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bookmark_borderMy Thoughts on Being Vegetarian for 1 Year!

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Hey earth muffins! I hope everyone had an amazing weekend – I am now 75% done with my CPA tests. 🎉 I took my third exam yesterday; my boyfriend and I also got the keys to our new apartment! I will officially be moving all my stuff on the 25th, so I still have a lot of packing to do. If you have been following Life of an Earth Muffin for some time, you might know that I started a meat-less diet last July… It has now been a whole year being vegetarian, so I thought I should write a post about it. So let’s jump right in!

Why Did I Go Vegetarian?

For starters, it is no surprise that refusing to eat meat is way more sustainable. The meat industry has an enormous negative impact on the planet, so I figured I shouldn’t continue to support something I don’t agree with. I also definitely do not agree with the terrible treatment of the animals raised to be slaughtered; my boyfriend and I came across a chicken farm last summer and it absolutely scarred me. 😣 It was so sad to see the animals like that. I also wanted to see if eating a plant based diet would improve my health and the appearance of my skin. I am blessed to be healthy overall, but my skin will often flare up with hormones and stress. So, I wanted to see if being a vegetarian would help with that!

A picture of a stop sign with a Eating Animals sticker underneath

It is also important to note that I should really be saying I was a “pescatarian” for this past year, as I did eat seafood. I have had the problem of being underweight my whole life, so I didn’t want my body to take a huge hit by going off many sources of protein. But, now that my body is adjusted to alternative sources of protein, I may try to stop eating seafood as well (as fishing also poses a huge sustainable issue!). 😊

What Have I Noticed Being Vegetarian?

1. My grocery bill got smaller. As I mentioned in my grad student budget post, I averaged about $53 for groceries each month. It should be noted that I didn’t really try out many “meatless”/vegetarian “meat” products, which would probably cost a lot more. But, I still think being a vegetarian has saved me money this year!

2. My body feels great! It never necessarily felt bad when I was eating meat, but I feel like I am more lean and healthy now. While I do get a bit more gassy than I used to (thanks to eating a lot more beans haha), I have never felt better! On the flip side, I didn’t really see any difference in my skin. This wasn’t a huge shock, but it is nice to know that it really is just hormones and stress that break me out. 🤷‍♀️

A picture of a hand holding a mango

3. People judge you and often act like it is super hard to cater to a vegetarian. While I was lucky my roommate was also a vegetarian and my family was (decently) okay with it, other people like to judge. “I don’t know what to cook for you” is a common thread I heard… But it isn’t actually a big deal to cook for someone who doesn’t eat meat. Just make what you were going to make and they will avoid what they can’t eat!

What Were Some Benefits?

1. I definitely tried more new recipes being vegetarian. I have always shopped once a week to ensure my fridge is stocked with fresh, whole foods. But, incorporating new vegetables, sources of protein, etc. this year allowed me to try some awesome recipes! I absolutely love to cook and am excited to continue exploring in my new, larger kitchen!

2. I learned what restaurants are veggie friendly. Some restaurants have great veggie options; others do not. It was fun going to my favorite establishments to see if they have good meatless options… Even some fast food establishments like Taco Bell have a whole vegetarian section of their menu! While fast food isn’t the most sustainable options, there are ways to reduce your waste. But, sit down restaurants are much better in terms of sustainability; they often have many more veggie options as well!

A picture of Taco Bell's online menu, featuring the vegetarian tab

Should You Consider Being Vegetarian?

I will 10000% be staying a vegetarian. It wasn’t as challenging as I thought it was going to be. And, I have loved the benefits I have seen so far. If you have ever been interested in becoming a vegetarian, the best time to try is NOW! 😍 By not eating meat on one day each week you can reduce your impact; try for a meatless Monday! It is such a great way to reduce your impact on the planet. What are your thoughts on being a vegetarian?

A picture of a veggie burger with the words "My thoughts on being vegetarian for one year" around it
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderEasy Sustainable Swaps to Make this Plastic Free July

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Hey earth muffins, I hope everyone has been enjoying the first half of Plastic Free July! It is crazy to think that the challenge is almost 50% over; but don’t worry, that is plenty of time to continue your sustainable journey! 😊 When I became passionate about reducing my impact on the planet, I often got asked what sustainable swaps are “easiest” to make first. As many of you may be starting your own adventure towards living low-waste, I thought I would share the best (and budget-friendly) switches you can make today!

3 Sustainable Swaps Everyone Should Make!

~Buy yourself a safety razor! I cannot recommend one enough. You will save money in the long term by avoiding the need to purchase another razor; plus, you will prevent a ton of disposables from ending up in the landfill. They are easy to use and give such a nice shave! The razor blades can last for quite some time, and you can buy a pack of 100 for only $7.

A picture of a metal safety razor
I bought this razor two years ago and I still LOVE it!

~Invest in some reusable produce bags. I feel like most people come across reusable bags from college events, conferences, etc. but it is nifty to have some for produce or bulk bin shopping. They are cheap, can be thrown in the washing machine, and save you from using those single use plastic bags at the grocery store. 🎉 Click on the images below to check out my favorites!

~Switch to bar bathroom products! I’ve raved about why I use bars over bottles in the past, and I will continue to do so to avoid the plastic that comes with many bath products. It is easy to find bar products now: homemade soaps at the farmer’s market, shampoo bars from Lush or on Amazon, even specialty websites like Ethique! Make sure you use up your plastic bottles before switching.

A picture of a soap container, a great sustainable swap to keep your bars dry
Make sure to protect your bars with a nice soap container like the one I use!

2 Easy Swaps You Can Make!

~Buy reusable cotton swabs. I don’t use Q-tips to clean my ears (I prefer either using water or a metal ear pick). But, I have an acne cream that has to be applied with a cotton swab. I decided to purchase a set of reusable cotton swabs to ensure I wasn’t creating any excess waste! My skin is quite prone to break outs if I’m not careful; I definitely wasn’t about to give up the cream that works! Check out companies like Last Swab or knock off Amazon versions (which do tend to be cheaper!).

A picture of a container with two reusable cotton swabs inside
I bought this one for only $5! 😃

~Find an alternative to saran wrap! I got a comment regarding replacement options for plastic wrap on my post about what to do with old plastics in your home. There are quite a few easy sustainable swaps you can make. My faves are beeswax wrap, silicone covers, reusable Ziploc bags, and reusing containers you already have! If you are interested in any of these, click on the picture below to learn more 🙃

All in all, there are SO many easy sustainable swaps you can make during Plastic Free July! 😁 These were some of the first ones I made, so I highly recommend. I also featured some other swaps on my Instagram account; make sure to check that out as well! What are you doing to stay sustainable this Plastic Free July?

A picture of 5 easy sustainable swaps everyone should make
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderI Tried a 2 Week Chloe Ting Ab Challenge 😀

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Hey earth muffins! Mister Corona has, no doubt, impacted everyone’s lives in so many ways. While I have been spending most of quarantine studying for my upcoming CPA exams, I also jumped on board a trend I never would have seen coming: Chloe Ting. When the stay at home orders were first issued, my Instagram and YouTube feeds blew up with people talking about “Chloe Ting”. I had no idea who she was, but after doing some research I was lowkey inspired. I have always wanted abs, so why not try out a Chloe Ting ab challenge when I was stuck at home?

As someone who never exercises other than taking long walks, I thought a structured workout routine would be beneficial. Even if I wasn’t going to get actual abs, I thought it would be smart to be a bit healthier to ward off any pandemic germs. 😬 So, in my planner I added Chloe Ting to my to-dos for 14 days straight; here are my thoughts on my ab challenge experience!

The Chloe Ting Ab Challenge I Picked

Because I never usually do workouts to build my muscles, I wanted to select a Chloe Ting challenge that wasn’t going to be impossible to complete. The video I used was her ten minute ab challenge. If you are trying to get fully shredded (like Matt the Radar Technician), there are three other videos you can do alongside this one for a two-week shred challenge. But, I just decided to see how an ab workout would work for me. 😄

Ab Challenge Week 1

For only a 10 minute video, Chloe works you HARD 😰 After doing two different exercises for 30 seconds you only get 10 seconds of rest before moving on to the next – it can be brutal at times! Day 1 wasn’t too challenging; I spent some time making sure I was doing each exercise correctly which made the workout feel shorter. If you decide to try out one of her workouts, I suggest watching it a couple of times before you physically try it out. This will allow you to work out harder on the first day because you will actually know how to complete the different exercises.

I was SO sore on days 2 and 3 because (obviously) I had been working out muscles I didn’t use often. After these days though I never felt sore, only that tight crampy feeling you get during the actual workout. No joke, I had the outline of abs by day 4!! I’m not talking about an outline of each set of abs, but that “11” on your stomach that makes you look hella good. This was definitely motivation to keep going with the challenge!

A picture of a woman in a sports bra with her abs showing

I also loved that Chloe incorporates a lot of different types of exercises into one workout. Because there is a variety, it makes the workout go by much faster as you are doing something new constantly. It also allows people of many different abilities to try out her workouts – which I love! 😅 While there were some exercises that I hated (like up and down planks or plank jacks) I found some new exercises that I actually enjoyed.

Ab Challenge Week 2

Was it hard to keep up the challenge for 14 days straight? Yes and no. The challenge is only 10 minutes, so there isn’t an excuse for being too busy to do it each day. But, there is always that initial time of feeling unmotivated to exercise. To counter this, the fact that I could see the results so early was motivation to keep it up. 💪

By the second week, I had the order of the exercises basically memorized. This was awesome because it enabled me to focus on the best form and push my body to complete more reps of each. I will tell you – the back track of this workout gets pretty repetitive and annoying at times after you have been listening to it for two weeks straight!

A woman doing a crunch on a yoga mat

Overall Thoughts on a Chloe Ting Ab Challenge

Did I see results? Yupp. I don’t think it is necessary to show you all the “after” as I never took before pictures; plus, I wasn’t doing this to share my results with the world. I was doing it to feel better about my body and to make it stronger. 🤩

Will I continue with Chloe Ting? Yes and no! Based on this challenge, I actually made my own workout routine with some of my favorite exercises. I love how strong my body has been feeling, so I have been doing this routine almost every single day after my challenge has ended!! I might try out another one of her challenges to strengthen my legs and arms, but I will most likely just incorporate them into this new routine. Look out for a workout routine post in the near future!

Would I recommend a Chloe Ting ab challenge? YES. It is amazing that she puts her workouts online for free, as many people don’t have access to gyms/trainers. In addition, they actually get results! As these challenges range from low to high commitment, there is no reason to not give one a try. Now I know why so many people have been talking about her workouts, and I totally recommend you try them too! 🥳 What have you been doing to stay fit at home?

A picture of a woman doing crunches with the words I tried the 2 week Chloe Ting Ab Challenge on top
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderWhat To Do With Old Plastic Already in Your Home

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Hey muffins, Happy Plastic Free July! 😁 I cannot believe that this is already my third year participating in the challenge. This year I will actively post on this blog AND post every single week-day on my Instagram. Make sure to follow me to never miss any of the challenge content! While I shared a waste audit last year after the challenge came to an end, I don’t think I will be able to do so this year; I am moving mid-July which will ultimately result in me using more plastic than I would like… So, it seems kinda silly to collect it all and add to the chaos of moving across the state. Regardless of what I am doing, I challenge you all to try to collect all of the new plastic you use this month! 🥰 To kickoff this challenge I would like to discuss “old plastic” that you have in your home.

A picture of the Plastic Free July challenge logo

When making the decision to live more sustainably, there is a huge probability that there are already plastics in your house. Even if you have been doing little things to reduce your plastic consumption, there is no doubt that there will still be plastics around. So, what are you supposed to do with them when you decide to go plastic-free, zero waste, or “green”??? Here are my suggestions for dealing with old plastic that is already in your home!

1. Use Up Your Old (Single Use) Plastic!

After I made the decision to reduce my plastic consumption, the plastics I had in my apartment at the time stuck out: Saran wrap, Ziploc bags, plastic bags, food packaging, etc. It would be foolish to just throw all of this away! So, do what you would normally do and use it up. Eat those potato chips, use those bags for lunches. If you are able, try finding second uses for something that is “single use”. Reuse the Saran wrap or Ziploc bags or use plastic grocery bags for the bathroom trash. The important thing to remember this: when the plastic has been used up, find a new sustainable alternative that is plastic-free!

2. Recycle Them Properly!

A picture of a bag with a recycle symbol on it

As your plastic products start to dwindle, make sure to do your research. Disposing of it in the most eco-friendly way possible is a great step for Plastic Free July! Recycling, while not the best solution, is a great option for certain plastics. It is important to check your local recycling center’s guidelines on what plastics they will accept. There are also other ways to get rid of your used-up plastics including programs like TerraCycle. Even if you don’t think something can be reused, I suggest Googling it before chucking it in the trash! I was surprised to learn that some companies like Crayola even take back used up markers and pens. If you are unable to recycle or send back to a company, I suggest trying to find a new use for it in your home. This will still prevent it from sitting in a landfill for thousands of years! 🌎

3. Keep Old Plastic and Use it!

If something is durable and will last a long time, then keep it even though it is plastic. What good is being “zero waste” if you just add to the waste of a landfill by throwing out everything that isn’t “sustainable”? I have plenty of plastic still in my apartment from my travel toiletry bag to the hairbrush I bought five years ago. I am hopeful that they will last for many more years before I dispose of them properly.

In summary, it is important to utilize the resources you have already consumed. Whether you are trying to reduce your plastic or are on a journey towards living low waste (like me!), reusing what you already have should be the number one priority. Don’t buy sustainable products just because you want the aesthetic of an environmentally friendly home; a few pieces that have been reused for a long period of time is more helpful to Mother Earth! Will you be participating in Plastic Free July this year??

A picture of household plastics with the caption What You Should Do With Plastics After Going Zero Waste
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderWhat Natural Deodorant Should You Use? Baking Soda, Charcoal, Zinc, oh my!

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Hey muffins! Back when I was just starting my sustainable journey, I remember looking at natural deodorants for the first time… And being SO confused as to which kind would be the best place to start. There are many different types of natural deodorants to use: magnesium, zinc, baking soda, and activated charcoal: which one should you start with? Thanks to Pretty Frank, I will be sharing my thoughts on this topic today! I have worked with this company numerous times in the past, and they were kind enough to send me trial size versions of each type of deodorant to try them out for you all.

What Natural Deodorant to Use? -The Evaluation Criteria

For each type, I will be answering these questions:
Question 1. Why choose this type over other natural deodorants?
Question 2. How does it apply to the underarms?
Question 3. How long does it last? Does it actually work? (Note: as these are natural deodorants, they are made to prevent smell NOT sweat. Read all about this in my armpit detox post if you are confused!)
Question 4. How does the armpit feel after use?

Activated Charcoal Deodorant in Seaside

A picture of activated charcoal natural deodorant

Question 1: When you switch from a deodorant that is aluminum based (aka one that prevents you from sweating), your armpits will go through an “armpit detox” when you start using natural deodorants. This detox will differ for each person, but I didn’t experience much from it. As charcoal is known to draw out toxins, you might want to try this kind when switching to natural. It might make your detox period take less time! 😃

Question 2: This deodorant applies very easily and is the perfect consistency. It isn’t too soft or hard, which makes it quick and simple to apply.

Question 3: This deodorant lasts all day! I was a tad concerned that it was a black color and would transfer to my clothes, but I haven’t had any troubles with that. Just make sure to let your pits dry for a minute or so before putting on your shirt! My pits smell nice and fresh throughout the day, but (with any natural deodorant) I would recommend reapplying if you are planning on doing any heavy exercising. Asthey don’t prevent against sweating, it is important to think ahead and not let your sweat wash away the scent protectant!

Question 4: My pits have felt great after using this type. I haven’t noticed my skin being dry and the black color hasn’t dyed my underarms a darker shade (which is always good haha).

Baking Soda Deodorant in Lavender

A picture of baking soda natural deodorant

Question 1: It is no surprise that a natural deodorant classic uses baking soda. Baking soda is often used in sustainable, homemade recipes as it has amazing cleaning qualities. In terms of deodorant, it does an excellent job of neutralizing odors. However, some people with sensitive skin find that baking soda’s pH is too much for their body which can lead to extra dry skin.

Question 2: This deodorant applies very easily, but it is a softer consistency compared to the activated charcoal. It also feels a tad grainy (which is obviously the baking soda). But, I haven’t had any issues with its application!

Question 3: This product lasts all day! The lavender scent is stronger than the other scents I tried out, so I was more “aware” of when this deodorant was working for me. Again, it doesn’t prevent any sweat, but it definitely kept me smelling nice all day!

Question 4: For me, I didn’t experience any negative side effects after using the baking soda for a long time. I don’t have sensitive skin on my body (just on my face of course), which probably helped with the whole pH thing. If you are concerned that your skin might react, I would definitely recommend getting the trial size from Pretty Frank before getting a full size. For only $4, you can’t go wrong!

Zinc Natural Deodorant in Woodlands

A picture of zinc oxide natural deodorant

Question 1: This type of natural deodorant uses zinc oxide, which is a natural mineral that has antimicrobial, skin-soothing, and anti-odor properties. If you aren’t able to use baking soda, this might be a good place to start!

Question 2: This deodorant is by far the softest of the types, which made it a tiny bit more difficult to apply. I also noticed that it was stickier than the other types, but it wasn’t a big deal after it dried. I did a full review on some zinc deodorant in the past, so check it out for more details! 👍

Question 3: Again, this lasts all day! Pretty Frank has a lot of zinc deodorant scents; if you tend to have stronger odors, I suggest using a stronger scent like lavender.

Question 4: My pits never got dry or sensitive when using this type. 🎉

Magnesium Deodorant in Unscented

A picture of magnesium natural deodorant

Question 1: If you have very sensitive skin, this is the product for you! The magnesium hydroxide is perfect for eliminating odors without any possible skin irritants. But, that will limit you on scent as this type of natural deodorant only comes in unscented.

Question 2: I would say this formula is the thickest and “hardest” of the others, so it would sometimes clump off (and onto the floor) before I had the chance to rub it in. This is easily solved by applying small sections at a time.

Question 3: This definitely lasts all day! I was worried that, because it is unscented, it wouldn’t cover up any nasty smells… But this doesn’t seem to be the case. Even at my smelliest moments the deodorant will turn the odor into a slightly sweet smelling scent; it does the job!

Question 4: This deodorant didn’t make my pits dry or anything like that. If you have found your body reacting negatively to baking soda, then I would highly recommend giving this a try!

Overall, I absolutely loved trying out all of these different types of natural deodorants from Pretty Frank. Many people are scared to switch to something more eco-friendly in this department because IF the product doesn’t work, then everyone around you will know. 😬 So, when thinking about which of these types is my favorite I would have to say the Baking Soda Lavender! The texture of the deodorant, its smell, and its ability to last all day made it my perfect fit. However, everyone’s body is different, so I hope this post can guide you all into what natural deodorant to use. What type will you be trying next?!

A picture of four containers of deodorant with the words natural deodorants: the essential guide on top
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderMy Future Goals for a Sustainable Apartment

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Hey earth muffins! Like I mentioned in my recent graduation post, I will be moving into an apartment with my boyfriend at the end of July! I am SO excited to finally have my own space with him, as we have been an LDR couple for many years. With the search for an apartment underway, I have been doing a lot of thinking on my sustainable apartment goals. Living in my own place with an actual salary will allow me to move forward after grad school set me back on my green journey. If you are planning on moving in the near future, I challenge you to also lay out some goals for yourself. How can you make your own apartment more sustainable?

I have found that writing out my goals (and publishing them on the internet lol!) helps me stay more accountable. From moving during Plastic Free July to moving in with a significant other for the first time, I will be writing many posts about this huge step in my life in the months to come. Laying out some goals for a sustainable apartment is the first step, and I will definitely update you all on them in the future!

A picture of the living room of a sustainable apartment

My Sustainable Apartment Goals:

1. I will declutter before moving into the apartment so that it is full of the items that I really need. While I have been sorting through my possessions often after starting my sustainable journey in 2018, I still feel like there are certain things that I need to just donate and get out of my life.

2. I will get a compost bin and continue recycling! After getting rid of many single use plastics in my life, I find that my trash can is mostly full of food waste… And that could be composted! While I highly doubt I will be able to get a composting service to pick up the waste, I hope to find someone who will allow me to drop off compost for their bin. Fingers crossed!

3. I will shop at the local organic grocery store with bulk bins and reusable bags/jars. This was my favorite place to shop during my two internships! They have a ton of bulk food options, and I heard they recently expanded it even more.

4. I will find local family owned stores/farmers for milk and eggs. While I discovered during Plastic Free July last year that glass milk bottles were hard to find, I hope there are more options now. I no longer eat meat, but my boyfriend does. So, I also hope to find a local deli or butcher too!

5. I will continue to buy everything I can secondhand. This includes clothes (to avoid fast fashion) and furniture/home décor. My boyfriend and I have all of the furniture for our apartment except a table and chairs. We will probably utilize Facebook Marketplace to score a good deal!

6. I will keep my overall plastic use at a minimum. My boyfriend loves soda/plastic water bottles, so that is one of the first things we will be weaning off. While I know our apartment will never be fully plastic free, we can definitely use a small amount.

There you have it – my goals for my new apartment! 🥳 This list will most likely change during the moving process; I may update this post from time to time. Again, I challenge you to think about your current living space… Is there anything you can change to make it more sustainable?

A picture of an apartment with the words my goals for a sustainable apartment below it
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderA Review of The USB Lighter Company’s Candle Lighter

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Hey earth muffins! Today I will be reviewing a product that I was extra excited to try out: the candle lighter from The USB Lighter Company! 😀 It is no surprise that, like many of you, I have collected some candles over time, especially from Bath & Body Works after watching too many haul videos on YouTube. Now that I will finally be getting my own apartment in August, I can actually burn these candles (as my parents never wanted me to and dorms/college apartments usually have strict rules against any type of fire).

A picture of a white USB candle lighter on top of two cardboard boxes with lighters inside
The USB Lighters

BUT, I was conflicted because I didn’t want to buy a disposable lighter to reduce my waste and avoid the unnecessary plastic…. Enter The USB Lighter Company! I stumbled upon an ad on my Insta page and absolutely fell in love with the idea of a lighter that can be recharged. I reached out to them, and they were so kind to send me three candle lighters to try out and review, so let’s just get right into my thoughts! 

What I LOVE about the Candle Lighter:

1. It is a great sustainable alternative!
2. The lighter is such good quality
3. The design is ultra sleek and easy to store
4. The charge lasts a long time!

I’ve seen plenty of BIC lighters come through my parents’ house growing up, as we often went camping and needed something to light the campfire and grill or to light the candles at our dinner table. I have also seen quite a few handheld lighters on the ground, probably thrown there by a smoker after the lighter ran out of fluid. This lighter is chargeable by a USB cord, which allows you to buy one and never have to buy a lighter again!

In terms of quality, the first thing I noticed was how sturdy and heavy it felt. The actual lighter head is tucked into the device (an excellent safety feature!). All you need to do is slide the switch on the side and press the button to light. Compared to the BIC lighter in my parents’ junk drawer, there is a huge difference in quality!

A picture of a disposable BIC lighter next to a reusable USB lighter
A disposable lighter (left) next to the USB Lighter (right)

I am an organization lover, so every product I buy needs to be easily stored and accessible. Because this lighter doesn’t have any sort of curve to it like disposable lighters, it fits basically anywhere! The curved hook at the end would allow you to hang it on a hook if you wanted to; quite convenient if you were using this in a camper.

The packaging says a full charge allows for about 300 lights, which is incredible. I charged my lighters when they arrived and haven’t had the need to recharge yet. Because the charge lasts, this would be a great product if you were backpacking, camping, or in an emergency situation. You would never be surprised that your lighter ran out of fluid when it actually mattered!

A picture of a reusable USB lighter next to a Bath and Body Works Almond candle
The white USB lighter with my current fav candle!

What I DISLIKE about the Candle Lighter:

1. It looks like it comes with a bit of plastic waste (when it actually doesn’t!)
2. The price does seem way higher than a disposable one
3. The green light when charging is a bit counterintuitive

Most of the packaging is recyclable cardboard, but the actual lighter is held in a small plastic sleeve. While the box says that all of the packaging is recyclable, I thought that my local recycling center would not take plastic like that. But, the company has since confirmed that all of their packaging can definitely be recycled! I hope that others don’t make the same mistake that I made… Oops!

In terms of price, it is important to think about the product’s life cycle, including its demise in a landfill. This lighter can give you infinite lights which means you never have to pay for another lighter again. This saves so much plastic from heading to the landfill – worthy of the $30 price! The USB Lighter Company was kind enough to create the code EARTHMUFFIN for you all, so definitely use it to get 20% off your entire purchase! 😍 It is important to support eco-friendly products; you are voting with your money for what products you want to see on the marketplace. Show companies that you require them to care about the planet!

The light is green when it is charging and then turns off once it is “full”. I usually associate a green light with being fully charged; I wish the light would be red, switching to green once it is fully charged… This is just a personal preference, but I thought I would bring it up.

A picture of a USB lighter with the words candle lighter review on top
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Overall, I would highly recommend checking out the amazing lighters The USB Lighter Company has to offer! 🙃 I get so happy supporting brands that actually care about the planet, and I hope you all enjoyed my thoughts on their product! Don’t forget to use the code EARTHMUFFIN to get 20% off your entire order! What do you think about sustainable lighters?

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderThe Weekender’s Travel Guide to Bangor, Maine!

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Hey earth muffins! Like I mentioned in my previous Focaccia Bread recipe, the world is a scary place right now. 2020 has been an absolute ride, so I hope you all are staying safe and healthy! Today marks the end of the stay at home order where I live; I am excited, but also cautious, to start going out of my house again. The one thing I have missed the most during this pandemic is traveling. I have written some weekend travel guides in the past, so I thought I would share one for a city close to my heart: Bangor, Maine.

A photo overlooking the city of Bangor, Maine

If you read my Bar Harbor, Maine travel guide, you will know that my family spent a lot of time in Maine. I loved growing up on the East Coast and now that I live in the Midwest, I often miss the ocean. Going back to Maine is the number one destination on my travel bucket list at the moment! Bangor is the third largest city in the “vacation state”, so I hope this guide helps you plan your next trip! 😍

What to Do & See:

~Drive by Stephen King’s house. Mainers are pretty proud of iconic author Stephen King. He has a home close to downtown Bangor, which is currently being converted into a museum/living space for other writers. I personally love the creepy fence that surrounds his house at 47 W Broadway St, and the neighboring houses are also super pretty to admire!

A photo of the front of Stephen King's house in Bangor, Maine

~Walk around downtown Bangor. While it isn’t the nicest downtown, there are a couple of highlights. First, the Maine Discovery Museum is perfect for any young kids; I still think the sign out front (complete with a huge frog) is super cute! The Rock & Art Shop (36 Central St) has some really pretty stones and gemstones, which are awesome souvenirs to bring back home!

~Hit up the Bangor Mall! If you are in need of some shopping there are a ton of chain stores at the mall (or in surrounding buildings). I got my ears pierced at this Claire’s location – such good memories haha.

~Visit the Paul Bunyan statue! I have a weird fascination with oversized roadside attractions… I love to make my family stop and look at gigantic animals, etc. This statue is a Bangor classic! Located at 519 Main St, you can admire Paul in all of his greatness.

A photo of a Paul Bunyan statue in Bangor, Maine

~See a show at the waterfront or the Collins Center for the Arts. Bangor is right next to the Penobscot River, and there is an awesome waterfront that hosts concerts and festivals. Each summer there is a huge music festival that is super fun to go to, and I bet there are a bunch of other festivals throughout the year! If you want to see a symphony, ballet, or play, the Collins Center for the Arts is only 20 minutes away in Orono.

What to Eat:

~Bagel Central (33 Central St): I crave their bagels and cream cheese at least once a week! They make bagels, sandwiches, pastries, etc. all from scratch, and their prices are always very reasonable. It is also in a great location downtown, right across the street from the Rock & Art Shop.

A photo of three bagels sitting on a brown napkin

~Asian Garden (123 Franklin St): The last time I went here it was called Panda Garden, but I am sure the Chinese food is as good as I remember! I am a huge sucker for some tasty Asian food, and my family would frequent this restaurant whenever we were in the area. 🐼

~Hannaford: Not a restaurant but a East Coast grocery store that is way better than the Krogers of the Midwest. If you will be staying in an Airbnb or driving to Bar Harbor to camp then you NEED to check out a Hannaford. Treat yourself with their store brand carrot cake – I have yet to find an equivalent!

~Dysart’s (1110 Broadway): Ever seen the meme/video of the old man who can’t say buttery, flaky crust?

Well it comes from an ad for this restaurant! Granted the original truck stop restaurant isn’t this location, it still has the same food. It is homemade and you get a large portion – perfect after a long day of being a tourist!

~Gifford’s Ice Cream (1109 Broadway): Who doesn’t love some Maine ice cream? Just like Bagel Central bagels I often crave Gifford’s too… Their Moose Tracks is the best! 😍

A photo collage of pictures from Bangor, Maine with the words The Weekender's Guide to Bangor, Maine on top
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There you have it – my travel guide to Bangor! I’ve been to a bunch of other cities in Maine; if any of you are interested in other guides please let me know! 😃 Where are you planning on traveling to next?

Love,
Jenna ♥

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