it is the time of year to celebrate with friends, frenemies, and family! To help make the time festive we have some holiday cocktails you can whip out quickly.
The holiday season is filled with getting together with friends. Rather than stress when people stop by, here are the best easy holiday drinks you can serve without spending all your time at the bar. These colorful cocktails will be a hit and put the crowd into a merry mood.
From Paris, France to Picayune, Mississippi – this is the perfect holiday drinks – it is a festive accompaniment to great evening. With the mass production of crème de cassis in 1841. Originally called a blanc-cassis, it become associated with the Mayor of Dijon, Félix Kir, who helped popularize the drink.
1/2ounce Creme de Cassis
Dry Champagne (or other sparkling wine), to top
Garnish: lemon twist
Instead of Creme de Cassis, you can use Chambord.
Photo via Unsplash Jens Theeß
Vodka Cranberry
A quick and easy drink with things you might find in your refrigerator, this will dazzle your friends. Additionally Vodka is a low calorie alcohol choice and cranberry juice touts serious health perks; put them together and you have a happy and healthy cocktail.
1 ounce vodka
4 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
1 dash Rose’s lime
1 dash orange juice
You can either pour over ice or shake it and serve it up in a martini glass. Garnish with a little mint and voila!
The Easy Elf
Christmas is a busy time for elves, so here is a low alcohol cocktail which is also delicious.
2 oz. St. Germain
3 oz. dry sparkling wine, such as brut Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco
2 oz. soda water
Ice
Fill a collins or other cocktail glass with ice; Add St. Germaine and stir to chill. Top with wine and soda water and stir gently to combine.
In 2022, there were 57.44 million online dating service users in the United States.
Almost 30% of the dating pool dabble or go full on for the dating apps. There are niches for everyone, Anbe, Glamdating, Pupspace and more. They are supposed to make dating easier, but sometimes things don’t work out. For some, online conversations are just as hard as face to face ones. It is also harder to read clues from the other person. To help, here are the 4 biggest mistakes men make on dating apps.
Unless you look like Brad Pitt, pick up lines almost never work. They’re lame at best and usually always cringe-worthy. Also, you don’t want to start off a virtual conversation this way. There’s never a smooth way of saying “I’d hit you with a cheesy pickup line but your bio says you’re lactose intolerant,” because no one can pull that off. It’s best to be safe and just say “Hey,” you know, like a real human person.
Saying The Same Thing To Every Person
Dating apps are virtual and help in making you forget that there’s a real live person behind the profile photos. Try to do your research and read through the entire bio. If there’s nothing there you can use, then it’s best to tread carefully and start a conversation as genuinely as possible.
Bringing Up Sex Every Five Minutes
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If you’ve matched with someone online, avoid discussing sex during the first conversation. While a lot of people use Tinder and other dating apps for hooking up, first you must meet the person and you’ll never do that if you start requesting nudes from the get go.
Dating apps are the perfect place for lying. On them, you can pretend that you’re much taller, successful, and good looking that you already are. While you may trick someone into believing that you’re more good looking in pictures, it’s pretty tough to pretend that you’re into a bunch of things that you’re not really into. Trust us, lying will bite you in the ass sooner or later, so it’s best to just be honest.
The global secondhand market is expected to surge at three times the rate of the overall global apparel market up to 2027, driven by Gen Z consumers, according to online secondhand platform Thredup.
Since Macklemore sang about the Thrift Shop, people really embraced thrift. Buying used things can conjure up a feeling of euphoria. You get to spend a portion of the retail price for an item you deem valuable. in the new era of sustainable fashion, you can find unique pieces, which may be a little worn, but stand out. The adventure of the hunt plays into the adventure. But are second hand cosmetics safe to use?
While the idea of selling your old makeup may sound like a great way to earn some extra cash, it’s not the safest of practices — at least for buyers. Still, popular websites like Mercari, have their own section of second hand makeup gives these purchases a sense of legitimacy and security, even though in reality, they could give you an eye infection.
While some sites like eBay don’t sell used makeup products because of the health risks they pose, Glambot claims to check and clean all of their used products thoroughly, having each go through a five-step authentication and sanitation process. This is just a long way of saying that they wiped the products clean with some cotton swabs.
“Used cosmetics present some serious health and safety concerns because the products and applicators used to apply them often come into direct contact with the body,” explains eBay‘s makeup policy.
Photo by Joanna Malinowska via freestocks.org
Dermatologists who had different opinions on the matter, yet most agreed users should be wary of all second hand make up, especially those products focusing on areas near the mouth and the eyes.
“Used makeup can contain fungus or bacteria can cause infections. This is especially an issue for makeup which comes in direct contact with the skin like applicators touching the skin, or anything you dip your finger into (like an open jar),” explains Jordana Mattioli, celebrity esthetician.
Most experts also took the time to explain makeup is generally applied in bathrooms, making it easier for these products to catch bacteria or viruses, which can survive and live in the product for long periods of time. While you might get lucky when you use a sample lipstick from a Sephora store, it’s much more likely to catch a virus or a staph infection from someone’s beloved (and well-worn) make up.
In short: don’t do it. A used mascara tube is not the same thing as a used jacket.
Nothing says celebration like champagne…if it the signature drinks at all sorts of celebrations
Weddings, birthday, boat launches and business deals all celebrate with it. It is the signature drink of New Year’s Eve and it is a vital part of the whole holiday season. Let us share everything you need to know about champagne. From rock stars, to Elizabeth Taylor to royals around the world, champagne has been a staple. The late queen mother loved Bollinger and it was the first champagne to receive the royal stamp of approval.
In 2022, 326 million bottles of Champagne were shipped globally. The US cemented its status as the top export market for Champagne as sales soared by 19.4% in 2022. Producers sold 33.72 million bottles in the US market throughout the year, according to new figures released today (6th April) by the Comité Champagne.
“Champagne, as the supreme wine of celebrations, has been the natural choice of the world’s consumers as they rejoiced at the end of lockdowns and rediscovered a taste for parties, for going out and for traveling.” added David Chatillon, president of the Union des Maisons de Champagne and co-president of the Comité Champagne.
Where Was Champagne Developed?
The oldest recorded sparkling wine is Blanquette de Limoux, which was invented by Benedictine monks in the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, near Carcassonne, in 1531.They achieved this by bottling the wine before the initial fermentation had ended.
Dom Pérignon (1638–1715) was a monk and cellar master at the Benedictine abbey in Hautvillers. He pioneered a number of winemaking techniques around 1670, being the first to blend grapes in such a way as to improve the quality of wine. He also introduced corks (instead of wood), which were fastened to bottles with hemp string soaked in oil in order to keep the wines fresh and sparkling. The famous French champagne is named after him.
Where Do The Bubbles Come From?
They tickled your nose, but why does champagne have bubbles? The answer is simple: fermentation. There are several different methods for trapping the carbonation, but in all cases the carbon dioxide is a byproduct of fermentation. Only in really cheap sparkling wines will you find artificial carbonation, and those are wines to avoid.
What Is Champagne?
A place, and a way of making wine. The place is in northeastern France, and is the only region in the world legally permitted to label their wine “Champagne.” The method involves making a still wine (or many of them and then blending them), bottling it, and adding more sugar and yeast.
This second fermentation happens in a closed bottle, meaning the carbon dioxide stays trapped until you open it. This method is now used around the world, and is more commonly called the “traditional method,” or “method traditionelle.”
Wait, What Else Do They Do?
Well, there’s this thing called the Charmat method, where larger vessels are used for secondary fermentation, and then the wine is bottled. This is how most Prosecco and Lambrusco is made, which is why it typically those are slightly less carbonated than most other sparkling wines. The other method involves bottling the wine before the initial fermentation has finished, resulting in a mildly effervescent wine typically called “petillant naturel,” or pet nat if you’re feeling frisky.
Are There Other Champanges?
Champagne wine is protected by an European regulation called Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This european law protects the names of local products made in Europe.
This law has been accepted recently by the American administration. However traditional makers of sparkling wine in the US who made this kind of wine before the administration accepted the European law can still call their wine Champagne. But new sparkling wine in the US cannot wear the name Champagne on the label any more.
What About Other Bubbles?
Cava, especially at the Reserva and Gran Reserva level, can also be a great option. Prosecco can really run the gamut from cheap and banal to less cheap and really tasty, so it’s harder to offer a blanket statement.
Should I Drink From Flutes?
Through the 1960s, the coupe was the glass for bubbles. Lately, coupes have fallen out of favor with wine experts as a champagne glass alternative. The almost unanimous recommendation these days is to use wine flutes (or tulip glasses) to drink champagne.
But flutes are only good for one thing, and that’s showing off the bubbles. Just use a regular old wine glass, and you’ll actually be able to smell the wine, which is part of the appeal. Plus, you can fit a whole lot more wine in those glasses.
Sparkling wine, be it Champagne or otherwise, is one of the most amazing and versatile wines on the planet. Try having a bottle with dinner the next time you dine out or cook at home, and you’ll be amazed at just how well it pairs with almost anything you throw at it. Cheers!
The Data has been checked twice, here are the top Vape strains making you go ho ho ho for the holidays
This could be the most green Christmas ever. With Canada and over 50% of Americans have access to legal weed, it is definitely going to be a high holiday for millions. Marijuana will be helping spread the cheer, decrease the anxiety, prevent ugly fights and guide people to the land of nod.
BDSA, a leading data antalytics company with a focus on cannabis, has shared the most popular vape strains going into the holiday season. While flower continues to have a hold on afficiandos and revenue, vaping is right behind with both. Vaping is also the perfect on-the-go vehicle to enjoy at a party, concert, or just a long walk. No major smell, easy to control dosage and easy to use, it is highly popular with all ages.
Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images
Here are the most popular vape strains:
Blue Dream
This strain is a sativa-dominant hybrid. It produces a balanced high, along with effects such as cerebral stimulation and full-body relaxation. It is popular with both canna-newbies and veteran consumers. Medical marijuana patients often use it to treat symptoms of depression, chronic pain, and nausea.
Pineapple Express
This is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain. While this strain rose to fame with the 2008 the release of Pineapple Express, it is a real strain found in dispensaries across the country.A consumer of cannabis lovers, it produces long-lasting energetic effects making you feel buzzy, alert, and creative. The best time to smoke Pineapple Express is in the morning, afternoon, or early evening hours. Medical marijuana patients use it to relieve symptoms associated with depression, pain, and fatigue.
This strain has a sweet smell of fresh strawberries and an expanding sensation which can make even the most seasoned consumer cough. it is a potent sativa strain with mysterious genetic origins. The skunky, berry flavors capture the senses while the cerebral, uplifting effects provide an aura of euphoria. Strawberry Cough is a great solution in times of elevated stress.
Granddaddy Purple
This strain’s potent effects are clearly detectable in both mind and body, delivering a fusion of euphoria and physical relaxation. While thoughts may float in a dreamy buzz, the body is more likely to find itself fixed in one spot for the duration. Granddaddy Purple is typically pulled off the shelf for consumers looking to combat pain, stress, insomnia, appetite loss, and muscle spasms.
Gelato
This strain is an evenly-balanced hybrid marijuana strain made from a crossing of Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. It is a balance of indica & sativa producing a euphoric high accompanied by feelings of relaxation. Consumers who have smoked Gelato say the effects of the strain come quickly. You’ll be left feeling numb to pain, relaxed, but mentally stimulated and productive.
Long the mortal enemy of legal marijuana – now some members of the GOP are champions.
Traditionally, the GOP has been the nemesis of expanded marijuana legalization. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has been proud of preventing national movement. They party also has been quick to blame cannabis use for everything including mass shooting and the fentanyl crisis. But over the last couple of years, a few Republican champions have emerged and it is a bit startling.
The cannabis industry held its breathe with the election of the Biden/Harris ticket. Vice President Harris had been a foe and there was fear about what would happen when they entered office. The reality is nothing happened. Despite Biden’s promise of helping, it took 3 years for him to consider cannabis rescheduling. He has refused to nudge Congress to support federal legalization and Harris has remains out of site.
Photo by FatCamera/Getty Images
In a surprise to most, Rep. James Comer (R-KY), the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, came out in support of the taxation and regulation of recreational cannabis. DC is overseen by Congress and has been begging for statehood for generations. Currently, they still have the federal elected overseeing how parts of the city are run. In 2014, Nearly two-thirds of D.C. voters favored legalizing recreational marijuana for in a 2014 ballot initiative. In the District, the possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana is decriminalized for residents 21 years or older for recreational or medical use, according to the district’s marijuana laws. Comer is very open to following the voter wishes.
Also, Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) reintroduced the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act, signaling a renewed effort to end federal marijuana prohibition in states where it is legal. And it is being driven by Republicans. Co-sponsored by Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Brian Mast (R-FL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Troy Carter (D-LA), it goes beyond decriminalizing state cannabis programs by proposing a federal tax-and-regulate framework for the cannabis industry.
You also have Rep Nancy Mace (R-SC) has lead efforts for SAFE Banking and more and has worked across the aisle to support the cannabis industry.
While this is a good sign, it doesn’t mean it has full throttle support from the GOP. Ohio is a a hot mess as Republicans feel voters were confused when 70% voted and passed recreational marijuana, they are now working to gut it. They can learn from Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) who told Florida voters who doesn’t care 70% voted for cannabis, he knows better.
There is a saying about politics make strange bedfellows, I guess marijuana makes odd cannabis buddies.
Man’s best friend shares the aches and illnesses of old age – now a study offers a little help for them
We love and consider them family, so as they age we want to help our little loves. As they age, our dogs often suffer a decline in functioning and can get sick more often. Because there is almost nothing sadder than a dog that’s feeling sick, you can give your dog hemp seed oil full of vitamin E and vitamin A to help their immune system fight any chemicals, drugs, pesticides and toxins that your dog may pick up in its day-to-day life.
Also, medical research has given some hope to older dogs. A study from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University revealed hemp oil can help aging dogs suffering from joint pain.
Photo by Jamie Street via Unsplash
According to the study, a hemp-based medicine developed by ElleVet Sciences is “efficacious for pain in dogs with osteoarthritis, chronic joint pain and geriatric pain and soreness; with dramatic beneficial effects in our more geriatric patients.” The first-of-its-kind study took eight months to complete and examined how ElleVet’s soft chews metabolized and how it relieved joint pain in canines.
Joseph Wakshlag, associate professor of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine presented the findings of the first pharmacokinetic study and clinical trial on the use of cannabinoids to treat dogs with osteoarthritis and multi-joint pain at the Veterinary Meeting & Expo. The university partnered with ElleVet Sciences to conduct this double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
The study found that dogs who took ElleVet’s proprietary hemp oil blend showed significant improvement over dogs that received the placebo. More than 80% of dogs who have used ElleVet Mobility soft chews have seen a significant or dramatic improvement. Veterinarians have called ElleVet soft chews, “A game changer that will change the face of veterinary medicine.”
Previously, anecdotal evidence from pet owners and animal clinics across the country have shown that hemp-based medicine greatly improves pain levels and quality of life for dogs with osteoarthritis and joint pain. The Cornel study backs up the anecdotal evidence. The VMX conference is the largest gathering of veterinary professionals in the United States.
Winter is here and so is cold and flu season. Does marijuana help or hinder OTC cold medicines?
We finally know why we get colds in the winter. According to a study in 2022 published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the cold weather messes with our nose. The biologic, molecular explanation regarding one factor of our innate immune response appears to be limited by colder temperatures. In fact, reducing the temperature inside the nose by as little as 9 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) kills nearly 50% of the billions of helpful bacteria-fighting cells and viruses in the nostrils. This allows us to catch a cold. Then we race out and spend $11 billion on over the counter (OTC) cold medicines. But what about cold medicine and marijuana?
First, as rough as it sounds, caffeine should be avoided with cold medicine. Most medicine are contain stimulants. Adding additional caffeine, like taking the meds with coffee may increase symptoms like restlessness and the inability to sleep. Additionally, you should use alcohol while taking the meds. Alcohol, like some medicines, can make you sleepy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Drinking alcohol while taking medicines can intensify these effects. You may have trouble concentrating or performing mechanical skills.
Now about cold medicine and marijuana. Although there’s no serious risk, combining weed with OTC cold and flu medications which have sedative effects, can intensify drowsiness and affect cognitive function. You may find it more difficult to concentrate or make decisions. Similar to alcohol, but you don’t know your own reactions.
How you consume can also affect your recovery. While most people now use gummies, the traditional way is to smoke or vape. This can aggravate the throat and imped recovery.
NyQuil is a recognizable over-the-counter brand of medicine can temporarily relieve coughing, headaches, stuffy and runny nose, sore throat, fever, and sneezing. And while it can seem innocuous to combine NyQuil and cannabis, it is not a good idea.
The three active ingredients in NyQuil include acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine. All three have been linked to side effects like stomach pains, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness (common side effects of consuming too strong a dose of cannabis). Taking Nyquil in addition to cannabis can result in stronger side effects and sedation than desired. You do not want to increase side effects while battled a cold.
While having a cold is no fun, it is best to do what you can to combat it and get it over with, sleep, hydrate, and take the appropriate medicines. It usually has to run the course and you don’t want to do anything to encourage it lingering about.
Whether you are a season consumer or a canna-newbie – sometimes you just want the good times to last
Marijuana is coming into its own. Over 50% of the country has access to weed and Gen Z is wandering away from alcohol toward weed. California sober has become a thing and retirement communities have embraced weed. No matter the time of year, you always want to get the most bang for you buck by making your THC last as long as possible. For the canna-newbie, it is easy. Seasoned marijuana users, like alcohol drinkers, know sometimes the more they smoke, sometimes it is harder to get or prolong the high. Don’t worry, here are 5 hacks to prolong a marijuana high.
Foods
Photo by chuttersnap via Unsplash
Consumers claim having some mango or mango juice an hour before consuming marijuana is a magic trick for a really intense high. This delicious fruit contains myrcene terpenes, which are also present in cannabis. These compounds bind to each other and magic happens. They also make for a pretty healthy treat, which is good for the munchies.
Nuts have also been associated with powerful highs because they contain fatty acids, which bind with cannabinoids and make your high hit you faster. Sweet potatoes supposedly put you in a good mood, which works well if marijuana turns you into a paranoid Debbie Downer.
Workout
Photo by Andrew Tanglao via Unsplash
Channeling all of your marijuana super-powered focus into a physical activity can be really effective, especially if you’ve never done it before. This experience can prove to be really intense and a boost for your metabolism and system.
Smoke in a closed space
Photo by agafapaperiapunta/Getty Images
Also known as “hot boxing,” smoking up in a confined space amid the fumes can get you high pretty quick. While it might not be super healthy for your lungs, if you’re looking to get high and stay high, hot boxing sounds like a pretty effective method. This does not work for vapes or edibles.
If smoking just isn’t what it used to be, try out different methods of consumption. If you’re a smoker, try vaping or edibles. If you prefer joints, try using a bong. A switch could trick your body and provide a much needed fresh start, making your highs stronger and longer-lasting.
Take a tolerance break
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If nothing else works, you might just need to take a break. Marijuana’s lessening effect is due to the fact that your body becomes desensitized to the plant’s psychoactive effects. Most seasoned users swear by this trick. Just like with any other substance, this practice gives your body a cleanse of sorts, providing a fresh start.
When Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer premier during the 1964 holiday season on NBC, Rankin-Bass had a hit on their hand. Based on a song (which was based on a poem), the used the technique of stop-motion animation and it captivated kids. But past the sweetness of the story and the adorability of the characters, there are life lessons from Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer.
The Fresh Toast – Who guessed the life lessons from Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer would stand the taste of time and help kids and adults today
Being Different Is OK
For kids being in school, being different is hard. Whether you are maturing early, wearing glasses, or a myriad of other things which separate from the mainstream, it is tough. Rudolph leaves and makes his own way, finds friends, and ends up finding value in his difference.
In the land of Misfit Toys, Dolly’s only apparent “flaw” is showing persistent sadnes, a sign she’s likely suffering from depression. The other toys accept her and Santa, belatedly, realizes she can be loved and finds her a home.
Sometimes it comes from unexpected quarters. “You’ll be a normal little buck, just like everybody else,” Rudolph’s dad tells him, minutes after the kid is born. It’s downhill from there for Rudy’s self-esteem. “For the first few years, the Donners did a pretty good job hiding Rudolph’s… ‘non-conformity,’” the snowman narrator says. The idea of non-conformity truly started in the 50s and60s. First with rock n roll then punk-rockers and a wide variety misfits for the next 50 years and counting.
Herbie knew he was a misfit, but also felt he had a purpose. He know he could make his team better, if people understood. He was not content to stay on the assembly line at a job he hated and took the risk to strike out for something he loved. Discovering who you are and what are you talents can be scary, but pays off in the long run. Ultimately, Herbie has the chance to open his much needed practice.
Keep An Open Mind
Despite emotionally abusing his son for his entire childhood, Rudolph’s dad demands to be the only one to look for him when the kid runs away from home. He tells Ms. Donner she can’t come along, because it’s “man work.” As soon as the old bastard is gone, however, Rudy’s new girlfriend appears, and the ladies set off on their own journey to find him.
Fitting In Isn’t Everything
When his nose is revealed as being different, all of the reindeers in training, including the coach, join in to mock Rudolph. For millions of kids who watch the show, Rudolph gave hope for those being bullied. It is tough, but the hero bucks it up and decides to stand alone and be himself.
Everyone Can Contribute
Social outcasts including spotted elephant, a train with square wheels, and a gun that shoots… jelly? …are the new squad Rudolph finds. Alright, cue the Twenty One Pilots song.
The Abominable Snowman spends most of his time terrorizing the creatures of the North Pole, sending them hiding whenever he casts a shadow. But by the end of their journey, ol’ Abominable’s heart has grown three sizes—and all he wants is a job decorating Christmas trees.
Sometimes, You Don’t Have The Whole Story
Ever notice how the miner, Yukon Cornelius, is constantly licking that pickaxe in a really weird way? Well, there’s more to that than a weapons fetish, as Snopes reported. In a deleted scene, Yukon says he’s been looking for peppermint mines all along.
Also, the 1964 showing did not have Santa picking up toys from the Island of Misfit Toys at the end. A letter-writing campaign ensued and the new ending was added in 1965. Also in 1965, sponsor General Electric insisted on replacing the song “We’re a Couple of Misfits” with “Fame and Fortune”, a change that lasted until 1998, when “Misfits” was put back in.
