We’ve been using the Prolex Coffee Mill (Ceramic) for years to grind our coffee beans for the most important drink of the day. It works perfectly and will remain one of our favourite coffee accessories. However, it has been gathering dust on the shelf since the arrival of the Fellow Ode Coffee Grinder.
The Prolex adds so much flavour and elevates the experience every morning. But we now reserve that luxury for weekends, when we have more time to enjoy the process. While it feels like battlegrounds every morning during the week, a quick yet consistent injection of caffeine provided by the Fellow Ode Coffee Grinder is greatly appreciated.
Grind Settings for Every Brewing Method
Finding a grinder that can produce a consistent grind for their preferred brewing method is one of the most difficult challenges for coffee enthusiasts. This problem is solved by the Fellow Ode’s precise grind settings, which can be adjusted to match your preferred brewing method.
It has a front dial panel with 31 grind settings that you can adjust to your liking. For pour-over, choose a grind setting that produces a medium-fine grind. Fellow recommends the setting between 4-8 for the Gen 2 to get the best flavour out of your light roast coffee beans. However, I set it to 6-9.
I’ve read reviews that said the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 was improved over the previous model because it couldn’t go very fine. However, I still won’t recommended it for espresso. This grinder was created specifically for filter use. It is designed with interlocking flat burrs, which produce a coarser result than standard flat burrs.
Maximum Functionality in a Sleek Design
The Fellow Ode is highly functional. Its 64mm flat burrs are made of hardened stainless steel, making them extremely durable. The machine is intended for single-serve use, but the hopper can hold up to 100g of coffee beans. This grinder is both convenient and practical due to its simple interface.
The Fellow Ode is designed with aesthetics in mind, in addition to great features and capabilities. Its clean lines and sleek matte finish combine to make it a stylish addition to any kitchen. I have the white one and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a coffee grinder and has a lighter colour scheme in their kitchen.
I purchased the Fellow Electric Kettle in matte black and am disappointed, primarily due to the poor craftsmanship. The walnut handle is supposed to be a plus in terms of both appearance and function, but it quickly loosened and needed extra attention every time I pour out the water.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
As coffee enthusiasts, we are all aware of the importance of sustainability and eco-friendliness in our coffee consumption. With its thoughtful design and commitment to sustainability, the Fellow Ode is no exception.
The hopper of the grinder is made of BPA-free plastic, and the burrs are designed to reduce coffee waste. Furthermore, the Fellow Ode’s energy-efficient motor is designed to save energy while still delivering the perfect grind every time.
So, whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just starting out, the Fellow Ode coffee grinder is the ideal addition to your brewing setup. This grinder is sure to up your coffee game and improve your daily cup of Joe with its precise grind settings, minimalist design, and commitment to sustainability.
Vitamix is a long-time favourite brand for many smoothie fanatics and professional chefs. If you’re familiar with the brand, then you’ve probably heard of the Vitamix A3500. This high-end blender has been taking the blending world by storm, promising to blend anything from smoothies to soups to nut butter. I got this machine as a holiday gift and have used it quite a few times in the last three months. So it’s time to share a review.
Let’s start with the good. First and foremost, the Vitamix A3500 is an incredibly powerful blender, boasting a 2.2 peak horsepower motor. This means it can handle tough ingredients like frozen fruits, nuts, and seeds with ease, creating smooth, creamy blends every time. The blender also has five pre-programmed settings, allowing you to blend smoothies, hot soups, frozen desserts, purees, and self-cleaning with the touch of a button. This feature is especially convenient for beginners or busy individuals who want to whip up a quick meal or snack without having to fuss with manual controls, which is also added for you to customize your blends to your liking.
Considering how powerful the blender is, the Vitamix A3500 operates with very little noise. The motor of the Vitamix A3500 is designed with advanced sound-reducing features, such as a metal motor base that absorbs sound and vibrations, making it one of the quietest blenders on the market. This feature is particularly helpful if you like to blend your smoothies or make your nut butter early in the morning or late at night, without disturbing your family or neighbours.
I don’t particularly like the design. It’s better looking than the previous versions, but still looks bulky and clumsy and take up a significant amount of counter space in the kitchen. Its wide and sturdy base, along with its tall pitcher, can make it difficult to store the blender in cabinets as well. If you have a small kitchen, definitely go with another blender. Vitamix has a lot of options with sleek design. However, its size and sturdiness are also what make the A3500 a durable and long-lasting appliance that can handle heavy use and tough ingredients with ease.
And the 64-ounce low-profile container that comes with the blender is perfect for blending large batches of smoothies, soups, or sauces. The tamper is a great addition to the blender too. It is particularly helpful when blending dry ingredients that may get stuck, ensuring a smooth and consistent blend.
It’s also a bit on the pricey side, regularly selling at above CND$850. While it’s definitely an investment piece, it may not be worth the cost for those who only use their blender occasionally.
Blendtec Classic blender may be a better choice in this case. It’s not cheap, either, but more affordable compared to Vitamix A3500. I used one for about five years and I can say that you won’t regret your purchase. It is a high-quality blender without breaking the bank. At 1.6 peak horsepower, it’s still a very powerful blender that can handle tough ingredients with ease.
In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with either the Vitamix A3500 or the Blendtec Classic Blender. The ultimate decision comes down to personal preferences and individual budget.
Kitchen Aid Standmixer Series 5-Quart Lifted Bowl Stand Mixer
Kitchen Aid Standmixer is not a new addition in my kitchen. Actually, I’ve used it a ton since I bought it three years ago. If you are just looking for a verdict, then yes, I would recommend it to anyone who cook and bake regularly. It definitely lives up to the hype.
This mixer can handle everything from baking fluffy cakes and pastries to mixing up homemade pasta dough. Its powerful motor and multiple speed settings allow you to easily tailor your mixing to the needs of your recipes. You can also use the included attachments to transform your mixer into a versatile kitchen workhorse.
Personally, I use my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer mostly for bread baking. When it comes to kneading bread dough, which can be a real workout if done by hand, the dough hook is a lifesaver. It can quickly knead the dough into a smooth and stretchy dough for the perfect Japanese style bread. I’ll share the perfect recipe for our favourite bread in a later post. As an example, in the three years since I began making my own bread, we have not purchased a single loaf from a store.
One thing I particularly love about this mixer is the tilt head design. It makes it so much easier to add ingredients and scrape down the sides of the bowl without having to completely remove the bowl from the mixer. It’s a small feature, but it makes a big difference in terms of convenience and ease of use.
Another feature that sets this mixer apart is the included attachments. The flat beater is perfect for mixing batters and doughs, while the wire whisk is great for whipping egg whites and heavy cream. And, if you want to take your mixer to the next level, there are dozens of additional attachments available for purchase, from pasta rollers to meat grinders.
I do have a few gripes. People complain about the noise it makes, but considering it’s a powerful kitchen appliance, I don’t mind. The Series 5-Quart Lifted Bowl Stand Mixer that I purchased is only suitable for small batches. If you knead dough for three breads, approximately 780g flours, the machine quickly becomes hot, making it difficult to maintain an ideal dough temperature.
If you have a large family that consumes a lot of bread, you should definitely get one with a larger capacity and more power. It is not a small investment, but it will pay off in the long run.
Another concern is the warranty. It’s only for one year, which is absurd given the high price. Vitamix blenders are in the same price range but come with a 10-year warranty.
When using this mixer, keep in mind that it’s best to start on low and gradually work your way up to higher speeds. However, when kneading dough, don’t go above 4 or 5, especially if you have a large batch to knead. Give it a few tries and you’ll get the hang of it.
For good reason, this mixer has been a kitchen staple for decades. It is long-lasting, dependable, and consistently produces consistent results. Furthermore, with the variety of attachments available, you can tailor your mixer to your specific needs and preferences, although I don’t have any of these attachments. Overall, I would recommend this mixer to anyone who cooks or bakes on a regular basis.
Liv Tyler unwinds with a tube of cannabis oil every day. Kim Kardashian uses cannabis oil to deal with her anxiety about having her fourth child. Bubba Watson, a professional golfer, uses cannabis oil to help her sleep. Even Martha Stewart’s French bulldog is a fan of cannabis oil for calmness.
What is CBD oil?
There is no doubt that cannabis oil is sweeping the globe. According to Healthline, Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a cannabis-derived product. It’s a cannabinoid, which are chemicals found naturally in marijuana plants. Despite the fact that it is derived from marijuana plants, CBD does not produce a “high” or any form of intoxication; this is caused by another cannabinoid known as THC.
THC, Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the active ingredient that causes hallucinations and euphoria. It is an active substance that acts directly on the mind and can lead to mild addiction. Cannabidiol CBD, on the other hand, is said to be different, with the two having completely opposite effects. Simply put, most people believe it alleviates anxiety and may even eliminate THC’s effects on the body, transforming it into a counter-acting substance that aids in detoxification.
However, CBD research is still in its early stages; the effects have yet to be confirmed by comprehensive clinical studies at any level, and the few studies that have yielded positive results have mostly come from CBD product manufacturers. As a result, the explosion of cannabis oil is actually a result of marketing and has become a new selling point for many brands.
Most people use cannabis oil to treat anxiety, insomnia, depression, and chronic pain; others use it for skin care, cooking, or dental health, among other things. The list is endless. The cannabis industry has exploded in recent years and the CBD oil products come in a variety of forms, including oil, spray, lollipops, capsules, and suppositories.
CBD Living, a California-based company founded in 2013, offers over 100 CBD-related products. The company highlights two key differences between itself and other companies. For starters, it is a leading innovator in breaking down CBD particles into nanoparticles the size of 1/1000th of a red blood cell, resulting in significantly improved absorption rates. Furthermore, CBD products in the United States are allowed to contain up to 0.3% THC under federal law, but the company claims that all of its products, whether for humans or pets, contain no trace of THC and are completely safe.
Previous data suggested that the CBD market in the United States could exceed $20 billion in sales by 2024. And according to the most recent data, the global market share of hemp oil and CBD for consumer health products will rise to $123.2 billion by 2027. This is due to the massive increase in demand for relaxation and anxiety relief caused by the pandemic’s outbreak in 2020; it is also inextricably linked to the growing number of countries legalizing cannabis, as well as the growing awareness of cannabis oil.
CBD and mental health
It is never easy for consumers to remain immune to sudden and passionate craze waves. However, as previously stated, more research is required to demonstrate its effectiveness. The most serious issue facing the CBD industry is that its popularity has far outpaced what scientific studies can confirm.
One study said Giving cannabis oil to socially anxious students reduced their nervousness and cognitive impairment. Yet another showed that emotionally healthy participants did not react differently after taking CBD oil when exposed to upsetting words and images. Harriet de Wit, co-author of the study and professor in the University of Chicago’s Department of Psychological and Behavioural Neuroscience, stated, “If it’s a calming drug, it should change their responses to the stimuli. But it didn’t.”
Clinical trials of a CBD product discovered that one of the side effects was that patients felt sleepy, giving rise to the theory that CBD could aid in sleep or even treat insomnia. Other studies, however, found CBD oil relieved anxiety but did not improve sleep in 72 patients with mental illnesses.
According to a study published in Chemical Neuroanatomy, rats showed virtually no signs of depression after being given CBD oil. “Amazingly, the cannabis oil appeared to work faster than traditional antidepressants.” According to the article, mice and rats given cannabis oil were more resilient under chronic stress. However, this has never been proven in human subjects and exists only as a hypothesis.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs funded the first CBD oil study in the case of PTSD, which is common in postwar soldiers. “Our most important treatment is to break the link between trauma reminders and fear responses,” says assistant professor Mallory Loflin of the University of California, San Diego. “We believe CBD, at least in animal studies, can help accelerate that process.” Yet again, psychologists have found no strong evidence of this treatment’s efficacy on humans at this time.
Epidiolex, the first and currently only FDA-approved CBD drug to treat a rare form of epilepsy in patients over the age of two, is the only case of positive CBD effects. Epidiolex was found to reduce seizures in combination with other medications in three randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trials involving 516 patients.
Overall, CBD is still not regarded as a viable option when dealing with mental health issues. Of course, a few drops of hemp oil in a coffee or milkshake will not harm you and may even have a placebo effect. “If patients choose these unproven products to help themselves, it could lead to a delay of serious treatment,” says Dr. Smita Das, president of the American Federation of Psychiatrists.
CBD and skincare
In this previous post, we covered what CBD oil is and its effects on our mental health. In fact, the use of CBD oil in the skincare industry is even more prevailing. Beauty companies have been promoting the the anti-inflammatory properties of the CBD oil and say the ingredient can inhibit skin oil production, thereby reducing acne, as well as to address issues such as skin redness and irritation.
For example, Herbivore Botanicals’ Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil contains 100 mg of high-quality CBD harvested from Colorado and claims to relieve skin stress and suppress redness, sensitivity, and skin problems caused by environmental stress.
But if you ask a dermatologist, he/she could give you a handful of simple and effective skincare ingredients that have been backed up by data, safer and have the same effect as CBD if not better.
Hemp seed oil, also a cannabis-related oil, is one of them. It’s been long and widely used in the skincare industry. It is high in linolenic and linoleic acid and is an excellent antioxidant and moisturizer. It can moisturise skin without clogging pores, while stimulating the production of natural oils, anti-aging, and anti-wrinkle. Hemp seed oil differs from cannabis oil in that it has almost none cannabidiol in it.
CBD oil safety
Concerns are growing about the safety of CBD oil, especially since many people are using it to relieve stress. “If you take pure CBD oil orally, it should be safe,” says Marcel Bonn-Miller, an assistant professor of medicine at Penn State.
However, whether or not commercially available CBD oil is pure is determined by the company’s conscience. Forensic toxicologists investigated nine products claiming to be 100% cannabis extract and discovered that one contained the cough suppressant dextromethorphan, which can be addictive if abused. Other four products contain synthetic cannabinoids, which can cause anxiety, psychosis, tachycardia, and even death.
Previous research looked at 84 products on the market and discovered that nearly one-third of them had CBD levels that did not match the label. Furthermore, some CBD users have failed drug tests, and the products contain an abnormally high concentration of THC (0.3%).
In 2020, US poison control centres treated 1,090 cannabis oil patients, with more than a third requiring medical attention and 46 being admitted to intensive care. This does not necessarily imply that CBD oil is the cause of the problem, but there is a strong possibility that CBD oil may react with other foods or drugs and contribute to the issue.
The FDA issued a warning letter to Curaleaf Inc. The company claimed that their cannabis extracts could treat a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even cancer, as well as help with marijuana addiction recovery and pet emotional stability. The company has since stated that it will actively cooperate with the FDA, and that the products mentioned in the warning letter have been discontinued.
Over the last decade or so, consumers have become well informed and educated about skincare products and their ingredients. We particularly learned a lot about active ingredients, their functions, their concentration and how we should incorporate them into our skincare routines.
Niaciamide is one of the most popular active ingredients. It’s been used a lot in skincare formulas and it’s been discussed a lot by beauty influencers and skincare consumers. It is versatile and can address a range of skin issues. In fact, if you had to choose just one active ingredient for your skin care routine, niacinamide would be a great choice.
So, what exactly is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is the active form of niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. When we consume foods rich in niacin, like animal liver or mushrooms, our bodies convert it to active Niacinamide. This, in turn, produces co-enzymes NADH and NADPH, which then stimulate cellular metabolism and provide energy for various functions. These co-enzymes are involved in over 40 biochemical processes in the body, including DNA repair.
Niacinamide is water-soluble and insoluble in oil. The Niacinamide extracts we commonly see are water-based, making them ideal for people who don’t like oily products or whose skin reacts poorly to them. Additionally, Nacinamide is gentle and won’t cause skin irritation or sensitivity like AHA, BHA, vitamin C, or Retinoic acid, because it is highly stable and has a nearly neutral pH. But Niacinamide is highly penetrative and can be applied topically to the skin, without relying on diet or supplements for absorption.
How does Niacinamide help our skin?
01 Fighting Free Radicals
Niacinamide is as effective as Vitamin C in fighting free radicals. In fact, it has some advantages over Vitamin C, such as being a lighter, longer-lasting, and milder form. It increases the antioxidant capacity of the skin after topical application.
02 Brightening and Spot Removal
Niacinamide can help alleviate or even eliminate various types of hyperpigmentation, such as acne scars, melasma, sun spots, and age spots. It works by suppressing the appearance of melanin vesicles in the skin’s surface cells. A study found a significant reduction in hyperpigmentation after just four weeks of continuous use at a 2% concentration of niacinamide. Another study found that 4% niacinamide was more effective in removing melasma than hydroquinone, a powerful but potentially harmful whitening ingredient.
03 Anti-aging and Anti-wrinkle
Niacinamide can also be used for anti-aging. It increases collagen in the skin and maintains its vitality, making the skin fuller and more elastic. It also inhibits protein glycation, reducing stiff cross-collagen and elastin molecules in the skin, and alters the viscoelasticity of the skin. Two studies using 4% niacinamide found significant improvement in wrinkles and fine lines, and a reduction in eye wrinkles with eight weeks of continuous use.
04 Oil Control for Acne
Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it effective for treating acnes. It can safely relieve mild or even moderate acne, without creating resistance, as commonly seen with other treatments like retinoic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Niacinamide can also be used on non-acne-prone oily skin to reduce oil production, and it takes only two to four weeks to show results.
05 Reducing the appearance of pores
While some people believe that it’s impossible to reduce the size of pores, niacinamide has been shown to have a role in achieving this. As previously mentioned, niacinamide can help reduce sebum production, which can contribute to larger-looking pores. By reducing the amount of oil on the skin, the appearance of pores can be minimized, resulting in softer and smoother skin. This theory is also supported by scientific studies. For instance, a 12-week study published in Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice found that both niacinamide and salicylic acid were effective in reducing pore size and improving the unevenness of the skin.
06 Restoring the skin barrier
If your skin is sensitive and experiences tingling sensations when you use skincare products, it may be a sign that your skin barrier has been damaged. This can be caused by the use of overly concentrated or potent topical products such as prescription retinoids.
The skin barrier is filled with a whole system of free fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides. When these components are intact, the skin barrier is healthy and functions properly. Niacinamide can help strengthen the skin barrier by increasing the production of these components. Even at a concentration of just 2%, niacinamide can boost the production of free fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides, reducing trans-epidermal water loss and increasing the water content in the outermost layer of the skin. This can also help improve skin sensitivity and redness. In fact, some studies have shown that 5% niacinamide can significantly improve redness and may be an effective treatment for rosacea.
07 Hydrating the skin
A study comparing 2% niacinamide to mineral oil found that niacinamide was better at reducing moisture loss and adding moisture to the skin’s outer layer. Another study found that applying niacinamide twice a day can help reduce the chance of skin inflammation, moisture loss, and increase the thickness of the outermost layer of the skin.
08 Brightening the complexion
Many factors such as prolonged screen exposure, late nights, and stress can cause skin to look dull and tired, making it appear aged. Niacinamide, a powerful antioxidant, can help address this issue. In fact, a study found that using 5% niacinamide twice a day can significantly brighten the complexion and reduce yellowing.
09 Protecting against UV damage
Niacinamide can also offer protection against the harmful effects of UV rays, acting as a complement to sunscreen products. Studies have shown that niacinamide can help repair DNA damage caused by exposure to UV rays. Additionally, it has been found to protect against the immunosuppressive effects of UVA and UVB, and may be effective in preventing skin cancer.
Side Effects of Niacinamide
One of the benefits of using niacinamide is its low risk of side effects. According to Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice, niacinamide can be applied topically in large doses without causing discomfort. This makes it a safe active ingredient, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and a good substitute for retinoids or other acidic ingredients.
Most clinical studies have used concentrations of niacinamide between 2% and 5%, though higher concentrations of 10% or 12% are available. If you experience an allergic reaction to a product containing niacinamide, it is unlikely that niacinamide is the cause. In rare cases, too high a concentration of niacinamide may cause skin stinging or redness, but switching to a product with a lower concentration helps alleviate these symptoms.
Side Effects of Niacinamide
One of the benefits of using niacinamide is its low risk of side effects. According to Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice, niacinamide can be applied topically in large doses without causing discomfort. This makes it a safe active ingredient, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and a good substitute for retinoids or other acidic ingredients.
Most clinical studies have used concentrations of niacinamide between 2% and 5%, though higher concentrations of 10% or 12% are available. If you experience an allergic reaction to a product containing niacinamide, it is unlikely that niacinamide is the cause. In rare cases, too high a concentration of niacinamide may cause skin stinging or redness, but switching to a product with a lower concentration helps alleviate these symptoms.
A313 Vitamin A Pommade is a pharmaceutical-grade, non-prescription Vitamin A product made in France. It has a cult following and is said to be France’s best-kept skincare secret. It is seen as a replacement for Avibon, which gained popularity in 2012 as a result of Gwyneth Paltrow‘s sharing. I’d never had a chance to try Avibon before it was discontinued. After a batch of products had stability issues and were recalled in 2013, the manufacturer made several attempts to meet the product quality standard, but with no success.
A313 Vitamin A Pommade
I personally don’t think A313 Vitamin A Pommade is a replacement for Avibon. The active ingredient concentration is reduced by an order of magnitude. A313 Vitamin A Pommade is supposed to be gentler and more secure.
Avibon
CosDNA lists Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Propionate, and Retinyl Palmitate as active ingredients. As shown in the previous conversion table, these derivatives require the most steps to convert into the actual active form of vitamin A, the form that has skincare benefits. The more steps it requires, the less aggressive it becomes.
previous conversion table
Furthermore, the packaging specifies that the active ingredient is 200,000 IU of synthetic vitamin A. It is equivalent to a 0.12% concentration in a 50-gram tube. Most retinol products on the market today begin with a concentration of at least 0.2%, such as the Jordan Samuel Skin’s Retinol Treatment Oil, which many beauty influencers claim will not cause any skin issues even when combined with other active ingredients (not recommended for active ingredients newbies).
Polyethylene glycol is a non-active ingredient that helps to stabilize and penetrate the formula. Some speculate that this is why the product cannot have too high a concentration.
Many people say it looks like Vaseline because of its thick and soft ointment texture. But the colour is lighter and clearer. It should be noted that the tube may leak and become extremely greasy.
Don’t be fooled by the Vaseline appearance. It is as strong and effective as higher concentration products. A313 can treat acne, control oil, remove blackheads, lighten dark spots, reduce pigmentation, remove fine lines and wrinkles, just like most vitamin A/retinol products.
I consider myself to be an experienced retinol user. However, I use A313 every other night and sometimes my face feels dry, stingy, and tight. When this happens, I stop using it for a few days to give my skin a chance to heal.
A313 Vitamin A Pommade
Apply when your skin is dry, as with all other retinoic acid products. It may take some time to adjust to the texture, but I don’t mind it. I believe it is a good idea to finish your normal skincare routine after work and apply retinol products right before bed. The recommended amount is a pea-sized amount applied to the face in a thin layer.
Even with inflation, the price has remained stable at around CAD$22 or less. Given that many retinol products cost $50 or more, it’s definitely worth a shot. Please let me know if you like it.
