Chanelle, Author at Eat Move Make

3 Unique CBD Products You’ll Want to Try | CBDistillery™

June 28, 2019 By Chanelle 10 Comments

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of CBDistillery™.

You’ve probably heard lots of buzz around CBD (cannabidiol) over the last couple of years, and for good reason. CBD products are natural (derived from hemp), and are great for supporting your health and easing issues that are tricky or expensive to treat with other methods. Also, because CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC, they give you all the benefits without the buzz. That makes CBD great for things like work anxiety because it can ease your symptoms without affecting your thinking.

The first time I tried CBD products was when I decided to try a CBD latte at a local cafe. It had a nice herbal, earthy taste and gave me a sense of calm for an hour or so. I was sold! It was a stressful time for me because I’d just moved to a new town, and that calming feeling was extremely welcome.

CBD Products from CBDistillery™

Over the past month, I’ve been trying out three different CBD products from CBDistillery™ so I could share my thoughts on them with you. CBDistillery™ are farmed with pesticide-free and fungicide-free practices and crafted in an ISO Certified Facility so you can feel confident in their safety and quality. I’ve been extremely pleased with everything I’ve tried!

As you can see, I’ve used quite a bit of this CBD oil!

The first thing I tried was their 1000mg 30ml Full-Spectrum Tincture. This is an oil-based product that you take by placing a dropperful under your tongue, waiting for about 15 seconds, then swallowing. This tincture is totally portable in its conveniently-sized bottle, and is quickly absorbed to help you feel relief faster.

I’ve been taking this during the daytime to ease any work-related anxiety and it’s made quite a difference. When I take it, I find that my mind is able to focus on the task at hand without spiraling in different directions.

I also tried the PM Gummies, and I have to say these were my favorite. If you have trouble getting to sleep, having one of these gummies about 30 minutes before bedtime will help you relax into a peaceful slumber. Each bear contains the awesome combo of 30mg CBD (0% THC) and melatonin, and as a bonus, they are super tasty!

The third product I’ve been trying is CBDol salve. It comes in a cute 1 oz. container which contains a total of 500mg CBD. A couple favorite uses of mine have been to rub some of this on my sunburned shoulders or even on my chest just for a little aromatherapy (it contains lots of great-smelling essential oils)!

CBDol ingredients: Hemp Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Lavender, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Marjoram, Eucalyptus, Arnica, Basil, Camphor, Frankincense, Tea Tree, Green Tea, Lecithin, Cinnamon, Grapefruit Seed, Aloe, USD Kosher Glycerin, Magnesium, CBD, Bees Wax

You can get all three of these products and more online at CBDistillery™. Use discount code EATMOVEMAKE when you shop for 10% off your order!

Have you tried CBD products before? What did you think of them?

Get Out and Get Active This Summer + Sweepstakes!

June 24, 2019 By Chanelle 14 Comments

I love the coziness and togetherness the winter holidays bring, but man, am I relieved that warm weather is here! Especially in the gorgeous mountain climate here in Asheville, summer makes it easy to want to get outside and move more.

I’ve been particularly active this summer, walking 2-4 miles a day when I wasn’t walking at all before.

Why?

Because I got a dog! Meet Artie! She’s a rescue and is 7 years old, and she loves her walks. To me, walking her is not a chore, it’s something fun to do together and it’s good for my health too.

Enter the Get Out Get Active Sweepstakes!

Want to win a prize pack including Optimum Nutrition products like the ones mentioned here, plus a Schwinn bike and accessories? Enter the Get Out Get Active sweepstakes!

The sweepstakes runs from May 19, 2019 – June 30, 2019, so enter today! For official rules please visit GetActiveThisSummer.com.

If walking isn’t really your thing and you’re looking for another way to stay active, did you know that Walmart carries bikes for adults? Yep, you can shop Walmart to find bikes like this Schwinn Sidewinder mountain bike for an everyday low price.

It has both front and rear brakes, 21-speed shifters, and a seat that easily adjusts without the need for any tools. Great option for those who want a reliable, unfussy trail ride! Click here to check out the entire Schwinn line at Walmart.

Now that I’m burning lots more calories than I was before, I’ve noticed that I’m hungrier than usual. I need to keep easy, nutritious meals and snacks around, and Walmart stocks some of my favorites.

An easy breakfast option that I can quickly eat before our morning walk is Peanut Butter Crunch Kashi GO Cereal. Every serving has 10 grams of plant-based protein and is filled with crunchy, peanut buttery clusters.

As far as snacks go, I’m still loving ready-to-eat snacks from Optimum Nutrition. I have featured them before right here! Salted Toffee Pretzel Protein Crisps and Chocolate Donut Cake Bites are two of my favorites. Both options are packed with 20 grams of protein per serving and genuinely taste great, unlike plenty of other protein snacks I’ve tried.

Optimum Nutrition Cake Bites

I’ve been keeping an emergency Salted Toffee Pretzel Protein Crisp in my daily carry bag as well as one in the car just in case I get hangry on the go.

Now, this summer tip is for adults 21 and older. Please drink responsibly!

Michelob has come out with two new options that are better for you than your typical beer options: Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold and Michelob ULTRA Lime Cactus.

Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold is a light lager made with organic grains and without any artificial colors or flavors. It only has 2.5 carbs and 85 calories! Michelob ULTRA Lime Cactus has a great lime taste that doesn’t weigh you down, and only 95 calories and 5.5 carbs.

Don’t forget to enter the Get Out Get Active sweepstakes at GetActiveThisSummer.com!

Philadelphia Freedom! Staying with Marriott in Downtown Philly

June 17, 2019 By Chanelle 12 Comments

This post was sponsored by Marriott as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

If you follow us on Instagram, you might remember my trip to Philadelphia a few weeks ago. I spent a whirlwind weekend there hosted by Marriott in downtown Philly and had a blast! Although I’d been to the City of Brotherly Love before, I hadn’t had a chance to experience much of what the city has to offer, so I made it a point to do so this time.

My gorgeous modern room at the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown

I was very lucky to stay at the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown (a Marriott property) because it was right in the middle of all the things I wanted to do. It’s a short couple of blocks away from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and if you walk a few more blocks, there are countless museums to choose from! I didn’t have to take a cab or use a rideshare app the entire time I was there.

It’s extremely easy to book a stay in the city of your choice with Marriott, and you’ll save even more when you become a Marriott Bonvoy member. Whether you’re traveling with your family, with your pet, on a budget, or are looking for a high-end boutique experience, Marriott has a property that will suit you. In Philadelphia alone, there are 24 Marriott hotels across 11 brands!

The Liberty Bell

The first thing on my to-do list in Philly was to see the Liberty Bell just two blocks from my hotel. I walked over first thing in the morning because I had heard the lines can be long on the weekends (and because it was blazing hot out)! On the way there, I stopped to admire Independence Hall.

Finally seeing the Liberty Bell in person was a little surreal. Admission is free, and before you get to the bell itself, there’s a small museum explaining the history of the bell. A great experience overall, and not to be missed if you’re in town.

Dinner and Drinks at Aloft Philadelphia Downtown

One of my favorite parts of my weekend in Philly was the hosted dinner I enjoyed at Aloft Philadelphia Downtown, another nearby Marriott property. I loved getting to see a different side of Marriott (and a different part of Philly)!

The downtown Philly Aloft hotel is built in what used to be a bank. I got a short tour and got to see their gym which used to be a vault (!) and this cool seal in the beautiful stone floors:

After my tour, I enjoyed several dishes fresh from the Aloft kitchen, such as tuna poke and the chef’s special blueberry cobbler.

The Mütter Museum

If you’re into creepy-cool stuff like me, you HAVE to visit the Mütter Museum when in Philly. It’s a museum full of medical oddities like skulls and skeletons, preserved bodies and body parts, and even a whole collection full of foreign objects surgically removed from human bodies. You’re not allowed to take photos inside the museum so you’ll just have to go and see it for yourself!

Don’t forget to go outside to see the museum’s medicinal plant garden, where you are allowed to snap photos! A great place for a spooky selfie or two.

Are you convinced to visit Philly on your next free weekend? Don’t forget to book with Marriott Bonvoy to get the best hotel deal!

5-Minute Vegetarian and Vegan Meal Ideas from Sweet Earth

June 12, 2019 By Chanelle 18 Comments

This post is sponsored by Sweet Earth Foods. All opinions my own.

Sometimes you just don’t have time to cook a full meal. Believe me, I get it. It’s tempting to order a pizza or make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Or worst of all, have instant ramen! But with a little pre-planning, you can make sure you always have a nutritious frozen vegetarian or vegan meal around for situations like these. That’s what Sweet Earth Foods is all about!

Sweet Earth Foods is a flavor-forward food company that handcrafts globally-inspired, plant-centric convenience foods that you can find at a Target store near you. Their fare includes organic entrees, burritos, quesadillas, and more, all of which are either vegetarian or vegan and rich in protein, fiber, and nutrients.

I’ve talked about Sweet Earth before, and my opinion hasn’t changed! Everything I’ve tried from them has been absolutely delicious, and because their meals come together in just a few minutes, they’re perfect for my busy lifestyle.

For example, check out the Mindbender Quesadilla and Brazilian Burrito below. The burrito took just three minutes in the microwave, and the quesadilla heated up in just a few minutes per side in my favorite cast iron pan. Once ready, they both tasted fresh, delicious, and decidedly un-frozen. And as you can see, they’re loaded with fresh, whole ingredients like rice, beans, and veggies.

Sweet Earth Mindbender Quesadilla and Brazilian Burrito

But my favorite Sweet Earth product so far is the Vegan Cauliflower Mac entree. Just look at it! With its creamy, cheesy sauce and savory crumble topping, it’s hard to believe this dish isn’t homemade, let alone vegan. I’d highly recommend this meal to anyone who needs to keep comfort foods on hand but still wants to mind their nutrition.

Want to try Sweet Earth vegetarian or vegan meals like the Vegan Cauliflower Mac, Mindbender Quesadilla, or Brazilian Burrito yourself? Sweet Earth products are available at Target stores nationwide. Click here to find a store now!

The Best Health and Wellness Goodies for Spring 2019

April 25, 2019 By Chanelle 17 Comments

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx. All opinions my own.

My health and wellness journey has taken lots of twists and turns. I once was a yogi, then became a runner, then a bodybuilder, and now I’m back to my yogi roots. If I had to describe my current views on health and wellness in one word, I guess I’d say “balance.”

I partnered with Babbleboxx to test out a variety of balance-boosting spring health and wellness products this month, and I kind of couldn’t believe how well they all complemented my life and the habits I already have. Check ’em all out!

Trekz Air by Aftershokz

My Trekz Air are some of the coolest gadgets I’ve tried lately. They’re kind of like headphones, but instead of fitting inside your ears, they rest in front of them, vibrating against your cheekbones to conduct sound. This bone conduction technology means you can hear your tunes and whatever is around you, making them safe to wear while biking or walking in busy places.

Mid-work-day Aftershokz selfie!

I was a little worried that if I wore them to the gym, others would be able to hear my jams, but I tested them by turning on some music and walking away to see if I could still hear them. Nope! Your music stays private.

I’ve also been using them a lot to make work phone calls, and they’re great for that. They pair easily with my devices and everyone I’ve had on the other end of the line has said they can hear me loud and clear.

Want a pair of your own? Visit health.aftershokz.com and use code HEALTH50 for $50 off Trekz Air and Trekz Titanium Endurance Bundles!

Bone conduction at the gym

Berry Power and Enzyme Power by Pure Synergy

These two products came to me at the perfect time. I run cold (seriously, I’m always cold), so in fall and winter it’s a little too chilly for me to enjoy my usual smoothies. But as the weather warms up I’m craving them for breakfast again. I’m not usually one for a plain fruit smoothie—I like to punch things up with extra nutrition from greens, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and the like.

Berry Power is another perfect healthy smoothie addition. It’s an all-natural antioxidant powder, but unlike green juice powders (which I love, but yuck), it tastes great because it’s made from berries. I also tried it out mixed with berry flavored sparkling water as you can see below, and it was delicious that way too.

To use Berry Power, just shake up 1 tsp. with 4-6 oz water or juice or blend into your favorite smoothie.

As for Enzyme Power, well…it’s a lifesaver. I’ve tried out lots of digestive enzyme supplements because I’ve been struggling with digestive issues for the past few years. I feel really good about taking this one because not only does it have lots of helpful enzymes to break down tough-to-digest foods, but it also includes a special blend of red algae, ginger, turmeric, and more to support the enzymes as they do their jobs. All you have to do is take one capsule with a meal and you’re set. 🙂

Taking my Enzyme Power so I can eat this lasagna.

You can get Berry Power and Enzyme Power at The Synergy Company. When you shop, don’t forget to use code SPRING15 for 15% off your total order now through May 31, 2019.

Eye Gels from Patchology

These moodpatch undereye gels are so fun to use! They’re jiggly little pairs of eye gels that come in lots of fun varieties. The ones I tried were:

Perk Up: With green tea and bergamot to depuff and energize
Down Time: With calendula and lavender to calm and de-stress
Happy Place (pictured below): With hibiscus and rose for positivity and hydration

I like these because they’re just a little something special to add to your wind-down routine at night. They give you a little undereye hydration, a little aromatherapy, and a little fun. What’s not to love?

You can pick up these eye gels on the Patchology website!

Fitness Drink by CELSIUS

CELSIUS fitness drinks are something special. They give you a boost of healthy energy thanks to 7 essential vitamins plus green tea leaves, ginger, and guarana, but they’re also proven to accelerate your metabolism and burn calories and body fat just by drinking them.

I tried the Sparkling Fuji Apple Pear flavor one tough morning when I was feeling stressed about my to-do list, and just half of a can helped me knock it all out in no time.

The entire line of CELSIUS products is kosher and vegan certified as well as soy-, gluten-, and sugar-free, so just about anyone can try them out.

Want to give these drinks a shot? Get CELSIUS on Amazon here.

Are you embarking on a spring health and wellness journey? What kinds of things are you changing up?

Trying a “Super Tuscan” Wine!

February 19, 2019 By Chanelle 12 Comments

This post was sponsored by Italian Wines USA. All opinions my own.

I love wine, but I admit to being a bargain hunter when I buy it—unless it’s a special occasion. For example, I’m always excited when I get to travel to a new locale because that means experiencing it through special food and wine. But as I’ve traveled more, it’s become clearer to me that life is too short not to treat yourself regularly. After all, isn’t life kind of a special occasion in itself?

So if you’re looking to live la dolce vita and upgrade your usual wine for something more special, pick up a bottle of Italian wine next time you shop. I’ve realized lately that I get more enjoyment from bottles that are no less than $12—with that little extra investment there’s definitely a jump in quality. Italian wines offer incredible value and quality between $15-25, and the two-buck chuck will still be there for another time. 🙂

I took my own advice this past weekend. In preparation for a looming snowstorm where I live, I headed out to pick up a few snowstorm essentials, including a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese from Tuscany, one of Italy’s 20 wine regions. I picked a Tuscan wine because I’ve always wanted to visit Tuscany since seeing the movie Under the Tuscan Sun years ago. Gotta love Diane Lane!

I felt a little guilty putting together such a nice looking cheese plate for just me, but I’m taking my own advice and treating little moments—like being snowed in—as if they were special occasions.

I poured myself a glass of the Cabernet-Sangiovese Italian wine, sliced and toasted some baguette with olive oil and herbs. I set out some cajun cheese curds, gorgonzola, smoked gouda, and aged cheddar. And I sat down for a super chill night in with the new puzzle I got for Christmas.

The wine was absolutely delicious. It had deep, complex flavors that I’ve really been missing out on with my usual wine purchases. I did a little research into Tuscan wines and learned a few interesting facts. Apparently, there’s a kind of wine known as “Super Tuscan”!

A Super Tuscan wine is a red blend made with grapes grown in Tuscany but that are not indigenous to Italy. It can include Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and/or Cabernet Franc grapes. Actually, I think that means the wine I picked out is a Super Tuscan. Cool huh?

How to Find a Super Tuscan Italian Wine

To find a Super Tuscan, there are a couple of things you can look for on the label. It will say Toscana, meaning it’s from Tuscany, and will say Indicazione Geografica Tipica underneath that. Also, a Super Tuscan wine will usually have a special name, rather than saying what kind of grapes it’s made from.

It was fun treating myself to a night in with a bottle of Italian wine. From now on, I won’t feel guilty about opening a bottle like this when it’s not a typical “special occasion”!

To learn more about Italian wines, visit the official Italian Wine website here!

Super Easy Plant-Based Meals from Sweet Earth Foods

February 18, 2019 By Chanelle 14 Comments

This post is sponsored by Sweet Earth Foods. All opinions my own.

The older I get, the more I appreciate convenient foods. I used to feel like it was cheating to buy fruit or veggies that were already peeled, chopped, or pre-seasoned when I could just as easily do those things myself. But now I realize that time is precious and we have to budget it smartly. Sometimes there are just more important things to do than prep foods!

Having the opportunity to try some easy plant-based meals from Sweet Earth happens to fall right in line with my new revelation. Sweet Earth frozen foods let you prepare a hearty, globally-inspired meatless meal in just a few minutes in the microwave or oven. The Sweet Earth line includes a variety of entree bowls and burritos, and each one is either vegetarian or vegan, organic, and high in protein, fiber, and nutrients—not your average frozen foods! Learn more about Sweet Earth products on their website.

I had the opportunity to try a few Sweet Earth meals including the Chana Masala and Pad Thai bowls and the Peruvian Burrito.

Check out how good that burrito looks! It only took about 2 minutes in the microwave and when it was ready, the flour tortilla was perfectly soft and warm and the filling of black beans, sweet potato, quinoa, goat cheese and more was super fragrant. Sweet Earth burritos would make the perfect lunch for the office because they don’t take up much space and are packed with hearty ingredients to fill you up for hours.

A favorite of mine is the Chana Masala entree. I order chana masala whenever I go out for Indian food, so it’s pretty exciting that I now have the option to have it at home without having to plan ahead. It has chickpeas, potatoes, tofu, and veggies in a bed of yummy yellow rice.

Another tasty option is the Pad Thai entree. It’s loaded with noodles, tofu, and veggies—and I mean loaded; it’s a really big and filling meal. We chose to dress it up with some crushed peanuts and a lime slice just like in a restaurant!

No matter which Sweet Earth foods you choose, you won’t be disappointed by the heartiness, quality, and healthful ingredients. Find easy plant-based meals from Sweet Earth at your local Kroger, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Frys, King Scoopers, Marianos and more! The products are available nationwide—click here to find a store now.

5 Self Care Ideas for Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2019 By Chanelle 13 Comments

This post was sponsored by adidas. All opinions are my own.

Valentine’s Day happens pretty soon after the start of the new year, and that can make it pretty difficult to stick to your resolutions. Whether you’re spoken-for or single, you’re likely going to be tempted to celebrate V-day with treats. Chocolates, wine, dinner out…that’s just the name of the game. While I do love these kinds of treats in moderation, this year I’m going to treat myself in another way: with self-care.

How to Have a Self Care Valentine’s Day

1. Get your heart pumping with exercise

You don’t need romance to get your heart going this Valentine’s Day—all you need is a little exercise. 🙂

My recommendation is to pick something you actually enjoy doing. When you find a style of exercise you love, it’s a lot easier to stick with it. So if you keep getting hurt running or you hate going to the gym to lift weights, don’t do those things! Instead, try out some new things until you find a form of exercise you won’t mind doing regularly. Don’t forget to switch things up sometimes though—crosstraining is important for injury prevention as well as for keeping things interesting so you don’t get bored.

Prayer twist in my adidas jacket

My favorite form of exercise right now is yoga. I tend to be an anxious person, but yoga forces me to breathe along with my movements, which lowers my heart rate and makes me feel calmer. Plus, no matter how I’m feeling, I can find a yoga class that suits me on YouTube or my yoga app. Most times I like to do a more fast-paced flow and sweat a little bit, but other times I like to slow down and do a restorative yin practice.

If you’ve been wanting to try yoga, I definitely encourage you to do so—it has changed my life. All you need to get started is a yoga mat, a little space, and yourself.

2. Reflect on what you’re thankful for

Being surrounded by social media, it’s easy to get caught up thinking about relationships and material things we wish we had. But with that kind of attitude, we’ll never have enough. Take some time this Valentine’s Day to think about what you’re grateful for. You could even make a list and refer to it in the future when you find yourself longing for a person or thing.

I’m thankful for my cat who “helps” with photos.

3. Don’t sabotage yourself

If you’ve been doing well at sticking to your goals this year, don’t stop just because it’s Valentine’s Day. Keep the momentum going, whether that means continuing your streak of workouts, cooking a healthy meal for yourself, or making time to read.

4. Do something outside your normal routine

Even if you’re spending this Valentine’s Day a little differently than usual, you don’t have to ignore it altogether. If you usually stay in, make it special by spending time with friends. If you usually find yourself surrounded by people, try cozying up at home and having some solo time.

5. Treat yourself to something unique

Instead of wine or sweets, treat yourself to something that will motivate you to keep up your healthy habits. Maybe that’s a nice yoga mat or a cute pair of yoga leggings and comfy hoodie, or maybe it’s a spa day at home, complete with a long bubble bath and fancy face mask. Personally, I decided to treat myself by upgrading my fitness watch to one that could more accurately track my yoga sessions.

No matter what you treat yourself to, I hope you have a happy, healthy Valentine’s Day!

I’m on a Roll! Organizing My Pantry

January 24, 2019 By Chanelle 16 Comments

After organizing my new car, I was on a roll. I’ve been noticing the little areas of clutter around my house that I usually ignore and brainstorming ways to organize them and make them function better for me. One area that I’ve been targeting for quite a while? My pantry. Luckily, California Almonds gave me the sustained energy to power “Operation Pantry Declutter”! This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of California Almonds.

My pantry was pretty bad. I guess it wasn’t the worst pantry I’d ever seen, but it was enough to annoy me every time I opened the door…which was several times a day.

I didn’t want to spend a lot on organizing the pantry, so with shelf measurements in hand, I headed to my new favorite place: the dollar store. Here’s what I picked up…

A variety of blue baskets in different sizes, plus a couple of stackable wooden bins from another store that I thought I could use to organize heavier items like cans.

When I get a wild hair to do something I won’t stop until it’s done. Just ask my mom. That’s how I’ve always been. For this project, that meant I was so excited to get started that I left the house without eating breakfast. When I got home from shopping, I was FAMISHED.

This is where almonds come in. I need to keep easy, quick snacks around that will fill me up and give me the energy to get through whatever project I’m working on at the time. Almonds are great because they contain protein and fiber plus “good fats” to fill me up until my next full meal. Plus, they’re portable!

This is a perfect portion of almonds.

I had a quick snack of almonds before finishing up my organizing quest. Perfect! No need to stop for too long.

And now, let me reveal the results of organizing the pantry.

Organizing the pantry was a major success. I corralled like items into blue bins:

Top shelf: canned items & sauces/oils
2nd shelf: baking ingredients and dried goods (like pasta and oats)
3rd shelf: snacks (this is where the almonds go!) and soup stuff
Bottom shelf: workout supplements & cat stuff

SUCH a relief. Thanks to California Almonds for the opportunity to finally power through this project! This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of California Almonds.

By the way, did you know that there’s no almond emoji? I was surprised too. (I mean, we have an acorn and a dumpling but no almonds?) If you believe in the almond emoji click here to sign the petition to help create one!

Are you in an organizing mood this January? Tell me what you’re organizing next!

Affordable Car Organization Tips! $30 or Less

January 9, 2019 By Chanelle 11 Comments

In 2016, my car broke down. It was the car I’d been driving since age 16, and it had made it to 14 years old. It was time. So I bought my dream car, a Kia Soul. I loved that car. It had Bluetooth! It had power windows, power locks, and a key fob that unlocked the doors remotely! Such simple luxuries, but I was tickled.

When I moved to the mountains this year, I realized I might need something a little more hardy. An all-wheel drive for the hills and snow, preferably with a backup camera. (Did you know that by May 2018, all new cars are required to come standard with backup cameras?)

So in a bittersweet yet practical move, I traded in my Soul for a low-mileage Buick Encore from Carvana. Psst! If you’re in the market for a new car, let me know. I have ten codes for $500 off your Carvana purchase. Not sponsored, I just had a good experience with Carvana.

Car Organization Tips: Keeping It Clean and Well-Stocked!

After stocking my new wheels with a few of my usual car essentials—lip balm, hand sanitizer, and extra napkins secreted away from various restaurants and coffee shops—inspiration struck. “I should fully organize this car! With cheap items from the dollar store!” So that’s just what I did.

I visited Dollar Tree, Ross, Aldi, and Dollar General to organize my whole car & outfit it with emergency supplies for less than $30!

Let’s start with the driver’s side door.

In my driver door pockets, I keep a microfiber cloth for dusting and drying (2 for $1, Dollar Tree), packs of Clorox wipes and baby wipes ($1 each, Dollar Tree), and a backup pair of sunglasses for my sensitive baby eyes.

Now moving along to the center console.

The console storage space in this car is quite small, so I don’t have room for much. Inside I have extra napkins, a pack of tissues (8 packs for $1, Dollar Tree), a protein bar, and a bottle of ibuprofen…or is it?

Inside this bottle of ibuprofen, I actually keep change! Totally thief-proof. 🙂

On the passenger’s side, there are two glove compartments. In the main compartment, I keep the car owner’s manual, my registration and insurance information, a toiletries kit, and a first aid kit.

I got this compact first aid kit at Ross for $4.99. It has regular bandages, blister bandages, gauze, alcohol pads, antiseptic pads, and medical tape and is attached to a carabiner. Handy!

In the striped pouch, which is from Target years ago, I keep the following (not everything is pictured below):

Lotion
Tampons
One reusable pad (from this set of 5)
Toothpaste & toothbrush
Floss
Deodorant
Lint remover
Tide To-Go stick
Nail file
Hand sanitizer
Lip balm

In the smaller glove box, I keep just a few things: scissors, scotch tape, a tape measure, and this multi-tool that includes a hammer, screwdriver, and more.

It’s good to keep a hammer and something to cut with, in case you need to break a window or cut a seatbelt to escape the car in an emergency. The tool I have was $6.99 at Ross, but on Amazon you can find specialized tools made for escaping cars.

In the back seat is my favorite organization tip: a mini trashcan ($1, Dollar Tree) that sits perfectly on the hump between the two footwells and doesn’t budge because…

I put velcro strips on the bottom to attach it to the carpet and prevent sliding! I keep the package of trash bags at the bottom of the can so I’ll always have a fresh one handy.

And finally, the trunk. I like to keep the trunk mostly empty so I have room for groceries or whatever I need to tote.

The small storage space on the left holds my extra tissues and the extra microfiber cloth from the 2-pack. I picked up a fabric bin from Aldi’s Special Buys section for $6.99 to corral the few other items I keep handy in the trunk.

The bin holds my reusable bags, my picnic/stadium blanket, and a bottle of bug spray I got from Dollar General for $4.50. I always forget bug spray when I do outdoor activities, so keeping it in my car is insurance that I won’t get bitten for once.

So let’s recap everything that went into my car organization haul!

Baby wipes: $1
Disinfecting wipes: $1
Microfiber cloths: $1
Tissues: $1
Pill container for loose change: already had it = FREE
Toiletries kit: already had it = FREE
First aid kit: $4.99
Scissors: already had them = FREE
Scotch tape: already had it = FREE
Measuring tape: already had it = FREE
Multi-tool with hammer: $6.99
Trashcan: $1
Trashbags: $1
Velcro: $1
Trunk bin: $6.99
Bug spray: $4.50
Aldi quarter: $0.25 😉

GRAND TOTAL: $30.72. I think $30 to outfit a whole car with convenience and emergency items is pretty great. Patting myself on the back.

What other essentials do you keep in your car? I’ve been watching car organization videos on YouTube and can’t get enough of everyone’s clever ideas!

Spending Winter on the Couch with Amazon Devices

December 21, 2018 By Chanelle 7 Comments

This post was sponsored by Amazon as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I used to be the kind of person who didn’t care much about TV. I had a tiny little TV that I’d actually bought to use as an external computer monitor and that’s all I needed. Who cares about HD? Who cares about cable?

But then…

My mom gave me her old TV when she upgraded to a larger one at her house. And my tube-watching habits did a complete 180. I found it easier to stay engrossed in a show now that I was watching a bigger screen, and I broadened my streaming horizons to include Hulu, Prime Video, and Twitch along with the Netflix and YouTube I was watching before. I was a goner.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Amazon Fire TV Recast

My Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Amazon Fire TV Recast, and beloved Amazon Echo!

And now that I’ve had the opportunity to add the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Recast to my arsenal, the likelihood of me leaving the couch in the evenings is pretty much nil.

With the Fire TV Stick remote, you can summon Alexa by holding down the microphone button and saying Alexa’s name plus your command. You can ask Alexa to search for titles, play music, use skills like “weather” and “Flash Briefing”—basically anything you might ask your other Alexa devices. And of course, Amazon Fire TV devices pair perfectly with any other Amazon devices you already have.

If you’re like me and hate having to use multiple remotes, you’ll like that this remote has power, volume, and mute buttons to control your TV, sound bar, and receiver.

Fire TV gives you access to all the streaming channels you’re used to, like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu (including live TV and sports packages if you so choose), Sling, and more. And when you add the Fire TV Recast to the mix, you can also watch and record over-the-air programming with no monthly fees!

The Amazon Fire TV Recast is an unassuming little black box that will look at home with the devices you already have.

With the Fire TV Recast, your antenna picks up nearby channels and the device integrates them with Fire TV so that you can use your Alexa-enabled remote or other devices to find live shows and schedule recordings.

You can say things like “Alexa, open Channel Guide” or “Alexa, record ‘Riverdale.’” Fire TV Recast delivers the most reliable video streams over Wi-Fi of any over-the-air DVR so you won’t be constantly frustrated by buffering or fuzzy picture.

Ready to finally cut cable and dive into the streaming life? Shop for your Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Recast on Amazon! (They make great gifts, too.)