Witch's Brew

Greetings all! 

If you need to dust off your witch’s cauldron, here is a recipe that might work! 

Recipe/image: https://www.totalwine.com/cocktail-recipes/witchs-brew 

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Vodka
• 1 bottle sparkling cider
• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 1 bottle ginger ale (1L)
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• Gummy worms to garnish 

Instructions

• Add all ingredients into a large punch bowl or witch’s cauldron. Stir.
• Add ice. Garnish with gummy worms. 

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it! 

Brain Foods

Greetings all! 

I recently came across a fun acronym for 10 foods to boost the brain power. A nutritional psychiatrist and brain expert, Dr. Uma Naidoo of Harvard, recommends the following: 

B: Berries and beans

R: Rainbow colors of fruits and vegetables

A: Antioxidants

I: Include lean proteins and plant-based proteins

N: Nuts

F: Fiber-rich foods and fermented foods

O: Oils

O: Omega-rich foods

D: Dairy

S: Spices 

I was a bit disappointed to see that "I" did not correspond to ice cream but decided it falls under D=Dairy! And I strongly believe dark chocolate falls under "A"!

What did you think? Drop me a line! 

Sources:

• https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/06/harvard-nutritionist-shares-foods-she-always-buys-at-grocery-store-for-a-young-and-healthy-brain.html
• Image: https://pixnio.com/media/chocolate-cookies-food-sugar-dessert

Does Your Birth Certificate Lie?

Greetings all!

Do you feel younger than your birth certificate’s age? Do you think you are in great shape? This 60-second wall sit test will reveal your fitness age.

How to do it:

1. Find a sturdy wall and stand with your back pressed against it.
2. Lower into a squat position until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and your thighs are parallel to the ground.
3. Keep your back flat against the wall, feet shoulder-width apart, and hands off your thighs (no cheating!).
4. Start the clock and hold the position for as long as possible—aim for at least 60 seconds.
5. Hold a 10-25 lb weight plate at chest level if you want an extra challenge.

What does it mean:

• Excellent (Fitness Age: 20s-30s): 60+ seconds with ease

• Good (Fitness Age: 40s-50s): 40 to 59 seconds

• Needs Work (Fitness Age: 70+): Less than 20 seconds

• Fair (Fitness Age: 50s-60s): 20 to 39 seconds

So does your birth certificate lie?  😊

Sources:

• https://www.eatthis.com/60-second-wall-sit-test-reveals-your-true-fitness-age/
• Image: Shutterstock

Autumn Haiku

Cherry and maple

various autumn colours

I stand mesmerised

~ Haiku by Som©

https://www.facebook.com/groups/173446552265103/posts/216447361298355/

October 1 – International Coffee Day

https://www.reddit.com/r/coffeelife/comments/1e60hyo/funny_coffee_meme_coffee_coffeeholic_coffeetime/

https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=67826&picture=coffee-art-web

CC0 licensed photo by Alina Kakshapati from the WordPress Photo Directory: https://wordpress.org/photos/photo/589692bc66/

3D coffee art by amelia soo

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr/galleries/72157658547440379/

3D swirly star latte art - Victoria Lounge, Richmond by Alpha 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/flickr/galleries/72157658547440379/

Yuanyi Zhang: https://perfectdailygrind.com/2016/12/does-latte-art-make-your-coffee-better-or-worse/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/258957047311809070/

Quinoa Salad

Greetings all! 

As I was making a grocery list for my next store run, I was also looking for recipe inspiration – and found this quinoa salad in my bookmarks! Then, I also remembered my friend MK's super easy quinoa salad – and voila, you now have 2 recipes! 

Recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/quinoa-salad-22955988

Photo: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Brett Regot/Kitchn

MK Salad

• Quinoa, cooked and cooled
• Arugula
• Beets
• Red onion
• Mushrooms
• Feta cheese
• Creamy Balsamic dressing 

The Kitchn Salad:

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 large English cucumber, chopped into rough 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
• 4 ounces garlic and herb goat cheese, crumbled

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

Instructions:

Combine dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk. Add cucumber, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, and quinoa to the bowl and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and goat cheese. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Bon Appetit! Let me know which version is your favorite!

How to Spend Less

Greetings all!

Do you want to be more intentional and thoughtful about your spending? 

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/time-is-money-money-calms-down-sleep-1339781/

If your answer is YES, try this lifehack from financial advisor Suze Orman.

Every time you are about to buy something, whether it costs $10 or $1,000, stop and ask yourself:

Is this a need or a want?

If It’s a Want
If you are really serious about reining in your spending, forego spending on wants. Or build in guardrails: I will spend only $X a week on wants. Either way, by stopping and identifying a potential purchase as a “want,” you are elevating it as a potential source of saving - either by forgoing the purchase entirely or by opting for a less expensive option.

If It’s a Need
Even with needs, you might be able to reduce your spending. The less expensive brand - whether it be food or clothing - meets your needs and can save you money. And it’s even more in play for huge expenses, such as buying a car or a home (or the place you decide to rent). A car to get to work is a need. As is shelter. But what you choose to spend on both is up to you. Asking yourself if you might be able to fulfill the need and spend 10%, 15%, or 20% less can transform your finances.

I really like how simple this Need vs Want test is to help us pay more attention to how and when we choose to spend money.