What happened to WitchCraftingWA? Why I closed my Etsy store

A while back I wrote a blog post about my Etsy store, WitchCraftingWA. I was so excited to share that part of my life with a new audience after focusing on it for so long. However, some things changed and I made the decision to close my Etsy store account.

Why? Well, the biggest reason is that Etsy wasn’t financially beneficial for me. I’ve never sold much, but my prices were always pretty low, so my profits have been pennies. Etsy recently raised its seller fees, so between that and the cost of shipping, it stopped making sense for me to continue selling on there. I’ve seen and heard from other small businesses that they also came to this conclusion, and it makes me sad. It’d be nice to trust that a company cares for small businesses and artists, and to have a platform that supports us. Alas, we don’t live in a world where that happens. Etsy exists to make money, primarily for Etsy, so while it’s a great place to discover new artists and small shops, it’s better to go to the source and purchase from that person directly.

So what happens to WitchCraftingWA now? I still have my Instagram page for my shop active, and I recently posted some new pieces I’ve been working on. The best way to support my art is to contact me on there if you see anything you like!

Here Comes the Sun: The June 2022 Goddess Provisions Box Review

Happy June and welcome back to another blog post! This time we’ll be reviewing the June 2022 Goddess Provisions box, themed around solar energy. Solar energy isn’t just for powering cars anymore, you can utilize this renewable resource to recharge your own batteries. GP has provided some tools to help you get started.

Once again I purchased this box with my own money and have not been compensated in any way to discuss this box.

PC Kendall Hurley

This box contains seven items, ranging in value from $3.99 to $28. The price of the box hovers around $35, so you get a pretty good deal. The items are all full size, so this box is great value for your money.

Tarot Sun Card pendant necklace

I love getting jewelry in boxes, shiny things make me so happy. It’s fitting for the sunshine box to include a gold plated necklace for us!

This glistening golden necklace displays a rendition of the sun tarot card. I’ve received tarot card necklaces in boxes before and loved them even though I don’t practice tarot. I think channeling the concept they represent can be a good intention for your day. My only complaint is that the pendant isn’t as dainty as I’d prefer, but I like this nonetheless.

4/5

Hair oil elixir

Receiving beauty products is also always fun for me because I don’t tend to splurge or try new products on my own. I guess a downfall to doing it this way is that I can’t pick out the products themselves, but most of the time I end up really enjoying the product, even if I don’t repurchase it.

My hair is naturally wavy and likes to frizz, so I’m all about using a hair oil to tame it. I love the way this smells too, like jasmine by the ocean.

5/5

“Blue Me Away” blue matcha powder

Blue matcha powder is a trend going around the Internet lately, I think due to TikTok, and is promoted as a caffeine-free energy drink powder. I don’t really understand the science behind that, because matcha is tea and tea has caffeine, so color me confused. I think the reason this was included was because caffeine=energy and fits into the sun theme, not because the color blue=the sky=the sun is in the sky.

This was my least favorite item in the box (there is always one.) Getting food items in boxes kinda freaks me out, because I don’t feel like I can trust the ingredients. I have a lot of anxiety around trying new foods, so I probably won’t even use this. I don’t want to pass it along either, so I guess it’s going to sit in my pantry until I can figure out how to use it another way.

1/5

Shower steamer

This smells so good! I normally don’t gravitate towards invigorating scents but I like that this one is fresh and fruity but also down to earth, with orange and lemon with a touch of rosemary. It also isn’t too sweet.

I’ve never used a shower steamer before but I think it’s like a bath bomb for your shower, and turns your shower into a spa experience. Either way, I’d love to incorporate aromatherapy into my life more and this item feels like a real treat.

5/5

Golden spoon

First of all, this spoon is so cute! And second of all, it goes perfectly with the sun and moon mug we got a few months back in the GP box. So Instagram worthy.

I think this spoon is made from brass and colored gold, so I don’t know how food-safe it is, and that information wasn’t provided. I think this spoon would be good for sprinkling sugar into tea or bath salts into water, but don’t do those two things together!

4/5

Brass bookmark

I’ve always had a bit of an addiction to collecting bookmarks; they just enhance the aesthetic of the reading experience. GP also make some lovely silvery bookmarks that this compliments nicely. I think the sun motif looks so happy peeking over the page.

However, my complaint with metal bookmarks like this one is that it seems too heavy for most book pages. The average book paper is too thin, I think, to hold up to the weight of this guy. Also, the size is a bit awkward. Again, I think this is a super photogenic product but not super practical. Maybe it’d be good for a cookbook.

2/5

Prehnite stone

One of my favorite parts of the GP boxes is getting a new stone every month. I’ve grown my collection so much in the past year! Prehnite is new to me, but I love the pale, vibrant green. They say that this is a water-safe, “compassionate crystal,” which is so adorable. Including the info about this stone being water safe is great because some stones can dissolve in water, like selenite.

4/5

I also want to leave a footnote here about the packaging with Goddess Provision boxes. Not only do they plant a tree for each box sold, the company is also committed to becoming more eco-friendly with it’s packaging materials. Most of the wrapping inside the box for the items is paper or cardboard, which can be recycled or repurposed. The designs on the packaging is super giftable as well, and I just want to pass that thought along.

Final thoughts:

Goddess Provisions truly did a great job curating this box. Opening each item felt like Christmas, even if I didn’t love them all. With the exception of the blu matcha powder, I felt as though the items fit the theme and were all exciting to me. My favorite thing in the box is probably the hair oil, followed by the necklace and the spoon.

I’m really looking forward to recharging myself by channelling some solar energy this month, and using these items to radiate some light into my life!

Calling to Spring – April 2022 Tamed Wild Subscription Box Review

PC Kendall Hurley

Hi guys! Today I’m going to do a review of the April Tamed Wild subscription box. The theme of this box is springtime so expect flowers and abundance. This box was purchased by me and all opinions are my own, I was not paid to create a review.

The Tamed Wild subscription boxes are $20.00 USD per month, plus shipping. Their shipping rates just went up over the new year, so be careful for that. They have monthly, 3 months, 6 months, and annual plans. Each box contains 4 or 5 items. I’ve been getting their boxes for over a year and a half now, so I have a pretty solid opinion of them by now.

Let’s go over the items in the box:

Ceramic Planter: I really like the marbled appearance and texture of this planter. It’s a little small but perfect for a desk planter. They also included a compostable cup to start growing your plant, and there is a hole in the bottom for drainage. Pretty good quality!

Forget-me-not seeds: You could have gotten these or marigold or money plant seeds; I obviously got the forget-me-nots. Which I love, because they remind me of home. Forget-me-nots symbolize love, respect and dedication. I’m happy with this item, but do be careful: if not contained, they’ll definitely spread in your garden.

Green aventurine worry stone: Aventurine is a very pretty stone with a little bit of natural shimmer to it. Worry stones are often oval shaped with a divot in the middle to “worry.” I like more tactile stones; I find fidgeting with them rather comforting.

I was a little disappointed because my stone was much paler in color and kind of translucent. It’s pretty but not very good quality material. I’ve gotten better quality aventurine from Tamed Wild before though, so it may have been a fluke.

Abundance kit: I really like do-it-yourself kits and if you are new to intention setting, this is a good start. The kit includes: a needle, green thread, yellow fabric, a small vial of mugwort, and a green candle. Green symbolizes abundance, luck and prosperity, and spring invites those concepts in. I’m excited to use mine!

Sticker: This time we also received a Tamed Wild sticker, featuring a gazing ball and moon emblem. I’m always down for a fun sticker, but I’m not sure where I’d put this one.

Is it worth it?

In my opinion, the Tamed Wild boxes are generally good value for money, especially when comparing the items to ones you could buy in a metaphysical shop. Sometimes the quality of the items is lower, but there is always one item that outstands. This time I think it’s the planter; one can always use more plants and therefore planters around. Or it could make a nice gift! I like how Tamed Wild always has a theme and then they match a ritual to that theme, like making an abundance kit.

While it’s a good value, I do wish their shipping times would be better. I get mine sent at the end of the month it’s supposed to be for, which is kind of annoying, and it takes a while to arrive. I received the April box in May, for example. And while their customer service is pretty good, their packaging can sometimes leave more to be desired. But I do like supporting them because it is good value and I stan a woman-owned small business.

Do you get the Tamed Wild box? What do you think of it? What was your favorite item on the list?

Burning down: My thoughts on “Bridgerton” season 2

“Bridgerton” was one of the most sensual, delicious new shows to hit Netflix during quarantine 2020, and I keep hopping on the bandwagon a little bit late. I think it’s an engaging show, but it is definitely not a period drama as it pretends to be. I recently finished the new season and I have some thoughts.

Of course I had to rewatch season 1 first, and by season 2 I was completely fed up with Daphne Bridgerton. A lot of people seemed to be the most fed up with Eloise, her younger sister, for becoming more annoying; but I felt as though the character for Daphne was far more irritating, in some cases downright snobby. Not very good character development! At one point, she is visiting her family and pushes her way in to her mother’s planning for a ball in a disrespectful way. I would never have gotten away with that. Daphne seems to lord her new social status over her family, and now enjoys bossing other around.

The notable lack of Simon, the Duke of Hastings, added to the development of other interesting male characters, like the eldest Bridgerton brothers… In theory. Originally the season was supposed to focus on Anthony, the oldest, but Benedict and Colin get a far amount of screen time too. At one point, they get high together, which was probably the most interesting thing any of them did. Benedict has promise to be more interesting later as he bucks the status quo most ofter, but I agree that Colin could use some work. Also, if he’s so interested in travel, wouldn’t it be more cost effective to travel around one’s own country instead of fleeing to another?

I found the new leading lady, Kate Sharma, to be original and fascinating; she is what the Eloise character was meant to be: a woman who was finding her footing in a man’s world. Her sister, Edwina Sharma, was far too simpering and saccharine. I suppose part of the point of the show is to demonstrate how imperfect people can join together to make perfect matches, but more than often enough they come out annoying instead.

The character of Penelope Feathington (where do they get these names) showed promise I think; it was revealed at the end of the previous season that she is Lady Whistedown, the narrator and knower of all things in the ton. I think her development as a character was aided by this reveal, you can understand more of her mind and why she does what she does. And it’s easy to see where she gets the gumption; her mother is just as conniving.

Lady Danbury seems like she ought to be the moral compass of the show, and she’s entertaining while meddlesome. I loved her speech towards Kate about becoming who she is through her life in the middle of the season, declaring that her strength came from her determination through everything. She is also one of the few characters who stands up to the queen, who seems as though she’d be unpleasant to meet in real life, pretty out of touch from reality. However, I wouldn’t want to meet her in real life, as she inserts herself into every drama and then sings her own praises when things turn out right. She’s as bad as Lady Featherington, only with more class.

There’s a huge separation of class in the show, which is accurate to a point. The historical accuracy of the show is highly debatable; and I am on the side that it is not. It is someone else’s depiction of what they think the Regency Era would have looked like; you see it in the dresses and what the characters are allowed to get away with.

Also, let’s talk a little about the costumes of this show: They really drive home the point that this show is a piece of fiction, BASED on historical events. There is no way that even high class women would have access to the multitudes of fabrics showcased here, nor are most of them realistic for the time period. The hair and silhouette of the gowns take inspiration from the past, and the men’s fashion seems close as well. But the costuming is just close enough to make it seem based in the Regency Era without actually being accurate to the period.

End rant.

Seriously though, it’s like watching “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” but with a twist. Did I still watch it all? Absolutely. Sometimes TV is just so bad it’s kinda good.

WitchCraftingWA – The story of my small business

A lot of small business have opened in the wake of the pandemic. People are tired of working for others, with all the drawbacks they can face, and deign to work for themselves. Putting to use their talents and hobbies to support their families, people are really trying to open new doors up.

Cat Embroidery by Kendall Hurley

In early 2020, I picked up a couple of new hobbies: embroidery and jewelry making, in addition to knitting. The thing was, as I got better and more proficient at these things, I was ending up with more than I could use or display myself, or give away. I’d been following an Instagram shop of a friend of mine, and was inspired to try to sell the pieces I’d been creating. Thus, WitchCraftingWA was born.

I wanted the name of my shop to play on the idea of the hedge witch, and stitch witch, because so many of the things I was making and hoping to sell are textile items, embroideries and knitwear.

Lupin Embroidered Baseball Cap by Kendall Hurley

The type of items I make and sell are:

• Embroidery: wall hangings, custom orders, baseball caps
• Knitted items: headbands and scarves
• Jewelry: earrings, necklaces and bracelets

I like creating beautiful pieces that can bring joy to others, either by wearing the piece or displaying it in their home. It brings me a lot of joy to create things, and I hope to spread that joy to others.

Harry Potter Charm Necklace by Kendall Hurley

I do tend to price my pieces on the lower side, as this has always been a side hustle for me. The extra money from sales is nice, but I am not yet in a position to rely solely on this income. Another reason I price things a little lower is because I just want to create things that will make others smile. I value my time, of course, and purchasing raw materials costs me money, but I do turn a small profit.

Over time I have raised my prices some, especially for the embroideries. I use a lot of recycled/upcycled materials when I can. I’m also really lucky that buyers have left very kind reviews on my Etsy page.

Witch Hat Embroidery by Kendall Hurley

I did try selling solely on Instagram, but the algorithm is such that newbies don’t get a lot of traffic. I do better on Etsy, and while I do pay a small fee to list my products, it is worth it to make the sale and give joy to someone else. So now I list my pieces in both places, and that combination works best for me right now.

My goals for my little shop are to keep creating and coming up with new pieces, to maybe one day be able to make more money from it. I want to create a logo and business cards, to maybe sell at a craft fair or local market once the pandemic ends.

If you would like to support me and my shop, you can find me on Etsy as WitchCraftingWA or on Instagram under the name @witch.crafting. Thank you!

Blue Roses Mini Embroidery by Kendall Hurley

Lessons From The Pandemic: How do I celebrate my loved ones when we aren’t together?

It was recently my husband’s birthday and I couldn’t be home with him. Instead, I had to find ways to show my love for him on his day while we were apart.

Can we all agree that this pandemic has forced us all to get creative with how we do things? I know it has for me. If there is a silver lining at all to the past two years, it’s that a global epidemic has sparked passion and creative into humanity.

As a species, we value togetherness. Humans are pack animals. When we cannot be with those we treasure, we feel sad, upset, angry, depressed. This is normal. It is really difficult to be separated from those we love, from our support network and the people we support.

Not to be a broken record if you’ve heard of these already, but I’ve come up with some ways we can still celebrate our loved ones even when we aren’t together.

• Write them a letter/send a card
• Record a video message to for them
• Schedule a Zoom or FaceTime
• Call, don’t just text
• Create a list of all the things you’ll do together again with them
• Plan a vacation together
• Set a time to watch a movie or show at the same time, then discuss it after
• Have a virtual meal together
• Work on a piece of art that describes your relationship
• Develop a new hobby you can work on together
• Share a list of books you both can read, start a mini book club

These are my ideas and ways I’ve tried to remain emotionally close with my family and friends. I’d love to hear about the ways you’ve been able to celebrate your loved ones during this crazy time!

What Is Spoon Theory? Living with chronic illness

Have you ever wondered what a spoonie is?

Many people living with chronic illness use spoon theory as a tool to describe the amount of energy they have throughout the day:

• Everyone begins the day with a certain number of spoons.
• Each spoon represents a portion of your energy. For if you begin the day with 10 spoons, and have 10 units of energy, an action or task will use one spoon, or one portion of your energy.
• You give up a spoon when you perform an action, like getting dressed for the day, making lunch, doing laundry, or going outside for a walk.
• When you have used up all your spoons, you have to rest.

Energy conservation and distribution is really important to us chronically ill folk. By giving up a spoon, we use up some of our energy, so we have to plan ahead for our day so we don’t use them all too soon.

If we use up all our spoons too soon, we can feel fatigued or lethargic, or experience an influx of symptoms we’d prefer not to deal with. Spoon theory works as an explanation for how we’re feeling over the course of the day.

Some people with chronic illness call themselves spoonies as a way to describe where they are with their illness. But people without illnesses can be spoonies too; every person begins the day with a certain amount of energy. Spoons can be used by anyone, but the concept began with the chronically ill community.

Disability doesn’t discriminate. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. Physical illness doesn’t discriminate. Anyone of any background can be affected by chronic health problems. Therefore, anyone can use spoon theory.

It is a good tool for those of us living with a chronic health condition to describe how we feel, and how much energy we have for activities during the day. Some things use up more than one spoon, like traveling or going to the doctor. You can also get spoons back if you take medication or rest.

Did you know about spoon theory? Is it something you’ll use in the future?

5 Consumable Gifts to Give for Any Occasion

Photo by Alexey Demidov on Pexels.com

Yes, the winter holidays are over for 2021. But I hope there are new celebrations on the horizon for you this new year!

When I was shopping for Christmas presents this past season, I wanted to prioritize giving useful gifts I thought would actually get used and not add more clutter to someone’s home. But I’ve also always been conscious of consuming and contributing to waste, as we live in such a capitalist society. So I’ve done my best to compile a list of 5 things you can give next time time you need a present.

Also, none of these involve food, because everyone gives chocolates or whatever as a go-to gift.

• Soap

Soap has to be at the top of my list right now as a gift to give, not only because we are all diligently washing our hands as of late. It is so fun and easy to make a melt-and-pour soap with supplies from a craft store; you can add body-safe colorant, scents, and eco-friendly glitter! Soap making videos are so calming to watch, and it’s a great, giftable craft for beginners.

Definitely read up or watch tutorials on soap making before you begin, because there are some tips and methods for safety purposes.

If you don’t feel like making soap, because ironically it can get a little messy, and cold process soap making at home involves a whole bunch of ingredients and chemicals, there are plenty of super cool, innovative soap artists selling online.

One of my personal favorite is Royalty Soaps, a family-owned business in the US that also sells body lotion, perfume oils, and solid shampoo and conditioner bars. The woman who started the company is incredibly creative with the design and theme of their products, and shares her creative journey on their YouTube channel.

• Ticket vouchers

Giving a ticket voucher as a gift is not only eco-friendly, but it gives you the opportunity to provide an experience for someone. Movie ticket vouchers are always a safe bet, or you could give a gift card to a spa if you know they really deserve some self care.

Tickets to concerts or shows are really thoughtful if you know the person is really wanting to see something specific. On the surface, maybe it sounds impersonal, but gifts like this demonstrate how well you listen to a friend. As we get older, we don’t need as much stuff, but being gifted an experience can be really memorable.

You can also get creative with the packaging here, including it with a punny card or related gift that acts a clue.

• Beauty/skincare product

These items can get used up, so they don’t get stuck collecting dust on a shelf. Plus, you can make customized sets, stick to a color scheme, match their favorite scents; the possibilities to personalize are endless!

This is also a great way to encourage self care for someone who means a lot to you and works hard for others.

You can also DIY these gifts at home, there are loads of great recipes online. You can make things like sugar scrubs in bulk for not a lot of money, and package them up to be super cute. I have some ideas already listed in this post.

• Stationary

I’m a girl who love notebooks, pens, and stickers. Because I use these items so often in my daily life, it’s important to me to have ones that match my aesthetic, are in pretty colors or show off an interest of mine.

Stationary items are a useful gift anyone can use and can also be customized with monograms or photos. It adds personality and sparkle to a desk, but eventually the ink will run dry and you’ll fill all the pages. It’s a reliable gift that also has a personal touch.

• Candles

A beautiful candle can add ambiance and flare to any room. There are so many scents, colors, and vessels to choose from when selecting a candle for a gift. It helps to know a person’s favorite scent, or pick something with a relaxing or uplifting aroma. If you know they prefer unscented candles for the vibe, you can get candles in their favorite color, or even in the shape of an animal or flower!

I have never had much luck making my own candles, so if you want to go down that road, I again advise doing some research.

There are candles for every budget for sale, which helps make them a great personal gift. If your candle comes in a particularly adorable glass or jar, the excess wax and wick can be cleaned out so the pot can be reused as a pencil holder or planter, for example. A gift that keeps on giving but is usable the whole way through!

I hope you have some ideas for next time you are stumped on a gift idea! Remember, it truly is the thought that counts.

5 things not to say to someone with an eating disorder (and 5 things to say instead)

Does anyone else enjoy watching those Buzzfeed-type videos where they show people with something different about them sharing their thoughts on rude comments they receive? I watched a fair few (okay, it was a whole afternoon binging them) and the one thing I wish they all did was share ideas of what is okay to say to someone who is different.

I live with an eating disorder. These are chronic health illnesses that can kill people, if they do not receive adequate medical care. Eating disorders are different for each person, and their treatment is unique as well.

There is a ton of stigma surrounding all kinds of mental health conditions, but eating disorders can be especially tricky. Yes, the disease exists inside of my head, but it affects my behaviors and my outward appearance. Malnutrition is a messy beast that can leave long-term effects on a person, physically and psychologically.

It took me a long time to open up to tell people about my diagnosis. Most people did not understand it, and I didn’t fully understand it myself, even after lots and lots of therapy. And no one ever knows what to say when someone they know tells them they have a life-threatening illness, but there’s sadly so much misinformation about eating disorders, that it becomes even harder.

5 things not to say to someone with an eating disorder:

• “But you look fantastic!”

Thank you, I spent a long time pairing my outfit with this eyeshadow look.

It can be easy to hide behind clothes and makeup, to give a glamour of health. Listen, I don’t give a damn about the number on the scale. I didn’t when I was heavier, and I don’t now. Health is about so much more than what you look like on the outside.

• “You should eat something.”

If I could, don’t you think I would?

My boss said this to me as I left for my lunch break one day. I was flabbergasted. No one chooses to have an eating disorder, just like no one chooses to have any other mental health disorder, or health problem.

• “That’s just a thing young people/women get.”

No one says that about cancer patients.

Eating disorders do not discriminate. They don’t care how old or young you are, how much money is in your bank account, or what else is going on in your life.

• “So you don’t like food?”

*Insert facepalm emoji.*

I love food, actually, I just have an incredibly hard time eating it. I love to cook and bake, feel the ingredients in my hands and smell a meal coming together. It has less to do with food and more to do with intrusive, anxious thoughts; at least for me. Boy oh boy, do I love chocolate, especially a bar of dark with some crunchy bits while reading a book…

• “I wish I had your discipline, but I love _____ too much to be skinny.”

Guess what? I’ve been “chubby” too – and I love who I am regardless.

It’s not about discipline, it’s not about being skinny, it’s not about weight loss. Educate yourself on what an eating disorder really is, and you’ll see how complex they can be. On a good day, yes, I eat “healthy” foods, but I also will eat the second cookie if I want. An eating disorder is so hard to explain because at it’s core, it isn’t about the food. It is not a diet. It is a disease.

Yes, I have had all these things said to me before. Mostly by other women, and all of them by people who did not know how much I was struggling. I want to share this to help break down the stigma, and because I want you to know that you are not alone.

5 things you can say to someone with an eating disorder

• “I am here for you. I may not understand, but I care about you and want to see you succeed.”

Being there, emotionally, for someone to lean on, can be tough. We are often wrapped up in ourselves, but when we open up to be present for others and help them through a challenging time, your relationship with that person can only improve.

• “Tell me how I can help support you.”

I made it a point to make lists for my husband, parents, and best friend of things I need from them when I have an episode and am really struggling with my eating disorder or anxiety, because they kinda go hand in hand for me. It was hard to share that with them, because it felt so personal, but all they wanted was to know how to help.

• “What are some signs I can watch for when I’m with you to help you manage this?”

I was not the first one to notice the signs of my eating disorder because I struggled with disordered eating prior to be diagnosis. Now that I’m working on recovery, I do keep note of my thoughts and behaviors around food.

I learned from a series of bad panic attacks when I was first diagnosed with anxiety that I needed to tell people I was around regularly when an attack was beginning, and I apply that to my eating disorder to. Recovery is really freaking hard, but the people that love you only want to help you feel better. So tell them if something could trigger an unwanted response.

• “Would you like a hug?”

Yes, absolutely! (Provided you take COVID precautions.) Physical affection means so much to some people, and it can be emotionally grueling to tell someone about your illness. Simply offering a gentle touch goes miles in reassurance.

• “So… Can I still come over to watch The Vampire Diaries tomorrow night?”

This one sounds flippant and stupid, but all I wanted when I was diagnosed was the people I loved to still see me for me. And I still wanted to be included. Make plans with people, because we all need connection.

Actually, these are things you can say to someone struggling with other mental illnesses too.

You are not weak for needing help, for wanting help. Asking for help is one of the most courageous things you can ever do, even if it is the most scary.

So what do I say when someone asks me something inappropriate about my eating disorder now? I literally give them advice from a dietician I work with: “Everyone is on their own journey.”

I Tried CBD For My Anxiety – Here’s My Experience

This is a judgement-free zone, y’all.

I’ve previously written a post about my experiences with taking melatonin, but I have tried a few different CBD products in the past year and I hope to share how it has or hasn’t worked for me. There is a lot of misleading information out there, and while I’m no expert and always advocate for doing your own research, I do think it can be helpful for some people.

I may not be one of those people though.

So I live in Washington, one the states in the US where marijuana is legal, but that has never been my jam. I hate the smell and I’ve never wanted to try it. I learned about CBD and how it differs from THC from a Buzzfeed video about chronic pain, so I wanted to see if that might help me too.

I was interested in it for a few reasons: chronic back/neck pain, tension in my jaw, increase appetite, help destress and relax, improve sleep, and improve my quality of life some. I tried gummy candy, dissolvable tablets, liquid drops, and an infused balm. So I thought I’d structure this by talking about each of the methods I tried, and how they affected each thing I wanted to address.

Please check with your medical provider before introducing any supplement into your lifestyle, and if you do go ahead with it, use the highest quality you can afford. This article is not intended to be used for medical advice, I am simply sharing my thoughts and experiences with CBD.

CBD (Cannabidoil) and it is different from THC, the chemical in weed that makes you high in that is does not contain those properties. Instead, it is used to relax the brain and muscles, for anxiety and pain relief. Certain strains of CBD hemp plants and high doses can help with problems from anxiety to epilepsy.

So while some CBD products may contain trace levels of THC (always read the labels!) it won’t give you that high or stoned feeling associated with marijuana. CBD is sold in many different forms, and I tried several. Some sort of worked, some maybe didn’t, and some were okay.

I’m going to say now that it didn’t “fix” any of the above issues I was hoping for. In some situations, it did help, but this was not a cure for my issues. It’s a supplement, it’s not a medication.

CBD gummies:

These little candies resemble the vitamin gummies they sell in grocery stores, and are the easiest method to take. However, it hard to know how much to take, because there are different brand and strengths, so check with the vendor. I will say that this edible is the most versatile when it comes to flavor.

Did they really help me? No, I don’t think they did anything for my pain, sleep, or anxiety. I had high hopes but it wasn’t for me.

Tablets:

This was my least favorite method that I tried. They taste a bit like chalk and do not dissolve well. I also did not see an improvement in anything, and I tried these specifically for my appetite. Would not recommend.

Drops:

The liquid drops come in a few different flavors, but I went with chocolate mint, which was pretty good. These were the easiest by far to take, and did improve my appetite and sleep a little. I would try these again, but maybe at a higher dosage next time.

Balm:

I appreciate this isn’t something I have to ingest to feel the effects. I also like that I can use it anywhere because the packaging is fairly discreet, or can be made so. It’s like a lip balm consistency with added pain relief and doesn’t have an overpowering smell. But do always check ingredients to make sure you aren’t allergic to anything, as sometimes they use nut oils to create salves this these.

This was by far the most effective use of CBD for me personally. I rub a small amount into the muscles of my upper back and neck, sometimes using a facial roller to work it into my jaw. It takes a moment to work, but does provide relief from pain caused by anxiety tension. I’m able to relax my body more, move more, which makes me happier, and often sleep better and longer.

The effects do not last for a lengthy amount of time, but I prefer this method to an ibuprofen, and it can be reapplied as much as needed. I find it works best in conjunction with massaging the product into the area, to stimulate the blood vessels and muscles.

So do I think CBD is effective?

I think each person is going to react to it differently, and that is why it’s important to talk with an expert or holistic doctor before using it. For me, the balm worked the best, and I intend to keep it around to help. But based on my experience, the other methods I mentioned didn’t do what the label promised, and that’s okay.

There isn’t always a simple fix, but I think it is important to be proactive regarding your heath and try various solutions.