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In celebration of this weeks Force Awakens premier we present to you Death Star! Finally an indica that is appropriate for night and day time. Of course it would be named after Star Wars. Death Star is a blend of the indica strain Sensi Star and the sativa Sour Diesel. Both strains have such dramatic effects that you would think the high from them being put together would drive you insane. Death Star is known to be a heavy indica, which is true but, the amount of euphoria that it takes from its sativa side is amazing. This strain is recommended for daytime or nighttime. It has great pain relief and tones of mental help. I would say this is a great strain to keep around for an anytime use. Its fairly popular now-a-days so, i'm sure you won't have trouble finding it! Keep it real! -Colin
When crossing the Blueberry indica strain and the legendary Haze sativa strain, you get an absolute amazing hybrid called BLUE DREAM!!! This strain is as good as it sounds. Every aspect that you look for in a sativa and a indica strain is within this strain. This type of hybrid is considered a sativa dominate. What that means is, when you smoke blue dream you get the euphoric creativeness that you would from a normal sativa but also, you get the relaxing pain relief that you would get from a normal indica. Patients that suffer from pain, depression, or nausea love this strain because normally they would have to smoke a heavy indica to relieve the threshold of these symptoms. Which usually make you very tired and unmotivated. But, because blue dream shares the best of both worlds, it doesn't make you drowsy but still gives you the pain relief with the desired motivation. A great strain to have in the morning with your cup of coffee.
Have an awesome week!!!! Peace -Colin
This strain is the one that everyone brings up when they try to nay-say marijuana. In no way at all does Green Crack have anything to do with real crack or even butt cracks for that matter. This strain was originally known as "Cush" and hit the scene in the early 90's in SoCal. Somewhere in its travels thru California, Cush got sold to Snoop Dogg and his crew. Its said that Snoop Dogg took a few hits of Cush and said that he was going to call it Green Crack for now on because of how quickly it hits you with energy and how much he just wanted to keep smoking it. This strain is a fantastic morning weed. It gives you every benefit of caffeine and gives you a lot of creative juices. Artist tend to keep Green Crack around cause of how well it helps to break through creative barriers. A great med for anyone who needs motivation, stress relief, anti-depression and pain relief. This is one of the most sought after strains out!!! Have a hazy week ya pot heads! -Colin
TRAINWRECK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I. Fa-king. Love. This. Strain!!!! Seriously tho, one of the best scented and best tasting types of marijuana in my opinion. If you are looking for a cerebral “head high”, as the kids are calling it these days, this is a perfect strain to pick up. Trainwreck has been a household name for us marijuana abusers for decades now. I’m sure if you said the name “trainwreck” around your hippy parents, they would know exactly what you’re talking about. Besides giving a crazy awesome head buzz, this strain is great for patients that suffer from depression, anxiety, appetite stimulant, cramps associated with PMS, RLS, DDD, nausea, muscle aches, and eases pain from nerve damage. I personally have found myself leaning towards this strain whenever I’m in need of a pick me up. It helps take a bad mood and turn it right around. It’s also great to smoke during the day because it gives you a euphoric state of mind with a high amount of energy.
Smoke em if you got em boys and girls! Have a gnarly week!
-Colin
A few weeks ago, I touched on a cannabis product that most of us stoners call dabs. This week i'm going to talk about one of the methods you take dabs. Dab rigs are essentially bongs for the most part. They do make dab pipes but, they are absolutely awful and I don't recommend using them. The way you use dab rigs is a bit different.... Some say that it reminds them of how you would smoke crack and in which is why some don't partake in a dab sessions. You can use any normal water bong. The only extra pieces you need is a torch, dab nail and a dabber. Dab nails are made out of either quartz, ceramic or titanium. Each nail has different benefits. Dabbers are a glass or titanium rod that you use to touch the dab (wax) to the dab nail. You consume the dab by heating the nail with the torch then taking the dabber with the wax on the end of it and putting to the heated nail. The reason that dabbing is even popular is because it sedates you more than any other way of consuming marijuana. For patients with pain, some say it works better than the best narcotic. For stoners, they say it feels like the first time they've ever smoked again. Dabbing is the ultimate high. Peace! -Colin
If you've never had a Jolly Pumpkin or aren't really used to the whole funky-brew thing yet, all the beers they have to offer may lead you to assume they've gone bad. They have not. Also no, they're not all pumpkin beers. In fact they only make one pumpkin beer and it's once a year. Jolly loves to infect all their delicious beers by letting them age in wooden barrels that have been carefully infused with bacterias such as brettanomyces, lactobacillus. These leave the beers with fruity esters, smelling of barnyards and having champagne-like characteristics on the tongue. Oro de Calabaza is brewed in the traditional Belgian Strong Ale way, but then aged on the bacteria barrels for some time. This is a nice light, not too sweet, but delightfully refreshing beer. Sort of spicy but in a zesty kind of way. Slightly floral with a nice acidity to it. Honestly, you can't really go wrong with anything from Jolly Pumpkin. It's obvious they are brewers who truly care about beer and see how many ways they can originate themselves by coming up with unique beer experiences such as this one. This could easily be paired with salads or white fishes. Maybe some chicken or turkey dishes. Cheers!
My Score: 99
Rate Beer: 99
Beer Advocate: 92
Yup. Fuckin' Black Label. It had been a while so I cracked one last night after a total shit day at work. You know what? That beer was delicious. I don't know if I just needed a beer so bad at that point that it could have been any beer, or something else. Either way, it lead to me doing some googling about said beer. FACT: Originally Carling's Black & White Lager, after renaming it, went on to become the world's first beer to be brewed on a mass international scale. This is back in the 20's.
FACT: Black Label sold amazingly well up to and through the 90's. It's a Canadian Lager that eventually opened up shop here in the states. The idea was to have a premium lager at prices that seemed more local. I guess it's always been cheap. There's nothing overly amazing about this beer. It just is. That may even be the best part. It's exactly that beer for when you just want a damn beer, and you don't want your pants brought down over the price. At this point if you've never had a Black Label... what? Were you ever a young human? You could probably go buy some right now with whatever is in your couch. That's the best. Cheers!
Who knew an 11 year old Christina Ricci, as Wednesday Addams, in a black with white peter pan collar dress would flash forward to 2015, and end up being such a huge trend. An effortlessly chic dress look, or a very last minute Halloween costume, accompanied by some braided pig-tails, tired eyes, pale skin, and a widows peak, the signature dress can be found at most clothing stores or websites! One of my favorite brands who kills the Wednesday Addams collar trend is a California based clothing, accessory, and shoe company, Deandri.
One of my favorite brands, Deandri , is consistently serving up some Wednesday Addams realness, whether it's a black with white collar dress, or a collared suspender crop top! They even have these fabulous BIBS! It may seem strange, but I feel like I remember thinking back years ago, "WHY hasn't anyone made something that I can put under any shirt/high neck dress as a collar?!" The internet is FULL of just little detachable collars, but when Deandri came out with the full bib, they changed the whole game! If it still sounds bizarre, check out the slideshow below, and be informed. Deandri is seriously killing the game with all of their innovative different takes on this contrasting collar trend! Every blogger I follow has sported pieces by Deandri, and tattooed mega babe, Kat Von D is crazy about Deandri. She's even gone as far to call their Black and White Grady Dress, "Dress of the Year!" I think Deandri fits the whole "Vile Girl" style so perfectly!
All Deandri photos taken from their Instagram: @Deandri
Well now that you've got your Wednesday Addams dress, you just need the make-up and hair to go along with it. Watch the video below to complete the look!
This signature style looks great on anyone, and I myself have a few pieces that go along well with the theme, so for Halloween at work, I did a Wednesday look, to keep it within dress-code. Tons of stores like H&M, Romwe, and Forever 21 have all carried, or carry pieces like these, at reasonable prices!
XO
Melanie
If you are anything like me, I love when I smoke some green that motivates my creativity to the point that I can't stop whatever project that I start til its finished. Mother's Helper is by far one of those strains. I absolutely love the earthy sweet smell and taste. It will have your head on cloud 9 for hours. This strain is a hybrid of the sativa Chocolope and the indica Northern Lights #5. The mix of is compared to heaven and hell for how completely opposite the two strains are. Mother's Helper is the type of smoke that leaves you feeling positive, creative and stoked on life. I hear a lot of patients like to have this strain around for anxiety, stress, headaches, pain and any type of depression. I would have to get it an A++ for its capability to knock down any writers block you might have. If you find Mother's Helper, I recommend you buy all of it and save as much as you can. Let me know so I can partake in the party as well. Have a great week friends! Smoke one for me!!! -Colin
photo by Blair Spear
So it's been a couple weeks, but things have been crazy since the last time I had a piece together for you guys. I hope y'all got to check out Berserker Fest, I heard it was a killer time. Meanwhile, when I was at Pizza Show at the stick- I saw some ridiculous live music that could have easily rivaled the lineups in ferndale, and I got to see punk bands at the Magic Stick(RIP) one last time before the "EDM scene"(blech) got it's chance to puke all over it. One band in particular caught my eye: Lake Effect.
These dudes hail from Port Huron, MI, and they fucking killed it live. Super raw, emotionally charged melodic hardcore homegrown in our own little angsty mitten. I love it. I bought a shirt and got to meet the dudes, as they were stationed right next to the vile merch at the show. Honestly the nicest, down to earth guys ever. Their most recent EP is titled "History" and you can snag it from bandcamp. They are presently writing a new batch of tracks to be released as well(as per their facebook page), so keep your eyes peeled- I'll probably be pulling a write-up on that bitch ASAP once it's done! MI kids- these dudes play out a bit, so make sure you catch them. They fucking bring it live! Make sure you say hi to them, and tell them Toph sent ya ;)
Here's a little snippet of their EP in youtube format-
Fucking dope, right?!? I think that jam might be my favorite on the whole set, so it's no surprise they've used it as the teaser. I just love how heavy and pretty the music gets behind the super raw split vocals. And it's sooooo tight, man- tight like your mom. I think you're adopted. There's no way a baby came outta there!
Once again- Get that shit from bandcamp(name your own price, beyotchhhhh!).
I'm out. Take it sleazy.
Love you guys!
XOXO - TOPH
The first bike I ever owned was a Honda CB750c. It was a cruiser, and at the time, not my taste, but I definitely loved it. From the moment that I parked that bike in my friends garage, I started tearing it apart. I grew up loving the look of flat trackers and scramblers, so I became acquainted with my bike, and got to work.
There were moments where I wanted to kick the bike on its side and just set it ablaze, and there were other moments where everything came together so perfectly. More times than not, the frustrating moments were the ones that have the most memorable stories. I was lucky to have friends that would come over and guide me or jump in and help tear down this bike, and rebuild it as I dreamed. This aspect of the riding community is one of my favorite parts: the stories of riding and brotherhood.
Every bike has a story to tell, and every rider has a handful of stories to go along with the bike, and the artists at Stories of Bike are passionate about telling those stories. Shot mostly in Australia, they beautifully document riders, explore their bikes, and talk about what drives their obsession.
According to this German dick I encountered a few days ago, this isn't an altbier. I rolled my eyes like a turd but really, it's more of an imperial altbier. With a higher abv at 8.5%, it's compared more to a barley wine style. It has a nice medium body and sticky. Definitely a sipper. Spicy notes, dark fruits. A little sweet and a little boozy. Overall it's a great German beer, even if it's not technically true to the style it presents itself as. That flip top lid bottle is awesome too. I'm looking at you, home brewers. Cheers!
My score: 93
Rate Beer: 98
Beer Advocate: 92
So as some may know, I work at an H&M here in Raleigh. As a very trendy store, lots of trendy people come through, so of course, I get to see every current trend that I've been scrolling through Instagram looking at, come to life in my store, which is pretty cool. One I've noticed for quite awhile now, that doesn't seem to go away, is all of the Pastel Princesses I've seen come through! So many adorable pastel heads of hair come through the store, and I drool in envy. My best friend and roommate are both Pastel QUEENS! Lacy usually floats somewhere between lavender, and silver purple; and Summer is either lavender, or platinum white blonde.
Because of how dark my hair naturally is, and how much dye and crap I have on my hair from past styles and colors I've done, it will be nearly impossible to have a mane of beautiful pastel hair! So, for now I can just admire from afar, and from my laptop screen as I scroll through Pinterest. My hair board on Pinterest is an overload of styles and colors, but here are a few of my favorite Pastel Princesses!
One of the most inspirational women I've been following on the internet for the past few years, is a Pastel Princesses, and her name is Angelina or ALB (Instagram/YouTube/Tumblr: Albinwonderland.) Angelina has had pink hair since she was 14 years old, and has been bright pink, and pastel for years!
She's the most empowering woman I've ever seen in my life, because she definitely preaches personal style, and individuality, which is something everyone could use in their lives. I watched a video of her's that really opened up my eyes, and helped me on my personal guide to self love and acceptance! Angelina was also probably the first lady who opened my eyes to feminism, and thank goodness for that. As cliche, and lame as it sounds, I don't think I'd be as confident today had I not watched her inspirational and helpful videos.
I honestly don't see this trend dying any time soon, and I am not complaining about that one bit, because I love all of the little Pastel Princesses I see everyday. Keep on keepin' on you Princess Mermaids, I live for you!!
Melanie XO
This is by far one of the best vaporizers I've ever used..... I would consider this the Apple version of vaporizers. Pax even has a weight to it, that makes you know that it's quality. The way you turn Pax on is by pushing the mouth piece in and it heats up in seconds being ready to use! You load the herb on the bottom of the device that has a magnetic cover. Its super easy to clean as well!!! I'd recommend grinding your weed up pretty well to achieve optimal rips. You will love this vaporizer to death. We have these bad boys in stock 24/7 at The Jungle Room (@jungleroomdetroit).
Come by and i'll set you up!!! Love. -Colin
It's upon us once again. The wily and elusive Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Known to us beer nerds as the one and only KBS. If you've never had the original Breakfast Stout then stop reading now. Have one, then come back to me. If ever there was a beer that paired with pancakes and sausages, this is the one. How could that get any better, you ask? Let's age it in bourbon barrels. Perfect. Sweet bourbon chocolatey goodness. There are few stouts that meet the expectations of this beast. Only problem is finding some. This is the game we play. Sifting through shelves at every local beer store, bribing clerks to hold us even just one bottle for a chance at sipping this sweet nectar. Of course having two bottles is the idea; one to drink, and one to forget about in your cellar. Not to worry though. Your favorite local craft bar should be getting at least one keg of this. In my experience that keg lasts as long as the piss you take from drinking several of these, so get on it. Cheers!
My Score: 1oo
Rate Beer: 1oo
Beer Advocate: 1oo
"Just a couple super fake blondes, crafting to support their root touch ups!" - Two Fake Blondes (Meghan Trimble & Katie Holland)
Meet Meghan Trimble and Katie Holland! Two ECU Fashion Merchandiser Graduates who decided to join creative forces to create what is known today as Two Fake Blondes! All of the products are hand made by these fabulous ladies themselves, and each is made special! From hand stitched patches, tie dyed shirts, clutch bags, and one of a kind dyed jackets, these girls aren't afraid to get messy with some dye.
They love and encourage custom orders! Another thing I love about Two Fake Blondes is that they are all about customer suggestions, and hearing what their customers want to see next!
Katie and Meghan are only just beginning on their journey with Two Fake Blondes, but I see a bright future for these girls! Check out the promotional video they made to go along with the launch of their most recent addition to their shop, rainbow tie dyed socks and panties!
Follow Two Fake Blondes on Instagram: @twofakeblondes
XX
Melanie
Riding, for me, is all about the trip. Short or long, it doesn't matter. Two wheels, an engine, and the pavement underneath of you. You are connected to the road by nothing more than that. You see everything, you feel every bit of it. It means so much more than just getting from point A to B, it's an experience. There are days that all I could think about is getting off of work, packing up my bike and leaving for the weekend, just ride someplace new and discover.
What if you found out that there was so much uncertainty in your future, and being told by doctors that you wouldn't live to see 30? Aileen of The Moto Quest had to face that reality, and dealt with it head on.
Instead of letting tragedy hold her back, she decided to embrace life and move forward. She has chosen to pack up her Honda CD250U and travel the four corners. Her bravery to set out with no real plan, and to just follow the road to where it takes her is absolutely inspiring.
Please take a few minutes to check her out, and share her story with others
When I think of reflective clothes, I just think of a traffic conductor, the people I see running every morning, or your average bicyclist. For the most part, I've only seen reflective clothes be more for fitness purpose. The first time I've ever heard of this reflective fabric being used in fashion, was when Alexander McQueen created these looks on the runway for his 2004 Fall Collection in Paris.
So how does it work? Well, first things first, not to be confused with A glow in the dark SURFACE that works as simple as turnING the lights out and that's how it glows. However, reflective objects and fabrics, work off of a separate source of light like a flashlight, camera flash, head lights, etc, to flash light back at you! It's initial purpose was to be able to be seen in the night time, for safety reasons of course. So bikers, police officers, runners, and traffic directors wear reflective vests, and reflective patches, to avoid being hit by cars if they're out at night! At first glance, the reflective material itself usually just looks like a almost metallic grey surface, but when a light is pointed on the material, it reflects back, giving off the white luminescent glow!
More recently, the flashy reflective look taking on more than just a sporty look, and it's slowly evolving to be more of a casual/street style trend. NIKE specifically has started to run with this trend, and while still being a sports oriented brand, most people wear NIKE as more of a fashion statement nowadays. Like most sport oriented brands, the logos on their shoes or apparel would be reflective, so if the wearer is on a run at night, and a car is coming by, they can be spotted and avoided easily. The trend is on the come up as a flashy thing for pictures! I see this trend in men's fashion a lot, but I need to see my ladies wearing this look more! It looks sick on men and women alike!
I recently came across a United Kingdom based clothing and accessories company called LFLECT who incorporates reflective elements in all of their pieces, with everything from head-bands, apparel, and even reflective yarn and iron-ons, so you like to DIY like I do, you can make your own custom reflective pieces! Shop LFLECT HERE
