neutral sense of comfort in my stomach. I also noticed that when something in my life would happen that did warrant some anxiety, it didn’t all nestle in my stomach like it would have before. It’s like my body had a wider tolerance to process it, rather than just one weak spot it would go to.

Obviously, seeing (and feeling) these benefits made me want to keep taking Seed, and I have been doing so for about two years now. At $49.99 per month, this means I’ve spent close to $1,200 on Seed overall. While I often look at my subscriptions to see what can go on the chopping block when I want to save money, Seed is never cut from the team.

I also have been using it long enough to vouch for the brand’s customer service. Once, my package of capsules got ruined in the mail. It was super easy to email them and fix the issue: not only did they send me a new packet, but they also comped the month’s price, which was a welcome surprise.

last thoughts

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Seed

DS-01® Daily Synbiotic (opens in a new window)

Available at Seed

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

I have no plans to stop taking Seed, and I will loudly recommend it to anyone I know. For me, it’s been a worthwhile investment for creating a healthier mind-body connection, and I like knowing that in the vast world or pre and probiotics, Seed is highly tested and backed by science.

seed probiotics faqs

What happens if you’re not happy with Seed?

If you try out Seed and decide it’s not right for you, you can get a refund within 30 days, no questions asked This goes for your first order—not refill shipments. If you want to cancel your subscription, you will have to do that in your account portal.

Can you take Seed with other supplemets?

According to the brand, you can safely take Seed with other supplements. When it comes to taking it with other medications, the brand says, “There are no known contraindications with DS-01 and any over the counter or prescription medications, though we encourage you to double check with your physician before adding our product to your regimen.”

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Some probiotics have to be refrigerated, but not Seed. The brand says, “If a probiotic does not survive at ambient temperature outside of the refrigerator, it can reflect weak stability of the product, low viable organism count, or inadequate overages in formulation.”

The post I’ve Been Using Seed Probiotics for Two Years. Here’s What Changed. appeared first on VICE.

Tryptophan, you lackadaisical sedative bastard, there’s just not enough of you in a turkey to calm my frayed nerves. Thanksgiving is stressful enough to many of us that one of the things we’re thankful for is that once it’s over, we’re 364 days away from the next one.

Wouldn’t it be great if Thanksgiving just came in a can that you could pop open like a Sprite? And maybe if somebody sprinkled in some THC, that’d be all right, too. Perhaps the reason the Pilgrims were so pissed off all the time is because they didn’t think of it.

Available for just a limited time, this seasonal release of Cann’s THC drink marries two keystone flavors of Thanksgiving’s gastronomical palette: cranberry and sage. As a substitute or just a break from beer and wine, it offers up a different sort of high.

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Cann

Hi Boy Cranberry Sage (opens in a new window)

Available at Cann

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

crammed with cran

Tasting cranberry, I’m off to a good start. And sage. You know stuffing? Sage is often one of the most up-front flavors in any stuffing recipe, no matter how else it’s made. The addition of sage makes this a much more interesting flavor if Cann had just gone straight cranberry.

Luckily for us, Cann knew when to stop. If they’d have gone ahead and put turkey juice or gravy in it, it’d have just been a gimmick. But the sour tang of cranberry works well with the complex fragrance of sage, and the flavor is tasty without being overpowering.

The tart sourness of the cranberries is cut by a subtly, not-too-sweet foretaste and the carbonation, and then the sage rides in on the back end of the flavor profile, leaving a floral note lingering, as if you’re hunched over the Thanksgiving table and huffin’ stuffin’.

The ingredients list is short and easy to decrypt, which is always a good thing. The longer the laundry list of unpronounceable ingredients in a beverage, the more suspect it tends to be in my eyes.

It contains only carbonated water, real cranberry juice, agave nectar, industrial hemp extract, and “natural sage flavor.” There are only 10 g of sugar, 12 g of carbs, and 45 calories per can. That’s more sugar, 1/3 the calories, and the same carbs as a 12 fl. oz. Miller High Life.

I’m pleased that Cann kept the ingredients all natural and kept aspartame away from their recipe. I’m also happy that it doesn’t contain Stevia, a plant-based sweetener that’s become a popular substitute for both cane sugar and aspartame recently, but with a peculiar aftertaste.

Gaining altitude like a Macy’s Balloon

“One Hi Boy has a similar effect to a Martini or Double IPA,” says Cann. I’d say that’s not quite accurate, as alcohol and cannabis products, including THC and CBD, affect the body in different ways. I don’t feel quite the same drinking one as I do the other.

Cann markets its THC drinks as suitable substitutes for alcoholic drinks, though, and I’d say that’s a fair use. The feeling will be different, but if you’re alcohol-sober but want to join in on the same sort of slow-sipping, gentle buzz alongside drinkers, a Cann or two does the trick.

Each 12 fl. oz. Hi Boy contains 5 mg of THC and 10 mg of CBD. The THC is the psychoactive component that offers the archetypical weed high, and the CBD is a non-psychoactive component that provides a calming effect without adding to the high.

I’ve felt—and friends have corroborated this with me—that liquid THC hits harder than an equivalent amount in edibles, so while a 5 mg serving of THC in a Delta 9 gummy would be somewhat mild, the Cann’s 5 mg of THC felt stronger.

Cann Hi Boy Cranberry Sage vs. Cann Cranberry Sage

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Cann

Cranberry Sage (opens in a new window)

Available at Cann

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

There’s also the confusingly named Cann Cranberry Sage. It tastes similar, but its effect is lighter. It’s got 2 mg of THC and 4 mg of CBD per 8 fl. oz. can, compared to the Hi Boy’s 5 mg and 10 mg, respectively, per 12 fl. oz. can.

Alternatives That DOn’t taste like thanksgiving

If you don’t think a weed drink should taste like a Simon and Garfunkel song (can’t relate), we’ve got a few other favorites that should see you through the holidays (and all their attendant tedious dinner convos) juuuust fine.

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Mighty Kind

Delta 8 Mango Seltzer (opens in a new window)

Available at Be Mighty Kind

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

Like the THC in Cann, most THC drinks are of the Delta 9 variety. It’s rare these days to find a THC drink that packs Delta 8 instead. Each Mighty Kind contains 20 mg of Delta 8, which stimulates anti-inflammatory properties but provides a lot less of a high than Delta 9.

We have an explainer that lays out the differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9, if it piques your curiosity.

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Crescent Canna

Crescent 9 Tropical THC Seltzer (opens in a new window)

Available at Crescent Canna

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The Crescent Canna contains 6 mg of THC, similar to the Cann’s 5 mg. But it has only 3 mg of CBD compared to the Cann’s 10 mg. It also packs 40 mg of caffeine, which is a bit more than a 12 fl. oz. can of Coke (34mg), but less than a same-sized Diet Coke (46mg).

With caffeine and less CBD, the Crescent Canna will provide more of an energetic pick-me-up and less sedated, CBD-induced effect than the Cann, while providing about the same high feeling, due to their nearly identical amounts of THC.

The last drop

Cann‘s focus on all natural ingredients, and not too many of them, strikes the right chord with us. Cannabis has shed much of its outlaw status and now attracts an awful lot of folks with wellness on the top of their mind, and agave syrup and real cranberry juice are major pros.

It’d all be for nought if it didn’t taste good, though. With far less sugar than a soda, it certainly drinks more like a flavored, slightly sweetened seltzer, so expect a light caress of taste. What gentle flavor is there is unique and refreshing. Adding the sage was a bit of genius.

For those new to consuming THC in liquid form, I’d follow Cann’s instructions to “start with one Cann and wait to feel its effects before going in for another.” And if you want to down a few, say while watching the big game, go for the lighter version, as the Hi Boy packs a punch.

As the cannabis industry matures, you’re going to see a lot more about THC drinks. And that’s something we can be thankful for this year.

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Cann

Hi Boy Cranberry Sage (opens in a new window)

Available at Cann

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

The post This Thanksgiving-Flavored THC Drink Will Get You Through The Holidays With a Cann-Do Attitude appeared first on VICE.

Thankfully, I’ve tested hundreds of coffee and coffee-adjacent products in my time. My guide to the best gifts for coffee lovers has some tried-and-true recommendations that would be welcome on the countertop of even the most discerning coffee snob. 

The Mug of Mugs

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East Fork

The Mug (opens in a new window)

Available at East Fork

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

It’s just a mug right? Wrong! Well, yes, The Mug is a mug, but don’t mistake this mug’s elegance for simplicity. This is a drinking vessel engineered from the ground up to just get out of your way and look good doing it.

The handle is wide open for hands of all sizes, and despite being handmade out of clay it’s not an overly heavy mug. The glazed clay walls come in a variety of earth tones and seasonal colorways, and they’re thicker than your average ceramic mug to provide better insulation. It’s an elegant mug that turns any morning cup of coffee into something a bit more elevated, a tactile and elegant experience that always makes me smile. 

For Broadening Horizons

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Trade Coffee

Trade Coffee (opens in a new window)

Available at Trade

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We raved about Trade Coffee over on our roundup of the Best Coffee Subscriptions and for good reason. Everything that makes Trade a great choice for yourself, makes it a great choice for gifting.

Because Trade partners with many different roasters all over the US, your loved one will receive a broad selection of different coffees in their time with Trade. That’s a good thing no matter how experienced or persnickety your coffee lover is. If they’re picky and don’t like to veer too far from what they know and like, they’re sure to find new roasters who can provide those familiar flavors, maybe in new and exciting ways. If they’re a relative coffee newcomer, Trade is an excellent choice to help expand your loved one’s palate. 

An All-in-One Espresso Machine

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KitchenAid

Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

KitchenAid’s Semi Automatic espresso machine is hands down my recommendation to anyone looking to get into making cafe quality espresso at home, or anyone looking to help a loved one start doing just that. This is an espresso machine with some automated features, but mostly it just presents you with everything you need to make great coffee.

The built-in grinder is shockingly quiet, and it can grind beans for any brew method, not just espresso. The steam wand is easily one of my favorites on any espresso machine, it just takes all the guesswork out of getting a picture perfect microfoam out of your milk. You just sink the nozzle just below the surface of the milk, hit the button, and, before you know it your fridge-cold milk is transformed into polished, glossy, and foamy steamed milk. 

An Elegant Little Travel Mug

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Fellow

Carter Coffee Mug For Travel (16 oz ) (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Available at Fellow

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I’m picky about travel mugs because I’ve had way too many of them spill all over everything in my bag. Fellow’s Carter travel mug is one of my all-time favorites because of how securely the lid fits on there, but also because it was designed to be sipped from. You won’t be sucking your coffee out of the threads around the rim of the mug because those threads are on the interior wall of the cup.

The outer edge is a smooth, curved surface which makes it a joy to drink out of. It fits right where your lip rests, no leaks, no slurping. It’s an elegant little thing. I have four in my cupboard. The only downside is they’re not dishwasher safe, but the interior ceramic coating makes them a breeze to clean. 

A Stackable Tumbler

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Yeti

Rambler 16 oz Stackable Tumbler (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Available at Yeti

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These are another of my favorite travel mug solutions. The Yeti Tumblers are small in form factor but they can accommodate a truly shocking amount of coffee. The insulated walls do a brilliant job of keeping your drinks piping hot (or ice cold), and they come with a lid you can attach or remove from the top to transform your stainless steel tumbler into a travel mug at a moment’s notice. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe. 

For Coffee At Home or On the Go

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AeroPress

AeroPress (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

Even though your coffee lover might already have one or more preferred methods to enjoy their favorite brews, everyone loves an AeroPress. This is a compact, hand-powered method of brewing delightfully rich coffee at home without needing a whole separate machine to do it.

Just pour in your favorite coffee grounds, soak them in some hot water, wait a few seconds and plunge. The pressure you use to push the water through the grounds pulls out layer upon layer of flavors you may have missed out on with other brew methods. It produces a strong concentrated brew similar in intensity to espresso, and can easily be diluted with hot water into one of the best cups of drip coffee you’ve ever had.

Plus, its size makes it a killer pick for traveling or hiking. An AeroPress even got me through a stint in Seattle hotels while I looked for an apartment last year. 

A Beloved Countertop Staple

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Fellow

Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Available at Fellow

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An iconic addition to any countertop, Fellow’s EKG Gooseneck Kettle is stylish, sleek, and heats up water from tap-cold to boiling in seconds. It’s a great kettle to have in your kitchen for all kinds of uses but the gooseneck spout is built with pourover in mind.

The long neck gives water time to cool off a little bit before it hits your grounds, and the narrow spout gives you precise control of your water flow, so you can make sure you’re wetting your grounds evenly. There’s a reason just about every cafe you walk into has a few of these sitting on the counter. It’s the pourover kettle to beat all other pourover kettles. 

The post The 7 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers (That I Personally Swear By) appeared first on VICE.

Everybody is a photographer these days. Your kid brother’s graduation from clown college? That weird duck in the park that picks up cigarette butts and smokes them? That cold brunch waffle on the table in front of you? All prime candidates for a snap.

But while you’re out collecting thousands of photographs every year, where do you put them? I often lament, after taking a particularly good picture, that may never see it again because I only infrequently scroll back through my phone to look at pictures.

Digital photo frames were made for this very situation. You’ve made tons of memories in the form of JPGs and HEICs, whether with your smartphone or perhaps your nifty new point-and-shoot. Now it’s time to buy something that’ll help you actually take that trip down memory lane with them. These are the most beloved and all-around best digital photo frames we’ve found.

quick look at the best digital photo frames

• The people’s choice – Aura Mason
• This customizable digital photo frame – Skylight Frame 2
• Big, big photos – Aura Walden
• Multi-function pro – Google Nest Hub 7-Inch (2nd Gen)
• For the tech un-savvy – Loop Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame
• A solid runner-up – Nixplay Digital Picture Frame
• Organize your scatterbrain – Skylight Calendar

how we evaluated

Ease of use was a major deal for us, so we looked at customer reviews to see how intuitive each frame is. It’s a photo frame, not a breakdancing robot. No one should have to spend more than a few minutes and a few brain cells learning how to use it.

Image quality was a wide net to consider, and we looked at reports of color accuracy, saturation, resolution, and image sharpness. Lastly, we considered aesthetics. It’s highly subjective, but we liked frames that looked like home decor, not relics from Circuit City.

The people’s choice – Aura Mason

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Aura

Mason (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

If there’s one digital photo frame that’d work best for everybody, it’s the Aura Mason. Most buyers found it intuitive and easy to use, and reported that the screen’s image quality is quite good.

You can change photos by swiping a touch bar situated on top of frame’s nine-inch display, which possesses 1600 by 1200 pixel setup. Some customers say the app, which is used to add photos and videos, works well while others report it’s been finicky for them.

The Aura Carver is another great option and close to the Mason. The 16:10 aspect ratio works better for images taken with a standalone digital camera, but the Mason’s 4:3 aspect ratio displays smartphone pictures better.

The Mason is designed to work in either landscape or portrait mode, while the Carver is designed for landscape. For that reason, we gave the edge to the Mason. It seems that most people are taking snaps with the phones in their pockets.

But Carver is a solid option, too, especially for those photo buffs wanting to display the shots they took on their beefier camera rigs. All Aura frames offer unlimited storage with no fees, and you can upload photos using the app, email or a web browser.

This customizable digital photo frame – Skylight Frame 2

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Skylight

Frame 2 (opens in a new window)

Available at Skylight

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

The new Frame 2 only available right now in a 10-inch frame. There’s no 15-inch option, as with the first Frame, but the new 10-inch Frame 2 ups the resolution from 1280 by 800 pixels to 1920 by 1200, making image quality sharper and clearer.

We also liked the swappable, magnetic frames. Now if you change up your room decor, you can swap over a frame without the threat of the Frame 2 looking like an out-of-place eyesore. Eight options give the Frame 2 more choice than most other digital photo frames.

There’s not much customer feedback on the Frame 2 yet, since it’s quite new. One, though, says “The glass and matte finish give the frame a true picture frame look, making it feel more like a traditional photo display than a tech device,” which is exactly what we like to hear.

Big, big photos – Aura Walden

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Aura

Walden (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Available at Walmart

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

The star of this handsome digital photo frame is its 15-inch display, which is about as big you want if you’re not going for some kind of Andy Warhol, “I’m at home but home is an art studio, mehh” vibe.

It may have all that real estate, but it shares its 600 by 1200 pixel resolution with the nine-inch-display Mason. Its 133 pixels per inch pales next to the Mason’s 224, but hey, the photos are big! You make that trade-off of sharper image quality, but customers seem happy with the clarity.

Like the Mason, it’s designed to be displayed in either landscape or portrait orientation. With its thin frame, I happen to think it’s the most capable of all these digital photo frames at passing for a regular picture frame at a quick glance.

All Aura frames offer unlimited storage with no fees, and you can upload photos using the app, email or a web browser.

Multi-function pro – Google Nest Hub 7-Inch (2nd gen)

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Google

Nest Hub 7-Inch (2nd Gen) (opens in a new window)

Available at Walmart

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Buy Now (opens in a new window)

I’ve been living with this smart home hub for years, and while I didn’t buy it just to display my personal photos, it’s done the job of reminding me that, yeah, I was there and I did that, as I see old smartphone photos flick by during the day.

If all you want to do is show photos, then there are devices in this guide better suited for that. But if you’d like to make photo display only one aspect of a whole smart home setup, where you’re arming the home security system and turning on smart bulbs and TVs, the Nest Hub is ideal.

The touchscreen display is quick to respond to inputs and, because you touch the screen directly, more intuitive to use than a touch bar. It’s a simple swipe to breeze through photos. It’s so easy to pick up, visitors just instinctively know how to work it.

Just remember that it’s set up for landscape orientation only, and its seven-inch screen is on the small side. There’s a Nest Hub Max with a 10-inch screen, but when I had one I found it a porky beast that took up a lot of real estate and screamed “tech device” even more loudly.

for the tech un-savvy – loop wi-fi digital picture frame

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Loop

Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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What makes the Loop stand apart from other digital photo frames is that rather than being forced into an app (or email or a web browser), you load up images by text message. For people who aren’t the best at navigating apps, this makes the Loop a cinch to use (and dare I say, a great gift for Grandma and Grandpa?).

Not that there isn’t an app. There is, and customers mostly say it’s easy to understand and use. But we all know that one (old) person who struggles with technology, even when it’s made simple, and even they tend to know how to text pictures.

The 10-inch screen has 1080p resolution, too, so you don’t have to trade away image quality for that ease of use. Customers report photographs look sharp and clear.

a solid runner-up – Nixplay digital picture frame

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Nixplay

Digital Picture Frame (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Available at Walmart

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Like the Skylight Frame 2, the Nixplay comes with a touchscreen that you simply swipe right on the glass to peruse through photos, although customers seem to be more split on its intuitiveness than the Frame 2.

Many say its easy to set up, though. Nixplay advertises it as having “quick, easy setup for young and old; just follow the step-by-step on-screen guide.” Some customers report that they gave these as gifts to elderly family, who had no problems setting them up.

The 1280 by 800 pixel, 10.1-inch display isn’t the highest resolution among the photo frames here, but it’s no slouch, either, and customers report the image clarify and quality is plenty acceptable to them.

Organize your scatterbrain – Skylight Calendar

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Skylight

Calendar (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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There’s really no reason to buy and make room for a massive, 15-inch-display smart calendar unless you actually need a calendar. It syncs with popular calendar apps, such as Apple Calendar and Google Calendar, and its large touchscreen display is easy for kids to use.

You can even set up chore routines, plan meals, and create to-do lists to keep your household running more smoothly, or at least more equitably.

The Skylight Frame 2 is cheaper and is more oriented toward being a photo display, first and foremost. But if the idea of the workhorse Calendar intrigues you, know that you can set it up to be a photo display album, too.

Customers aren’t wild about the idea of paying $40 per year for the functionality of a photo screen saver, though, and the device is pricey. They do like the picture quality afforded by its 1920 by 1080 resolution, though.

The post The 7 Best Digital Photo Frames for Déjà Vu, Again and Again appeared first on VICE.

There comes a point in every month—in between paying my rent and waiting for my next check to deposit—that I start to re-think my treat-based lifestyle and attempt to be frugal by making my favorite splurges at home. Since I am in one of those stretches where I can’t justify the $7 Matcha Latte at my local tea shop, I took to the internet (and my local health food store) to find the best matcha powders I could use at home.

Making your own matcha drinks at home is quite literally an art: and in the name of transparency, I will admit that it is an art I haven’t fully perfected. That’s why, when I was shopping for the best matcha powders (which is what we call ground green tea powder), one of my main priorities was finding matcha powders that were novice-friendly. Aka, if you don’t have your whisking technique down, you can still throw these powders into a smoothie or baked goods—or simply shake them up over ice for an easier bev.

a quick look at the best matcha powders

• Best culinary grade matcha powder – Jade Leaf Matcha Organic Green Tea Powder
• Best matcha powder for lattes – Organic Traditions Matcha Latte Powder
• Best matcha powder set – Dr. Weil Matcha Kari – Mini Matcha Tea Set
• Best matcha powder for wellness – Beauty Matcha Latte
• Best affordable matcha powder – Micro Ingredients Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
• Best unsweetened matcha latte powder – Encha Latte Grade Matcha Powder
• Best matcha powder coffee blend – Tieman’s Fusion Coffee

selecting Your matcha powder

Some of these matcha powders I tried out myself, while others came at the recommendation of other crunchy reviewers online. As you shop through the picks, think about how you like your matcha: do you prefer a pure, earthy flavor? Or do you like a little something sweet? These picks are meant to please the whole gamut of palates, so there’s something here for every type of matcha drinker.

One last word to the wise: If you don’t have a whisk, you’re going to want one!

Best culinary grade matcha powder – Jade Leaf Matcha Organic Green Tea Powder

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Jade Leaf

Jade Leaf Matcha Organic Green Tea Powder (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Available at Target

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The first matcha powder I tried was the Jade Leaf Matcha Organic Green Tea Powder. While you can stock up on Amazon and get an 8.8 ounce pouch for a little under $50, I opted for a 0.75-ounce packet—like the small 1-ounce packet available at Target—to try it out on the cheap before committing. Fully organic and made from 100% ground green tea from Japan, this culinary grade matcha powder is a good pick for lattes, smoothies, and baking.

When I opened the matcha powder, I was struck by the fresh, earthy smell of vibrant green tea. A serving size is just half a teaspoon, so even though I bought a small packet, it felt like a good value because I’ll get 20 servings out of it.

I prepared my matcha simply, just mixing it into hot water, though if I’d wanted to make a latte I should have mixed it with a milk and used a whisk. Alas, I do not have milk and I do not own a whisk. Therefore, I improvised, using a fork to whisk the powder into the hot water until it dissolved.

To my delight, it worked. While the fork method didn’t make it frothy, the matcha powder dissolved and tasted just like the matcha I usually get over at my local tea shop. Full of antioxidants and containing about 16-24g of caffeine, I felt alert but not jumpy after drinking it.

Best matcha powder for lattes – Organic Traditions Matcha Latte Powder

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Organic Traditions

Organic Traditions Matcha Latte Powder (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Dairy grosses me out, but I do love lattes—which often puts me in a conundrum. Therefore, I was excited to find this dairy-free matcha latte powder that brings premium Japanese matcha and one-billion heat and shelf-stable probiotics in one easy-to-use powder.

For this matcha powder, one serving—or one latte—requires 1.5 tablespoons of powder mixed into hot water or your milk of choice. Each bag provides 13 servings—almost two weeks of lattes if you were to make one every day.

To make my matcha latte, I used hot water. Again, I don’t have a fancy little whisk, so I dissolved the powder by whisking it up with just my fork. Once again, this ended up working and the matcha powder dissolved.

Obviously, since I used water as my base, this was not a rich, creamy latte like you’d get at Starbucks. However, the matcha is paired with organic coconut milk powder, which did give this drink a silkier quality than the first matcha I tired. The blend also uses organic coconut palm sugar and vanilla, which gave this matcha powder a richer, sweeter taste. (Which I preferred.)

Best matcha powder set – Dr. Weil Matcha Kari – Mini Matcha Tea Set

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Matcha Kari

Dr. Weil Matcha Kari – Mini Matcha Tea Set (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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For those of you who aren’t as lazy as me, it’s probably wise to spring for an actual matcha whisk—especially if you plan to drink your matcha goodness on the regular. If that’s the case, then this Dr. Weil Matcha Kari Mini Matcha Tea Set could be the best place for you to start. The little bundle comes with 30 grams of ceremonial-grade matcha (aka the good stuff) plus a traditional matcha whisk and ceramic holder. Not only does the whisk help the matcha dissolve properly, but it also froths it.

“Our matcha is a great source of minerals, polyphenols, amino acids and antioxidants,” says the brand. “This helps boost alertness, and contains mood-boosting and calming ingredients.”

One reviewer, Scott B., says that his wife loves the set, and gave it a 5-star Amazon review for “Taste, design and functionality.” Another shopper, Shirin, says that the matcha tastes “very fresh and smooth.”

Best matcha powder for wellness – Beauty Matcha Latte

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Kroma Wellness

Beauty Matcha Latte (opens in a new window)

Available at Kroma Wellness

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Matcha is delicious, and, for many of us, that’s why we drink it. However, it’s also a superfood, and a lot of folks choose to drink matcha as part of their overall wellness journey. If you’re hopping on the matcha train for the sake of health, then the best matcha powder for you might be the Kroma Wellness Beauty Matcha Latte powder.

In addition to matcha, this powder contains seven different adaptogenic mushrooms, bovine collagen, ginger, turmeric. The mushrooms and collagen are here to help boost hair, skin, and nail health, while ginger and turmeric give the blend a balanced, sweet but slightly spicy flavor profile. With calming L-Theanine and the natural caffeine in matcha, this bend helps give you an energy boost that feels soothing and natural.

“Caffeine in matcha is known for its slow absorption and release,” says the brand, “resulting in smooth, sustained energy with no abrupt crash.”

Reviewer Lex shares what it’s felt like for her. “I’ve replaced coffee with a cup of this matcha every morning and have loved it,” she says. “Energy levels are high, I don’t feel the mid day crash anymore, and it’s delicious.” Meanwhile, shopper Sydney says, “This matcha has the best flavor.”

I also love that this matcha powder has a subscription option, so once you’re hooked, you can save a little bit. See also: adaptogenic mushroom coffee.

Best affordable matcha powder – Micro Ingredients Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder

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Micro Ingredients

Micro Ingredients Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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You’ve probably caught on that matcha—especially high quality matcha—is not exactly cheap. Recently, my cousin accidentally spent over $40 on less than an ounce of matcha because the packet looked big in the stock photo and she didn’t read the find print. That fate would have never befallen her had she just found Micro Ingredients Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder instead.

One of the best value buys out there, this matcha powder is just $1.52 per ounce when you shake out the math—and it’s sold in a bag of 16 ounces. With a 4.4-star rating and nearly 4,000 reviews, it’s also a highly trusted matcha powder on Amazon, so you know you’re not sacrificing quality or peace of mind for affordability.

“I’m a matcha snob and make my own lattes at home because DD and Sbux don’t consistently seem to get the temperature and sweetness right,” writes one reviewer. “This matcha stands in its own and tastes really good.”

Another shopper says, “I was buying ceremonial grade matcha and it was just too expensive to continue for daily use, I tried this and I love it! I’m on my second bag already. Not bitter. I just blend it in with my smoothie or make a nice hot or iced matcha latte in the AM! It’s delicious and this is so much more affordable!” She loves it so much she says she’s even looking into making shampoo out of it. Godspeed!

Best unsweetened matcha latte powder – Encha Latte Grade Matcha Powder

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Encha

Encha Latte Grade Matcha Powder (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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A considerably more expensive matcha, the Encha Latte Grade Matcha Powder comes out to be about $18 per ounce. While the bag itself is only 1.06 ounces, it comes out to 15 servings—just over two weeks’ worth of matcha lates if you were to make one everyday. So, even though it’s a more expensive powder, it still saves you a significant amount of money compared to what 15 Starbucks matcha lattes would cost you.

It’s particularly appealing for folks who want to cut down on sugar and additives, because it’s unsweetened and made from 100% tea leaves—that’s it.

“It has a pleasant grassy flavor and blends really well,” says one Amazon customer. “It’s my favorite matcha, the latte grade outshining most of the “ceremonial” grade matchas that can be found on Amazon. I drink my first cup as a tea with a splash of oat milk, my second cup I’ll either have cold-brewed over ice.”

Best matcha powder coffee blend – Tieman’s Fusion Coffee

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Tieman's

Tieman's Fusion Coffee (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Here’s something I bet you never knew existed: Tieman’s Fusion Coffee, which brings coffee, matcha, rooibos, and goji together in one cup. I stumbled upon this last month at my local heath food store and decided to give it a whirl because it’s supposed to be easier on our tummy than regular coffee. According to the brand, rooibos has stomach settling benefits and goji is anti-inflammatory. It’s caffeinated, but promises no jitters.

While part of me secretly hoped the coffee would be green, it is still coffee after all and the presence of matcha does nothing to change the color. Instead, it’s a mild coffee that has low acidity and isn’t bitter in flavor. While this hasn’t outshined my favorite locally roasted coffee that’s my go-to, I have been throwing it into the mix on a somewhat regular basis and do feel good after drinking it.

At first I thought it was an off-the-beaten-path find, but it turns out there’s a lot of folks on Amazon who dig this coffee, too.

“This coffee is so genius,” says one shopper. “Can coffee be genius? Regardless, I love it.”

Next up: the best instant coffees (that don’t taste like booboo).

The post The 7 Best Matcha Powders (For Turning Your Kitchen Into a Tea House) appeared first on VICE.

I love supplements. They’re a great way for me to feel healthier, more energetic, and can even boost my mood without having to spend too much money. The new mixology bundles from Vimergy look to do everything above and more, giving you an extra pep in your step through 9 different, customizable bundles. 

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Vimergy

Good Morning Bundle (opens in a new window)

Available at Vimergy

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Vimergy has a mixology bundle for every occasion. They have a Mid-Day Bundle perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, an Immunity Bundle that’s great if you’re about to go on vacation and don’t want to risk getting sick, and a Relax, Rest, and Reset Bundle that’s perfect for people like me who could use some helping chilling tf out. 

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Vimergy

Mid-Day Pick Me Up Bundle (opens in a new window)

Available at Vimergy

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With 9 separate bundles to choose from, Vimergy has something for everyone. They even have a Kids Bundle that’ll help your little rugrat in the cognitive performance department while also helping their immune system. No matter what you’re looking for in the supplement game, Vimergy has a Mixology Bundle built with you in mind. 

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Vimergy

Relax, Rest, and Reset Bundle (opens in a new window)

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Which Supplement Bundle Should I Choose?

With 9 different bundles, it’s fun to pick between them (or choose more than one, you superhuman of health). Each Mixology Bundle brings something different to the table, giving you a chance to boost a specific part of your day or physical/mental wellbeing. 

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Vimergy

Immunity Bundle (opens in a new window)

Available at Vimergy

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The Smoothie Booster Bundle is an aptly named bundle that can add a bit of a boost to each of your tasty smoothies. The Bundle is designed to fight pesky free radicals in your system (while ‘free radical’ sounds like the coolest skateboarding trick you’ve never heard of, they actually suck).

According to the National Library of Medicine, “If free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues”. By adding a bit of Barley Grass Juice Powder to your smoothie, you can take your health into your own hands.

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Vimergy

Smoothie Booster Bundle (opens in a new window)

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Another one of my favorite bundles is the Relax, Rest and Reset bundle I mentioned earlier. It’s a great way to “slow down at sunset,” as Vimergy puts it, and I couldn’t agree more. I used to date a girl that introduced me to Ashwagandha, and while she stressed me out, the Ashwagandha did a great job of helping me relax.

Radiance Revivals, Mobility Mixology, and More

We can’t touch on every one of the bundles in this article, so go check them out for yourself! They’re an easy way to add a boost to your everyday life without having to add any significant changes like getting jacked at the gym or becoming a David Goggins-esque runner. 

As I’ve said before, my personal fave is the Relax bundle because I know how to chill out like a cat knows how to swim. If you want something situational to take when you’re feeling out of focus, or you want something to add to your everyday supplement stack, Vimergy has a solid Mixology Bundle for you. [Use promo code VIMHOLIDAY5 for 5% off!]

The post Mix Up Your Own Personal Wellness Cocktail With These Customizable Supplement Bundles appeared first on VICE.

Growing up, I always slept on firm mattresses. I envied my best friend Emma—who had a TEMPUR-pedic mattress topper—something fierce. As soon as I was an adult and could choose my own mattress, I went with plushy, sink-right in memory foam and never looked back. So when I got the opportunity to test the Plank Firm Natural Mattress, I was secretly worried my back would not be happy with my mind for agreeing.

However, my mom loves firm mattresses and wanted to replace the 20-year old mattress that was in the guest room. It wasn’t that long ago in my life that I was game to sleep on a friend’s floor if I had to: I suspected I could weather a firm mattress for a long weekend for the sake of delivering this Plank mattress review.

The plank firm natural mattress

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Plank

Plank Firm Natural (opens in a new window)

Available at Brooklyn Bedding

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Given that I have a proclivity for setting low expectations to ward off disappointment, I am someone who absolutely loves to be proven wrong. Wonderfully for me, my experience with the Plank Firm Natural mattress was one of these times in my life. Sleeping on this mattress was not something I simply weathered: I slept like a baby, and finally discovered that “firm” and “comfortable” are not mutually exclusive things.

unboxing and setting up

I’ve tested enough mattresses in my day that I could probably add Mattress Tester as a title on my resume. All of the mattresses I’ve tested to date have been of the order-online, mattress-in-a-box variety. The Plank Firm Natural was no exception to this. However, where it did deviate from the crowd was that there was no weird chemical smell when we opened the box, cut the plastic wrap, and unrolled the mattress onto the bedframe.

In my mom’s house, the absence of a weird smell was a major win. My mom has asthma, and in the past some of the mattresses have had such a bad chemical smell that she’s had an asthma attack and they had to air out in the garage for a week before being used. Meanwhile, I do not have asthma but as a Crunchy Person, I am anti-chemical. The non-smell won big points with me, too.

It wasn’t just good luck that there was no chemical smell: the Plank Firm Natural mattress is made out of natural materials. (Duh, it’s in the name.) All you’ll find here is organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex. Plank says, “Our exclusive selection of healthy and comfy materials won us the GOTS Certified stamp of approval—the gold standard of safe and healthy organic fibers. Our materials: organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex are safe, breathable, and pure.” I’m down with that.

plank firm natural mattress reivew

The Plank Natural Firm mattress is dual sided, meaning you can choose between one side that’s moderately firm (about a 6 on a scale of 1-10) and notably firm (which the brand rates at about an 8). We rolled the mattress out on the moderately firm side. It was a good thing that the moderately firm side passed the Goldilocks test, because my mom and I had no intention of flipping the mattress over. We were proud enough of ourselves for carrying the box into the room and hoisting the rolled-up mattress onto the bed in the first place.

Before I even made the bed and slept on it, I was impressed with the mattress’s quality. The material feels soft to the touch and just looks well-made. While you can’t see it with your eyes, there are five distinct layers, giving the mattress its unique feel. The top layer and bottom layers are made from breathable quilted cotton and wool. Meanwhile, the second layer is 1.75-inches of premium latex on the medium-firm side (or 1.5-inches on the firm side). According to the brand, these latex layers help relax the body’s muscles and relieve tension, relieving pressure while you sleep.

In between the two layers of latex, the core of the mattress features a layer of 6-inch individually encased titancore coils. What do these babies do, one might wonder? The brand says that they provide “superior response and body contouring support while ensuring motion isolation to minimize any sleep disturbance.”

I’m here to attest that my sleep was in fact free of disturbance. My shoulders and lower back had been bothering me from long hour spend in the car, but when I laid down the pain wasn’t triggered: instead, I felt like I was actually able to decompress, and soon enough I’d drifted off to sleep.

Sometimes when I sleep on firm mattresses, I feel really stiff when I wake up. However, I wasn’t stiff at all after sleeping on the Plank Firm Natural. Was it the good work of the contouring coils? Was it the 1.75 inches of latex? Who knows! All I know is that I woke up well rested and physically content.

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Plank

Plank Firm Natural (opens in a new window)

Available at Brooklyn Bedding

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pros

• No chemical smell
• Dual sided
• Easy to set up
• Made from natural materials
• Comfortable

cons

• Having to flip the mattress to experience the other side sounds hard

plank mattress faqs

What is the warranty policy?

The Plank Firm Natural has a 10-year warranty.

Can you return it?

Brooklyn Bedding has a 120-day trial period. If for some reason you’re not happy with your mattress, you can place a return and get a refund. Then, you can shop for a new mattress. Or, you can place your return order and order a new mattress right away—your refund will be processed in 3-4 business days. There is a $99 return fee for all mattress returns, but the original shipping is free.

Do you need a mattress foundation?

According to the brand, a mattress foundation is not necessary, so long as your mattress rests on a surface with “minimal to no flex.”

The post I Didn’t Know Firm Mattresses Could be Comfortable Until I Tried the Plank Mattress appeared first on VICE.

Most MCT oils that you’ll find on the market are distilled from coconut oil. Meanwhile, other MCT oil products such as powders are blended with other ingredients—like protein powder, vitamins, or other health-forward ingredients like collagen—to target an even wider range of health goals.

But what is an MCT, anyway? MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which the Cleveland Clinic defines as medium-length chains of dietary fat. Studies have shown that, since it’s a form of dietary fat, it can help signal to your body that you’re full—thereby helping folks lower their food intake and lose weight.

Like all supplements, however, you don’t want to overdo it, and you want to make sure that the supplement is healthy for your personal health profile. For example, if you’re dealing with heart disease or fatty liver, this wouldn’t be a good supplement for you to take (because, duh, it is a fat).

a quick look at the best mct oil products

• Best organic MCT oil – Sports Research Keto MCT Oil from Organic Coconuts
• Best MCT oil powder – Organic MCT Oil Powder
• Best MCT oil coffee pods – VitaCup Keto Max Dark Roast Coffee Pods
• Best MCT oil with Vitamin D – Sports Research Vitamin D3 5000 IU with Coconut MCT Oil 
• Best MCT oil with Vitamin K2 – Sports Research Vitamin K2 as MK-7 100mcg with Coconut MCT Oil 
• Best MCT oil for adding into coffee – Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil 
• Best MCT oil powder with collagen – BioTrust Multi Collagen Protein Powder + Keto MCT Oil 

Choosing (and taking) MCT Oil products

When you’re using MCT oil in its oil form, you can use it just as you would any other oil in your pantry, mixing it into dressings, soups, veggies, and even adding it into your (adaptogenic mushroom?) coffee. Meanwhile, MCT oil powders are better for smoothies, protein shakes, and acai bowls. Of course, given that this is 2024, there are plenty of other ways to take your MCT oil, from coffee pods to gel capsules.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends taking MCT oil in small doses, and consulting with your doctor before adding it into your wellness regime. The clinic says that “long-term use of MCT oil products also could lead to fat building up in the liver,” so it’s a better idea to use MCT oil for more short-term weight loss goals, rather than making it a lifelong habit.

Best organic MCT oil – Sports Research Keto MCT Oil from Organic Coconuts

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Sports Research

Sports Research Keto MCT Oil from Organic Coconuts (opens in a new window)

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Available at Sports Research

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No frills, just distilled coconut oil: Sports Research Keto MCT Oil is one of the easiest ways to get your dose of MCT oil. According to Sports Research, its oil is packed with c8, c10, and c12 fatty acids that may help keep the body in a state of ketosis (when your body uses fat as its main fuel source).”

This oil is unflavored, so it won’t change the flavor of your dressing, soups, or veggies that you’re drizzling it over. You can even use it in your cooking. “Keep in mind that MCT Oil has a low smoke point and shouldn’t exceed 325 degrees Fahrenheit,” says the brand.

Sports Research has earned a lot of trust in the MCT oil space, too, with over 30,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. Here’s what customers say about the MCT oil:

“One of the main reasons I decided to try this MCT oil is for its potential brain benefits,” says Anisa. “I’ve read a lot about how MCTs can support cognitive function, and I do feel more focused and clear-headed since incorporating it into my routine. It’s like my brain is just more “on,” if that makes sense.”

Emily says, “Been getting this for over a year now. We’ve started adding this MCT oil to our coffee in the morning, and it has made a noticeable difference. It blends well, doesn’t have any taste, and gives a nice energy boost to start the day. I feel full after consuming. The quality is excellent, and it’s become a staple in our daily routine. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enhance their morning coffee, energy, and digestion.”

Best MCT oil powder – Organic MCT Oil Powder

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Micro Ingredients

Organic MCT Oil Powder (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Available at Walmart

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If you’re more of a smoothie or protein shake supplement taker, then this Organic MCT Oil Powder might be the best option for you. One of the benefits of taking a powder is that the blend can include other helpful ingredients, and in this case, the powder also gives you a serving of prebiotic fiber to help with digestion. Additionally, the prebiotic works to enhance the benefits of the MCT oil. “A good prebiotic that can help absorb all the benefits offered by MCTs,” says the brand.

Unlike a lot of powders, this MCT oil powder has no fillers and is made from raw organic ingredients. With a 4.6 rating on Amazon, customers vouch for the MCT oil powder’s quality.

“I put this in my coffee every morning before blending it up,” says one Amazon shopper. “It helps make a nice foam for my morning coffee. It helps me keep a keto lifestyle by making my morning coffee into a great breakfast of coffee that wakes me up and gives my brain actual energy to start the old engine. Is usually sufficient to keep me full for 5 hours.”

Best MCT oil coffee pods – VitaCup Keto Max Dark Roast Coffee Pods

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VitaCup

VitaCup Keto Max Dark Roast Coffee Pods (opens in a new window)

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Available at VitaCup

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One of the laziest easiest ways to take MCT oil is to forgo all the mixing and cooking and just pop in a VitaCup Keto Max Dark Roast Coffee Pod. These pods combine dark roast coffee, butter, MCT oil, turmeric, and vitamins D3 and B to give you a creamy, antioxidant-packed start to your day.

These pods are sugar free and only have one gram of carbs, so you’re not blindsided by unwanted ingredients. The pods are recyclable, too, which wins VitaCup some extra karma points. Most importantly, though, customers report that the coffee actually helps keep them full.

“I have been trying to cut back on my coffee consumption, so decided to try this keto type blend,” says Amazon shopper Kim. “I have been a repeat customer for last few months. Taste great and actually has curbed my intake. Now I’m full and satisfied with just one cup of coffee a day!”

Sonya says, “As a dedicated follower of the Keto lifestyle, I was on the lookout for a coffee that not only complements my dietary needs but also satisfies my cravings. After trying sooo many brands, VitaCup Keto Max is the absolute best – it’s definitely a game-changer!”

Best MCT oil with Vitamin D – Sports Research Vitamin D3 5000 IU with Coconut MCT Oil 

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Sports Research

Sports Research Vitamin D3 5000 IU with Coconut MCT Oil  (opens in a new window)

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Available at Sports Research

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In addition to making one of the best pure MCT oils, Sports Research also makes a line of supplements that bring vitamins and MCT oil together. Personally, I’m all for 2-in-1 capsules, because I’m not trying to have a cluttered up pill box. So, if you also want to prioritize getting your Vitamin D3, this Sports Research Vitamin D3 5000 IU with Coconut MCT Oil  may be the best MCT oil product for you.

Why D3? “Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus – essential minerals for maintaining strong bones and teeth,” says Sports Research. “It’s also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, with adequate levels providing immune system support and overall wellness.”

These capsules have a 4.7-star rating and 12,000 reviewers chiming in. One reviewer shares how this helped with her Vitamin D deficiency symptoms.

“When I became Vitamin D deficient I figured why not try these,” writes Taiwania. “I am about halfway through the bottle and do notice a difference in myself. I do not have windows in my classroom so I noticed, and it was pointed out to me, that spending 6-7 hours in there with not much outside time was causing me to be depressed. I do notice I am more energized now, less depressed, have more energy, and less foggy headed and dizzy throughout the day.”

Best MCT oil with Vitamin K2 – Sports Research Vitamin K2 as MK-7 100mcg with Coconut MCT Oil 

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Sports Research

Sports Research Vitamin K2 as MK-7 100mcg with Coconut MCT Oil  (opens in a new window)

Available at Amazon

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Available at Sports Research

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Different vitamins target different health concerns. In addition to its Vitamin D3 blend, Sports Research also has its Sports Research Vitamin K2 as MK-7 100mcg with Coconut MCT Oil capsules.

“Vitamin K2 is one of the biggest supporters of bone and cardiovascular health,” says Sports Research. “This micronutrient is essential in moving calcium out of your bloodstream and into your bones, helping you build bone density.”

There’s logic for pairing it with MCT oil, too. “K2 delivers the best benefits when taken with food or another source of fat,” says the brand, “which is why we add the quality fats found in coconut MCT oil to our vegan softgels.”

One shopper, David, says he has been taking it for three years. “My dentist is going to go out of business if I keep using it as I’ve had far less plaque and no cavities and far less time in the cleaning chair.” Meanwhile, John says, “I’ve been taking Sports Research Vitamin K2 as MK7 with Organic Coconut Oil for a few weeks now, and I’m already noticing a difference in my overall health.”

Best MCT oil for adding into coffee – Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil 

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Viva Naturals

Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil  (opens in a new window)

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Another top pick for pure, organic MCT oil, this Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil is made to be a coffee add-in. “Our MCT coconut oil liquid has a mild flavor,” says the brand, “so even those with a refined palate can enjoy MCT Oil.” Amazon reviewers share that they love how it blends in easily – and that they like the taste.

In a 5-star review, shopper MG says, “This product has exceeded my expectations in terms of both taste and effectiveness. One of the main reasons I decided to try this MCT oil was its potential weight management benefits. I have been trying to shed a few pounds. I found that when I incorporated this oil into my reduced-calorie diet and increased my physical activity, I saw noticeable results.”

Another shopper says, “Ever since I have introduced MCT into my morning routine, I have had so much energy and focus at work that even my coworkers had noticed a “bright” change in me. One of my close coworkers said, ‘You’re more awake and happier than usual and it’s creeping me out… Tell me your secret!?'” Well, the secret is out!

Best MCT oil powder with collagen – BioTrust Multi Collagen Protein Powder + Keto MCT Oil 

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BioTrust Multi Collagen Protein Powder + Keto MCT Oil  (opens in a new window)

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Available at BioTrust

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We can’t talk about hot supplements without talking about collagen. These days, collagen is damn near everywhere: in protein powders, greens blends, colostrum—you name it. So, it makes a lot of sense that BioTrust has brought MTC oil and collagen together for one optimized product: BioTrust Multi Collagen Protein Powder + Keto MCT Oil.

According to the brand, the collagen works to promote overall wellness, targeting everything from hair, skin, and nails health to joint and bone health and digestion. Are these a lot of big promises? Yes. However, it’s a good option if your health goals are more comprehensive than just weight loss and improving energy.

“I’ve been using this product for a couple of years now,” says Amazon shopper Ann. “I can truly see major improvements with my hair, skin and nails.”

The post The 7 Best MCT Oil Products for Keto Dieters (and Normies) appeared first on VICE.