If you missed the hit film “Saltburn”, released in November 2023, where have you been? The salacious movie starring Jacob Elordi, Barry Keoghan, and British favourites Richard E Grant and Rosamund Pike was the talk of group chats over Christmas when it took to Prime Video. “Saltburn”‘s success (including multiple award nominations and being responsible for Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s resurgence) is arguably down to its shocking and disturbingly scandalous scenes that have skyrocketed to virality on social media.
Scenes we’ll safely label as the “period snack” and “graveyard thrust” have been widely discussed online, but not as much as the infamously controversial bathtub scene where – spoiler alert – Keoghan’s character, Oliver Quick, watches Felix Catton (Elordi) masturbate while bathing, and then sneaks in and licks Felix’s remnants from the plughole. Yes, I was watching through my fingers, too.
Fresh off the back of the social media furore, beauty retailer Lush has wasted no time in launching a limited-edition bath bomb, creatively titled Saltbomb (£5), so you can, erm, recreate the scene in wellbeing form. It promises to create salty, milky bathwater, packed full of moisture and minerals for a soothing experience fit for an aristocrat. Now, we know what you’re thinking: is this really necessary? Fortunately, I’ve tried it out to let you know whether a bath à la “Saltburn” can really elevate the experience or leave you feeling dirtier than before your soak.
About Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb
Key ingredients are coconut milk powder and mineral-rich coarse sea salt.
It smells the same as the reusable Milky Bath Bubble Bar (£9) – a sweet orange and earthy patchouli scent.
As with all Lush products, it’s vegan, cruelty free, and plastic free.
What I Liked About Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb
Throughout my soak, I did my best to keep what the silky sensation and milky experience was supposed to represent to the back of my mind. As the bath bomb fizzed, the water quickly turned into a traditional white, soapy foam, yet when I stepped into the bath tub, the creamy concoction was obvious. And I liked it.
At first, the scent was not to my fancy, but after bathing in the remnants of the Saltbomb, the invigorating, citrusy scent quickly won me over. As the notes of sweet orange and patchouli dominate, I couldn’t help but pick up on a cotton fragrance, like fresh laundry, that made me feel refreshed and squeaky clean, while creating a grounding atmosphere perfect for winding down.
Laced with nourishing coconut and exfoliating sea salt, it made my skin feel soft and moisturised, which is all I ask of a luxurious bath bomb. While the “Saltburn” theme might be a gimmick in terms of marketing, it’s certainly no fad for your bathroom cupboard. Keoghan’s slurping aside, if you can take your mind away from the dark, erotic scene, then it makes for a truly relaxing experience.
What To Consider About Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb
As I continued to bathe, the foam dissolved creating an icy-white, opaque bathwater that resembled the bathtub scene way too much for my liking and my thoughts got the better of me, so if that scene is too prominent in your memory, flashbacks may occur!
I did want the white, foamy initial form of the bath bomb to last longer. It was over too soon, cutting my bath time short, and encouraging me to reach for more bath bubbles. If you like a quick soak, then it’s fab. If you like to elongate your self-care bath time then prepare to top up.
If you have a friend that was an Elordi superfan and loves a bath, then this is the perfect gift.
Where to Buy Lush’s “Saltburn” Bath Bomb
Saltbomb is a limited-edition treat from Lush. You can purchase it online and on the app.
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
These days, it seems as if most people have found themselves in the position of having to reprioritize their time and schedules.
Maybe your job has been converted to a work from home position? Maybe your hours were cut or your business has slowed? Perhaps you have been furloughed?
Conversely, maybe you always worked from home and now have to share your space with another family member? Or maybe you’re a college student or recent graduate who has found yourself living with your parents again?
And if you have kids, you are likely also juggling your new schedule around them… homeschooling or just keeping them busy. Let’s face it, kids need to be entertained!
Whatever your case may be… now, more than ever, we need to master the concept of using our time wisely. Doing so will not only keep you sane, but allow you to plan and prepare for a new normal.
That is why this is the perfect time to consider learning a new skill. One that can help improve your financial situation…. or finally make that dream you’ve always had a reality.
Unlike other online learning sites, such as Skillshare or Grokker, every single MasterClass course is taught by famous people.
As in,”can I have your autograph?” famous.
If the concept intrigues you, continue on to my MasterClass review. In it, I will discuss:
What is MasterClass?
MasterClass in an online, subscription-based service designed to give users access to many of the top professionals in their fields.
The mantra of “Subscribe to greatness,” which basically means you can learn skills from people who are world-class experts in their chosen field.
The areas of expertise in Masterclass include:
Business, Politics & Society
Music & Entertainment
Writing
Design, Photography & Fashion
Culinary Arts
Film & TV
Sports & Games
Honestly, after watching many of the course trailers and browsing many class descriptions… I found a ton that interested me. Some more than others, obviously; but, every single trailer drew me in.
The honesty of the instructors, the direction, the music, the cinematography, the candor.
Seriously, these were Hollywood-grade trailers inline with promoting a short film I couldn’t wait to watch!
Within two minutes or less, I had no doubt I was sitting in the presence of greatness. I found myself, on more than one occasion, thinking “I could do that!”. In fact, I honestly felt like the instructors wanted me to give it a real go.
Write my novel.
Make my photography more captivating.
Learn how to make the perfect martini or a decadent dessert.
Improve my tennis game.
There are over 80 masters in their field teaching on MasterClass. People like Steve Martin, Ron Howard, James Patterson, Serena Williams, Wolfgang Puck, Aaron Sorkin, Christina Aguilera, Dr. Jane Goodall.
You may have heard of a few of them.
Each course is broken down into about 20 classes, with an average length of 10 minutes per class… so you are not inundated with information and can watch at your own pace.
MasterClass says its total course time typically runs between 2-5 hours.
Each class also includes a downloadable workbook, suggested assignments, members only newsletter, community forums and offline access.
There is no limit to how many classes you may enroll in at one time; however, the suggested starting point appears to be a maximum of 6.
Who is Perfect for MasterClass?
MasterClass is designed for anybody interested in learning a new skill or improving on their current situation.
It’s designed for the curious… those who may want to take on a new hobby?
After all, maybe you have some extra time on our hands now.
It’s meant to replace Netflix for a night or two of binge watching.
It can, and likely will, entertain you.
What MasterClass is not is this… actual accredited courses. Courses meant to replace college level work, or provide any actual certification.
It is not for those seeking a classroom setting or the structure that comes with it.
MasterClass is merely meant to inspire. To enlighten. To spark a conversation.
The courses are designed to open your mind and stimulate some creativity in your process.
What is the Course Structure of Masterclass?
Some courses appear more “traditional” in nature than others. They begin with a solid and formal introduction.
They set you up with a structure, discuss the process…even provide an outline and have a very specific end game.
Other courses feel like you are sitting down and having a coffee (or scotch) together… while they spew their stream of consciousness, allowing you a brief glimpse into their genius. Those are fun!
That is not to say the more structured courses aren’t fun. It honestly just depends on what you are looking to get out of it.
Are you a creative person who is looking for inspiration? Something to light that spark that went out in you some time ago?
Or are you more technical-minded and hoping to walk away with specific tools you can implement to improve your craft?
These instructors know their stuff. That isn’t even a question.
They got to where they are through hard work and talent… and in some cases, luck, if you ask Steve Martin.
But can they teach?
That answer is “yes”, based on the classes I’ve watched so far.
They may not all be my particular style of teaching, but they work. And you will walk away learning something you didn’t know before… if you see the course through.
It may simply be a thought that clicks with you days later… an “ah ha” moment, if you will. Something to point you in a slightly different direction to get you where you want to go.
Other points will resonate with you immediately.
Whatever the case, there appears to be real value in MasterClass.
Who are the MasterClass Instructors?
So, I did my research and was able to land upon a few of the “trending” courses currently being offered on MasterClass.
I had the chance to peruse:
Steve Martin Teaches Comedy
Daniel Negreanu Teaches Poker
Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting
Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling
James Patterson Teaches Writing
For purposes of this MasterClass Review, I’ll just give you a brief synopsis of these popular MasterClass courses, and my general feel of flow.
I can’t imagine that many of you have never heard of Steve Martin.
Comedian. Actor. Banjo player.
Yes, banjo player.
I personally fell in love with Steve Martin as a teenager… after watching a little known film called, The Jerk. He showed off his talent, legit talent, on the banjo while making us laugh in this comedy classic about a unique family from Mississippi.
Like with the film that drove him to box office success, Martin kicks off his MasterClass course with a little strum of the ol’ banjo.
I was hooked.
He was funny.
Comfortable.
Silly.
Easy going.
He was also extremely motivational, spouting words of encouragement like, “Know that there’s room for you!”.
Martin does not put on airs or expect you to believe it was easy getting into comedy. In fact, he attributes a great deal of his success to luck, and being in the right place at the right time.
My favorite part was his roundtable with aspiring comedians. He spoke with them so candidly that it never once did it feel like he was this untouchable superstar… but rather an intimate acquaintance trying to provide an honest critique and feedback.
For much of his course, Martin played the storyteller. By giving the audience a glimpse into his experiences and thought process… I was able to learn something about editing my material and never trying to force a laugh.
If you want to check out the trailer for this course, click here.
At first, I didn’t recognize Daniel Negreanu by name.
Sure, I enjoy poker with friends; but, I don’t watch too many tournaments on tv.
The minute he walked onto the screen however, I recognized him. I actually realized I had watched him before… and he was awesome.
Probably the best poker player in the world.
And the first lesson in his MasterClass (a 2 minute and 52 second introduction) drove that point home.
It started out with Negreanu, “Kid Poker”, sitting down at the felt to shuffle cards and maneuver chips through his fingers… glaring into your eyes, ready to do exactly what he does best.
Only instead of getting ready to take your money, he invites you to join him across the table to learn his tricks. His most valuable tricks, in fact. Specifically in reading and hiding tells, tournament strategy, pot dynamics and odds, bettering tactics.
He outlines four stages to the learning process, assuming one will resonate with the viewer. His ultimate goal being to get his students to a point where they develop their own “no brainer” poker style.
As the course continues, Negreanu is seated in front of multiple computer screens, allowing you to see just how super technical and strategic poker can be. His mind thinks like a computer.
He studies multiple scenarios and runs them through his mind constantly when up against a table of opponents.
He explains the basics first, out of position (defense) vs in position (offense). Then he goes on to talk about how a seemingly good hand in one position may be not good enough in another.
For instance, a J/10 on the button (latest position) is better than getting it in first position. The button is where you’ll make your most money.
The “Spotting Tells” lessons 1 and 2 were probably my favorite… as I honestly think that being able to read people is a valuable skill in life, regardless of your situation.
Negreanu is straightforward and speaks in a tone that keeps you attentive. Interested. Hooked.
However, most surprisingly to me was how humble he appears to be.
“When you feel you’ve got nothing left to learn, that is the exact point when everybody else starts to surpass you.”.
Clearly, comments like these aren’t just platitudes for Negreanu. He believes in them… and his course is proof positive that he is always trying to improve his game. There is always room to grow.
The MasterClass is one of the more content rich ones I came across, with over 35 individual lessons.
Sorkin professess, “Dialogue is music to me.”… and that is clear.
Clear from the first lesson in his MasterClass.
The course starts with flashes of dialogue and voice overs from some of his most famous movies and television programs.
A Few Good Men. The Social Network. Steve Jobs. Moneyball. The West Wing.
I’m sure you’ve seen one or two of these.
Sorkin has become synonymous with a plethora of one liners that people remember and quote to this day. Dialogue that makes trivia games in the “which character said this?” category.
From the start, Sorkin outlines very specifically what he is going to cover throughout the course. The most important lesson, in his mind, being that of devising intention and obstacle when drafting dialogue for the screen.
Sorkin is self-admittedly a bit awkward when speaking. He looks down a lot… rather than directly at you like someone more comfortable on-screen would. Like Negreanu.
In fact, Sorkin states at the start of class, “When I am speaking out loud instead of writing, I tend to swerve all over the road… my apologies in advance for that.”.
Aesthetically, with regards to the cinematography of the course, I liked how each lesson started with an old-fashioned typewriter banging out the title… and that Sorkin dressed the part of “professor”.
He spends quite a bit of time on character development, stating “he never has a specific character in his head, but rather the character is born from intention and obstacle.”.
He also talks about the importance of research, knowing your audience and the rules of the story and arc. He talks about writing habits and writer’s block.
From the moment he says he’s starting up a project, until delivery of the final product, is 18-24 months for a screenplay. Candidly, he mentions spending much of that time being depressed.
He comes across as honest, somewhat unsure and seamingly grounded.
As far as the quantity of course content goes, it was rather evident that Sorkin isn’t as comfortable spewing technique as he is with brainstorming ideas in a room full of writers. Lessons 12 – 35 featured a large number of filmed group workshops, case studies and writers room.
If I’m being honest, I think the man is a genius… with a lot of good information to share. I think his teaching style, however, is a bit dry for me and the lessons a tad lengthy.
In fact, he even offers a downloadable screenplay of The Social Network for a read along.
He does, however, pay some wonderful compliments to his writers’ roundtable members. He tells them they aren’t fooling themselves… that they are writers. And unlike athletes, they will get better with age.
One of the most visually stunning introduction segments on MasterClass.
Gaiman has been Professor of the Arts at Bard College for the last 5 years, educating about 25 students each year.
He is a self-proclaimed, not-so-secret admirer of the teaching process. “Teaching is an absolute delight to me, but you don’t get to reach a lot of people,” he says. “That is the beauty of MasterClass.”.
Gaiman is very comfortable talking. He also appears to be a very deliberate talker, in that he wants everything he says to have great meaning and deep impact.
At least, that is how I perceived him.
He does mix quite a few metaphors. The first one about a tool shed for writing… how to build and make stories that matter.
Then, there’s one comparing writing a novel to “driving through the fog with one headlight out… you can’t see very far ahead of yourself, but every now and then the mist will clear.”.
Gaiman is dry, but still soothing and engaging enough in his tone to keep you listening.
He doesn’t come alive off the page like James Patterson does, he’s much more subdued… but I was interested in what he had to say.
Even his platitudes.
He has some useful tips and exercises to share… and did give me that little push forward that he intended to, especially when he talked about doing too much research. And, apparently, there is such a thing. Too much time spent trying to make your story perfect detracts from your time writing.
Storytelling is a part of our nature. Use it.
His most famous book, Coraline, was based on a lesson he wanted to teach his own children. The lesson that dragons could be defeated.
A lesson he said took him 30 years to figure out.
He started the book before moving to America… then got busy and had no free time. He was also told his book was unpublishable.
And then he got stung by wasps one day and it changed the way he viewed Coraline. It changed what he wanted the book to say.
He wanted the reader to know that being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared… it means being scared and deciding to do what scares you anyway.
Once he stopped being scared, the book wrote itself. It was his story to tell through someone else’s eyes.
For a glimpse into the mind of Gaiman’s MasterClass, watch the course trailer here.
This is the opening line of Patterson’s MasterClass.
The purpose? To get your attention.
He continues his introduction… saying how his course will be irreverent, fun and a little jokey at times.
He also promises to take time wasting out of the process if you give him the time to explain how.
I have to say, I was hooked from the intro… more than the other writing courses I’d watched so far. There was just something so charming about Patterson, and he was easy to listen to.
Entertaining.
Patterson is clearly a story teller. In fact, the entire course was a story… his story… which I enjoyed immensely. Starting with the mornings he’d spend as a child going to work with his grandfather.
His grandfather taught him passion. Told him whatever he decided to do with his life, even if it were driving a truck like he did, to make sure he drove that truck over the mountain to work singing a song.
Passion. Passion. Passion.
That is a lesson Patterson never forgot. Even when he started a job at an ad agency after college, he made sure to get up at 5am before work and write until 7am. He didn’t want to get up that early, but forced himself to write every day… because that is what made him “sing”.
Patterson implores you to set up a routine.
At least one hour every day.
Do it!
Love what you do!
Sing on your way to work. Every day.
Patterson comes off like the quintessential grandfather figure. Wise. Gentle. Humble.
He admits to having felt defeated at times in his life, but never let it stop him from pursuing his dream.
Every short story he sent out, from The New Yorker to Redbook, was rejected. “My first novel was turned down by 31 publishers.”
He kept going.
And one day, he arrived.
It’s rare that anybody comes up with a totally fresh idea out of nowhere. You already know how to do it. “Write the story, don’t write sentences.”
Think about the people you’re met in life. Are they religious? Do they have any physical attributes that are important? Write down their ticks. Their staying characteristics. These things will make your main character relevant to your story.
The one thing about Patterson is he talks quite fast. He is clearly very bright and reads a lot himself. And he packs a whole lot of lessons into only 22 course sections.
One of the fewer of MasterClass.
He ends by saying he’s shared a lot of things… and to pick what is going to be relevant for you. The ones that may seem dead wrong for you, may work the best in the end.
There are no rules to literature. Don’t follow them blindly. Things change.
There is also a MasterClass App that allows you to continue viewing classes on your tablet, smartphone, FireTV, AppleTV and Roku player… without interruption, simply by logging on.
How Much Does MasterClass Cost?
$15 per month, billed annually as $180, for access to 80+ of the world’s best mind in their craft, with new content being added each month.
MasterClass wants to make sure that you have the best learning experience possible, so if you decide it just isn’t for you, simply send an email within 30 days of the date you purchased your subscription to receive a full refund
You cannot cancel mid-session after the initial 30 days, but can choose to not renew the membership and continue enjoying videos until the term expires.
There is also a $90 option to purchase one class for life. It basically gets downloaded and will never expire.
Currently, programs do expire once the enrollment numbers start dwindling, in order to make room for new content.
Honestly, I’d find it hard to believe that anybody would only want to watch one course.
MasterClass will also occasionally offer live webcasts… free to subscribers, which is a pretty cool bonus feature.
Is Masterclass Worth the Money?
I have to say that I’m really glad my editor asked me to review MasterClass.
I mean, at first glance, it seems like such a cool idea. Learning from famous people may be the closest any of us ever get to them… well, unless their class really works!
Kidding.
But as an at-home mother of four, and part-time writer, I often don’t know where the time goes. So, naturally, I was a bit worried about being able to fit MasterClass into my schedule.
And then I realized with the ability to stream courses from my phone or cast them on my Smart TV, all I had to do was stop binge watching Netflix for a few days and cue up MasterClass instead.
If you do that, it’s well worth the $15 per month! You simply have to want to make the time.
In addition to the rich content Masterclass offers, there are also instructor Q&A’s and Lesson Comments, which both offer great points and insight you may not have considered.
While the layout of the courses vary, you are able to click on each segment description and skip the ones you may not find helpful or interesting… or may just be too long for the time you’ve got.
The workbooks are a nice touch, if you work better with something tangible. Personally, I just preferred watching what these characters had to say.
And that is just what they are. They are characters in their success stories.
Make no mistake, these courses are professionally filmed, directed and edited. Many involve music, lighting and cinematography.
And it definitely adds a level of class to the material, literally.
While there is no guarantee Masterclass will turn you into the next food network sensation, or result in a phone call from Ron Howard asking you to turn one of your short stories into a movie, it will make you better at your craft or hobby… if you let it.
And if you’re looking for other online courses that are more easily accessible, check out these other reviews:
Nicole Krause has been writing both personally and professionally for over 20 years. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Film Studies. Her work has appeared in some of the country’s top publications, major news outlets, online publications, and blogs. As a happily married (and extremely busy) mother of four… her articles primarily focus on parenting, marriage, family, finance, organization, and product reviews.
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.
As a New Yorker, walking is my primary mode of transportation. Even if I’m taking the subway or the bus, I have to walk to the station or stop on either side of the journey. On weekends, I routinely walk five miles or more per day just running errands and bopping around the city.
As soon as I got my hands on a pair, I slipped them on with a pair of my favorite jeans, a crew-neck sweatshirt, and my go-to puffer coat and headed out on a Saturday afternoon walk. Keep reading for my full Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker review.
What’s the Criteria For a Good Sneaker?
When I shop for casual sneakers, I first look for a clean, minimalist design that I can style with a variety of different outfits. They have to be comfortable — with enough arch support to keep my feet from hurting and a grippy sole that won’t slip on wet sidewalks. I also look for durable materials that will hold up over several seasons, so I can get the most use possible out of a pair of shoes.
To put the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers to the test, I wore them several days in a row — on quick grocery store runs and longer coffee strolls with friends — to see how they performed in my typical routine.
What I Like About the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker
From the first time I laced up the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers, I was pleasantly surprised by just how comfortable they are. The organic mamona oil and cork insoles offer plenty of support, although they are a bit firmer than a typical foam insole. The canvas in the top of the shoe conforms nicely to the foot without feeling too tight or restrictive, and overall, I found they run true to size.
Cariuma’s classic design sensibility was another plus. Although I tested these sneakers in January, I could see the simple, minimalist sneakers working equally well with a sundress, denim cutoffs, or even a beach coverup in the summer. The off-white canvas is a particularly versatile colorway — and because I want to get as much use out of everything in my closet as possible, that’s a major perk.
What to Consider Before Trying the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker
While I personally found the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers comfortable, they are a relatively flat-soled shoe. If you know you need a lot of arch support, they might not be the best option for you.
The first time I wore them, my feet did feel tired at the five-hour mark. By day three, I had fully broken them in, and the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers felt like my old favorites. That said, it’s worth noting that you may have to spend a few wears breaking them in to make these sneakers feel completely comfortable.
Who the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker Is Best For
I’d recommend the Cariuma Oca Low Sneakers to anyone looking for a simple, everyday sneaker for running errands or casual walks, especially if you’re looking for an affordable, sustainable option.
Additional Details About the Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker
The Cariuma Oca Low Sneaker is available in 24 different colors and patterns of canvas ($85), 11 different colors of suede ($105), 11 different colors of leather ($139), and three colorways made from recycled materials ($89).
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
The US has more than 30 million entrepreneurs. But statistically, only half of those businesses will survive for more than five years. Being an entrepreneur is incredibly stressful, with founders bearing huge responsibilities for themselves, their teams, and the business.
Staying organized is one of the crucial success habits of an entrepreneur. Not only will the best planner for entrepreneurs help a founder manage tasks and work toward their goals, but staying organized also helps to boost productivity and manage stress.
Modern planners run the gamut from being simple notebooks to help entrepreneurs capture and record their plans and ideas, to high-tech assistants that use the latest technologies to keep you moving forward. Whatever your business, whatever your style, here are our top picks for the best planners for entrepreneurs in 2024.
Quick Picks
There are dozens of different kinds of planners for different purposes. If you want to quickly skip ahead to the type of planner that is best for you, here is a highlight list of our top picks.
Top Recommendations
1. Best Financial Planner For Entrepreneurs: Smart Planner Pro Budget Planner
A whopping 77% of small businesses are launched with the personal funds of the founder, and cash flow problems are the primary cause of business failure. When budgets are small and margins are tight, financial tracking and planning is critical for entrepreneurs.
The Smart Planner Pro Budget Planner from Smart Planner Pro helps you record and track budgets, expenses, debts, and spending analysis. But it goes beyond financial planning, to help you track goals, map action plans, and capture notes. It’s everything an entrepreneur needs to track in a single planner.
Experts recommend that entrepreneurs set daily goals, so we love that this planner includes features like goal tracking and affirmations.
This non-dated planner has space for recording 12 months of finances, so you aren’t tied to a pre-printed dated calendar. It has pages with sections for debt tracking, expense reporting, spending analysis, and monthly calendars.
It has financial tracking and review by month and annually . It also has sections for goal setting, to-do checklists, and affirmations, and 10 blank pages for open-ended planning and note taking. It also has an expandable inner pocket for business cards, notes, receipts, and other documents.
This high-quality notebook measures 8.6 x 5.7 inches, has a hard back covered with attractive vegan leather, and a lay-flat binding that makes it easy to write in.
It has 180 pages of thick, bleed-proof 120GSM paper, and includes 3 sating bookmarks, an elastic strap closure, and an elastic pen loop. It weighs 1 pound, and is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
PROS
Non-dated format lets you start using this planner at any time
Sections for all kinds of expense and budget recording and planning
Space for notes, analysis, affirmations, and other information you need at hand
Compact and easy to carry
Quality materials with a nice cover, bleed-free paper, and a lay-flat binding
CONS
Designed for personal finances, so some of the pre-printed categories may not apply to a small business.
2. Best Long-Term Planner for Entrepreneurs: At-A-Glance 2021-2025 5 Year Monthly Planner
Smart entrepreneurs know that planning doesn’t start in January and end in December. In fact, most entrepreneurs start planning long before they actually launch, so a long-term planner is essential, and setting long-term goals is a great way to achieve success.
The 5-year planner from At-A-Glance covers January 2021 through December 2025. Every month has two pages, giving you lots of writing space for every day. Every month includes six months of reference calendars in the margins.
It also has sections for personal notes, and a section for brief future planning. Tabs make navigation fast and easy.
This notebook is large, with 9 x 11 inch pages, so there is plenty of room to write. It has a premium simulated leather cover, and strong, twin-wire binding for extra security. It lays flat for ease of use, and the pages resist ink bleed-through.
This planner is also refillable, and the quality of the cover and binding mean that you can use it for years to come.
PROS
Long-term, 60 month planner for great forecasting
Plenty of space for daily planning and tracking
Tabbed navigation makes it easy to find what you need
Premium cover, binding, and pages
Refillable for even longer use
CONS
Dated pages
Fairly large and heavy, at 11 x 10 inches and 2.5 pounds
If the At-A-Glance planner is too big and heavy for convenience, BooQool 2024-2026 Monthly Pocket Planner measures just 6.3 x 3.8 inches and is much more portable. It has 36 months of planning, from January 2024 through December 2026.
Every month has two pages, with two months of reference calendars, space for notes, and 1x.8 inch of writing space per day. It also has a yearly overview calendar with US holidays, contact pages, and note pages to capture your thoughts.
This 3-year planner has 65 pages, and is compact enough to fit in a pocket. It has a soft touch leather-like hardcover that provides durability, and the high-quality white paper resists bleed-through.
It has a bookmark, an elastic closure, and a pen loop. It comes in black or brown, and is a compact approach to long-term planning.
PROS
3 year planner with ample space for notes, contacts, and more
Compact enough to fit in a pocket
High quality feel on the cover and the pages
Sturdy and durable
Has bookmark, pen loop, and elastic closure
CONS
Dated pages
Not refillable
4. Best Tablet + Portfolio-Style Planner for Entrepreneurs: Cooper Bizmate Padfolio Organizer Case
Today, most entrepreneurs need to rely on digital devices and apps to manage their business. All too often, this can lead to carrying around multiple devices, notebooks, contact lists, and more.
This case has clear scratch-proof claws to securely hold any digital tablet from 8.9-10.1 inches, with open sides to give access to all the device’s ports, buttons, and speakers. It also has an A5 note pad for taking notes and staying organized, and a holder for your pen/pencil or stylus.
It also has 4 sectional card slots, 2 letter document dividers, 2 larger pockets that can hold a phone and a charger, a pocket for an ID card, and a back compartment for cables and accessories. This padfolio is a great alternative to a bag, purse, or wallet, with everything you need in one compact organizer.
The Padfolio Organizer Case has a soft fabric exterior and faux leather lining for streamlined style, and measures a compact 10.7 x 8.6 inches. The YKK zipper is durable and resists stress and impact.
It’s easy to refill or replace the notebook, or upgrade your tablet devices over time with the universal design. It is also backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
PROS
Great way to organize physical notes, cards, and memos along with digital devices like tablets and phones
Multiple versatile pockets for every need
Sturdy construction
Universal design fits a huge range of tablets
Compact and easy to zip up and take anywhere
CONS
A kickstand on the cover would make this padfolio truly perfect
5. Best Eco-Friendly Planer for Entrepreneurs: Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook Set
Of course you can be an eco-conscious entrepreneur by choosing a recycled planner made of eco-friendly materials. But with this smart, infinitely reusable notebook system, you can skip the paper and the recycling bin altogether.
Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook Set merges the best benefits of hand writing your notes and thoughts, including improving memory and cognition, with the best of digital devices, including retrievability and sharability.
The Rocketbook smart reusable notebook set lets you write with the included pen into a comfortable, spiral-bound notebook. Wait a few seconds, and then you can upload your notes to a huge range of productivity apps, including Evernote, Dropbox, OneNote, Slack, and more.
Then use the included microfiber cloth to simply wipe the page clean and begin again.
To use the Rocketbook system, you have to use the Rocketbook iOS or Android app (the app is rated 4.8 stars in the App Store, and 4.7 on Google Play), which then sends your notes to a huge range of other apps and services.
Once captured, Rocketbook’s AI makes your handwritten notes searchable and transcribable, with a smart titling system that helps you find all your files.
This set includes two notebooks; the executive size at 8.8 x 6 inches, and the mini size at 5.5 x 3.5 inches. It comes with two Pilot Frixion pens, and two microfiber cloths. When necessary, you can simply replace the pens or cloths and keep using the set forever.
You can also get compatible highlighters and other accessories to extend the set. It’s an incredibly useful, versatile way to capture, keep, share, and organize all your notes into any digital system, any time.
PROS
Infinitely reusable
Dot grid paper works well for both writing and drawing
Capture handwritten notes, sketches, diagrams, with the intuitive feel of a pen and paper
Captured notes can be sent to a huge number of popular productivity apps and services
Captured notes can be searched and titled for later reference
Compatible with iOS and Android
Great range of compatible pens for different writing needs and styles
Doesn’t require charging or electricity
CONS
Ink takes a few seconds to dry, which may slow down left-handed people
6. Editor’s Pick: Best Overall Planner for Entrepreneurs: Lux Pro Productivity Planner
The Lux Pro Productivity Planner may not have the high-tech capabilities of the Rocketbook, but it is a world-class planner, scientifically designed to keep you organized and improve your productivity.
It also has optional inserts for some of the most in-demand features that entrepreneurs need, like project management, the Pomodoro productivity system, the Cornell note taking system, and more. It’s one of the top planners in the world, for good reason.
The Lux Pro comes with the planner itself, and the ‘6 month’ pack. This default pack includes six months of calendars, long-term goals, financial tracking, project planning, daily planning, month-at-a-glance, reflection on last week, and notes pages.
The system includes a huge range of affordable complementary packs, which include specialized pages like narrow rule, Pomodoro method, musical staff, storyboarding, graph grids, and more, so you can customize this planner for any goal or need.
The case is made of vegan-friendly faux leather with a durable
snap closure. The case has a zipped pocket, document pockets, card slots, and a
pen holder.
The Lux Pro Planner is un-dated, so you can start any time, comes
in your choice of four colors, and is 9 3/8 x 7 ¾ inches when closed,
compatible with A5 paper size. It also comes in an attractive gift or
presentation box.
PROS
Refillable and customizeable with a huge range of page types
Compact and portable, easy to snap shut and carry anywhere
Attractive and durable
Comes in four colors for different styles
Un-dated
Good range of accessory pockets and card slots for other items
CONS
While accessories and inserts are affordable, it’s still an additional purchase. We wish it came with tabs, dividers, color-coding, or some other way to make the sections easier to navigate quickly.
What to Look For In A Planner for
Entrepreneurs
While every new venture is a little bit different, here are some
of the top features to look for in the best planners for entrepreneurs:
Blank Dates
Pre-printed dates simply don’t work for everyone. Not every plan, every project, or every venture begins in January. In fact, statistics show that most successful businesses launch in spring.
For an entrepreneur, that means beginning your plans at least the winter before, in order to prepare for a successful launch.
But who wants to start a new planner when half the year has already passed? We like blank dates so your timelines are your own, and you get the most value from every page in your planner.
Variety of Sections
Planners are, of course, most designed to keep track of calendar dates and keep you on top of your to-do list. But entrepreneurs often also need to track expenses, contacts, ideas, employees, projects, and various other things.
The best planners for entrepreneurs have the versatility to track all kinds of information in one place, and boost every aspect of your productivity.
Expandable/Refillable
To go along with the need for multiple sections, we love planners that are expandable and refillable. Once you’ve found a planner and a system that works best for you, it’s ideal to make the most of it by adding or refilling what you need.
Plus it’s better for the environment to not buy a whole new planner every year.
Pockets and Card Slots
Pockets are simply always useful, whether you need to carry
business cards, boarding passes, stray notes, or keep other small items close
at hand and top of mind. While a planner doesn’t need to double as a wallet or
laptop bag, having a few card slots and pockets is an excellent feature.
Portability and Convenience
The best planner is the planner you actually use. There’s no point
in having a great planner if it’s so big and heavy that it has to stay at your
desk all the time. Entrepreneurs are on the move, and a great planner is the
right size to travel with you.
Device Compatibility
A lot of people end up having two systems: one paper planner that they write in and carry around, and a second digital calendar and reminder system.
While everyone has their own strategy for managing the digital and analogue aspects of their lives, dual systems can make people less organized than they were, and let things fall through the cracks.
The best modern planners understand that they are a part of your digital ecosystem and need to complement your devices, rather than compete with them.
In most cases, this involves the use of apps that augment a paper planner and keep you organized in all your efforts. For some of our favorite apps that help you track habits and achieve your goals, check out this article.
Final Thoughts on Best Planners for Entrepreneurs
With all of those features in mind, the Lux Pro Productivity Planner is our top choice as the best planner for entrepreneurs in 2024.
Unlike many expandable and refillable planners, the expansions and refills on this system are incredibly versatile and affordable, allowing you to plan and track a huge range of projects and goals.
It’s compact and portable, has pockets and card slots, and comes in four colors so you can choose the style that fits you best. It’s a great way for an entrepreneur (or anyone else) to stay organized, improve their productivity, and achieve their goals.
Our favorite digital pick is the Rocketbook, for the innovative way that it merges an entrepreneur’s need to sketch, scribble, and brainstorm, while still working with digital devices to make those notes savable, searchable, and sharable.
For entrepreneurs who rely on their digital devices as their primary planners, the Rocketbook is an excellent accessory for the best of both worlds.
Small businesses and the courageous entrepreneurs who start them
are the backbone of the economy, and the source of the innovations and
creativity that keep big businesses on their toes, and provide consumers with
choice.
Entrepreneurs need to build the mental and physical daily habits that help them survive the risk, pressure, and excitement of starting something new and stepping away from the security of traditional career paths.
Whether you are working a side hustle or about to hit the big time, we wish you inspiration, support, and success, and will continue to find the best tools, habits, and resources to help you pursue greatness and achieve your goals.
And if you’re looking for more resources about entrepreneurs, be sure to check out these blog posts:
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.
I’ve never had the pleasure of living somewhere warm, so I’ve subsequently mastered the art of staying cozy. My go-to for braving Midwest winters is the Aritzia Super Puff, which I almost always pair with my Bombas wool calf socks and trusty Timberland boots. While I previously thought I had the whole equation figured out, I recently got wind of a genius innovation I wish I had known about sooner: fleece-lined leggings. Intrigued, I did some research and scooped up the bestselling Baleaf Women’s Fleece-Lined Leggings ($34, originally $49) from Amazon to test their effectiveness against the brutal Minnesota cold. Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about them to help you decide if they’re a missing piece in your winter wardrobe.
What I Love About the Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings
What I love about these fleece-lined leggings is that they’re much warmer than my usual go-tos from Old Navy or Lululemon, yet they’re equally stretchy and soft. The fleece interior doesn’t make me sweat when I wear them inside (and I run warm!), but keeps my legs shielded from the piercing cold when the temperature is only in the teens.
Given the fact that these leggings are fleece-lined, I don’t think I’ll be reaching for these for indoor workouts. However, I can confirm their thick fabric has you covered during exercises like squats, so you don’t have to worry about them being see-through at the gym. And even with their added layer, they’re plenty flexible for easy movement, with what I’d describe as medium compression.
What’s even more remarkable is their sleek design. Despite the addition of the soft fleece interior layer, they look just like “normal” leggings. Plus, they have two deep pockets, one on each side, that are large enough to fit my iPhone 14 Pro. There’s also a zippered pocket on the back waistband for a key, license, or credit card.
What’s Worth Noting About the Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings
My sole grievance with the Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings is the slight roominess in the groin area. Although this hasn’t kept me from wearing them, I’d prefer a more snug fit in this area to prevent any sagging and make them look a bit more flattering. It’s worth noting that I’m not alone in this observation; several other customers have also pointed out this detail in their reviews.
Another caveat to consider before you buy them is that not everyone thinks they’re well-suited for the cold. While they work for me and are certainly a much warmer option than the rest of my leggings, one person, who rated them three stars, left the following review: “Ordered these for an upcoming trip to Iceland, they are super comfy & fit well however they are not that warm. Wore them today in 30-degree weather & I was still cold.” You might have to test them yourself to determine if they’ll be warm enough for you.
Who Are the Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings Best For?
The Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings are best for people who love wearing leggings year-round, but are in need of a more heavy-duty pair for when temperatures plummet. They’re cozy, yet sleek, proving you don’t have to compromise on style for warmth. Not to mention, they prioritize practicality with two types of pockets to store all your small, on-person essentials.
Where Are the Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings Available?
The Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings are available via Amazon or direct-to-consumer from the brand’s website, baleaf.com.
Additional Details About the Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings
The Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings come in sizes X-Small to 3X-Large.
They come in several colors to suit every style.
They’re made of 87 percent polyester and 13 percent spandex.
They come in a petite version and a classic version.
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.
My denim collection is, admittedly, vast. Through the years, I’ve got my hands on almost every style imaginable, from wide-leg jeans and retro-inspired flares to skinny jeans and trendy balloon-style denim. While I think every style has its place, my current go-to style is straight-leg jeans. I appreciate their versatility, timelessness, and, for one pair in particular, their unrivaled comfort. Enter the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans ($55, originally $80), which I recently added to my Amazon shopping cart in the bestselling style Summer Slide. Having heard my coworkers rave about them before, I felt it was due time to test them to find out what the hype was all about. Ahead, I explain what makes them so special.
What I Love About the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Not to sound like a broken record, but what I love most about the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans is their comfort. They’re stretchy, high-waisted, and slightly cropped, landing at the ankle. They’re just rigid enough to have structure but soft enough that I look forward to slipping into them at the start of the day. They’ve become the It girl of my denim collection because they go with everything and are reliably comfortable. For these reasons, I’ve reached for them repeatedly, and I have no signs of slowing any time soon.
I’m equally obsessed with the color I chose, which the brand describes as “light indigo.” They’re the quintessential light-blue jeans, and I love how they have the slightest bit of vintage texture that gives them a lived-in feel. I love wearing them with my high-top Converse sneakers, which complement the cropped denim and make for a super-comfortable outfit that’s a step up from my usual athleisure. I also love the way they hug my body without feeling constricting in the least.
What’s Worth Noting About the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
Two years back, I reviewed Emma Chamberlain’s favorite pair of Levi’s — the Baggy Dad Jeans — and recalled that I ordered my usual size 28 and found they ran big. With that in mind, I opted for a size 27 this time. The fit was comfortable, not too big, though they were still a tad roomy around the waist. Based on this, I suggest sizing down by at least one full size for a better fit. Shoppers agree; multiple note that they recommend going down one or even two sizes. I suggest ordering two different sizes to compare, then keep the one that fits best and return the other. Alternatively, if you’re good with measurements, you can look to the handy size guide provided by the brand on its Amazon store page. I’ve included it below, too.
Who Are the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans Best For?
The Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans are best for those looking for straight-leg denim that fuses comfort with classic style. While they’re not cheap, Levi’s is a reliable brand that prioritizes durability, so you can rest assured that they’ll last you a long time. They’re a great pair of jeans to add to your capsule collection.
Where Are the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans Available?
The Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans are available on Amazon or direct to consumer from the brand’s website at levi.com.
Additional Details About the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
The Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans come in sizes 20-39.
There are 16 different styles to choose from.
They’re made from 99 percent cotton and one percent elastane.
POPSUGAR Photography | Angela EliasPOPSUGAR Photography | Angela Elias
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.
There are designer purses you talk yourself into splurging on, the work totes you haul on your morning commute, practical options you reach for almost daily (thank goodness for crossbody bags!), and then of course, the ornamental evening bags that are just functional enough. My latest obsession falls into the latter category and happens to be an Amazon bestseller. I landed on the Babeyond Sequin Clutch ($24) when I needed a cheap, quick option to wear to a sequin-themed holiday party, and I’m surprised to report that I’m getting more use out of it than I expected.
What I Like About the Babeyond Sequin Clutch
The knot shape feels very on-trend, but it also makes for a convenient design since I can slip the loop around my wrist. A clutch that requires my hands when there’s eating and drinking in proximity is the worst sort of clutch, in my opinion. The sequins add eye-catching sparkle, but the black color and small shape keep it from feeling gaudy. It plays well with other shiny pieces like silk skirts, studded booties, and rhinestone jewelry, and it elevates basics like jeans and a black turtleneck for dinner and drinks. It has a zipper closure, so you can rest assured that the contents of your purse will stay safe, and a magnetic snap closure that holds the knot shape.
POPSUGAR Photography | Angela Elias
What’s Worth Noting About the Babeyond Sequin Clutch
You don’t have to commit to the black color of this clutch if you’re looking for something bolder. It comes in over 20 styles and tones, including a studded rhinestone version and even a pearl-embellished option. The clutch is tiny, but I managed to stuff a card case, lip gloss, gum, keys, and my iPhone Pro Max, which admittedly took me a minute to tuck away at the proper angle so the snap could be closed. It’s a hassle, but it’s doable. If you have a smaller phone, it will be easier to access and stow away.
Who Is the Babeyond Sequin Clutch Best For?
This clutch is best for someone who wants a fun, trendy, and affordable evening bag that’s surprisingly versatile. If you only need the bare essentials and have a smaller phone, this bag works well for a night out.
POPSUGAR Photography | Angela Elias
Additional Details:
Its dimensions are 6.9 inches by 7.9 inches.
It comes in 22 style and color options and two different sizes.
It has a zipper and magnetic combination for the closure.
Where Is the Babeyond Sequin Clutch Available to Shop?
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.
I’m no stranger to shopping Amazon’s bestselling clothing, but I still make sure to thoroughly do my research before buying. This includes a deep dive into customer reviews, giving special attention to those with photos, and scouring TikTok for any videos of the product. This meticulous process was exactly what I did before ordering the internet-famous Tanming Sweater Set and, more recently, the popular Anrabess Oversized Fuzzy Knit Sweater ($47). From everything I gathered, it looked soft, subtly oversized, and the perfect way to ease into the texture trend. I ordered it in white and my usual size medium, hoping it would live up to the high expectations I had set in my mind. Spoiler alert: it absolutely did. Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about the cozy sweater before you add it to your shopping cart, too.
What I love most about the Anrabess Oversized Fuzzy Knit Sweater is how soft it is. The look and feel remind me of my Barefoot Dreams Blanket, and I’m not alone in this. At the time of writing, 25 shoppers compared it to one as well. The best part is that it doesn’t make me feel overly hot throughout the day, likely thanks to its slightly oversize fit. I appreciate that it’s thick and stitched tightly, ensuring it’s not see-through, which makes it feel very high-quality. The large, folded cuffs are such a stylish addition as well.
As someone who works from home, I truly value how this sweater provides the comfort of loungewear while still looking polished for video meetings. I’ve been wearing it with loose-fitting, pull-on black pants, a combination that keeps me productive by creating the illusion of being fully dressed for the day without the discomfort I feel when I put on a blazer and jeans to work from my living room.
The most important thing worth noting about this sweater is that the brand advises hand washing in water under 30-degrees Celsius and air drying to maintain its quality. This is especially crucial because the sweater is made of 100 percent polyester, a material prone to shrinkage at higher temperatures and rough handling (something you have zero control over when you throw it in the wash). However, not all Amazon customers follow this guideline. A five-star reviewer mentioned that the sweater fares well in the delicate cycle, and several others reported it remains in good condition after various washes without specifying the settings used. My suggestion? If you want it to last, definitely hand-wash the sweater. But if that’s unlikely for you (no judgment), a cold, delicate machine wash and air drying is the next-best option.
The Anrabess Oversized Fuzzy Knit Sweater is best for those who would live in a blanket if they could. It strikes the perfect balance between coziness and chicness, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. It’s perfect for those who appreciate minimalist essentials with a touch of trendiness.
The Anrabess Oversized Fuzzy Knit Sweater comes in sizes XS-XL.
It comes in 28 colors (four of which are striped, and the other 24 are solids).
It’s available on Amazon Prime with free two-day shipping.
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
No time to read the entire review and just want to find out what the best green juice superfood powder is? We recommend Organifi – Green Juice Super Food Supplement as the best overall choice.
I have spent so much time this year experimenting with different superfoods to boost my energy and lose a bit of weight.
If you’re like me, you are probably overwhelmed with the number of options available for quick, healthy foods, and you just want to know which product you should buy.
Fortunately, I’ve done the work for you. Specifically, in this article, I will cover the seven best green juice powders that I’ve discovered.
I will also talk about green juice powders in detail. I’ll go through the pros and possible cons of each so you can figure out which one might be right for you.
Hopefully, by the end of this article you will have a better idea of the characteristics that you are looking for in this type of product, and will be able to narrow down the options to your personal favorite.
Now, if you’re a busy person who doesn’t have time to read this entire review, then we’ve simplified everything.
Here is a quick table to shows provides a quick rating of our favorite green juice super foods.
Common Questions About Green Juice Superfood Powders
Why isn’t all of the nutritional information on the label?
If you look on the label of a lot of green juice powders, you may notice that they are either missing nutritional information or don’t list the precise amounts of the various ingredients in their products.
One reason for this is that many companies use proprietary formulae that they do not want to be duplicated. To prevent this, they lump the ingredients together to keep their recipes a secret.
Additionally, nutritional information is often missing because the manufacturer of the product charges the supplement company money to take the necessary steps to precisely determine the nutrient content of the product, which can be very expensive.
Why are some green juice powders so much more expensive than others?
While some green juice powders may only set you back about $20 per bottle, others cost upwards of $150. The reasons for this vary. Some ingredients cost more money than others, which is then reflected in the price you have to pay for the product.
Other times, the company spends more money on marketing and then charges the consumer for that expense.
The cost to manufacture a green juice powder product will depend on the size of the bottle and the cost of its ingredients. Keeping this in mind, you may be able to judge how much value you are getting out of the product you are interested in buying.
Are green powder juices safe for pregnant women?
Green powder juices are not designed to be harmful, and therefore are very likely to be safe during pregnancy. Including greens in your diet during pregnancy is a healthy way to get the best nutrients to your growing baby.
While some formulas do contain stimulatory herbs, they are usually present in much smaller doses than you would take when in pill form.
But remember, you should always talk to a doctor first, and have your doctor look at the ingredients to make sure none of them are considered to be substances that might be harmful during pregnancy.
Because there can be so many different ingredients in different products, it’s hard to say for sure that any green juice powder would be safe for everybody’s situation.
What to Look For in a Green Juice Powder
You should mainly be concerned with three characteristics when you are buying a green juice powder:
Quality of ingredients
Taste
Cost
While they may not be in your personal order of importance, these factors are all likely to impact your decision in some way.
For example, if you are used to drinking green juice powders, you may be most interested in nutrient density and have a preference for certain ingredients, and have little concern about the price of the product.
Understanding the Label
The labels on green juice powders can certainly be confusing. However, they all typically have the same types of ingredients listed on them. Most of them include the following:
A base: This is usually some type of grass, such as wheatgrass, barley, or alfalfa. They also usually have lecithin and beta-glucans.
Digestive enzymes: Digestive enzymes are used to help your body digest the product and properly absorb the nutrients. The digestive enzymes are especially important if your gastrointestinal system is sensitive and you want to be able to improve the nutritional impact of other ingredients that are in the product.
Probiotics: Probiotics are bacteria that are great for gut health. Here is a useful video on the benefits of probiotics.
Fiber: The fiber in these powders is typically taken from fruits. While having a good amount of fiber is healthy because it can keep your digestive system running well, consuming too much can deplete other important nutrients.
Herbs: Herbs are added to these products to boost your immune system and energy.
Greens: The most commonly used greens are spinach, bok choy, kale, and parsley. However, sometimes broccoli sprouts are used as well.
Seaweeds/algae: These are both common and healthy. Aim for drinking a powder with at least 300 mg of seaweed, including spirulina and chlorella.
Why Choose a Green Juice Powder
Remember, you can’t out-supplement a poor diet. It is important to use green juice powder along with a healthy diet and lifestyle. So, why should you choose a green juice powder to fit your lifestyle at all?
There are many reasons that even a seemingly healthy diet by itself still might not give you enough micronutrients and antioxidants. Over the last century, industrial farming has decreased the amount of nutritious topsoil that contains important minerals.
The soil no longer contains beneficial bacteria that are able to grow the healthiest foods for our bodies. This means that the vegetables that are available to us have less mineral density than they used to.
This reduction of minerals and the use of fertilizers and pesticides to create our produce can all contribute to the development of the disease.
Additionally, healthy hunter-gatherer humans who were alive centuries ago were able to eat a much wider variety of produce than what is made available to us today. They were able to consume up to 20 species of fruits and vegetables per day, and 100 species each year.
In contrast, the supermarket vegetables that we eat these days have been bred to be uniform in size and shape, contain more sugar, and have less bitterness. This all equates to fewer micronutrients and phytonutrients in our current produce than vegetables grown in the wild.
The vegetables in our stores have also traveled hundreds of miles before they reach our tables, where they have lost nutrients throughout the way.
Modern Lifestyles
Our modern lifestyle with stress and pollutants further depletes our nutrition. We have an increased need for micronutrients to stay healthy and keep our bodies free from the chemicals that we are exposed to each day.
As we all know, it is best to get nutrition from whole food sources. However, this is not always possible. Because a greens supplement is able to give your body the vitamins it needs from nutrient-dense whole food sources, using a green drink powder is a great way to make sure that your body is getting all of the micronutrients and antioxidants that it needs.
While our soil may be depleted from vitamins and minerals, the sea is not. Many greens supplements include marine sources of nutrients as well.
Seven Best Green Juice Powders (Our Review for 2024)
There are a lot of options out there for green juice powders, but some clearly have more value and benefits than others. Here are the seven best juice powders on the market today.
1. Best Overall Choice: Organifi – Green Juice Super Food Supplement
Organifi – Green Juice Super Food Supplement is my preferred product because of its minty taste. It comes with a 30-day supply of water-soluble powder so you can just dissolve it in water and take it for an on-the-go breakfast.
The proprietary blend in this product gives you energy and supplies your body with the nutrients it needs to get through the day.
This powder is made with gently dried organic greens and doesn’t require a juicer or much time to prepare. With only 24 calories per serving, this powder delivers two grams of protein, with 5100 mg of alkaline greens and 1450 mg of superfood blend. It has 2 mg of iron and 31 mg of calcium as well.
While some consumers may notice that the jar the product comes in is much larger than the amount of powder in it, it is important to remember that the weight of the powder matches what is on the label.
Further, while it says it comes with 30 servings, I was actually able to get 36 servings out of the powder provided.
Organifi Green Juice is a product that is strictly a superfood powder. While some other formulas may add ingredients such as probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants, this powder is purely vitamins and minerals.
Some other brands even add protein to help make their products more of a meal replacement, but this powder is to be used strictly as a superfood supplement.
PROS
Free from gluten, soy, and GMOs
Vegan
Supports the immune system
Has a pleasant minty taste
Moringa and ashwaghanda root are rare, expensive, and beneficial ingredients
Contains no fillers
Reduces brain cell degeneration
Emphasizes rejuvenation
Does not have a texture once it is dissolved
No aftertaste
CONS
More expensive than other products
Difficult to completely dissolve without a whisk or blender
It does not have any probiotics or digestive enzymes
May cause digestion issues during initial use
Not the most potent green drink available
Contains sugar
And if you’d like to learn more Organifi, watch this video where Drew Canole explains why he created his product and what ingredients go into it. Learn more about Organifi green juice here.
2. Runner-Up Option: Athletic Greens: The Ultimate Daily Greens Powder
While Athletic Greens: The Ultimate Daily Greens Powder is the most expensive, it is also the most nutritious compared to other brands. This proprietary blend is derived from a combination of tried and true plants, fruits, herbs, and mushrooms.
The powder provides both multivitamins and minerals through the power of freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and plants. With this perfect balance of natural vitamins and minerals, it encourages a healthy immune system.
Unlike some other powders that have a grass clippings taste, Athletic Greens has taken the time to create a product that is enjoyable. It is more than just whole food nutrition backed by science—it is sweet, delicious, and smooth.
There are no harmful chemicals, artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. There are also no GMOs, herbicides, pesticides, gluten, wheat, corn, dairy, lactose, sucrose, egg, dextrose, yeast, peanuts, or animal products of any kind.
This powerful supplement contains no less than 75 high-quality ingredients with each serving, which gives your body more nutrients than you would be able to get from a typical diet. It is formulated so anyone can take it, including those who follow a vegan and Paleo diet.
PROS
One of the most complete products available
Each batch goes under stringent testing
Provides a variety of nutrients
Packs a punch of nutrition with each serving
Available in convenient packets
Dissolves easily
CONS
May cause indigestion
Expensive
Powder is very fine, so some can escape the container when you open it
Contains a lot of Vitamin C, which is not necessarily needed
May cause birth defects
Has a gritty aftertaste
3. Best Value for the Money: Super Greens Powder Premium Superfood
Among the green juice powders reviewed today, Super Greens Powder Premium Superfood is the most affordable. It’s a great product for health-conscious individuals who want to boost their immunity, strengthen their digestion, detoxify their bodies, and increase their energy.
Super Greens Powder Premium Superfood is one of the most comprehensive green powders available. It contains over 40 superfoods that include 10 strains of probiotics, organic greens, vegetable-based digestive enzymes, and antioxidants.
These all ensure that your body is functioning on clean energy and your gut absorbs all the nutritious benefits.
Super Greens is great
when mixed with plain water or juices, or made into a smoothie. All you need to
do is to scoop, stir, and enjoy.
Unlike other powders that leave an aftertaste, the makers of Super Greens took care to give their formulation a natural and tasty berry flavor.
It is sugar- and gluten-free and provides 5.5 grams of dietary fiber, 10 billion CFUs of probiotics, and 3450 mg of organic greens per serving. It is also made from purely vegan and non-GMO ingredients.
PROS
No added sugar.
Non-GMO.
Vegan formulation.
The digestive enzymes ensure that most of the nutrients are absorbed.
Contains powerful antioxidants.
Affordable and good for 30 servings.
CONS
Difficult to dissolve; might need a mixer to blend really well.
Excessively sweet for some people.
Contains a very high dose of Vitamin A, around four times higher than the recommended daily value.
May cause sleeping difficulties when taken close to bedtime.
May cause diarrhea.
The texture and color of the powder is not what most users are used to when it comes to green powders.
4. Most Budget-Friendly: Nested Naturals Super Greens Natural Health Powder
The company behind this product is committed to accountability and transparency, which is not always the case with supplement manufacturers, so you can be sure of what you’re consuming when you buy this product.
Nested Naturals Super Greens Powder includes over 20
organic ingredients that fall into a variety of categories that are beneficial
to your health. These include:
Alkalizing Blend – spirulina, barley grass, chlorella, and wheatgrass
FIber Blend – apple powder, rice bran solubles powder, and Jerusalem artichoke Inulin powder
Antioxidant Blend – bee pollen, beet root powder, broccoli extract (glucoraphanin, which combats inflammation and oxidation), berries, and green tea powder
Immunity Blend – echinacea, milk thistle, and concentrated royal jelly
Probiotic Blend – six strains of healthy bacteria with a total of 1.67 billion CFUs probiotics in each serving
Enzyme Blend – six types of digestive enzymes
Each serving contains 35 calories, 1g of fat, 4g of carbs,
2g of fiber, and 2g of protein.
This green powder is manufactured by a genuine and
trustworthy company, as they clearly state on the label that this product is
not intended to be used as a replacement for a healthy diet of whole foods,
rather it’s meant to be used to supplement a wholesome diet with extra
micronutrients.
As with other green powders, this product tastes grassy to some users–and it doesn’t contain any sweeteners. However, you can mix it with a smoothie or your favorite juice to make the powder more palatable.
Also, as many have reported that this green juice drink powder has helped them so much with their digestion, they don’t seem concerned about the taste.
PROS
Budget-friendly
Ingredients are 100% organic, Non-GMO, and vegan
Nested Naturals conveys transparency to their customers and practices social responsibility by donating a portion of their profits to Vitamin Angels, which is a charity that helps mothers and their children achieve proper nutrition worldwide.
This product is tested by a third party for accuracy
The probiotics plus digestive enzymes help improve nutrient absorption and benefit digestive health
CONS
Some consumers are not big fans of the taste, often stating it tastes like “bran”
Doesn’t offer a wide variety of vitamins and minerals
No information is provided about the exact antioxidant content
5. Best Protein/Green Juice Powder Combination: Kylea’s Total Living Drink Greens Superfood Powder
This Kylea’s Total Living Drink Greens Superfood Powder is certainly well-rounded, as the company states that it’s a “nine-in-one” formula, which means that every serving is nutritionally equivalent to nine other individual supplements.
And, with each serving being 40 grams (which is a lot), this product contains 11 grams of protein and then 29 grams of pure nutrients.
Here is how it all breaks down:
11g of vegan protein
15g of superfoods
3g of antioxidants
2g of amino acids
300mg of probiotics
1.3g of an herbal blend (rhodiola rosea and astragalus, which offer cognitive benefits)
450mg of enzymes
Complete Multi-Vitamin and Mineral
Because of all of the components in this green
juice powder blend, it comes at a great value. If you were to buy each of the
ingredients alone, it would be extremely expensive, so you’re getting a
comprehensive dose of nutrition with this product.
Users have found that this drink tastes really
good–especially when compared to others. It is a bit fruity (due to the juice
extracts, which are full of phytonutrients) and it mixes very easily with any
liquid, so you won’t end up swallowing a chunk of powder at some point.
If you are looking for a supplement that combines everything you need to stay on top of a nutritious lifestyle this may be the right product for you.
It contains high doses of vitamins and minerals that all meet or exceed their RDIs, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, D3, E, K, and minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and manganese.
In addition to these vitamins and minerals, this product has glutamine and taurine (which are amino acids) that can help boost your energy and speed up workout recovery, as well as a blend of antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.
Finally, the high dose of the fruit and vegetable formula includes spirulina, alfalfa, fenugreek, barley, broccoli, chlorella, wheat grass, apple, pineapple, and more.
PROS
Contains protein
Very potent in nutrition (each serving has the nutritional equivalent of 7-10 servings of raw fruits and vegetables)
Users like the taste
Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
This powder is non-GMO, free from artificial ingredients, and contains digestive enzymes to help with nutrient absorption
CONS
High in calories compared to other green juice drink powders (120 calories per serving)
Doesn’t contain iron
No information is provided about the amount of probiotics in this product
6. Best Raw, Organic Option with No Stevia: Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood Juiced Greens Powder
This organic green juice drink powder offers four categories of ingredients, including a green juice blend, a fruit and vegetable juice blend, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.
The green juice blend–which the company refers to as an “Organic U.S.A. Farmed Green Juice Blend”–contains the powdered juice from barley and alfalfa grass, oat grass, kamut grass, and wheatgrass.
If you have purchased a lot of green juice
powders in the past, you may already know that powdered juice gives your body
more nutrition than a pulverized plant, so you may not be surprised to know
that one serving of this grass blend is six
times more nutritious than a whole leaf option.
The fruit and vegetable juice blend contains
over a dozen fruits and vegetables such as apples, asparagus, brussels sprouts,
and berries. It also has a sprout blend that offers flax, millet, buckwheat,
and a variety of sprouted legumes and seeds.
The probiotic and enzyme blend contains
thirteen digestive enzymes and three types of healthy probiotic bacteria, which
work together to aid in digestion and keep your gut healthy.
One serving of this powder contains 25
calories, 2g of protein, 4g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, and is completely
fat-free. It also has 40% of the RDI of Vitamin C, 110% percent of the RDI of
Vitamin K, 20% of your manganese, the 10% each of your vitamin B2 and
iron.
Garden of Life is a “certified B” corporation, meaning they meet strict accountability standards for both social and environmental responsibility and transparency.
This is a difficult certification for companies to receive, so it indicates that the manufacturer behind this product works hard to make their products environmentally sustainable and they support worldwide nutrition programs such as Vitamin Angels.
PROS
Contains no artificial ingredients
Comes in three flavors: original, apple, and chocolate
Inexpensive option ($23 for a month’s worth)
Raw and organic option
Manufacturer is known for their honesty and charity to others
CONS
Contains a relatively low amount of probiotics (1.5 billion)
Users find the “original” flavor to be very earthy with a gritty aftertaste
Label lacks information about the antioxidant content
7. Best Energy-Boosting Option: NATURELO Raw Greens Superfood Powder
NATURELO Raw Greens Superfood Powder is a natural and complete superfood green powder that not only tastes great, but also helps give your energy, health, and wellbeing a positive boost.
This option easily mixes and dissolves into a delicious drink that is both alkalizing and organic. It contains 38 superfoods, including kale, wheatgrass, beets, and artichoke inulin.
Let’s take a look at all of its whole food
organic ingredients:
Oat and pea fiber
Spirulina and barley grass
Apples and bananas
Blue agave inulin
Alfalfa
A variety of berries including raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, black raspberries, and blackberries
Carrots
Broccoli
Spinach
Green cabbage
Parsley
Pomegranates
Acai
Tomatoes
Cherries and acerola extract
Flaxseed
Mango and papaya
Peach
Pear
Pineapple
Watermelon
All of these whole food ingredients work together to balance your body’s pH. Alkalizing your body is very beneficial to your health, but it can be tough to do on your own.
You would need to consume a large amount of organic produce every day to balance your body’s pH properly–and most people don’t even come close to eating enough raw produce that would be needed to maintain an alkaline environment in their body.
By drinking this green juice drink powder, you can get your body alkalized and reap the benefits from that, including increased immunity, improved digestion, a natural energy boost, healthy skin, etc.
Naturelo’s greens powder contains a full-spectrum digestive enzyme blend (with six digestive enzymes), plus it offers 1 billion CFUs of probiotics (seven different strains), so you can be sure that your digestion and gut health are supported when you drink this powder.
Each serving is completely sugar-free and
contains just 20 calories. However, although it contains zero grams of sugar,
this powder tastes great and users don’t get tired of drinking it on a daily
basis.
PROS
Great for those who need a boost of energy because it alkalizes and energizes users to offer a boost of natural energy
Each serving offers 3-4 servings of vegetables
Organic, non-GMO, and free from gluten, soy, and dairy
Free from artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, and preservatives
Great-tasting mixed-berry flavor
CONS
Some users find this product to be too sweet
Difficult to blend
Not keto-friendly
Final Thoughts on Green Juice Powders
The clear winner of these options is the Organifi Green Juice Super Food Supplement. This is because it is enjoyable to drink and also has all of the nutrition that your body needs to stay healthy and support your immune system. This powder is vegan, so it is suitable for everyone’s needs.
It boosts energy, rejuvenates skin, reduces stress, and even helps you save time by being able to quickly dissolve the powder in water or any liquid of your choice. It also contains all of the amino acids that the body needs to work at its optimal level.
With morninga, mint, chlorella, spirulina, beets, matcha green tea, wheatgrass, ashwagandha, turmeric, lemon, and coconut, this powder provides a lot of value for its price.
Often, it is the taste that ends up winning a product over for people. With Organifi Green Juice Super Food Supplement, you will be able to enjoy the taste each day without having to dread drinking it. This makes the product enjoyable and healthy at the same time.
To learn more about this product, I encourage you to watch this video to see if Organifi is the right green juice powder for you.
Stop spending hours and lots of money on expensive ingredients to make your juice every morning. Try the Organifi Green Juice Super Food Supplement to save time and money, and feel your best as soon as possible.
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Before becoming a mom, you may not have
realized all of the other jobs you were about to take on. But now that the
truth of your routine has set in, you probably could add chauffeur, chef,
tutor, party planner, school volunteer, nurse, and a variety of other job
titles to your resume.
If you’re anything like I am, you
probably find that it’s hard to keep up with everything. But the moms who “make
it look easy” use tools to keep themselves organized and make their days go
smoothly–and you should too.
One tool that is essential for moms (especially stay at home moms looking to create a practical schedule) is a planner. Having a planner is a critical part of keeping track of everything that you have to do, manage, keep up with, schedule, etc.
Some people use different planners for different things–one for work, one for home, one for meal planning, etc. Personally, I like to keep it all in one place so I’m not having to go back and forth and check my work calendar before committing to a social event and things of that nature.
But it might work best for you if you have a planner that is devoted entirely to things that you have to do with or for your children.
In this article, I am going to talk about the benefits of buying a planner as a mom, some tips for using your planner, and finally, the 10 best planners for moms for 2024.
Don’t have time to read the entire review?
Here’s a quick look at our favorite planners for moms:
Benefits of Using a Planner
1. Keeps You Organized
Of course–above anything else–using a planner is going to help keep you organized. While life and schedules can quickly get out of control, having a central place to at least create a game plan will reduce the amount of stress that you feel when life gets busy.
As I’m sure you’re well aware, things don’t always go exactly how you planned them, but being able to flip you planner to the following week to see what you have coming up is very helpful when you’re trying to schedule something or work in some extra time to (fill in the blank).
2. Maintains a Record
When was the last time little Johnny had
a teeth cleaning? Did you send in your taxes? How long has it been since
Sarah’s rash showed up?
I write every significant occurrence down in my planner so I can always go back and confirm anything that later comes up in question. The interesting thing is that some of the things that I write down that I think I will never have to know in the future are often the things I am flipping back to find.
Keeping a record of when you paid the bill for gymnastics or when your kids are scheduled for their next doctor’s appointment is a critical part of being organized.
3. Helps to Ensure Proper Time
Management and Punctuality
When you review the upcoming day in your
planner, you can confirm the times of the events that you have scheduled and
plan what time you need to leave point A in order to get to point B on time.
It can also help you with time management if you find that you are constantly short on time. Using a planner can help prevent you from running around just doing one thing after another without looking at the bigger picture.
Instead, it can help you schedule your days so you’re efficient with your time and stay on track. It can also keep you from over-planning.
4. Helps Prioritize and Increase
Productivity
With your entire to-do list in one place,
you can easily sort your urgent tasks apart from those that can wait. You can
then give your urgent tasks more of your time and attention. Prioritizing things will help you plan and
help you be sure to meet all of your deadlines, which in turn will minimize
stress.
It will also make you more productive
because you won’t find yourself wasting half a day on a task that is really
getting you nowhere.
5. Check-Ins
With a snapshot of everything you have accomplished over the past week or month, you can take an objective look at the progress you’re making toward your goals.
Not only can this keep you accountable, but it can also keep you motivated if you’re working toward something specific. Having concrete check-ins for your goals will help you live a more intentional life.
For example, if you have a goal to lose
weight, maybe you record a weekly weigh-in to help you measure your progress.
Or if you want to spend 30 minutes a day reading to your kids, you can record
this by marking each day off with a check box.
6. Serves as a Catch-All
A planner is a good place to tuck
receipts into that you want to save or reminder cards for doctor visits. Any
little pieces of paper that end up in your hands throughout the day that you
don’t want to lose track of can go in your planner so you always know where to
look when you need that information again.
7. Stress Relief
When you’re overwhelmed with things that you have to do, you’re going to feel stressed out. But if you’re able to make time for everything that you have to do and not worry about forgetting anything, you can let some of that stress go.
Once you get in the habit of writing things down, it can take the pressure off of you to remember everything that you have to do .
You can also use your planner to schedule some time for self-care so you can be sure that
you’re keeping your mental and physical health a priority.
Tips for Using a Planner
With these benefits in mind, it’s also important to note that no planner is going to be effective unless you use it. Getting into that routine and making it a habit to use your planner is worth the effort. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re just getting started with a planner.
1. Refer to Your Planner Regularly
Take time every day and every week to review your planner. This will help give you a mental refresher on what you have coming up on your agenda.
For your daily reviews, you can use your planner as a brain dump at the end of the day to write down any last-minute things that you have to do the following day, and then a reminder when you review it in the morning.
For your weekly review, you can plan to make
progress on some of your broader tasks by filling in some gaps of time doing
tasks that are not time-specific such as doing laundry, having coffee with a
friend, or mowing the lawn. You can also take this time to consolidate any
loose notes that you have left around.
2. Use the Monthly Snapshots
Wherever the whole month is laid out in your
planner, record dates that do not change. This could be birthdays,
anniversaries, holidays–anything that you know way ahead of time is a day that
is “blocked off” for something.
These planners can help you prioritize things and can also increase productivity
3. Color Code
If you use one planner for everything (which I
suggest you do), color code your work-related tasks, your family-related tasks,
your social life tasks, etc. so you can easily distinguish one from another.
4. Write Down Concrete Tasks
Write down tasks in their entirety to increase
your chances of following through. For example, if you have to RSVP to a party,
you’re more likely to do it if you have “Send an RSVP to Kate’s birthday party”
written down in your planner than if you just have “RSVP” jotted somewhere.
5. Be Picky
You can’t say “yes” to everything, Use
discretion when deciding what actually makes it into your planner. If the
school asks you to volunteer to be a room parent and you simply don’t have the
capacity to do so, don’t feel like you are obligated to agree to doing it just
because you were asked.
6. Bring it Everywhere
You never know when you will have to write something down or when you will need to refer to your planner for something. Because of this, you should help yourself always be prepared by getting a planner that is not cumbersome to keep with you at all times and then actually keep it with you at all times.
Leave it somewhere obvious when you’re home so you have easy access to it and grab it on your way out of the door.
You will have to determine what style of planning works for you, whether that means recording everything in a “brain dump” fashion or only writing down the most critical tasks.
While some people prefer to have some graph paper or blank paper incorporated in their planner for notes, others prefer a more minimalist planning approach by only recording scheduled tasks.
No matter what your preference is, you are sure to find a useful planner among these 7 best planners for moms:
Best Planners for Moms
1. Best Overall Choice: BestSelf Co’s Self Planner
The BestSelf Co’s Self Planner is designed for people who want to think bigger and achieve more, find harmony, and build deeper connections. It’s more than just a planner: It’s a tool for personal development, and has been seen in Buzzfeed, lifehacker, CNN, Business Insider, Huffington Post, CNBC, Inc., and the New York Times, among others.
This planner helps you manage your time so you can work toward your goals and live a life you love. It’s the best way for busy moms to get organized and stay focused.
BestSelf Co’s Self Planner is an undated six-month planner with templates that help you prioritize, plan for the future, organize tasks, spend time on what matters most, and take control of your life.
Templates include a benchmarking tool so you can focus your successes and identify areas that need improvements. It helps you figure out not just what you have to do with your time but empowers you to figure out what you want to do with your time, and work towards those goals.
You can plan big projects, focus on daily habits, and improve your life.
BestSelf Co’s Self Planner measures 7 x 10 inches, with ivory white 100g paper that is fountain pen friendly. It has two ribbon markers and a back pocket for loose notes. The perforated corners are helpful for quickly skipping used pages. It comes with a black or a coral cover.
PROS
Tools for managing daily tasks, projects, and long term goals
Templates for building healthy habits and self-reflection
Hard cover and compact size make it easy to carry in a purse or bag
Panda Planner is the best planner for moms who need a boost of positivity and a productivity tool along with their planner. The Panda Planner offers three sections to keep any busy mom organized.
The daily section helps users rewire their brains to think more positively and prioritize important tasks in order to boost productivity. The weekly section help you keep up with your progress and plan for the short-term future.
The month section helps users get organized, meet goals, and develop better habits.
This planner offers a minimalist design to put you in
control of your life. It has a
high-quality durable hard cover and heavy paper, so it is perfect to keep in
your bag on the go. It offers enough space to write to be considered a journal
and planner all in one, so this is perfect for moms who love to write things
down.
3. Best Value for the Money: Erin Condren’s Coiled LifePlanner
Erin Condren’s designs grew out of her own experience as a busy mom, and her beautiful, customizable planners and notebooks have become must-haves for women who want a simple, attractive way to manage their time and stay organized.
This best-selling planner has 12-18 months of weekly views to help you stay on top of all your projects and goals, and is completely customizable for your needs, making it a great value for the money.
Erin Condren’s Coiled LifePlanner has yearly, monthly, and weekly calendars, so you always stay on track. It has space to track calendar events, habits, and goals.
It is made of thick, 80# Mohawk paper for a beautiful writing experience. It comes with 4 sheets of coiled-in stickers for decoration and customization, and a convenient reusable storage box.
Erin Condren’s Coiled LifePlanner specializes in options and upgrades. You can choose your cover design from among hundreds of options and colors and have text added if you like, or upload your own cover design.
Choose your coil color, choose whether you want 12 or 18 months, choose your interior design theme, choose a horizontal or vertical layout, and choose from three different interior layout options. There are also a wide range of accessories available, so you can truly have the planner of your dreams.
PROS
Yearly, monthly, weekly, goal, and habit tracking to stay organized in every way
Fully customizable cover, interior design, layout, and more
Comes with stickers and a reusable pocket
High-quality paper
CONS
Many options and accessories have additional cost, which can make this planner more expensive
4. Best for Achieving Your Goals: Dailygreatness Original Diary and Planner Yearly
More than just a planner, this diary is designed to help you create a compelling vision for your life, set and achieve goals, acknowledge your strengths and overcome weaknesses, change disempowering habits to empowering ones, overcome your fears, and be a happier person.
That’s a lot for a planner, but thousands of people have found that this journal has held them accountable and helped to change their lives. It’s a fantastic tool for planning your days and achieving your goals.
The Dailygreatness Original Diary and Planner Yearly is an undated, yearlong journal so you can start any time. It has 52 undated weeks, with 6 daily pages per week.
The templates guide you through 4 morning and 4 evening steps of meditation and visualizations, intentions, dream journaling, and gratitude, along with self-awareness exercises and inspiration.
Weekly and quarterly check-ins keep you focused and committed, with a yearly review that celebrates your accomplishments and highlights new opportunities.
The Dailygreatness Original Diary and Planner Yearly measures 24 x 18 cm, and has a vegan, flexible, smooth matte cover that is lightweight, durable, and beautiful.
The 488 pages are 85gsm uncoated paper, and it has two ribbon markers. Tabbed sections make it easy to use and navigate, and it has a unisex design with a classic look for anyone.
PROS
Build healthy daily habits and intentions that move you toward your goals
Identify big dreams and hold yourself accountable
Inspiration and motivation
Develop greater self-awareness
Convenient size and durable cover are easy to take anywhere
Guided templates take you through every step
Vegan
CONS
Not designed for as many ordinary tasks and to-do lists as conventional planners are
5. Best Option for Productivity & Time Management: Clever Fox Planner PRO
The Clever Fox Planner PRO is an agenda and daily planner combined with a goal-setting tool and a gratitude journal.
Clever Fox believes that the act of writing with a pen is the best way to program the mind and help reach your goals, so they set out to develop the perfect planner for productivity, time management, goal setting, and self-reflection.
With this planner, you can develop a vision for your life, stay inspired, set goals, and work towards your goals every day. It’s an incredibly popular productivity planner that is also your life coach in a book.
The Clever Fox Planner PRO has self-discovery and self-awareness exercises to help you get in touch with your inner beliefs, develop a vision for your life, and then turn that vision into a plan, with monthly, weekly, and daily sections to keep you inspired and motivated.
The full size 8.5 x 11 inch planner gives you plenty of room to record and reflect, and the soft faux leather cover looks and feels stylish. It has three ribbon bookmarks to mark your days, weeks, and months, and an inner pocket for loose notes and small items
The Clever Fox Planner PRO comes in rose gold, amber yellow, black, blue, dark pink, lavender, lime green, orange, purple, royal blue, and turquoise colors. It comes with a set of stickers for decoration and inspiration, a user guide, and is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
PROS
Undated 12-month planner so you can start any time
Tools for developing big goals and dreams, and then breaking them down into manageable steps to make progress every day
Track habits, goals, and calendar events, with space for notes, vision, and reflection
Comes with a guide to help you use the planner most effectively
Comes with a sticker sheet for decoration
Wide range of attractive color choices available
Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee
CONS
Not designed for people with a busy schedule and many appointments and to-dos
PurpleTrail offers the best customizable planner for moms that is great for those who like to be able to have some control over the content of their planner.
This option allows you to choose the layout of your pages, the ideal size planner for your needs, your cover, your start date, and any add-ons that you choose. You can choose from a horizontal or vertical layout, a 6×8 or 8.5×11 size, and one out of 200 cover design options.
This planner is very easy to customize to your own preferences and needs as a mom, so you will be more likely to use it than something that has come pre-determined to be useful for you.
Some helpful add-ons that you can choose include note sections, to-do lists, password lists, address books, important dates, stickers, and pockets.
You can also choose from three different cover materials: hard, laminate, and synthetic. But no matter how you want your cover to feel, each PurpleTrail planner comes with thick, 80-pound paper that won’t bleed through if you’re using a fountain pen or something of the sort.
This heavy-duty planner can stand up to the messes that kids tend to make.
7. Best Planner for Managing Everything in Your Life: Orange Circle Studio Do It All Planner
Orange Circle Studio Do It All Planner comes with a fitting name, as moms really do tend to do it all. It is the best option for moms who like to keep track of everything in the same place, such as their family’s plans, meal plans, workout goals, etc.
This planner is small, making it portable, yet large enough to record all of your plans and stay organized. This planner will last you for 17 months and comes with 300 stickers to help you keep track of your appointments, tasks, and activities.
It also comes with convenient lists that you can tear off and use for a shopping list or a to-do list. The convenient pocket that is included is great for storing important notes or papers.
Each weekly spread allows you to organize your
schedule by task, time, or keep track of up to six different schedules. Each
week begins with an inspiring quote to start your week off strong and a pretty
drawing to add some color. This planner is great for moms who want to keep
everything together in one place.
8. Best for Managing Multiple Children’s Schedules: momAgenda Desktop Spiral Day Planner
This updated version of the highly popular momAgenda offers attractive new covers and additional space to take notes. momAgenda Desktop Spiral Day Planner is the best planner for moms who have several children in their family, as it is designed to maintain the schedule for four kiddos.
It offers a unique format that lets you keep track of your commitments, along with those of your children and a meal planner–all on one page.
This planner spans 18 months and offers a lot of extra space for your jam-packed schedule. An inspirational quote is provided for each week to help keep moms motivated to do their best work.
Moms love this planner because it is durable, so it can handle the wear and tear of being in a handbag all the time. It is also a convenient size for carrying with you and its attractive look often gains attention.
9. Best Planner for the Whole Family: Amy Knapp’s Big Grid Family Organizer
This 17-month planner is the best option if you are looking for something to keep a central place for the whole family to use. Amy Knapp’s Big Grid Family Organizer offers a large-grid design so you can easily keep track of your family’s schedule, meal planning, and activities.
It also comes with colorful stickers so you can keep track of any important dates or notes.
Users appreciate the amount of room this planner offers to write to-do lists and maintain reminders. This allows you to easily keep up with your bills, shopping, chores, and other details of your family’s life.
Finally, there is a place on this planner to keep all of your family’s important medical information so you can have it on hand if you need it in an emergency.
10. Best Planner for Creative Moms: The Reminder Binder
The Reminder Binder is the best planner for moms who want a cheerful option that is artfully decorated. This planner makes it fun to get organized, as it was designed by an artist who is also a mom–so she understands how important it is to have an effective planner.
Each monthly calendar grid has cheerful accents and colorful stripes. There is a lot of space to make notes, as each two-page spread is 24” by 12”. This planner opens vertically and then offers horizontal daily planning space.
Every month includes a
section for making lists, so you can make sure that you get everything that you
need to finish accomplished. This planner comes in a top-selling format and has
a section for reminders and contact numbers that is ideal for babysitters and
caregivers to reference.
Final Thoughts on the Best Planners for Moms
There are so many benefits of using a planner, especially for busy moms who have a lot of schedules to keep up with. Any of the planners listed in this article will help you become more organized, relaxed, and take some stress off of your daily life.
And if you’re looking for more resources to help you find the right planner, be sure to check out these articles:
Connie Stemmle is a professional editor, freelance writer and ghostwriter. She holds a BS in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. When she is not writing, Connie is either spending time with her 4-year-old daughter, running, or making efforts in her community to promote social justice.
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.
Few shoes have dominated the mainstream more — at least over the last decade — than Nike Air sneakers. While the shoe silhouette certainly isn’t new, the nostalgic look and inimitably comfortable design is what’s made the sneaker a generational mainstay. In fact, it’s even garnering a younger audience of millennials and Gen Z’ers alike who have leaned more into sneaker culture than ever before over the last few years.
Nike Air Force 1 shoes, in particular, have evolved into something of a wardrobe staple — and not just for their classic design and comfortable build. The real appeal of Nike Air sneakers is in their styling versatility. Unlike shoes before them, these sneakers seamlessly blend aesthetic with functionality, combining everything that we love about an everyday shoe with the practicality and support of Nike’s signature Air technology. You can wear them out to brunch with a dress, to the airport in leggings, out on a date night, or even while you’re simply running errands around town. The shoes are designed to elevate any look with a streetwear-inspired flair, all while providing a bouncy base that’s primed to provide all-day comfort.
With so many different ways to don Nike Air sneakers and incorporate the shoes into your everyday style, we tasked three editors with reviewing how the shoes work within their own closets. Two opted to test out the classic Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, while another editor adopted the Nike Air Max 90 Futura sneakers within her day-to-day wardrobe. Ahead, read our honest reviews of Nike’s most popular Air sneakers.
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
Are you looking for the best water bottle that’s right for you?
Now that the hotter months are here, a sip of cool water can do more than just refresh us—it can also prevent dehydration.
Hydration is crucial to good health. Fortunately, having a bottle of drinking water constantly on hand has become more convenient with different water container options.
But which option is the best?
When we consider durability, preventing chemicals from leaching into our drinks, ease of cleaning, and environmental friendliness, stainless steel water bottles are the better choice (compared with plastic or glass bottles).
In this article, we feature the eleven best stainless steel water bottle brands. We’ve categorized the following products based on what’s best for kids, for traveling, for workouts, and for budget-conscious consumers.
Before introducing you to the best brands in the different categories, let’s first talk about the benefits provided by the right stainless steel water bottle.
Don’t have time to read the entire review?
If you’re a busy person who doesn’t have time to read this entire review, we’ve simplified everything. Here is a table to show you a quick rating of the best stainless steel water bottles.
The Benefits of Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are always the best option for the environment, but people are often undecided when it comes to choosing between stainless steel, glass, and plastic.
As it turns out, stainless steel water bottles have proven benefits compared to plastic and glass versions of the same bottle, so the decision is pretty easy. Let’s look at some of those benefits.
First, stainless steel prevents the leaching of harmful chemicals into your drinking water. Many plastic water bottles leach the chemicals BPA and BPS, which are harmful to your health.
BPA exposure can lead to symptoms such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, delayed fetal brain development, and breast and prostate cancers.
As people became aware of the risks of ingesting BPA, many companies turned to BPS. However, this chemical is proving itself to be equally as dangerous as BPA in the long run. Fortunately, you can avoid these risks when you use stainless steel water bottles.
Stainless steel water bottles also discourage mold from growing. Other water bottles are prone to mold growth, but most stainless steel bottles are mold-resistant.
Plastic water bottles provide a healthy environment for the production and growth of mold around the inside of the bottle. Also, because stainless steel can be washed in the dishwasher, it makes these bottles even more resistant to all kinds of bacteria that can grow in other bottles.
Stainless steel also will not react with your drinks. Many water bottles that are not made of stainless steel react to juices or hot tea by leaching chemicals into your drink. For example, consider how a slice of lemon could interact with your plastic water bottle.
If you use lemon often, it can start to cause a reaction with the plastic’s surface, releasing chemicals into your drink that could potentially harm your health. On the other hand, stainless steel manages to preserve the flavor of your drinks while keeping chemicals away.
Unlike plastic or glass water bottles, stainless steel preserves the temperature and flavor of your drink as well. Most stainless steel water bottles come with double insulation that keeps your drink at the right temperature for much longer than their non-insulated counterparts.
Cold drinks are kept cold, and hot drinks stay hot for hours. This way, you aren’t reaching for a refreshing sip of water in the hot summer and instead of getting a mouthful of lukewarm liquid.
Also, stainless steel will not retain the flavor of yesterday’s drink. You probably use your water bottle for drinks other than water. You may also drink tea, juice, or even a morning smoothie. These bottles allow you to drink your water without interference from the leftover flavors of yesterday’s iced tea.
Finally, while you might spend more money upfront to buy a stainless steel bottle, it saves money over time. The reusability of a stainless steel bottle means you can use it several times, saving you money in the long run that you would have used to constantly buy commercial bottled water.
This reusability is also better for the environment because there is no plastic that is ending up in a landfill. The materials used in stainless steel bottles are durable options that are entirely recyclable when their lifecycle is over.
This means that your current stainless steel water bottle can be transformed into a new version of itself after you are finished with it, and can last for many more years to come.
Now that you know the benefits of choosing stainless steel for your water bottle, let’s look at some other factors to consider when you’re shopping for one.
What to Look for When Choosing a Stainless Steel Water Bottle?
Consider the capacity.
Determine where you’ll be using the water bottle (i.e., is it for work, for a weekend camping trip, or for a yoga class?). Knowing where you will be using your bottle will quickly narrow down your choices.
You should have enough water to drink during your activity, but you don’t want to bring so much water that it is a burden to carry. Are you taking your bottle on long backpacking trips where you are keeping track of the weight of your gear?
Or are you planning to take it to a yoga class, where you want it to look smooth next to your mat? Identify your needs first, then find the right bottle that fits them.
Choose an insulated bottle.
You want to find the best insulated stainless steel water bottle because these are ideal for keeping your drinks at the right temperature for longer periods of time. Insulated bottles can keep hot liquids hot for up to eight hours, and cold liquids cold for over 24 hours.
You need an insulated bottle to bring your hot drinks to work, and for when you need a cool drink when you’re outside in hot weather. Also, insulated bottles shouldn’t sweat when they’re filled with cold drinks so they won’t make a mess on your desk.
Sip or gulp.
“Ease of use” is important to consider because it involves both how you drink from the bottle and how you carry it. This is mostly determined by the type of lid, so choose the right cap option for your preference.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Water Bottles
“Ease of use” is important because it involves both how you drink from the bottle and how you carry it. Choose the right cap option for your preference.
Some brands offer accessories such as straw valves and flip caps for easier access, while others have wide mouths or screw caps. New cap designs give leave you with plenty of options to help you stay hydrated.
If you’re drinking straight from the bottle, it is easiest to use a narrow mouth, whereas wide mouths are more convenient to have in the backcountry.
Bottles with a straw lid, flip top, or spout are convenient if you’re running on a treadmill, but they are also more difficult to clean. That being said, some users prefer bottles that come with a straw for easy drinking during workouts or hiking.
Get 18/8 or #304.
This is food-grade stainless steel and is the best material for your stainless steel water bottle. 18/8 stainless steel is made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
304 grade is also made up of no more than 0.8% carbon and at least 50% iron. This combination helps protect your bottle from accumulating rust. The nickel also helps the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel.
What Other Things Should I Consider When Choosing a Water Bottle?
Make sure that the bottle is made from stainless steel and not aluminum. Stainless steel and aluminum look alike, but aluminum bottles usually come with a plastic lining because the metal reacts with certain liquids.
Not only do you not want plastic in your drink, but aluminum bottles are also not dishwasher safe. Plus, while stainless steel is heavier than its aluminum counterpart, an aluminum water bottle will easily dent.
When you’re choosing insulated bottles, get the one that can keep your drinks warm or cold for the longest amount of time. The best-insulated water bottle will keep your drink at the right temperature for your entire workday. This way, you can use your bottle year-round and you won’t need multiple bottles for multiple purposes.
Another convenience to consider aside from temperature control is having a bottle that comes with a carabiner or a handle for easy transport during hikes or while traveling. This will help ensure that you don’t drop your bottle or accidentally leave it behind.
When choosing a water bottle for kids, consider getting a bottle with fun designs, and with a bottle size that they can easily grasp with their hands. The best water bottle for kids is going to be one that is not only the easiest for them to use, but that they also enjoy drinking out of.
Now that you know what you are looking for in the best water bottle brand for you, let’s look at some of the options that are on the market today.
The Contigo Autoseal Chill comes with an auto seal feature that enables convenient one-hand opening and closing of the bottle.
This insulating feature, along with Thermalock vacuum insulation, keeps your drink cold for 28 hours. The auto seal technology is also spill-proof, eliminating the possibility of spilling whether you’re at home or out running errands.
The lid also has a convenient carrying handle for easy transport from your office to yoga class.
The spout on this bottle helps keep the germs out of your drinking water but makes it convenient to snag a sip whenever you are thirsty. This popular water bottle comes in a variety of colors to choose from and has a slim design that is easy to hold.
PROS
The best option for sports, as it keeps drinks cool for 28 hours.
Users can open this bottle with one hand.
Leak-proof.
CONS
Not for use with hot beverages.
Must be hand-washed.
Cannot be used with carbonated drinks
2. Runner-Up Option: Tree Tribe Water Bottle (Black)
As advertised, one of the biggest benefits you get from using the Green Tribe Logo Water Bottle is that it is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic water bottles.
This particular water bottle is made with stainless steel, and of course, using a single a stainless-steel bottle is much more eco-friendly than using a new plastic bottle each day.
Although it’s not a tank, the high-quality stainless-steel build of this water bottle does make it one of the most durable options out there. It’s definitely more durable than plastic or glass bottles, and tougher than most other metal water bottles as well.
Being both more environmentally friendly and stronger than virtually any other option out there, these kinds of water bottles are a very sensible choice to go with. Keep in mind that the Green Tribe Logo Water Bottle even comes with a lifetime warranty.
On a side note, each time a Green Tribe Logo Water Bottle is purchased, the company behind it, Tree Tribe, will plant a tree. It’s a good company that does great things for the world we all live in.
What’s also worth noting here is that this water bottle has double vacuum sealed walls for a great deal of insulation. With this special design, this thing can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
You can also use this bottle to keep things like coffee, hot chocolate, and even soups hot too. It should keep liquids piping hot for over 6 hours and quite warm for up to 12 hours.
Keep in mind that the Green Tribe Logo Water Bottle comes in at just under 10 inches (25 cm) in height, with a diameter of 2.8 inches (7 cm), plus it’s very lightweight too. It’s large enough to hold a good deal of liquid, while remaining small and light enough to be very portable.
In case you are worried about your drink or soup leaking, you don’t have to be with this water bottle, as it features a high-quality O-ring in the screw-on lid. This helps to maintain an airtight and watertight seal, so you never have to deal with anything leaking out and causing a mess.
This is the best overall option. It is durable and has double insulation with copper between the stainless steel lining to keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours.
The lid is also steel-lined to protect your drink from ever touching plastic or coming into contact with chemicals that could seep in overtime.
The Healthy Human 32 Oz. Stein Bottle bottle comes with a carabiner hooked to it to reduce your chances of losing it. This makes it easy to attach to your bag to ensure you have your drink on you all day. It also has a convenient handle to make traveling with this water bottle easy.
This water bottle offers two powder-coated finishes to choose from—either solid or hand-dipped—which allows you to pick the style that best suits you. It comes in a slim size, which is ideal for use anywhere but is still wide enough to add in your ice cubes.
This water bottle is guaranteed by the company to be free from defects for one year, and the lid is protected forever. The company offers excellent customer service if any issues with your product arise.
PROS
Comes with five-layer Tempmax technology for insulation.
Includes an attached carabiner.
Great customer service.
CONS
Some find this bottle sweats.
Not as durable as one might hope.
Paint chips on the outside.
4. Most Budget-Friendly: Sportneer 17 oz. Steel Water Bottle
Sportneer 17 oz. Steel Water Bottle is the best budget-friendly stainless steel water bottle.
It can keep your drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours with its double-walled vacuum insulation and seal-tight secure twist cap. Its stainless steel body is built to ensure that you have a leak-proof bottle that will not rust.
You can easily add frozen fruit or ice cubes to this wide-mouth bottle to improve the flavor of your drink. Its anti-condensation exterior prevents any water droplets from forming around your bottle, no matter what the temperature is outside.
The Sportneer 17 oz. Steel Water Bottle is made out of food-grade 18/304 stainless steel, which is both dent- and drop-resistant. It has a sleek exterior finish and comes in a variety of colors, each with a scratch-resistant surface to help keep your bottle looking new anywhere you take it.
You can use this bottle for both hot and cold drinks, and it even comes with a free cleaning brush and bottle cover to ensure that you keep your bottle clean and ready for use each day.
PROS
Budget-friendly.
It comes with a bottle cover and a cleaning brush.
Double-wall vacuum insulated.
CONS
Some find that this bottle rusts.
Cap comes off too easily.
The mouthpiece is a bit sharp.
5. Best High-End Steel Water Bottle: YETI Rambler 26 oz. with Chug Cap
The YETI Rambler is a favorite with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts because the innovative cap design allows you to safely and easily drink from the bottle while on the go, while remaining easy to clean and dishwasher safe. It’s leak-proof, condensation proof, shatter resistant, and incredibly rugged.
YETI products are born from a desire to make perfect products for outdoor activities: durable, high-quality gear designed for new territories and new adventures. This steel water bottle can go anywhere your path takes you, with all the great features you expect from YETI.
The YETI Rambler 26 oz. with Chug Cap is made of kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel, so it’s puncture- and rust-resistant. It has a rugged, twist-off TripleHaul handle, and a double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.
Inside the handle, the shatter-resistant drink spout allows for controlled gulps while you move, but you can easily remove the spout to expose the entire wide mouth, for easy filling and cleaning.
The No Sweat design prevents condensation, so your hands and your pack always stay dry, no matter what temperature your drinks are. This bottle is leak-proof and dishwasher safe, so it’s convenient for use anywhere you go.
The YETI Rambler 26 oz. with Chug Cap holds 26 ounces of liquid, and measures 11 x 3 3/8 inches. It weighs 21.9 ounces. It comes in your choice of 9 colors, and can also be customized with your own text, graphics, or logo for a $5 fee. It is backed by a 5 year warranty.
PROS
Kitchen-grade stainless steel is rust proof and durable
Rugged handle
Easy to drink from spout
Dishwasher-safe
Insulated to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold
Leak proof and condensation proof
5 year warranty
CONS
Doesn’t insulate temperatures for as long as other bottles
6. Great Eco-Friendly Option: Tree Tribe Water Bottle (Stainless Steel)
The 18/10 steel of the Tree Tribe Water Bottle is designed to last forever, and Tree Tribe backs it with a lifetime warranty. Tree Tribe is a nature-inspired company that focuses on conscious creation, using eco-friendly materials and plants trees with company profits.
So far, the company has planted nearly half a million trees in countries around the world, through partnerships with non-profits like Trees for the Future, Eden Reforestation Projects, American Forests, and CIRENAS in Costa Rica.
So not only is their Tree Tribe Water Bottle one of the best water bottles you can buy, but each purchase helps to make the world a greener, healthier place. It’s an eco-friendly water bottle that benefits the planet by reducing waste and planting trees.
The Tree Tribe Green Water Bottle has a rugged, corrosion resistant 18/10 shell, while the inner lining stainless is made of food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, for easy cleaning and great taste.
It has a double-walled vacuum design that keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. Insulation ensures that there is no condensation on the outside of the bottle, so cold drinks don’t sweat.
The airtight silicone gasket guarantees that your bottle will never leak, and the airtight seal is also great for protein drinks and smoothies, which won’t oxidize in the bottle. This bottle has no BPA or plastics, and the bamboo cap is beautiful and earth-friendly.
The Tree Tribe Green Water Bottle holds 24 ounces/1 liter, and measures 12.5 x 3.1 x 1.7 inches. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty, and Tree Tribe plants a tree with every purchase.
PROS
Incredibly durable steel shell
Double-walled insulation keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold
Can also be used for soups and smoothies
Airtight, leak-proof seal
Won’t sweat or produce condensation
Lifetime guarantee
Tree planted with every purchase
CONS
On the heavy side
May get hot to the touch when used with hot liquids
7. Best Steel Bottle for Commuting & Traveling: S’Well Azurite Traveler
The S’Well Traveler is contoured to fit into the hand, and perfect for bringing beverages with you on-the-go. S’well has proprietary Therma-S’well technology offers longer thermal protection than any other food container, keeping cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 15 hours.
It’s perfect for commuters and people who want a durable steel water bottle for their vehicle or workplace, reducing plastic waste and enjoying your beverages at the perfect temperature for hours.
The S’well Azurite Traveler is made of food grade 18/8 stainless steel that is BPA and BPS free, so it’s incredibly durable for a daily commute, and preserves the taste of your drinks.
The bottle has triple-layered, vacuum sealed construction that provides long lasting insulation and thermal protection, so your drinks say the right temperature for hours. It also has a copper wall that eliminates condensation, so the container doesn’t sweat moisture into your hand or bag.
This bottle is thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, with a contoured shape that fits securely in your hand, a thick rim that is comfortable to drink out of, and a wide mouth that is easy to fill and easy to clean.
The wide mouth also makes it easy to add ice cubes, protein powders, or other ingredients, and stir or mix them inside the bottle, perfect for people who take smoothies or meal replacements on the go. The Traveler is hand wash only.
The S’well Azurite Traveler comes in 12, 16, or 20 ounce sizes. The 12 ounce size 16 ounce size measures 6.5 x 3 inches and weighs .69 pounds. The 16 ounce measures 3.3 x 3.3 x 8.2 inches, and weighs .8 pounds, and the 20 ounce size measures 3.3 x 3.3 x 9.3 inches and weighs .9 pounds.
It can also be personalized with your own text for an additional charge. S’well is a certified B-corp, and a company that gives back to the community and the environment.
PROS
Protects temperature for longer than any other container
Rugged and durable
High quality, eco-friendly, non-toxic materials
Ergonomic shape fits perfectly in the hand
Condensation-free and leak-proof
Wide mouth makes it easy to fill, easy to stir, and easy to add ice cubes
Wide rim is comfortable to drink from
Certified B-corp is good for the environment and community
CONS
Hand wash only
Fairly heavy
8. Best Large-Capacity Steel Water Bottle: YETI Rambler 64 oz
This is the best insulated stainless steel water bottle. It is good for whole-day hydration, whether you’re in the house or on camping trips.
The YETI family of products is known for their durability, as well as its ability to keep your drinks at your desired temperature. With 18/8 stainless steel material, double-wall vacuum insulation, and a sweat-free design, this is the perfect bottle for any occasion.
This large, 64oz YETI Rambler is designed to carry enough water for you to last on a long hiking trip or anywhere else that you expect to need to drink a lot of fluid. It is also the perfect option to bring with your family to the beach so everyone can stay hydrated.
PROS
Maintains carbonation in drinks.
Doesn’t sweat.
Maintains temperature.
CONS
Expensive.
It cannot fit in a cup holder.
Counterfeits are commonly sold, so you have to beware when buying.
9. Best Stainless Steel Water Bottle for Kids: Chillout Life Water Bottle, 12 oz.
This is the best stainless steel water bottle for kids. This 12 oz, lightweight water bottle is made with high-quality 18/8 stainless steel that is durable and rustproof, making it perfect to carry to school every day.
The double-walled bottle is insulated to keep water or juice cold for up to 24 hours and coffee or hot chocolate warm for up to 12 hours. The bottle is BPA-free and non-toxic, making it an eco-friendly and safe choice for your children.
The Chillout Life Water Bottle has a narrow mouth, making it easy for kids to drink from, yet it is wide enough for standard ice cubes. The bottle can fit in most bike mounts and car cup holders, so it can go anywhere you go.
Its leak-proof lid keeps the liquid secure, and it does not sweat, so you can throw it in your bag without worrying about spills.
This bottle comes in four stylish colors to fit anyone’s taste. It also comes in a convenient and nice gift box, allowing you to get it for a loved one for a special occasion. This bottle comes with a lifetime warranty, allowing users to get a full refund or free replacement if they have any trouble with their bottle.
PROS
Great for kids.
Comes in a variety of colors.
Does not leak or sweat.
CONS
May develop rust.
Easily scuffs up.
Dents easily.
10. Best for Hot AND Cold Liquids: Thermo Tank Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
This is the best water bottle for traveling. It will keep your drink cold for 36 hours between its two impenetrable steel walls and vacuum seal. It includes a layer of copper for even more protection from outside elements.
This helps the bottle be sweat-free, which is perfect because its size is ideal for carrying in a backpack, and you can be sure that it won’t get your belongings wet.
The Thermo Tank Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle holds 25oz of your favorite hot or cold beverage, with a leak-proof seal. The company behind this product offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, or your money back.
PROS
The best option for traveling.
It comes in a variety of colors.
Inexpensive.
CONS
Some find their drinks don’t stay cold as long as promised.
Insulation is not durable.
Paint chips.
11. Best “Infuser” Stainless Steel Water Bottle: Vibrant All-in-One Travel Mug – Tea Infuser Bottle
This is the best infuser stainless steel water bottle, so it is ideal for people who like to flavor their water with fruit or other natural flavors. It keeps tea or fruit-infused water at the right temperature all day.
This vacuum-sealed cup keeps air out, and its tight double walls minimize the impact of outside temperatures. This new and innovative design offers a two-piece steeper and strainer combination that allows several functional options for users.
Whether you want to add some mint to your iced tea or some frozen strawberries to your water, the Vibrant All-in-One Travel Mug – Tea Infuser Bottle is great for keeping you hydrated with flavors all day.
PROS
It comes with an effective infuser.
It can easily be poured into a glass by unscrewing the top.
Users can drink from it without removing the strainer.
CONS
The lid tends to stick to the bottle, making it difficult to open.
Infuser may rust with time.
Paint peels.
Final Thoughts on the Best Stainless Steel Water Bottles
All of these featured stainless steel water bottles are winners in their categories, but one product that stands out from the rest in today’s review is theContigo Autoseal Chill.
We chose this for its durability, its double insulation (which keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours), its convenient handle for ease of transport, and its slim size that is ideal for use anywhere.
Now, if you’re looking for other products to help you lead a healthier life, be sure to check out our otehr reviews:
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
“We either live with intention or exist by default.”
Kristin Armstrong
Kristin Armstrong, a three-time road bicycling Olympic gold medalist, achieved her success in life by living with a strong sense of intention.
Do you share this mindset with her? Are you living with intention? Did you design where you are today, or are you there by default?
The difference between these two can be tricky. It is easy to get into a routine that has been laid out for you and assume that doing so was always your intention.
You probably intended on getting an education, earning a degree, and landing a decent job. But was this your own unique plan for your life, or did you follow societal expectations?
While it is perfectly fine to take this route, you have to be the one to decide if it is best for you.
When you live with intention, you are living a purposeful life with passion. You are actually living your why.
So what tools do you need to make sure that you avoid merely existing?
This question will be answered in this article. Specifically I will talk about how the High Performance Plannercan help you focus on what’s truly important in your life.
Hopefully, this review can help you decide whether using this planner will help increase your overall performance and help you live with intention, track what matters to you, and boost your mindset.
Let’s take a look at what the High Performance Planner is all about.
What is the High Performance Planner?
You may have already heard of the High Performance Planner, and you might be wondering if this planning tool could be effective for you.
After all, with a broad range of planners, calendars, apps, and software currently on the market, you need to be sure that your time-management and productivity tool can really function according to your needs.
For some people, being able to cross off every item on their to-do list makes them feel as if they have had a productive and successful day. Meanwhile, others only feel accomplished once they’ve done daily activities that are meant to make them productive and more self-aware.
The High Performance Planner, created by Brendon Buchard, hit the market in 2018. Buchard spent 20 years studying the habits of some of the highest performers in their industries before creating this tool to help others achieve success as well.
So what exactly is the High Performance Planner? And how is it different from the other planners out there? More importantly, is this planner right for you?
The High Performance Planner is a two-in-one system, functioning as a planner and a journal. This science-backed tool is meant to help you organize your daily, weekly, and monthly schedules; prioritize your projects; and build self-awareness.
It is a comprehensive tool that aims to keep users focused and motivated. It offers a lot of opportunities for you to track your habits and do some self-reflection and assessments to evaluate your progress. This planner helps you account for your entire life’s progress, not only your daily to-do list.
Some of the tools offered in this planner were created based on his findings in the world’s largest study of some of the highest performers in business, sports, entertainment, and more.
Following this research, Buchard worked with a team of experts for three years to test and perfect the content of the planner.
This planner is designed to help you “win the day.” Buchard believes that if you win the day, you’ll win the week, and then the month, and so on. When you live with intent, every action you take, regardless of how minor or routine it is, is an action that has a purpose behind it.
Every action has value because it presents you with an opportunity to be mindful of your surroundings and circumstances as you go through your days, weeks, months, etc. An intentionally lived life is one that reminds you that you are the only person who can propel your life forward through your actions.
Who Is It For?
The High-Performance Planner is ideal for adults who are looking for ways to mindfully go about their day and focus their attention on their goals.
It is for those who want to get the most out of their time by taking the extra step past merely creating a vague schedule, and spend time focusing on the necessary tasks it will take for them to feel successful.
It is for people who realize the benefit of having SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-sensitive), and who need a tool to help them keep track of their progress.
This planner is a great product for those who like the idea of journaling, but aren’t quite sure how to begin—or who are opposed to having several different books for journaling and planning.
It also works best for people who like to record their thoughts, appointments, plans, and schedules by actually writing them down, rather than keying everything into an app. This planner will support your efforts if you have ambitious goals that you want to accomplish.
This may not be the right option for you if you don’t want to combine your path of personal development with your daily schedule. It may also not suit your needs if you don’t have a sense of enthusiasm for journaling, as there is plenty of space in this planner for that purpose.
Planner Features
The features of this planner are unlike your standard planner or journal. It does not include motivational quotes or stale success sayings on the pages.
Instead, it gives you a powerful and practical planner where every area of every page is purposefully used to help you enhance your mindset, create a specific plan for accomplishing all of your goals, keep track of the things that matter, and genuinely learn about yourself.
The journal’s layout is designed for you to write in it twice a day. Each daily spread is composed of several features, including the following:
Morning Mindset Prompts
These are laid out for you to answer as soon as you wake up. Some examples include: One thing I can get excited about today is…; Someone who needs me to be on my A-game today is…; A situation that might trip me up today could be…; and A way that my best self would deal with that is…
These questions are meant to not only help prompt your positive attitude and mindset but also promote self-care. They will help you start the day off on the right foot and equip you with the perspective you need to successfully tackle your day.
Each day also includes a “Today’s message to self” prompt. This is meant to motivate you, inspire you, and remind you that you are in control of your day and that you know what is best for yourself. Users have found it to be empowering to take this time in the morning to reconnect with their thoughts and desires.
Top Three Goals and Priorities
This is meant to give you a sense of purpose as you go through your day. Setting your daily goals and outlining how you plan to reach them is essential in almost all of your life’s endeavors.
In order to meet your goals, you must prioritize your tasks and establish your action plan. Your goals should be specific and have a purpose. If your motivation or purpose is unclear, you might not do everything you can to ensure you accomplish a goal.
When you are aiming to accomplish several goals at one time, it is important to prioritize your tasks and nail down which goals are more important than others, and why this is true. This will help you maintain your focus on meeting your most important goals first.
Setting your priorities will also prevent you from becoming overwhelmed if you have a lot on your plate because it will allow you to do one thing at a time and always know what is coming next.
30-Minute Time Slots (for planning your daily schedule)
While you probably have your general month’s schedule recorded in a standard or vague planner, the High-Performance Planner encourages you to take a closer look to clarify your upcoming day.
You’re given the space in the middle of each two-page spread (which represents one day) to write out your day’s specific timeline to ensure efficiency and productivity.
This is included for you to fill out at the end of the day to help you process how your day panned out. Some of the evening journal prompts include: A moment that I really appreciated today was… and A situation that I handled well today was…
The evening journal section also gives you some space to record your daily habits so you can assess your performance for the day. Ending your day with six prompts and six scorecards will help you review the habits that you practiced that day and develop habits that are possibly more effective to gain long-term success.
Scorecard for Major Areas of Your Life
The scorecards allow you to rate your performance on an interval scale in 10 major facets of your life, including your health, family, friends, mission, learning, finances, spirit, mental and emotional energy, love, and experiences.
As you continue to fill these out, you can measure your progress to see what is working and which areas of your life need some more attention.
You will also be able to recognize if there is a correlation between an action you are taking and a change in one of your scores—whether that be for better or for worse. Knowing the impacts of your actions on your life will help you reshape your habits to put you on a path to greater success.
High Performance Habits Assessment
This weekly review feature is designed to help you see your performance on habits that help you achieve long-term success.
The High Performance Planner has you rate yourself at the end of every week on specific habits that directly impact your potential for success. If you need some help with strategies to improve your score on this assessment, tips can be found in Buchard’s corresponding book.
Whole Life Assessment
This helps you keep track of the primary areas of your life (work, family, personal, etc.), and ensures that everything is in balance. There is one of these assessments offered every month in addition to the daily and weekly performance assessments to track your ongoing performance.
These additional journaling exercises help you reflect on your current life and consider your long-term goals (one and three years out), and help you re-align your tasks as needed.
Physical Features
Thick paper that prevents bleed-through, regardless of the kind of pen you use
Thick, hardcover journal, giving it a high-quality, luxurious feel
192 8.4″x11.5″ pages to accommodate 60 days’ worth of journal entries
14 pages of graph paper in the back for extra notes and planner entries
A choice of six colors (each color is intended for two months and can be purchased as a multi-color pack to span the entire year, including red, orange, blue, green, yellow, and black)
Classic Black
Happy Yellow
How Much Does the High Performance Planner Cost?
You are getting a lot of bang for your buck with this planner, even if it sounds pricey upfront. You would be hard-pressed to find another planner that is not only this size, but also this high in quality for these prices:
Some people who have purchased this planner choose to only use it from Monday-Friday, allowing one planner to last for more than the intended 60 days.
Increasing your productivity by helping you effectively delegate your time to help you reach your goals
Having a system for prioritizing projects and plans by offering empowering prompts in a holistic way to help you start and finish your day with intention, taking all of the areas of your life into consideration
Setting relevant goals and completing the necessary tasks to achieve them
Developing new habits to help you accomplish the most important things by the end of the day
Adopting new mindsets geared for success
Creating self-awareness through thought-provoking questions that require self-reflection, and by making you aware of how you’re spending the bulk of your time
Building character and realizing that life is not only about reaching goals, but about creating a fulfilling life every day while remaining focused on your goals
Cons of the High Performance Planner
Keep in mind that this is a bigger and heavier planner than others, so the High Performance Planner is not ideal for those who prefer apps or smaller notebooks for time management, organizing, and planning their schedules.
Each day leaves space for 6:00 am to 7:30 pm, which does not line up with everyone’s daily schedule.
Why I Recommend the High Performance Planner
I hope that this review will help you decide if the High Performance Planner can benefit you.
There are many productivity and planning tools out there. However, what most of them lack is the science-backed features found in the High Performance Planner that help you develop successful habits and improve your character.
It’s far more affordable to work on your habits with the help of this planner than it is to attend several professional and personal development workshops.
This planner engages you in a way that forces you to reflect on your day, notice and learn from your mistakes and grow as a person. Through self-reflection, you can improve faster.
As you have likely noticed, the High-Performance Planner is not just intended to help you plan your day—it is created to help you perform at your best.
“I’d heard about the wonders of Halara’s ‘magical denim’ and form-fitting pant styles but have always been weary about just how universally comfortable and flattering they actually are. As a 5’10” woman with a curvier shape, pants shopping hasn’t always been the easiest task for me — especially when I’m shopping online.
I can honestly say these HalaraMagic High Waisted Button Pockets Washed Stretchy Knit Casual Wide Leg Jeans ($45, originally $55) exceeded all of my expectations and then some. The bottoms are supremely comfortable, with a lightweight design that’s composed primarily of the brand’s signature HalaraMagic material. These casual pants slip right on without an adjustable button closure up top, which is a feat in itself considering I can’t even remember the last time I didn’t have to wiggle my way into a pair of jeans.
Despite its denim-like design, the pants fit more like a wide-leg legging — courtesy of the bottom’s extra stretch at the waist and breathable material. I love everything about them right down to the coloring (I opted for the dark blue denim shade), and also appreciate that because of their mid-calf length, they’re a style that I can wear year-round, regardless of the temperatures. This might be my first style from Halara, but rest assured, it won’t be my last.” — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Commerce
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
Green
tea has the power to take your weight loss routine to the next level. First and
foremost, it makes your metabolism more efficient and promotes burning off the
excess fat. The green tea substances that are responsible for this are catechin
and caffeine.
However,
some green teas are more potent than others and may include extra ingredients
to support your efforts further. So, what is the best green tea for weight
loss? To answer this question, we’ve created a list of top five green teas you
can order today.
You
won’t be making the wrong choice no matter which one you choose. But one might
be better than the other for your specific needs. Without much further ado,
dive right in and make your pick.
Are You in a Hurry?
Want quick access to our top picks? You’re in the right place. The following section is the best green tea for weight loss overview. Take a quick look and find the one that will make your body lean mean beach-ready machine.
Fatbom Zero Tea 14-Day Detox provides one of the most potent natural blends. Aside from the green tea, this detox powerhouse contains organic rooibos, nutmeg, cornflower, and orange peel. But this is not the end of the story.
The
blend also contains cloves, red peppercorn, and cinnamon. The ingredients list
sounds impressive on its own, but how does it promote your weight loss efforts?
Being a detox tea, it cleanses your body and supports healthy bowel movement,
and may reduce bloating.
For
example, the combination of nutmeg is excellent for easing indigestion. What’s
more, it can better your blood circulation and, in turn, boost the results of
your exercise routine. Overall, each Fatbom Zero ingredient is there to boost
your immunity, aid metabolism, and expedite weight loss.
It’s worth noting that this tea is free from natural laxatives like senna leaves. It takes advantage of the extra plants and herbs to support the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Therefore, the Fatbom Zero optimizes digestive processes without putting the bowel movement in overdrive.
The
tea in this review is designed for a 14-day detox cycle, and there is also a
28-day option. Both drinks are the same, and choosing one or the other depends
on your routine. You may start with the 14-day one to see how your body reacts
to the active ingredients, then continue with the bigger bag if you’re happy
with it.
Finally,
this is the best green tea for weight loss because it offers excellent value
for money. You’d be hard-pressed to find such an all-encompassing blend at a
similar price.
PROS
Eight active ingredients
Doesn’t contain natural laxatives
Anti-inflammatory properties
Great value for money
Tastes great
CONS
2. Editor’s Choice: Brazilian Belle Bikini Body Tea 15 Day Detox
Yes, all of us want a lean, mean beach-ready body in no time. But is it possible? The answer might be in the Brazilian Belle Bikini Body Tea 15 Day Detox. Okay, just drinking the tea won’t get you very far, but if you combine it with regular exercise and a sensible diet, you’re in for a surprise.
That
begs the question — What makes this tea so potent? Like with most teas, the
secret lies in the ingredients, and the list includes Pu’er, oolong, and green
tea leaves. These are entirely natural and haven’t been bettered with fillers,
artificial flavorings, and whatnot.
So
far, so good, but what’s the oolong’s and Pu’er’s role in the blend?
Traditionally used in China, oolong tea is like green tea’s close cousin, and
they share a lot of the beneficial properties. For example, oolong is rich in
essential minerals like manganese, potassium, and magnesium, plus a single cup
may contain around 36 mg of caffeine.
Nevertheless,
things get interesting with the Pu’er. Hailing from China as well, this tea is
antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. What’s more, it works alongside
the green tea to improve your metabolism, digestion, and help you shed toxins.
You get a single 3.17-oz. bag and there are 30 tea bags inside. The company also offers some promos and discounts when you order more than one bag. Plus, there’s a free Bikini Body Transformation guide.
The convenient K-cup packaging is just one of the reasons the VitaCup Infused Tea landed on this list. A quick look at the nutrition facts, and it’ll be easy to figure out that this is one of the best options for anybody on a weight-loss routine.
It
all starts with the green tea, but the extra active ingredients are the things
that make this drink special. A single serving gives you an infusion of vitamin
B-complex, including B1, B5, B6, B9, and B12. But how do these aid your
weight-loss efforts?
Vitamin
B-complex promotes a healthy appetite and digestion, and it improves energy
levels and muscle tone. It’s a perfect complement to your exercise routine and
fat-burning diet. But the abundance of vitamin B is only a part of the story.
VitaCup
Infused Tea also contains matcha and moringa. You’ve probably heard about
matcha — it’s the super-root that optimizes metabolism, blood sugar levels, and
cholesterol. And it’s also an excellent source of selenium, chromium, vitamin
C, and minerals.
On
the other hand, moringa is there to keep your stomach and liver healthy and
fight off bacteria. It’s also rich in phosphorus and calcium, making it great
for bone health. When exercising, your bones and joints suffer excess strain,
and you need something to help them recover.
The
reviewed package includes 16 K-cups, and you can choose between 32, 64, and
128-cup boxes. The pods are compatible with Keurig, iCoffee, Mr. Coffee, and
most other pod brewing machines.
PROS
Contains vitamin B-complex
Infused with matcha and moringa
Great for those who exercise
Rich in essential minerals
Compatible with most pod brewers
CONS
The taste might not suit everybody’s palate
4. Best Appetite Suppressant: Baetea 14-Day Teatox Herbal Detox
Struggling
to stay full, yet you need to lose some weight? If so, this natural appetite
suppressant might be right up your alley. But appetite suppressants have gotten
some bad rep, so it’s best to tell you more about those first.
Baetea 14-Day Teatox Herbal Detox doesn’t contain anything artificial to make you feel less hungry. The secret lies in the combination of ginger root, green tea, oolong wu yi leaf, and Garcinia cambogia extract. The Baetea 14-Day Teatox has even more ingredients, but these are responsible for appetite suppression.
The blend affects your metabolism and makes it easier for the body to take in the nutrients from food. At the same time, the tea helps with bloating and optimizes bowel movement. Combine that with the energy boost you get from the Guarana seeds, and you’ll have more energy while on a sensible diet.
Anyway,
it pays to take a closer look at some intake suggestions because this is not
just any green tea blend. It’s best to avoid drinking the Baetea Teatox on an
empty stomach because it may reduce its absorbency.
Due
to its appetite suppressant properties, this tea is not recommendable for
minors and nursing or pregnant women. But if you don’t fall under these
categories, a single serving per day should be enough.
PROS
Has eight active ingredients
Naturally flavored tea
Makes you feel less hungry
CONS
May cause some side effects
A bit pricey
5. Best Doctor’s Blend: Dr. Zisman ZT Slimming Tea
Crafted by Dr. Zisman, a Harvard-educated endocrinologist, Dr. Zisman ZT Slimming Tea is undoubtedly the best green tea for weight loss. Besides, this tea affects your entire body to help you cope with a demanding dieting/exercise routine.
The ZT Slimming tea contains peppermint lead that helps with muscle relief, and the pleasant taste is the added benefit. You should know that peppermint targets all your muscles, including the ones in the colon, abdomen, and the intestine. Therefore, it promotes digestive tract health.
Changing your diet, losing weight, exercising, and whatnot – all this can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Dr. Zisman’s blend can help you there, as well. The tea has terpenoid antioxidants that can reduce tension, soothe your nerves, and help you sleep better.
Another highlight is the Garcinia cambogia extract. It is a small fruit that’s rich in hydroxy citric acid, which helps reduce food cravings and detoxes your body. The added benefit of this exotic plant is that it promotes stamina, which may prove invaluable for your gym routine.
Finally,
Dr. Zisman worked together with Asian Tea Masters to craft one of the most
potent natural blends. What’s more, the brand stands behind the product 100%,
and you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
Six natural active ingredients
A doctor’s blend
Helps muscle relief and sleep
Soothing for the nerves
CONS
Doesn’t come in tea bags
What Is Green Tea and Where is it Used?
In
the West, green tea has become popular in the past decade, but this super-plant
has been one of the staples of traditional Asian medicine for centuries. It’s
beneficial properties range from wound-healing to headache treatment, though
most people tout it as one of the best natural weight-loss supplements.
There are different tea varietals, but Camellia sinensis is used for oolong, white, black, as well as green tea. The manufacturing process begins with the steaming of the leaves.
It’s important to note that green tea doesn’t undergo fermentation. As a result, the final product retains most of the nutrients and antioxidants.
Application
As
said, most people drink green tea to better their metabolism and shed off
excess pounds. Even though there is more research to be done, preliminary
studies support the fat-burning properties of green tea.
For example, a 2012 study confirms that green tea’s unique composition aids weight loss in obese and overweight adults. How? We’ve already mentioned that catechin and caffeine are the main compounds that make green tea so efficient.
Both
compounds are known to ramp up the amount of energy your body consumes, plus
catechin has fat-burning properties. When you ingest them, caffeine and
catechin trigger a series of complex metabolic processes that optimize the
levels of other chemicals in your body.
This
way, your body becomes better at absorbing nutrients and removing harmful
compounds. But it is best to combine green tea with exercise and dietary
regime.
Is It Only About Weight Loss?
The
quick answer is no. Green tea might also help you reduce bad cholesterol,
manage type-2 diabetes, and improve your cardiovascular health. This natural
remedy also has some anti-cancer properties due to the abundance of
antioxidants.
Green tea can also help you reduce bad cholesterol, manage type-2 diabetes, and improve your cardiovascular health.
The research into this is still limited, but this doesn’t make the tea any less efficient. Assuming you’re in good health, you’ll surely feel the benefits.
Green Tea vs. Black Tea
Since both teas originate from the same plant, you may believe that there’s no contest here, and this is true up to a certain extent. Both options are great for improving your cognitive functions and heart health.
However, the manufacturing process delivers two different teas with minute but essential discrepancies.
The
main thing is — black tea is oxidized while green tea is not. When making black
tea, Camellia sinensis leaves get rolled and left in the open air to trigger
the oxidation process. The leaves become dark brown, and this is how the tea
got its name.
The main takeaway is that the flavor becomes stronger, and a select group of polyphenols comes to life. These are called theaflavins, and they amount to about 6% of all polyphenols. Theaflavins can promote weight loss and are a powerful antioxidant. So, why would green tea be a better option?
According to research, green tea is a more powerful antioxidant, and it has much less caffeine than black tea. Therefore, it’s a better option if you’re sensitive to caffeine, but need a stimulant that can fight free radicals.
Also, green tea has an L-theanine amino acid that balances out the caffeine effects and may calm you.
Other Things to Know About Green Teas
for Weight Loss
At
this point, you know that the best green tea for weight loss usually contains
other beneficial ingredients. These are there to boost the beneficial
properties of the drink or offer unique nutrients that can expedite your weight
loss.
Some
of the natural blends are not that tasty and may feel too pungent. Therefore, a
mix may include sweeteners or other herbs to enhance the taste. Again, the idea
is to go for a product that has natural passive ingredients. For example,
Stevia leaves are sometimes added for sweetness.
When it comes to consumption, it’s best to drink green tea between meals, and the same goes if you’re on a protein shake diet. That’s is because green tea is rich in tannins, compounds that attract minerals, and may limit their absorption.
That said, there are green tea blends that offset this with other active ingredients such as Garcinia cambogia extract.
As
for the number of cups per day, there are no hard and fast rules. Depending on
the tea you get, one or two cups should be more than enough to support your
weight loss routine. However, if you’re not sure, feel free to consult with
your physician and nutritionist.
A
specialist can point you to a blend that’s best for your metabolism and suggest
a dietary regime the amplifies the tea’s benefits.
Pros and Cons of Using the Best Green
Tea for Weight Loss
So
far, we’ve focused on the advantages of green tea, and this section offers a
brief recap of those as well. However, green tea also has certain green tea
side-effects, and you should know about them. Don’t worry, the best green tea
for weight loss won’t do you any harm.
Pros
The main advantage of green tea is that it gets your metabolism in order. Relatively high caffeine content boosts energy consumption and helps you get the most from your diet.
More importantly, green tea can restore gastrointestinal balance and relieve your body from the remnants of poor eating habits.
One of the main advantages of green tea is that it gets your metabolism in order.
It all adds to your weight-loss efforts, but the benefits don’t stop there. Green tea is here to improve your overall health. For example, better cardiovascular health is related to your stamina and gym performance.
And the lower levels of bad cholesterol have a positive effect on various metabolic functions in your body.
Cons
Green
tea itself can’t cause any severe side effects as long as your body isn’t
caffeine intolerant. But even if you are, the adverse reactions are limited to
upset stomach, irritability, or insomnia.
On
the other hand, you shouldn’t combine green tea with other stimulants. If you
do, it might increase your heart rate and blood pressure. If you’re taking any
other weight loss supplement, read the ingredients list and check if any of
them coincide with green tea.
This
natural remedy may also work against certain drugs like anticoagulants and
painkillers. That’s because green tea is rich in vitamin K and acts as an
anticoagulant itself.
How to Choose the Best Green Tea for Weight
Loss
In
all frankness, there is no science to choosing the best green tea for weight
loss. The trick is to check the fine print and inspect the ingredients list.
Chances are, the active ingredients, including green tea, are natural and
adequately processed to retain the beneficial properties.
But
don’t stop there, look at the passive ingredients and check for red flags. As a
rule, if you need a dictionary to understand what’s in the tea, then it’s
better to opt for a different one. Speaking of ingredients, more doesn’t
necessarily mean better.
The
important thing is how the ingredients complement each other and how they
affect your health. For example, you should look for ingredients that contain
minerals and vitamins green tea lacks. And remember, the tea can reduce the
absorption of minerals, and it’s vital to compensate for this.
Our Final Thoughts on the Best Green Tea for Weight Loss
The Fatbom Zero Tea 14-Day Detox stands out as our top recommendation. It has eight active ingredients that have been carefully balanced for the most optimal effect. As such, it targets all the critical areas when you’re on a diet.
Improved
digestion betters nutrient absorption and expedites detox. Your muscles will
recover quicker, and on top of that, your brain should be sharper. And what are
the ingredients responsible for this? They are cloves, red peppercorn,
cornflower, and green tea, to name but a few.
The Fatbom Zero Tea 14-Day Detox is among the most affordable green teas on the market. And at the same time, it’s stacked with super-healthy ingredients.
And if you’re looking for more resources on green teas, be sure to check out these blog posts:
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
This ancient ingredient from Middle Eastern traditional medicine is skyrocketing in popularity as more of its science-backed benefits are being revealed.
The black seeds that produce the oil are the seeds of the black cumin plant. The plant has other names as well and it has a rich history, but we’ll get to that later.
Black seed oil isn’t a panacea, but it
can certainly help with some conditions. However, it’s important to get the
best black seed oil available to you. Whenever a product starts to gain
traction, low-quality options quickly start to show up on the market.
For this article, we’ve combed through a multitude of options to narrow it down to seven oils that will get the job done. You’ll find reviews of each one along with pros and cons to help you make a decision at a glance.
A Quick Look at Our Top Picks
Here’s an outline of the best black seed
oil contenders along with their main benefits.
Zhou Organic Black Seed Oil is one of the best black seed oils currently available on the market. It’s 100% pure, organic black seed oil.
The Zhou black seed oil is cold-pressed. Cold pressing is a slower way of oil extraction, but it results in higher retention of active compounds.
It’s manufactured in FDA certified facilities following the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practices. Zhou products are regularly tested in their Utah-based laboratory to maintain quality standards.
Completely unrefined, this oil retains a
lot of the distinctive taste of black cumin seeds, which some people enjoy.
Buying oil instead of capsules also gives you the benefit of topical
application. Using it on skin and hair has its own benefits and you can even
use it in an aromatherapy vaporizer.
Zhou sources their black cumin seeds from Israel, adhering to the strictest quality guidelines. Every step of the process is designed to make sure that only the best black seed oil makes it into every bottle.
If you’re new to black seed oil and looking for a place to start, look no further – Zhou has the best value for the money.
The folks over at Sweet Sunnah take black
seeds very seriously. Their main business is black seed oil and they make sure
that every bottle meets the highest quality standards.
Sweet Sunnah Non-GMO Unrefined & Unfiltered Black Seed Oil is probably the best black seed oil for people looking to get into the game. It has a very mild taste and no lingering aftertaste. By selecting an exclusive, non-GMO variety of the Nigella Sativum seeds, they’re able to produce nearly flavorless oil.
Plastic bottles storing oils have been
shown to leech estrogenic compounds into their contents. That’s why Sweet
Sunnah chooses glass bottles for their black seed oil. The tinted bottle also
prevents the photo degradation of the compounds in the oil.
Sweet Sunnah only sells the purest, first-pressed oil from their seeds. This results in a product with extraordinarily high thymoquinone potency.
Thymoquinone is the most prominent ingredient in black seed oil and the one that has been most researched. All signs point to it being the main compound in black seed oil, so the more of it you can get the better.
It’s among the pricier options out there,
but it’s manufactured in the USA in GMP-certified facilities.
Pros
Mild taste perfect for first-time users
Glass bottle protects the integrity of the oil
First-pressing has the highest nutrient content
No additives, only 100% black seed oil
Cons
One of the higher-end options
3. Best Value for the Money: Healths Harmony Black Seed Oil
Healths Harmony believes that health supplements should be affordable, so they save costs on advertising, overhead, and margins, and pass the savings on to you.
Heaths Harmony offers high quality, cold-pressed black seed oil in liquid capsules. Each capsule has 500 mg of black cumin seed oil, along with antioxidant vitamin E, and a bottle lasts for 60 days, making it a great value.
Healths Harmony Black Seed Oil contains non-GMO cold-pressed black seed oil. Cold pressing preserves more of the natural benefits of the oil, which may otherwise be damaged or lost during heat processing.
Each capsule has 500 mg of black seed oil, along with antioxidant vitamin E that promotes healthy skin, packaged in an easy-to-swallow vegetarian softgel capsule.
This black seed oil is naturally preserved with nitrogen, which prevents oxidative damage to the nutrients in the oil. This black seed oil supplement is manufactured in the USA, in a GMP certified facility.
PROS
Cold-pressed black seed oil
Vitamin E for added antioxidants and improved hair and skin health
Easy-to-swallow softgel capsules
Vegetarian and non-GMO
Made in the USA
CONS
Some people notice an aftertaste
4. Most Budget-Friendly: Health Thru Nutrition Black Cumin Seed Oil
For those who can’t quite stomach the taste of black seed oil, capsules are a better option. Health Thru Nutrition Black Cumin Seed Oil capsules are both convenient and wallet-friendly while still delivering all the benefits of black seed oil.
They start with pure, cold-pressed black
seed oil from the highest-quality seeds. The concentrated oil is then packed
into easy-to-digest capsules for a potent nutritional boost in a tiny package.
And it all happens in cGMP-certified facilities.
The capsules are 35% more concentrated
than black cumin seeds themselves. Moreover, the capsules deliver nutrients
much better than raw seeds because they’re easier for your body to digest. It’s
a quick and effortless way to add all four Omega oils to your diet. Just two
capsules a day are enough to start seeing benefits.
Pros
Convenient capsules avoid the taste of black seed oil
Great value for money
Produced under strict regulations in the US
Cons
5. Best Black Seed Capsules Option: Zhou Black Seed Oil Capsules
If you prefer black seed oil in convenient, easy-to-swallow, liquid-gel capsules, with no taste or aftertaste, these Zhou Black Seed Oil Capsules are a great choice.
They have unrefined virgin cold-pressed black seed oil, with no GMOs, gluten, soy, eggs, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or preservatives. These capsules are a convenient way to get a daily dose of black seed oil.
The Zhou Black Seed Oil Capsules have pure, virgin, unrefined, cold-pressed black seed oil. Each vegetarian capsule contains 650 mg of black seed oil, and the capsules also contain beeswax, rosemary, vegetable cellulose, and purified water.
These tablets are non-GMO, and have no wheat or gluten, dairy, nuts, or preservatives. They are made in the US, in an FDA-registered facility that follows GMP practices.
PROS
Unrefined cold-pressed black seed oil
No GMOs or preservatives
Tasteless liquid-gel capsules
Made in the USA
CONS
Some people notice an aftertaste
6. Best High-End Black Seed Oil: Best Naturals Black Seed Oil
Best Naturals Black Seed Oil hits all the right notes at just the right volume. It’s 100% pure, virgin-pressed black seed oil from a reputable dealer in an affordable package.
Best Naturals have been in the game for a
while, and they’ve gained a reputation for being a quality supplier of dietary
supplements of every kind. Their black seed oil is no exception. They’re Good
Manufacturing Practices-compliant across the entire catalog.
This oil contains no solvents, alcohols,
or other additives. It’s just pure black seed oil, and it has the taste to
prove it. It contains a minimum of 0.95% thymoquinone which is above average
for what’s available.
Additionally, Best Naturals are committed
to defeating malnutrition across the globe. A portion of every sale goes to
their Vitamin Angels initiative to deliver vitamins to malnourished children.
Pros
Trusted dealer of dietary supplements
Good thymoquinone content
No additives of any kind
Cons
The strong flavor might not appeal to all users
7. Best Organic Black Seed Option: ORZAX Black Seed Oil Capsules
If you’re in the market for the best black seed oil capsules, ORZAX Black Seed Oil is the product for you. ORZAX delivers on their promise of the purest and highest-quality black cumin oil in every capsule.
These capsules contain nothing but the best black seed oil. No sweeteners, dilutions, or additives of any kind. They’re manufactured in the USA following cGMP, and ORZAX products are independently tested to ensure quality and potency. These softgels are also vegetarian-friendly.
Every capsule has 1,000mg of black seed
oil. Recommended daily values are not established, but 1,000mg is enough to
satisfy current findings of efficacy. Just one pill a day is enough to provide
all the black seed oil you need.
Pros
1,000mg of oil in every capsule
Strict manufacturing standards
Vegetarian-friendly softgels
Cons
Some users found them difficult to digest
What
Is Black Seed Oil?
Now you know what the best black seed oil
products are. But you’re probably still not entirely clear on what black seeds
are and all the benefits that they offer. You’re not alone, black seed (or
black cumin seed) oil is just starting to become a real contender.
Black cumin, black caraway, black onion,
and kalonji are all names for the same plant – Nigella Sativa. In fact, it’s
not even in the same family as cumin or caraway, but their seeds are similar,
albeit black.
The black seeds of the Nigella plant have been used for thousands of years in traditional Middle Eastern medicine. The famed 10th-century physician, Avicenna, mentions black cumin seeds as a remedy for fatigue and lack of energy.
They have also been found in and around King Tut’s tomb and have been linked to other famous figures of the ancient world.
So, this begs the question – if we’ve
known about its properties for so long, why are we just now starting to use it
at significant rates? Well, the truth is that many people around the world have
been, but it takes longer for this type of thing to take root in the Western
world.
This is changing rapidly, however. The pharmacological properties of black cumin seeds are being explored with fervor. Since 1960, over 400 research reports have been posted on various databases about the effects and qualities of thymoquinone.
If you’ll recall, this is the “main ingredient” that’s suspected to have the largest hand in the beneficial effects of black seed oil.
All this research is causing a
groundswell of support around black seeds and there are many ardent believers
in its properties. The number of products available on the market has nearly
tripled in the last few years.
Unfortunately, some people are taking
advantage of the situation and ascribing properties to the seeds that aren’t
evidence-based. So, here are the real, science-backed benefits that black seed
oil does have.
The
Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil
There is a lot remaining to prove about this oil, but some benefits are already well-documented. Chief among them is its ability to regulate blood pressure. Ingesting the oil reduced the blood pressure of mildly hypertensive subjects within two months of use.
The oil, as well as crushed seeds, also
seems to have positive effects on cholesterol levels. They have high levels of
healthy fats which work to reduce bad cholesterol buildup. The effect on
cholesterol seemed to be different based on the origin of the seeds.
Black seed oil has a number of powerful antioxidants. While antioxidants are known to have a slew of beneficial effects, few of those effects have been directly studied as they relate to black seed oil.
However, there is some evidence to suggest that it can reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
One of the oldest uses of black cumin
seeds was to reduce the effect of an upset stomach. And there are good reasons
to believe that this is effective. Both the oil and crushed seeds may aid in
relieving stomach problems.
Finally, thymoquinone has been proven to
be somewhat effective in reducing the growth of tumors in lab rats. This could potentially
suggest some anti-cancer properties, but there has been no human testing
insofar.
Now, of course, none of this suggests
that black seed oil should be used as a substitute for professional medical
attention. Consult your physician about potential benefits you could get from
black seed oil.
Black oil benefits are well-documented. They have the ability to regulate high blood pressure and can reduce it within two months of use.
In terms of its external applications,
black seed oil has some proven beneficial qualities there as well. A 10% black
seed oil lotion reduced the incidence of acne in the participants of one study
after two months of use.
Applying the oil directly on the skin has been successful in reducing the incidence of psoriasis plaques and moisturizing skin. When applied to wounds, the black seed oil seemed to reduce inflammation and the presence of bacteria around the affected area, as one study found.
How
to Choose the Right Black Seed Oil
When looking for the best black seed oil
that marries quality with efficacy, there are a few factors to consider.
You’ll be surprised to know that price
isn’t necessarily one of them. Some very good black seed oils aren’t all that
expensive, while some inferior oils go for far more than they’re worth.
Instead, you should focus on these characteristics when shopping for the best
black seed oil.
Organic Certification
There is no reason for black cumin seeds
to be genetically modified. They grow well in many climates and have no overt
disease problems. If it doesn’t have organic certification, something’s either
wrong or the distributor hasn’t bothered to acquire it.
Glass Bottles
This isn’t a strict requirement, but if you’re buying oil in liquid form avoid plastic bottles. Ideally, you’d buy only oils that come in amber glass bottles. The reason is that plastic bottles can leach chemicals into the oil over time.
If you do buy oil in a plastic bottle, make sure it was bottled less than 6 months prior to the purchase. Amber glass also prevents the oil from being damaged by exposure to light.
Cold-Pressed Oil
The extraction process is important when selecting oils. The hot press method involves heating the seeds to liquefy the oils and sometimes even adding chemicals to aid in extraction.
This process can have detrimental effects on the nutrient content and the acidity of the oil. Always choose cold-pressed black seed oil, whether you’re buying liquid or softgels.
The Source Matters
Black cumin seeds have different
compositions depending on where they’re grown. Egypt and Israel produce some of
the best quality seeds with the highest amounts of thymoquinone. If at all
possible, try to buy black seed oil that is sourced from those regions for the
greatest effects.
Nitrogen Flushed
Flushing the oil with nitrogen removes
oxygen built up in the oil before it’s bottled. Removing the oxygen prevents
oxidation and makes the oil last longer. If you’re buying oil in capsules, and
it hasn’t been nitrogen-flushed, chances are it contains some sort of
preservatives.
Ways
to Use Black Seed Oil
If you buy black seed oil capsules,
you’ve got a pretty straightforward path. However, if you like buying the real
deal, you’re left with the choice of how to add the oil to your diet.
A small number of people can never get
used to the taste. They prefer to get it over with a spoonful in one go. But
most people do learn to like it. It’s a very peculiar taste but not unpleasant,
meaning there are better ways to consume it than just swallowing it by the
spoonful.
The bitter taste of the oil can easily be
masked if you don’t like it. Use equal parts oil and honey with a squirt of
lemon juice for a much more palatable experience.
If you don’t mind the flavor, or better yet if you like it, you can sprinkle the oil on salads as you would any other oil.
Vinegar, black seed oil, and pepper make a very quick and convenient salad dressing that pairs well with arugula and other peppery greens. You can also sprinkle it over pieces of bread or bagels to add flavor.
A good way to avoid the flavor almost entirely is to add it to meals that have strong flavors. Adding the oil to curries or soups is a great way to mask the bitter flavor and still get the benefits. Just make sure you add it at the end of the cooking process. You don’t want to cook with the oil as that will destroy many of the beneficial compounds in it.
Adding the oil to curries or soups is a great way to mask the bitter flavor and still get the benefits.
You can also add it to smoothies. Make your favorite smoothie and top it off with a shot of black seed oil. If the taste is too strong, you can counteract it pretty effectively with honey.
Finally, if you have whole seeds, you can mix them with peppercorns and grind them into meals along with the pepper. This won’t affect the flavor of your food much at all, but you’ll still be getting some of the benefits.
If you’re using the oil to help with skin conditions, apply a thin, even coat directly on the affected area up to three times per day. Depending on the condition you’re treating, you should start to see results within a couple of weeks.
For some people, the pure oil is a bit too strong for their skin. If that’s the case for you, dilute it in water. Add about 10 ml of oil into 250 ml of water in a sealable container. Then, seal the container and shake it vigorously right before applying the mixture on the skin.
Avoid
Complications
Black cumin seed oil is generally
recognized as safe by the USDA. But, it’s always better to be conservative when
adding something new to your diet or health regiment. Exercise caution, and if
you begin to see some undesirable side effects, stop using it immediately.
There is no evidence to suggest that
there is any benefit in taking more than three tablespoons of the oil a day.
So, while you’re welcome to consume more than that, it isn’t likely to improve
your health in any way, shape or form.
If you have any preexisting conditions,
consult with your doctor about potential side effects of taking black seed oil.
Final Thoughts on the Best Black Seed Oil
As you can see, there are many benefits
to be had from black seed oil. A lot of them are well researched, but others
are a bit overstated. The key is to choose a high-quality black seed oil
product. That’s your best bet to get as many benefits as you can from it.
Zhou Organic Black Seed Oil
With that in mind, your best option is the Zhou Organic Black Seed Oil. It’s good quality, pure, cold-pressed oil with no additives. It’s great oil for both long-time users and newcomers. And, it’s manufactured under the strictest standards in FDA-certified facilities, so you know you’re getting the best-quality product.
And if you’re looking for more resources on oils, be sure to check out these blog posts:
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Between work, events, running errands, and hanging out with friends who don’t live near me, I’ve often outside all day long. And for extended stretches of time spent outside, you need a specific bag that can hold all the essentials. I always lean towards crossbody bags for their convenience of a hands-free experience, but smaller bags don’t always cut it. I’ve been on the hunt for an elevated tote bag which is more practical for my lifestyle.
Megan Markle — as well as my fellow editors — are obsessed with Cuyana’s Easy Tote, but as I was perusing their site, I came across the a similar style that seemed like a better fit for me. Cuyana’s System Tote ($348) is an everyday tote bag that is designed to be customized to your needs. Ahead, you can read more about the bag and why it’s become my favorite.
What’s the Criteria For a Good Tote Bag?
A good tote bag should be both stylish, roomy, and durable. You should be able to throw all your essentials and extras in a bag and run out the door to the office, to the gym, or to run errands, and it has to work as a personal item bag while traveling.
What I Like About the Cuyana System Tote Bag
Cuyana’s System Tote Bag has become my ultimate Mary Poppins bag, but much more chic. I got the 16-inch model to accommodate my laptop and plenty of other must-haves. But what makes the System Tote unique is that it has a wide range of add-ons that let you customize your tote. I opted for the Flap Bag and the versatile, adjustable strap which can turn the System Tote into a crossbody bag.
I’d be remiss to not rave about the quality and craftsmanship of this bag. The Italian leather is so soft and flexible that it looks more delicate than it actually is. It can handle the hustle and bustle of a busy lifestyle, but it makes you look put together. This bag is something that I know I will use for the rest of my life; it’s truly a luxurious, timeless piece.
What to Consider Before Trying the Cuyana System Tote Bag:
The System Tote Bag is a great investment for those who want to customize their tote with their organizational needs. However, the add-ons are at an additional cost, which makes the overall bag more expensive. I highly recommend buying the add-ons on an as-needed basis, rather than splurging on all seven.
It’s also important to note that the Flap Bag fastens onto the top of the System Tote. However, that also prevents the tote from being securely closed with the button closure. When I want to keep my tote securely fastened with the button closure, I move my Flap Bag to either side and fasten it there, or just leave it inside the tote.
Who’s the Cuyana System Tote Bag Best For?
The Cuyana System Tote Bag is ideal for those who want to carry their life with them. With its spacious interior and combinations of add-ons, you’ll be able to customize your tote bag to your organizational needs. It’s the bag that will keep up with your busy lifestyle, especially if you’re constantly on the go. It’s also such a thoughtful and useful gift for the women in your life, whether they’re busy professionals, commuting or traveling often, or just a lover of fashion.
Is the Cuyana System Tote Bag Worth the Splurge?
Cuyana’s lineup of accessories and clothing are the epitome of quiet luxury but with the craftsmanship to back it up. Made with quality materials like genuine Italian leather and a silhouette that goes beyond trend cycles, this tote bag is a staple you’ll use for years to come. It’s been my commuter bag, an overnight stay bag, a personal item bag, and more. When it comes to investing in pricier items, my philosophy is that nothing is a waste of money as long as you put it to use, and ever since I got the System Tote, it has been the only bag I want to use.
Additional Details
It’s available in five colors: black, cappuccino (a neutral tan), caramel (a warm brown), dark olive, and stone (ivory).
It comes in three different sizes: a mini (11-inch wide), a 13-inch (fits a 13-inch laptop), and a 16-inch (fits a 16-inch laptop).
The pebbled version is made from a soft and supple Italian double-faced leather. You can also get a croc leather version as well in two colors.
You can choose from seven add-on attachments: an adjustable strap ($58), a wide adjustable strap ($88), a system flap bag ($128), a system laptop bag ($98-$108), a system pouch insert ($198), a system zipper pouch ($138), a 13-inch tech carry-all ($198).
You can choose from seven add-on attachments: an adjustable strap ($58), a wide adjustable strap ($88), a system flap bag ($128), a system laptop bag ($98-$108), a system pouch insert ($198), a system zipper pouch ($138), a 13-inch tech carry-all ($198).
Dimensions: 11 inches height x 19 inches width x 5.5 inches depth.
Where is the Cuyana System Tote Bag Available?
The Cuyana System Tote Bag is available on the brand’s site.
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
Have you ever felt like, no matter how hard you try, you can never reach your major goals?
Are you having trouble focusing on things that really matter?
Don’t fret. At some point or another, everybody feels that way. Sometimes, there’s just too much going on with our lives that we can’t seem to focus properly. Looking at that endless to-do list can be quite exhausting and overwhelming.
Goal-setting is based on the premise that when you are aware of your goals and how to reach them, you are able to fulfill them through actionable plans and settings.
In this article, we provide you the nine best goal-setting planners that can help you prioritize things and organize your life. But before we go to our list, let us share with you a brief explanation of the benefits of goal-setting.
Our Picks for the Best Goal Setting Planners
Don’t have time to read the entire post? Then check out this table for a quick review…
What are the Benefits of Goal-Setting?
It gives you a sense of purpose and destination.
No matter where you are or what you are doing, setting a goal provides you with direction. It gives you something to work hard for, and helps you know what you want in life. Consequently, that “want” becomes alife purpose, so you try hard to achieve it.
Instead of wasting time and resources doing nothing, you start to spend your time building dreams and creating plans to control your future. When you reach that goal, you enjoy a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment.
It clears your mind and provides peace of mind.
Goal-setting helps you focus on what is truly important, and what matters most. It helps you eliminate all other things that can make you feel worried and anxious.
Through goal-setting, you achieve mental clarity and peace of mind, so that you can make wise decisions and plans. Since you are able to differentiate between what is significant and what is not, you save a lot of time and resources.
Positive psychology suggests that goal-setting is one way to boost motivation. When you see your goals and progress laid out in front of you, this helps you feel fulfilled and inspired. Studies show that seeing good results increases a person’s drive to continue improving and doing better.
Goal-setting is a great way to feel personal satisfaction. It helps you appreciate your skills and talents more. This, in turn, boosts your confidence and self-esteem, prompting you to do more and reach your highest potential.
It builds your relationships with other people.
When you set goals, you also set boundaries. You define your scopes and limitations. When you do that, it helps you consider the people you need help from to achieve your goals.
When you admit that you need help, you are more likely to reach out and connect with others. Reaching out and opening yourself to other people is great way to strengthen relationships.
To learn more about setting SMART goals, the video below provides a quick overview of SMART goals and then shows three examples for each of the seven areas of your life.
Now that you know the benefits of goal-setting, it’s time to check out our list of the best goal-setting planners. Let’s get to it!
Self Journal by BestSelf Co. is the perfect goal-setting planner for high achievers who want to reach their potential.
It is designed to prevent procrastination, imbalanced time management, and lack of discipline. Most importantly, it helps develop a sense of organization without making you feel too dazed or overwhelmed.
According to the manufacturer, the overall framework of this journal is backed by science and the psychology of success. Its contents are intended to guide you in setting plans that drive you toward your goals, while also monitoring your progress in the process.
Ultimately, it aims to help you optimize your time and use it wisely, set your tasks and priorities properly, and make your everyday goal-setting activities more productive.
The Self Journal features a 13-week planning system—just the right amount of time to accomplish a project. It is divided into three distinct sections to help you track growth on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Additionally, it has a habit tracker, weekly reflection section, and gratitude quotes and affirmations to keep you motivated.
Inside the daily sections, you will find a timeline where you can schedule your activities for the day. There is also a space for your specific goals and tasks,daily wins, and lessons learned. If you need a dose of inspiration, the daily section provides warm morning and evening gratitude quotes.
This is an undated planner, which means that you can start anytime. You do not need to wait until next year to start setting goals.
It also has a professional and luxurious look, which makes it more appealing and pleasing to the eyes. Its paper is made from an ivory white material that is fountain pen-friendly, smudge-proof, and stylish.
LifePlanner is one of the bestselling weekly planners out there, an excellent choice for those who love geometric lines and kaleidoscope designs.
It comes in multiple colors (bright, neutral, or metallic), and it is customizable according to your liking and mood. To date, the LifePlanner has sold over two million copies, and 94% of its users agree that it had made their lives more organized and productive.
As mentioned, you can customize this planner in whatever way you deem fit to make your work more productive and efficient. It is designed to make your days less stressful and more meaningful.
Its format is meant to help you get things organized and achieve your goals. Your customization options include a monthly, weekly, and daily perspective, with a two-page weekly calendar view for 12 to 18 months.
This journal comes with a decorative planner storage box, gorgeous stickers, and matching kaleidoscope pens. Some of its contents include inspirational quotes, coloring spreads, inspiration boards, and additional note pages.
It also has monthly calendars, weekly planning pages, and a yearly overview. Most importantly, you get to choose between two interiors (flower power and layer) depending on your mood.
LifePlanner is made out of thick and sturdy materials. It is hand-coiled and composed of premium 80# Mohawk paper. It also has interchangeable front and back cover designs to suit your style and taste.
Overall, you have total freedom on how to design your planner, based on how you want to use it to achieve your goals.
PetitePlanner is a wonderful option for those who are looking for a small yet functional goal-setting planner.
Although cute and petite, it is designed to help you achieve big goals by breaking down the necessary tasks you need to accomplish first. The PetitePlanner teaches you how to take baby steps toward reaching your dreams.
The creator believes that it takes proper decision making, organizational planning, and task breaking before you can achieve your goals. Moreover, you have to repeat this process to familiarize yourself with goal-setting.
The content of the planner includes goal setting tips and advice, undated goal tracking spreads, reflection and journaling spreads, six big goal action plan spreads, to-do lists for action steps, and stickers.
If you go through the pages, you will also find prompts like goal outline, goal importance, due dates, action plans, and small steps recorder.
This journal makes a perfect planning notebook, as it is portable and lightweight. You can take it with you on the go and simply pull it out whenever inspiration strikes. With its high-quality paper, you will also surely have luxurious writing experience.
PetitePlanner is a part of a journal collection by Erin Condren. You may want to include it in your on-the-go folio with your meal planner, budget book, travel journal, gratitude journal, and other planners from Erin Condren.
If you are looking for a planner that can help you have clear goals and stay focused on what matters most, then the Full Focus Planner is a must-try!
This planner is the brainchild of New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt and his daughter Megan Hyatt Miller. As its creators say, it aims to help people achieve more while doing less.
The Hyatts believe that one of the best ways to prioritize and organize to narrow down the things you need to accomplish. It is a matter of properly listing tasks, eliminating anything that may be impossible to achieve.
This does not mean, however, that you have to completely remove them all—you just need to do them one task at a time to make everything less overwhelming.
Full Focus Planner offers guaranteed progress as long as you follow its built-in planning and prioritization system. Even with a hectic schedule, the planner is designed to help you achieve your goals slowly yet surely. There are three styles you can choose from: classic, executive, and bold.
All three styles feature a 90-day achievement cycle, annual goal templates, and daily productivity tools. The difference lies in the color, interior design, and layout. The classic has a basic appearance, while the executive and bold are offered in various colors.
Aside from the three styles, the planner also has versions available for kids and students. Full Focus Kids is for children ages 10 to 14 years old. It is a simple planner that can teach your kids the importance of goal-setting and goal-achievement.
Full Focus Students is for high school and college students, and prepares young adults as they enter a new world by allowing them to stay ahead of growing tasks and responsibilities.
We recommend The Mastery Journal to those who want to focus on accomplishing one main goal.
It was developed by John Lee Dumas, host of the award-winning podcast EOFIRE, and it focuses on three things: productivity, discipline, and focus. Most customers assert that it is a must-have if you are looking for a structured way to increase your productivity.
The heart of The Mastery Journal revolves around conducting focus sessions. In each session, you begin with one task and a timer. Upon starting the timer, your only goal is to complete that specific task you decided to do.
Do not start another one unless you are done with the first task. After four sessions, you will then go through a review and scoring process, and check how productive and disciplined you were in doing each of the tasks.
This journal teaches you to focus on one single task at a time. Instead of multitasking and creating room for distractions, you have to control yourself and avoid being side-tracked by other tasks. The journal’s designer believes that productivity is much higher when you take things one step at a time.
The Mastery Journal also features a “Win Tomorrow Today” section and a “10-Day Recap” section. In the former, you have to establish tomorrow’s routine and the one goal you need to accomplish.
This way, you will be able to get more things done. There is no need to prepare and think about everything at once, as you have already prepare the night before.
The 10-Day Recap is a simple guide that can help you evaluate your overall performance. It includes recording your wins and determining your struggles. After that, you will be able to create a plan to help you improve your process and guarantee your success.
The Mastery Journal partners with Pencils of Promise, an organization that helps people access education. For every journal sold, a portion of the proceeds goes into the educational funds of developing countries. This journal offers a wonderful way to achieve your dreams while helping others achieve theirs.
If you are looking for a planner that can help you have confidence and take control over your life, then the Panda Planner is a suitable option.
Developed by cancer, Lyme disease, and traumatic brain injury survivor Michael Leip, this planner has all it takes to help you reclaim your happiness.
According to the manufacturer, the science behind the Panda Planner is based on the tenets of positive psychology and neuroscience. It is actually endorsed by most psychologists for its ability to make you happier and be more productive.
Whoever you are—a parent, a business professional, a teacher, a student, or an entrepreneur—this planner can help you stay focused and organized.
This planner is composed of three sections: daily, weekly, and monthly. The daily section rewires your brain and allows you to focus on the most important things.
Daily prioritization practices make productivity automatic. The weekly section helps you learn from the past seven days so you can plan your upcoming week. Lastly, the monthly section gives you an overview of your goals and helps you build better habits.
The Panda Planner targets four aspects of your life for improvement: confidence and control, organization and productivity, energy and optimism, and work/life balance.
It specifically addresses your exhaustion from the demands of modern life and trying to keep up with your day-to-day activities. As the manufacturer likes to put it, the planner aims to make your life more vibrant, and help you thrive.
This goal-setting planner comes with a set of eBooks (e.g., How to Crush Your Goals, How to Cure Procrastination), and video courses. If you want to boost your productivity and efficiency, this might be the answer.
We recommend this goal-setting planner for those who are fond of mind maps and vision boards. It offers a simple process to help you become more efficient, disciplined, and productive.
The Simple Elephant Planner focuses on four key areas: motivation, focus, results, and happiness. For motivation, it has mind maps and vision boards to remind you of your current progress and goals. For focus, it offers monthly and weekly sections where you can include big, actionable goals.
If you want to see your progress and results, you can look at recaps of your weeks, and see how well you managed your time and accomplished your tasks.
Through these results, you can also establish ways to improve in the future. Eventually, when you see outstanding results, you will find happiness and confidence in the things you do to achieve your goals.
The Simple Elephant Planner provides a quality planning experience to working professionals, teachers, and students. It is designed to help people focus on developing their goal-setting habits, making it an effective tool for productivity.
It isn’t called the “legend” for nothing—this planner can help you achieve legendary goals by incorporating organization, discipline, and productivity into your life.
The Legend Planner can help you figure out what you really want, and then assist you in creating actionable plans to accomplish it. Its framework is based on proven scientific findings on positive psychology that increase happiness and life satisfaction.
The manufacturer claims that this “legendary” planner can help you “create the life you have always wanted.” It allows you to build your personal vision and then determine your short-term and long-term goals.
Most importantly, this planner teaches you how to prioritize things on a monthly and weekly basis so you know where to focus your energy. It is basically a time-management tool that helps you commit to accomplishing tasks and meeting deadlines.
The planner features undated pages, complete with 12-months and 52-week schemes. It also offers three colorful bookmarks to help you stay on track on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. In addition, there is a habit tracker that can help you monitor everything in your life—health, work, mood, school, etc.
The Legend Planner promises to improve work-life balance and make you feel happier. It also aims to incorporate gratitude and affirmation techniques into your life.
Smart Planner Pro is another quality goal-setting planner for high achievers and those who want to practice self-development.
It features a scientific approach to achieving your highest potential while at the same time enjoying the goal-setting experience. It is a planner that can help you “plan smarter and live better.”
The designers of this journal believe that the secret to accomplishing the things you want to do is learning how to prioritize and organize things.
They also suggest that writing and listing are important parts of goal-setting, as you can see what matters most and what does not. Hence, they developed this planner to help you focus only on the things that are necessary.
This planner has a lot of features, including monthly calendars, daily schedules, weekly scoring, habit tracking, and gratitude affirmations. The monthly calendar and daily schedule can help you get a good idea of how your months and weeks will look.
The weekly scoring serves as a recap to check your progress and reflect on your wins and struggles. The habit tracker simply motivates you to continue developing your chosen habits based on the progress you see.
What is probably most interesting is the goal-setting section, which gives you four different spaces to choose from each month. This means that you will be able to see clearly what you are trying to achieve for a specific time period.
As such, you have to choose your priorities wisely—pick only what you know you can stick to.
The Smart Planner is made of luxurious, quality materials. It has 120gsm, bleed-proof paper and a silky-smooth sleek leatherette hardcover. It is a 12-month planner, complete with 52 undated weeks. It also has an inner bank pocket and three bookmarks to aid you in your progress tracking.
Final Thoughts on the Best Goal-Setting Planners
It is not enough to have dreams and goals that you want to come true—action matters, and you have to start as soon as possible. One of the best ways to kick start your journey to achieving your goals is through a goal-setting planner.
In this regard, we hope that we were able to help you choose the best goal-setting planner that suits your taste and style. The items listed above all differ in one way or another, typically in style, format, and design.
You may try one or a few of them and see for yourself which is the most appropriate for the goals you have in mind.
Did any of the planners above catch your attention? If so, we’d love hear about it in the comments!
And if you’re looking for more resources to help you find the right planner, be sure to check out these articles:
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
If you’re new to bullet journaling, you might be looking for some pointers to get you started.
Although you can dive right in and start bullet journaling with just a notebook and a pen, having other journaling supplies on hand can give you a truly satisfying creative experience as you track of your schedule, to-do list, ideas, and artwork.
Today’s post features a list of the essential bullet journal supplies you need to get started organizing your life.
The cover of Dingbats Earth Dotted Hardcover Journal is made from 100% PU vegan leather, with 12 vibrant colors to choose from. It feels luxurious and provides an elegant protective cover for the pages of your bullet journal.
If you’re looking for a notebook that’s primarily designed for bullet journals, you might want to try this one. It features dot-grid, numbered pages. The first few pages are labeled for bullet journal use, including index, key pages, and future log. The pages are creamy white 100 gsm paper, so they’re thick enough for sketches and heavy writing.
This notebook also comes with an expandable envelope for essential documents you need to carry with you. In addition, there are 16 perforated pages, so you can easily detach art work or to-do lists. Lastly, there are a couple of ribbon bookmarks that make it easy for you to find your place within the journal.
If you’re looking for a high-end notebook, this is a very good option.
This notebook also has 100 gsm paper. Its cover is made from PU leather and comes in 10 colors.
Many bullet journal enthusiasts prefer using a dot grid notebook because it allows them some flexibility in creating their spreads, which can be a bit difficult to pull off on a squared or lined page. A dot grid notebook also provides some structure compared with a plain notebook.
Here is another notebook from the Dingbats line. This time, the notebook contains plain pages.
Dingbats Wildlife Collection Notebook is ideal for those who do bullet journaling, but also use their notebooks as sketchbooks. This product also has a vegan leather cover. Its 192 pages are entirely perforated, and it comes with a pen holder, an expandable envelope, and a single ribbon bookmark.
Its sturdy black cover has a classic, elegant design. There are 240 pages on 120 leaves of acid-free paper. That gives this notebook an archival quality, ensuring that your notes do not fade with time.
It also comes with a ribbon bookmark and an expandable pocket.
Scriveiner Luxury Pen provides a smooth writing experience, such as you’d get when using a fountain pen. In addition, it offers the convenience of a ballpoint in an elegant writing instrument.
If you want a luxury pen for filling in the daily, weekly, and monthly spreads in your bullet journal, this pen is worth a try.
Are you looking for pens that are suitable for both writing and sketching?
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen set offers various nib sizes, making it ideal for writing and sketching. The set provides great value for money. Furthermore, the ink is archival quality, which ensures that what you write in your journal won’t fade as time passes.
Using colored pens adds visual interest to bullet journals. Gel pens, such as those found in Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens, are popular for drawing icons, sketches, and other images for your spreads.
Gel pens have the advantage of working on almost any type of paper. They produce less ghosting, and rarely bleed through a page.
There are a lot of choices for writing tools that work well with bullet journals. Your choice should be determined by how comfortable you are when handling these pens, markers, etc. Always take into consideration:
How comfortable you are using the pen
If you’re doing more sketching or more writing
How well your pen prevents bleed-through or ghosting
Remember, just because a pen is expensive does not necessarily mean it will perform best for your needs.
Most bullet journal users have a favorite set of fineliner pens. These are typically used for creating graphics. However, they are also a favorite for writing by hand. Perhaps this has something with the softer feel of the fiber tip that you cannot get with a regular ballpoint pen.
iBayam 18-Color Fineliner Pens comes in 18 colors, and provides great value for your money. The ink does not bleed through your journal’s pages, and people have used the pens for creating calendars, drawing, coloring, charting their trackers, and more.
Zebra Mildliner Creative Marker is a favorite amongst creatives. It features soft colors that are pleasing to the eye. The highlighters come with double tips—a broad and a fine tip—that can accommodate all types of journaling, drawing, and other applications.
This set of black, felt-tip pens is awesome for bullet journals. You’ll appreciate the vivid black ink that makes note-taking a pleasurable experience. The best part is that these Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens do not bleed through paper. And in bullet journaling, that is a big plus.
If you’d like to incorporate more color into your bullet journal, colored pencils are ideal. They do not bleed, feather, or ghost on paper.
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils comes with 150 richly saturated colors, providing a smooth coloring experience. In addition, they are durable and lightfast.
Wanshui Oily Color Pencils are more affordable alternative to the set featured previously. It comes with 12 metallic colors and 8 fluorescent ones, for added fun while you’re coloring.
Although inks are often considered “advanced” bullet journal supplies, you can start incorporating them into your journal designs early on to make interesting spreads. Tom Holtz Distress Mini Ink Set provides awesome effects when used as a medium in bullet journals.
It can be written, stamped, and drawn over. Tom Holtz’s Distress Ink guarantees no bleed-through when used even on the thinnest journal paper.
Stencils are an easy way to create an artistic effect in your bullet journal no matter what level of artistic talent you possess. They work well with any writing medium.
Furthermore, stencils give you consistent shapes, letters, and other images every time. This is quite useful when you’re creating icons for your trackers and banners for your page headers.
20-Piece Journal Stencil contains the alphabet, banners, and other icons and shapes that you usually encounter in a bullet journal. Enjoy using them to add artistic touches to your journal pages.
Here are some other types of stencils that you definitely need in your collection:
Alphabet stencils – For a more orderly penmanship and creating a more polished look, especially for headers and title pages.
Architectural stencils – Different sizes of squares, circles, triangles, and other shapes work well in bullet journals, especially when creating monthly/weekly spreads and trackers.
Seasonal stencils – These are great for when you’re creating monthly spreads or depicting the seasons.
Stickers are another way to add attractive designs to your journal. Featured here is Zicoto Sticker Set with over 1,500 designs that you can use in your trackers, monthly pages, and other parts of your bullet journal.
If you want to create a themed bullet journal layout, stickers provide a professional look with minimal effort on your part.
So Many Planner Stickers has 2,600 stickers and is great for decorating planners and bullet journals. The stickers are just the right size, and there are a lot of designs to choose from.
The book’s format is wonderfully convenient, especially when you’re doing your bullet journaling on the go.
You can also check out more sticker options in this post.
Washi tapes are another quick and awesome way to decorate your bullet journal. They can be used for practically anything, such as:
Page borders
Tabs
Covering up mistakes on a page
Highlighting
Notepaper
Word art
Swatch decor
Color coding
Decorative adhesive
Kovano 48 Rolls Washi Tape Set depicts charming landscape scenes and are a great addition to your collection of journaling supplies. This set has 48 uniquely designed washi tapes. They are versatile, eye-catching, and durable.
Aguatape 48 Rolls Washi Tape features assorted designs that are great as page dividers in your bullet journal. The set provides great value for your money, and is a great way to grow your washi tape collection.
When you get serious about bullet journaling, you tend to accumulate a lot of supplies. If you don’t have the right storage system, items could get misplaced or lost.
Furthermore, if you’re constantly on the go, you will want to make sure that you have all your essential bullet journaling supplies with you.
Qianshan Pencil Case Holder has the capacity for up to 202 colored pencils, and comes in nine eye-catching designs. There are four compartments so you can organize your pens, coloring materials, adhesives, etc. in their appropriate receptacles.
If you are carrying only the basic supplies for your bullet journal, you can use the non-expanded version of this carrying case. Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Case expands if you need to store more items, and it comes in a size that’s convenient for taking in a backpack.
The design is minimalistic, and is available in four color options.
Final Thoughts on Bullet Journal Supplies
There you have it—our recommendation for the best supplies you need as you begin your journey into bullet journals.
As a rule of thumb, the best products are those that you feel most comfortable using. We hope you’ve found several favorites among the supplies featured here today.
If you need further resources about bullet journals, the following posts are worth checking out:
There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.
For those of us who were in school 15+ years ago, our options for getting a little extra help outside of the classroom or even learning about a subject that wasn’t being taught in school were extremely limited compared to the availability of information today.
Hiring a tutor was expensive and often inconvenient, and going to the library was tedious and time consuming.
But now, whether you want to learn more about history or you’re trying to gain some cooking skills to impress your family, help is available at your fingertips through online course platforms. That’s the beauty of virtual learning!
We will look at the pros and cons of each site and a guideline you can use to determine which site is best for you.
Let’s get started by looking at a quick overview of each site and then we will delve into some side by side comparisons considering various factors.
Skillshare
Skillshare is a web-based learning community that has been around for 10 years. It has grown to offer thousands of courses geared toward creative people, on topics such as animation, illustration, design, film, photography, and more.
However,
the site also offers courses on lifestyle, technology, and business. The
majority of courses are taught through educational videos and focus more on interaction than
lecturing, with the main method of learning being through completing both group
and individual projects.
Udemy
Udemy is also working on its 10th year of business. It is aimed at professional students and adults, and currently employs 57,000 instructors and teaches over 50 million students in over 65 languages.
Udemy courses are largely focused on improving job-related skills, which is why over 80% of Fortune 100 companies offer Udemy classes to their employees. With over 150,000 courses offered, Udemy aims to attract corporate trainers who are looking to create coursework for their employees.
Pricing Structure
Skillshare offers both monthly and annual subscriptions. When you purchase an annual membership, the cost comes out to about $8 per month, and with a monthly subscription, it is $12 per month.
This cost allows users to have unlimited access to all of the courses offered by Skillshare. Once a member, you can access the courses both online and offline with no third party advertisements. The site offers support for teachers as well as scholarships for students.
Udemy courses are offered a la carte, and range from being free to costing $200, with the cost being determined by the instructor. However, Udemy is notorious for offering promotions and discounts for their courses. Users can often take courses for 80% or 90% off the listed price.
Once you’ve purchased a course, you can learn at your own pace, as you’re granted access to the course material as long as your Udemy account remains open, even if the course becomes unpublished.
Because Udemy’s mobile apps are owned and managed by the Apple and Android operating systems, the prices may vary on these platforms. This is because while mobile providers choose the pricing tier that’s closest to the price set by the instructor, they aren’t always exactly the same.
Also, users can’t enter coupon codes on mobile apps. You have to purchase a course on the website if you want to use a coupon code and then you can access it through the app.
Teaching Methods
The courses on Skillshare are taught using a project-based approach to help students learn. Every course has at least one project to complete, so students are able to learn in a hands-on way.
Project-based learning is great for learning subjects such as programming, design, and illustration, where having kinesthetic experience is key.
Having a project-based approach helps students develop real-world skills that they can apply in their profession.
Most of the courses are under an hour, meaning you can learn efficiently without spending hours listening to lectures. Skillshare also offers an online community setting for students to share ideas and inspiration about what they’re doing for their projects.
Some of the courses offered on Udemy take about 5 hours to complete, which can be difficult for some students to see their way through.
And, while Udemy doesn’t teach through assigning projects like Skillshare does, it does offer quizzes and manual assignments for students to turn in for feedback from the professor on how their work could be improved. This makes Udemy less interactive than Skillshare tends to be.
Now, if you want to learn quickly, then the key to mastering a new skill is to only focus on the information that can be immediately applied. The video below provides an overview of just-in-time learning and the steps you can use to master any skill in a short amount of time.
Subjects Taught
If you have a subject in mind that you want to learn about, both Skillshare and Udemy are likely to have a course that can meet your needs.
The biggest difference you will find between the course offerings on the two platforms is the duration of the classes. Some Skillshare classes are as short as 10 minutes, while Udemy courses run at least 30 minutes in length.
However, both sites offer courses that are much longer as well. Overall, Udemy courses go more in-depth with the material, while Skillshare’s classes are shorter and more concise.
I don’t believe one option here is better than the other, it really depends upon your own learning preferences and time constraints.
Instructors
Anyone can sign up to be an instructor on
either of these platforms and create their own courses. Experts in their
respective fields offer up their experiences to teach others who are following
in their footsteps.
While most teachers on either platform don’t have Ph.D. credentials, most do have unique and valuable experiences to share with students on the subjects they’re teaching.
However, the downside to both of these platforms is that the course quality can vary greatly from one instructor to another.
While one course may offer insight from someone who has one or two years of experience doing project management, another may be taught by an instructor who is 25 years into their career and has done project management in a wide range of circumstances.
This is less of an issue on Skillshare because of the subscription-based pricing structure. If you start a course and find that you don’t find it to be of any value to you, you can switch to another course at no cost to you.
However, when you purchase a course on Udemy that you aren’t too fond of, you’ve already paid for the content.
Accreditation and Certificates
Neither
platform is an academically accredited institution.
And, while Udemy offers completion certificates once you’ve completed a course,
the skills learned through this site aren’t necessarily valued by companies, as
anyone can sign up for them.
Skillshare does not offer certificates. You
only walk away from courses with any projects you have completed and the skills
that you’ve learned.
Because of this, neither platform is very effective in helping you gain education or experience that is appropriate to add to your resume. If you’re looking for certification or credentials, you’ll want to look at other options.
However, if you’re just looking to sharpen your skills, either site will provide you with practical information at a relatively low cost and time investment as compared to a traditional educational institution.
Time
Both
platforms require very little time commitments,
especially when compared to classes at a typical university. After purchasing a
course with Udemy, you have lifetime access to it and you can go through the
material at your own pace.
Because of the monthly subscription aspect of
Skillshare, you have to keep up with
your monthly payments to maintain access to the material, so there’s some
pressure to get through it if you don’t want to continue your subscription.
However, courses are short and will likely take you under a month to complete.
But
just because some courses are short doesn’t mean they aren’t high quality. They offer the most critical information you need to know regarding
the topic and leave out some of the excess fluff information that isn’t
imperative to know in order to have a solid grasp on the subject.
Both platforms value efficiency in their
methods of teaching.
Compared to classes at a typical university, both platforms require very little time commitments.
This
free course is aimed toward anyone who is seeking to complete a goal. Taking this course will show you how to break your larger goals down
into smaller, more achievable tasks, overcome self-doubt, and learn how to
prioritize the most important things.
The instructor, Kate Arends, is the founder of
a Wit and Delight, a lifestyle website, and she shares ways to maintain your
motivation so you can power through when things get tough.
The course
includes 12 video lectures and lasts 48 minutes.
This free course teaches the basics of Photoshop from an Adobe-Certified trainer. It offers 87 lessons to bring your Photoshop skills from nil to superstar in no time at all.
The course covers tasks such as layering, retouching, masking, color enhancements, etc. Students also complete projects to practice hands-on learning with Photoshop.
This free beginner course is for aspiring photographers. It teaches the basics of photography by simply using an iPhone or similar smartphone.
It is great for those who want to develop their own portfolio without having to fork out a fortune on photography equipment.
Dale McManus, the course’s instructor, is one
of the creators of WANDR, which is a travel film company. He is also an
award-winning professional photographer, videographer, and YouTuber.
This
Udemy bestseller is for aspiring financial analysts.
The full cost to enroll is $194. It’s instructed by 365 Careers, who is a
common provider of financial courses on the site.
Upon enrollment, you will be granted access to
17 hours of lectures, 3 related articles, and over 460 resources available for
you to download.
To complete this course, you will need to have
access to Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
This
bestseller is for beginner-level photoshop users. The
instructor, Christian Doru Barin, has taught over 180,000 students using the
Udemy platform and this course is among his 5 top-rated options.
Both platforms value efficiency in their methods of teaching. They offer the most critical information you need to know regarding the topic.
It costs $199 to enroll, which will give you
access to 176 lectures condensed into 14 hours of video that you can watch at
your leisure, 2 related articles, and 182 resources that you can download.
You’ll also gain access to over 250 Photoshop Document files.
For those interested in IT ethical hacking and penetration testing, this course teaches students how to hack and secure wired and WiFi networks.
This is helpful for those who want to become an ethical hacker that can secure computer systems in the same ways that security experts do. Students also learn how to recognize vulnerabilities in web applications and intercept network traffic.
The course costs $195, but as of this writing,
it is on sale for $11.99. With this cost, you will gain access to 137 lectures
combined into 14.5 hours of video that you can watch at your leisure, 2 related
articles, and 22 resourced that you can download.
Before
enrolling in this course, it is important to have a basic knowledge of IT
skills. You’ll also need access to a computer that has
at least 4GB of ram/memory, as well as a Windows, OS X or Linux operating
system and a wireless adapter that allows you to work in monitor mode.
Let’s start summing this up by looking at the
pros and cons of each learning platform.
Pros and Cons of Skillshare
PROS
The high-quality video content offered from Skillshare is often more valuable than what is offered on Udemy.
The platform is straightforward and easy to navigate–it is user-friendly.
With your monthly subscription, you can take unlimited online classes. You can easily get your money’s worth when trying to gain new knowledge and acquire skills.
Skillshare offers offline course access, so if you aren’t able to access the internet at all times, having access to offline courses may be a critical feature for you. Skillshare is among very few online educational platforms that allow users to download course material to be able to access it offline.
CONS
Courses on Skillshare can be as short as 10 minutes long, so some may leave you wanting more information. Some instructors tend to cram a lot of information into short videos that don’t go into much depth.
Skillshare is more focused on creative content. They offer fewer non-creative courses than Udemy does.
It’s true that Udemy’s certificates aren’t accredited, but they’re still offered. Skillshare doesn’t provide you with any proof of completing a course.
Pros and Cons of Udemy
PROS
Offers thousands of courses, and even offers several different courses for popular topics that are taught by various experts, so you can decide which one most appeals to you.
After purchasing a Udemy course, you will always have access to the course material. You will also get any additional content that the instructor adds to the course for free in the future.
Udemy’s mobile app allows you to learn on-the-go. Because courses are segmented into sections, you can quickly work through a module if you have 10 to 15 free minutes here and there.
CONS
Udemy’s large library of courses means there may be many courses that you wish to take, in which case, the costs can add up.
Udemy does offer completion certificates when you finish a course, however, because they’re not accredited, a future employer may not find the certificate to be of any value. Udemy is better for learning skills for yourself rather than for adding educational information to your resume.
Because anybody can create a Udemy course, the quality varies. You have to do your research before buying a course to make sure it has received good reviews.
Final Thoughts on Skillshare vs. Udemy
Both Udemy and Skillshare let you learn new
information at your own pace and choose which courses are applicable to your
interests or needs. Either platform will help you learn about any topic that is
related to your passion and potentially broaden your career prospects.
While Udemy has a large community of learners, Skillshare has an advantage if you’re looking for a more tight-knit community of both students and instructors. This sense of connection is created by the interactive and group projects created by the instructors.
This certainly doesn’t mean Udemy is inferior. The interface is simple and user-friendly, as evidenced by a wide range of content and learners on the site.
If you want a large selection of classes and don’t mind the higher price for learning, Udemy is a great option. If you’re working for a company and are looking for a platform for many people to use together, Udemy is the better option, as it is a great tool for organizations.
However, Skillshare is likely the better option for the average student who is trying to gain new knowledge without having to spend a lot of money. This is also the superior choice for those who want a more “boutique” option that allows you to connect with other people who are eager to learn.
And if you’re looking for other online resources, check out these reviews:
Connie Mathers is a professional editor and freelance writer. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. When she is not writing, Connie is either spending time with her daughter and two dogs, running, or working at her full-time job as a social worker in Richmond, VA.
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