Food / drinks

MATCHA POWDER

There are always trends that go on in the world of health and wellness, especially during New Years resolution time. I have written about coconut oil and apple cider vinegar (which I still stand behind). Another trend that I support is matcha! It is the green tea leaf in its purest form. It is filled with antioxidants that helps you lose weight and boost your concentration. One cup of Matcha green tea is packed with 137 more antioxidants than a regular brewed cup of Japanese green tea. It is also caffeinated, so matcha can replace your coffee in the morning! It has a very subtle taste, meaning you could use for a variety of different cooking or drink options. My husband recently bought matcha powder for the household. We love to experiment when cooking dinner and add it an alternative option to certain dishes. I also add it into my morning smoothie! If you find the taste of matcha to be too strong, such as in an icy frappuchino, try adding a banana to sweeten it up a little!

Honestly, I feel like I have more energy than I did before and I don’t feel as bloated. Matcha powder is a little expensive, the price range is anywhere from 5-45 dollars, but I do believe it is worth your money! My personal favorite brand is called “Matcha Unsweetened Booster”. It comes in a small package and is presented as a beverage mixer. The best part is that it has a juice recipe on the back, so you can use the perfect amount in your juice or smoothie! Matcha powder is zero calories and you only need a small amount (1/2 tablespoon). You could also put it in ice cream and other fun treats as well! It might be the little “jump-start “you need to help kick those resolutions into overdrive! In some countries such as China and Japan, Matcha is very popular while being consumed up to three times a day as part of a daily diet! It is also becoming popular in the states as well. If you don’t want to buy just a bag of Matcha Powder you can go to a boba drink store or your nearest Japanese, Vietnamese, or Chinese restaurant and try it hot or blended into an icy drink! It is simply the best!

Have a blessed day!

-Mandi

ADD GINGER TO YOUR DIET!

Ginger is your new best friend! The best thing you can do for yourself is to incorporate a little spice into your life on a daily basis and the good news is there are so many ways to use it! You can use it in it’s natural state or slice and dice it up into a drink like water, hot tea, or even in your food! There are ginger capsules you can use if that is easier for you and you can also use the essential oil. So really there are no excuses for not making this a part of your daily routine. 

Ginger has many health benefits including how to reduce/resolve:

1. Stomach issues as simple as upset stomach, acid reflux, morning sickness, or some cases as serious as IBS and mal-absorption.
2. Improves your breath
3. Clears your skin
4. Helps take care of inflammation in your body from arthritis and other inflammatory problems.
5. Improves circulation
6. Prevents cancer
7. Prevents Alzheimer’s
8. Protects against radiation
9. Reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke

Gingerol is the oily resin from the fruit and has been researched and proven that it truly supports the health benefits listed above and even more. Dr. Josh Axe says that if you have to go into the hospital for surgery or to visit, you should bring some essential oil with you and add a couple of drops to your water. He says you are less likely to get a dangerous staph infection, and it can help speed the healing process.

What a great easy way to stay healthier and use something natural and even tasty to help us feel good. The more “natural” assistance I can get in being healthier and prevent disease the better I like it. I am also learning more about essential oils and the health benefits they provide. I’m starting with a diffuser for my house and hotel rooms. The smells are incredible and the medicinal qualities are a huge bonus.

So what have we learned? That it is sometimes quite effortless to take care of our health and our health is what we have. It is necessary to care for our bodies the best we can and this is just a start. Let’s do it, let’s do whatever it takes to be our best us!!

By Patti B
~ Health is our wealth~

ZODIAC COCKTAILS

Want to ignite the party animal inside of you? It could be anything from a classy cocktail to some casual absinthe. We have collected some signature cocktails that will align your stars.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

You are this massive ball of energy that needs to channel it somewhere. Why not at a party, right? Your go hard or go home mentality makes a Bermuda Black the perfect drink for you. This cocktail is just as full of life as you are. If you already enjoy a Dark n’ Stormy, a Bermuda Black will turn it up a notch. Go on with your bad self, Aries. You deserve it.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Talk about a class act! You enjoy the greater things in life. A classic Manhattan will tickle your fancy. You can’t go wrong with this whiskey-based cocktail. The sweet vermouth and angostura bitters give it a smooth flavor. Add a cherry on top because life is great when you’re a Taurus. We know we’ll see you at the swankiest speakeasy soon.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Gemini, you know how to work a room. It’s crucial for you to spread your social butterfly wings. You are adventurous, curious about everything, and have a serious case of the travel bug. A Tequila Sunrise literally describes your aura. You will be sure to own the dance floor with this fruity drink. It packs a punch that only Gemini’s can handle.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) You like to stick to something that’s tried and true. Place your loyalty to a Moscow mule, it will never let you down. It’s fresh, zesty taste will complement your chill exterior. The ginger beer gives it a nice kick, which will ignite that little sense of adventure you have. This drink will become your new favorite. You can find one at any of your favorite bars.

Leo (July 23 – August 22) We already know you’re the leader of your squad. A true leader needs a regal drink. This Crown Rose Apple cocktail will have your palate racing. The Crown Royal Regal Apple pumps you up for a great night out. The lemon juice and grenadine will add a sweet bite. You will slay with this cocktail in your hand.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22) Chill on the outside, but a potential Picasso on the inside. Let your creativity buzz with a Black Russian. A Black Russian is chill. The coffee liqueur and vodka makes the perfect combination for Virgos. It speaks to your laid back and intellectual traits. Drink this up at a low key bar while engaging in some great conversation.

Libra (September 23 – October 22) Positive mind. Positive vibes. Positive life. You live by those words. You enjoy balance in life with an Eat, Pray, Love mentality. A Black Tea Punch cocktail will be your new muse. It’s an old cocktail recipe that has a smooth blend of scotch, Darjeeling tea, and some fruit juices to top it off. If you plan on throwing a soiree soon, this will be an excellent crowd pleaser.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) When you go out, you go hard. It’s either stay sober or get drunk, that’s why we love you, Scorpio! Get turnt with a Caribou Lou. This drink will pull the wool right over your eyes with sweet ingredients like pineapple juice and Malibu rum. The real kicker is the 151 proof rum. Lead your wolf pack into the bars and pray all of you leave in one piece. We know you will throw this drink back without a problem.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Our one and only Centaur. You are down to try anything new and exciting. Whether it’s a new bar, club, or an adrenaline pumping adventure. To ignite your creative side, you deserve a Burning Mandarin cocktail. This drink will literally spice up your night with Serrano chili as the key ingredient. Absolut Mandarin vodka and sweet juices will level out the heat.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) First things first, you’re the realist. You have this drive that is unstoppable. With your class and wits it’s only fitting to have a Pretty in Pink cocktail. This vodka based drink will have you wanting to brunch everyday. The rosemary and raspberry cordial will sweeten up your day. Its fresh taste is just as great as your sarcastic sense of humor.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) You are the socialite of the party. You want to get to know everyone. If a wall could talk you would be chatting it up. While having great communication skills, you also have an experimental side. Go on the wild side and try an Absinthe Sazerac. It’s a well-balanced drink with rye whiskey, bitters, and just a dash of absinthe. Your night will be lit if you have this drink by your side.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) It’s all about going with the flow. You’ll go wherever the night takes you. As long as you’re having a blast with your friends, you don’t care where you are. A Pisco Sour cocktail will complement your chill personality. This unique drink will channel your creativity to a new level. It contains Pisco Capel, egg whites, simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters. You will cherish this drink just as much as your relationships.

Whatever sign you are, remember to drink and be merry responsibly!

Everyone has their signature drink, find out yours based on your Zodiac sign!

Blog by: Amber Doughty