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25 Gifts She ACTUALLY Wants This Holiday

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Buying a gift for your loved one is a piece of cake. But giving her a gift that she would actually love – now, that could be a tough nut to crack!

Thoughts will always count when it comes to gift-giving, but it’s time you give her something she’d want and use. If you’re still clueless about what to give your loved one, check out these best gifts for her.

1. The Luncher

If she’s a brown-bagger, then this makes a great holiday gift. Who knew lunch bags could look this sleek? Best of all, it comes in a variety of elegant colors, so you’ll find something within her favorite palette.

Price: $149 on Modern Picnic

2. Weighted Blanket

Make her Netflix night-ins extra cozy with this weighted blanket made of Oeko Tex-Certified cotton material with premium glass beads. It also helps calm the body for a good night’s sleep.

Price: $79.50 on Amazon

3. Belgian Waffle Maker With Shade Selector

Next on our list of best gifts for her is this Belgian waffle maker any bruncher would be happy to receive. Because it comes with a shade selector feature, she wouldn’t need to make do with undercooked or burnt waffles.

Price: $29.99 on Amazon

4. Uncorked Wine Candles

Does she enjoy a glass or two of wine to destress? Give her the sumptuous scents to go with her glass! These wine-scented candles smell divine and come in upcycled glass bottles.

Price: $25 at Uncommon Goods

5. PortoVino Beach Wine Purse

If she likes wine and the beach, then this is one of the best gifts for her on Amazon. Not only is it fashionable and functional, but it will also allow her to hold and pour up to 2 bottles of wine or other beverage straight from her bag.

Price: $44.95 on Amazon

6. 4-Prong Diamond Stud Earrings 

If money isn’t an issue, give your girl a new best friend with this pair of diamond stud earrings. Not only is this pair timeless and simple, but the four-prong basket setting exquisitely showcases the brilliant round diamond.

Price: $585 on Great Heights

7. OSTRICHPILLOW GO Travel Pillow

If she spends a lot of time on the road, then she’ll be super grateful to have this for a travel buddy. Not only is it super comfy, but it also offers a 360º natural ergonomic neck support.

Price: $58 on Amazon

8. Hoya Heart Plant

If she has a green thumb, then she’ll surely appreciate this super cute and Instagrammable plant! It also comes with a ceramic planter, available in black, blush, cream, and mint. 

Price: $28 on The Sill

9. Ember Mug² Temperature Control Smart Mug

Does she love hot drinks like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa? She’ll never have to sip a room temp drink with this cool, rechargeable smart mug.

Price: $99.99 on Target

10. One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer 

No more bad hair days for her with this Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush! The oval brush design smooths the mane, while the round edges create volume.

Price: $35.98 on Amazon

11. Isotoner Women’s smartDri Recycled Sherpa Lined Gloves

Next on our list of best gifts for her is this pair of gloves. Not only is it elegant, but it’s also environment-friendly. The soft microsuede fabric is made by converting water bottles into recycled fibers.

Price: $24.99 on Target

12. Classic Bathrobe

Make every day feel like a luxurious staycation with this classic bathrobe! Made of 100 percent long-staple Turkish cotton, it’s simply hard not to relax when she’s wearing this plush robe.

Price: $99 from Parachute

13. Keurig K-Duo Single-Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker

Any coffee-lover would adore this Keurig K-Duo Single-Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker. She can use it for both ground coffee and K-Cup pods and play her own barista.

Price: $139.99 on Target

14. Custom Front Page Puzzle

Let her know you’ll always remember a special day with this New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle. They have frontpages available since 1851, and pages after 1998 are in full color.

Price: $50 on Uncommon Goods

15. Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch

Make her workout time extra fun with this Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch. She can also use it to play music with Spotify and monitor her daily sleep score.

Price: $179.95 on Target

16. Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Give her the gift of extra-restful beauty sleep with this luxurious mulberry silk pillowcase. Not only does it protect skin and hair from friction damage, but it’s also a breathable and insulating fabric.

Price: $59 on Brooklinen

17. HoMedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa with Heat

Let her pamper herself with this HoMedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa with Heat. With this number, she won’t have to head to the spa for a relaxing foot soak.

Price: $19.88 on Walmart

18. Fast Drying Microfiber Towel

You’ll surely earn brownie points for giving her this Aquis hair towel that’s ultra-absorbent and fast-drying microfiber towel. It helps wick water from the hair – in fact, it turns it from wet to damp faster by 50 percent.

Price: $14.01 on Amazon

19. Victrola Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player 

Here’s a great gift for a music junkie! This three-speed turntable can connect to your speakers via Bluetooth, making it the perfect marriage of vintage and new technology.

Price: $44.98 on Walmart

20. Cozy Bootie

Treat her feet to these plush, pull-on booties! Made of 100% polyester sherpa, she’ll definitely feel warm and cozy wearing these booties throughout the cold months.

Price: $59 on Parachute

21. Himalayan Natural Glow Pink Salt Lamp

If you’re looking for inexpensive gifts for the woman who has everything, check out this salt lamp. It looks naturally elegant and promises holistic benefits while at it.

Price: $14.15 on Walmart

22. Harry Potter, Spinning Time Turner Pendant

Any Potterhead will feel like Hermione when she wears this spinning time turner pendant! This 18k gold-plated metal blend has spinning inner circles as well as a disc with a raised hourglass surrounded by cut-out stars. 

Price: $100 on Pandora

23. Chocolate Treasure Box with Wine

Indulge her sweet tooth with this Chocolate Treasure Box with Wine. It comes with a bottle of Harry & David’s award-winning 2017 Royal Crest Red blend. Also, it’s literally a chest-full of bars, cakes, and chocolate-covered everything. 

Price: $89.99 on Harry & David

24. Cozy Night In Holiday Box

What’s better than a holiday gift? How about a box full of them! If you’re spending the holidays apart, this box of goodies will surely make her feel loved.

Price: $47 on Happy Box

25. Minute Cocktail Sugar Cube Trio

Last but not least on our best gifts for her is this minute cocktail sugar cubes. Dropping a cube into a shot of liquor is all it takes to turn her into her own bartender real quick. In short, it’s like having instant Manhattan, Old-Fashioned, or Moscow Mule anytime.

Price: $30 on Uncommon Goods

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Lifestyle

10 Best Banh Mi Restaurants In and Around Tulsa

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banh mi

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese street food sensation that is taking Tulsa, Oklahoma, by storm. It is a fantastic cacophony of textures and flavors that will make you crave it soon after your first bite. But with so many options in and around Tulsa, how will you know which is for real? This guide will help you filter down your choices and get the best crispy baguettes bursting with flavor bombs to tantalize your taste buds.

1. Paris Banh Mi

paris banh mi website

Tulsa foodies can now enjoy the best “Baguette Banh Mi” taste from Paris Banh Mi Cafe Bakery, which opened their first store in Orlando, Florida. Their French baguettes with savory fillings, pickled veggies, and fragrant herbs will hook you into coming back for more. Using only authentic ingredients and meticulous attention, Paris Banh Mi Cafe Bakery raised the bar for the Banh Mi scene in the area.

Head on over to 9311 East 71st Street to get their crusty Vietnamese perfections, which hold flavor explosions that are simply unmatched. Don’t miss out on their grand opening on March 16!

The Paris Banh Mi’s franchise is quickly growing in the United States. If you’re interested in opening a franchise, visit their franchising opportunity page for more info.

2. Lo Banh Mi Viet Hot Bread

lo banh mi

Wonderfully seasoned fillings inside crispy baguettes, you can never go wrong with Banh Mi from our second contender, Lo Banh Mi Viet Hot Bread. Located in East Tulsa, this Banh Mi haven is also home to many other delectable Vietnamese fares, which include Ga Nuong Trung (grilled chicken with fried egg), Xa Xiu (Chinese BBQ pork), and a wide array of boba and coffee drink options.

3. Banh Mi & You

banh mi and you

Offering a wide selection of meat combinations in their Banh Mi, Banh Mi & You is a Vietnamese specialty food truck that deserves its place on this list. Their baguettes are steaming hot, and their fillings boast the perfect amount of deliciousness. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure on wheels, this is it. The only thing many foodies complain about this place is the menu, which does not have English translations. You can call their number (918) 932-0422 to find their next location.

4. Lone Wolf Banh Mi

lone wolf banh mi

Specializing in Vietnamese food, ice cream, and frozen yogurt, Lone Wolf Banh Mi has one of the most authentic Banh Mis in the whole of Tulsa. It has an 8-inch baguette filled with English cucumber, pickled daikon and carrot slaw, jalapeño, cilantro, and many others. It is served with a side of cinnamon sugar wonton chips, which makes it even more appetizing. Also not to be missed on their menu are Kung Pao Pork, Vegan Fired Chicken, Calamari, and Blood Orange Pork Belly.

5. Project BMB (Bánh Mì Boba)

project bmb banh mi boba

Get your Banh Mi and Boba tea fix in Project BMB (Bánh Mì Boba), located at E 71st Street. Their traditional Vietnamese sandwich goes perfectly well with their authentic boba drink from Taiwan. They brew their teas every four hours to ensure freshness each time you order. You’ll get your baguettes fresh and hot, as they make them every 30 minutes. Other popular menu fares include Grilled Pork Sandwich, Pate Bacon Vietnamese Sandwich, and Veggie Tofu Sandwich.

6. Phở V-Nam & Bánh Mì

pho v nam and banh mi

While you’ll find many positive reviews about their Pho, Phở V-Nam & Bánh Mì offers Banh Mi that would make any sandwich fanatic fall in love. It is a mouth-watering mix of a crispy exterior and fluffy interior with its fresh-baked baguette, authentic ingredients, and traditional preparation methods. You’ll enjoy its savory fillings made with grilled pork, pate, and pickled vegetables. Also on E 71st Street, this Banh Mi place in Tulsa has a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. 

7. Pho & Japanese Sushi

pho and japanese sushi

Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine are some of the world’s most delectable, and you’ll find this fantastic combination in Pho & Japanese Sushi. Their Sashimi Salad, Thai Tea, and Samurai Rolls are bestsellers, but their Banh Mi takes center stage. They are served with carrots, jalapeno, and cucumber seasoned with special Vietnamese spices. You can find them at Harvard Avenue in Tulsa.

8. Pho Nhi Vietnamese Noodle House

pho nhi vietnamese noodle house

Serving a wide array of Vietnamese favorites, Pho Nhi Vietnamese Noodle House will make you feel like you’ve traveled to Vietnam. Their food is 100% authentic, and looking at the positive reviews this Banh Mi place received, you’ll instantly feel the urge to go there and try it. Crispy baguette, savory pork and ham fillings, and fresh vegetables seasoned to perfection. They are located at E 21st Street and offer dine-in services and curbside pickup.

9. Kai Vietnamese Cuisine

kai vietnamese cuisine

If you enjoy savoring your banh mi in an outdoor setting, Kai Vietnamese Cuisine is a must-visit in Tulsa. Served fresh always, their banh mi is a crowd favorite. Their mushroom banh mi is a standout, but so are their Egg Rolls, Bun Cha Gio, and Pho Sate, among many other awesome dishes. Located on W 5th Street, this can be your next go-to when craving authentic banh mi.

10. Pho 71

pho 71

Located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Pho 71 is a BanhMi place you need to visit. Their Grilled Pork and Grilled Chicken Banh Mi should be on everyone’s must-try list. Also on their menu and not to be missed are Goi Cuon Thit Nuong Pork (spring rolls with grilled pork), Com Bo Luc Lac (stir-fried beef chunks with steamed rice), and Pho Tai Nam (beef noodle soup with eye-round steak and flank).

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Lifestyle

Eight Sleep POD Mattress 2024 Review

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eight sleep pod mattress

The Eight Sleep POD Mattress has plenty of unique features that would grab the attention of anyone looking for better sleep. And if you’re a tech enthusiast, you’d also want to explore its cutting-edge attributes. Promising to revolutionize rest and relaxation, let’s take an in-depth look at this marvel of a mattress.

Key Features

person using a smartphone

The Eight Sleep POD Mattress has the following features that would excite any tech enthusiast or someone simply looking to sleep better:

  • The Intelligent Sleep System: this technology aims to provide cooling and heating regulating features to give you optimal sleep.
  • Active Grid: this is Eight Sleep’s dynamic support and pressure relief feature for a more restful sleep.
  • Sleep Tracking: tracks your sleep, health, and environment.
  • Smart Home Integration: this feature lets you personalize your sleep experience through compatibility with other home devices.
  • Smart alarms: enables you to customize a chest-level vibration-based alarm on both sides of the bed without disturbing your partner.
  • Luxurious Build: aside from its incredible technology, the Eight Sleep POD Mattress has a multi-layer construction that provides support and pressure-relieving comfort. Plus, it looks classy, elegant, and sophisticated.

Support and Comfort

While the comfort and support of a mattress are subjective and will depend on personal preference, the Eight Sleep POD mattress is relatively supportive and promotes a healthy spinal alignment. It comes in two versions: the POD mattress and the POD Pro Mattress.

The POD mattress has five layers of memory foam designed for relief and support. It has a top layer that’s soft and conforming and lower layers that offer deeper support and stability. Generally speaking, this mattress is considered medium-firm.

On the other hand, the POD Pro mattress is a hybrid mattress with memory foam, latex, and coils. It gives more bounce and responsiveness than the POD mattress. It also provides good pressure relief and support and is considered a medium-plush type.

The POD cover is another layer of comfort and functionality. It is made with breathable materials with air cells that help reduce pressure points. These millions of air cells contribute to dissipating heat, which is ideal for those who sleep hot.

Temperature Regulation

two people on a bed

With unparalleled cooling and heating capabilities in the sleep industry, the Eight Sleep POD mattress is a blessing from mattress heaven. It automatically adjusts to your ideal temperature throughout your sleep. It is taking sleep optimization to a new level with its intelligent temperature control technology. 

Thanks to its POD cover, the zip-on mattress cover comes with an ingenious “Active Grid.” It is a network of water tubes connected to a central hub that serves as your thermal conductor. You can set your desired temperature for both sides of the bed to provide personalized comfort.

It has adaptive intelligence that tracks your sleep stages and body temperature in real time. It gathers data to adjust the mattress’ temperature throughout your sleep. It provides science-backed optimization to cool down during the onset of your sleep. It gradually warms up toward the morning to promote a deeper and more restful sleep.

The POD copies this natural thermal cycle to give you optimal sleep stages. The POD also considers your bedroom’s conditions and external factors such as temperature and local weather. This ensures that you sleep well despite fluctuations in room conditions.

Sleep Tracking and Insights

eight sleep mattress pod

Many bed brands offer sleep-tracking capabilities, but the Eight Sleep POD mattress goes beyond the basics. It comes with sensors that capture a variety of data, which includes the following:

  • Heart rate variability (HRV): to indicate your nervous system’s health and recovery.
  • Respiratory rate: gives you insights into the depth of your sleep and potential sleep apnea.
  • Skin temperature: can provide you insights into your body’s natural thermal regulation during sleep.
  • Body movement: it tracks restlessness and sleep inefficiency.

The Eight Sleep POD mattress also has an app that provides data on your sleep stages, sleep quality score, trends, and comparisons and will give you personalized recommendations based on these. All these can help you optimize your sleep routine, improve sleep hygiene, track progress, and set your goals.

With all these capabilities, you’ll get more than just statistics. This mattress helps you gain a deeper sense of self-awareness by letting you understand your sleep patterns and how they are connected to your overall health and well-being.

Pricing and Value

mattress and pillow

With all the Eight Sleep POD Mattress’s bells and whistles comes a premium price tag. The POD cover price starts at $2,245 for the Queen size, the POD mattress is around $3,245, and the POD Pro Mattress costs around $3,745. You can also purchase the optional 8+ Pro Membership for approximately $15 to $24 a month if you want to unlock advanced features and data insights.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a look at the Eight Sleep POD Mattress pros and cons to help you make an informed decision at a glance:

Pros:

  • Advanced sleep tracking features and insights
  • Customized temperature control
  • high-quality mattress
  • Convenience and automation
  • Health benefits

Cons:

  • High price tag
  • additional costs for subscription fees
  • not suitable for all body types, sleep preferences, and budget

Is the Eight Sleep POD Mattress for You?

mattress

This would depend on various factors. Your needs, budget, and preferences come into play to see if this mattress is right for you. You may want to ask yourself the following questions to find out if the Eight Sleep POD Mattress is worth your while:

  • Are you struggling to regulate the temperature when you sleep?
  • Is deep sleep a priority for you? Do you want to optimize your sleep patterns?
  • Will you be comfortable with a high-tech sleep solution with future developments?
  • Have you looked at different alternatives with this type of mattress?

Final Thoughts

If you’re still in the dark about whether to get the Eight Sleep POD Mattress, you may want to take advantage of its 30-night trial period before you make your decision. It is an expensive investment, one that you might want to think about three times over. However, with its fantastic features, this might be the best sleep solution you can give yourself.

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Lifestyle

Top 10 Places to Experience Food and Culinary Adventures

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food bowls

Exploring food and culinary adventures around the world can be a delightful journey for any food enthusiast. Immersing yourself in the local culture and cuisine will make your trip more memorable. Here are ten places known for their exceptional culinary experiences:

1. Tokyo, Japan

Renowned for its sushi, ramen, and kaiseki cuisine, Tokyo offers a diverse range of flavors. Visit Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh seafood and experience traditional tea ceremonies. Experience fresh and high-quality sushi at sushi bars and traditional sushi restaurants. Try nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) and sashimi (sliced raw fish). When I went to Japan, I didn’t buy a souvenir, but I spent all my money on food!

2. Paris, France

croissant on a plate

A mecca for food lovers, Paris is celebrated for its pastries, cheeses, and exquisite French cuisine. Enjoy classic croissants, indulge in escargot, and savor world-class wines. Indulge in Paris’s iconic Croissant. It’s crispy on the outside, buttery and flaky within, and an exquisite pastry is a symbol of French culinary excellence. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with chocolate, almonds, or ham and cheese, savoring a croissant in Paris is an essential and delightful gastronomic experience.

3. Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand’s capital is a street food paradise with vibrant markets. Don’t miss trying Pad Thai, the iconic street food dish in Bangkok, Thailand. This flavorful stir-fried noodle dish combines rice noodles, shrimp, tofu or chicken, bean sprouts, and peanuts, all seasoned with a perfect blend of tamarind, fish sauce, and chili—a delicious taste of Bangkok’s vibrant culinary scene in every bite.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s food scene blends traditional Catalan dishes with avant-garde culinary creations. Visit La Boqueria market and try tapas, paella, and churros. In Barcelona, indulge in the iconic dish, paella. Bursting with saffron-infused rice, seafood, and meats, this Spanish culinary masterpiece captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Savor the rich and aromatic combination of ingredients, reflecting Barcelona’s vibrant culture and warmth in every delicious bite.

5. Marrakech, Morocco

tagine

Immerse yourself in the spices and flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Explore the souks for tagines and couscous, and indulge in mint tea and pastries. Don’t miss trying the iconic tagine—a slow-cooked stew traditionally prepared with succulent meats, aromatic spices, and a blend of fruits or vegetables. Served in a distinctive cone-shaped earthenware pot, tagine embodies Moroccan cuisine’s rich flavors and culinary artistry, providing a truly authentic dining experience.

6. Oaxaca, Mexico

Known as Mexico’s culinary heart, Oaxaca offers various authentic dishes, including mole, tlayudas, and chapulines (grasshoppers). The must-try dish is Mole Oaxaqueño, a rich and complex sauce made from chili peppers, chocolate, and various spices that coats tender meat (often chicken or turkey). The result is a symphony of flavors, showcasing the region’s culinary artistry and vibrant cultural heritage.

7. New York City, USA

NYC is a melting pot of diverse culinary influences. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, explore various cuisines, including bagels, pizza, and food truck delights. Enjoy a New York slice, a classic pizza featuring a thin, foldable crust topped with tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella. Whether enjoyed from a corner pizzeria or a renowned establishment, the New York slice reflects the city’s rich culinary heritage and diverse flavors.

8. Hanoi, Vietnam

pho

Hanoi is celebrated for its street food culture. Try pho, banh mi, and egg coffee while exploring the bustling markets and local eateries. Don’t miss trying pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Savor the rich, aromatic broth infused with herbs and spices with flat rice noodles and tender slices of beef or chicken. Pho is a flavorful culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine in a single bowl.

9. Bologna, Italy

As the birthplace of Bolognese sauce, Bologna is a haven for pasta lovers. Enjoy authentic Italian dishes, including tortellini, ragu, and regional cheeses. Try the iconic Bolognese sauce, locally known as Ragù alla Bolognese. Savor the rich, slow-cooked meat sauce traditionally paired with tagliatelle pasta. This hearty and flavorful dish is a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the region’s dedication to authentic and soul-satisfying Italian cuisine.

10. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul’s culinary scene reflects its rich history. Savor kebabs, mezes, and Turkish delights while exploring the city’s vibrant street food culture. Istanbul’s must-try culinary delight is the “Iskender Kebab.” This iconic dish features thinly sliced döner kebab meat, lavash bread, yogurt, and a smoky tomato sauce. The combination of flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering experience, making Iskender Kebab a must-try for anyone exploring the vibrant food scene in Istanbul, Turkey.

Final Words

These destinations offer delicious local cuisines, unique culinary traditions, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a fan of street food or haute cuisine, these places provide a gastronomic adventure that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave lasting memories.

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