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Food Facts Friday: Potatoes

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 18:03:26 GMT

Mashed, baked, roasted, boiled, fried…. These are just some of the ways this vegetable is enjoyed year-round. Popular and versatile, potatoes are a staple in many households and additionally used for alcoholic beverages, livestock feed and plant research.

Mashed, baked, roasted, boiled, fried…. These are just some of the ways this vegetable is enjoyed year-round. Popular and versatile, potatoes are a staple in many households and additionally used for alcoholic beverages, livestock feed and plant research.

It’s believed potatoes originated in Peru and were then introduced to Spain and greater Europe. Today, there are nearly 4,000 varieties of potatoes worldwide. Some common types are russet, red, white, yellow and purple. When storing potatoes, keep them away from light in an open bowl or paper bag between 43 to 50° F, a temperature usually found in basements, cellars, garages or sheds.

Potatoes and a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Nutritionally, potatoes are high in potassium , fiber, vitamin C and magnesium and a good source of carbohydrates. Potatoes can be part of a kidney-friendly diet, but be mindful of their potassium. One medium white potato contains 867 mg of potassium. However, you can actually decrease the potassium content of fresh potatoes with the way you prepare it. One of the best ways to reduce the potassium content in potatoes is to double boil them. Another method is to soak potato pieces in room temperature or warm water for 2 to 4 hours before cooking. These methods can reduce the potassium content by 50%. The recommended portion size is 1/2 cup of double-boiled or soaked potatoes. A kidney-friendly portion for most low-potassium diets is 1/2 cup drained canned potatoes or instant potatoes from dry flakes.

The Double Boil Method

Cut, slice or grate potatoes into small pieces.
Boil potatoes for 3 to 5 minutes in a large pot of water.
Rinse potatoes and drain the water from the pot.
Boil potatoes again for 3 to 5 minutes in a fresh large pot of water.
Prepare as desired.

By double boiling and adding low-potassium vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers or onions) to round out your side dish or meal, you can enjoy potatoes are part of your kidney-friendly diet.

Potatoes in Recipes

Check out these delicious potato recipes from the DaVita kitchen to try, as well.

Potato Nutrition Facts

White Potatoes – double-boiled – 1/2 cup

Calories 86
Carbohydrates 19 g
Sodium 23 mg
Potassium 150 mg
Phosphorus 49 mg
Fiber 2 g
Fat 0 g
Protein 2 g

White Potatoes, canned, unsalted – 1/2 cup

Calories 56
Carbohydrates 12 g
Sodium 5 mg
Potassium 206 mg
Phosphorus 25 mg
Fiber 2.2 g
Fat 0 g
Protein 1.3 g

White Potato – 1 small, baked (not recommended for a low-potassium diet)

Calories 128
Carbohydrates 28 g
Sodium 14 mg
Potassium 738 mg
Phosphorus 97 mg
Fiber 3 g
Fat 0 g
Protein 3.5 g

References

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-store-potatoes . Accessed December 31 2020.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato . Accessed December 31 2020.

To see this blog post or others, visit: blogs.davita.com

Omega-3 Supplements Support a Healthy Heart

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:00:02 GMT

You probably already know the basics of heart health: eat a balanced diet, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and overindulging in alcohol. But did you know that adding omega-3 fatty acids to an already healthy diet may help support your cardiovascular health even more? This February, celebrate American Heart Month by focusing on your family’s cardiovascular health with some of the most well-researched nutrients out there.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids, often referred to simply as “omega-3s,” are polyunsaturated fatty acids that offer a range of powerful health benefits. There are three main types of omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Due to the physiology of converting ALA to more usable forms, only EPA and DHA can raise the body’s omega-3 levels to those that benefit the heart. These two omega-3s are primarily found in marine sources, like cold-water fish.

Omega-3s provide energy in the form of calories and are a vital component of the membranes that surround the cells of the body.* Omega-3s, specifically DHA, are important for pregnant and breastfeeding women since their babies rely on them for fetal and infant development.* And a high intake may benefit both the immune and endocrine systems.*

Omega-3s and Heart Health

In addition to the benefits above, omega-3s serve multiple functions in the heart and blood vessels that make up the cardiovascular system. In fact, when it comes to heart health, there’s more research on omega-3s than any other supplemental nutrient. Because of this link between omega-3s and cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association recommends eating two 3.5-ounce servings of fish, particularly fatty fish, per week, which is roughly 500 mg per day of omega-3 EPA and DHA.

Given the prevalence of heart disease in the U.S., it’s important to note that supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.* The National Institutes of Health note that both EPA and DHA can benefit triglyceride levels, a key factor in heart health.*

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood, which can impact the function of the arteries and, thus, the heart’s ability to carry oxygen to the rest of the body via the blood. In certain cases, the American Heart Association recommends 2-4 grams of supplemental EPA+DHA daily as part of a comprehensive strategy for managing triglyceride levels.

Where to Get Omega-3s

Your body cannot produce omega-3s on its own, so you have to get them from your diet or supplements. Although most people in the U.S. get adequate ALA from their diets, many lack in sufficient amounts of EPA and DHA—especially people who rarely or never eat fish. Supplementing with omega-3s provides many of the cardiovascular benefits of eating fish with the reliability of a fixed daily serving.

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

Consider taking an omega-3 supplement to make sure you’re getting enough EPA and DHA on a regular basis. One of our favorites? Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega . Made from 100% wild-caught sardines and anchovies, these soft gels deliver 1280 mg of omega-3s per serving, primarily EPA and DHA. And the addition of natural lemon flavor means no lingering fish taste like you may have experienced with other fish oil supplements.

Nordic Naturals Algae Omega

Vegetarians and vegans are at especially high risk for inadequate intake of omega-3 EPA and DHA. For animal-free omega-3s, Nordic Naturals offers Algae Omega , which is made from sustainably sourced marine microalgae and delivers 715 mg of EPA- and DHA-rich omega-3s per serving.

To see this blog post and others, visit: www.pharmaca.com/projectwellness

Recipes: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 19:51:36 GMT

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Serves: 8 to 10

Time: 10 min

A great way to serve this salad is to slice a 9-inch round focaccia in half horizontally, fill it with the tuna, and press a plate down on top of the round bread. Place a heavy can or weight on top for an hour, and the dressing will seep into the bread. Slice and serve. FromThe Whole Foods Market Cookbook.

Ingredients

4 (6.0-ounce) cans albacore tuna, drained well
1 (14.0-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1/2 cup chopped red bell or piquillo peppers
3/4 cup sliced Greek olives
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Method

In a large bowl, combine tuna, artichokes, bell peppers, olives, onion, parsley, garlic, oregano, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper and gently fold together until well combined.

Serve on sliced bread as a sandwich or spoon over a green salad.

While you may find a version of this recipe offered at your local store, please note that ingredients, flavor and allergens can vary.

Nutritional Info:

Per serving: 240 calories (120 from fat), 14g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 50mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 6g carbohydrates (2g dietary fiber, 1g sugar), 20g protein.

To see this article or others, visit: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes

Financial life lessons from the Pacific Crest Trail

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 18:37:04 GMT

Planning for the journey of your life

Since 1968, hikers from around the world have walked the Pacific Crest Trail, spanning 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington states. Those who hike through, from the start to trail’s end, say it’s a magical and spiritual experience that includes awe-inspiring encounters with other hikers, locals, nature and the terrain. For most, it’s the journey of a lifetime.

Taking this kind of a journey requires you make a plan to ensure you’re provisioned with food, water, equipment and other supplies for every leg. The reality is: you can only carry enough on your back for a few days, and you’ll need to plan before you even set off to meet your needs further down the trail.

This is where navigating our financial lives can be kind of like hiking through — successfully on the Pacific Crest Trail.

A path and a plan for your journey

Most people who embark on a dedicated journey like the Pacific Crest Trail do it because it fulfills a purpose in their life. Similarly, financial planning can help you live and fulfill yours. A solid financial plan reflects your highest goals, and acts as a roadmap. It provides the vital direction needed to help you reach important milestones as you progress toward your desired destinations.

That’s why it’s important to consider your entire financial ecosystem and your unique needs in life. A good financial professional will take the time to get to know you and your purpose, and help you create a comprehensive plan that helps you pursue long-term financial success.

For a starting point, ask yourself a few key questions that can help you make informed decisions about where you’d like to be in the future.

What is my why — my underlying purpose? What are my passions?
What are my desired outcomes for myself, my family and others?
What are the dreams I’d still like to pursue and achieve?

Have sufficient resources

It takes most hikers about five months to complete their journey on the Pacific Crest Trail during the snow-free season. Unfortunately, the failure rate is high for people who start out as ‘thru-hikers,’ those who walk the entire trail. Mostly because those who don’t complete the journey, fail to plan properly.

A comprehensive financial plan can set you up for success on your journey, ensuring you have the resources you need for important goals over time, such as funding a child’s education, purchasing another home, or having stable income in retirement.

Be prepared to flex

As life’s path changes, a good plan should be able to flex and keep you pointed toward your future destination. I can’t underscore enough the importance of developing a flexible plan that helps you accomplish crucial goals in key life phases.

A mistake that many people make with their financial plans: they set it and forget it, never reevaluating if their plan still works for them at different places along their journey.

A financial plan that isn't revisited and updated regularly might not help you reach your goals. Again, this is where financial guidance, insights and advice from a trusted financial professional will support your ambitions and help you course-correct along the way.

Learn more

Learn more about how you can be in a better position to make informed decisions about, and plan, for your financial future. Contact an Umpqua financial professional today to learn more about our team-based approach.

Reach us at (833) 898-0973 or WealthManagement@UmpquaBank.com .

You can also learn more about how financial planning can help you on your life’s journey by downloading our Umpqua topic paper, “Financial planning: Pursue your dreams with confidence.”

To see this blog post or others, visit: https://www.umpquabank.com/blog/

Tips for Making Lasting Changes in the New Year

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 18:11:46 GMT

Finally, it’s 2021! The new year is upon us. For many, a new year can mean new beginnings and changes. Now is a good time for self-reflection. How would you like the new year to be different from the last? What do you want to change? I’m not talking New Year’s resolutions where less than half of people who make them are successful.¹ I’m talking sustainable lifestyle changes . What makes people successful at making lasting changes? Self-efficacy: the amount of personal control that we expect to have over a behavior in difficult situations.²

New Year Resolutions

Some common New Year’s resolutions are:

Exercise more.
Lose weight.
Get organized.
Quit smoking.

You may have an idea about what would bring more health, happiness and prosperity into your 2021. What can help you work toward these goals? Here are some tips that may give you clarity, fuel your desire and build your confidence.

Take personal inventory. What changes did you plan in 2020? What worked for you? What didn’t work?
Set a goal that motivates you. A goal that is important to you has value or benefit. This is your “why” behind your change goal.
“One and done” and “less is more.” You may have heard these phrases. Making too many goals or setting unrealistic goals can lead to burnout and dropout. Setting one or two goals can help you channel your energy effectively.
Make a SMART goal.

SMART Goals

S pecific (Example: “I will walk at least once a day.”)

M easurable (Example: “I will walk at least once a day for 20 minutes, three days a week.”)

A ttainable (Make it a goal you can realistically achieve.)

R elevant (A fitness-related goal is relevant if your health is a top priority.)

T ime-sensitive (Set a goal you can start on relatively soon. For example, by February 1.)

Break up your goal into smaller daily, weekly and monthly tasks. For example, to meet your exercise goal by February 1, what do you need to do today to prepare? This could include buying new running shoes, scheduling childcare or deciding which days work best for your schedule.
Write down your goals. This shows intention, provides a visual reminder and allows you to document your progress.
Make yourself accountable. Find an accountability partner or coach. Tell another person. Post your goal on social media. When we are accountable to another person, this sense of obligation is a powerful motivator. Set regular appointments to update your accountability partner.
For the tech-savvy folks, use apps and calendar reminders.
Review your goal regularly. Plan monthly, weekly and daily reviews of tasks to complete.
Setbacks, delays and mistakes are inevitable. Brush yourself off and get back on your horse (the sooner, the better). We are not machines. We are humans. So, when some daily tasks are completed late, it’s better late than never. When circumstances get in the way, think of it as an opportunity to adapt, grow, learn, build resilience or create. Journal about your setback. For example, when I hit the snooze button on my alarm, I’m rushed during my morning routine and talk myself out of exercising.
Reward yourself. Working toward a goal, especially when you don’t feel like it, takes fortitude and determination. Rewarding yourself for following through brings joy into your journey.

References

For this blog posts or others, visit https://blogs.davita.com/

WEAR THIS NOW: COMFY COZY CHIC

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:26:28 GMT

Let’s be real. At this time last year, we were planning our usual Holiday whirlwind of parties and events. This year, things are definitely different, and we are dressing the part. We may not have parties to go to, but frankly, we’re a little tired of the same old sweats and leggings. We’re turning to our Zenergy® line for casual-chic updates to our favorite athlesuire-inspired pieces. Here are our current favorites.Let’s be real. At this time last year, we were planning our usual Holiday whirlwind of parties and events. This year, things are definitely different, and we are dressing the part. We may not have parties to go to, but frankly, we’re a little tired of the same old sweats and leggings. We’re turning to our Zenergy® line for casual-chic updates to our favorite athlesuire-inspired pieces. Here are our current favorites.

We love the elegant, easy wear of our black on black Sequined Animal-Print Tunic . The fabric is a buttery knit, and the print gives it that little extra oomph. Long enough to pair with leggings, it also looks great with jeans. Feeling bold? Mix it up with our Zenergy Cheetah Print leggings.

These Crop Leggings are just “tie dye” for! (See what we did there?) But really, featuring So-Slimming technology and with the cute shirred detail at the side, they are! With this beyond comfy Soft Essentials Cowl Neck Tunic , you have your new go-to outfit.

You had us at “meow” with these flattering animal print leggings also featuring So-Slimming technology, seen here on one of our favorite style bloggers, Tameika McPhaul . Bonus points for the side pocket, perfect for tucking our phone. We love how Tameika paired them with our sporty Lurex Seamed Top .

We can’t get enough of these extra comfy Soft Essential Jogger Pant and Cardi sets. Watch to hear what our style expertTiffany has to say about how to style and why they are so completely comfy!

To visit this blog post or others, visit https://insidechic.chicos.com/

CHEWY CHOCOLATE COOKIES WITH COFFEE BUTTERCREAM RECIPE

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 17:45:24 GMT

By Peet's

Chewy. Chocolatey. Coffee-y. Buttery—these chocolate cookies have it all, plus they’re easy to make. If you’re looking for a decadent addition to any cookie tin, a perfect complement to an afternoon cup of coffee, or a sweet after-dinner treat, you can whip these up in a snap.

CHEWY CHOCOLATE COOKIES WITH COFFEE BUTTERCREAM

Makes 13 chocolate cookies (baker’s dozen) and yields 1 cup buttercream

Cookie Ingredients

1 egg

1 stick unsalted butter (melted)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup all purpose flour (or gluten-free all purpose flour)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Buttercream Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoon strongly brewed coffee

1 stick unsalted butter (softened)

1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
Whisk the egg in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Then add to it the butter, sugar and vanilla extract and stir to combine.
Sift the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl and stir to combine again.
Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of dough onto the sheet pans and lightly press down on the tops.
Bake for 11 minutes and remove from the oven. They will be soft, but will firm as they cool. Leave untouched until cool.
Meanwhile make your buttercream by combining the powdered sugar, coffee, butter and salt in a stand mixer. Process on low until completely smooth. Keep the buttercream at room temperature until the cookies cool.
When the cookies are cool, smooth a thick layer of buttercream on top and enjoy.
Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 5 days.

Click here to download the recipe

To visit this blog post or others, go to https://blog.peets.com/

Supplements for Stress and Anxiety

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:30:02 GMT

Anxiety is a disorder that affects more than 20 million Americans. Characterized by irrational feelings of fear, worry, and dread, anxiety can also manifest physically as a racing heart, racing mind, and shortness of breath.

People who suffer from anxiety can find relief in a variety of ways, including lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, supplements that are shown to help alleviate the symptoms, and even pharmaceutical intervention. Often times, a combination of these methods culminate to be the most effective way to overcome anxiety. Finding the right combination that works to ease your symptoms can take time, so be patient with yourself if you’re struggling to find that balance.

Below are some supplements that research suggests can help treat symptoms of anxiety. Talk to your health care practitioner about which ones will work best for you.

Racing mind: L-Theanine

This unique amino acid, found in green tea, supports mental calmness by increasing dopamine and GABA in the brain (according to a 2018 study ); it also assists the alpha brainwaves associated with relaxation, without any drowsiness.

Tense Muscles: Magnesium

Identified in more than 300 bodily processes, magnesium relaxes small muscles and is also a key player in mental relaxation, neuromuscular transmission and energy—serving double duty in both helping rebuild the body and providing a sense of wellbeing. Take a look at our top magnesium supplements for supporting a sense of ease and calm.

Excessive worry: L-tryptophan/5-HTP

L-tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP in the body, which can then be converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin and in turn, the hormone melatonin. Serotonin deficiency has been linked to poor sleep, loss of appetite, as well as depression and anxiety. Supplementing with L-tryptophan or 5-HTP could help maintain sleep for those who wake in the night, a common problem with increased stress or in those who suffer from anxiety.

Constant stress: Vitamin B Complex

B vitamin deficiency can exacerbate stress and anxiety, since B vitamins are critical to many functions in the body—including calming the nervous system. When someone is stressed, they burn through B5 and B6 more quickly, so adding a supplement to your routine in times of stress can help alleviate these symptoms.

Irritability: GABA

GABA is the predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter that works to calm over-excitement in the nervous system that can lead to irritability, restlessness, sleeplessness and spasmodic movements. GABA increases the production of calming alpha waves and decreases stress-related beta waves in the brain. Read more about GABA’s mood stabilizing and stress-reducing capabilities here.

Acute anxiety: Rescue Remedy

“Rescue Remedy, a combination of five flower essences, is designed for immediate relief from stress or some kind of trauma,” says Lindsay F., former homeopath at our Santa Fe store. The formula includes essences of rock rose, clematis, impatiens, cherry plum and star of Bethlehem, and is designed to restore a sense of balance to the body.

Chronic stress: Adaptogenic herbs

Our adrenal glands produce stress hormones (such as cortisol), and can quickly become imbalanced with chronic stress. That’s where adaptogens come in— research indicates that they help improve adrenal gland function and boost your body’s natural stress response. Our practitioners often recommend rhodiola, eleuthero, astragalus and ashwagandha —in single extracts or combinations.

For this blog post and others, visit https://www.pharmaca.com

Turkey Pot Pie with Buttermilk Biscuit Crust

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:39:08 GMT

For some folks, the best part of the holiday meal is the leftovers—think turkey sandwiches, stuffing scrambles, and pot pie. (Yes, we are “some folks,” and we imagine that if you’re still reading, you are, too.) This pot pie recipe gets its comforting creaminess thanks to Trader Joe’s Condensed Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup, but eschews the classic butter crust in favor of ready-to-bake Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Biscuits. This means you can enjoy those leftover Turkey Day flavor favorites without breaking out the dough roller. Play it again, Joe!

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cooking Time: 30 - 35 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon TJ’s Olive oil
½ package TJ’s Mirepoix
1 ½ cups TJ’s Organic Foursome Vegetable Medley, thawed
1 container TJ’s Condensed Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup
10 ounces TJ’s Turkey Stock OR Chicken Stock
2 cups chopped leftover cooked TJ’s Turkey
2 teaspoons chopped TJ’s Fresh Thyme
2 teaspoons chopped TJ’s Fresh Rosemary
½ teaspoon TJ’s Ground Black Pepper
1 package TJ’s Buttermilk Biscuits

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a 3.5-quart, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and mirepoix. Sauté 5 minutes. Add vegetables, condensed soup, stock and turkey and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Turn off heat and stir in thyme, rosemary, and pepper.

Remove biscuits from packaging. Separate and arrange biscuits evenly atop pot pie filling.

Bake 16-18 minutes on center rack of oven, until biscuits are golden brown and filling is bubbling. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

For this recipe and others, visit https://www.traderjoes.com/recipes

5 Hot New Skin Care Ingredients

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 17:00:02 GMT

Adding supergreens and prebiotics to your skincare routine is a great way to heal the skin. As luck would have it, there are some new buzz-worthy botanicals that can do the same! Here’s what you need to know about the latest and greatest skin care solutions.

Broccoli, kale, and spinach to banish wrinkles

Supergreens are being added to skin treatments for their firming, hydration and helping diminish lines. Eminence Organics Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Serum blends leafy greens with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C from lemon and grapefruit, and vitamin E from avocado to boost our skin’s elasticity and repair damage from UV rays. ACURE Brightening Under Eye Supergreens Hydrogels combine kale, green tea and caffeine to minimize under-eye puffiness and tone delicate skin in just 15 minutes.

Prebiotics to keep our skin microbiome healthy

To keep skin barrier function working optimally we need to treat our skin’s microbiome with ingredients that support a healthy balance of the beneficial microorganisms that live on our skin.

Prebiotics feed these helpful microorganisms, and Juice Beauty PREBIOTIX Hydrating Gel Moisturizer is chock full of prebiotic plant sugars and botanicals like chia and coconut extracts, along with moisturizing prickly pear and jojoba. Or try Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask , featuring prebiotics and avocado and coconut oils that are absorbed into skin overnight

Bakuchiol: Anti-aging results without irritation

If you’re looking for smoother, younger-looking skin but can’t tolerate the redness and irritation that retinols can cause, try bakuchiol. It features a completely different compound than vitamin A-derived retinols, but helps reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation as well as retinol does without stinging and peeling. It also boosts collagen production and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Burt’s Bees Renewal Refining Cleanser includes bakuchiol, lactic acid and coconut oil to boost collagen levels, gently remove dead skin cells and moisturize.

Rosehip oil to repair dry, scarred, or hyperpigmented skin

This lightweight, highly absorbable botanical oil is a savior for skin that’s dry or irritated thanks to its high concentration of essential fatty acids (EFAs), powerful anti-inflammatory agents that soothe and calm red, flaky skin, and help reduce scars and brown spots. Rosehip oil is lightweight and highly absorbable, so its beneficial ingredients sink in quickly with no greasy feeling.

Created from wild-harvested rosehips found in Chile, evanhealy Chilean Wild Rosehip Seed Oil is 100% pure oil that’s cold-pressed to retain all its natural healing properties. For travel, Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil Rollerball is an easy take-along that will keep your skin hydrated and calm.

CBD extract to help heal inflamed skin

The healing power of CBD (cannabidiol) oil on our skin is showing exciting results , skin experts say, especially when skin is inflamed, itchy or broken out from rashes or acne. (It’s important to know that CBD oil extracted from flowers and leaves of hemp plants doesn’t have the psycho-active properties from the THC that’s found in marijuana.)

Try Prima Night Magic CBD Intensive Facial Oil , which blends a powerful concentration of CBD oil with super hydrating moringa and kukui oils that penetrate deeply into the skin to increase suppleness and effectively relieve dryness or irritation.

For this blog post and others, visit https://www.pharmaca.com

Halloween Fun in Napa at Bel Aire Plaza 2020

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 20:34:21 GMT

Halloween Fun - social distancing & wear a mask

Get ready for Halloween Fun at Bel Aire Plaza!

�� Saturday, Oct. 24 ��

11am - 2pm

Join us for Halloween Fun at Bel Aire Plaza! Due to COVID-19, we are not allowing trick-or-treating in the stores this year, but we'll be offering a Costume Contest, Instagram Giveaway, and contactless candy (bring your own bags!)

�� Where do I go first? Snap a pic!

When you get to Bel Aire Plaza, snap a pic for the contest at our pumpkin patch themed photo area at the north entrance to Whole Foods. Bring your own camera!

�� Contactless Candy

We'll scoop some sweet treats into your own bags from our creepy cauldron of candy.

�� Costume Contest - no need to attend the event to enter!

Post a costume photo on Facebook or Instagram with hashtag #napacostumecontest2020 to enter from now through Thursday, October 29th. Winners will be chosen at random and notified on social media by October 30th.

Ages 2+, please wear a mask.

ＣＡＴＥＧＯＲＩＥＳ

#��

$100 gift card from Whole Foods

#�� /��

$50 gift card from Heritage Eats

#��

$50 Trader Joe's

*�� (��)

$25 from YoBelle Frozen Yogurt

$25 from Barbershop of Napa Valley

$25 from Sift Dessert Bar

�� Instagram Giveaway

Follow Bel Aire Plaza on Instagram @belaireplaza to get giveaway details to win fabulous merchant prizes from:

-The Q

-Lark Shoes

-La Vie

-Villa Corona

-Pharmaca

-St. Pierre Yoga (for when it opens soon!)

-pure barre

Down to the Grind: How to Achieve Your Perfect Cup of Coffee

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 19:31:28 GMT

We know that 80% of you Peetniks grind your whole beans at home—which already makes you coffee experts. But here’s some food for thought on how dialing in on the perfect grind can help you enjoy your favorite beans even more.

THE BASICS OF COFFEE GRIND TYPES

This is a pretty simple concept, but remembering it will help you get the right grind for your preferred coffee taste.

The idea is this: the more physical contact the coffee matter has with water, the quicker the coffee will extract. Add hot water to a whole, roasted bean, for example, and it would take forever to brew a cup of coffee, leaving a seed floating in liquid instead of a tasty cup of Peet’s. So, we grind beans into different sizes—from coarse to fine—to increase the surface area of coffee matter that is exposed to water, with the ultimate goal of extracting everything that’s yummy and sweet from the coffee beans into your drink.

The visual explanation often used is a glass full of sand versus a glass full of pebbles. Run a cup of water through each and the first will block the flow, while the second won’t hold it.

For instance, if you grind your coffee beans too fine, you could block your extraction. Too coarse, on the other hand, and the water will gush through your ground coffee, not getting anything out and resulting in a weak, watery cup.

All of which means that no matter what your favorite brewing method and equipment is, grind size matters. A lot. At the end of the day, it’s all about how it tastes to you, so play with different levels, note the one you find delicious, and stick to that.

Here are some ballpark guidelines to get you started:

FRENCH PRESS (IMMERSION BREWING)

The preferred brew method of our coffee experts since as far back as Mr. Peet’s time, we brew the French Press (also known as the press pot or cafetière) for 4 minutes. That’s a long time for coffee to be in contact with water, so we recommend a medium-coarse grind: think raw sugar granules or coarse sea salt.

The beauty of the press pot method is its unadulterated coffee flavor: no filter papers to trap the heavy oils and, next to the cupping method used to evaluate coffee for purchase, it’s the purest form of tasting coffee. Be warned though, not only do the oils escape filtering, but also any fine grounds, leaving a residue at the bottom of your cup that you might love (or hate). Our Director of Roasting John Nicolini famously loves double dosed French Roast in the press. If the coffee was ground too fine, the smoky, bittersweet flavour of French would be dissolved in an over-extracted sludge. A coarse grind allows for long extraction and lets all the coffee-forward notes shine.

DRIP COFFEE (ELECTRIC MAKER)

If you drink drip or filter coffee, then you’re in the medium grind zone. As water flow is controlled by the electric coffee maker and not your hand, your only variable is going to be grind. What does ‘medium’ mean in this case? Think table salt.

We’re big fans of the aromatic, smooth, dark berry juiciness of Uzuri African Blend for a morning drip. Not only does this unique combination of East African coffees start a day with distinctive taste, but the knowledge that it’s helping smallholder farmers improve their yields and quality adds even more satisfaction to the cup.

POUR OVER COFFEE (MANUAL BREWING)

If you’re a pour over coffee person (think a Peet’s classic like the Chemex, or newer devices like the Kalita Wave and Hario V60), there’s more play in the grind size—from medium coarse to medium fine. Think boxed, kosher salt to fine granulated white sugar.

Generally speaking, these methods are 3 to 4-minute extractions, so use your grind size to regulate the flow time. Coarser grind means faster flow; finer grind means slower flow. Find the extraction that tastes good to you, keeping all the aromatic notes and yielding a satisfying body. Then note the grind size it took to get you there. Somewhere in the spectrum of medium is your ideal Peet’s pour over cup.

Many pour over coffee fans favour the bright notes of light and medium roast coffees, so why not try Costa Rica Aurora? You might find that when the clean citric zing of the Costa Rican beans in this blend meets the darker berry notes of the Kenyan ones, they express all their harmonic complexity perfectly in a pour over brew.

ESPRESSO (PRESSURE EXTRACTION)

A classic espresso machine applies around 9 bars of pressure to extract all the goodness out of beans in a really short, 25-second timeframe. This means we have to grind finer for water to reach all the ground particles and pull the deliciousness out of them. If we use a coarser, sea-salt consistency, the water will gush through the grounds and not bring much taste with it.

Let’s take Espresso Forte, the blend we created for lovers of this European-style short cup (25-40 mls). If we ground too coarse, we’d lose the bright lively spiciness of the Americas to a too-quick extraction. At 25 ml’s, the water wouldn’t even hit the sides before racing into the cup. If we ground too fine, our cup could become over-bearing, cloying. Getting the best out of each cup makes grind size so important.

COLD BREW (NO HEAT BREWING)

Last up for consideration, the Cold Brew method. There are a lot of devices out there, though our current offer, the Asobu Cold Brewer, brings out the best of the coffee we created specifically for the job: Baridi Blend. Now, to make the most of the refreshing, crisp notes of this medium-roasted blend, we recommend leaving extra-coarsely ground coffee (even coarser than for the press pot, think roughly crushed peppercorns) in contact with water for 12 hours. Thinking back to the basics: that’s a lot of contact time for this high coffee-to-water ratio brew method so we want to avoid ending up with a muddy sludge (the result of a too-fine grind), and bring out the best in our inherently sweet and aromatic Baridi Blend with its clean finish.

Burr versus blade: how do you get the perfect grind?

In the home model market, you’ve basically got two types of machines.

First the blade grinder: inexpensive and easily accessible. You know, it’s the whizzy single rotating blade that turns some of your beans to fine powder, leaving others the size of crumbs. With variable grind particle sizes, you have less control over your coffee’s extraction.

Which is why we love the second type, the burr grinder, of which the Baratza Encore is best in class. While any grinder will break beans up, a burr grinder – which has two surfaces between which beans are pulverised – is going to grind more consistently than a blade. Yes, there may still be some more finely ground coffee, but overall it will be far more consistent than what a blade grinder does.

Not all beans are created equal, so even in a single origin as perfectly modulated as Guatemala San Sebastien, there is enough variability between beans that grinding will yield a range of different-sized particles. Which, as we now know, means different rates of water flow-through, extracting at different rates. When you get to blends, like the all-time favourite Major Dickason’s Blend®, this variability is even more the case, with a number of different coffee bean types in the blend, potentially grinding—and thus extracting—differently.

Which makes your choice of grinder one of the most important coffee decisions you’ll make. Whichever model you use, congratulate yourself for taking that big quality step towards grinding your own beans freshly for each brew.

From the dark into the light—how roast type affect grind extraction

It’s worth knowing that Peet’s signature dark roast beans have had more of their cell structure broken down by the deep roasting they undergo, making them less dense and therefor more soluble than our lighter roasts. So, if you’re enjoying a dark roast like French Roast, you can grind to the coarser side and still get a tasty extraction. Grind it too fine, and you’ll be pulling out some potentially undesirable astringent notes. Lighter roasts, on the other hand, keep more of their flavor locked up inside, so you can afford to grind them a bit finer.

IT’S A WRAP…or a grind…

When all is said and done, you know your tastes, and there is no right or wrong. Under-extract a Colombia Luminosa light roast or over extract a dark Italian Roast and if you love the taste, that’s all that counts. We encourage you to experiment. Grind your favorite roast in coarse, medium, and fine levels and brew each the exact same way.

Note the final brew time and then taste them, side by side.

Which do you prefer? And why?

Note it down, so you can consistently repeat the brew as you most enjoy it.

Then, let your taste preference be the final judge.

To see this blog post and others, visit https://blog.peets.com/down-to-the-grind

10 Summer Fruits and Vegetables in Season Right Now

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 23:21:31 GMT

From crisp corn to juicy watermelon and ripe peaches, the bounty of summer fruits and vegetables coming into our Produce department is an exciting celebration of colors, flavors and textures. Here’s what’s best in season this summer so you can get cooking — or not, since all of these can be enjoyed raw. We also feature weekly sales on your favorite produce, so make sure to check your store before you shop. See all Sales

CHERRIES

Cherry season is on now, and it’s short but so sweet. When our field inspectors scout out cherries for our stores, they’re looking for fresh green stems and firm, juicy fruit. Add them to salads, desserts and salsas — and keep an eye out for unique varieties like Skylar Rae and strawberry cherries.

Try it: Cherry Salsa with Balsamic Vinegar and Basil

CORN

Long, warm days and light summer meals make fresh corn a summer must. Generally at its sweetest when it’s eaten as close to harvest as possible. If you have local corn available in your store, summer’s a great time to enjoy what local farmers have harvested.

Try it: Corn on the Cob with Feta and Herbs

CANTALOUPE AND HONEYDEW MELONS

Melon season is when our Produce department celebrates a variety of melons, so it’s a great time to try something new. Keep an eye out for unique varieties like Galia, Hami, Canary, Casaba or Crenshaw melons.

Try it: Heirloom Tomato and Melon Salad

BERRIES

Though berries are around for the whole year, summer brings a windfall of peak-season sweet blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. They’re best stored unwashed in the refrigerator and eaten within a few days — wash them just before you eat them.

Try it: Summer Berry Pie

STONE FRUITS

Fruits with pits like peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries (and the many juicy stone fruits in between) — peak at different times throughout the summer. Firm fruits are great for grilling, but if you prefer riper fruit, store on the counter until there’s a slight give.

Try it: Gluten-Free Grilled Stone Fruit Trifle

TOMATOES

From little grape and cherry tomatoes to the large varieties of heirlooms, summer is the absolute best time of the year for tomatoes. That’s when you’ll spot a whole spectrum of colors and sizes — each type of tomato varies in texture, sweetness, juiciness and acidity, and this is the time to try them all.

Try it: No-Cook Tomato Sauce

WATERMELONS

Nothing says summer like watermelon. Packed with cooling, hydrating juice, it’s the ultimate heat quencher. A whole watermelon will keep at room temperature for seven to 10 days. Although it’s best to eat ASAP once cut, it can be refrigerated for two to three days.

Try it: Watermelon and Arugula Salad

SUMMER SQUASHES

Squashes like zucchini and yellow squash are some of the most versatile vegetables in the kitchen. They can be eaten raw as vegetable noodles or crudités, diced for omelets or simply grilled. Store your squash haul in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer and wash just before using.

Try it: How to Cook Grilled Summer Vegetables

OKRA

Long celebrated as a summer staple in the South, okra is more versatile than you might think. Fried okra and gumbo are the usual go-tos, but okra really stands out when it’s pickled, it picks up smoky flavor well on the grill or when it’s halved and roasted into oven fries.

Try it: Crunchy Okra Picnic Salad

GRAPES

The season’s sweetest grapes are here for the summer. Chilled grapes make the easiest snack, but frozen grapes make smart “ice cubes” for chilling wine. Look for firm, fresh grapes — the greener the stem, the fresher the grapes — and wash just before eating.

Try it: Sonoma Chicken Salad

To see this blog post and others, visit https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com

How to Ensure You Never Miss Another Home Barre Workout

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 21:59:53 GMT

As a barre enthusiast, you may fall into one of a few troupes – those that wake up early to jeté to their studio’s 6 am Barre Body class, those that awaken at 6 am and promenade their way into their home barre spaces or those that piqué their pointed toes into both troupes and find that their happy place is a combination of both in-person and at-home workouts.

If you belong to the latter two troupes, you may sometimes find it difficult to exercise from the comforts of home. As a die-hard home workout fanatic (I’ve been working out from home for most of my life), I know the perils and pleasures of the convenience of doing my favorite barre workouts from my own space. And to limit those times when thoughts of staying in bed or savoring my morning coffee just a bit longer are more appealing than countless pulses and tucks, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure that I don’t get sidetracked from my morning barre bliss.

SET UP YOUR SCHEDULE

As a mom of two daughters, I’ve realized that if I don’t schedule my workout into my day, I won’t get to it. Over time, I’ve had to adapt my work out schedule, but as long as I make it part of my daily routine, it will get done.

When my girls were babies, I would exercise while they napped. And as they got older and went off to school, I found that setting an early alarm and getting my sweat session in before they wake up enables me to start my day off on an endorphin-approved note. So, whether you prefer to get your workout done before breakfast, during your lunch hour or following your afternoon coffee break, as long as it’s on the calendar, it’s harder to skip over.

SET UP YOUR PHYSICAL SPACE

We all love plié-ing in a beautiful barre boutique surrounded by soothing colors, carefully curated décor and spa-like amenities. The good news is that you can replicate these feelings at home with just a tiny pulse of creativity and ingenuity.

I practice barre in my home studio (i.e. the extra bedroom in my basement) on a daily basis. In order to make the space more inviting and reminiscent of a barre studio, I made and installed my own double barres, store my props (weights, balls, resistance bands, mats, etc.) in decorative wicker baskets, and attached several framed floor mirrors to the wall behind the barres using sticky strips.

I’ve also hung up barre-inspired prints and quotes all around the room. Recently, I added to the room’s ambiance with a white rose table lamp and upped the temperature with a space heater for a greater barre burn. As time goes on, I’m sure I’ll find other barre artifacts to add to my makeshift studio, but in the meantime, I look forward to exercising in my own unique space.

SET UP YOUR EMOTIONAL SPACE

Not only is it important for you to enjoy being in your physical space, but part of what I also love about taking barre classes is the strong mind-body connection that I feel during every workout.

To enhance this experience, as well as my mood, I diffuse my favorite essential oils (lemon, lavender, orange, and lime) while slowly breathing through some back dancing. For an added mood booster, I sometimes sashay my way across the room to the beats of a barre-specific playlist. And, when the time comes to cool down, I’ll turn off the overhead lights and stretch out under the soft glow of my white rose table lamp.

SET UP YOUR ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP

If you need that extra push to get you to the barre, you may want to consider putting together an accountability group with your favorite barre buddies. Applications like Zoom, Facebook, Instagram Live or even a simple text message may be enough to ensure that you make it to the mat that day.

Exercising from home has been and continues to be my personal preference for so many reasons. And just as I’ve discovered the types of workouts that work best for me, I’ve also realized that my surroundings matter just as much as the quality of the movements. I’m more motivated to contort my body into Pretzel or test out my Teaser in a space that looks, feels and smells inviting.

So, during those times when you have trouble pulling yourself out from under those comfy covers, yanking yourself from your computer screen or dragging yourself away from binge-watching another Netflix series, remember that your own barre oasis can be just a few jetés away.

See you at the barre!

To see this blog and others from Pure Barre, visit https://thebarreblog.com

The Art of Distraction

alison@sparqmarketing.com (Alison Stripling) — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 21:48:01 GMT

Has all this extra time at home got you searching for new ideas for staying busy? We’ve discovered some great ways to continue enjoying your favorite interests and activities via the virtual world. (Most are free, except where otherwise noted.) Keep boredom at bay by checking out the websites below.

ART AND SOUL

We know how much you appreciate the arts. Certainly now, more than ever, we all can benefit from a bit of beauty. You still can be a museum maven by exploring some of the world’s most celebrated collections and exhibits, taking video and audio tours, and reading behind-the-scenes blogs from curators. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Musée du Louvre

The National Gallery of Art

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery

HEAD OF THE CLASS

Could your brain use a boost? Take advantage of this time to learn something new. From mastering a second language or expanding your culinary skills to auditing nearly 500 free online courses offered by such prestigious Ivy League Schools as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and more, school is now in session anytime you wish to attend.

Duolingo Language-Learning Platform

“Kitchen Quarantine,” hosted by Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura, of the famed Italian restaurant Osteria Francescana

Publix Supermarket Aprons Online Cooking School

Online Ivy League Courses

CULTURE CLUB

Just because Broadway is currently dark doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a multitude of acclaimed theatre productions and musical performances. (Best of all, you can control curtain time and enjoy a snack while you watch.) Movie buffs can also quell their craving for cinema by viewing comforting classics or newer films.

BroadwayHD (free seven-day trial, then $8.99 per month)

Kanopy Free Movie Streaming Service

Living Room Concert Series (Broadway performers sing selections from their shows.)

Popcornflix Free Movie and TV Streaming Service

CALL OF THE WILD

Animal—and fish—lovers can still commune with their favorite creatures by venturing to the websites of popular zoos and aquariums throughout the country. Taking a peek at the antics of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians can brighten your day, while gazing at serene aquatic scenes can actually help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your heart rate.

San Diego Zoo

Georgia Aquarium

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Shedd Aquarium

ON THE MOVE

Getting your body in motion will make your mind feel better, too. Of course, talking a walk in the fresh air is a go-to way to get some exercise these days. But if you’re looking to switch up your fitness routine, go online to participate in a variety of workouts guaranteed to boost your energy and raise mood-enhancing endorphin levels. Our Zenergy® collection of comfortable, breathable pieces will keep you feeling and looking great, whatever you’re doing.

Planet Fitness Live Streaming “Work-Ins”

Orangetheory 30-Minute Daily Workout

YMCA 360: On-Demand Videos

Forge Pre-Recorded Hot Yoga Classes

KID STUFF

As difficult as it is for adults to cope with the challenges posed by self-quarantine, it’s even harder for little ones to be housebound. The following websites provide engaging, kid-friendly content that ranges from learning math-based card games or listening to audio books to doing art projects and going on virtual field trips.

We Are Teachers: 16 Card Games to Turn Kids into Math Aces

Storynory Audio Stories

Little Red Window 50 Crafty & Creative Facetime Activities to Do with Kids

Kid Out and About.com Virtual Events

To visit this blog from Chico's or others, go to insidechic.chicos.com