​Thoughtful, customizable, curated...all of these come to mind when thinking of the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Here are 10 fabulous ideas for the true superheroes...the mamas. Nothing can replace the gift of your time and attention but a little something to show your love is never unappreciated. Hope mom loves receiving these or any other token of your undying love for her and everything she does for you! Wherever and however you choose to celebrate, here's wishing all moms a great day and weekend!

Plum Paper Customizable Planners
​Moms are juggling so much, the need for a planner to keep the family on track is a no-brainer! The planners from Plum Paper are entirely customizable. Yes, you can pick your own cover from a myriad of gorgeous designs and prints. Yes, you can add a cute photo, favorite quote, or monogram. But the personalization doesn’t stop there. With customizable layouts to choose from, you can create a planner that mirrors your needs and lifestyle. 

​Skylar Pillow from Sleepenvie
An effective beauty routine begins long before putting on makeup, so the Skyler pillow is designed with beauty sleep in mind. Skyler is made with two layers of cooling technology--gel memory foam layer on the inside and ice yarn cover on the outside. Imagine if every side of the pillow was the cool side. Cooling is not just for comfort, it's amazing for your skin because the cool feeling causes your pores to contract, which helps to prevent them from becoming clogged.

Broken Top Candle Co.
Candles, lotions, diffusers, soaps...Broken Top is a one-stop-shop for Mother’s Day gifts! Offering hand-crafted sustainable and eco conscious luxury bath, body and home products, Broken Top utilizes only natural and organic materials. They are mindfully sourced to be renewable and recyclable, free of parabens and gluten as well as vegan. Every scent in the collection has been developed to have its own unique expression

PoolCandy Sunning Pool
​Give Mom the gift of some solo R&R time with the Sunning Pool from PoolCandy. Pick from an array of lovely designs and colors. Enough room for two, but let Mom enjoy this one alone. Made of durable, non-toxic, premium quality PVC Vinyl. Also available on Amazon and retailers nationwide. 

​A subscription box for Mother’s Day is the gift that keeps on giving! Tea, baking treats, motivational journals...we’ve curated a little something for every type of mama.

Bake Eat Love Baking Subscription Box: Welcome to the sweetest (pun intended) baking subscription box, Bake Eat Love! Bake Eat Love boxes are delivered right to your door every month and include pre-measured, unrefrigerated ingredients and a fool-proof recipe card. Let’s be real, baking can be complicated! But with Bake Eat Love, they take the tricky prep work out of the equation and make baking (and eating) as easy and enjoyable as possible! Bonus! Every box also comes with an additional item (think spatulas, piping tips, timers...all of those magical little tools) curated to complement the recipe and build a set of baking essentials. Each month delivers a different mouth watering recipe, keeping your sweet tooth and your baking skills on their toes. Recipes feature unique ingredients, like lavender extract, and highlight creative flavor combinations.

Calamity Jane Sundries Subscription Box : Made with love and laughter, the Calamity Jane subscription box from Outlaw will have mom smelling like a legend.  A little spicy, a little sweet--these fun sundries smell of warm clove, sweet cinnamon, ginger, orange, and, of course, a kick of whiskey. This hilarious brand makes the disclaimer that it “doesn’t smell like the actual Calamity Jane (who was known to drink until she passed out in the stable.)”  Several subscription box options with lotions, body washes, soaps, deodorants and more.  Check out the whole line of Outlaw products that put some yippee-ki-yay in your day. Affiliate on ShareASale.

Nurses are some of the most hardworking, selfless, caring people in the world. Although we’ll never be able to truly repay them for all of their tireless work, the least we can do is treat them to some lovely trinkets and treasures. This year, more than ever, the best way we can help is to stay home, stop the spread of Covid, follow all the mandated health and safety protocols in our regions, and help ease the tremendous pressure we are putting on all of our medical forces during these trying times. As much as we are learning to navigate new ground so is the medical profession and some kindness, TLC and well-deserved attention to nurses today and everyday is important. Meanwhile, of you know a nurse that would appreciate any of these lovely gifts, shower them with a special present as a token of your appreciation! 

Dr. Motion Compression Socks : Nurses work hard on their feet all day long! Give their feet some well-deserved love with the ultimate compression socks. We love the complete compression body with enhanced spandex combined with 360 degrees of support these socks offer. Rest easy with anti-microbial & anti-odor components. Featuring breathable mesh upper to promote airflow and keep feet cool & dry. Dynamic arch support increases stability and balance so your feet will certainly thank you! Available on Amazon, Kohl’s, Target and more!

​Here are Dr. Vikki Petersen’s top 3 plant-based Easter food ideas to enjoy this Easter holiday:

#1: Ditch the eggs
Avoiding eggs doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy brunch with a frittata. Below are two recipes that are delicious, can be served at Easter Brunch with no one being the wiser. The first substitutes a product called Just Egg (you can also try Vegan Egg) and the second, surprisingly use bean flour. They’re both delicious! 

• Egg-less frittata: https://www.rootcausemedicalclinics.com/recipes/egg-less-frittata/
• Gluten-free, vegan frittata: https://www.rootcausemedicalclinics.com/recipes/gluten-free-recipe-vegan-frittata/

#2: Enjoy some dairy-free chocolate!
Chocolate is rich in sugar but the cacao bean actually is rich in antioxidants and quite healthy for you. Bring a chocolate chunk banana bread to brunch on Easter and for a chocolate dessert, consider making your own chocolate bark. The recipes are below and there are many chocolate-based recipes on the same site that have zero sugar or dairy products.

• Chocolate chunk banana bread: https://www.rootcausemedicalclinics.com/recipes/chocolate-chunk-banana-bread/
• Dark chocolate bark: https://www.rootcausemedicalclinics.com/recipes/dark-chocolate-bark/

#3: Color-up your salad!
A healthy salad is typically part of Easter dinner and you can bring your own which is more of a meal in a salad. This robust salad has protein, greens and other colorful vegetables that will leave you feeling satisfied and proud of how healthy you just ate.

• Sprouted lentil salad with vegetables: https://www.rootcausemedicalclinics.com/recipes/sprouted-lentil-salad-with-vegetables
• Check out the many other salad options on the Root Cause Medical Clinic site!

According to a Texas A&M study, ornamental plants can increase memory retention and concentration in both the home and the workplace. So when the home becomes the workplace, decorative plants can be the extra surge of help we’re all looking for. The study even stated that work done around decorative plants is of higher quality and accuracy.It’s March 2021, and what was supposed to be a few weeks out of office has turned into over a year of long days trying to separate work life and home life in the same exact space. To boost your productivity even when surrounded by distractions or solitude, work overload or lack of personal space and me-time, here's a green solution - plants! 

Plant delivery company Lively Root believes plants can not only boost employee productivity, but they can also clean the air of your home by reducing common toxins and pollutants from the home. Harmful toxins known as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia are chemicals that have been linked to adverse health effects like headaches, dizziness, eye irritation, and others. More commonly, these are found in everyday household items, cleaning products, home improvement DIY, crafting supplies and furniture...some of the most commonly used household items can pollute the air in your space. Thankfully, plants can help. 

Here are three plants Lively Root recommends including in employee home offices to purify the air and increase productivity:

Snake Plant - There are a lot of different types of Snake Plants and it can be tough to know which is which. Variegated, or Laurentii, is the most common and are really, really durable when it comes to growing conditions. They’re extra tough...leave it and forget it (then remember it) tough. Known as a great air purifier, they’re native to West Africa, and often used in Feng Shui.

Dracaena Warneckii - A tropical plant that doesn’t mind living inside, this is one of the most adaptable and easy to care for plants available. Known as the Lemon Lime Dragon Tree (Dracaena warneckii lemon lime), it grows best in medium light, out of direct sun, but can handle low-light, making it a perfect choice for greening up your desk and office. It’s easy to love because it’s so good at purifying air, but also because of how dramatic and beautiful its shiny dark and yellow and lime-green stripes are.

White Stripe Dragon - A tropical plant that doesn’t mind living inside, this is one of the most adaptable and easy to care for plants available. Known as the White Stripe Dragon Tree (Dracaena warneckii), it grows best in medium light, out of direct sun, but can handle low-light, making it a perfect choice for greening up your desk and office. It’s so good at purifying air, but also has dramatic and beautiful shiny dark and white stripes.

At Lively Root, the green spaces created have been instrumental in development as horticulturists, for an ideal green space. Lively Root’s plants are home-grown and full-scale fulfillment centers. They only sell eco-friendly products that are packaged and delivered right to your doorstep. Founding members have over a century of horticultural experience as growers, retailers, and landscapers, ranging from small plants, to indoor plants, outdoor plants, large trees, and flowering shrubs. They have planted & maintained trees on residential and commercial properties. Plants improve health by purifying the air, soothing stress, making people feel happier, and offering style and ambiance. ​

​Let us know in the comments which plants you've got at home! We're shopping away :)

Cooking Together: Veestro Meal Delivery 
A 100% plant-based meal delivery service that makes it easy to get more plant-based foods into your diet without sacrificing taste or convenience. No chopping. No cooking. No cleanup. Simply heat up in the oven or microwave. Veestro is about what feeds us, body and soul—delicious, organic, healthy, sustainable, from plants. And it’s fully prepared for any time we need to eat it. Veestro is 100% plant-based with fresh ingredients. Choose from dietary preferences: gluten free, nut free, low calorie and kosher to name a few.

Taco Night: Verve Culture’s Tortilla Press Kit 
Nothing tastes better than homemade tortillas and with this kit, you will get the authentic flavor right in your own home. You can tell the quality difference with homemade tortillas and this will make it easy for you and your significant other to enjoy a fun taco date night at home.

Let's Bake Together: Little GF Chefs
Celiac safe and allergen friendly baking for all is possible with these kits that make for a great item for date night with that special someone and anyone that has certain diet restrictions. You can choose a one-time purchase or subscription. Every month, there's a new featured kit in addition to special holiday kits.

More Baking: My French Recipe
Follow simple steps that make this the perfect baking mix for even the amateurs in the kitchen. Using 100% natural ingredients so you never have to worry about processed ingredients in your baked goods, these foolproof recipes are so easy that anyone can make them. Get that unique homemade taste with each of their unique recipe options.

​At-home spa date 2021 style: The Aftermask
What’s the aftermath of a long day of mask wearing? Maskne and other skin problems occur. Solution? The Aftermask. It fights breakouts, soothes skin, removes dirt and toxins. All with natural clean ingredients targets those exact mask wearing regions. So, sit back and relax with your boo knowing you’ll soon have that kissable glow back. 

Cheers: Hey Mama Wines
While the two of you are getting that glow back, open up a can of Hey Mama Wines. The new brand has found a following among “bubbly” lovers with their amazing low carb wine. It makes a great addition to your date night and is sure to please (especially for moms who need a much-earned timeout themselves).

Cuddle on the couch: The Comfy® Original
The original wearable blanket that started it all. Perfect for relaxing on the couch or simply doing life - walking the dog, getting the mail, cheering on the sidelines, dancing in the living room or raiding the fridge for snacks. From summer backyard bonfires to road trip adventures and Disney+ or Netflix marathons, it solves the problem of being cold no matter where you go and adds a dash of joy to everyday life. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. ​​

How travelers want to book and when and where they want to go in 2021 is a hot topic right now, given the travel industry is still learning to cope with the changing face of the pandemic. As everyone approaches 2021 with hopeful anticipation and massive pent-up wanderlust, travel industry experts are looking into their crystal balls to predict what the new year will bring. Travelstride, a U.S. marketplace for all expert-planned travel adventures, shares its 2020 Travel Trend Report revealing the most interesting international travel behavior changes through the end of 2020 and predictions for 2021. ​

Particularly well positioned to identify emerging travel trends since the online marketplace works with nearly 1,500 global tour operators, cruise lines and local experts to offer its globetrotting community more than 50,000 trip options, the company has served more than 3 million travelers in the pasts ix years, sending them to 164 countries across all seven continents. After reviewing all this data and studying current booking patterns, Travelstride has identified some key international travel trends for 2021.

Longer, Deeper Stretches – After the hardships and sacrificed vacations of 2020, travelers are ready to book longer and more immersive trips. Since March 2020, Travelstride’s average trip length grew by 40% compared to pre-Covid bookings.   

Farther Flung - An increase in trip length can be attributed to the added time needed to visit more far-flung spots as travelers seek less populated, more outdoorsy destinations. 

Right Now or Much Later – As conditions continuously shift, booking windows have increased their variability, with trips either planned within weeks or plotted many months or even years in advance. Short term travelers seize the moment when the right aspects align and taking a last-minute trip makes sense for them. While others are planning their dream trip, such as an African safari, and want to ensure proper preparation and timing, as well as an ample post-Covid cushion. Travelstride saw inquiries for trips less than two months in advance increase as a percentage of total to over 30%, while those for trips six months ahead or longer increased as a percentage of total to 55% .  

Flexibility Rules The Day - Given the multitude of uncertainties that life now brings, travelers are requiring very flexible terms to book travel. At Travelstride, 100% of recent booking inquiries are going to operators with flexible cancellation policies. 

While many companies have loosened cancellation terms or offer savings to encourage bookings now, Travelstride has taken a leap forward and developed a brand-new product specifically designed to meet travelers’ needs in 2021 and beyond - FlexiPass By Travelstride. With super flexible booking terms, Flexipass By Travelstride provides a financially savvy, low risk option to commit to an epic trip now with the power to change it later. Partnering with more than 20 trusted global tour operators who ensure Covid-safe practices, travelers can choose from 2,000 high quality packaged journeys or even create a custom itinerary to destinations spanning all seven continents. FlexiPass launched December 2020 and is already garnering accolades and early adopter fandom. It achieved #1 popularity on Product Hunt, the tech industry’s leading platform for new product discovery, for launch day and maintains top trending status in the travel section, ahead of much larger brands like Airbnb. ​

Happy almost holidays! Here are a few more Holiday Drink ideas using Steven Soderbergh’s Singani 63 for your holiday indulgences with friends and family at home or wherever you choose to celebrate the season. Cheers to a better 2021!

Singani Roseberry Spritz by Becky Alford
2 oz. Singani63
1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Rosemary Cranberry Simple Syrup*
Club Soda
Rosemary Sprig & Cranberries Garnish
*Roseberry Simple- Boil 1C sugar, 1C water, 1C cranberries, 3 sprigs rosemary. Crush, strain when thickened. 
Mix first 3 ingredients with ice, top with club soda, garnish. 

After the Frost
Emily Morton, Deli/126, Burlington, VT

1.5 oz Singani 63
.5 oz Amaro Nonino
.5 oz fresh lemon juice
1 bar spoon honey, or to taste (preferred raw honey)
3 drops Owl & Whale Lemongrass bitters
8 oz Chamomile tea
fennel frond for garnish
Start brewing the tea in a separate vessel, and simultaneously pre-heat the tea cup with hot water. After 3-4 minutes, empty the prepped warm tea cup, and add the remaining ingredients. Top with the tea, and garnish with a fresh fennel frond. 

Naughty by Ivy Mix
1.5 oz. #Singani63
.75 oz. Lemon Juice
.25 oz. Simple Syrup
.75 oz. Red Currant Jelly infused with Ground Ancho Chili (1/2 cup: 1 tsp)
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain over rocks glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with mint sprig and cocktail cherries.

​Nice by Ivy Mix
1.5 oz Singani 63
.75 oz simple syrup
.75 oz Coconut Milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 dash Angostura Bitters
Shake, serve up, garnish with grated nutmeg and cinnamon stick

​The new year is right around the corner, and it looks as if we’ll still be spending most of our time at home, so now is the perfect time to stock the perfect bar cart. From unusual ciders to mixers, there are a variety of ideas that will most definitely impress.

​​Bright Cellars
The data-driven wine subscription experience that helps you discover rare wines from all over the world, based on your personal tastes and preference. But how, you ask? Bright Cellars was created by two MIT grads with a serious passion for wine. They created the “Bright Points” algorithm which scores each wine by comparing 18 attributes to your preferences, matching you with your monthly experience based off of their intricately intuitive palate quiz. Take the quiz, let the MIT vino-loving brainiacs do their thing, and voilà, you’re presented with wines that you will love! Enjoy 4-6 new wines curated just for you every month, that is the Bright Cellars experience. The team focuses on finding unique, hidden gems from small vineyards from all over the world, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, and South America.

​Haykin Family Cider 
Forget everything you know about cider with the small-batch, award-winning cider from Haykin Family Cider. With tiny bubbles, they produce a sparkling wine-like cider in a variety of sweetness levels. Elevating the apple like wineries treat grapes, they highlight the flavor and complexity of interesting and unique apples. Each of their apple varieties are grown on family farms in the US and are hand-picked by the cider maker, Daniel Haykin. No additives and no artificial ingredients, just apples and yeast.

Mocktail Club 
Mocktail Club is the perfect twofer -- it’s wonderful to have on hand for those that aren’t drinking, and it also makes a delicious mixer! Made in the US with the highest quality and natural ingredients, Mocktail Club creates healthy, refreshing drinks reminiscent of classic cocktails, but with a modern twist. Each of these sophisticated drinks are created with functional benefits and include antioxidants and prebiotics for digestive health. These luscious, non-alcoholic drinks will tantalize your taste buds.

​Well Told Barware 
The perfect cocktail needs the perfect glass. Well Told creates one-of-a-kind customizable barware with etched city maps. Choose ANY town or city in the USA and you’ll get a glass that is detailed with the major streets and landmarks. Customized glass with topography and the cosmics (choose any day in time) are also available.

​Left Coast Original
Designed and crafted in Florida, Left Coast Original is the premier creator of heirloom quality custom leather, canvas and bamboo goods. Gorgeous charcuterie and cutting boards made from architectural bamboo show that they have really hit the nail on the head when it comes to being traditional yet chic. The depth of customization offered by Left Coast Original is unparalleled. From classic engraving to ink infusion, you can keep it simple with adding initials or a date to your gift, or get as fancy as stamping a cherished photo or engraving a meaningful quote.

Global Grub - International Cooking Kits
Global Grub’s unique DIY kits make it simple to tackle various global cuisines and create memorable cooking adventures with loved ones. Kits include special shelf-stable ingredients and tools so home cooks just add their favorite fresh/basic items. What a fun way to cook together, and it's a unique experiential gift. the company is donating 20% of all online order sales in December to the Food Bank of Contra Costa Solano, which is located in the Bay Area of California. 

Silken Pure - 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcases, Robes, & Sleep Masks
Silken Pure products are full of protein-rich fibers that contain 18 different amino acids that your skin naturally absorbs and retains, which means your skin is hydrating while you sleep. They also help prevent bedhead, sleep wrinkles and are hypoallergenic. Better yet, Silken Pure’s pure mulberry silk has you moving past the synthetic, artificial, petrochemicals that are used in most cotton products. The brand is partnering with The Clinton Foundation for a youth initiative Too Small to Fail - providing Silken Pure at select Westfield Shopping Malls for their child development program. For the month of December, Silken Pure is working with three nonprofit organizations that support youth emotional and mental health by offering a discount and giving back 10% of the proceeds when using the code : HOLIDAYHUGS. The brand is also partnering with a Florida non profit ,YOUTH EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. Putting together self care packages for young adults that are 18 years old and “aging out”  of foster care which means they often find themselves isolated and alone.

Heathmade - All-Natural Body Care Products
Heathmade will be your one-stop shop for stocking stuffers for the entire family this year! Founded and created by a 10 year old, Heathmade makes sure to provide the best quality ingredients in their products. Heath made and designs his premium, alcohol-free products from hand sanitizer, lip balm, deodorant and lotion bars to gently cleanse your skin with a combination of soothing aloe vera gel, anti-inflammatory witch hazel, wondrously scented and antimicrobial essential oils, and antioxidant rich vitamin E oil. For their give back campaign, they are donating 20% of proceeds from sales to No Kid Hungry.

Lord Jameson - Organic Dog Treats
Give Back Campaign:
Give back and donate to many pet nonprofit organizations
Make the holidays extra special this year for your dog with beautiful organic treats that will have them wagging their tail in joy!  This award-winning dog wellness company brings plant-based and superfood treats to your canine companion. These soft treats are made in Boulder, Colorado, using the highest quality organic ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, gluten-free grains, herbs, botanicals, and plant-based proteins. They’re great for picky eaters, are allergy-friendly, and can be used as a training treat or pill popper. They will be giving back and donating to many pet nonprofit organizations this holiday season.

Three Hermits - Vitality and Immune Boosting Drinks
Three Hermits believes that food is medicine, and relies on the simple principles of all natural, plant based ingredients along with the practice of Ayurveda to create immunity boosting drinks that are not only healing for your body, but also taste delicious. They donated 300 gift bags with products to Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in PA for their ThanksLiving event, which is their largest celebration and most important fundraiser of the year. ​They also distributed wellness shots to local New Jersey hospitals (where Three Hermits is located) for their front-line workers during Thanksgiving week. The company is also making a donation to Medical Relief for India, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to programs which provide free medical care to the poor and needy. 

​Mocktail Club - Sophisticated Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Mocktail Clubs luscious, non-alcoholic drinks will tantalize your taste buds. Made in the US with the highest quality and natural ingredients, Mocktail Club creates healthy, refreshing drinks reminiscent of classic cocktails, but with a modern twist. Each of these sophisticated drinks are created with functional benefits and include antioxidants and prebiotics for digestive health. For its give back campaign, the brand donated drinks to the volunteers of Maryland Food Bank's "Pack to Give Back" event who helped pack 25,000 holiday boxes which are distributed to food insecure Marylanders.

Owners and husband/wife duo, Gina & Jake of Sans Wine Co., the organic canned wine company based in Napa Valley, have paired a very special family recipe with their first ever bottled wine - Carignan. 
This recipe is for Grandma Marlene’s Christmas Eve Pasta Casserole. Marlene (Spadafore) Schober was Gina’s Grandma and Christmas Eve was HER holiday - she looked forward all year long to Christmas Eve.
​Her ancestry is Southern Italian and this is a great family recipe to prepare for the holidays. Enjoy!

Food blogger and celebrity cook Sara Kiyo Popowa, in collaboration with Wren Kitchens, the biggest kitchen retailer in the UK and soon launching in the USA, shares her top tips on how to cook and eat sustainably. It may be more difficult to think of the environment when buying and cooking food, but if it's good for the planet, it's almost definitely good for your health too. The food we eat can have a huge impact on the world we live in. Being environmentally conscious when it comes to the food we eat can often seem a daunting and restrictive task, with many fearing that their entire diets will need to change. However, cooking and eating green can be as exciting as it can be easy.

​1. Only food shop once a week
If possible you should try and do your grocery shopping only once a week. By reducing the number of trips we take when shopping for food we can avoid buying more than we need. A top tip to avoid this is to think of ingredients with multiple uses in mind whilst making sure you buy all the ingredients in one go.

2. Subscribe to a veg box
Subscribing to a veg box is a great way to help the environment as well as offering your support to local farmers. In order to reduce food waste, make a pact with yourself to use up all of the vegetables in the box. This can be a fun challenge, especially if you’re not as familiar with some of them. You can also rediscover the beauty of the old seasonable vegetables by using them in different ways.

3. Buy your favourite items in bulk
Whether it’s a routine snack or a specific ingredient, everybody has those food and drink items that they love to over-consume. One way to save the environmental impact and also save money is by identifying these whole food staples and buying these items in bulk – this can be done via many online sellers. It saves on packaging and energy in production, as well as saving you money.

4. Eat in-season produce
Most fresh foods have a specific season in which they are ripe and easy to attain.  Eating seasonal produce doesn't just benefit your body, but it will also support the local farming economy and the local landscape through supply and demand. Seasonal vegetables will provide your body with what it needs in that season, for example cooling, refreshing fruits in summer and starchy root vegetables in winter.

5. Commit and be motivated
It's important to find your own motivation as to why you want to cook and eat more sustainably. Once you have discovered what it is that is driving you to change your diet, it's much easier to stick to the changes you make.
Shopping, cooking and eating more sustainably may seem like extra effort, at least to begin with. However, as time goes on you will see the changes having a positive impact on areas in your life and parts of yourself you may have never expected.

Are you ready to eat sustainably now? Share your tips in the comments and your experiences shopping or cooking with sustainability in mind.

​​​​As part of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s World Food Day celebrations taking place online, the documentary In Good Taste had its World Premiere at United Nations World Food Day. The film brings together the insights of recognized physicians, foragers, ocean and regenerative farmers, designers, educators, and journalists to explore what it means to have ‘good taste’. It delves into our current food system by focusing on unsustainable demand perpetuated by our singular concepts of quality, rarity, and deliciousness: our tastes. The film invites the viewer to evaluate and adapt the decisions they make daily, through introducing concepts like mouthfeel, context, and monoculture. 

“How do you help people change behaviors when they feel utterly stuck in bad habits? Oftentimes the why trumps the how. I was never taught that in medical school.” - Dr. David Eisenberg, MD, Director of Culinary Nutrition at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. In a world where we trust food that comes in a plastic package with a nutrition label more than when it sprouts up at our feet; where doctors prescribe medication but cannot prescribe healthful meals; where caviar and foie gras are the pinnacle of luxury and staple products are judged for their shelf life rather than their nutritional density… The hidden costs are so much more than the price we pay. With themes ranging from environmentalism to regenerative agriculture and behavior change, In Good Taste reveals solutions to save our planet and our personal health. Changing human behavior is a matter of deliciousness or desirability: How can we mobilize for positive impact through personal taste? 

“Knowing that our tastes affect our behaviors, and our behaviors affect our impact, how could we alter our tastes in order to ensure that our impact on this world and on our bodies is a positive one?” - Lana Sutherland, Co-Founder & CEO of TEALEAVES. In Good Taste redefines the new luxury as sustainability and wellness; not rarity or scarcity, but diversity. Not one size fits all, but owning the power of our daily decisions. Those who grow the food, those who eat it, and those who move the food between the two – must all be connected in social mobilization.

“How do we change the system so that no one has to ask where their food is coming from?” - Dr. Daphne Miller, In Good Taste collaborator. In Good Taste shines a spotlight on how our monoculturalistic desires for food, fashion and more are unsustainable and unhealthy. The road to reclaiming our own tastes is cultural and complex and the strategies are anything but singular.

Established in 1994, TEALEAVES is one of the very few tea blenders in the world, known for crafting the highest quality teas in small batches by hand. With a unified goal of inspiring connections and creativity, TEALEAVES blends techniques, stories, people, companies and ideas to understand and tackle global issues. This information is shared through the work of documentaries (Garden of Secrets, Color in Sight, Language of Aroma), Design Weeks (San Francisco Design Week, LA Design Week), and panel discussions (World Biodiversity Forum, Nature x Design).

Are you a ramen lover? Then this National Noodle Day, you are in for a treat! Nissin Foods Top Ramen, the inventor of instant ramen, has announced the ultimate dream job of Chief Noodle Officer (CNO). Whether you are a noodle connoisseur or self-proclaimed chef, Nissin knows that Top Ramen wouldn’t be what it is today without the tasty creations born in kitchens coast-to-coast in the United States, so in honor of the brand’s 50 year anniversary (and, of course, National Noodle Day), they’re turning one talented fan into an honorary member of the Top Ramen team. Read on to learn how...

In response to one simple prompt: How do you *Top* Ramen? One lucky candidate will receive the title of CNO, 50 years worth of ramen, and a $10,000 pay day. To judge entries from ramen fans everywhere, Top Ramen has partnered with Top Chef All Stars winner, Melissa King. 

How to Apply: Take part in the #HowDoYouTopRamen challenge on social media, sharing your favorite Top Ramen recipe with a photo of your creation. Send links of your #HowDoYouTopRamen social entry with a quick cover letter (3-5 sentences] to TopRamenCNO@citizenrelations.com showcasing what makes you the perfect candidate for the job. Call for applications close on Friday, October 30 so act now!

Qualifications: You must be 18 or over and a U.S. citizen currently living in the continental U.S. with valid government-issued ID and address for regular noodle deliveries. You must be willing to use their noodle for recipe development and product feedback and have oodles of passion for noodles, with interest in the food innovation industry preferred.
The Perks: This is the best part! $10,000 pay day and a 50-year supply of Top Ramen plus the chance to taste new Top Ramen products before they hit shelves in grocery stores. A Seal of approval as Top Ramen innovator from Top Chef Melissa King, one-to-one mentorship with Nissin Foods CEO Mike Price and serious bragging rights for an “instant” resume boost.

Let us know in the comments below if you happen to apply! 

SPICED APPLE CIDER 
If you’re looking for a warm beverage to snuggle up with this fall, try CBDistillery’s take on Spiced Apple Cider! Directions:

•      To a large pot, add apple juice, orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, allspice, ginger root and your desired amount of  CBDistillery’s CBDelicious Formulation Powder. Stir.
•         Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
•         Once boiling, stir and turn down the heat. Let simmer for one hour.
•         Pour the cider into your favorite mug or travel coffee cup and enjoy!

​HEALTHY APPLE PIE OATMEAL COOKIES
Whip these festive cookies up and store in an air-tight container to enjoy up to one week after baking.
Directions:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, egg white, vanilla, and CBDistillery’s CBDelicious Formulation Powder. Stir in the maple syrup and milk. 
  
• Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
• Fold in the apple. Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Using a spoon and spatula, drop the cookie dough into scoops onto the prepared sheet, and flatten to the desired thickness. Bake at 325°F for 9-11 minutes.
• Cool on the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Serve and Enjoy.

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
It’s time to upgrade your average PSL recipe. Now, thanks to CBDistillery, there is an easy way to add CBD to this fall favorite drink recipe.
Directions:

• In a large slow cooker, add the coffee, pumpkin, coconut milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, honey and  CBDistillery’s CBDelicious Formulation Powder. Stir well.
• Cover and cook on high for 45 minutes.
• Stir and serve warm. Top with your favorite or homemade whipped cream, nutmeg and enjoy!

A sweet tea Margarita recipe to enjoy the summer season sounds like a great way to celebrate National Relaxation Day. Sip on this libation to get the weekend started.

Ingredients
1 cup Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea, 2 Limes, 4 tablespoons Peach Margarita Mix, 3 oz Silver Tequila of choice, Sugar for rimming glass (Yield: 2 Milo’s MargariTEAs)

Directions
In a pitcher, add Milo’s tea, the juice of one lime, margarita mix, tequila and stir well.
Pour granulated sugar onto small plate. Cut the remaining lime into wedges.
Moisten the rim of two glasses with one wedge, then dip glasses into small plate of sugar to coat the rim.
Fill glasses with ice and pour margarita pitcher contents into each glass evenly.
​Garnish with remaining lime wedges. Enjoy!  ​

Seafood lovers rejoice as it is National Oyster Day! If you prefer not to takeout from your favorite local seafood restaurant to indulge in either raw or cooked oysters, celebrate indoors with chef Erica Barrett from SOCU Southern Kitchen and Oyster Bar teaching you to make the perfect charbroiled oysters. The restaurant, which opened last year, was created by Barrett, a Mobile, Alabama native and chef, who started her lifestyle and food brand in 2012 - and has gained national buzz from being featured in Shark Tank and CNBC’s The Profit. From Fried Lobster Deviled Eggs to Oprah’s Favorite Shrimp & Grits, the focus of restaurant is seafood and elevated southern food with a reinvention of classic southern traditions.

Charbroiled Oyster Recipe
 
Ingredients
Cheese Topping: 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons old bay, 1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped
 
Garlic Finishing Butter: 1 stick unsalted butter, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup white wine, 1/2 cup hot sauce, such as the Louisiana brand, 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup chopped garlic
 
24 oysters, shucked on the half shell
 
Directions
For the cheese topping: Mix the Parmesan, old bay and parsley in a bowl and reserve for later use.
 
For the finishing butter: Place the butter, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, chopped garlic, granulated garlic and 1/2 cup water into a small pot on the stove. Slowly melt and whisk ingredients until incorporated.
 
For the oysters: Preheat the grill until it is very hot, about 400 degrees F.
 
Top each oyster with a liberal amount of the cheese mixture. Carefully place the oysters on the grill and close. Cook until the cheese is melted and the oysters are starting to get some color, about 10 minutes.
 
Remove the oysters from the grill with tongs and place them onto a cookie sheet or a heat-proof surface.
 
Arrange 6 oysters per plate or leave on the large platter. Ladle some melted garlic butter over the oysters. Enjoy!

Not that we need a reason, but it is World Cocktail Day (5/13) so while we won’t be rubbing elbows with our closest friends, or staying out late at our favorite bar, we can enjoy a tasty cocktail from the comfort of our homes. Here are some Summers Go-To Classics and Staycation Cocktail Ideas to help celebrate!

While the east coast is experiencing a bout of winter chill, summer vibes are in full bloom in the west. No matter where you are located, here are two drinks of the summer. An American classic, Humboldt Distillery's ORGANIC Vodka Lemonade and a summer fruit-inspired, Watermelon Slush featuring Gray Whale Gin. 

Gray Whale Gin Watermelon Slush 

​+ 3 oz Gray Whale Gin
+ 1 medium seedless watermelon
+ 4 oz honey

Cut the watermelon in half, carve out the fruit and place it in a bowl. Keep the rind to use as a delicious punch bowl. To keep your melon bowl upright, turn it upside down and carve a small, flat, slice out the very bottom – be careful not to cut too deep and pierce the bottom of the bowl.
In a blender, add your watermelon pulp, honey and a moderate amount of ice. For best results we recommend freezing your watermelon pulp before blending and using a moderate amount of ice to avoid a watery drink. Serve in a melon bowl and enjoy! 

Humboldt Distillery’s Vodka Lemonade 

+ 1.5 oz  Humboldt Distillery’s Organic Vodka 
+ Lemonade 
In a glass filled with ice add Humboldt’s Organic Vodka, lemonade to taste, swirl together and enjoy! 

Everyone needs a vacation right about now, but it doesn't seem like we will be going anywhere anytime soon. Let these spirits take you on a gustatory holiday up the coast of California. Start with Gray Whale Gin's 'Whale Hello There' hailing from the beaches of sunny California and then move up the coast to the gorgeous redwoods with Humboldt Distillery's 'North Coast Margarita'. 

Whale Hello There

+ 2 oz Gray Whale Gin 
+ .5 oz lime juice 
+ .5 oz lemon juice 
+ .5 oz agave syrup

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the gin, lime juice, lemon juice and agave. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass, or strain over a rocks glass filled with ice, depending on preference. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.

North Coast Margarita

+ 2 oz Humboldt’s Finest 
+ 1.25 oz Lime Juice 
+ .75 oz Agave Syrup 
+ 2 Slices Serrano Chili
+ 2 Slices Cucumber 
+ Pinch of Salt 

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, add ice and shake thoroughly. Double strain into an old fashioned glass half rimmed with salt. Add ice to top. Garnish with cucumber slice. Enjoy! 

While our own views are somewhat limited, being homebound and safe while the coronavirus pandemic is addressed globally, there is no reason why we shouldn't still be mesmerized by the beauty of international destinations. Here is a selection of inspiring views from some of the world’s best hotels to see you through this time where you might feel restricted physically but you can still wander to your heart's content. And maybe note down some venues to visit once you can travel again!

ASHFORD CASTLE, IRELAND
800 year old Ashford Castle is Ireland’s most luxurious hotel, and has been voted the world’s ‘Best Hotel’ (Virtuoso Awards – 2015), so it’s no surprise that the views on offer from its 83 rooms, suites and private accommodations are sensational. Situated on the shores of Lough Corrib, and with 350 acres of its stunning Estate scenery to enjoy, the views of the gorgeous green landscapes of the Irish West Coast are breath-taking in every direction. Sister property, The Lodge at Ashford Castle, offers similarly beautiful views from a more contemporary manor house. Your royal adventure begins when you enter through the grand stone gates. Discover exquisite interiors, delicious cuisine, a passionate team, a wealth of estate activities and the state-of-the-art spa. As a National Geographic ‘Unique Lodge of the World’, Ireland’s first Forbes five-star and former home of the Guinness family, this hotel is exceptional in every sense.  

BUSHMANS KLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA
Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains on South Africa's dramatic lesser-known west coast, Bushmans Kloof is an ecological oasis and a magical wilderness retreat, offering unforgettable views of African landscapes, including open plains, unspoiled starry skies, sandstone formations and ancient bush art sites dating back 10,000 years; and of the endemic wildlife of the area. The reserve is also home to 35 species of mammals and exotic wildlife to spot, from the Cape Mountain Zebra to the Bat-Eared Fox, or perhaps even the elusive Cape Leopard. Award-winning Bushmans Kloof offers a unique wilderness experience (a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World), just three hours from Cape Town. Renowned for passionate service and generous hospitality, accommodation comprises 16 guest rooms and suites, plus Koro Lodge and the new Cederberg House, two stunning and exclusive private villas. 

THE OYSTER BOX, DURBAN
Durban’s best loved hotel serves up the most sensational views – from its 86 rooms guests can gaze out over the ocean and Umhlanga’s golden beaches, flanked by the historic red and white lighthouse, an icon of the local area. The hotel rings a bell whenever dolphins can be spotted playing in the surf – now that’s a view! Considered a national treasure, South Africa’s most cherished hotel stands majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic Umhlanga lighthouse. Discover timeless elegance, original artwork and a multitude of dining options including the famous curry feast, high tea and oyster bar, all served by a caring and passionate team. Indulge in the award-winning spa, while listening to the chatter of the monkeys and exotic birds in the tropical gardens.

THE TWELVE APOSTLES, CAPE TOWN
The only hotel situated inside Table Mountain National Park, Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers Cape Town’s finest views. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and with uninterrupted views of Table Mountain from almost every room there is no better vista in the city – so much so that the hotel’s famous Leopard Bar is the premier location for sundowners. The award-winning Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is poised above the Atlantic Ocean on Cape Town’s most scenic route. Well established as the city’s leading boutique hotel, it provides easy access to all attractions, including a complimentary shuttle service to the pristine beaches of Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront. Be spoilt with spectacular ocean or mountain views from most of the 70 bedrooms and suites, each superbly designed to provide the utmost comfort and style. Special features include the tranquil Spa, a private cinema, Azure Restaurant, The Café Grill and The Leopard Bar. 

HOTEL D’ANGLETERRE, GENEVA
The elegant Hotel d’Angleterre is situated at the edge of Lake Leman and has magnificent views of the famous Jet d’Eau and Mont Blanc – it offers one of the very best views in Geneva. This beautiful boutique hotel showcases British charm and character with the finest of Swiss hospitality. The ideal blend of discreet sophistication with passionate service, the 39 individually styled guest rooms and six elegant suites are designed with exquisite art and furnishings. Delicious international cuisine is served in the celebrated Windows restaurant overlooking the lake, including Mrs Tollman’s signature dishes. The famous Leopard Bar and Cigar Lounge is the most popular night spot in the city for exceptional cocktails and live music each evening. 

SUMMER LODGE, DORSET
The landscapes of Dorset have inspired writers for centuries, and you can enjoy stunning views of one of its chocolate box villages from the stunning, five-star Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant. The village of Evershot in which the hotel is located was written about extensively by Thomas Hardy, and he even designed part of the property during his architecture period. These are the charming, English views of dreams. Set within the enchanting village of Hardy’s Evershot and surrounded by rolling hills, this five-star country house hotel epitomizes the ultimate in traditional style, genuine warm service and innovative and delicious menus to rival the best in the world. With a relaxing spa, indoor pool, private tennis court and miles of beautiful countryside to explore, this is the quintessential luxurious escape. 

THE OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, GUERNSEY
The only five-star hotel on Guernsey, the historic Old Government House (or the OGH as it is known locally) is at the heart of the community, and offers panoramic sea views from its proud position on the hill in the heart of St Peter Port, just minutes from the quayside. This historic hotel with panoramic sea views, sits proudly just up the hill from the main shopping street and a five-minute walk from the quay side. Exceeding expectations with exceptional food, service and 63 beautifully designed rooms, a dedicated team treats every guest as a friend returning home, with passionate pride for fine traditional hospitality. With traditional grandeur, a red carpet leads you up the marbled entrance, with exquisite furnishings to discover within. Discover fine dining in the Brasserie and the authentic Curry Room; indulge at leisure over Afternoon Tea and enjoy cocktails at The Crown Club. 

THE DUKE OF RICHMOND, GUERNSEY
Alternatively, try the views from The Duke of Richmond, the OGH’s sister property. This charming hotel overlooks a quiet park and has magnificent views across the sea. This beautiful, luxurious hotel in St Peter Port is an easy stroll to the harbor. A dedicated and friendly team create memorable stays which never fail to exceed expectations. Superb dining with fresh local seafood can be savored in stylish surroundings or al fresco on the terrace overlooking the heated outdoor pool. With 69 luxury guest rooms and four suites, a sun terrace and panoramic sea views, the hotel’s elegant surroundings are matched by stunning decor showcasing custom-made fabrics, striking black and white design, fresh cut flowers, polished glass and marble. Dine in the acclaimed Leopard Bar and Restaurant; enjoy expertly made cocktails; or indulge in Afternoon Tea, served with warm homemade scones and fresh Guernsey cream. 

As happy hour has been moved from your favorite bar to your favorite couch, Saline Restaurant at Hotel Joaquin is giving you the recipes (and images provided) to three of their favorite spritz preparations that will take your taste buds on a mini vacation from the comfort of your home to the coast of Laguna Beach. Mix things up with the 985, The Master or their signature welcome cocktail, the Auric Spritz - all three will impress your virtual happy hour friends. The light and fresh fruit flavors of these summer inspired drinks are perfect to enjoy with lunch or dinner, from Magdalena Rum to Nardini Mandorola Grappa and of course a lot of Prosecco, take your pick and have fun!

985
Combine and muddle give a quick shake, fine strain
1oz St. Germain
.75oz Nardini Mandorola Grappa
.25oz Simple Syrup
.5oz Lemon Juice
1 Hulled Strawberry
Then top with 3oz Prosecco
Garnish with Strawberry slices, lemon wheel, tarragon

The Master
Combine
1.5 Cocchi Americano
.25oz Le Canne Bleu Rhum
.5oz Small Hands Passion Fruit Syrup
.25oz Lemon Juice
3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Give a quick whip with your ice and dump in your glass.
Then top with 1.5oz Sparkling wine
Garnish with edible flowers, lemon wheel

The Auric Spritz
Muddle 3-5 sprigs of mint & combine in a mixing glass with
1oz. Aperol
.5oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth
.5oz Magdalena Rum
.25oz Simple Syrup
.5oz Lemon Juice
Shake and fine strain into a large wine glass
Add ice and top with prosecco
Garnish with orange wheels, mint sprig

So which did you try and add to your favorites? Share in the comments below or give me your best spritz recipes too!

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) highlights women-focused itineraries offered across the globe from Iceland to Ireland and Japan to Chile. Each program offers small group, immersive experiences that allow you to pursue a passion or check a box on your bucket list. The collection of small group, women-only trips in 2020 include some great options. 

​Incredible Iceland with Northern Lights 
smarTours’ seven-day, women-only tour through Iceland takes you through Reykjavik and Vik, with opportunities to see the Northern Lights, Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls, and more. Departure is available on October 29 starting at $2,399 per person.
 
Authentic Ladies Tee Time 
Authentic Vacations offers a nine-day tour of Ireland’s five-star golf courses, designed for a private group of women who are interested in golfing the Emerald Isle’s lush landscape, experiencing fine dining, and relaxing at spas. Private group tours are available starting at $3,248 per person.
 
Japan Zen – The Art of Simple Living
Perillo’s Learning Journeys’ 11-day women’s journey explores Japanese culture in Tokyo and Kyoto, where you will attend meditation sessions, stay in a traditional ryokan inn, and participate in sake tastings and cooking classes. Departure is available on May 31 starting at $5,475 per person. 
 
Chile with Patagonia  
SITA World Tours’ six-day, women-only adventure through Chile and Patagonia takes you to Chile’s wine country in Casablanca and Curacavi and a day in Torres del Paine National Park, with trip extensions available to Easter Island and Buenos Aires. Departure is available on November 12 starting at 3,810 per person.
 
More itineraries offered can be found online on the USTOA tour operators website. The member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements for travelers. This affords unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.
 
Did any of the itineraries spark some interest? Have you experienced travel with these tour operators? Share in the comments below!

Getting ready for fall travels into winter and the holidays? Love sharing new travel products always and these offerings are fantastic additions to your list. From skincare and beverages to technology and travel aids, here are a few products that will make your travels a great experience. While samples were provided for review, none of these are affiliate links. Go ahead and connect to the respective websites at the bottom of the post so its easier for you to try these products if you’d like to add them to your travel must haves for the next few months. Here goes!

Product websites: My Alchemy Skincare | Funny Mugs | Blezure | ColorPaks | LippyClip | Mionetto

Today is Women’s Equality Day and commemorates the day that women in America were given the right to vote. The importance of ending discrimination toward women and providing equal opportunities for education and employment is significant in America and globally. In honor of Women’s Equality Day and how far women have come, here is a spotlight on some female-owned and female-run businesses in the travel and hospitality industry and the women behind them. Read on and support whenever you can!

Lauren Bates, Founder and Owner of Wild Terrains
Showing support for businesses aligned with women's equality and rights, Wild Terrains is a boutique travel company specializing in small, curated group trips for women. The company is owned by Lauren Bates, a female entrepreneur who has made it her mission to create the very first travel company to be entirely fueled by and for women. Wild Terrains crafts unique trips to places like Mexico City and Portugal, where their itineraries entirely support women-owned businesses. Lauren's vision for Wild Terrains came from examining the itineraries of many other women-only travel companies, most of which were supporting male-owned and operated businesses. 

Amanda Keidan, Owner of Casa Delphine
Opened in April of 2019, Casa Delphine is a boutique hotel in San Miguel de Allende, designed and owned by Los Angeles designer Amanda Keidan. The five-room hotel focuses on a curated clean lined design aesthetic that is meant to make guests feel relaxed and inspired as they experience all that San Miguel de Allende has to offer. Amanda started her first company at the age of 22, Keidan Jewelry, a high-end jewelry company focusing on private commissions and one of a kind engagement rings. Casa Delphine is Amanda’s second business venture and the boutique hotel showcases her love of design and affinity for creating spaces that bring warmth, beauty and color together. Casa Delphine will be hosting retreats this fall that will cater to women travelers, including design and architecture tours in San Miguel de Allende, wellness cooking classes, mediation retreats and more. The hotel is perfect for a group of friends, colleagues and family to come down, take over the property and building enriching memories together. 

Rocio Vazquez Landeta, Founder and Owner of Eat Like A Local Mexico City
The founder and mastermind behind Eat Like a Local Mexico City, Rocio Vazquez Landeta was born and raised in Mexico City. A world traveler with more than 23 countries and 65 cities under her belt, Rocio is a sustainable tourism researcher, an avid reader, a food expert and entrepreneur. Eat Like a Local Mexico City has an all-women team and employs talented women as local guides and creates opportunities for single mothers and their kids. As a female-owned and operated company, Eat Like a Local Mexico City’s mission is to empower other women and create job opportunities that allow women in the local community to take care of their children and explore economic opportunities. Rocio shares the city that she grew up in and is committed to supporting the community in her city.  Eat Like a Local Mexico City is the only Mexican-founded food tour agency that actively promotes economic growth and creates opportunities for families within the traditional markets. I have personally had the pleasure of touring the city with her on a neighborhood street food experience and can attest to her knowledge of the area and ability to entertain and educate you the whole time with her familiarity of her people, place and palates.

Gina Lozada, Co-owner of Ignacia Guest House
Born and raised in Mexico City, Gina Lozada went to law school and practiced law for more than 10 years. She suddenly became aware of an entrepreneur drive and intuition within her, so she trusted her gut, quit her job as a lawyer and started a flower business that quickly became quite successful. Later, she partnered with some friends and opened a restaurant and then came up with the idea of transforming her home into a boutique bed and breakfast, Ignacia Guest House. Ignacia Guest House was once Gina’s family home for ten years, a 1913 mansion in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City. The namesake of this restored 1913 colonial house was the home’s beloved housekeeper, Ignacia. Gina decided to convert her home into a five-room design hotel and name it in honor of the beloved housekeeper who tirelessly took care of the casona for 70 years. Opened in February of 2017, Gina employs an all-women managerial team with Manager Magda Navarrete and Assistant Manager Romina Arguelles. Together, they oversee the daily operations of this beautiful property in one of city’s trendiest neighborhoods and love welcoming guests into their “home-away-from-home”. The hotel is the host property for Wild Terrains’ women-only group trips in Mexico City. 

Laurie Smith, Managing Consultant at Les Ilets de la Plage
Built in the traditional island style by The Ledée family, a prominent Saint Barths family in 1990, Les Îlets de la Plage was run as a family property for many years. In 2003, the family leased the property to hoteliers David Henderson and Laurie Smith who ran the business together until David’s departure from the island in 2012. Laurie has continued to oversee the management of the property since 2003 as the managing consultant. With her loyal team of co-resort managers Carine Chateau and Mélane Dullin, Les Ilets de la Plage is women-operated and women-run with Laurie, Carine and Mélane overseeing the day to day operations of this boutique resort. The team work tirelessly to ensure all guests have a wonderful vacation and appreciate the beauty and exceptional qualities that Les Îlets de la Plage and St Barths have to offer. Many improvements have been made over the years, but in keeping with the Ledee family’s concept, the resort is committed to maintain the simplicity and keep it as low key and as relaxing a place as it can possibly be. Les Îlets de la Plage is far removed from the glitzy glamour of Saint Barths - it is peaceful, relaxing, simple and beautiful. 

Have you experienced travel with any of these women or their businesses? Share away in the comments below so we can support them more and encourage others to enjoy their gifts to the travel world as well!

Here’s a great sturdy travel product with a tech twist that is perfectly timed for your summer travels and beyond. These wallets from KeySmart were clearly made after much R&D into the target market and products already available. I am unaware of anything similar out there right now at the competitive price points they have.

The slim wallet is a great night out product to have that you can slip some currency notes, your ID and couple credit cards to take along for a short time out. I’ve used this on my morning walk, grocery run, and other neighborhood chores or meeting friends for a quick coffee or dinner. 
 
I immediately used this on my jeans and found it front pocket friendly, which is great. It also fits in snug in my handy clutch or even smaller wallet purse. And I like that nothing slides out when you pull out the wallet too given its pretty sturdy shape. It’s a handy size as well and fits just right in your palm. 
 
It also has space for the Tile Slim Pocket, which is basically like a little square tracking device. Sync it with their app on your phone and you can immediately find your wallet if you misplaced it or maybe threw it into a larger bag and cannot find it any more. Better yet, you can even track it if ever stolen. 
 
Additional features include RFID protection, premium leather and style ridges to guide your wallet into your pocket. There are barriers that protect your cards and keep them in place and an easy thumb slot allows for quick card retrieval. Its lightweight and comes with a two-year warranty.
 
The wallet certainly looks like it can handle the wear and tear of regular use so well worth the investment. They also have a bi-fold wallet if you prefer carrying more on you and a passport wallet option if you are a frequent traveler, so check that out here as well.