Category Archives: Helpful Tips
Adaptogens – What are They, and Why Do I Want Them in My Drinks?
Chances are, those who keep up with all the natural ways to maintain holistic health of the mind, body, and soul are already familiar with the amazing wellness benefits achieved through the adaptogen drink products on the market today. These power-packed plant-based ingredients known as adaptogens today take us back to a history as old as 3,000 B.C. in ancient China and the Ayurvedic tradition. Major stress eliminators and energy boosters, adaptogens work with our bodies to heal stress, fatigue, and immunity issues rather than inciting adrenaline or alarm responses that give temporary energy but leave lasting and stressful effects on all the body’s systems.
Today’s health-conscious communities are turning away from unhealthy levels of caffeine and sugar-filled beverages that offer temporary energy solutions and are looking to ingredients like mushrooms, roots, and berries for the energy and stress relief needed daily, but also that provide health benefits that are realized over time.
Just in case you’re in need of a refresher (pun intended!) on adaptogens, here are a few notable reasons to reach for the adaptogen drink over the typical energy drinks on the market.
Exactly what are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are naturally occurring substances, typically derived from plant roots, non-toxic herbs, and fungi. Mother Nature has provided these miraculous ingredients to support our bodies in adapting to stress while lending balance, energy, and other physiological benefits to enhance our general wellbeing. If we look to a long-standing and widely promoted example of an effective adaptogen, we may think of ginseng and all of its advantages respected health professionals tout around its daily intake.
Why should I balance my day with an adaptogen-infused drink?
While adaptogens may be a new phenomenon to many of us, some cultures around the world have been making use of their powerful medicinal benefits for centuries. There’s good reason, and research, backing those rewards. As alternatives to the typical energy boost and often anxiety-inciting caffeine beverages such as coffee or sugar-filled energy drinks, the adaptogen drink delivers healthy energy boosters without all the sugar and chemical additives. Typically added as an infused tea, adaptogens have been shown through science and experience to reduce anxiety and stress while boosting energy by leveraging ingredients that work synergistically with the body instead of triggering its adrenaline and stress response.
Science and centuries of wisdom prove the power held in the adaptogen
In a society so dominated by modern medicine and big pharma, it’s often difficult to wrap our minds around the idea that nature’s solutions can truly be so impactful and effective. Can we really replace medically prescribed drugs with plants, herbs, and fungi infused into delicious and refreshing beverages? Science says ‘yes!’ Research has long-demonstrated the benefits in turning to adaptogens over artificial chemicals and high-sugar products that dominate the shelves. They’ve been proven to significantly relieve stress and fatigue while improving cognitive performance and mood, often combatting depression.
What ingredients should I look for in my adaptogen drink?
Because they come from nature, the selection of effective adaptogens is vast. However, there are a number of ingredients that pop up time and again when historical wisdom meets today’s science. Here are a few to keep on your radar.
Yanomami Mushrooms. This Amazon-sourced blend of mushrooms has long been consumed by the Indigenous Yanomami community as they sought nutritional balance.
Suma Root. AKA Brazilian Ginseng, this root is a powerful adaptogen with energizing properties often used as a general-wellbeing tonic for the body in times of stress, or for preventative measures.
Acerola Cherry. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, any adaptogen drink containing acerola cherry is sure to provide instant energy and long-term vitality.
Guarana. This superfood is ultra-energizing and enhances both athletic performance and brain power. When it’s energy and concentration you need, it’s time to reach for a guarana-containing adaptogen drink.
Final refreshers around the best adaptogen drinks
When it’s holistic health, wellness, spirit, and energy you seek, the adaptogen drink you quench your thirst with should clearly state that it’s USDA Certified Organic, and is 100 percent calorie, sugar, and gluten-free. While they should provide energy, improved focus, and immunity, these drinks should also taste amazing. Live AMAZ’s convenient variety six-pack sampler is delivered right to your door to ensure you’ll always have just the flavor you crave in the moment, along with lasting health and wellbeing.
Wine Clubs Make Great Holiday Gifts
Struggling to choose the perfect holiday gifts for your friends and loved ones? Gift exchanges are great fun for everyone involved, but sometimes choosing the right gift can be a challenge. From balancing your budget to picking out a gift you can be sure your recipient will love, there is no shortage of anxiety that can come with the gift buying process. Holiday shopping does not need to be hard! For anyone with a wine lover on their holiday gift list, a wine club gift makes for an ideal present.
What are Wine Clubs?
There are all types of clubs, but did you know there are special clubs for wine lovers? Wine clubs were designed by wineries and liquor providers to engage wine enthusiasts through a delightful, scheduled wine delivery service. Most wine clubs function through monthly or quarterly deliveries, sending a special wine delivery to their clients at set intervals. There are many different types of wine clubs out there, and different clubs will offer their own selections of wines. A common approach used by these providers is to create a theme with each set. Wine clubs continue to grow in popularity, and for good reason! With a variety of hand-selected wine packages and the convenience of having them delivered to your doorstep, it is no wonder wine club gift subscriptions are considered the ideal holiday present.
The Wine Club Experience
One of the best parts of a wine club is the excitement. When you gift someone a wine club gift box or subscription, you are gifting them an experience. And delicious wine, of course. Picture this…as the delivery day draws closer, the expectant wine lover begins to wonder what wines will be brought to their doorstep this time. Will it be a mix of bold, deep reds? Their favorite crisp whites? A fruity rosé? Maybe a mixed box with a little taste of everything? Many wine clubs specially craft each delivery to establish a theme that makes the entire gift a unified – and tasty – experience. Wine clubs really are the perfect way to experience the best wines the world has to offer.
And who doesn’t like to belong to something unique and maybe a little exclusive? Being a member of a wine club can even add a little class to your social status, and who wouldn’t want to receive a gift that can do all of that? Wine club gifts really are a great choice.
What Makes a Wine Club Gift Special?
What sets wine clubs apart from, say, going to the local liquor store and picking up a crate of wine? While you certainly can handpick your wine gift, it doesn’t come with the experience of joining a wine club. Wine clubs make an ideal gift for the wine connoisseurs in your life. After all, who doesn’t love receiving wine as a holiday gift? One of the great things about wine clubs is that you don’t have to stress over choosing the specific wine. With a wine club gift, your recipient will get to enjoy a variety of wines delivered right to their doorstep each month!
The Perfect Wine Club Gift
Ready to start shopping? Choosing a wine club gift simplifies your holiday shopping and is a surefire way to win the hearts of your recipients. If you are buying for a loved one whose palate you are familiar with, it can be easy to choose a wine club gift option you know they will love. On the other hand, you can also mix it up and choose something new. Trying new wines and experiencing different blends is part of the wine club fun!
Choose a selection of wine club gifts that are tailored to excite and invigorate wine night and provide club members with unique wines from all over the world. Your recipient can experience the highest quality wines from the sunny hills of California to the elegant terraces of Italy. Even if you aren’t a wine expert, you can be sure to find the perfect gift when you shop online at a store with online sommelier service. And if you gift a wine club gift, then you’ve actually found the gift that will keep on giving—and that’s the dream!
How to Choose a Wine Delivery Service
Christmas is a good time for a bottle of wine, so are New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. Maybe it’s just a Friday night or any night that ends in Y. Wine is enjoyed by millions every day. It is a good way to unwind and relax, or good to have when getting together with friends and family. In the current COVID-19 pandemic world, it is not as easy; many people do not want to go to a store and purchase their bottle of cabernet or Chablis, so why not have it delivered to you? When looking for a company to bring you your bottle of wine through a wine delivery service, what do you look for?
Selection
Selection is one of the biggest reasons to choose a wine delivery company. There are many options when it comes to looking at selection. Brick and Mortar stores may have their own delivery service. If so, what is their selection of wines like? Is it just a few bottles on the shelf or do they have a large selection of different vintages and styles? Like most things nowadays, you can shop for your favorite bottle online. There are many online selections, there are some stores that specialize in wines, and there are some that would have a selection superior to general liquor stores.
On-site (or virtual) specialists
There is nothing more frustrating than walking into a store with questions about a product and having no one be able to answer any questions. Buying wine is no different; with the large variety, there are many questions to help choose the perfect bottle for the occasion. When looking at a wine delivery company, see if they are able to answer any questions. This could be through a chat bot, blog, or a frequently asked question section on the webpage. Does the page have information about the different vintages and vineyards where the wine comes from? Are there reviews on their website about the products from other consumers? (It should be noted that wine is a personal taste and that the reviews should just be used as one tool when looking for your wine or wine delivery company).
Variety is the spice of life
When looking for a wine delivery company, learn what alternate options are offered outside of buying your favorite bottle. For example, do they have a wine of the month club where a new bottle is delivered every month? This gives the consumer a chance to try new wines and see if they could find their new favorite or find an additional wine for an occasion. Some stores with a wine delivery service also have a blind taste package. This concept has become very popular in the COVID-19 era when people are not able to go into stores and test the wines. The wine delivery company will deliver packages that are hidden, and the receiver of the wine is not to remove the cover until the tasting has been completed.
Cost is another factor in deciding what wine delivery company to use. There are a variety of ways that companies will charge for delivering your bottle of wine. These include delivery costs, depending on the distance, a flat fee, and some will include free delivery. When researching a wine delivery company, ensure that this is included in the decision. When looking at a wine delivery company, the cost of the subscription style programs is crucial. Do they offer multiple styles of programs at a variety of costs to ensure that it meets your criteria? For example, do they have single bottle delivery and wine of the month clubs, and do they have case options with exotic wines as well as local vineyards and various costs?
Another factor is time.
There are two concepts of time used. The first concept is the time of the actual delivery. If you are ordering through an internet service or store, what is the time from placing an order to the time that a consumer receives it. This could be monthly on a subscription base, a few days for an internet order, and some will even offer same-day service for when unexpected guests arrive for dinner. The other concept of time is when purchasing subscription based or taste testing programs; how often is the product received? This is normally monthly, quarterly, or bi-yearly. When looking for a wine delivery service, ensure that the service has the program that is suited to your needs.
Choosing the right wine delivery service is not to be taken lightly and should be done with care.
Useful Tips to Use When You Buy Wine Online
Online shopping is something that we all do right now. It has certainly become more than we ever thought it would be. And it may seem that it is possible to get anything online, but what about alcohol? What about precious bottles of wine? That may seem a bit daunting if you haven’t done it before. When you buy wine online, you can get interesting items, but beyond that, there are some concerns.
Here are a few useful tips for buying wine online.
Don’t get ordinary bottles
Yes, you can get some things online that are not available in the regular stores, and that is certainly true when it comes to wine. When you buy wine online you are not limited to only what the local wine store can keep in stock. When you buy wine online you don’t want to spend money on shipping costs or wait time for delivery for a bottle that is readily available locally. This is an opportunity to try something new. Most local wine stores do not carry wine from far away locations, or a bottle from the year you were born. Online shopping might bring you something a little different that would make a really exciting gift.
Check that shipping is available to you
First of all, you should check to be sure that shipping alcohol through the mail is legal where you live. It’s not unlikely that your region will allow it, but certainly do check first. Even if it is allowed, there may be some regulations put in place to make it a bit different. Don’t assume that just because you can buy wine online that it will arrive easily to your home.
Buy a little more
Many who buy wine online love to do so because of the opportunities that are available to try something different, or something that is a little above what you may usually buy. When you buy wine online, you can buy more expensive bottles, and so get a better price when buying more than one at a time—and a better price on shipping as well.
Form a relationship with your sommelier
Build up a relationship with the sellers online who will be sure that you are informed as to what you are buying, and be sure also that it is something you like. You will also be able to get great gift items, such as glassware or gift boxes. If wine and wine collecting is a big hobby for you, then online shopping will be a wonderful way to find things that might not have been easy to find before. Customer service when buying wine online is a big help, especially when it comes to gift giving.
Know what you are looking for
Online shoppers know that things are easier to find online, and when you buy wine online, you will be able to be sure that it is top quality. A cheaper bottle of wine bought locally may have too much artificial flavor, too many sulphites, or may not be sustainably farmed. If these things are important to you, and you would like to enjoy wine without additives or sugars, then online is the place to look. The important tip that we can give here is that you know what you are looking for when you shop to buy wine online. If you are not sure that you are getting what you want, then talk to your online sommelier.
Don’t let your shipment heat up
Lastly, be sure to pay attention to delivery methods. One problem with shipping wine is that the bottles should not be left out in the heat. A good quality bottle of wine should be stopped at the proper temperature, and that includes the time when it is on its way in the delivery truck or depot. Be sure that they hold it in a temperature-controlled location. Don’t buy wine online to have it ruined by sitting out all day in temperatures over 80 degrees.
Those who really care about the wine they drink are those who tend to buy wine online. You can learn a lot while browsing, and you can find exactly what you are looking for in your price range.
The Secrets of Sushi Making
If you want to learn the magic of how to make the perfect sushi, it is time you find yourself a good sushi making class in NYC. And for the ones’ who do not know what it is yet, well sushi is one of the most popular Japanese dishes made with cooked rice, fillings, sugar, and vinegar.
A growing number have started to show interest in learning the process of making sushi around the world largely because of its scrumptious taste and aftertaste. If you learn from a good sushi making class NYC, you will get to learn several secrets about the kind of vegetables you can add, the rawness of the fish, how well should it be minced, how much vinegar are you supposed to add, or what tools you would need, etc.
Everywhere in the world, sushi is prepared in small portions that are almost bite-size with seafood, eggs, vegetables, raw fish, steamed rice, etc. it can be made in all kinds of shapes and sizes according to your fancy if you know how to make one but popularly it is rolled with a rolling pin and is made into a cylindrical shape. There is a plethora of sushi’s from which you can pick that tastes the best to you. Sushi named Maki is served after being dipped into dry seaweed, then there is another one that is shaped in the form of a ball with tuna, prawns, or salmon and it is called Nigiri. There also is Gunkan, it is a ball of rice that has a strip of Nori around them full of veggies and fish eggs. Sashimi is made of only raw fish fillings in the sushi and there are many more apart from a few of these.
If you have finally decided to learn from a good sushi making class in NYC, then here are a few tips out of those classes that you will get to learn in an elaborate and intrinsic manner. So, don’t waste more time and enroll in a class today,
– First and foremost, it is important to find yourself the right equipment. If you are going to enroll in a class you will need all the right tools to know how to make the dish perfectly. Some of the few tools would be a rolling mat, cutting board, pot, steamer, knives, etc.
– The next step is to have all the necessary ingredients in place. Make your pick and choose which sushi do you want to learn in the sushi making class in NYC and accordingly shop for it. but for the basic needs buy the right kind of short-grain rice, seaweed, raw fish, fish eggs, vinegar, sugar, oil, soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi. Everything else that you want to add or remove can be done as per the customization of your choice.
– Do you have all the pots and steamers you need? If not, go shop for it today and buy all the utensils you may need for the process. And make sure the pots you bring are durable because sushi stays on the flame for about 6-7 minutes minimum and your pot should be able to handle that kind of heat.
– Now that you have the utensils and ingredients with you, one more thing that is very important in learning this process is the patience to learn. Don’t try to learn everything in a day, give yourself and the expert the time to bring your skillset to perfection.
If you are looking to learn the perfect way of making the best sushi knowing all the secrets, the ideal way to do it is to enroll in a sushi making class in NYC. No matter how much you research online or how many videos you see, it’ll all remain superficial. You can only learn the magical tricks by watching an expert show you how to do it right. So, wait no more and enroll today.
Looking for a Family Resort? Things to Consider Before Your Vacation
A family resort vacation can be loads of fun – provided the available facilities and your planning for the trip are perfect. Even if your holiday idea is a bit spur-on-the-moment, you can find the resorts and check the facilities online. A bit of advance planning is important to have a great holiday.
Here are the things to consider before your family resort vacation.
Location
The location of the resort must be such that it is convenient for you and your family. It must also be as per your desire. For instance, if you are looking for family resorts in Dallas then you can perform a simple online search to find a list of places in the city. Also, ask for referrals from the people you know about great family resorts in your desired location.
When it comes to choosing a resort for family vacations, it is best to look for places that are not located in secluded areas. The resort itself must be famous as a family-friendly holiday spot.
Safety
Check the resorts’ websites for safety protocols in place. Are accommodation areas well-lit? Is the resort itself well-lit at night?
Are the rides, game sites, and activity centers designed properly? Is the parking area near the resort or far away?
How hygienic is the place? Safety has to include health-related checks as well. Is the resort clean at all times? Is the pool at the resort maintained well?
If you don’t find such information on the resorts’ websites then try to check their social media pages. Remarks by previous guests at the resort may give you an idea about the safety parameters at the place. You can also check online reviews.
Accommodation
Family resorts often offer different kinds of accommodation options to cater to the requirements of all their guests.
Look for resorts that offer one-room and two-rooms lodging options. If you are holidaying with your young kids then you can also choose Smoky Mountain cabins with private pools with a large room and two large beds.
If you are choosing a camping resort then you may have accommodation options such as RVs, tents, rustic cabins, bunkhouse rooms, etc.
Check each type of available rooms before you select one. Read about the amenities available in each type of room and make a note of the ones that fit your bill.
Activities
Before you reserve your room, it is important to check the facilities available at the resort. The whole idea of a resort vacation with your family is to be able to enjoy different activities together.
Is there a swimming pool? Is it clean and safe for kids?
Are there fun games available for kids and adults to enjoy? Families can play games of cornhole, laser tags, and paintball. Adventure rides and games are really good options at the resort. Dance parties and kid-friendly clubs can be other attractions at the resort.
Camping resorts may also have nature trails, fishing, mazes, scavenger hunts, and themed events.
Are there good activities to do in the vicinity of the resort? If you are planning a long weekend trip to the resort or going there for 4-5 days during your summer holiday then it is a good idea to check for activities in the vicinity of the resort.
Cultural and sporting events near the resort can help you spend a good chunk of a day from your vacation. Museums and theme parks can also help you bring a little more charm to your family holiday. If you don’t find such information on the resorts’ websites then feel free to call them with your inquiry.
Facilities
Check for facilities such as parking, first-aid, and restaurants at the resort.
How many restaurants are there at the resort? Are snacks easily available? If not then you may need to carry ample snacks when holidaying with your kids.
Is there a convenience store at the resort premises? If not then ensure that you pack right.
Rates
Once you have identified 1-2 resorts that you like so far; check the rates per day. Choose one that best suits your budget. Consider the available facilities and amenities when comparing the rates for different resorts.
Select the resort and reserve your room without delay.
Features of a Great Sports Bar
A great sports bar is one which you would like to visit again and again. It is the first name that will pop into your mind when someone asks you for a sports bar recommendation. It is where you will automatically head to when you want a great place to eat or have fun.
It is easy to find a sports bar in any city. You can conduct a quick online search with keywords such as sports bar Albuquerque or anything similar. If you are looking for a great sports bar, then consider these features to find one in your city or anyplace else during your travels. Use the names you find with your online search and use the points below to compare.
Great Food and Drinks Menu
Food options and flavors at the sports bar must be topnotch. People go to the sports bar to watch a game with their friends or indulge in some in-house table games available there. These activities are enjoyed with great food and drinks. Less-than-perfect menu can ruin the fun of going to a sports bar.
The food in a sports bar must include dishes that are hearty, flavorsome, and easy to eat. Think tacos, burgers, and comforting plates of foods to dig into while watching your favorite team play.
The best sports bar will have multitudes of drinks on offer – from a variety of beer to refreshing cocktails, and more. You should be able to find your favorite drink at a sports bar with excellent food and beverages on offer.
Excellent Ambience
The ambiance at sports bars must be vibrant, lively, exciting, thrilling, and inviting. You should want to stay for just a couple more minutes or perhaps an hour more when visiting a great sports bar.
Really first-rate sports bars are perfect not only for visiting with your friends but also with your partner and family.
Surefire Fun
Sports bars are all about fun. A sports bar is not a good (let alone great) place if you get bored within a short amount of time and wish to head home (or worse wish you were elsewhere).
Sports bars must offer different venues of entertainment. If you wish to watch a game with your buddies, you should be able to do so in a top sports bar. If you wish to have a go at a few rounds of foosball with your partner before watching a game; you should be able to do so in a great sports bar. If you just wish to go to a place to unwind, you should be able to so in a sports bar at the top of its game.
Great sports bars also have great offers for their guests and patrons. Happy hours, nightlife events, and more – there is something on offer always at great sports bars.
Easy Accessibility and Other Facilities
You shouldn’t need to put in a lot of effort to reach your favorite sports bar. It should be within easy reach in your city. Popular sports bars, most often, have multiple locations spread across the city to offer easy accessibly to their guests. Great sports bars are also located in nice areas in the city.
There is always parking space available for the guests at a great sports bar. You should be able to hail cabs easily from the sports bar’s locations too.
Most top-rated sports bars have a ‘first come first serve’ policy. So, you can head to your favorite place even on a whim. You wouldn’t need to worry about not having a reservation when you really want to go to a sports bar and have a nice time with friends.
Exceptional Safety
Needless to say, great sports bars will have exceptional security in place. The management will be really strict about checking IDs and employ other security means to ensure the safety of the guests. During peak hours, expect metal detectors at the entrance. There will also be security personnel at the entrance and elsewhere at the bar to keep the guests safe from any untoward incident.
You should also be able to reach the security personnel or a member of the staff easily in case you have any security concerns.
