https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news.atomGet Groovy Deals Texas - News2021-08-12T18:20:03-05:00Get Groovy Deals Texashttps://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/youthify-your-complexion-and-hair-night-after-night2021-08-12T18:20:03-05:002021-08-12T20:21:28-05:00Youthify Your Complexion and Hair Night After Night.Shopify APIhttps://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/come-for-the-bourbon-stay-for-the-most-beautiful-small-town-in-america2021-08-02T21:55:31-05:002021-08-02T21:55:33-05:00Come for the Bourbon, Stay for the Most Beautiful Small Town in AmericaKen KefferMore]]>
Bardstown, Kentucky, is a place whose name rings loud and clear to Bourbon aficionados all over the globe. Just 40 miles southeast of Louisville and 65 miles west of Lexington, Bardstown sits right along the Bluegrass Parkway in the heart of Bourbon Country.
More formally known as The Bourbon Capital of the World®, Bardstown houses some of the world’s leading bourbon distilleries, as well as a number of newer, craft distilleries. As such, Bardstown also lays claim to several stops along the officialKentucky Bourbon Trail®, a regional tourism experience that exposes visitors to the craftsmanship and tradition of the state’s signature spirit.
Bardstown is truly the town that bourbon built, but don’t let that fool you – there is still A LOT to love about the beautiful small town of Bardstown *in addition *to all the tours and tastings!
So, go ahead. Get to know Bardstown beyond the bourbon.
Sip on Some Fruit
As shocking as this may sound, bourbon isn’t the only adult beverage made in Bardstown.
It’s true! Nelson County is home to a number of local wineries, many of which specialize in making fruit-based wines. And just like bourbon, these wineries’ products vary in flavor because they’re made from a wide variety of locally grown blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and more.
During summer’s peak berry season, be sure to visitMcIntyre’s Winery & Berries, where you can pick your own juicy blackberries and blueberries in addition to sipping on the fruits of their labor.Bullitt’s Winery and Bistro is another popular wine destination in the region, where guests rave about mouth-watering pizzas paired with world-class wines. No matter which winemaker is on your list, you can expect to be greeted with genuine Kentucky hospitality and leave with at least a few new friends.
Take a Hike, a Bike, or a Float
On the outskirts of Bardstown’s historic downtown, visitors should explore Bardstown’s peaceful, natural beauty. If you can’t venture too far, check out the Bardstown Community Park at the end of East Halstead Avenue. There, you’ll find an array of fun activities happening year-round, like an awesome free concert series, and it’s just down the block!
If you’ve got a little more travel flexibility, a mere 15 miles northwest of Bardstown, right near the Jim Beam American Stillhouse, is theBernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. Featuring Kentucky scenery at its finest, the national forest covers more than 15,000 acres with over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails to boost your energy levels. Be sure to check out the elevated Canopy Walk and climb the 961-foot fire tower to get the best views. Wrap it up with a visit to the LEED-Certified Nature Center, where you can take a peek at the Edible Garden and hit Isaac’s Cafe to sample the flavors of the forest’s produce bounty.
Learn a Historic Tune
For tourists and Kentuckians alike, there is little more directly connected to the heritage of Kentucky thanMy Old Kentucky Home State Park. Yes, the one and only "My Old Kentucky Home" from Stephen Foster’s legendary pre-Derby ballad. Take a tour of the mansion and grounds to view the property’s rich collection of period pieces, historical artifacts, and vintage furniture.
Don’t know the words to the Kentucky state song? Don’t worry, every visitor is serenaded with an enthusiastic rendition on every tour, every day. And if the one song isn’t enough to quench your thirst for Kentucky, take in TheStephen Foster Story, a musical that has been performed in the outdoor amphitheater by The Stephen Foster Drama Association for 60 years.
And just in case you’re not into the Derby or the origins of a state folk song, My Old Kentucky Home State Park is also home to the Kenny Rapier PGA Course. So, grab your clubs and tee off in the Bluegrass State on this 18-hole course that first opened in 1933 and has been an exciting destination for golfers from around the globe ever since.
Explore the Past
A pair of pioneering brothers named David and William Bard were the first to settle in the Bardstown area in 1785. It was originally known as Bard’s Town (and Baird’s Town and Beards Town), but the village formally established itself as Bardstown in the early 1780s and was later incorporated by the state assembly in 1838. It is the second oldest town in Kentucky.
With more than 300 individual structures recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bardstown Historic District is formally listed as a top-tier destination for history buffs.
You may notice the influence of the Roman Catholic Church as you walk around Bardstown. Initially constructed from 1816 to 1819, the Basilica of St. Joseph is the Proto Cathedral and the first cathedral built in America west of the Allegheny Mountains. The church still holds weekly services. Around the time the church building was finished, the Old County Jail was also constructed. Operational as a jail until 1987, it’s now the Jailer’s Inn Bed & Breakfast, and you can even spend the night in one of the old jail cells!
Even older than the church and the jail, Old Talbott Tavern dates back to 1779. Grab a pint in the same spot as big-name historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, General Patton, and Jesse James. The Chapeze House and Wickland, Home of Three Governors, are also notable landmarks worth visiting. Takethis self-guided walking tour and hit all the historic hotspots.
The real charm of Bardstown goes beyond the small town’s heritage. It’s wrapped up in the welcoming people who make visitors feel like family. It’s infused with the beautiful architecture and traditions of days past, and it’s an absolutely stunning outdoors destination. The real charm of Bardstown will be in the memories you make while you’re with us.
Written by RootsRated for Visit Bardstown and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/5-unique-glamping-getaways-in-the-texas-hill-country2021-08-02T21:47:22-05:002021-08-02T21:52:20-05:005 Unique Glamping Getaways in the Texas Hill CountryAshley HalliganMore]]>
The Texas Hill Country, spanning 25 counties in Central and South Central Texas, is vast, wide open, and beautiful. Even those who call other parts of Texas home flock to the Hill Country for green, hilly escapes, particularly in the springtime when the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes awash the hillsides, and in June when peach season is at its peak. With wineries, pick-your-own orchards, small-town rodeos, state parks, swimming holes, and country dive bars, there are endless possibilities for a good weekend in the region. There are also a handful of pretty special places to hole up and call home while you’re visiting. Whether you’re looking for a treehouse or a (non-criminal) jail cell, here are a few of our favorite Hill Country getaways where we like to call it a night after a solid day of adventures.
1. Geronimo Creek Retreat | Seguin, Texas
Geronimo Creek Retreat is another boutique Texas accommodation with multiple lodging options onsite. There are two treehouse cabins that can sleep up to six, as well as well-furnished tipis with two-to-three beds in each, including a kitchenette. Common areas include a hot tub, large dock, a guest lodge with a big-screen TV, ping-pong tables, bottomless board games, and a cozy sofa.
The property is beautiful, situated on an elbow of the jade-hued, catfish-filled Geronimo Creek, where you can fish, swim, canoe, or kayak. Geronimo Creek provides stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and a rope swing. There are firepits and outdoor seating areas scattered about the property, so it’s a great place for groups traveling together. Bring groceries, take full advantage of the grill, and have an outdoor dinner after a day spent on the water.
2. Camp Comfort | Comfort, Texas
Once a bowling alley and social club, Camp Comfort is now comprised of four rooms and two cabins overlooking another cypress-lined creek. The bowling alley itself was converted into four well-equipped rooms, hand-designed and built out by the husband-and-wife owners. With cozy beds, antlers, exposed wood, and the best kitchenette I’ve yet to find, and TVs in the bathrooms, Camp Comfort maintains its rustic appeal with modern amenities. Meanwhile, the two creekside-facing cabins, greet you with Pendleton blankets, jacuzzi tubs, and one cabin with a loft.
The entire compound has a very summer camp-like vibe, with a fire ring in the middle of the property, which the owners get going for guests each night. With s’mores kits ready to go, all you need to do is relax next to the fire and roast marshmallows in the moonlight. Some nights, you may be lucky enough to find yourself serenaded by well-known Texas musicians on the property’s small stage. And as a sidenote: Comfort is a charming, quaint Texas town. Take the time to venture less than a mile into downtown for the town’s famous Comfort Pizza; if you’re taking it to go, be sure to call ahead because locals often reserve dough. Yes, it’s that good.
3. Liney Moon | Dripping Springs, Texas
Near the entrance to Pedernales State Park, Liney Moon is an 8-acre property with a main house for rent, ten cottages, and an Airstream trailer—all named and themed after local businesses. Conveniently located near several wineries, a distillery, and the state park, Liney Moon is a perfect lodging option for those who want to explore Texas vineyards and natural beauty. Nearby, Pedernales Falls has endless hiking trails and its namesake falls, which flow through giant rock formations along the Pedernales River. There’s an outpost just down the road—a small bar and convenience store, that just happens to have one antique piano and a whole lot of cowboys passing through.
The quirky cottages at the Liney Moon compound are all well-furnished, cozy, and support local businesses like Treaty Oak (a distillery), the Musician’s Woodshed (a music shop), the famous Salt Lick (BBQ), and Proof & Copper (a nearby restaurant). Liney Moon also provides transportation packages for those adventurers who plan to imbibe along the way. We can certainly raise a glass to that. Bottoms up, cowboys and cowgirls.
4. The Cell Block | Clifton, Texas
A single-cell jailhouse in the heart of downtown Clifton, Texas is one of the state’s most unique accommodations. With a history rich and debaucherous, the space has been converted into a space that the owners deem “luxurious solitary confinement.” With complimentary liquor and wine, brought to you by partnerships that The Cell Block has made with a local winery and distillery, and a vinyl collection that includes “contraband albums,” the experience should be the best night you’ve ever spent in the slammer.
Even more, the jailhouse has a rooftop deck overlooking Clifton’s Art Alley, where you can enjoy a single-malt scotch while watching painters legally go about their tagging. Once you’ve served your time, take your time exploring Clifton. A charming town, you’ll find an old theater, small-town BBQ, and a winery within steps of your jailhouse doors.
5. Cypress Valley Canopy Tours | Spicewood, Texas
Outside of Spicewood, Texas, Cypress Valley Canopy Tours offers more than a ziplining adventure through cypress treetops. There are also several treehouses throughout the property that allow you to sleep in those same treetops. The outfit’s first treehouse—Lofthaven—is a particularly wonderful place to stay. The “treehouse” is actually a yurt built around an ancient cypress trunk, connected to land by a drawstring bridge. Overtop the creek below, you’re literally in the forest canopy (and anyone who’s seen an old Texas cypress tree knows just how tall these trees grow).
A wraparound porch gives you the opportunity to kick back with a good book, open a bottle of wine, and relish in the green that surrounds you. At night, you’ll hear the cries of coyotes and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a ringtail cat. Another bonus: just across the bridge is a separate kitchen and bathhouse literally built into the side of the cliffside; the owners created a bath within the rock, that acts as a waterfall while you bathe. In the treetops. Need we say more?
Written by Ashley Halligan for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/arts-culture-and-shopping-a-guide-to-leisurely-outdoor-experiences-in-austin2021-08-02T21:33:55-05:002021-08-02T21:35:38-05:00Arts, Culture, and Shopping: A Guide to Leisurely Outdoor Experiences in AustinAshley HalliganMore]]>
With an average of 228 sunny days per year, there’s no wonder why Austinites love the outdoors as much as they do. On any day of the week, locals and visitors alike can be found along Austin’s streets and trails, in its parks and on its shorelines, in the water and on the water. Beyond that, though, are a world of opportunities to enjoy everything under the Central Texas sun outdoors. One needn’t be an outdoor enthusiast to find ways to enjoy everything from art galleries and films to flea markets and live music—outside.
Outdoor Art Galleries
HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a "community paint park" backed by local nonprofit HOPE Events and created to give artists and muralists a space to contribute their art. Located at 11th and Baylor, artists can register through the nonprofit to contribute their visions to the project. The park’s mission is “connecting creatives with causes”—both visual artists and musicians. It’s a vision that is very representative of Austin.
You’ll find another outdoor art experience at the sculpture gardens at Laguna Gloria, which is part of The Contemporary Austin art museum. The Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park is nestled among the park’s 14 acres and its gardens, shaded by old live oaks and backdropped by Lake Austin. Many of the sculptures are grand in scale and showcase work from locally renown artists.
Just next door to Laguna Gloria are the grounds of Mayfield Park, which are home to beautiful gardens, ponds, and the park’s much-loved peacocks. Taking a stroll through the grounds is peaceful and relaxing and makes a great place for picnics and photography. If you take a short drive outside of town toward Johnson City, you’ll find Sculpture Ranch. Once Lyndon B. Johnson’s deer-hunting ranch, the 140 acres of trails house more than 100 sculptures by 40 artists.
Outdoor Films and Music
Outdoor films are a staple on a warm Austin evening. Between spring and fall, there are numerous places that host outdoor movies, ranging from pop-up movies in Austin’s many parks to drive-in movies and classic movie snacks at the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In to the old school, outdoor Corral Theater in Wimberley, Texas (about 40 miles outside of Austin).
Alamo Drafthouse hosts pop-up films throughout the city, ranging from themed events complete with props and commentary to full-on field trips where guests paddle down a river to a riverside pig roast and screening of a classic film. Even more, the Drafthouse partners with the Austin Parks Foundation to host films at Austin-area parks. This year’s schedule can be found here.
Sound and Cinema is a popular event held every summer in Austin showcasing a movie on the Long Center lawn afront Auditorium Shores and the Austin skyline every other Wednesday. A local band kicks off the movie screening and on-site food trucks serve up cocktails and snacks for the events.
This guide would be incomplete without mentioning Austin’s acclaimed Blues on the Green, a summer concert series hosted by local radio station KGSR at Zilker Park. The free summer concert series is dog-friendly and usually kicks off just before sunset. Local food trucks provide snacks, while some frequent attendees pack a cooler along with their blanket for sundown jams with the Austin skyline in the background.
Outdoor Markets and Shopping
It’s difficult to keep track of the number of outdoor markets and shopping experiences in Austin. From pop-up flea markets to days dedicated to street vendors to farmers markets to costume sales, there is always an outdoor market full of curiosities, local artisans and craftsmen, and local products to peruse.
South Congress’s First Thursdays are great events showcasing the best of Austin artists, jewelry designers, and craftsmen. Between Barton Springs and Elizabeth Street, the busy street is lined with tables featuring all kinds of interesting finds. Handmade earrings, dream catchers, paintings, instruments, you name it—you’ll find it at First Thursdays.
Yellow Jacket Social Club is an East Side favorite—a bar and social club that hosts interesting events throughout the year. Its popular pop-up flea markets always have a mix of vintage, antique, and unusual finds. We won’t drop names, but you may even find well-known Austin musicians cleaning out their closets and selling half their wardrobe within the social club’s patio.
While it’s not technically *all *outdoors, South First street is home to some of the city’s most loved thrift shops, many of which are housed in old bungalows with porches and front yards overflowing with racks of clothes, jewelry, hats, and accessories. Take a stroll down South First, popping in and out of these shops is a very Austin way to spend a sunny afternoon.
And these are, of course, just a glimpse of the ways you can spend leisurely time in the great outdoors enjoying Austin’s arts and cultural scene. While many of these things take place through the spring and fall when the weather is the nicest, on any given day you’re bound to find something, quite literally, pop up—be it a flea market, a concert, a mission-based event, or any other thing that helps "Keep Austin Weird."
Written by Ashley Halligan for RootsRated in partnership with Austin CVB and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/8-reasons-why-you-need-to-take-your-full-lunch-break2021-05-20T13:54:05-05:002021-05-20T13:54:07-05:008 Reasons Why You Need to Take Your Full Lunch BreakQuinn FishMore]]>
Whether you’re at the office or working from home, the lunch “hour” is hardly a real reprieve. Most of us quickly scarf down a salad to maximize our daily output. In fact, a study by OfficeTeam, an administrative staffing company, found that 56 percent of employees who can take an hour for lunch actually take less than 30 minutes—and almost one-third admit to working while they eat.
If you're worried that your new, solitary lunch isn't quite the same break as grabbing a bite with colleagues, don't: a November 2019 study by the Yale School of Management found that those who ate lunch with coworkers were as fatigued by day’s end as those who worked through lunch, while those who ate lunch by themselves were the most relaxed. So, step away from your computer and ditch the deskside dining. Here's why career, wellness and productivity experts say uninterrupted lunch breaks are a necessity—not a guilt-inducing luxury.
Skipping won't earn you any favors.
“Bosses don’t give bonuses for working through your lunch break. Take what you’re given and make the most of it.”
—Caleb Backe, certified life coach and wellness expert, Maple Holistics
Your brain works better.
“A break of at least 20 minutes can help you find balance in the day and sharpen you for the rest of your afternoon. Taking a walk, listening to a podcast or reading a book can be a shot of ‘me time’ a lot of working moms can’t get after work, which helps restore your brain power.”
“Getting up and walking around a bit increases blood flow and makes you think more clearly. You’ll also feel better if you walk outside during your break each day.”
“Enjoying your lunch improves your productivity and increases your brain activity; we are more creative when we get back to our desks.”
—Sara Curto, career management specialist
It decreases distractions.
“Getting a chance to answer personal emails, set up doctor appointments and make a grocery list means you won’t be distracted by these personal tasks while working.”
—Carley Childress, CEO, Macorva, an employee-engagement platform
You'll be a less-stressed mom.
“Your lunch break is often the only time that you get to yourself. Rushing it or working through it means your nervous system doesn’t relax, which drains you. You become less efficient, and you’ll feel more stressed when you get home to see your kids.”
—Bianca Riemer, certified health and life coach
It'll help balance your day.
"Have you ever experienced that '2 p.m. feeling'—yawns, energy crash, and cravings for you next pick-me-up? This feeling is directly related to what you've had for lunch. If we don’t eat enough throughout the day, we tend to make up for it later. So if you’ve skipped lunch, but then overdo it on evening snacks, there’s a biochemical reason as to why this happens. Focus on your mid-day meal and you’ll be less likely to overindulge at night."
—Dr. Brooke Scheller, Freshly's director of nutrition
It prompts problem-solving.
“Distancing yourself from your work gives room for insights and different ways of thinking—as well as time to come up with better responses to emails and colleagues.”
—Charlie Gilkey, business growth advisor, Productive Flourishing
Written by Quinn Fish for Working Mother and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/celebrate-achievement-with-personalized-graduation-gifts2021-05-18T19:10:44-05:002021-05-18T20:46:33-05:00Celebrate Achievement with Personalized Graduation GiftsMalika malika@getgroovydeals.comMay, the traditional month of Graduation Day is that special time each year when we recognize and honor students for their hard-earned achievements. It’s a time of celebration, camaraderie, and gift-giving, too. What could be more special that a personalized gift for your favorite graduate (s)?
We have a variety of graduation gift ideas that can be personalized with grads graduation date, school, mascot, school song, school motto -- you name it! And the added uniqueness of repurposed barrel heads inscribed with any of the school icons is a gift any student would be excited to receive and hang on their wall.
It’s a guarantee that not everyone will have such a personalized, cool graduation gift like this.
If you want to go bigger with your gifting, take a look at our wine and whiskey barrel gaming tables, shelves, and other furniture. These are gifts that last a lifetime. Handmade, artisan crafted pieces that make the most unique gift possible to that ‘very special graduate’.
How about aWhiskey Barrel Cabinetto add to his/her den or mancave? Or maybe he would like a Whiskey Barrel Cooler Bar for the patio or pergola? Go one better and have his last name engraved to read, e.g., “Anderson’s Distillery” or such. With 5 different stain choices, as well as natural (no stain), you have fun deciding how to personalize your gift for your graduate (s).
If he/she a culinary guru or even a week-end chef, you might want one of our gorgeous Lazy Susan’s or,charcuterie trays. When you add his initial, last name, or special saying, it’s even more personalized and he can have great fun showing it off to friends and family.
Maybe your Grad is into Whiskey Flights, where whiskey connoisseursgather to enjoy tasting multiple bottles at the same time. He/she might even have his/her own club. An authentic whiskey barrel table or bar would be ideal for such an occasion. Even the beautifully functionalLazy Susan’sadd character to any setting.
Here are some other gift ideas to keep in mind, all of which are sure to bring a smile, chuckle, and even a guffaw from that special guy you want to surprise:
Personalization really adds an extra touch to any gift, so whether you’re giving something small or large, remember we can hand engrave the wall signs with a personal saying or your own name. We can include the distillery name, bar name, or place such as city or state.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/top-5-ways-to-use-whiskey-barrels-to-bring-your-country-wedding-to-life2021-05-18T19:01:05-05:002021-05-18T20:46:36-05:00Top 5 Ways to Use Whiskey Barrels to Bring Your Country Wedding to LifeMalika malika@getgroovydeals.comYou’re an original, not tied to traditional wedding themes, so naturally you want your big day to reflect your rustic, earthy style. An outdoor wedding complete with country-themed reception will come to life when you use authentic wine and whiskey barrels in your wedding décor.
A winery country wedding is one of the hottest ideas happening and pulling it all together is easier than you might think. Here are 5 hot tips to help you make your wedding and reception an amazing day to rememberdecorating with Wine & Whiskey Barrels:
Floral Arrangements
Whether gifting or gathering, the magic of floral arrangements seldom disappoints.
With a vast array of color, texture, scent, and beauty, your floral choices sitting atop earthy wine and whiskey barrels is a statement of individuality.
The Grand Entrance
Outdoor weddings using wine and whiskey barrels as a designated entrance can be creatively decorated with florals, signature mementos, exotically draped fabrics, or whatever you choose.
Mementos of Love
Throughout the wedding setting, personal artifacts and customized signage and markers will guide your guests from the ceremony to the party. Whiskey barrels draped in Italian lace adds rustic beauty.
The Reception Bar
You’ll have fun creating a reception bar and food table like no other with authentic
Wine and whiskey barrels ably supporting the cache of goodies while serving as much-talked-about conversation pieces.
The Wedding Cake
Possibly the most important display of your entire wedding -- the wedding cake or cakes if you have a Groom’s cake as well. With the weathered beauty of wine and whiskey barrels juxtaposed against the delicacy and artistry of your wedding cake, your guest will remember your wedding day as unique and enchanting.
Whether the setting for your wedding day is on a beautifully green lawn or inside a wonderful old barn, the event will transcend most weddings as original and memorable -- just like you.Shop with us. Save money. And most of all, make your wedding day the happiest day of your life!
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/hop-in-the-car-and-visit-us-at-gruene-market-days2021-05-13T12:36:01-05:002021-08-17T12:58:36-05:00Hop in the Car and Visit Us at Gruene Market DaysShopify APIhttps://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/5-fantastic-bedrooms-kids-wont-mind-sharing2021-05-12T23:04:27-05:002021-05-20T13:54:09-05:005 Fantastic Bedrooms Kids Won't Mind SharingBrenna Malmberg for HouzzMore]]>
These fun designs will spark your child's imagination.
When it comes to kids’ bedrooms, some Houzzers are trying to figure out how to make them work for two, three and sometimes four little sleepers—or at least that’s the story the most-saved new photos tell us. Here’s a look at the most popular kids’ bedrooms with at least two beds uploaded from January through March, as measured by the number of people who saved them to their Houzz ideabooks in that period.
1. Pretty in Pink (and Orange)
Two twin beds line the wall, sitting headboard to headboard. This type of dual sleeping arrangement works great for kids who have outgrown a bunk bed. But just because the kids are older doesn’t mean the room has to be boring. The colors here—pink, orange and white—give the room a playful feel.
2. Escape Into the Woods
Why go camping when you have a forest in your room? Little campers can snuggle into their built-in bunk beds here, complete with a stuffed bear and a fox pillow.
3. Superheroes’ Adventure
Everything about this room is super. It features backlit superhero portraits above the beds, floor-to-ceiling murals and metallic-colored bunk beds. All this image is missing is some action-packed sound effects, but maybe that’s where the room’s inhabitants come into play.
4. Safari in the City
Zebras dash around the walls in this New York City bedroom shared by two boys. Their matching twin beds sit up against the wall on either side of a large chest. The space on the floor in between is great for a little fire-truck driving before bed.
5. Built-In Perfection
Usually only the bottom bunk has a cozy, enclosed feel, but not in this shared bedroom—the top bunk also has a wall at its head and a tented top. This room packs in other built-in features, such as the bookcase in the wall and all of the drawers under the bed and in the stairs.
Written by Brenna Malmberg for Houzz for Working Mother and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/5-recipes-perfect-for-teaching-kids-to-cook2021-04-22T19:04:29-05:002021-05-20T13:49:20-05:005 Recipes Perfect for Teaching Kids to CookAudrey KingoMore]]>
Your children will soon be budding chefs thanks to these easy-to-follow recipes and tasty renditions of their favorite foods.
Here’s an idea for the New Year: You kicking back with a glass of wine as your kids whip up dinner.
Fantasy? Maybe, but it may just be time to let your children learn a valuable life skill like cooking. You know what they say about teaching a man to fish? OK, making your kids hunt and forage for their food may be a bit extreme, but you can teach them how to whip up age-appropriate snacks and suppers.
The secret is finding tasty, easy-to-follow recipes for foods they already know and love, such as granola bars and chicken parmesan. Those classics and more can be found in American Girl Cooking by Williams-Sonoma. While the cookbook is ideal for fans of the dolls—you and your daughter can debate whether Samantha would prefer guacamole or greek salad pitas—the family-pleasing recipes are sure to be a hit with boys too.
Ready for your little one to learn how to be the next Emeril Lagasse or Ina Garten? Break out the blue apron, and help your son or daughter concoct one of the delicious dishes below. Then, give each other a Michelin star just for the effort.
Ditch the store-bought bags and let your kids learn how to bake their own savory snacks.
Written by Audrey Kingo for Working Mother and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/love-the-taste-of-whiskey-thank-an-oak-tree2021-04-22T18:59:59-05:002021-04-22T19:00:01-05:00Love the taste of whiskey? Thank an oak treeArtur Cisar-ErlachMore]]>
Excerpt: The Flavor of Wood
Historically the wooden barrel has been the world’s most important shipping container, only comparable to today’s large iron shipping containers, the holding vessels of our globalized consumer society. Like the shipping container, the wooden barrel has been used to transport an extremely wide variety of commodities, ranging from apples, gunpowder, salted meat, cement, coins, flour, fish, molasses and pickles to tobacco, linens, tar, seeds, vinegar, potatoes, oysters and, of course, beer, wine, and whisky, the transport of which they are still used for today.
Driving through the center of Waidhofen an der Ybbs in Lower Austria feels like taking a trip back in time. My GPS insisted I drive down a narrow and increasingly steep road at which end the Cooperage Schneckenleitner supposedly was located. Still unsure and rather alarmed by the ever-narrowing road right next to the river, suddenly I was confronted by a scene right out of a medieval play. Partly situated under the arcs of a tall stone bridge was, indeed, a cooperage. I saw rows of wooden barrels, piles of staves, and people hammering iron rings around half-finished barrels.
Once properly re-parked, I was finally ready to find the cooperage’s young manager, Paul Schneckenleitner, Jr., with whom I had spoken on the phone the day before. Quite proudly he told me that it had been in the family since 1880, which meant that he was now the fifth generation running it.
Contrary to my belief that the arrival of the tree trunks was the starting point of Schneckenleitner’s work, I was curious to learn that the barrel-making process starts with the tree still standing in the forest, when the experienced cooper chooses the right trees for his barrels. Schneckenleitner still relies on his father and uncle for this sensitive task; they travel personally from woodlot to woodlot selecting suitable trees in Austria, Germany, and even France.
Trees must be felled during the cold winter months, when the tree sap has retreated deep into the roots and the wood pores are therefore closed. Once it arrives at the sawmill, the wood destined for smaller barrels is hydraulically split (avoiding damage to the natural wood fiber structure), and that for bigger barrels is quarter-sawn into staves; the trunk is first sawn into quarters and then each quarter is sawn into boards, with the saw blade parallel to the centerline of the quarter. Immediately afterwards, the boards are stacked outside to dry, sometimes for years. Rain, wind, ice, snow, scorching heat, and heavy fog wash out the wood’s harsh tannins and transform the flavor characteristics. Additionally, location- specific bacteria and fungi break down chemical compounds in the wood, therefore making them soluble to alcoholic liquids. This meant, unmistakably, that a barrel has terroir, a term mostly used in the wine world to describe the specific environmental conditions (soil, topography and climate) that produce its unique taste.
At his family’s cooperage every barrel is made to order, which means that customers can choose between several standardized sizes and, most importantly, select an intensity for the char layer on the inside of the barrel. This so-called toasting process has a strong influence on the flavor characteristics of the barrel, the most obvious one being a smoky note.
Having seen the whole production process, I was keen to ask something that has nagged me since I began my quest. Why is the world of barrel making and ultimately the whole wine and spirits sphere so dominated by the oak?
According to Schneckenleitner, it simply comes down to demand. No one really seems to be asking for barrels made from other wood, although there are some wineries that still order small amounts of acacia wood barrels, favored for their very light, fruity taste. There are certain limitations on which kind of wood can be used, as it must have rather tight pores and shouldn’t be too soft or brittle in order to survive the duress it undergoes during the barrel-making process. Fascinatingly, though, he remembered that his father once made barrels from larch, which is relatively durable but much softer than oak.
I soon realized that there were many different components that influenced the unique flavor profile of a barrel and even more so when it came to the spirit itself. Let’s take whisky as an example. Some studies actually identified up to four thousand nonvolatile (nongaseous) compounds in oak-barrel-aged whisky, whereby each different chemical part of the wood plays an important role. Bearing a striking resemblance to a sponge when viewed under a microscope, the wood structure consists of parallel strands of cellulose (long chains of complex sugar molecules that make up the main component of the very paper these lines are written on), which are wrapped in a mash of hemicellulose (variably organized complex sugar molecules), which in turn is interwoven with lignin strands (a highly complex polymer that binds cells together and is, for example, responsible for the crunch in vegetables104). In between this extremely strong, yet flexible structure, varying amounts of proteins and extractive substances are deposited.
The hemicellulose contributes wood sugars, which are important for the body of the whisky. During the toasting process of barrel production, they are caramelized, which contributes strongly to the whisky’s unique amber color. Lignin gets broken down by the ethanol in spirits into important flavor compounds like vanillin, which adds to spirits the very notable vanilla flavor, the oak’s signature taste. Furthermore, it also contributes to the color. Extractive substances like tannins and lipids introduce a certain amount of astringency and remove notable off-notes, like the sensation of a rubbery taste sometimes present in a fresh distillate. American white oak barrels additionally have a high amount of lactones, which are derived from lipids in the wood. Lactones give the whisky a somewhat woody flavor (old bookstore sensation) and a hint of coconut.
Overall the charring of the barrel plays a very significant role, as it not only breaks up hemicellulose, lignin, and lipid structures, which later react more readily with the ethanol, but also removes off-notes by essentially creating a layer of active carbon (used in many filters). Moreover, some parts of the char layer are themselves dissolved, which gives a certain smokiness to the whisky. With the different influences of the wood chemical components in mind, I set out to find some intriguing wood species whose taste I wanted to explore.
The Australian eucalyptus had an extremely gratifying taste of caramel or sweet toffee that was very long-lasting, while the mahogany reminded me of green tea with a hint of smokiness, like a pine-smoked Lapsang Souchong made from green tea, rather than black. As the flavor profile developed in the mouth, however, it became more and more astringent, a problem that could be most likely fixed by properly exposing the staves to the elements and thereby washing out the harsh tannins. A strong, sweet, long-lasting taste of marshmallow was the flavor surprise the larch had in store for me, while the alder initially tasted like a first flush Darjeeling tea but very soon developed a perfect raspberry flavor.
I was speechless; four more or less randomly selected woods had resulted in four completely different flavors, from sweet toffee to smoky green tea and from raspberry to a marshmallow. With 80,000 to 100,000 tree species in the world, what a galaxy of flavors there was still to discover.
Written by Artur Cisar-Erlach for Popular Science and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/the-worlds-first-winery2021-04-22T18:53:57-05:002021-04-22T18:53:58-05:00The World's First WineryAdam Leith GollnerMore]]>
Looking out from the Areni-1 cave near the village of Areni in Armenia, where ongoing excavations have unearthed the world's oldest known proto-winery.
“This is it: the genesis,” exclaims winemaker Paul Hobbs, walking through a tight opening into a mass of monolithic rocks. “The cave where it all began.”
Hobbs and his partners are taking a break from their vines to explore one of the world’s oldest known winemaking operations. It’s in a cave. In Armenia. And not just any cave: a massive, primordial, bat-infested, Transcaucasian caveman cave. The Areni-1 complex, uncovered in 2007, contains a 6,100-year-old winery replete with fermenting vats, a grape press, and subterranean clay storage vessels. Altogether, it’s the best-preserved archeological site in the ongoing search for winemaking’s birthplace. And it’s only 60 miles from Mount Ararat, where Noah is said to have parked his ark after the flood and planted the earth’s first vineyard.
When you’re inside the cave, where the National Geographic Society and UCLA are continually excavating, you can’t help wondering what life must have been like back then. It’s quite cool—“temperature controlled,” as Hobbs puts it, meaning wine-friendly. Like a sandy beach, the floor is soft and springy, covered in a layer of fine dirt. Hobbs rests his hand on a guano-encrusted wall and gazes down at the gray-white earthenware jugs sunk into the powdery floor. “These have been sitting here for thousands of years,” he says. “It’s hard to fathom. We don’t have words for this feeling; it’s something mystical, something ethereal.”
Few people outside the former Soviet Union have ever tasted Armenian wine, but Hobbs and his team are part of a growing movement here hoping to change that. In addition to his own winery in Sebastapol, California, Hobbs consults on dozens of projects around the globe, from Uruguay to Ontario. And the 62-year-old vintner played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Argentinean wine industry two decades ago. His Armenian venture is a partnership with two Los Angeles-based Armenian brothers, Viken and Vahe Yacoubian. The first releases from Yacoubian-Hobbs Wines—made in the vineyards of Rind, a short drive from the Areni-1 archeological site—will launch next year.
Visiting Areni-1, it’s easy to share Hobbs’ enthusiasm for the chance to make wine at the cradle of viticulture. The cave is situated at the conjunction of an ancient canyon and a steep, narrow valley. From the fertile base of this X-shaped gorge, sweeping green hillsides give way to immense jagged red stone formations seemingly erupting from the earth’s core. These cliffside spires must have been just as awe-inspiring to the people who began cultivating grapes here millennia ago.
Mother Armenia presides over the country's capital, Yerevan. Designed by Armenian sculptor Ara Harutyunyan, the monument replaced a World War II-era statue of Joseph Stalin in the early 1960s.
Imagine a band of hunter-gatherers standing on a ridge across the Arpa River, surveying these craggy rifts as a place they might find shelter and protection from the leopards and jackals competing for survival here in the Armenian highlands. Areni-1 was inhabited during the early Copper Age, a transitional epoch between the Stone Age and the Bronze Age also known as the Chalcolithic period. At that point, we were still pretty much cartoon cavemen who hadn’t yet invented writing or wheels. The advent of alcoholic beverages would help kick-start those breakthroughs.
Consider: Only by domesticating animals and tending crops did we evolve away from pure survival and into a mode of life where division of labor and increased specialization developed into critical thinking. This cave is a key locus in that development.
Over the past decade, archeological excavations at Areni-1 have uncovered not just the first-ever winery, but also the oldest known leather shoe and a human skull containing the most ancient fragment of brain tissue in existence. It’s been suggested the skulls and wine were linked in ceremony, and in its earliest days, the mystery of fermentation and inebriation was considered a gift of the gods—something to be ritualized. That’s why, as organized religions arose, wine became linked to divinities like Teshub, Osiris, Dionysus, and Jesus.
Early forms of booze included broken-rice grogs, grain mashed with fruit, and other proto-beers. But wine’s centrality in human history is due to the simplicity with which grape juice transforms itself into alcohol. As soon as grapes release their juices, the yeasts living on their skins break down the sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. A pile of grapes, left to their own devices, will start to ferment automatically. “Other fruits don’t generate the same amount of alcohol as grapes, nor do other fruits turn into juice as easily,” Hobbs says.
The discovery of wine would have been an alluring reason for nomadic humans to give sedentary existence a go. As the pomologist Edward Bunyard once wrote: “We can picture the Father of our civilization, genial and complacent amid the stir of camp-breaking, answering those who urged him to his packing, ‘No! I stay here until this grape juice is finished. It gets more tasty every day.’”
Of course it wouldn’t have been the only reason we settled, but wine's nascence is a key moment in the Neolithic revolution, when humans gave up nomadism for agriculture. Armenia is adjacent to the Fertile Crescent, where founder crops like emmer and einkorn wheat, barley, flax, and lentils were tamed and developed. This particular region is also the place of origin for the wild grapevine.
It’s uncertain where, exactly, viticulture began, but the strongest theories suggest that it arose between the Black and Caspian Seas in Transcaucasia (which includes Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan), as well as in eastern Turkey, the Levant, and northern Iran. The earliest evidence for grape domestication, in the form of 8,000-year-old grape seeds, was found just north of Armenia at Shulaveri gorge in Georgia. The oldest example of wine—7,400-year-old residue on clay pots—was discovered just south of Armenia at Hajji Firuz Tepe in Iran. Across the Black Sea in northern Greece, findings from a settlement called Dikili Tash suggest that grapes were being crushed into wine there 6,300 years ago. But Areni-1, at 6,100 years old, is the first place where grapes and winemaking tools have been discovered together. To put things in perspective, it’s not until a millennium or so later that wine shows up in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs.
How the first prehistoric wines were made remains a matter of speculation. One hypothesis entails nomadic humans collecting wild grapes, which, left aside, accidentally fermented, and presto: vino. “When our prehistoric ancestors first drank wine, they felt its euphoric effects,” Hobbs says, “which certainly made them want to keep at it.”
Hobbs and the Yacoubian brothers have also had to keep at it. They've been working on this ambitious project since 2008, and they still haven't actually released any wines. But things are getting closer: Their areni vines are healthy, their nursery with Hobbs' California varietals is in the ground, and the first batch of their wines is imminent. “This is the longest cycle of any project I've ever worked on,” notes Hobbs, who also accepts that things take as long as they need to in a place this remote.
A certain level of tenacity and dedication is required just to access the Areni-1 site. Traveling to Armenia from North America is a multitransfer slog, and the drive to the cave from the capital city, Yerevan, takes a couple of hours along bumpy mountain roads. Throughout the journey, Mount Ararat's snowcapped peak dominates the biblically epic view. The road to Areni is lined with farm stands selling fresh red cherries and plastic gallons of homemade, semisweet, rustic red wine. “Many of them are riddled with microbial sanitation problems, oxidation, or overextraction,” Hobbs laments. “It's a shame, as more and more people are making pilgrimages here to taste great wine in its birthplace.”
Ancient wines have little in common with the roadside plonk available around Areni. Given the relentless global demand for wines with a true sense of place, there are opportunities here. Take the amber wines of nearby Georgia, made as they always have been in underground qvevri amphorae. Unsung until recently, they're increasingly praised in the international wine scene. Armenia, too, is ground zero for wine culture, yet it's still to be seen how it will reconcile the past with the present.
The indigenous areni grape, for example, seems ideally suited for lighter-bodied wines, yet many winemakers use it in saccharine Soviet-style wines or in brawny oak bombs. There's little consensus about what would make for a “typical” Armenian wine because nobody can say with authority what the wines used to be like. Part of the thrill is the desire to try and find out—even though the country's ancient wine culture nearly died over the past couple of centuries.
Areni-1 was inhabited during the early Copper Age, a transitional epoch between the Stone Age and the Bronze Age.
There's a simple reason why Armenia is simultaneously one of the oldest and the youngest wine-producing nations in the world: It was decreed a brandy-producing country during the 19th-century czarist era. As a result, most grapes here have ultimately ended up being distilled. The emphasis on brandy only deepened during Soviet years, and to this day, 95 percent of the grapes grown on a commercial level are used for spirits.
The rebirth of Armenian wines began only around a decade ago—barely enough time for newly planted vines to come to fruition. The producers moving things forward include Zorah, which ages a Karasì cuvée in reclaimed amphorae; Voskeni of the Ararat Valley; and Kataro, a family-run winery in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region. Irina Ghaplanyan, a political science professor and driving force in the revival, makes an excellent red called Zabel. “Armenia's wines aren't yet at their full potential,” she explains, knowingly. “We're still discovering what they can truly offer.”
This is a nation where the tradition of simply drinking wine was broken. Annual consumption of vodka per capita is 5.6 liters, for example, to wine's 1.6 liters. Compare that with Georgia, where the average citizen consumes upwards of 21 liters a year. Granted, Georgia was deemed a “country of wine” in the Soviet-dominated 20th century, supplying Stalin with his favorites, and the tradition of making wine in qvevris was never interrupted. If Armenia can find a way to leverage its own historical position into a vibrant new wine culture, however, its mountainous reds may soon be drunk side by side with Georgia's skin-contact amber wines.
Since the discovery of Areni-1 nine years ago, seismic changes have already taken place in Armenia. The first-ever wine bars in Yerevan opened just a few years ago. The clientele still skews female and young, but it's a significant step in a place where most men consider wine drinking unmasculine. The sense that a new generation is coaxing things forward is palpable. Post-Soviet-style wine (read: dry) is being exported by domaines like ArmAs Estate, Hin Areni Vineyards, and Van Ardi, and there is an increasing uptick in quality. “That's where we come in,” says Hobbs, who is conscious of the need to retain the wines' connection to the land. “The soul of a wine is when it speaks to a place. If you don't have that, then you've missed everything. And that quest is why we're so fired up to be here.”
The quest to bring world-class wine back to Armenia would be a lot more complicated without Vahe Keushguerian, the winery manager for Yacoubian-Hobbs. Born into the diaspora and educated in the United States, he started making wine in Tuscany and Puglia in the 1990s. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, he bought land in the Areni region, relocated in 2009, and began working with the country's winemakers. These days, he runs a company called Semina Consulting that helps with everything from harvesting to bottling to sales to shipping. “The ringleader of the Armenian wine mafia” is what the media here have dubbed Keushguerian. That may be true, but he's also a nature lover who spends his free time tagging and propagating wild grapevines.
Not far from the cave, Keushguerian walks over to some tangled, overgrown grape bushes. These grapevines haven't been here for millennia, but they've overlooked these cliffs for at least a few generations. The varietals translate to names like “foxtail,” “the shah's empress,” and “a Kurd's forehead.”
“Whenever I come out here it makes me realize the total insignificance of our own lives,” Keushguerian says to Hobbs as they gaze up at the cliffs. As much as Keushguerian is entranced with Armenia's ancestral grapes and Areni-1, it's his opinion that it doesn't matter which country actually came to make wine first. “Being the birthplace of wine is something the countries around here all share,” he contends. “In fact, it's one of the few things we all have in common.”
Early forms of booze included broken-rice grogs, grain mashed with fruit, and other proto-beers.
Relations between Armenia and its neighbors are highly fraught. The borders to Turkey and Azerbaijan are closed. The only land routes in or out pass through either Georgia or Iran, making it logistically difficult to export wines. There have long been disputes over the Azeri exclave of Nakhchivan as well as the mountainous independent territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, which shares a currency, legislation, and much of its population with Armenia—but which Azerbaijan claims belongs to it. Perhaps the ultimate symbol for how complex the geopolitical situation is in this region is Mount Ararat itself, which lies in a part of Turkey primarily inhabited by Kurds who consider it part of the as-yet-unrecognized nation of Kurdistan.
Areni-1 is located near Ararat in Vayots Dzor, a province whose name translates as the “Valley of Sorrows.” So many wars have been fought here, and the painful memory of the Armenian genocide a century ago remains fresh. Cross-cultural tension and lingering wounds are part of the country's DNA.
As Keushguerian, Viken Yacoubian, and Hobbs leave the cave site, a picnicking group of older men waves them over. They're drinking homemade white wine and vodka from plastic water bottles. When they learn that Hobbs is American, they kiss him on the cheek and hold forth in Russian about Armenia's tragic past. Keushguerian tries to translate, but the men speak over one another with increasing urgency. Pretty soon, they are crying and hugging as Hobbs attempts to console them. He can't grasp a word they're saying. Still, he's in a land capable of expressing its emotions in ways that transcend language.
To encounter grown men crying here is not atypical. In fact, souvenir stores often sell small figurines of a doleful, bulbous-nosed, dark-haired, flower-bearing man with tears running down his face. Armenians are a deeply emotional and empathetic people; it's part of the reason they've been able to survive in such a harsh environment, but also why their communities have flourished around the world. The global Armenian diaspora is estimated to be between 7 million to 8 million people; the country's population is itself only 3 million.
William Saroyan, the legendary Armenian-American writer, felt that the secrets to life were to breathe deeply, laugh like hell, and really “taste food when you eat.” Meals here are so incredibly flavorful and abundant that it's impossible to not follow his advice. After bidding the tipsy, now laughing picnickers dasvidaniya, the group heads to an outdoor grill restaurant near the base of the cave. (Part of the cave itself was damaged when someone tried to build a restaurant inside its western gallery.)
Armenia was decreed a brandy-producing country during the 19th-century czarist era.
Lunch begins with platters of brightly flavored pickles, thick Caucasian yogurt, savory pan-seared apricot patties, carrots with dill, thin slices of eggplant wrapped around creamy walnuts, and local cold cuts like basturma and dried soujouk, as well as a briny, subterranean-aged cheese and heaping plates of fresh herbs: chervil, chives, cilantro, purple basil, mustardy arugula, and tarragon. And no Armenian meal would be complete without dolmas, whether cabbage-wrapped rice and meat, or forest-green vine leaves swaddling crayfish. The main course is a parade of grilled sturgeon, trout, pork chops, lamb, and potatoes.
The other tables fill with raven-haired women and muscular men with pale blue eyes wearing Adidas tracksuits. The impression of being in 1970s U.S.S.R. is amplified when Hobbs and the others depart for their nearby vineyards, jostling past blue-smoke-spewing Ladas, donkey-pulled chariots, and a rumbling bulldozer slowly dragging boulders on chains behind it.
“Most of the vineyard practices here are archaic,” Hobbs says, strolling through his vines in Rind. “We've worked to revamp growing methods, slashing yields, and harvesting later to achieve ripeness.”
Viken Yacoubian is a rugged force to Hobbs' Hollywood good looks. (In his early 20s, Yacoubian served two years in a U.S. federal prison for participating in a foiled plot to bomb a Turkish consul's office.) He recalls that when Hobbs arrived there was no infrastructure for modern winemaking. “Everything was ancient and dilapidated, left over from the Soviet period,” Yacoubian says. “It really felt formidable to attempt this.”
But now, eight years later, it's coming together. The final blends for their first release will be chosen tomorrow. Everyone takes a moment to inhale deeply. A shepherd pauses with his flock on a ravine in the distance. Purple wildflowers and blood-red poppies dance among the vines. “What I love about this place is the purity,” Hobbs says. “In the air, in the plants, in everything.”
Born in upstate New York, Hobbs notes the similarity between his homeland and Armenia. “The winters here are as cold as the Finger Lakes,” he says. “The flowers and soil and manure and leaves—it smells like my childhood on the farm. Every time I visit the cave, I end up feeling like a kid. I feel like I am my three-year-old daughter here. Everything is so new and marvelous for her, so fresh.”
The next afternoon, Hobbs, Yacoubian, and Irina Ghaplanyan from Zabel gather at Chateau Qvartel, Keushguerian's offices and winery. The “chateau” is an immense, rusting Soviet hangar located in Yerevan's derelict 16th quarter. A number of the buildings around here have collapsed, some are in a permanent state of incompletion, and many are windowless. It's a reminder of post-Soviet dissolution, when supply chains crumbled and the ruble was replaced with the still-precarious dram. Electricity was barely available at night from 1991 until around 2005. During those years, hotels here would give guests a wake-up call if hot water happened to become available for showering. “This part of town is kind of the projects,” Keushguerian says.
“The soul of a wine is when it speaks to a place. If you don't have that, then you've missed everything.”
Unlikely though it may seem, this urban-bunker facility is central command for the new wines of Armenia—eight or so winemakers all operate under this one roof. Keushguerian makes his own wines here, as do Ghaplanyan, Yacoubian-Hobbs, and a handful of other idealists. There are the usual stainless-steel fermenting tanks and oak barrels for aging, but there's also a large map on the wall to help explain how all these Greater Caucasian and Near East countries fit next to one another.
“The grapes for my Keush Origins sparkling wine come from there,” Keushguerian says, pointing at the region of Khachik. It's right up against the border of Azerbaijan, close to the trenches in a militarized zone. “To make sense of wine in Armenia, we need to accept that it is a combination of history, geography, resilience, and defiance—plus a sense of duty to our ancestors,” he continues. “Wine is a way to introduce people to Armenia. You see its reality through its wine.”
Yacoubian chimes in: “The fact is these wines allow us to discuss identity. I am an Armenian, and I am making wine, but who am I? I was born in Lebanon and grew up in Los Angeles, and I came here searching for a way of defining my Armenian-ness.” Wine is helping him, and his country, define their voice.
On that note, they taste the final blend of their first vintage. The Yacoubian-Hobbs take on the areni grape smooths out its rough tannins, placing it somewhere between a mondeuse from Savoie, a Chianti riserva, and a volcanic red from Etna. It's definitely a mountain wine, but with a velvety, new-world, Hobbsian signature—and it adds density without any of the clunkiness found in other local wines.
Keushguerian and Ghaplanyan recently coauthored a paper on what they call wines from the “historical world,” distinguishing that term from “Old World” and “New World.” They wanted to identify this region—Armenia and Georgia, but also Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon—differently from the ancient world. “The ancient world is a sexy idea,” Ghaplanyan explains, “but it is something that has ceased to exist—as opposed to history, which is constantly evolving.”
Keushguerian interjects: “The ancient world is a fossil, and nobody wants to be a fossil.” Their notion that this part of the world is distinct from old-world and new-world labels allows for historical-world wines to be made with a new-world palate, as Yacoubian-Hobbs is doing, or in an old-world style, emulating European cuvées, or in a historical-world way, as are Georgia's amber wines. “There is room for all preferences and tastes with this framework,” he says.
Ghaplanyan insists that Armenian wine should be in no rush to define itself—or to limit itself. “Our people first lost our statehood in 1045 c.e.—and we only finally became a sovereign republic again in 1991,” she points out. “Twenty-five years to find ourselves again after almost a thousand is a very short time.” Armenia is an in-between place, not exactly European, Asian, or Middle Eastern. “A liminal place,” Ghaplanyan says. “That has to be the source of our strength.”
Armenians have long used wine as a way of maintaining their Armenian-ness. In 2013, the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology published a paper about the spread of early Transcaucasian culture (ETC) across the Near East in the third millennium b.c.e. The Areni-1 site was a prime ETC settlement, and as the Transcaucasians wandered, they brought wine culture with them. The archeological record suggests that winemaking is what enabled them to retain their social identity wherever they settled.
Returning from exile, Yacoubian, Ghaplanyan, and Keushguerian are essentially following their predecessors in a quest to discover themselves through wine. There's a beautiful symmetry to the idea that modern-day Armenians would define themselves in such a way. This is a place where a wine-drinking civilization learned to thrive 6,000 years ago, and where people are once again using grapes to help them find their identity—even as they search for the true nature of their wines.
The Armenian Grapes
Cultivated in Armenia’s rich, volcanic soil at high altitudes, these grape varietals are entirely indigenous and vital to the tradition of winemaking in the cradle of viticulture.
Areni
The best known of Armenia's varietals, areni is a thick-skinned, late-ripening grape. It's considered one of the country's finest, and produces fresh, bright red wines with soft, elegant red fruit flavors.
Kakhet
This late-ripening varietal is thinner-skinned than areni, and deep violet-purple in color, with small berries that make for sweet, fresh, floral juice.
Sireni
Originally from Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory in South Caucasus, sireni is a thick-skinned red grape with tannic structure. It ages and develops reliably well in barrel.
Tchilar
Rare and nearly extinct until recently, tchilar is a grape to watch in the coming years. It's mildly floral with a distinct structure, and falls somewhere between a sauvignon blanc and a grüner veltliner.
Written by Adam Leith Gollner for Saveur and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/hop-in-the-car-and-visit-us-at-gruene-market-days-march-20th-and-21st2021-03-12T16:31:30-06:002021-05-13T14:14:42-05:00Hop in the Car and Visit Us at Gruene Market DaysJane SheltonMore]]>
If you live in Texas you probably know where New Braunfels is, near San Antonio. But did you know there’s another very special town nearby called Gruene (pronounced Green)?
What you’ll discover is Gruene Market Days, an impressive sprawling display of remarkable handmade artisan goods.
Come visit The Rock Guys and The Barrel Guys! Get Groovy Deals is on the main market area next to Stone Creations of Texas adjacent from Adobe Verde. Follow us on Facebook or IG and Save 10% on your purchase!
Gruene Market Days has been held every month except January for over 30 years and features nearly 100 artisans offering handmade items made by the vendors themselves, including uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. There is free parking and admission and free live entertainment. While you are Gruene Historic District enjoy specialty shopping, wine tasting, unique dining, live entertainment, and other events and river rides.
Visit us with our unique barrel and home décor.
Made from retired whiskey and wine barrels. Featuring Whiskey and Wine Design a family owned business that started with the vision and passion of a father son team to repurpose retired whiskey and wine barrels into beautiful furniture and home décor. Creating one of a kind hand-crafted, heirloom-quality pieces.
Gary Endsley, Master Carpenter, and retired U.S. Navy Veteran, is the chief artisan who transforms authentic whiskey and wine barrels from yesteryear into stunning, rustic designs that add character and charm to any room or setting. Gary has been a master carpenter creating one of a kind pieces since 1985.
Gary and his son, Bryan work together to authenticate, design, and build every original piece, combining Gary’s masterful expertise with Bryan’s enterprising business insight. Together, they have created a bustling business -- family style.
Everything is made by repurposing old, retired American made whiskey and wine barrels into striking, heirloom-quality furniture and decorative pieces. Rustic whiskey and wine barrels, each with vivid stories of their own, are reborn to become handsome lazy susan’s, serving trays, charcuterie boards, and personalized laser-engraved designs upon request.
From IH-35, take Exit #191, go west 1.5 miles, take a left onto Hunter Road; the address is 1724 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
About Gruene
Gruene is a former German town in Comal County in the U.S. state of Texas. Once a significant cotton-producing community along the Guadalupe River, the town has now shifted its economy to one supported primarily by tourism.
See You There!
Get Groovy Deals will be at Gruene Market Days, the 21st and 22nd of March, and we hope to see you there! We will be exhibiting there, so drive on down and see some of the most outstanding handmade artisan goods in the state and see some of our most popular products on sale at irresistible prices!
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/wine-gifts-for-wine-lovers2021-03-10T16:30:01-06:002021-03-10T17:02:53-06:00Wine Gifts for Wine Lovers!Malika malika@getgroovydeals.comFor thousands (yes thousands) of years, wine has been a popular beverage. Of all the alcoholic drinks in existence, none has had such an impact on society as wine. The trade of wine between cultures opened up channels for religious and philosophical ideas to spread across Europe. Wine is also frequently mentioned in the bible from Noah and his grape vines to Jesus, as perhaps the finest winemaker to date.
Centuries ago, a wine industry was also the mark of a provident country, as only developed societies could support a prosperous and competitive wine industry. It is often said that western society built its foundations on wine.
Many famous people throughout the years have lauded the benefits of wine.
“Wine cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires the young, makes weariness forget his toil.”
-- Lord Byron
“Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.”
-- Ben Franklin
“Wine when not treated with reasonable respect, will sicken and die.”
-- Julia Child
Wine is universal and whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a fledgling newbie, you, no doubt, appreciate its value and place. What we have learned since we began our journey at Whiskey and Wine Barrel Furniture & Décor in 1985, is that people appreciate the history and creativity of re-purposing old wine and whiskey barrels into unique, functional furniture.
This timeless artifacts pay homage to a time gone by and creating beautiful furniture and household mementos from them continue to give them meaning. Visit our line of unique, custom-build whiskey and barrel furniture. You’ll find gifts for others as well as for yourself.
We look forward to meeting you. Come visit us soon atGet Groovy Deals. Discover how much fun shopping can be!
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/how-much-do-you-know-about-wine-really2021-03-09T15:00:00-06:002021-03-09T15:52:53-06:00How Much Do You Know About Wine -- Really?Malika malika@getgroovydeals.comAre you aware that there’s a difference in table grapes and wine grapes? Table grapes are bigger, crunchier, and have no seeds, while wine grapes are smaller, have thicker skin, and have seeds.
Do You Know the Different Wine Styles?
When you order a glass of wine dining out, most people don’t stop to think about which wine style they are ordering. The fact is there are nine different wine styles:
Sparkling Wine
Light-Bodied White Wine
Full-Bodied White Wine
Aromatic (sweet) White Wine
Rosé Wine
Light-Bodied Red Wine
Medium-Bodied Red Wine
Full-Bodied Red Wine
Dessert Wine
Pairing Wine with Food
Learn food and wine pairing basics and what to look for in a recipe to make great wine matches. A great food and wine pairing creates a balance between the ingredients of a dish and the characteristics of a wine. Here are some tips on how to pair wine and food.
The wine should be more acidic than the food.
The wine should be sweeter than the food.
The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food.
Red wines pair best with bold flavored meats (e.g. red meat).
White wines pair best with light-intensity meats like fish or chicken
Bitter wines (e.g. red wines) are best balanced with fat.
It is better to match the wine with the sauce than with the meat.
More often than not, White, Sparkling and Rosé wines create contrasting pairings.
More often than not, Red wines will create harmonious pairings.
Learning to Identify Wine Flavors
Wine’s flavors come from aroma compounds —stereoisomers as scientists call them— that are released during fermentation.
So, when you smell wine, the alcohol evaporates into the air and carries these lighter-than-air aroma compounds into your nose. Each wine can contain hundreds of different aroma compounds and each compound can affect the flavor of a wine.
Our brains often have multiple responses to one stereoisomer. For example, the lychee fruit flavor in Gewürztraminer can also smell like roses.
Fruit Flavors in White Wine
White wines offer two main fruit types: tree-fruits and citrus fruits. The more you taste white wine, the more you’ll realize that the same type of wine will vary wildly depending on where it’s grown. For instance, tasting a Chenin Blanc from South Africa, will exhibit peaches and lemons, whereas Chenin Blanc from Anjou in the Loire Valley, France, will have much more lime and green apple fruit aromas. This has a lot to do with the climate where the grapes were grown.
Fruit Flavors in Red Wine
The first, most obvious flavors to identify in wine are the fruit flavors. Fruit flavors in red wines typically fall into two different categories: red fruit and black fruit flavors. Being able to tell the difference between the two types will make it easier to identify your favorite types of wine. Each wine variety can offer a range of flavors. For example, Pinot Noir generally exhibits red fruit flavors, but those can vary from tart cranberry-like flavors to sweet black cherry or raspberry-like flavors.
Wines with more black fruit flavors tend to be more full-bodied, including wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule, but this concept is fairly reliable.
Learning about wine can be fun and enjoyable. We’ll be exploring more about wine in future blogs so visit us again for more wine know-how.
Unique gifts for wine lovers
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/don-t-wait-for-the-holidays-gift-yourself-all-year-long2021-03-08T14:30:00-06:002021-03-08T15:46:30-06:00Selfcare is the New Black -- Don’t Wait for the Holidays -- Gift Yourself All Year Long!Malika malika@getgroovydeals.comLuxurious Bamboo Bedding Everyone Wants
Just in case you don’t get the Bamboo Sheet Collection for Christmas you were hoping for, not to worry! Get Groovy Deals has better-than-ever pricing and selection, so come shop for yourself!
And while you’re at it, take a look at the plush Bamboo Alternative Down Comforters in pristine, lotus white or sharkskin gray. No other fabric offers you breathable, quick-drying, and naturally antimicrobial comfort like bamboo. Unless you experience it for yourself, you won’t believe the difference.
Bamboo’s amazing ability to regulate body temperature means you stay cool without perspiring, yet warm and dry. You can get the deep, renewing sleep you need and wake up feeling wonderful.
Don’t wait for someone to gift this to you, when you can indulge yourself with Get Groovy Deals sumptuous products. Shea Cocoa Butter Body Cream will give your skin a dazzling glow. Natural Sugar Scrub will exfoliate and refresh your skin. Pure essential oils will transform an ordinary bath.
Surprise your skin with a fizzy, foamy bath bomb, or languish in the warm water with Nevaeh’s Rosemary Goat Milk Soap, handcrafted from a happy herd at Bonton Farms in Dallas, Texas. And believe it or not, my husband discovered my Natural Lavender Bath Salt Soak and he’s almost used it up!
Add the final touch to your bath time with natural Mold Moons Soy Candles or Whiskey Cake Soy Candles. Ah, the scene is set for total relaxation.
So don’t be disappointed if Santa doesn’t remember all the wonderful things that were on your list. Just visit our site and treat yourself anytime. You don’t need to wait. Get Groovy Deals is here to help you feel better, sleep better, and look better all year round.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/test-what-you-know-about-sleep2021-03-05T14:30:00-06:002021-03-05T16:03:36-06:00Test What You Know About SleepMalika malika@getgroovydeals.comPoor sleep is a normal part of aging.
Yes
No
What percentage of time is spent dreaming during sleep?
50%
10%
80%
20-25%
Which of these things most commonly cause poor sleep or nightmares?
Eating dinner after 8:00 p.m.
Too much exercise before bedtime
Stress and anxiety
Too much computer or TV time
If you miss your 7-9 hours of sleep at night, how do you make up for it?
Don’t worry about it, you’ll be fine
Get extra sleep over the next week or so
Take 10 naps during lunch over the week
Stay home from work for a day and make up for it
What is one health condition that can result from not getting enough sleep?
Hair loss
Increased weight loss
Increased risk of diabetes
Nail weakness and breakage
What is the difference in chronic insomnia and acute insomnia?
Chronic insomnia means you should see a doctor
Acute insomnia lasts more than 4 months
Difficulty sleeping at least 3 night a week for over a month is chronic
There’s very little difference
Answers
Poor sleep is a normal part of aging.
2. No
What percentage of time is spent dreaming during sleep?
4. 20-25%
Which of these things most commonly cause poor sleep or nightmares?
3. Stress and anxiety
If you miss your 7-9 hours of sleep at night, how do you make up for it?
2. Get extra sleep over the next week or so
What is one health condition that can result from not getting enough sleep?
3. Increased risk of diabetes
What is the difference in chronic insomnia and acute insomnia?
3. Difficulty sleeping at least 3 night a week for over a month is chronic
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/why-are-personalized-gifts-so-popular2021-03-04T15:30:00-06:002021-03-04T15:55:52-06:00Why are Personalized Gifts So Popular?Malika malika@getgroovydeals.comAs wedding planners get busy planning for spring weddings and couples start to get ready for that special day, the wedding invitations will soon start to go out. And to everyone who receives one, the next step is -- deciding on a gift to buy for the newlyweds?
One of the most popular gift ideas for almost any occasion is something ‘personalized’.
There’s an emotional tie to a personalized gift that doesn’t exist with anything else. Over the years, the receiver of a personalized gift will recall how special it made them feel to know they were thought of so uniquely.
We have some very special ‘personalized’ gift options for you to consider that will make any bride and groom smile. Before you make a buying decision, check out what we have that will enchant and delight the newlyweds.
Let us know how you want to personalize your gift and give us a couple of weeks lead time to get it ready for you. Your personalized wedding gift can add to the memories of a lifetime, so make it meaningful and special. Shop with us atGet Groovy Deals. We look forward to having you as a customer.]]>
https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/one-of-a-kind-whiskey-and-wine-barrel-furniture-and-d-cor2021-03-04T13:30:07-06:002023-06-01T11:48:31-05:00One-of-a-Kind Whiskey and Wine Barrel Furniture and DécorShopify APIhttps://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/test-what-you-know-about-the-life-of-a-barrel2021-03-02T13:00:45-06:002021-03-02T13:08:45-06:00Test What You Know About The Life of a BarrelMalika malika@getgroovydeals.comHow were Barrels used in the 1800s?
To transport shipments of goods
To hold beer and whiskey on tap
To churn and retain butter
All the above
What is a person called who makes barrels?
Handyman
Cooper
Barrel Smith
None of the above
What are some other names barrels are called?
Firkins
Hogsheads
Kegs
All of the above
What type of wood is most widely used to make whiskey barrels?
Pine
Ash
Oak
Teakwood
How many times can a Whiskey Barrel be reused for making bourbon?
Six
Two
Five
Four
How many times can a Wine Barrel be reused for making wine?
Two
Six
Four
One
Answers
How were Barrels used in the 1800s?
4. All the above
What is a person called who makes barrels?
2. Cooper
What are some other names barrels are called?
4. All of the above
What type of wood is most widely used to make whiskey barrels?
3. Oak
How many times can a Whiskey Barrel be reused for making bourbon?
4. Four
How many times can a Wine Barrel be reused for making wine?
4. One
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/11-recipes-for-cooking-with-wine2021-02-27T16:11:52-06:002021-02-27T16:11:54-06:0011 Recipes for Cooking with WineMaureen FarrarMore]]>
Wine is a flavorful addition to any dinner, both on the table and in the dish. From herb sauces to lamb chops, try these 11 flavorful recipes with wine.
White Wine Herb Sauce
White wine herb sauce recipe
In this herbaceous sauce, white wine brings out the flavor of the shallots and herbs by bonding to the butter and imparts greater flavor to the dish from the reduction in liquid.
Red Wine & Honey-Glazed Chicken with Herbed Sweet Potato Fries & Creamy Dipping Sauce
Red Wine and Honey-Glazed Chicken with Herbed Sweet Potato Fries and Creamy Dipping Sauce
Tart red wine and sweet honey combine to make a balanced and bold glaze for the chicken. Sweet potato fries with a sour cream and onion dipping sauce makes for an addictive side to the meal.
This rich sauce with almonds and white wine will make your family feel like they’re dining in a fine French restaurant – but it only takes 25 minutes to make! Pair this main with the Buttery Roasted Potatoes & Green Beans.
The simple yet sophisticated flavors of butter, white wine, garlic and tomatoes elevate this clam linguine to an indulgent meal. Steamed broccoli rabe makes a great side for this dish.
This medley of clams, crab, cod and scallops is slow simmered in a spicy broth and white wine sauce. For a heartier meal, try pairing this stew with whole-grain crusty bread, baguette or garlic crostini to soak up every drop.
Inspired by France’s celebrated seafood stew, these foil packets are packed with clams, mussels, shrimp, tomatoes, fennel, onions and a saffron wine broth. You can also grill your Bouillabaise in a covered saucepan over a double layer of foil.
Butterflied flank steak rolled around a flavorful kale and feta filling makes an impressive presentation for dinner guests, and only you'll know how easy it was to pull off. Searing the rolls before simmering them in a white wine and tomato sauce ensures a juicy result.
Written by Maureen Farrar for Clean Eating Magazine and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/5-nontraditional-ways-to-save-money-on-your-wedding-day2021-02-27T15:18:08-06:002021-02-27T15:18:09-06:005 Nontraditional Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding DayConnie MeiMore]]>
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, but it can also be one of the most expensive. You want your day to be perfect, but with the average cost of a wedding in America totaling $25,200, that price tag is hard to swallow. That's a lot of money to pay for a few hours of celebration.
It's tough to cut back on your wedding. After all, it's a celebration of love in front of the most important people in your life. But at the same time, spending the bulk of your savings doesn't make sense either.
Thankfully, don't have to spend your life savings to have a fabulous wedding. You can still have a beautiful event on a tight budget. Before you spend thousands on a wedding, here are 5 tips to help you save on your special day.
1. Set the Date During Off-Peak Seasons
One of the first steps to planning a wedding is setting the date. Choosing the right date for and your partner also has a big affect on your budget.
Wedding season tends to run from April to October, and during this time, costs can be a lot higher. If you're flexible, consider scheduling your wedding during an off-peak season or less popular time of year.
Additionally, Saturdays and Sundays are the most popular days of the week for weddings by far. While it may be slightly inconvenient for you and your guests, a weekday wedding can save you a lot of cash.
2. Rent Your Dress
For women, choosing the dress is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process. Your dress is something you dream about as a little girl, but most dresses don't come cheap.
You could end up paying thousands of dollars for a dress you're really only wearing for a few hours. In order to avoid this, many women are now renting wedding dresses for their big day. This way, you can get your dream dress and still save money.
3. Limit the Options at the Bar
Your guests will undoubtedly be looking forward to the open bar at your wedding. You don't necessarily need to go all out, because alcohol isn't cheap.
To save money on drinks, you have a couple options. You could limit the bar to wine and beer only — just don't forget about champagne for toasts! You can also create a few signature drinks for your wedding. This way, only need to buy a couple types of alcohol, instead of getting a full bar.
Even though the selection will be limited, the drinks will be flowing and your guests will still have a great time.
4. Get Creative With the Venue
Traditionally, most weddings are held in a hotel, country club, or banquet hall, but these locations tend to be the most expensive. To save money, get creative with your venue.
Think of places that mean something to you and your partner, like a park or aquarium. You might be able to get a good deal on a non-traditional approach to your venue. Just be sure to get all the licenses and permits you need, before moving forward with the ceremony.
5. Stay True to the Purpose
Wedding planning can definitely get a little crazy. And sometimes, you might want to spend more money just to please everyone. However, the most important thing for you and your partner (as well as your budget!) to remember is that the wedding day is to celebrate you merging your lives into one.
Stay true to yourselves, and keep the purpose of the day in perspective. Do what you want, not what everyone else expects. Remember, it's your big day. If there's one thing to remember, it's this: stop stressing and enjoy the celebration.
Coming into your special day with the right attitude will allow you to focus on the true purpose of what a wedding is supposed to be. And doing so will allow you to have more money to spend on the honeymoon and actual marriage!
Written by Connie Mei for MoneyNing and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/5-inventive-bourbon-cocktails-inspired-by-the-bourbon-capital-of-the-world2021-02-27T14:15:11-06:002021-02-27T14:15:12-06:005 Inventive Bourbon Cocktails Inspired by The Bourbon Capital of the World®Lisa CollardMore]]>
If you already have all the ingredients you’d need to mix up a Manhattan, a Mint Julep, an Old Fashioned, or a Whiskey Sour, chances are pretty good that you know a thing or two about Bourbon cocktails.
But have you ever heard of a Bardstown Bubbler? What about a Proven Perfection? From classic recipes to complex concoctions, cocktails made with Bourbon are as unique and intriguing as the land from which Bourbon hails: Bardstown, Kentucky.
The Bourbon industry has been the economic backbone of Bardstown for decades. No less than six heritage brand distilleries call the beautiful small town home, as do several newer, craft distilleries. Thus, it should come as no surprise that a sip of really great Bourbon can help tell the true story of Bardstown. And sometimes, that story is emphasized by other ingredients.
With a healthy dose of Bourbon ingenuity, modern mixologists are helping debunk the myth that adding even a drop of water to great Bourbon will ruin the whiskey’s flavor. They’re coming up with new and unexpected combinations that result in some tongue-tingling and refreshingly original Bourbon cocktails.
So, next time you’re looking for some creative cocktail inspirations, try an original recipe from The Bourbon Capital of the World®.
The Bardstown Bubbler is an easy-to-make, effervescent creation by Howard Keene, owner of theKentucky Bourbon Marketplace and renowned Bourbon aficionado. This drink features the refreshing flavors of Campari and sweet champagne, along with a bold citrus kick and, of course, your very favorite Bourbon.
The best part about The Bardstown Bubbler is that "anybody can make this drink," according to Keene. “You don’t have to be a professional bartender with a million ingredients at your fingertips.”
Ingredients: 2 oz. Kentucky Bourbon ¼ oz. Campari ¾ oz. Lemon juice ¾ oz. Simple syrup 2-3 oz. Sweet champagne 4 Dashes peach bitters
Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add Bourbon, Campari, lemon juice, simple syrup, and peach bitters and stir just long enough to chill the liquid and combine ingredients. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, and top with a floating pour of sweet champagne.
Check out the Proven Perfect Bourbon cocktail created by award-winning bartender Allison Widdecombe.
The Proven Perfect is inspired by a traditional Bourbon Manhattan, but in this version, Widdecombe suggests swapping out the traditionally sweet and dry vermouths for a ruby port and bitter orange liqueur. The result is a complex drink that’s drier than your typical Manhattan, but still super balanced and easy to sip.
Ingredients: 2 oz. Kentucky Bourbon 1/2 oz. Ruby port 1/2 oz. Bittermens Amère Nouvelle (a type of bitter orange liqueur) 1 tsp. Fernet-Branca (a type of bitter herbal liqueur) Lemon peel and maraschino cherry for garnish
Directions: Combine the Bourbon, port, Bittermens Amère Nouvelle, and Fernet-Branca in a cocktail shaker with 3-4 ice cubes. Stir just long enough to chill the liquid and mix ingredients thoroughly, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and maraschino cherry.
The Official Drink of the 2017 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, The Petal Pusher is a fresh lavender and grapefruit concoction that’ll have you thirsting for seconds and pushing for thirds.
Originally created by Colleen McCarthy-Clarke for Martini’s Italian Bistro in Louisville, Kentucky, The Petal Pusher features Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon for its full-bodied flavor and smooth, mellow finish.
Ingredients: 2 oz. Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon ½ oz. Monin Lavender Syrup ½ oz. Grapefruit juice ½ oz. Grapefruit soda 10-12 Mint leaves 2 Wedges ruby red grapefruit 4-5 Dashes Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters Lavender stick and mint sprig for garnish
Directions: In a cocktail shaker without ice, combine the Bourbon, lavender syrup, grapefruit juice, ruby red grapefruit wedges, grapefruit bitters, and mint leaves. Muddle everything thoroughly, and add ice. Shake to chill the liquid, and strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top it all off with a splash of grapefruit soda, and garnish with lavender stick and mint sprig.
The Bardstown Sling was created by renowned bar professional and master mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim, to show off the unique flavor profile of Maker’s Mark® Bourbon. Abou-Ganim likens his Bourbon creation’s flavor to that of ripe peaches, making it a superb cocktail to enjoy on summer evenings with friends.
Ingredients: 2 oz. Kentucky Bourbon 1 oz. Peach brandy 1 oz. Peach puree 2 oz. Fresh lemon sour* 2-3 Dashes peach bitters Ground nutmeg for garnish
Directions: In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, pour the Bourbon, peach brandy, peach puree, fresh lemon sour, and add a few dashes of bitters. Shake until well-blended, then strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and enjoy!
* To make the fresh lemon sour, mix 2 parts freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1 part simple syrup.
The Apricot and Honey Bourbon Sour was created by popular mixology bloggers Jay and Leah Hall. It features a citrus syrup that’s easy enough for any budding bartender to make at home, and has warm, sweet flavors to match on crisp fall days.
When writing about the inspiration for this cocktail on their blog Gastronom, Hall said, "Bourbon and honey are a winning combination." He explained that adding the fruity apricot syrup pulls out warm caramel notes from the Bourbon and brings out the sweetness of the honey. Sounds like the perfect combination!
Ingredients: 2 oz. Kentucky Bourbon 1.5 oz. Honey apricot syrup* 1/2 oz. Lemon juice 5 Dashes bitters 3-5 Mint leaves for garnish
Directions: Combine the Bourbon, homemade syrup, lemon juice, and bitters in a drinking glass of your choice. Add fresh ice and stir with a cocktail straw to chill. Garnish with mint leaves.
* To make honey apricot syrup, you’ll need: 3-5 apricots 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup water
_ Directions: Pit and slice the apricots. Place the flesh of the fruit in a saucepan and add the honey, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil and let the concoction simmer for about five minutes (or until the syrup starts to thicken). Strain the mixture into a sealable container for safe storage, removing any apricot slices or broken down fruit remnants._
Now try the real thing!
Of course, you can make these delicious Bourbon cocktails at home—and we certainly recommend that you do—but sometimes, there’s nothing quite like getting something straight from the source.
Visit Bardstown to sip, see, and savor on your next trip.
Cheers!
Written by Lisa Collard for RootsRated in partnership with Visit Bardstown and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/keep-your-fingers-and-toes-warm-on-winter-hikes2021-02-27T14:07:46-06:002021-02-27T14:07:47-06:00Keep Your Fingers and Toes Warm on Winter HikesBackpacker EditorsMore]]>
Cold fingers and toes cause quick misery in the backcountry. The key to feeling as warm as possible is keeping your digits toasty. Take care of your hands and feet and you’ll have a much more pleasant winter camping experience.
The numbness you feel in your extremities when you get cold results from a lack of blood flow and stressed nerves. There is no set temperature at which this happens, since blood circulation varies from person to person, but it can be expedited by restrictive clothing, wetness, or lack of insulation. Combat the cold with these quick-and-easy remedies:
• Cover your head.Wear a hat that goes over your ears. Keeping your whole body warm is the first step to maintaining bloodflow to the extremities.
• Swap out damp socks and glove liners. Sweaty, wet liners and socks will keep you feeling cold and can cause frostbite, so change into dedicated dry pairs at camp.
• Loosen your boots. Tight footwear can cut off circulation. Go for a relaxed fit in camp, but tie your laces so you don’t trip.
• Use toe and hand warmers. Toe warmers with sticky bottoms work great, as they’ll stay in your gloves or footwear. Stick them on top of your hands and toes for maximum effect. Rechargeable heating elements work too, but they are heavier.
Written by Backpacker Editors for Backpacker and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/good-reasons-to-shop-mom-pop-and-other-local-family-owned-businesses2020-12-16T18:04:18-06:002023-06-01T11:48:46-05:00Good Reasons to Shop ‘Mom & Pop’ and Other Local, Family-Owned BusinessesShopify APIhttps://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/diy-wine-mulling-kit-original-gift-giving-idea2020-12-10T16:23:34-06:002020-12-10T16:26:06-06:00DIY Wine Mulling Kit: Original Gift Giving IdeaJonny BowdenMore]]>
Mulled wine is a traditional seasonal drink made with red wine—but it’s so much more. (And if you don’t drink alcohol, you can make a nonalcoholic version that’ll work just as well.) You can think of mulled wine as “wine plus one,” with the “plus one” being a rich concoction of delicious—and incredibly healthful—spices.
Chef Jeannette and her family decided to give wine mulling kits as Christmas presents this year, so we all get to benefit. That’s because she put the whole thing in an easy-to-follow recipe that will allow you to delight your friends and families with this original and thoughtful gift.
What Ingredients Are Used in Mulled Wine?
Since wine is our featured ingredient this month, let me make sure to give props to the supporting cast of this inventive little recipe.
Apple cider is a rich source of many of the plant compounds found in apples, including flavonoids, which have multiple documented health benefits.
Ginger is antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and may even inhibit inflammatory processes in the brain.
Cinnamon also does double duty as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and in some studies has been shown to help lower blood sugar.
In Asian medicine, cloves are thought to be among the spices that promote energy circulation and increase metabolic rate. And the highly respected German Commission E has approved their use as antiseptics and anesthetics.
People who have eaten in Indian restaurants are probably familiar with cardamom because it’s usually offered in a dish by the cashier’s station— like mints in an American restaurant. But cardamom does a lot more than make your mouth taste good after eating. It’s been used as a digestive aid since ancient times, and is known for easing stomach cramps, stimulating digestion, and cutting mucus.
So assemble this lovely little package and send it off as a gift. It’s as easy as counting to four:
Make the spiced syrup.
Pack it up with a bottle of red.
Throw in an orange (or apple) and a box of raisins.
Print up the directions, stick it all in a nice gift box, and you’re done.
Chef Jeannette even offers a sugar-free option. This will be a stocking stuffer gift everyone will love!
Featured ingredient: Wine
As far back as 2004, researchers writing in the British Medical Journal included red wine in what they proposed was—from a preventative medicine point of view—the perfect meal. They called it the “polymeal,” and proposed that if everyone in the world were to eat this meal on a regular basis, there would be double-digit reductions in deaths from heart disease, a reduction equal to that achievable by medications. In fact, the authors calculated that based on the available research, 150 ml of wine a day would likely result in a 23–41 percent reduction in risk for coronary heart disease.
One of the reasons (not the only one) that red wine is considered so doggone healthy is that it’s a potent source of one of the great “anti-aging” substances of all time, resveratrol. In studies, the life spans of everything from yeast cells to mice to monkeys have been dramatically lengthened by resveratrol. Studies have also shown that resveratrol has a myriad of other benefits, including increasing insulin sensitivity, protecting the brain, and lowering inflammation.
Besides resveratrol, there are other health-promoting polyphenols in red wine, and many of these are heart-protective. Studies investigating the benefits of red wine suggest that a moderate amount of red wine (one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men) lowers the risk of heart attack for middle-aged people by 30–50 percent. It’s also suggested that alcohol may prevent additional heart attacks if you have already suffered one. Other studies have indicated that red wine can raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Red wine may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. Indeed, studies showed that people from the Mediterranean region who regularly drink red wine have lower risks of heart disease.
Red Wine and the Risk of Breast Cancer
Before you go out and start guzzling, here’s where it gets tricky, especially if you’re a woman. The relationship of alcohol consumption to breast cancer risk is murky but troubling. Some studies have found an increased risk of breast cancer for women who drink, even moderately.
The bad news is that—in general—alcohol does appear to increase the risk of breast cancer in women, albeit moderately. But there’s good news, If you get enough folate, the problem with alcohol and breast cancer goes away. According to the Mayo Clinic, folate counteracts the breast cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption. Women who drink alcohol and have a high folate intake are not at increased risk of cancer. So make sure you’re getting at least a multi’s dose of folate every day (usually 400–800 mcg).
Alcohol and Stress Reduction
Shakespeare referred to alcohol’s stress-reducing properties in Julius Caesar: “Give me a bowl of wine. In this I bury all unkindness.” But the notion that alcohol can “calm the nerves” has been around long before Shakespeare.
Alcohol is considered a “disinhibitor,” technical talk for loosening people up. In an uptight, stress-packed world, a little winding down can be a good thing, and anything that helps people connect, socialize, laugh, and relax is definitely good from a health point of view. The problem is, alcohol is also related to an awful lot of bad stuff, and many people do not really understand the word “moderation” (I’m one of them).
So the best and most truthful thing to say about red wine regarding its stress- reducing properties is that drinking can reduce stress in certain people and under certain circumstances. Whether you are one of those people is something only you can decide. If alcohol is an issue, you can get all the health benefits of red wine by eating a lot of dark grapes or taking resveratrol supplements. And if alcohol isn’t an issue—well, then, drink up and be merry!
Notes from The Clean Food Coach
The best mulling wines are fresh and fruity choices, such as Italian or Shiraz. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or a full-bodied Merlot can also work well. Go for a wine you enjoy, but there’s no need to overspend, as you are mulling.
For teetotalers, substitute 1-quart jugs of apple cider and a cinnamon stick for the wine with the same instructions.
Written by Jonny Bowden for Better Nutrition and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/9-hunting-camp-cocktails-for-the-holidays2020-12-10T16:02:57-06:002020-12-10T16:02:59-06:009 Hunting Camp Cocktails for the HolidaysMatt WettishMore]]>
A cocktail, by definition, is “an alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit or several spirits mixed with other ingredients.” But to me, they are so much more. They add to wonderful dinners, special celebrations, and of course, are a staple at hunting camps everywhere. Each spirit has its own character that can be terrific by itself or elevated with the addition of different flavors. Whether it be other spirits, fruit juices, spices, or sodas, the possibilities are endless.
The following collection of cocktails comes from all types of hunters; from those found at small family deer camps to some who explore and hunt around the world. They run the gamut from simple mix-'em-n-slug-'em-back combos to well thought out, balanced libations that will light up your tastebuds. No one of these is necessarily better than the other, and they all have their place on a coaster after a long day in the woods.
1. Maple Manhattan
I’m going to start with a twist on an old favorite. The Maple Manhattan is a whiskey-forward cocktail with a small amount of maple syrup to add a slightly-sweet richness to the drink without overpowering it. Although you can add more syrup if you’d like, it’s meant more to complement the spice of the rye whiskey.
Ingredients:
2 oz Taconic rye
¾ oz Sweet vermouth
¼-½ oz Taconic Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
Dash of Angostura bitters
Cherry
Instructions: Stir (never shake) ingredients at room temperature, then add ice to chill. Strain into a rocks glass with ice, and add the cherry.
2. The Hunt Master’s Tea
This drink might look like an ordinary cup of tea, but unlike one found at tea time, it has a healthy serving of Jagermeister. What some don’t realize is that Jagermeister means “master of the hunt” in German, and the liqueur has long been associated with hunting. The Hunt Master’s Tea is a rich cocktail with tons of spice and a little sweetness from the honey. It can be served hot or cold over ice.
Ingredients:
2 oz Jagermeister
2 oz Black tea
1 oz Lemon juice
Lemon zest
½ oz Honey
Instructions: Brew the black tea. Add honey, and stir until dissolved. Add Jagermeister and lemon zest, and pour into a mug or a glass over ice.
3. Deer Camp Old Fashioned
I’m not sure where this drink originated, but when I asked outdoor writer and world-traveled hunter, Tim Herald for his favorite hunting camp cocktail, he pulled this combo out without hesitation. Herald appreciates all things whiskey, and so do I, but to be honest I was slightly hesitant about this one. It includes saffron, a spice that makes me think of rice well before my mind turns to a cocktail. But I have to say that after tasting it, it ended up being one of my favorites from this list.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz Wathen’s Single Barrel bourbon
½ oz apple cider
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 pinch saffron or turmeric
Orange twist
Cherry
Instructions: Muddle the orange zest, brown sugar, and cider in a cocktail shaker or glass. Add bourbon and cider, and stir. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Add a cherry and orange twist.
4. Not Your Father’s Root Beer Float
This one is more of a dessert cocktail, but if you’re not careful, it will sneak up on you. It’s a throwback to the root beer floats you might have had as a kid—just kicked up a notch. Made from an alcoholic root beer and a bourbon cream, it goes down like the drink we all remember, but it’ll quickly remind you that it’s meant for adults.
Ingredients:
1 can of Not Your Father’s Root Beer
1-2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream
Whipped Cream
Instructions: Pour bourbon cream over ice in the bottom of a glass, then add Not Your Father’s Root Beer slowly to maintain separation. Top with whipped cream.
5. Suffering Bastard
Just in case any of you are trying each of these as you read, here’s a hangover helper for tomorrow morning. We’re all familiar with a Bloody Mary or a Fog Cutter, but this one is fondly referred to as the Suffering Bastard. It’s the perfect name for the drink to reach for as you roll from the bunk and stumble across the room only to stub a toe and wonder, “Why did I do that... again?” It’s a light and refreshing drink with a bit of sweet spice.
Ingredients:
1 oz Brandy
1 oz Gin
1 oz Fresh lime juice
1 Dash Angostura bitters
4 oz Chilled ginger beer
Orange twist and lime to garnish
Instructions: Add brandy, gin, bitters, and lime juice over ice. Stir, strain into a glass, and add ginger beer.
6. The Duck Fart
My buddy Dave, from Ducks Unlimited, was once in a southern Louisiana duck camp and was offered an end-of-day kicker in the form of a shot called, of all things, the Duck Fart. Apparently, someone took it upon themselves to mix a few tasty liqueurs )after having a few tasty liqueurs), found out the combination tasted halfway decent, had a few more, and then decided to name this drink. The Duck Fart can be poured any way you want, and in any order, but we decided to take advantage of the ingredients’ density and layer them in the shot glass. It’s actually pretty good.
Ingredients:
Equal parts:
Kahlua
Baileys Irish Cream
Crown Royal Canadian whiskey
Instructions: If you want the same layered effect, add the ingredients to a 1-ounce shot glass in this order: Kahlua, Baileys, then Canadian whiskey.
7. KC’s Cider
Spiked ciders are usually pretty simple, but before I added one to this list, I wanted to reach out to a friend of mine, Chef Kevin Cottle, for his input. Not only is Chef Cottle an avid outdoorsman, he’s also a Hell’s Kitchen finalist, so I knew his recipe would go above and beyond. Now, this isn’t just grabbing some apple cider and adding spiced rum and a cinnamon stick. It’s going to take some planning to put all of these ingredients together. About halfway through, you’ll probably start wondering if it’s going to be worth all the effort. My advice: It definitely is.
Ingredients:
1 ½ Gallons of fresh apple cider
3 Rough-chopped apples
2 Rough-chopped pears
1 Rough-chopped orange
2 Cinnamon sticks
4 Cloves
8 oz Captain Morgan spiced rum
8 oz Evan Williams bourbon
8 oz Grand Mariner
8 oz Vodka
Instructions: Put the cinnamon sticks and cloves in a sachet, then add everything except for the alcohol together in a large pot and bring to boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 25-30 min. Take off the heat, remove sachet, and puree all of the fruit and cider. Add the alcohol, and let cool. It can be served warm or over ice.
8. The Nutty Irishman
After a cold, wet day in the field, a warm drink (with a little something extra) really hits the spot. The Nutty Irishman is just like your favorite morning coffee except it isn’t one you’re going to want to bring to work. This easy-to-make cocktail combines the perfect blend of flavors to warm you up even after the coldest day in the woods.
Ingredients:
1 cup of coffee
1 oz Frangelico
1 oz Baileys
1 oz Irish whiskey
Whipped cream
Instructions: Add coffee to a glass or mug, then add Frangelico, Baileys, and Irish whiskey. Stir and top with whipped cream.
9. Crown Royal and…
I’ve avoided this entry at all costs, but I had to break down and figure out a way to pay homage to the plain and simple cocktail. It’s certainly not a mixologist’s brainchild, but this drink came up more than once when I asked other hunters about their go-to camp cocktails. Multiple people from across the country came back to me with Crown and this, Crown and that, Crown and whatever. So at this point, I give you, “Crown and...”
Ingredients:
Crown Royal Canadian whiskey
Coke, Mountain Dew, Giner Ale, and/or whatever else you’d like to add.
Instructions: Just pour however many ounces of Crown Royal you feel appropriate over some ice, then fill the rest of the glass with a soft drink of your choice. Not a tough one to master.
Written by Matt Wettish for Field & Stream and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/nine-traits-that-ll-keep-you-calm-in-a-life-threatening-situation2020-12-10T16:00:16-06:002020-12-10T16:00:18-06:00Nine traits that’ll keep you calm in a life-threatening situationTim MacWelch/Outdoor LifeMore]]>
The skills you’ve acquired and gear in your pack are often the difference in making it through a life and death situation. But you first need the mental fortitude to survive. Without the drive to survive—and a strong mindset—no piece of gear will save you. The most important tool to bring along is mental toughness. Having a survivalist mentality (the will to live no matter how difficult the adversity) is multi-faceted. There are hidden hazards abound, but also remedies that can help us recover our advantages and get home safe to our families.
1. Tenacity
Whether you call it intestinal fortitude, tenacity, or grit, this facet of your survival mindset is all about endurance. Can you hang in there even when your hope has failed?
Tenacity doesn’t have anything to do with physical toughness or stamina. It’s a manifestation of the strength of your will and the toughness of your mind. A truly tenacious person will push themselves to tolerate the intolerable, suffer through the insufferable, and survive the situation that no one expected them to survive. It’s all about overcoming your inner weaknesses and fighting your desire to give up.
The problem: A number of things can wreck your innate tenacity, but the one that worries me the most is declining mental health. In a lengthy wilderness survival setting or in the wake of a major disaster, it’s hard enough just to stay alive, let alone endure feelings of anxiety or depression, or suicidal thoughts.
The remedy: Emergencies can turn any given day (or week, month, or year) into one of the worst times of your life, so don’t be surprised when you’re not at 100 percent of your normal mental faculties. Once you factor in the stress, worry, fatigue, injury, dehydration, and lack of sound sleep you’ll likely experience during an emergency, it makes sense that anyone would be struggling inside. Now that you know this, you’ll want to watch yourself and your companions for signs of anxiety, depression, anger, frustration, hyperactivity, guilt, suicidal talk, and irrational behavior. Since professional mental health care and the right medicines are unlikely to be available in austere settings or major disasters, you’ll need to do whatever you can for each other. Talk it out, as much as you can, and find ways to cope until the situation improves.
2. Adaptability
Adaptability is one of the crown jewels of the survival mindset. To be adaptable, you must be able to change along with changing events, situations, and environments. It’s all about flexibility and trying new options. If you get lost in the woods one afternoon, you may not make it home to your own bed. An adaptable person will assess the situation and realize that their bed isn’t an option, so they’ll have to find a new place to sleep. Since there’s no water faucet in the wild, they’ll find a new source of water. There’s no fridge either, so they’ll find a new source of food. These substitutions may not be as good as they would like, but they’ll be good enough for now. An adaptable survivor can embrace change while recognizing the things that are worth continuing and the things that need to be abandoned.
The problem: What can prevent you from adapting? Stubbornness can do it. Sometimes we think of stubbornness as a good thing (confusing it with tenacity), but it’s often a stumbling block. It’s a refusal to adapt and a rejection of new things. When you’ve driven around town 10 times and still can’t find the building you need, but refuse to ask for directions, that’s stubbornness. When you keep throwing lit matches at the same crappy wet tipi fire lay, that’s also stubbornness.
The remedy: Check your ego at the door and try something new. Stubbornness is like trying to break down a brick wall with your head. After the first strike, you realize it’s not going to work, but you keep going down the path to self-destruction. Instead of stubbornly repeating the same thing, try some new approaches. Change isn’t all bad, and you might be surprised how well something new will work.
3. Work ethic
Your work ethic plays a major role in your survival mindset. Survival is hard work—that’s why we don’t choose to do it as a “day job” anymore. When thrust into an emergency that requires hard toil, lazy people are naturally going to suffer. Thankfully, your work ethic can be built up over time (if you survive your initial bout of laziness), and you’ll be wiser for the wear and tear. Experience is a hard but effective teacher, showing us the value of working harder next time. To build a strong work ethic, you’ll have to learn to stick with a job until it gets done.
The problem: Your work ethic can certainly be hampered by factors beyond your control, like a physical injury, emotional distress, or mental issues. But one thing you can address is laziness. By making a habit of skipping the chores that you don’t want to do and taking shortcuts, laziness can ruin your work ethic (and your outcome).
The remedy: You’ll have to work hard to build your shelter, drag in firewood, and haul water, but it’s important that you do these hard jobs and see them through to completion. Survival is not a vacation from work. In fact, it’s probably going to be the hardest work you’ll ever do. Skip the shortcuts. Take an honest look at your workload, and then get it done. Don’t be lazy.
4. Creativity
Humans make stuff. We make fire, metal, airplanes, and iPhones—and sometimes we even make our own problems. This innate creativity usually benefits us, enabling us to devise ingenious solutions to our problems (in daily life and in emergencies).
The problem: A fear of failure can ruin someone’s natural creativity. This form of fear is different from normal fear (like being afraid of a dangerous thing). It may stem from childhood, when hyper-critical adults damaged your confidence. It may also arise from a reluctance to disappoint others or to admit that there are limits to your abilities.
The remedy: Forget about permission and reassurance. Don’t beat yourself up if you fail sometimes—everyone does. When you see something that you can do and you think it might work, be confident and give it a try. Confidence can unlock your creativity, and creativity can save the day.
5. Positivity
Just because everyone cites a positive mental attitude as a beneficial survival trait doesn’t mean you should discount it. In fact, you should pay even closer attention to the topic. I like to explain positivity to my classes as a lens that you look through. It’s a little like “beer goggles,” except that it doesn’t make everyone a “perfect 10” on the attractiveness scale. Instead, it allows you to see the brighter side of a situation. This is a hard skill to master, but it’s worth the work. Your attitude is vital to keep up morale. And this upbeat attitude isn’t just handy when you’re lost in the wilds: you can use it every day.
The problem: Pessimism is the outlook that can ruin your positive attitude. Whether you’re a lifelong “glass half-empty” person or an emergency is starting to wear on you, this destructive viewpoint can make any situation feel worse than it is and can negatively impact your outcome.
The remedy: How can you cure pessimism? I recommend an attitude of gratitude. Find the “silver linings” in your situation, and be truly grateful for them. Do you have air to breathe? Be grateful for it. Are you uninjured? Be glad about it. Even in the worst settings, you can find things that ARE going your way. If you’re grateful for them, it can change your whole attitude.
6. Acceptance
When you’re in a tough situation, you may just have to accept it. It’s only natural to resist and deny an ugly revelation or a frightening scenario, but this knee-jerk reaction to fight reality is a mistake. Acceptance doesn’t mean that we like the circumstances around us or want them to continue. Instead, it means that we recognize their reality and understand that we can't change them right now.
The problem: Denial is a powerful opponent to acceptance. When we refuse to admit there is a problem or deny the severity of our troubles, we’re just kidding ourselves. And if we act on this false reality instead of what’s really happening, we could end up making things worse.
The remedy: It takes hard work to accept an unhappy truth or a dire situation. You may be tempted to equate acceptance with surrender or apathy, but they aren’t the same. You’re not giving up or giving in when you accept a situation, you’re simply facing the facts (for now, at least). Acceptance doesn’t mean that things are going to stay bad forever. It just means that you’re being honest about the trouble you’re facing right now. My favorite example of acceptance comes from the book Adrift, by Steven Callahan. He was alone on a raft in the Atlantic Ocean for over two months, and at a certain point, he accepted his fate. There was nothing he could do about being on the raft (other than jump out of it), so he accepted that “raft life” was his new life. This let him focus on surviving as he drifted across the ocean, and he ended up covering 1,800 nautical miles before he was rescued.
7. Humor
I’m not talking about clowns and slapstick comedy. I’m talking about the other kind of humor—dark and bitter. It may surprise you, but humor does play a role in human psychology and survival. Sometimes called “gallows humor,” this grim sense of comedy was used by our ancestors as both a weapon and a shield. And it’s still used today. Most of our soldiers, police, firefighters, and EMTs know this type of humor very well. It helps them push through the bad days. No, not everything is a joke, but there is some value in identifying irony where you can.
The problem: The human mind is complex, and so is the array of emergencies that could befall us. There are some heartbreaking situations when humor is inappropriate and impossible.
The remedy: Even when someone is in the depths of depression, if you give them enough time and find the right approach, humor can be therapeutic. Satire, irony, and other forms of dark humor may be able to cut through the fog of stress and enhance their brain chemistry, recalibrating their pleasure-reward center and lifting depression and anxiety.
8. Bravery
How do we explain bravery? It’s not a lack of fear. Instead, it’s more like a conquest of fear. Fear and bravery are not opposites—in fact, they coexist. When a situation isn’t dangerous or frightening, there’s no need for bravery and no condition for it to exist. We have to be afraid before we can be brave.
The poison: When we’re too frightened to even think clearly, there’s no room for logic or bravery. There’s only room for panic. This fear response can be described as an unrestrained and all-consuming fear. It’s a common response in emergencies, and it can manifest in several ways. You may engage in frantic behavior or stand frozen in fear. You may even become overwhelmed by emotion, screaming or crying inconsolably. Any of these responses could get you into more trouble, and then you’ll have a whole new set of problems. But if you can use your fear as a tool and hold panic at bay, then you’ll be the master of your fear (and not the other way around).
The remedy: Accept your fears. Fear is our natural instinct to avoid dangerous things, and it keeps us out of harm’s way. If you can own your fear and keep it under control, it will start working for you.
9. Motivation
What motivates a person to stay alive when everything has gone wrong? Many survival stories speak of the survivor’s devotion to their religion, or to a higher power that motivated them and gave them hope. Other survivors have told of their intense desire to get back to family, friends, and loved ones. What would motivate you to stay alive in a survival emergency? It’s different for every person.
The problem: Hopelessness is the kryptonite to your superpower of motivation. When a person loses hope that they will be saved and reunited with loved ones, their desire to keep going begins to dwindle. When a person believes that God has abandoned them, hope dies another death. In short, when the thing that normally motivates you begins to lose its strength, you are in a bad situation indeed.
The remedy: Dig deep. Keep thinking about the things and people you value most. It may take a combined effort from many facets of your survival mindset to put you back on the path to survival, but a positive attitude and tenacity can help restore your will to live. Top them off with your faith in something bigger than yourself, and you might find your motivation returning.
Written by Tim MacWelch/Outdoor Life for Popular Science and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/5-ways-to-support-rest-renewal-this-holiday2020-12-10T15:57:00-06:002020-12-10T15:57:02-06:005 Ways to Support Rest & Renewal This HolidayRenee Peterson TrudeauMore]]>
Pause and reflect before you leap.
Yesterday I spent an hour with my November/December calendar–not penciling things in, but cancelling pending events and making choices that supported a more open, spacious, restorative winter schedule.
Does the thought of hanging lights and attending holiday parties make you want to grab your sleeping bag and run for the nearest cave?
It would be an understatement to say this year has been intense. In addition to the chaos we’ve all been experiencing on a macro-level, most of us have felt over-scheduled, overworked and unable to unplug. Many of us have navigated big career and life challenges—and we’ve had little time to integrate these changes. Frankly, we’re exhausted. We’re ready for rest. Not a relaxed evening by the fire, but a serious stretch of lazy days, long naps, walks in the woods, deep nourishing slumber and joyful, easy, simple connections with friends and family that feed us emotionally and spiritually. What we most need in the coming weeks is not the latest iPhone or one last trip to the mall, but permission to rest, relax, unplug and do nothing.
But with all the expectations, activity and invitations that come with this season knocking on our door—what are we to do? I challenge you to take the road less traveled and take a radical stand for what you most need this year. Consider the following five ideas to help you do less:
Schedule down time now. Block out periods on your calendar during the holiday season for “dedicated relaxation,” where your only job is to unplug from electronics and rest. Schedule half-days, full days, weekends or an entire week if you can swing it. Maybe you’ll feel like a nature hike when your period for renewal rolls around or maybe you’re better served by staying in your pajamas, turning off your phone, sipping on hot tea and watching the leaves fall from the trees. Make downtime a priority and schedule this now so you can honor your commitment to deep to-the-bones self-renewal.
Just say no. Decide what’s most important to you and let everything else go. If it’s not an “absolute yes,” then it’s a no. Don’t want to miss Aunt Tracy’s special Christmas Eve dinner but feel exhausted at the thought of attending your neighbor’s cookie exchange? Just say no and let it go. You’ll be glad you did. The opportunity will come back around next year. Our quality of life is always enhanced when we let go of things-not when we add them.
Ask for help. Give yourself permission to ask for and receive help whether it’s cooking, gift giving, socializing or hosting family. Do it different. Be willing to let go of tradition for the sake of enhanced emotional well-being. Step out of your comfort zone, reach out to friends, neighbors and coworkers and ask for their help during the holidays so you can create more space for yourself and your family to just “be.” What are three things on your plate right now that you could delegate, outsource or ask for support around?
Do less to experience more. Positive psychology researchers say we’re happiest when we keep things simple and have fewer choices. We create stress when we try and cram too much into our schedules and then try to control everything we’re juggling. My friend, author Joan Borysenko says, “Your to-do list is immortal; it will live on long after you’re dead.” How can you simplify your plans (do you really need to go chop down your own Christmas tree, make your mom’s famous Cathedral stained glass cookies and host your husband’s department dinner)? Popcorn, hot cider and an evening of great conversation with people who let you show up “warts and all,” is hard to beat. Do less, so you can experience more.
Unplug and spend time in nature. My friend Richard Louv author of the Nature Principle says, “Time spent in nature is the most cost-effective and powerful way to counteract the burnout and sort of depression that we feel when we sit in front of a computer all day.” I call nature the ultimate antidepressant and re-set button. If anyone in my family is exhausted or out of sorts, off to the greenbelt we go. Typically during the holidays, my family unplugs completely and heads to the Davis Mountains in West Texas to enjoy some of the darkest night skies in the world. Being in nature offers us nourishment and renewal on all levels-physical, emotional, spiritual and mental. It is a powerful, restorative and healing force. Tap it!
There is an innate push and pull that many of us feel during the winter season. As the Dec. 21 winter solstice approaches–the longest night of the year–our natural rhythms are calling us to slow down, reflect, go inward and contemplate where we’ve been and where we want to go. (Think of our friends the bears, they’ve got it right!) Counter this with the world around us that is swirling madly with activity and constantly telling us to do, eat, buy and be more. It can feel quite confusing, exhausting and overwhelming.
I challenge you: do it differently this season. Pause and enter the holiday season mindfully and with a clear intention. If the call to making rest and renewal a priority resonates with you this holiday, make this #1 for yourself and for your family. Then, you can bound—instead of crawl–into the new year fully present, refreshed and clear on how you want to use your energy in the days ahead.
Written by Renee Peterson Trudeau for Working Mother and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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https://www.getgroovydeals.com/blogs/news/trending-ideas-for-holiday-gifts-people-really-want2020-11-24T18:07:17-06:002020-11-24T19:05:25-06:00Trending Ideas for Holiday Gifts People Really WantMalika malika@getgroovydeals.com
Forget about the traditional gifts and give them what they will use, love, and enjoy.
It’s already that time of year again when shopping occupies most of our mental energy. Whether it’s looking for the perfect gift for your significant other or finding the kids the latest and greatest toys and gadgets. One thing you can count on -- there are so many choices it can boggle the mind.
So, in an effort to help you sort it out, we’ve compiled a tidy list of things that are trending right now that almost anyone would be thrilled to have. Let’s take a look.
Handcrafted whiskey barrel furniture and home decor are an exciting addition to Island Slumber. These authentic, naturally rustic barrels can be customized to personalize your gift however you want it.
From Rustic Whiskey Barrel Double Door Bar - Game Room Table, Game Room Bar, Whiskey Barrel, Barrel Table, Wine Barrel, Pub Table, Game Room Table, Game Room Bar, Bar Table, Patio Table, Barrel Table, Lazy Susan, Bourbon Barrel Cheese Tray, and so much more. Custom design requests take 2-3 weeks to complete.
And if that’s not enough to get your shopping in high gear, check out ourGift Guide section. You’ll find gifts for both Him and Her with plenty of ideas for stocking stuffers, too.
Shop with us this holiday season and all year long to find the most unique, eco-friendly, trending products for you, your family, friends, and acquaintances.