Month: June 2024

The Best 12 Gifts for Coffee Lovers

The Best 12 Gifts for Coffee Lovers

Coffee lovers are a special breed. They savor each sip, appreciate the art of brewing, and are always on the lookout for the next best thing in the coffee world. If you’re searching for the perfect gift for the coffee aficionado in your life, look no further. Here are the best 12 gifts that are sure to delight any coffee lover.

Here are a few top picks for gifting the coffee lover on your list: 

  1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Renowned for their carefully sourced and freshly roasted beans, Stumptown offers a variety of unique and flavorful coffee options.
  2. Atlas Coffee Club – Delivers unique single-origin coffees from around the globe, with detailed tasting notes and brewing tips.
  3. Baratza Encore Coffe Grinder – Reliable and durable grinders known for their consistent grind size and easy-to-use designs.
  4. Chemex Classic Series Pour Over Coffee Maker – An iconic pour-over coffee maker known for its elegant design and ability to brew clean, flavorful coffee.
  5. Bodum Chambord French Press – A classic French press that delivers rich, full-bodied coffee with minimal effort.
  6. Breville Barista Express – Combines a grinder and espresso machine in one, making it easy to brew café-quality espresso at home.

Keep reading to explore our comprehensive list of coffee gift ideas for every budget, complete with links to top-rated products.

The Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers

Each of these gifts is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the coffee experience, making them ideal for any coffee lover. Whether they’re just starting their coffee journey or are seasoned aficionados, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to their face and a delightful sip to their day.

High-Quality Coffee Beans

Features:

  • Freshly roasted
  • Unique flavor profiles
  • Sustainably sourced

Available Products:

Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Renowned for their carefully sourced and freshly roasted beans, Stumptown offers a variety of unique and flavorful coffee options.

Blue Bottle Coffee – Known for their commitment to freshness, Blue Bottle provides high-quality beans with distinct flavor profiles.

Counter Culture Coffee – This brand emphasizes sustainability and quality, offering a diverse range of coffee beans from around the world.

Coffee Subscription Service

Features:

  • Monthly delivery
  • Variety of beans from around the world
  • Customizable preferences

Available Products:

Atlas Coffee Club – Delivers unique single-origin coffees from around the globe, with detailed tasting notes and brewing tips.

Trade Coffee – Offers a personalized coffee subscription tailored to your taste preferences, featuring beans from top roasters.

Bean Box – Provides a curated selection of gourmet coffee from artisanal roasters, delivered fresh to your door.

Coffee Grinder

Features:

  • Grind your beans at home
  • Fresh grind every day
  • Whole beans stay fresh longer than ground beans

Available Products:

Baratza Encore – Reliable and durable grinders known for their consistent grind size and easy-to-use designs.

OXO Brew Conical Burr Grinder – Features 15 grind settings and a user-friendly interface, perfect for achieving the ideal grind for any brewing method.

Capresso Infinity – Offers precision grinding with multiple settings, ensuring a uniform grind every time.

Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Features

  • Portable
  • Perfect for travel
  • Single serve

Available Products:

Chemex Classic Series – An iconic pour-over coffee maker known for its elegant design and ability to brew clean, flavorful coffee.

Hario V60 – A popular choice among coffee enthusiasts, the V60 series allows for precise control over brewing time and temperature.

French Press

Features:

  • Full-bodied coffee
  • Simple to use
  • No paper filters required

Available Products:

Bodum Chambord French Press – A classic French press that delivers rich, full-bodied coffee with minimal effort.

Espro Press P3 – Features a double micro-filter for a cleaner cup and is designed for durability and ease of use.

Frieling Double Wall Stainless Steel French Press – Keeps coffee hot for longer with its insulated design, while providing a robust, flavorful brew.

Espresso Machine

Features:

  • Professional quality
  • Frothing capabilities
  • Makes espresso and cappuccino 

Available Products:

Breville Barista Express – Combines a grinder and espresso machine in one, making it easy to brew café-quality espresso at home.

De’Longhi La Specialista – Offers professional features like a built-in tamper and milk frother, perfect for crafting espresso drinks.

Gaggia Classic Pro – A compact and reliable espresso machine known for its high performance and ease of use.

Cold Brew Maker

Features:

  • Smooth, less acidic coffee
  • Cold brews are perfect for hot months

Available Products:

Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Simple to use and easy to clean, this cold brew maker produces smooth, flavorful coffee.

OXO Brew Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Designed for optimal extraction, it delivers rich, low-acid coffee with minimal effort.

Toddy Cold Brew System – Known for its ability to produce a concentrated coffee that’s smooth and versatile, ideal for both hot and cold drinks.

Coffee Scale

Features:

  • Precise measurements
  • Consistency in Brewing
  • Enhanced Flavor Control

Available Products:

Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale – Features a built-in timer and precise measurements, perfect for pour-over enthusiasts.

Acaia Pearl Coffee Scale – A high-tech scale with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for precise control over your brewing process.

Reusable Coffee Cup

Features:

  • Eco-friendly
  • Keeps coffee hot for hours

Available Products:

KeepCup – Stylish and eco-friendly, these reusable cups come in various sizes and colors, perfect for coffee on the go.

Hydro Flask Coffee Mug – Insulated to keep your coffee hot for hours, with a durable design ideal for travel.

Coffee Tasting Journal

Features:

  • Take personalized notes 
  • Profile coffee flavors and experiences

Available Products:

Coffee Journal by Moleskine – A beautifully designed journal with sections for recording tasting notes, brewing methods, and favorite beans.

Coffee Tasting Notebook by 33 Books Co. – Compact and portable, this notebook includes flavor wheels and space for detailed tasting notes.

Coffee-Themed Apparel

Features:

  • Amusing
  • Conversation starters

Available Products:

Coffee Lover T-Shirt – Fun and comfortable, this t-shirt is perfect for anyone who proudly identifies as a coffee addict.

Death Before Decaf Hoodie – Cozy and stylish, this hoodie makes a bold statement about your love for strong coffee.

Coffee Socks – These quirky and comfy socks are a great way to show off your coffee obsession.

Specialty Coffee Syrups

Features:

  • Variety of flavors
  • Easy to use

Available Products:

Monin Coffee Syrups – Available in a wide variety of flavors, these syrups are made with high-quality ingredients to enhance your coffee experience.

Torani Variety Pack – Includes a selection of popular flavors, perfect for adding a sweet twist to your coffee.

Amoretti Premium Syrups – Known for their rich and authentic flavors, these syrups are ideal for creating gourmet coffee drinks at home.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you know a coffee lover? What gift idea on our list do you think they would enjoy? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Stay Fit on the Go: Best Practices for Exercise While Travelling

Stay Fit on the Go Best Practices for Exercise While Travelling

Hello fellow travellers! Ready to transform your travel experience?

If you’re like me, your heart races at the thought of exploring new places. But let’s be real – staying fit and feeling your best while on the move can be a real challenge. The last thing you want is to feel that nagging pain or achy back bother you while exploring a new place. Today, I’m excited to share some simple tips to keep you energized and in top shape, no matter where your travels take you. Ready? This is your go-to guide for feeling your best on the go.

Why Exercise Matters When You Travel

First, let’s talk about why exercising while travelling is so crucial. It’s easy to let our fitness routines slide when we’re on vacation. After all, we’re out of our usual environment, and our schedules can be unpredictable. However, staying active is essential for several reasons:

Maintaining Energy Levels

Exercise helps you feel more energetic and ready to tackle your day, no matter where you are.

Preventing Stiffness

Long flights or car rides can leave you feeling stiff and sore. Exercise helps keep your muscles and joints flexible.

Reducing Stress

Traveling can be stressful, whether it’s dealing with airports or navigating unfamiliar places. Exercise is a fantastic stress-buster.

Improving Sleep

Keeping up with your workout routine can help you sleep better, which is especially important when adjusting to new time zones.

Why Pilates Is Perfect for Travellers

Now, let’s dive into why Pilates is an excellent choice for maintaining your fitness routine while travelling. Pilates focuses on controlled movements, core strength, and flexibility – all of which are perfect for keeping you feeling great on the road. Here are some specific benefits of Pilates for travellers:

Minimal Equipment

You don’t need a lot of gear for Pilates. A travel-friendly yoga mat (or skip the mat altogether!) and a resistance band can easily fit in your suitcase.

Small Space Workouts

You can do Pilates in a small space, like your hotel room, making it a convenient option to do anywhere.

Core Strength

Pilates strengthens your core, which can help reduce back pain from sitting for long periods.

Mind-Body Connection

Pilates encourages mindfulness and deep breathing, which can help reduce travel-related stress. As a nervous flier, this is something I especially appreciate!

Click below to watch the ultimate travel-friendly Pilates class on YouTube. Take this class wherever your travels take you!

The Unique Benefits of Pilates

Pilates offers a range of unique benefits making it an exceptional choice for people of all ages, but especially for women over 60. Here’s why:

Accessibility

Pilates is highly accessible. This is one of the reasons why I fell in love with Pilates. I didn’t need bulky equipment or a gym membership. A simple mat and a few small props are all you need. This makes it easy to practice anywhere, from your living room to a hotel room to the beachside. For women who travel frequently, this is a game-changer.

Reduces Painful Movements

We all want to feel our best on vacation, free from pain! Many of us suffer from chronic pain, especially as we age. Pilates focuses on gentle, controlled movements that strengthen muscles without straining them. It helps improve posture, balance, and flexibility, which can alleviate pain and prevent injuries.

Boosts Mental Health

Pilates isn’t just about physical fitness but also a moving meditation. It emphasizes the mind-body connection and brings you back to the present moment through your breath. The controlled breathing and mindful movements help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be particularly beneficial when you’re out of your usual routine and dealing with the stresses of travel.

Why Women Over 60 Love Pilates

Pilates is especially popular among women over 60, and for good reason. As we age, maintaining muscle mass and bone density becomes more important. Pilates helps in building lean muscle and strengthening bones without the high impact of some other exercises.

Additionally, the focus on core strength and balance can help prevent falls, a common concern for older adults. But most importantly, Pilates helps women feel strong, capable, and confident in their bodies. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about empowerment.

Best Practices for Exercising While Traveling

To help you stay active and healthy on your travels, here are some best practices to follow:

1. Plan Ahead

Before you leave, research your destination to see what kind of exercise options are available. Does your hotel have a fitness center? Are there nearby parks or walking trails? Planning ahead can help you stay committed to your fitness routine.

2. Pack Smart

Bring the essentials you need for your workouts. For Pilates, a towel can be used instead of a mat, light resistance bands, and comfortable workout clothes. These items won’t take up much space in your luggage, and they’ll ensure you’re ready to exercise wherever you are.

3. Stay Flexible with Your Schedule

Travel plans can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible with your workout schedule. Aim for shorter, more frequent sessions rather than long workouts. Even a 15-minute Pilates routine can make a big difference.

4. Make Use of Technology

There are plenty of fitness apps and online resources available to help you stay on track. Find some Pilates routines you can follow along with on your phone or tablet. This way, you have a virtual instructor guiding you through your exercises. Feel free to check out my New YouTube video – Pilates on the Go. A simple standing-only Pilates routine you can do anywhere without any props.

Travelling doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fitness routine. By incorporating Pilates into your travel plans, you can stay active, reduce stress, and feel great no matter where your adventures take you. Remember to plan ahead, pack smart, stay flexible with your schedule, and make use of technology. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to staying fit and healthy on the go.

So, next time you’re packing your bags, don’t forget to include your Pilates gear. Your body and mind will thank you. Safe travels and happy exercising!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you exercise when you travel? Where do you do your exercise routine? Have you traveled with Pilates equipment? What does that include for you?

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Lisa Barlow’s Blue Button Up Silk Shirt

Lisa Barlow’s Blue Button Up Silk Shirt / Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Instagram Fashion June 2024

Lisa Barlow is living her best life singing her heart out in Vegas. She posed with a fan after a Lionel Richie concert, looking stylish and summer-ready. She looked beautiful walking through the casino in a blue silk button-up shirt set with the most stunning seashell design. And even though we already knew Lisa could sing and had style, we didn’t know we needed seashells in our summer wardrobe!

Best In Blonde,

Amanda


Lisa Barlow's Blue Button Up Silk Shirt

Click Here for Additional Stock in Her Top

Click Here for Additional Stock in Her Pants / Here for More Stock

Click Here to Shop Her Pants in Pink

Photo: @lisabarlow14


Style Stealers



Originally posted at: Lisa Barlow’s Blue Button Up Silk Shirt

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Creativity Is Not a Special Gift That Only Certain People Possess

Creativity Is Not a Special Gift That Only Certain People Possess

Do you doodle while you’re waiting on the phone or making lists? That’s good news because scribbling, coloring with crayons, or drawing random designs, it turns out, can boost your overall health and keep you sharper mentally.

What might have seemed a luxury to many of us in our working years, at retirement can become a vital piece of healthy and joyful living. Increasing data shows that as we move past middle age, adults are more frequently embracing creativity to enhance their days. Especially interesting is the fact that while contributing to overall well-being, evidence is mounting to support a link between creative activities and memory retention.

Are Only Right Brained People Creative?

Conventional thinking relegates activities to specific parts of the brain. Thus, it was historically believed that logical thinking was the domain of the left brain and creative thinking belonged to the right hemisphere. But neuroscientists have discovered that all parts of the brain come online when we are engaged in a creative activity and the more varied the activities, the more neural connections are created. Brains, it turns out, are flexible and respond well to creative stimuli.

Studies at the University of Texas School of Brain and Behavioral Sciences found that engaging in creative activities strengthens neural pathways to the hippocampus, which we know is involved in memory, learning, and emotion. The largest job of the hippocampus is to hold short-term memories and then shift them into the long-term memory areas of the brain for storage.

As stronger pathways are laid down, memories become easier to retrieve. Also, because the hippocampus aids in emotional processing, the feelings of anxiety and loneliness often experienced by older adults are relieved by participation in creative activities.

We Are All Creative

Contrary to popular belief, creativity is not a special gift that only certain people possess. By nature, we are creators, in fact, every minute of every day we are creating, though perhaps not consciously. Each thought, decision, and action we take creates our next moment which, when repeated, creates a habit that then creates our days.

So why not choose to live more imaginatively? Creativity is a skill that anyone can develop, and practicing offers so many benefits for an improved quality of life. By engaging in a creative practice, one is choosing to grow and exercise neural pathways thereby keeping the brain and memory more limber and healthy.

Music, theater, and dance also show great promise in aiding cognitive and emotional health. The ‘Community of Voices’ program in San Francisco involved nearly 400 culturally diverse adults aged 60 and older. Participants engaged in weekly choir sessions, led by a professional choral director for a year.

The results were clear: the opportunity to creatively express, learn a new skill, and through the activity, make new friends, resulted in the participants reporting feeling greater happiness and contentment in their lives.

Effects of Creative Activities

Painting, cooking, gardening, and crafts, when regularly practiced, all improve cognitive function and memory retention. Moreover, participating in the arts can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Creative expression gives older adults a fresh experience of themselves and the world by stretching old beliefs about what we are capable of, and the opportunity and challenge to problem-solve in new ways.

So, jump out of the rut of routine and shake things up! Do something different or undertake an old routine in a new way. Blast your favorite upbeat music and get up and dance as though no one is watching. Better yet, dance while singing your heart out. Pick up a brush and enjoy the buttery feel of paint sliding across the page without the constraint of having to make something.

Let yourself relax into the sensory experience of joy and wonder at what emerges from your hand without any judgment of ‘good’ or ‘bad’. This can be a wonderful experience of relaxing into intuition and allowing it to guide your efforts. 

Immerse yourself in a hobby because creativity contributes to mental acuity and cognitive vitality as we age. And because creative activities are so pleasurable when approached as play, feel good endorphins are released and that contributes to all over happiness and satisfaction with life.

Too Many Benefits to Count

Taking classes has the added benefit of introducing one to new people and fostering friendships. There are even art, gardening, and beer making groups, to name a few, that travel together to study and improve their knowledge. Practicing crafts with family and friends is another wonderful way to bond and have fun. I’ve found special interest communities such as art, writing and gardening, to be especially welcoming and supportive to newbies.

All in all, creativity isn’t just about artistic expression; it’s a powerful tool for maintaining mental and physiological health as we age. Just 20 minutes of any art practice or even humming can contribute to overall wellbeing. Art making also has the potential to reveal unexplored aspects of ourselves. It’s a pathway to our interior. So, whether it’s singing, painting, dancing, or writing, embracing creativity can contribute to a fulfilling, vibrant, and healthier life in our later years! 

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What type of creativity do you regularly engage in? Is there an art practice you’ve always wanted to pursue, or one you used to engage in but felt you no longer had time for? If you could include any creative activity in your life today what would that be, and why? What’s stopping you?

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The 5 Types You Should Never Date

The 5 Types You Should Never Date

One great advantage of celebrating another birthday is gaining another year of wisdom. (So many of my clients had June birthdays and this got me thinking). With our accumulated life experiences, we should be able to recognize certain patterns or trends in the individuals we choose to date. However, there are some red flags that may go unnoticed.

Here are a few types to be cautious of:

1. The “Just Ended a Long-Term Relationship” Type

This individual has recently come out of a lengthy relationship, whether it be a 10-, 20-, or even 30-year marriage or partnership. Your goal is to find a lifelong partner.

This dynamic does not succeed 98% of the time. Drawing from over 25 years of experience as a dating coach for thousands of clients, I advise not to invest all your hopes in this scenario. The person in question is not emotionally prepared.

For instance, my client Mark, aged 66, sought my guidance after being married for 27 years. He needed time to recover and adjust to the idea of dating again, without any pressure. He made it clear that he wanted to explore dating different people for at least a year before considering a long-term commitment.

During his first dates, he was transparent about his intentions. However, one woman he went out with on a second date proclaimed, “I can change your mind.” That was their final encounter. It was evident that Mark was not ready, and he was communicating this fact openly.

What became of Mark? 18 months later, he crossed paths with Andrea (not me), and they are now engaged. Both of them were prepared for a committed relationship. A significant aspect of dating is timing, as well as meeting the right person.

2. The “I Don’t Have Any Close Friends” Type

You most likely won’t know this on the first date. But as the romance develops, it’s likely within the first few months they will meet a few of your close friends or family. I have only come across two scenarios where this hasn’t been reciprocated:

a. They don’t have any friends (red flag) or

b. They have something to hide (such as they are in other relationship(s) or you are not exclusive and thought you were).

Both of these scenarios are clearly not conducive to a healthy and long-lasting relationship.

3. The “My Ex Was Horrible” Type

Speaking negatively about an ex-partner during a date is never a favorable approach. This applies not only to the initial encounter but also to subsequent dates. It indicates that the individual has not yet moved on from the past relationship, possesses a pessimistic outlook, or has not effectively dealt with the breakup. Regardless of the reason, this is not the type of person you are seeking.

4. The “Phone Checker” Type

When you are spending time with someone and they are constantly glued to their phone, it shows a lack of respect and consideration. If they can’t focus on you for even a short period of time, it indicates a pattern of behavior.

Let’s take this a little further. If you have been on multiple dates with this person and they take days to respond to your messages, it speaks volumes. The lack of timely communication is a clear sign that it’s best to end things and move forward.

5. The “Orders Water on a Drinks Date” Type

What? They probably are not interested or willing to give you a chance. It says blatantly “I am planning to get out of here quickly, so quickly I won’t have to pay the check.” Or perhaps they don’t drink alcohol. At the very least, they could order a “mocktail” or a soda. Either way, time to move on from this person.

Also read, 10 RED FLAGS ON THE FIRST 3 DATES.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you dated people who looked suspicious in their behavior? What red flags did you identify? You know I love hearing your stories, so feel free to sound off. And what types did I miss?

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