#steel water bottle costco

[eclectictimetravelpuppy]

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Steel Water Bottle Brands for a Sustainable Lifestyle

1. Introduction: Understanding the Importance of Steel Water Bottles in a Sustainable Lifestyle Choosing a steel water bottle for a sustainable lifestyle is a decision that many individuals are making in order to reduce their plastic waste and carbon footprint. With so many steel water bottle brands available on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the best option for…

[drieddpetals]

modern things the crows would love

(based of the reference of them being in the victorian era)

(also, i've seen a couple people do this so full credit to them for inspiring this)

kaz:

* (secretly) card shuffling asmr/those asmr videos where they teach you card games, even tho he knows how to play them already

* (when he was a kid) those diaries where you have to have a code to get in with a speaker to record messages in

* ^^ also diaries with locks on them

* combination locks

* hard swing jazz

* mean girls (movie & musical)

* "dark acadamia" literature

* making sure everyone in a fifteen mile radius of him knows that frankenstein was the DOCTOR and the monster was frankenstein's MONSTER

* making up conlangs/ciphers for fun

* ^^ getting the crows to memorize them so they can communicate secretly

* gloves with pads on the fingers that let you use screens

inej:

* tumblr aesthetic moodboards

* taking hyperspecific uquiz personality quizzes

* crystal jewelry

* competitive gymnastics & tumbling

* claw clips & french pins

* colored eyeliner & mascara

* midi skirts

* making boards on pinterest—sharing those boards with jesper & wylan

* ^^ having massive joint pinterest boards with all the crows

* leg warmers

* ballet & "ballet aesthetic"

* any movie with natalie portman

* birkenstocks but specifically the ones with a holder for your big toe (idk if this makes sense)

* phantom of the opera

* oil diffusers

* american girl dolls

jesper:

* laser tag

* rollerskating & roller derby

* plato's closet

* tourist jewelry

* volleyball

* colored & funky shaped sunglasses

* just dance 2

* bruno mars

* fall out boy

* cargo shorts

* hamilton

* finding obscure fashion inspo on pinterest

* showing everyone how he can run barefoot on gravel

* gyaru fashion

* sour candy

* mt. dew

* saying, "i'm just joshing you" ironically

* sneezing extremely loud on purpose when it's dead silent

wylan:

* papa louie arcade games

* laufey

* asmr

* flute beatboxing

* green and brown colored converse

* tumblr aesthetic moodboards

* magnetic puzzle tiles

* percy jackson

* moisturizer with sunscreen in it

* the great comet of 1812

* dr. pepper

* accidentally dropping really traumatizing memories bc he genuinely thinks they're just funny stories from his childhood

* watercolor pencils

* shazam & the google "hum a tune" feature

nina:

* forever 21

* lush

* those mommy baking blogs that post their whole life stories before the recipe

* french tip manicures but in any other color but white

* ^^ also charms on nails

* gel manicures

* megan thee stallion

* lip gloss

* juicy couture

* the met gala

* amy winehouse

* duolingo/memrise/babbel

* panera bread

matthias:

* ^^ also, those mommy baking blogs that post their whole life stories before the recipe

* volunteering at animal shelters

* carhaart & patagonia

* those massage chairs at malls

* apple watches

* buying those massive bottles of ibuprofen at costco

* ^^ buying bulk protein powder from costco

* ^^^ generally he just likes costco & buying things in bulk

* colored fairy lights (HATES LED light strips)

* those big tubs of aquaphor

* vera bradley blankets

* gallon water bottles with the motivational time checkpoints

* at home gyms

* the classic white boy flannel over hoodie combo

* jacuzzis

* massage guns

* steel toe boots

* yawning and sneezing like a dad

* hair and beard oil

[https-chaos]

no one irl cares so here is a recipe for those of us who have daily or almost daily headaches

1 liter of water. with ice

1 packet of liquid iv. listen this stuff is expensive but it's so worth it. it's cheapest at costco, bribe a friend with a membership, and look for sales. none of the store brands are as good i have tried them all

1 packet of aspirin powder. at my store it's called "pain relief powders" and it's 845mg aspirin and 65mg caffeine.

shake that bitch up. put in earplugs if you're shaking a stainless steel bottle because the ice is gonna be loud.

drink up, not fast but sipping 1-2x a minute. shake it up periodically

prepare to have to pee in a little bit, but then you can go to bed <3

i swear, this cures 90% of those kinda-nauseous, moderate headache, uncomfortable/achy & fatigued days. obviously the relatively high dose of aspirin helps with the pain and inflammation, but even if you skip the aspirin there's something magical in liquid iv. it's like my own version of a sprite and vicks vaporub, i'm pretty sure it has magic healing powers

my logic:

- hydration. a whole liter of water in your blood, boom. at the very least, it can't hurt.

- i looked up what's in the IV they give you in the hospital if you're all dehydrated and out of whack (or just hungover), and it's pretty similar to what's in liquid iv which i guess is why they called it that. i swear they're not paying me okay im just saying. also, the sugar free doesn't work as well but it will still work, my mom is low carb and loves it

- all kinds of malaise symptoms are caused by inflammation. the powdered dosage form absorbs quickly, a lot of the time you'll start to feel better before you finish the liter

- hydration + a bit of sugar and electrolytes + a relatively safe fast acting anti-inflammatory + a little bit of caffeine = the whole solution to a host of common reasons to feel like shit

**note: don't be dumb, obviously only do this if you can safely take aspirin lol

[tbhstudying]

what kinds of reusable water bottles do you have? i’m trying to look for a cheaper alternative to hydroflasks and there are just so many options, so i was wondering what are your thoughts on the reusable water bottles you currently have?

i have the hydroflask knockoffs from costco and an actual hydroflask i recently got as a birthday gift. overall, i prefer the metal stainless steel water bottles because i find that they’re more durable than plastic and they keep the water cold without having the wet condensation forming on the outside of the bottle. i prefer the taste of the water in a metal bottle because the bottle material doesn’t cling onto other tastes as readily as plastic bottles do. granted, i rarely put anything else other than water in my water bottle, but that’s something to consider.

the quality of the costco thermoflasks feels just the same as the actual hydroflask i have and i don’t really feel any difference between the two. i prefer my thermoflask with the straw lid because i prefer drinking water with a straw, and i got mine on sale. iirc, they were like $12 per bottle + they came in a set of 2 with diff colors. 

[hot-tea-gardenparty]

Title: The Heavy Hands of Hope

Author: coffeeforcastiel

Rating: G (mild language)

Pairing: Destiel, Dean/Cas, Dean Winchester, Castiel

Notes: So....you all are gonna hate me here because this drabble down below is...well it’s a sad one. I do not know why I felt the need to write a sad drabble after 15.18 and not like...a fun, cute, ‘Dean-coming-to-save-Cas” coda...which is actually what I had intended to write when I sat down last night at my computer. But this came out instead. Maybe this is where my heart was yesterday and so....this is what it produced.  The funny thing is, I do not think this is actually what will happen in the next two episodes of the show. I really don’t. FYI, I believe Dean will be better than this in handling what happened and I DO THINK that Cas will be coming back.

So it’s strange my brain did this the way that it did. *shrugs* Anyways, hope you like it and please let me know if you did!

Dean lay in bed. For how long he’d been there…that was another question entirely.

Longer than what was usually acceptable, he knew that much. But damn if he wanted to stay in bed, stare at the ceiling and pretend the world didn’t exist, he figured he’d earned that right…especially after what had happened. Especially after loosing what he had.

He rolled over, his sweat pants scrunching up between his calves and knees under the thin blankets as he tiredly eyed the tall, frosty glass of water Sam had left on his bedside table a few minutes prior. Sam had knocked softly on his bedroom door, stating he was going to take the Impala in search of any nearby hunters to tell them the good news…that Chuck was defeated. That they had won.

Dean couldn’t muster up enough give a shit to respond besides a shrug and a grumbled, “Don’t do anything stupid.” As Sam nodded in uncomfortable understanding, a forced smile upon his face. The faded white light of the hallway bulbs illuminated Sam’s front as he walked out of the room, muttering a quick ‘see you later’ and shutting the bedroom door with a soft click. Dean sighed in release, listening to his brother’s footfalls as they echoed down the hallway, through the war room and up the bunker’s main stairs.  Dean could have sworn he’d heard Baby’s engine roar and rev as Sam drove her out of the garage.

He should drink something. Probably. Something other than whiskey straight from the bottle, Dean thought, his head pounding from the past few days of drunken stupor and cold, leftover pizza.

Lifting himself to sit upright, Dean grabbed the glass of water, chugging the entirety in three large gulps. His headache was pounding even worse behind his eyes with the immediate change in position and now he felt like he might have to puke. Lovely.

Throwing his feet to floor, Dean recoiled at the loud clattering of the empty whiskey bottles he’d forgotten about, his feet scattering them further around the head of his bed. He sighed in annoyance at himself and grabbed his phone from the bedside table. He had a few missed text messages from Sam, asking him how he was the past few days he’d been holed up in his room and one from a random hunter asking for assistance. He stared at the screen, his thumb scrolling through his recent outgoing calls.

Sam. Sam. Charlie. Sam. Jody. Donna. Sam……..and then….Cas.

His thumb held still, hovering over the green call button next to Cas’ name.

Dean took a deep breath as he sent the outgoing call to Cas’ cell.

Ring. Ring. He had no idea why he was doing this. Ring. Ring. What was the point? It’s not like Cas would answer. Ring. Ring. Click…click…Please leave a message for… “I do not understand. Why do you need me to say my name?” Beeeeeeep.

Fat, wet tears splashed onto the lit phone screen as Dean hung up. He choked on the salty loneliness grasping at the back of his throat as he started to chuckle humorlessly over the fact that Cas still hadn’t changed his voicemail greeting after all these years. It’s not like this was new information for Dean, he’d listened to the greeting many times before…but this time….

This time, Dean knew he wouldn’t get the chance to tease Cas about it. To tell him to change it. To make him just use the basic voicemail greeting that came with the phone. The idiot.

Cas was gone.

Gone for good.

Wiping away the tears streaking his cheeks with his palm, Dean threw his phone to land on the mattress and slowly padded his way to the kitchen to find his favorite Costco sized bottle of pain killers. He poured out four pills. Should be enough to numb his…everything.

Dean grabbed another glass of water and swallowed his pills in the shadowed kitchen, the only light coming in from the hallway through the open doorway. The silence of the bunker was almost eerie.

No Sam, no Jack, no Cas…it was just Dean, alone in the large expanse of underground. His movements, no matter how small, seeming to echo and reverberate around the gray concrete arches and cold steel shelving. It felt strange. Dean had always considered the bunker his new home, since by now it was as comfortable and familiar as the Impala. He had even carved his initials into the library table. But now, even with Sam still around and the random visiting hunter popping in on their drive throughs, the bunker’s walls felt still and cold. Lacking somehow.

And Dean knew…he knew…with a bitter tang in his throat and a hot, restless sorrow in his stomach, he knew…it was Cas.

Without Cas, it was as if a piece was missing in a close to finished puzzle. You wouldn’t be able to see the full picture, the beauty of the vision, without this essential, important fragment. It had only taken Dean too many years, too many avoided conversations, too many lonely, drunken nights, to finally realize it.

But now…it was too late. He��d waited too long.

Cas was in the Empty. Drowning in the ether of mistakes, pain and regret. Cas had made that decision and Dean was made to agree. He hadn’t been given a choice.

Of course, Dean didn’t like that plan. Didn’t want to go ahead with it once he realized it was happening. But who would? Who would want the suddenly realized love of their life taken away from them forever? So yes, Dean had wanted to beg him to stay. Wanted to plead with Cas to rethink this. He wanted to cry out, crocodile tears openly flowing down his face, leaving clear trails down his grimy cheeks. He thought about grabbing onto the lapels of Cas�� trench coat, bringing his face close and confessing his true feelings lips to lips. He wanted, he should have, told Cas everything, right then, while the vengeful world seemingly paused around them for just a second, held back by a flimsy wooden door and streaks of blood.

It wasn’t supposed to end this way. Dean had wanted so much more, even if he never really stated the desire out loud. He wanted to stutter stupidly around the “I love you,” and the “I don’t think I can do this shit without you,” and “Please forgive me” as he held Cas’ face in the palms of his hands or brought him close enough that they felt each other’s breath on their lips. He wanted to finally be able to admit it all. To spill the confessions he had held back by the dam of his repression, let them flow out of his mouth and drown him in the emotions filling up thick, magnetic, heated air.

Castiel changed everything that day, but what else did he have to lose? Dean had already waited too long, and Cas had to do something. Say something. Make it all matter in the end.

A bitter sounding laugh left Dean’s lips and echoed around the kitchen at the memory of Castiel’s final moments, as the inky black took over and dragged him away. Even after all that Cas had said, all that had been done, Dean still couldn’t respond. Like a fucking coward.

He sat on that dungeon floor and wept for what seemed like hours. He looked up at the beige ceiling, eyes wandering between each flaking chip of paint, connecting the proverbial dots in the constellation, all of them coming together to form an image of Castiel in his mind. He felt like he was waiting for a sign as his last tears dried in sticky trails down his cheeks. Waiting for the acknowledgement he knew wouldn’t come.

“….I do love you, Cas. I love you too. I love you too.”

If Cas did hear him, there was no way he could let Dean know…not from where he might be…not from his eternal sleep, at least.

But Dean could hope….even though he knew it was worthless.

 ~Fin~

 Again....I am sorry for the pains....but thank you for reading!

[missguomeiyun]

Homecookings [March ed.]

How was everyone’s March 2020??!

Here’s mine: Started off the month with staycation, which I didn’t get a lot done (nowhere close to what I had planned) but at the same time, I got quite a lot done. I’m referring to a newly self-taught skill, which is ink painting. I busted out my ink block FINALLY. Those ones where you gotta swirl & melt it in a water reservoir. It’s super old-school & it’s how oriental ink painting is supposed to be done (the liquid ink bottles are modern-style). The ink block has been around for so long; & for the longest time, I didn’t want to start using it bcos I didn’t wanna ruin it lol I wanted to “save” it. But you know what? LET’S GET IT!!!! Every day, I worked on a painting, & I actually ended up with 10 in total. It wasn’t as hard as I thought; I tried different styles, & after 10, I think I have a good grasp of the technique!

^ Just sharing one :)

I rarely talk about current events on this blog bcos it’s a place for me to document my food adventures as well as travel-related (but mostly food-related) topics, with the rare appearance of Kpop/Kdrama talk. But things have been CRAZY in Alberta! With the COVID-19 ‘formally’ entering the province early March, & ppl hoarding things, to school closures & online classes.. . now semi-lockdown, where only essential service is open, etc.. . The province has, is, & will be going through a lot of changes, as a whole.

To say the ‘official entry’ hasn’t impacted me/my life at all is a lie, however, the impact has been very minimal. Since starting mid-March, there has been daily updates regarding the cases by our Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hinshaw. *My personal view only* Everyone’s situation is different, & I fortunately, am able to keep my lifestyle pretty much the same at this point. I’m a pretty big home-body to begin with, & as much as I love seeing my friends, I don’t see them that often anyway due to shift work *shrugs* so in terms of the practice of social distancing to my social life, in all honesty, not much impact. 

Well, what about my work?! Am I sent home to work???! No. Don’t wanna go into too much detail here, but I will share a little. As a medical laboratory technologist, PPE at work + hand-washing practice is “normal”, as in, there’s nothing to change about it. I may wash my hands more, but ppl that hang out with me know I sanitize/wash hands often anyway so. .. I’m still going to work as a regular full time, doing the things I do; we are an essential service & we gotta be open no matter what! The company has adopted some recommended guidelines put forth by Public Health, such as, “sick leaves” (+ follow up) have now expanded in definition, & staff gets mandatory temperature check at the entrance before we enter the facility. The biggest change at work has been the change in work volume - we are so used to busy, busy, busyyy & now it’s like “let me pick up the next phone call pls!”

Anyway, didn’t mean to start off with such a loooooong update ... Let’s start the real deal: homecookings this month!

Hmmm .. . what do you think I did with this?

^ KitKat-covered wafer rolls. I find milk chocolate reallllyyyy sweet so I melted some tiramisu KitKat with some brewed coffee (1. to de-sweeten, & 2. to make the mixture more runny). I crushed majority of the KitKat but I aimed to keep some wafers as large-ish pieces to fulfill texture-building. Then I poured the mixture on top, let cool, then cut into individual pieces.

^ I then up’ed my game, & nearly tripled the amount of coffee that I used the 1st time. The resulting melted KitKat + coffee mixture was very bitter - just the way I liked it. I didn’t use as much wafer rolls this time bcos I couldn’t; that’s all I had left in the house. But I had some chocolate mix left; thus I just scooped some over Oreo thins.

PS: Oreo thins wins!

PPS: For both experiments, I used half of the large KitKat bar! mmm.. coffee amount was pretty much YOLO-’d.

^ Kimchi + chicken mini tacos. Stir-fried up some chicken breast & cut up kimchi, & scooped on top of soft corn flour + wheat tortilla tacos. Added some mozza shreds & green onion after.

^ Another fusion soft taco, consisting of Costco fries & basa fish fillet that’s been cooked in pasta sauce. Decided to add some bacon ranch dressing as well. This was surprisingly a success! I’m not a huuuuge fan of fish, in general. I’ve never tried basa with tomato + herb pasta sauce. I was gonna eat the basa on its own like that, but then I thought, let’s fish taco-it! Got a nice crunch & softness of the basa in 1 bite :D

^ Beef + cabbage with flat rice vermicelli noodles. This is like my home-made bun bo hue but with a looooooot of cabbage bcos I love cabbage! I used the canned pho soup (diluted it with water), some fish sauce, & fire chicken sauce! Doesn’t look like much, but it was spicy!

^ baked salmon - used coarse sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, furikake, & white truffle olive oil. YUM!

^ another baked salmon. I know this probably sounds stupid, but I’m 100% transparent about it haha I have a foil sheet on my toaster oven tray, & I’m not a fan of changing it out every single time, so I’ve come to a consensus with myself that I’ll bake, but use some other dish as a vessel, instead of “baking” on a tray or pan. The last salmon, I used a white dish - it was SO hard to wash afterwards. So this time, I used one of these stainless steel dishes my mom has (& uses for steaming). It was less of a mess!

Anyway, what flavour is the salmon here? Salt, fresh ground pepper, garlic, & honey!

^ cheese tortellini with pan-seared chicken breast. I made the sauce using: milk, butter, salt, dried parsley, & 2 slices of Kraft mozza singles. Topped with more dried parsley & fresh ground black pepper. (Don’t worry! I had steamed broccoli on the side for my “greens” portion.)

^ Vegetarian bibimbap. The fried tofu was store-bought, but I cooked it in Korean soy sauce + sugar, so kind of like braised tofu. Mixed salad greens at the bottom, then rice, then the tofu; lastly, some sesame seeds + bibimbap paste.

^ Ramyeon with mixed greens + chicken breast. Gotta keep it healthy! haha you might find that this is weird - to put salad greens in soup. But let me tell you, use a small amount & try this the next time you buy these veggies. Like just try! If it fails & you don’t like it, you won’t waste too much of it. When you pour soup over it, the greens start to “cook” & decrease in size significantly. With these salad greens, this ‘sorta cooked but not cooked’ texture is another way I personally enjoy them.

A glass of milk.. . the base for dalgona “hot chocolate”. Do you think it worked or not?

I used 2 tbsp hot chocolate powder with 1.5 tbsp sugar & also 1.5 tbsp of warm water. I manually whisked for a loooooong time, but it didn’t really froth. It became more dense if anything. But anyhow, I ended up with a somewhat heavy product, but was able to *feel* there was some air in it. I went for it.. . scooped it on top of the milk.. . And.....

This happened! It did not build up on top, but settled nicely at the bottom lol. You try with hot chocolate powder & let me know if it worked for you or not! :P

^ Post-night shift brunch =] I try to eat somewhat cleaner when I’m on nights by doing less meat compared to my usual diet. I don’t know what it is. .. I just crave more vegetables + non-meats. So I made braised tofu (just soy sauce & sugar) & cabbage soup (seasoned with gochujang & salt, so it’s a little spicy). It looks really red but it’s actually very mild.

All in all, pls stay home if you can during this time. If the sacrifice isn’t done now, the result will be much more devastating later down the road.

Talk to you later~

[rashystreakers]

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/F_cpx8i7H6M

TONGS

Blacksmith Depot: https://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/ not cheap but solid and they sell a wide range of options. Consider a pair of Universal V-bit or some Offset tongs. Expect to spend $50 per set plus shipping.

GSTongs: https://www.gstongs.com/tongs.html these are generally shorter tongs 11”-12” but solid and heavy duty. They are $37 a piece plus shipping.

Ken’s Custom Iron: https://kensironstore.com/ these tongs are super affordable while still being good quality. However, they are not finished. Your blacksmith will have to put their skills to the test to finish these. The upside to that is they can forge them as they need and add to their experience, the downside is they aren’t ready to go right out of the box. Price is $50 for a bundle of 5 sets plus shippin.

Amazon Prime: V-Bit Bolt Blacksmith Tongs - 450mm (18")

HAMMERS

Brent Bailey Forge: http://www.brentbaileyforge.com/ Classic Cross Pein Hammer. Brent makes quite a few hammer types and they are all worth looking at. Most of them are a bit high in price for a low-budget beginner but if you have the cash you should consider purchasing one of his higher end models. If you want the quality and a good all around hammer though his cross pein comes in at $60 plus shipping. It’s a great deal and a great product.

Guildwerks: https://www.guildwerks.com/ They make a beautiful and classic American style rounding hammer. While they are not cheap, this will be a hammer that can be passed down from generation to generation. Hammers start around $250 per hammer.

Hammer Source: https://www.hammersource.com This site stocks all types of hammers. They are generally very affordable like the 1.5 lb Nordic rounding hammers $47 per hammer and the Swedish Pattern Blacksmith Hammer for $49 per hammer plus shipping. If you are looking to save some money but still get a great functioning product check them out.

FORGES

Chile Forge: http://www.chileforge.com/ Arguably one of the best propane forges on the market, they heat hot, fast and evenly. Used by smiths like Jason Knight and David DeLagardelle, you won’t be disappointed in performance. They start at $750 for a one burner and go up from there (plus shipping).

NC Tool: https://www.nctoolco.com/ A mid range forge of good quality and design, this forge is one of the popular forge makers out there. Price starts at $435 for a single burner.

Texas Forges: https://www.facebook.com/jcfuzzzyface47/ They sell a one burner forge starting at $200 and price includes shipping to continental U.S. It’s a solid forge on a budget and may just be what your blacksmith needs to get hot.

Coal Forges: http://www.centaurforge.com/ They have a huge selection of coal forges and they start around $375. They are running specials through the holidays this year.

ANVILS

Centaur Forge: http://www.centaurforge.com/Anvils/departments/141/ This distributer has quite a few options starting at about $300 for a 70 lb anvil and going up from there. The nice thing about Centaur is that they have a $9.85 flat rate shipping fee or free shipping for orders over $375.

Anvil Brand: https://www.anvilbrand.com/shop-categories/anvils/   While they have many of the same options as Centaur they have a few additional brands that may be worth a look if you have a little more jingle this holiday season. JHM Certifier 100 Lb. Anvil

Grizzly Industrial: http://www.grizzly.com/products/300-lb-Anvil/G8150 This anvil is a decent weight and the price is quite nice. Perfect beginner forge. Maybe also get a magnet and a chain with this to help turn down the ringing. Grizzly G8147 Anvil, 55-Pound

DRIFTS, CHISELS & PUNCHES

Tomahawk Drift: Sold by Brent Bailey Forge http://www.brentbaileyforge.com/ , these tomahawk drifts ($110) drifts are made to take a beating. They are forged from tool steel and have a much longer lifespan than a cast iron drift. While you are on his site check out some of his other pieces too, like the basic punch for $45.

Slot Punch: https://www.wateroakforge.com/products/blacksmith-slot-punch?variant=26989971463 The slot punch makes so many projects possible to a blacksmith. Bottle openers, axes, hammers and more will all be possible when your blacksmith has a slot punch at their disposal. Water Oak Forge sells one for $13.50 plus shipping. At that price you might as well buy 2!

Anvil Devil: http://www.piehtoolco.com/contents/en-us/p7195.html These little devils, available from Pieh Tool Co. are little anvil top chisels that can be used to hot cut, mark lines and create texture without having to see if it fits in your blacksmith’s hardy hole (the square hole on the face of the anvil). They are handy and portable cost less than $5. They are perfect for stocking stuffers!

STEEL

New Jersey Steel Baron: http://newjerseysteelbaron.com/shop/product-category/high-carbon-steel/ Okay, most steel from here is sold in 4 foot sections. So you may have to cut it up or give it in a long tube. Maybe start with some 1075, 1084 or something a little more durable like my favorite, W2. On second thought stay away from the W2 so there is plenty left for me ;)

McMaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-steel-rods/=1ae9p7r  They sell a decent range of steels and in various sizes. You can get some bar stock W1, the same steel I made my winning Panabas from on Forged in Fire.

Jantz Knifemaking: http://www.knifemaking.com/category-s/1502.htm They offer some smaller sized pieces, cheaper for shipping and you can pick up some other handy items from their online store.

FUEL

Propane: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Worthington-Pro-Grade-40-lb-Propane-Tank/3089595 Buy an exchange propane grill tank from a grocery store or gas station. Even if your blacksmith already has one, two is even better! You can also give a gift card to KOA, which refills propane 7 days a week.

Coal: You can order this from Ebay, Blacksmith Depot and Centaur Forge or you can just be bad and hope Santa delivers a big pile on Christmas morning.

Lump Charcoal: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Royal-Oak-100-All-Natural-Hardwood-Lump-Charcoal-4-lbs/54065925 Yes, you can use charcoal, no it’s not the best or cheapest but it’s a good fuel option and lump coal from wood is often sold in grocery stores. Make sure you are not purchasing briquettes as they really mess up the steel, burn cooler and dirtier.

BOOKS, DVDs & LESSONS

Books: The Backyard Blacksmith by Lorelei Sims, The Complete Modern Blacksmithby Alexander Weygers and The Complete Bladesmith: Forging Your Way To Perfectionby Jim Hrisoulas.

DVDs: J. Neilson’s How to... series http://chriscrawfordknives.com/dvds/

Classes: There are many schools and folk schools and bladesmiths that offer classes like Walter Sorrells and Alec Steele who has quite the “okaly dokaly” online course https://beginblacksmithing.com/.

SHOP SUPPLIES

Beeswax: Hansi Beeswax Premium 5 oz> Nothing shines up a freshly forged piece like a bit of wax. You can pick this up at Hobby Lobby and other crafting stores.

Rags: Blacksmith shops are messy places, our hands are dirty and are clothes are dirty, but with some good shop rags we can keep some of that dirt at bay. Shop towels, Perfect for your Shop (14x14) inches, 25 Pack, (Red)

Vinegar: It’s a great product for removing scale. I keep a bucket full at all times in my shop. We buy it in bulk sized containers from Costco. Distilled White Vinegar Jug, 1 gal

Grinder Supplies: Belts, discs and wheels get burned through pretty quickly in a blacksmith shop. A replenished supply at Christmas would go a loooooong way. Just make sure you know what type of equipment you are buying for and that your order will fit. Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Menards are all good places to buy many of these items. 4.5" Angle Grinder Flap Disc 40 Grit - 10 Pack

Soapstone: It’s a fireproof stone that comes in the shape of chalk like sticks that smiths can use to mark their work as they go. They aren’t very expensive and you can find them at just about any hardware store. Flat Soapstone Holder with 7 Flat Professional Quality Soapstone

Wire-brushes: These help us keep the metal clean and free of scale as we work it. We can wear them out rather quickly so we don’t usually turn our nose at them. Also readily available at most hardware stores. Steel Wire Brush

Sandpaper and Steel Wool: Also another item that seems to burn up faster than wood. Even though I have a grinder I still go through packs of 120, 220, 320, 400 and 600 grit sandpaper on a regular basis. I also use my fair share of steel wool, just make sure it’s #0000 Steel Wool #0000 Super Fine

Oils: We use oils for all kinds of things in our shops. From polishing wood to quenching knifes and sanding blades, oil helps us get the job done. Linseed is good for handles, mineral is good for quenching as is vegetable oil and even transmission fluid. Oil is good for darkening steel and giving it a rust protectant coating. Break-Free CLP-2 Cleaner Lubricant Preservative

SAFETY

Gloves: No elastic wrist bands, should be all leather. If married, order them some silicone rings so they are more likely to keep their fingers should a finger related accident occur.

Eye Protection: DEWALT DPG82-11 Concealer Clear Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle Get something shock rated, Face Shieldsare a great investment!

Respirators: 3M(TM) Half Facepiece Respirator Assembly 6291/07002(AAD), Medium, with 3M(TM) Particulate Filters 2091/07000(AAD), P100 Blacksmith air is dirty air. Give the gift of healthy lungs this Christmas.

[thuthu220100]

I recently moved into a new home. The kitchen features both a full-size refrigerator and a nearby under-the-counter space for a mini-fridge. At first, I wanted nothing to do with a mini-fridge. Two refrigerators—why?

I thought about filling the space with a bar cart. But then I saw this Frigidaire retro-inspired mini-fridge and I changed my mind about the bar cart. Now that I’ve had a mini-fridge for a few months, I’m never going back to storing food and beverages together again. My regular refrigerator has never been so clean, organized and spacious—and it’s all thanks to the mini-fridge.

What Is a Mini-Fridge?

A mini-fridge (sometimes called an under-the-counter refrigerator) is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a small version of the typical-sized refrigerator found in every American kitchen. The differences are the size, a smaller electricity cost and a freezer compartment—some mini-fridges don’t have freezer space (mine doesn’t). In my opinion, a mini-fridge is a chic way to store chilled beverages at the correct temperature, and away from the food you eat.

You might think mini-fridges are just for dorm rooms and overpriced fancy snacks in hotel rooms. Wrong! Mini-fridges have been popping up in interior design magazines and celebrity homes. Khloe Kardashian famously has two mini-fridges in her bedroom. One mini-fridge holds wine and rosé and the other houses almost every soda brand imaginable. (Goals.)

Mini-fridges come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors. The previous owners of my home had a glass-front mini-fridge they used to store and display wine. Larger stainless steel mini-fridges are popular for both beverages and operating as a chilled food overflow storage for parties and holidays. Some really small mini-fridges are meant to keep skincare products or medicine cold and organized. You can also find mini-fridges with small freezers if you want to keep extra ice on hand.

Of course, a mini-fridge doesn’t have to live in the kitchen. If you have an in-home bar, movie room or, heck, even a garage where everyone loves to gather—a mini-fridge is a no-brainer. No more running to the kitchen to keep everyone hydrated and happy.

Why I Love Using a Mini-Fridge

Initially, I bought the Frigidaire retro-inspired mini-fridge because of the cute aesthetic and space in my kitchen. But even if I move to a tiny studio apartment, I’m taking my mini-fridge with me. The main reason I love using a mini-fridge is how much space it has cleared up in my regular refrigerator.

Soda cans, sparkling water, wine and beer bottles take up a lot of premium refrigerator real estate. Now that I keep those beverages in the mini-fridge, I have space in my regular fridge to keep everything way more organized. There’s space for my huge salad spinner with freshly washed arugula, a lazy Susan filled with condiments and mason jars of cut veggies. I even added refrigerator bins to store hummus and salsa where I used to stack cans of sparkling water.

I love entertaining with the mini-fridge. Sending a guest to the small fridge for a beer is way less intimate than directing people into my food refrigerator. I keep the mini-fridge at a colder setting than my regular fridge. Temperature adjustment is convenient for getting rosé extra cold without impacting the cheese and leftovers in my regular fridge.

Another perk? It feels cleaner to keep bottles and cans stored separately from freshly washed berries.

Where to Buy a Mini-Fridge

Ready to join the mini-fridge club? Khloe Kardashian and I are here to welcome you! Mini-fridges of all shapes and sizes are available at big box stores like Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club and Costco. But I think ordering a mini-fridge from Amazon is easiest. (Who wants to put a mini-fridge in a shopping cart?) Just be sure to measure your space first, so you know the mini-fridge will fit. You’ll also need an accessible electrical outlet!

Frigidaire Retro Mini-Refrigerator

Homelabs Mini-Fridge

Cooluli Mini-Fridge

I have the Frigidaire Retro Mini-Refrigerator, because I love the matte black color and retro lines and handle. The interior has ample space for multiple sizes of bottles and cans and I like the adjustable thermostat.

The Homelabs mini-fridge is state-of-the art with a digital thermostat and space for 120 cans.

For a smaller mini-fridge, the Cooluli is ideal for stashing cold water next to the bed or on the bathroom vanity loaded with skincare products.

Shop Now

The post I Tried a Mini-Fridge and I’m Never Storing Beverages with Food Again appeared first on Taste of Home.

Nguồn: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/mini-fridge-review/ Xem thêm tại: https://thuthu220100.blogspot.com https://hocnauan.edu.vn Xem thêm tại: https://thuthu220100.tumblr.com https://hocnauan.edu.vn

[nprcrying]

Can you imagine being Brian Mann, reporter at North Country Public Radio, and arriving at a media outpost staffed almost entirely by high school juniors? I wonder if he felt, like I feel now, a nauseating sense of familiarity. How many steel-woven park benches, coated in green plastic, have I sat on? How many times have I eaten dry pretzels, chugged water out of flimsy Costco bottles, surrounded by peers in school-spirit T-shirts? I’m imagining being Brian Mann and getting out my kit, snapping photos with my camera, all the while resisting the urge to sit down at the table, flip past my Algebra II notes, and draw a political action plan on a fresh sheet of college-ruled paper. 

If Barthes is right and photographs have something called a studium and something called a punctum, the denotative meaning of the image and the place where it hits you, pierces you, the punctum for me is that small green triangle formed between the pink water bottle, the horizontal notebook, and the student’s pale braceleted arm. What if your friends were murdered and everyone, even the adults, knew that adults weren’t going to do anything, so you and your friends camped out on a picnic table? Maybe the same table where you had, just a few weeks ago, loitered there with a friend, not-secretly waiting for her crush to pass as he headed to ROTC? You don’t think he’s that cute, but it’s not worth arguing with her: once she gets it into her head that she likes a guy, that’s it, she’s obsessed. You guess, on second thought, that maybe he’s ok. Needs a haircut. What happened instead of the haircut is that he’s dead now, and you’re back at that picnic table, the same one where she’d idly scratched his initials into the bench’s plastic coating with an unbent paper clip. 

These tables are marketed, by the way, as recreational equipment; they’re meant for playgrounds. Of course this isn’t a playground. 

Brian Mann’s report includes, miraculously, this short mention of one kid doing push-ups on the grass. This is maybe the punctum of the audio for me, if such a thing exists. Of course this isn’t a playground, but what else do you do? Sometime you have to have a body. 

[delfinamaggiousa]

10 of the Best Prosecco Wines Under $20, Tasted and Ranked

Prosecco’s place at the brunch table is undisputed, but notions that Italy’s most famous sparkling wine should be confined to “bottomless” deals or diluted Mimosas are wildly misguided.

Produced using the Glera grape in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of northeastern Italy, Prosecco wines gain their fizz through the Charmat, or “tank,” method. The process sees a base wine fermented for a second time in stainless steel tanks — rather than in-bottle, as is the case for Champagne and Cava. This leads to refreshing, fruit-driven sparkling wines, which, at their best, serve surprising nuance and retail at bargain prices.

Following a tasting of multiple bottlings from more than 20 producers, a VinePair-led group of industry professionals deemed the following wines to offer the best value in the Prosecco category. Each bottle displays all of the above characteristics in abundance and, best of all, retails for less than $20.

Here are 10 of our favorite Prosecco wines right now, tasted and ranked.

10. Cantine Riondo Spago Nero Prosecco

This is a light and refreshing Prosecco with a faintly saccharine finish. Our panel was impressed by its handy screw-cap bottle, which doesn’t require drinkers to finish the wine in one sitting (perfect for next-day punch). To test its effervescence, we revisited a half-drunk bottle after leaving it in the fridge overnight: The wine fizzed when poured, though did lack some of the sprite on the palate of a freshly opened bottle. Average price: $13.

9. Zonin Cuvée 1821 Prosecco Spumante Brut

Zonin’s Cuvée 1821’s fresh, salty, “ocean water” notes had tasters calling out for food, with one panelist suggesting “Baja fish tacos” as an ideal accompaniment. The wine’s bubbles are playful and light and provide a pleasurable drinking experience. Average price: $13.

8. Cantine Maschio Prosecco Brut Treviso

Cantine Maschio’s Prosecco smells like a strawberry Mimosa and has a crisp and refreshing palate, with concentrated green-fruit flavors. This Prosecco registers on the drier end of the sweetness scale, and begs for small-plate appetizers. Average price: $12.

7. Lamberti Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry

Aromas of this wine start a little funky (“like cannabis,” according to one taster), then give way to pear, white flowers, and peach skins — all of which are classic tasting notes of the Glera grape. On the palate, it’s well-balanced and serves lemon zest flavors and a lasting chalky finish. Average price: $13.

6. Valdo Prosecco Brut

Upping the floral ante with an added brioche note, one taster described this wine’s aromas as akin to “walking into a florist that’s next door to a bakery.” Bracingly acidic with a crisp, dry finish, this bottle offers an affordable aperitif that will work well alongside a hearty meat and cheese board. Average price: $14.

5. Cavicchioli & Figli 1928 Prosecco Extra Dry

With racy acidity and a fine but intense mousse, this is an easy-drinking Prosecco that keeps you coming back for more. “I’d bring this to a dinner party and feel good about it,” one taster commented, while the attractive floral design on its label led another to declare it their “new Easter-brunch bottle.” Average price: $14.

4. Kirkland Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Nuanced and well-balanced, this sparkling wine (also one of VinePair’s favorite Costco wines) is reminiscent of tropical fruit, particularly pineapple. Its flavor profile starts slightly sweet, then leads to a pleasantly bitter finish. All panelists agreed: This Prosecco would shine in a Mimosa, but is more than capable of standing on its own. Average price: $10.

3. Bisol Desiderio Jeio Prosecco DOCG

Tasters were stunned by this Proscecco’s depth, with aromas that ranged from pears to green apple, honeysuckle, and lemon zest. Its delicate, earthy flavors and mineral-rich texture provide a complex palate, with panelists suggesting salami, lardo, or creamy citrus desserts as pairings. Average price: $18.

2. Mionetto Prosecco di Treviso Brut

Pineapple, mango, and grapes leapt from the nose of this aromatic Prosecco. Tasters described its palate as “grippy” and “really attractive,” and enjoyed the wine’s “fulfilling mousse.” You can find this bottle absolutely everywhere, but its ubiquity belies its high quality and complexity — it’s a gem hiding in plain sight. Average price: $13.

1. Bianca Vigna Prosecco Brut

Crisp, dry, and green- and citrus-driven on the nose, this bottle is ideal for those who enjoy the clean character of blanc de blancs Champagne, but are looking for a midweek option (possibly to pair with some seafood). It’s a sophisticated sparkling wine, served in a slender, pear-shaped bottle. If you see it on a brunch menu, be sure to tell your server to hold the orange juice! Average price: $16.

The article 10 of the Best Prosecco Wines Under $20, Tasted and Ranked appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/10-best-prosecco-under-20/

source https://vinology1.wordpress.com/2019/12/04/10-of-the-best-prosecco-wines-under-20-tasted-and-ranked/

[fashioneditswebsite]

Do all major fashion and beauty brands get their products from the same manufacturer?

Would you guess that competing athletic apparel brands Lululemon, Under Armor, and Athleta use the same factory? Or that Benefit, Mary Kay, Revlon, Sephora, E.L.F., and Laura Gellar source cosmetic brushes, eye masks, and compacts from the same factory? What does this mean for consumers? For clothing companies, This could mean a supplier is providing clothing of comparable quality to a pricey clothing line as it is to a major discount store. For beauty brands,  if you knew your $25 mascara came from the same source as a $2 drugstore mascara, would you think twice before buying? It would surprise most consumers to know that dozens of their favorite brands get their products from the very same factories. For more consumer takeaways, see Jungle Scout's brand new report exploring major retail brands and their global suppliers here. Jungle Scout is a SaaS company that helps people build businesses and sell products on Amazon. They support more than $1B of Amazon revenue.  Here are their findings;

Where do big brands get their products? (Spoiler: it might be from the same place)

Jungle Scout has a tool called  Supplier Database.  It gives Amazon sellers the ability to find global suppliers to manufacture their products from its massive database of all companies that import goods into the U.S. Using this search feature, you can enter in keywords, vendors, and even companies to find out where items come from. Which major brands share manufacturers? We also looked at other major global suppliers and some of the top brands that source products from them across several major product categories. What did we find out? Countless major brands actually share manufacturers. And not only do they share them with their competitors, but with significantly higher- or lower-end brands within their industry as well.  Check out the following examples, along with the critical new insights that can help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions: Product Category: Apparel Lululemon, Under Armour, Athleta, Land’s End, Duluth Trading Co., and Walmart source yoga pants, sports bras, and other exercise clothing from Eclat Textile Co Ltd. in Taiwan. Patagonia, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Mammut, and Puma source jackets, vests, parkas, and pants from Kwang Viet Garment Co Ltd. in Vietnam.Saks 5th Avenue, Lord and Taylor, Bass Pro Shop, Sears, Kmart, Primark, and Stage Stores (Stage, Peebles, Bealls, Goody’s, Gordmans, Palais Royal, and others) source t-shirts, pants, dresses, and more apparel from Norp Knit Industries in Bangladesh. Nordstrom, Old Navy, JCPenney, Bonobos, GAP, Ann Taylor, Marshalls, Uniqlo, Saks 5th Avenue, Lord and Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Land’s End, Banana Republic, and Joseph A Bank source sweaters, cardigans, dresses, tops, and other knitwear from South Asia Knitting Factory Ltd. in Hong Kong. What does this mean for consumers? While some brand groupings align based on product similarity (ie. exercise apparel from one supplier, or formal fashion wear from another), there is still a broad range of average price points for each brand from a single supplier. This could mean a supplier is providing clothing of comparable quality to a pricey clothing line as it is to a major discount store.Apparel manufacturers generally specialize by the material. They may purchase spandex/stretch exercise clothing from one source, cotton clothing from another, and knitwear from a third. However, many major apparel brands sell clothing made from many different materials. Therefore, the clothing lines are often produced in different factories all over the world. This raises quality control and design consistency challenges for many brands. Which major brands share manufacturers? We also looked at other major global suppliers, and some of the top brands that source products from them across several major product categories. What did we find out? Countless major brands actually share manufacturers. And not only do they share them with their competitors, but with significantly higher- or lower-end brands within their industry as well.  Check out the following examples, along with the critical new insights that can help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions: Product Category: Apparel Lululemon, Under Armour, Athleta, Land’s End, Duluth Trading Co., and Walmart source yoga pants, sports bras, and other exercise clothing from Eclat Textile Co Ltd. in Taiwan. Patagonia, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Mammut, and Puma source jackets, vests, parkas, and pants from Kwang Viet Garment Co Ltd. in Vietnam.Saks 5th Avenue, Lord and Taylor, Bass Pro Shop, Sears, Kmart, Primark, and Stage Stores (Stage, Peebles, Bealls, Goody’s, Gordmans, Palais Royal, and others) source t-shirts, pants, dresses, and more apparel from Norp Knit Industries in Bangladesh. Nordstrom, Old Navy, JCPenney, Bonobos, GAP, Ann Taylor, Marshalls, Uniqlo, Saks 5th Avenue, Lord and Taylor, Ralph Lauren, Land’s End, Banana Republic, and Joseph A Bank source sweaters, cardigans, dresses, tops, and other knitwear from South Asia Knitting Factory Ltd. in Hong Kong. What does this mean for consumers? While some brand groupings align based on product similarity (ie. exercise apparel from one supplier, or formal fashion wear from another), there is still a broad range of average price points for each brand from a single supplier. This could mean a supplier is providing clothing of comparable quality to a pricey clothing line as it is to a major discount store.Apparel manufacturers generally specialize by the material. They may purchase spandex/stretch exercise clothing from one source, cotton clothing from another, and knitwear from a third. However, many major apparel brands sell clothing made from many different materials. Therefore, the clothing lines are often produced in different factories all over the world. This raises quality control and design consistency challenges for many brands. Product Category: Consumer Electronics Apple and ASUS source personal computers from Tech-Com Shanghai Computer Co Ltd. in China.Apple, Polaris, Kingston Technology, and Corsair source computer mice and trackpads from Primax Electronics Ltd. in China.Bose, AKG/Harman (a Samsung company) source headphones from Gamma Inc. in Taiwan.Jem Accessories (Jemtronix), Emerge Technologies, and Uno Wireless source Bluetooth earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, virtual reality (VR) headsets, balance scooters, and Bluetooth selfie sticks from Shenzhen Tilv Technology Co Ltd. in China. What does this mean for consumers? When it comes to complex technology products like wireless/Bluetooth technology, or high-quality audio, manufacturers specialize. This means similar products — though sold by different brands — will often come from one of a few specific suppliers. Product Category: Beauty L’Oreal, Tarte, Pixi, and Markwins (which owns Physician’s Formula, Wet n Wild, and Bonne Belle brands) all source mascara, eyeliner, brow pencils and related products from Shanghai Beukay Cosmetics Co Ltd. in China.Estee Lauder, Shiseido, Coty Inc. (which owns Covergirl, Clairol, Rimmel, among others), Walgreens, and Boots source lipstick, lip gloss, eyeshadow, and concealer from Intercos Cosmetics Suzhou Co Ltd. in China.Benefit, Mary Kay, Revlon, Sephora, E.L.F., and Laura Gellar source cosmetic brushes, eye masks, and compacts from Beauty Yaurient Cosmetics Accessories Co Ltd. in China. What does this mean for consumers? Designer brands often source their cosmetic products from the same manufacturer as drugstore brands. If you knew your $25 mascara came from the same source as a $2 drugstore mascara, would you think twice before buying?Spoiler alert: Much of your makeup comes from China, not Paris or Milan as the brands’ advertising might suggest. Product Category: Toys & Baby Hasbro, Walmart, Gamestop, Amazon, Costco, Universal City Studios, and Tomy International source plastic toys, action figures, transformer toys, plush/stuffed toys, and tricycles from Gift Vietnam Co. Ltd. in Vietnam.Playmobil, Hasbro, Hallmark, and Crayola source plastic toys, electronic toys, toy cars, toy swords/lightsabers, and creative toys from forwarding Winsome Industries Ltd. in Hong Kong.Walt Disney World Resorts, Hasbro, Target, Build-a-Bear source stuffed/plush toys and apparel from Dream Mekong Co. Ltd. in Vietnam.SkipHop, Belly Buds, LILLEbaby Booginhead, source baby carriers, activity/play centers, stuffed toys, silicone parts, soothing speakers, and more from Germton Worldwide Co. Ltd. in Hong Kong.  What does this mean for consumers? Like other product categories, these suppliers specialize in certain materials such as plastic, plush, or electronic.  Other products: YETI, Camelbak, Hydro Flask, Starbucks, Rubbermaid, and Klean Kanteen source stainless steel water bottles, vacuum flasks, and insulated bottles from Zhejiang Haers Vacuum Containers in China. Whirlpool, Electrolux, Weber-Stephen Products LLC source grill and stove parts and grates from Jih Shin Enamel Co. Ltd. in Taiwan.Bosch and Black & Decker/DeWalt source drills from Zhejiang Burley Tools Co Ltd. in China.Away and Tumi source aluminum luggage and parts from Allied Winner Hk Ltd. in China. So why do brands share the same factories?  A supplier/manufacturer may specialize in certain materials and types of production, which could appeal to multiple brands. Some brands may also scope out their competitors and opt to use their manufacturer to create products of similar quality. Or, they may assume the supplier is trustworthy and affordable based on the fact that their competitors use them. However, it’s also possible that suppliers create higher quality products for certain customers. That, in turn, could allow those manufacturers to offer other clients savings on their own production, for items of slightly lower quality. That being said, without being directly involved in the manufacturing process for the companies involved in any given transaction, there is no way of knowing for sure the reasoning behind a brand’s choice in a supplier.  What does this mean for consumers? As a shopper, knowing that certain products and companies share vendors may either act as a bit of relief (“This product is as good as that expensive one — I made the right choice.”) or as a wakeup call (“Do I really need this more expensive product if the quality is essentially the same as the lower-cost brand’s?”)  After all, brand loyalty is decreasing among consumers, reports a 2019 Nielsen study. So why shouldn’t Target’s lower-cost clock beat Pier 1’s? Of course, it’s not always about price. Different brands offer different shopping experiences, customer service, or other benefits. Pier 1, for example, prioritizes merchandising their wares for home decoration specifically, working with interior designers to create a carefully curated store layout. Meanwhile, Target is an all-purpose store, offering far more than just housewares. It has robust online experience and a generous return policy.  What does it mean for Amazon sellers? What differentiates many products (if they come from the same manufacturer) is the experience the consumer has in purchasing and owning the product. But, because Amazon takes care of much of this process and experience (ie. what often makes a brand a brand), sellers struggle to present this differentiation. However, there are still plenty of opportunities for sellers to add value to their customers’ experience.  Brands can stand out from their competitors by using high-quality packaging, creating eye-catching and informative product listings, and providing responsive and friendly customer service. Overall, though, the biggest takeaway for Amazon sellers is that they can have their product manufactured by the same supplier as their biggest competitor (or major luxury brand) and use that to their advantage. Read the full article

[aveganstudies-blog]

✨ vegan study snacks ✨

hi fellow pals of the planet!! though not everyone is at a place in their life where they can transition to a fully vegan lifestyle, even reducing the amount of animal products in one’s diet is a step in the right direction! i wanted to come up with this list of study snacks for you all to show that pretty much all the best foods for a person to eat while studying are, in fact, vegan! here are some you should try out: 

apples and peanut butter (or any nut butter really!!) is a super simple snack that i see in tons of photos on here. plus, nut butters have tons of protein and healthy fats! 

popcorn trail mix! while this recipe suggests you pop your own popcorn, it would be just as easy to use pre-popped popcorn, i especially like this brand’s sea salt and kettle corn flavors

dried seaweed is also really good!! it’s a bit nostalgic to me bc i ate this a lot in elementary school. seaweed has low calories but delivers in protein, fiber, and iodine!!

dark chocolate!! always check the ingredients for this one because not all dark chocolate is dairy-free, but usually a higher cacao content correlates to no dairy. this snack is not only healthy for you (within reason), but a very yummy little snack during a long study session

smoothies!! these take a little more time, but are definitely worth it. i love berries so my favorite smoothie includes frozen berries, bananas, almond milk, non-dairy yogurt, and a tablespoon of flax seed oil (which you can’t taste at all even though it brings you your daily serving of omega-3 fatty acids). this recipe also looks great, and i think Dwight would approve 

i have yet to meet a vegan who doesn’t like hummus bc it goes so well with vegetables (i like it with baby carrots), crackers, pita chips–you name it! you could always make your own if you have the time!

this one may be more of a morning thing, but i love making oatmeal with chia seeds! i put dry oatmeal and chia into a pot, add some water, and let that come to a boil before turning down the heat and adding almond milk, brown sugar, and a butter substitute. this recipe works great if you like your oatmeal to be on the thicker side!

there are hundreds of no-bake energy balls/bars, but i would not recommend making these the night before a big test!! instead, make them on a weekend and have them handy for whenever you need a boost of protein.

frozen grapes are always good, especially during the summer time! 

kale chips are fantastic, but do cost a little if you don’t want to make them yourself. you can find them in practically any health food store now, and sometimes just regular supermarkets like costco! kale is one of my favorite vegetables because it tastes good with anything and delivers nutritionally

baked fries of any sort are a great option, but i would recommend sweet potatoes if you’re having a sweet craving and red potatoes (i like to bake with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika) if you want something savory. these do take a little longer, but they don’t require a ton of attention while they are in the oven 

chia berry jam is a great option, and this recipe is one of my favorites because it is super easy and admittedly fun to make! pair it with toast or maybe put it on some non-dairy yogurt 

remember to always drink water. this is not a snack idea, but more so a very strong suggestion!! try to go for a stainless steel or glass water bottle as they will last you longer than plastic bottles, making the cost worth it!

pls add any more suggestions that you have and let me know if this helped you or if you want a part two! veganism should not be hard, so pls send me any questions you have and try to keep a positive attitude!!❤️

[laraehrlich-blog]

Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

Led by the Plastic Free Foundation, Plastic Free July is a massive patch of plastic pollution in the ocean twice the size of the state of READ MORE:

Alternatives to Plastic Bags 

Free Water Bottles

Reusable Straws

Products Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles

Clothes Made From Recycled Plastic 

Eco Friendly Bags

Other Recycled Plastic Products

Products with Plastic Free Packaging

  S TO PLASTIC BAGS

Lotsa Style’s Plastic-Free Products

Lotsa Style line. Their broad range of plastic-free items not only helps reduce plastic use, but they also Reusable Beeswax Food Wrap, a brilliant alternative to cling wrap. Made from organic cotton and beeswax, the wrap is washable and works well for all kinds of foods.

We also loved their Reusable Silicone Food Bag, a sustainable version of the classic sandwich bag. These high-quality bags lock airtight, keeping food fresh and preventing leaks. It’s safe for microwaves and freezers, doesn’t hold odors, and (best of all) can be washed in the dishwasher.

But our favorite Lotsa Style products are their Wheat Straw Plates. They’re a green alternative to plastic plates, which we use for our family picnics at

Lunchbox’s 3-in-1 Splash Box

Lunchbox’s 3-in-1 Splash Box makes making lunch easy and eco-friendly. The 3-piece set is made from durable stainless steel, with leak-proof silicone lids. It’s both dishwasher- and oven-safe, which makes heating and cleaning up afterwards a breeze.

But the feature we like the most is how the 3 pieces (which hold a total of four cups of food) nest together. Once you’re done eating, the mini snack container fits inside the top container, with a silicone strap to hold it all together.

Lotus Trolley Bags

Lotus Trolley Bag is an awesome replacement for the mess of random tote bags we used to use when we went Large Club Cart version specifically sized for Costco, Sams, BJ Wholesale, etc. They make a great alternative to plastic bags for groceries!

EQPD LastBag

In an effort to eliminate single-use plastic bags, Eqpd (pronounced “equipped”) took it upon themselves to create the ultimate solution.

 The company is based in rural Twisp, Washington, in the Cascade READ MORE: The 40 Best Backpacks for Travelers

  FREE WATER BOTTLES

BINDLE BOTTLE

plastic pollution problem.

There are tons of free water bottles on the market, but the Bindle Bottle is noteworthy for its innovative twist.

Made from stainless steel, the bottle has a hidden waterproof, scent-proof storage compartment. It measures 3.2″ H x 2.75″ W, so it’s large enough to hold your cash, credit card, ID, and more.

The new 20 oz Slim version is small enough to fit in cupholders or on a bike rack, with dual-walled, vacuum-insulated construction to ensure your drink stays cold (or hot) for hours. 

Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle

Takeya are great for keeping cold liquids cold (up to 24 hours) or hot liquids hot (up to 12 hours). They’re available in either 24 oz or 40 oz sizes, and in a variety of colors.

Thanks to their insulated Spout Lid, the bottles allow for easy and controlled drinking, even with just one hand. The -free water bottles are easy to clean and safe to use, with no metallic aftertaste. 

The wide mouth allows ice to fit in, and the double powder coated exterior protects your hands from extreme hot and cold conditions. The removable silicone bumper also ensures fewer dents and bumps on the bottle’s exterior. We use ours literally every single day! 

LifeStraw Go

READ MORE: 60+ Cool Camping Gear Reviews

  STRAWS

Final Straw (Shark Butt Gray & Coral Cases)

FinalStraw has found an awesome answer to the world’s plastic straw problem, which has proven increasingly dangerous for READ MORE: 5 Rare Sharks Worth Saving

NaturalNeo Organic Bamboo Straws

READ MORE: Top Foods to Buy Organic (& When It’s Not Necessary)

  MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES

American Backcountry Bearly & Appalachian Trail T-Shirts

American Backcountry recently unveiled their newest line of T-shirts. The REPREVE shirts are made using recycled bottles, and each shirt contains up to seven plastic water bottles.

The T-shirts made from the REPREVE fabric are cotton tees, and so they don’t have the usual moisture-wicking properties of other American Backcountry products. However, they still feature the epic graphic designs.

American Backcountry prides itself in celebrating America’s public lands

, and these shirts help keep those public lands clean as well.

They’re also quite stylish, with the Bearly design reminding us of an adorable Black Bear family we recently photographed in

Waterlust’s Sun Kissed Sea Leggings & Rash Guard

Purchasing this matching set of “Sun Kissed Sea” leggings and rash guard from Waterlust will save up to 20 plastic bottles from the planet’s landfills/oceans!

Not only that, but 10% of the profits from your purchase are donated to University of Miami research on air-sea interaction.

The rash guard is made from 92% RPET, while the leggings are made from 86% RPET. They both have colorfully stunning ocean-inspired patterns, which are created using eco-friendly printing methods.

Both of the products provide 4-way stretch comfort and are quick-drying, breathable, and moisture-wicking. They also feature UPF 50+ sun protection, making this the perfect outfit for activities such as READ MORE: 10 Best Places to Scuba Diving (World Travel Bucket List)

Connor Airflow Outdoor Hat

Not many companies are as committed to the zero waste lifestyle as Conner Hats. Their products are handmade with organic and recycled materials, and their warehouses are all 100% solar-powered. They even use recycled paper tags and biodegradable packaging!

The Airflow Outdoor hat is a fantastic purchase for those who enjoy outdoor recreation such as READ MORE: The 2o Best Caribbean Islands to Visit

  MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC

Patagonia Men’s Cloud Ridge & Women’s Stretch Rainshadow Jackets

Patagonia clothing is always striving to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. They’ll help you move one step closer to plastic-free living with their new rain jacket styles, which are made from 100% recycled face fabric.

We’ve tried out two of these styles, the first being the Men’s Cloud Ridge jacket. The 3-layer recycled polyester shell is waterproof/breathable and offers next-to-skin comfort. This jacket is ideal for adventuring through humid tropical 

Orvis Flat Creek Tech Men’s Flannel

Orvis works hard to help with sustainable campaigns and making the planet a cleaner place. This is evident in their long-standing commitment to donating 5% of all pre-tax profits to  conservation

projects.

Now they’ve done even better with this eco-friendly flannel shirt for men. The shirt is made from recycled

Royal Robbins Jammer Knit Dress & Pants

Royal Robbins recently caught Mary’s eye with their Jammer Knit clothing range. Their dress and pants are both made from 79% RePET polyester, which is created using recycled PET plastic.

The dress features an internal shelf bra, princess seams for flattering shape, and a hidden side zipper pocket. It’s available in jet black, ink-blue floral print or asphalt floral print, and goes well as a casual outfit or dressed up for a day out. 

The jammer pants are comfy and offer the flexibility of leggings with the durability of hiking pants.

They are the perfect item for everything from lazing at home to exploring READ MORE: The Best Travel Clothes for Women & Men

Indigo Swimwear’s Olivia Top & Bottom in Jungle Tropic

The plastic bottle is the most common form of plastic pollution in the ocean. But Indigo Swimwear also recycles old fishing nets and other ocean waste into this sexy, sustainable swimsuit.

Made from NYL regenerated nylon, the Olivia bikini looks great, with its single shoulder crossover top, cheek-baring bottom, and lush tropical flower print.

It’s also great for the environment and READ MORE: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

  Costa Sunglasses Victoria & Baffin

Costa del Mar is a revolutionary line of sunglasses. The glasses’ frames are made completely from discarded fishing nets, and created to be fully recyclable.

Not only are these shades a sustainable product, but they’re helping to create a cycle of plastic reuse as well. The Bio-Resin raw material process is part of the company’s Kick Plastic initiative to Baffin for men and the Victoria for women.

The masculine, textured Baffin is named after the cold current that brings in the old, discarded fishing nets they used in creating these manly sunglasses. The curvier, sleeker Victoria gets its name from the port city in British Colombia.

Adidas Terrex Two Parley

Adidas created their Terrex Two Parley sneakers in collaboration with the Parley for the Oceans, a

Arbor Collective Foundation Shoes

These stylish shoes are created with Arbor’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and durability.

Each pair features reground rubber soles made from recycled materials, free-range and hormone-free leather lining, and all locally-sourced materials.

Designed for the active man, with a great blend of comfort, style, and performance, these shoes are the perfect companion for any journey. The responsive polyurethane sock liners help to keep your feet comfy all day long.

The classic lace-up look, combined with added premium details, allows these shoes to go well with almost any outfit. If you don’t want to “READ MORE: The Best Travel Shoes for Women & Men

  FRIENDLY BAGS

Camelbak Pivot Tote

Camelbak is one of the most eco friendly bags we’ve tested.

The 20-liter bag is made from 70% repurposed materials, and can quickly change from a tote to a backpack, with stowable straps.

It has lots of storage features, including a 15″ padded laptop pocket and a zippered side pocket big enough for water bottles. It comes in black, but of course we love the olive green color option!

Sand Cloud Ambassador Plus Bundle

You don’t have to be a Sand Cloud Ambassador bundle includes a two-toned laptop sleeve backpack, whale tail baseball hat, a reusable glass bottle that says “SAVE THE FISHIES,” a silver metal straw, two bamboo toothbrushes, and organic reef safe sunscreen.

Best of all, 10% of all profits are donated to NGOs, including Marine Conservation Institute, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Ocean Connecters, Surfrider Foundation, and more!

United By Blue 25L Rift Pack

United by Blue means you’re receiving a high-quality product, and contributing to cleaner oceans.

This is thanks to the company’s promise to remove one pound of trash from the ocean for every product bought from them.

Their 25L Rift Pack backpack is also made from 100% recycled polyester, making it an awesome buy for those looking to cut down on their plastic waste.

The bag is available in five stylish designs, all of which are lightweight enough to carry all day, and feature ample pockets and extra compartments. From everyday use to exploring the wild, this bag will become your new best adventure friend!

Tortuga Inner Backpack 35L

The Tortuga Setout backpack offers the space-saving convenience of rolling luggage with the practicality of a backpack. Now that convenience is combined with the added benefit of being eco-friendly.

While the brand is not well-known for eco-friendly products, they have recently joined the movement. Both the 35L and 45L Setout backpacks (which are available in navy and black) are now being made from recycled PET polyester.

This backpack offers a large compartment with space for clothing, as well as smaller sections for accessories and a safe compartment for your laptop.

Thanks to a suspension system that keeps the bag feeling lightweight on your back as you move, this is definitely one of the best backpacks for travel we’ve tested in 2019.

OGIO Alpha Convoy 520S Travel Bag

OGIO has created the ideal carry-on luggage.

Not only is CORDURA tougher than normal polyester, but it’s stain-resistant, tear-resistant, and more lightweight as well. Producing recycled polyester also helps to lower energy consumption and reduce waste, making this an all-round sustainable material.

The Alpha Convoy 520S is available in black, charcoal, and woodland camo. The bag is perfect as a carry-on, and complies with all international airline requirements.

The 4-wheel spinner offers a large primary storage space as well as numerous smaller pockets, allowing for convenient organization during your trip.

READ MORE: The Best Carry-on Luggage (Backpacks, Duffels & Rollers)

  RECYCLED PLASTIC

Jenga Ocean Game

Enjoy the fun side of zero-waste living and purchase this Jenga Ocean game from Bureo.

This new version of the longtime family-favorite game has been created using only recycled plastic, made from discarded fishing nets.

Each game contains over 25 square feet of recycled nets, which are all sourced through Bureo’s recycling program, Net Positiva. This translates to over 2 pounds of plastic fishing nets in each Jenga game sold.

The individual Jenga Ocean blocks all have cute ocean-inspired artwork, hand-drawn by artist Lake Buckley. From family game nights to barbeques with friends, there is never a bad time to bring out Jenga, especially when it helps contribute to a plastic free environment!

Tervis Tumblers Limited Edition

When you buy these reusable tumblers from Tervis, you’re joining the fight to protect our oceans. That’s because 100% of the tumbler’s proceeds (and no, that’s not a typo!) go towards organizations that work to protect the oceans.

The limited edition ocean-themed  tumblers are made from at least 50% recycled materials, and they are -free. With a choice of two charismatic marine animals– either a READ MORE: 10 Simple Wildlife Photography Tips

  WITH PLASTIC FREE PACKAGING

Unwrapped Life Shampoo & Conditioner bar

When you think about it, it’s incredible how much plastic there is in packaging the everyday items we all need. Plastic wrap, plastic bags, and plastic bottles have become so ubiquitous, it’s easy to forget how utterly unnecessary they are.

As their name implies, Unwrapped Life is a company dedicated to eliminating this unnecessary waste, offering hair care, toiletries, and household products free from plastic packaging.

The zero waste brand offers 7 different dry Shampoo & Conditioner Travel Sets, with names like the Balancer, the Detoxifier, and The Hydrator. Each bar is vegan (made with 100% essential oil), color-safe, and packaged in reusable tins in a compostable paper box.

The only downside of Unwrapped Life’s eco friendly products is that they’re a bit on the expensive side. The travel sets run $40 Canadian, which is about $30 US. 

However they should last around 50 to 75 washes, depending on hair length, which is the equivalent of two to three 16-ounce bottles of liquid shampoo and conditioner. 

READ READ: 10 DIY Natural Travel Toiletries & Personal Care Products

Repurpose Compostable Products

Repurpose Compostables’ wide range of compostable kitchenware is taking the plastic free world by storm.

Perfect for picnics and plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. They’re all made from sustainable plants, such as corn, sugar cane, and eucalyptus.

The bowls, plates, and cups are all designed to withstand food and beverages of varying temperatures (even hot  

The post 25 Awesome Plastic Free Products (for Plastic Free July & Beyond) appeared first on Green Global Travel.

[wineanddinosaur]

10 of the Best Prosecco Wines Under $20, Tasted and Ranked

Prosecco’s place at the brunch table is undisputed, but notions that Italy’s most famous sparkling wine should be confined to “bottomless” deals or diluted Mimosas are wildly misguided.

Produced using the Glera grape in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of northeastern Italy, Prosecco wines gain their fizz through the Charmat, or “tank,” method. The process sees a base wine fermented for a second time in stainless steel tanks — rather than in-bottle, as is the case for Champagne and Cava. This leads to refreshing, fruit-driven sparkling wines, which, at their best, serve surprising nuance and retail at bargain prices.

Following a tasting of multiple bottlings from more than 20 producers, a VinePair-led group of industry professionals deemed the following wines to offer the best value in the Prosecco category. Each bottle displays all of the above characteristics in abundance and, best of all, retails for less than $20.

Here are 10 of our favorite Prosecco wines right now, tasted and ranked.

10. Cantine Riondo Spago Nero Prosecco

This is a light and refreshing Prosecco with a faintly saccharine finish. Our panel was impressed by its handy screw-cap bottle, which doesn’t require drinkers to finish the wine in one sitting (perfect for next-day punch). To test its effervescence, we revisited a half-drunk bottle after leaving it in the fridge overnight: The wine fizzed when poured, though did lack some of the sprite on the palate of a freshly opened bottle. Average price: $13.

9. Zonin Cuvée 1821 Prosecco Spumante Brut

Zonin’s Cuvée 1821’s fresh, salty, “ocean water” notes had tasters calling out for food, with one panelist suggesting “Baja fish tacos” as an ideal accompaniment. The wine’s bubbles are playful and light and provide a pleasurable drinking experience. Average price: $13.

8. Cantine Maschio Prosecco Brut Treviso

Cantine Maschio’s Prosecco smells like a strawberry Mimosa and has a crisp and refreshing palate, with concentrated green-fruit flavors. This Prosecco registers on the drier end of the sweetness scale, and begs for small-plate appetizers. Average price: $12.

7. Lamberti Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry

Aromas of this wine start a little funky (“like cannabis,” according to one taster), then give way to pear, white flowers, and peach skins — all of which are classic tasting notes of the Glera grape. On the palate, it’s well-balanced and serves lemon zest flavors and a lasting chalky finish. Average price: $13.

6. Valdo Prosecco Brut

Upping the floral ante with an added brioche note, one taster described this wine’s aromas as akin to “walking into a florist that’s next door to a bakery.” Bracingly acidic with a crisp, dry finish, this bottle offers an affordable aperitif that will work well alongside a hearty meat and cheese board. Average price: $14.

5. Cavicchioli & Figli 1928 Prosecco Extra Dry

With racy acidity and a fine but intense mousse, this is an easy-drinking Prosecco that keeps you coming back for more. “I’d bring this to a dinner party and feel good about it,” one taster commented, while the attractive floral design on its label led another to declare it their “new Easter-brunch bottle.” Average price: $14.

4. Kirkland Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Nuanced and well-balanced, this sparkling wine (also one of VinePair’s favorite Costco wines) is reminiscent of tropical fruit, particularly pineapple. Its flavor profile starts slightly sweet, then leads to a pleasantly bitter finish. All panelists agreed: This Prosecco would shine in a Mimosa, but is more than capable of standing on its own. Average price: $10.

3. Bisol Desiderio Jeio Prosecco DOCG

Tasters were stunned by this Proscecco’s depth, with aromas that ranged from pears to green apple, honeysuckle, and lemon zest. Its delicate, earthy flavors and mineral-rich texture provide a complex palate, with panelists suggesting salami, lardo, or creamy citrus desserts as pairings. Average price: $18.

2. Mionetto Prosecco di Treviso Brut

Pineapple, mango, and grapes leapt from the nose of this aromatic Prosecco. Tasters described its palate as “grippy” and “really attractive,” and enjoyed the wine’s “fulfilling mousse.” You can find this bottle absolutely everywhere, but its ubiquity belies its high quality and complexity — it’s a gem hiding in plain sight. Average price: $13.

1. Bianca Vigna Prosecco Brut

Crisp, dry, and green- and citrus-driven on the nose, this bottle is ideal for those who enjoy the clean character of blanc de blancs Champagne, but are looking for a midweek option (possibly to pair with some seafood). It’s a sophisticated sparkling wine, served in a slender, pear-shaped bottle. If you see it on a brunch menu, be sure to tell your server to hold the orange juice! Average price: $16.

The article 10 of the Best Prosecco Wines Under $20, Tasted and Ranked appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/10-best-prosecco-under-20/

[isaiahrippinus]

10 of the Best Prosecco Wines Under $20, Tasted and Ranked

Prosecco’s place at the brunch table is undisputed, but notions that Italy’s most famous sparkling wine should be confined to “bottomless” deals or diluted Mimosas are wildly misguided.

Produced using the Glera grape in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of northeastern Italy, Prosecco wines gain their fizz through the Charmat, or “tank,” method. The process sees a base wine fermented for a second time in stainless steel tanks — rather than in-bottle, as is the case for Champagne and Cava. This leads to refreshing, fruit-driven sparkling wines, which, at their best, serve surprising nuance and retail at bargain prices.

Following a tasting of multiple bottlings from more than 20 producers, a VinePair-led group of industry professionals deemed the following wines to offer the best value in the Prosecco category. Each bottle displays all of the above characteristics in abundance and, best of all, retails for less than $20.

Here are 10 of our favorite Prosecco wines right now, tasted and ranked.

10. Cantine Riondo Spago Nero Prosecco

This is a light and refreshing Prosecco with a faintly saccharine finish. Our panel was impressed by its handy screw-cap bottle, which doesn’t require drinkers to finish the wine in one sitting (perfect for next-day punch). To test its effervescence, we revisited a half-drunk bottle after leaving it in the fridge overnight: The wine fizzed when poured, though did lack some of the sprite on the palate of a freshly opened bottle. Average price: $13.

9. Zonin Cuvée 1821 Prosecco Spumante Brut

Zonin’s Cuvée 1821’s fresh, salty, “ocean water” notes had tasters calling out for food, with one panelist suggesting “Baja fish tacos” as an ideal accompaniment. The wine’s bubbles are playful and light and provide a pleasurable drinking experience. Average price: $13.

8. Cantine Maschio Prosecco Brut Treviso

Cantine Maschio’s Prosecco smells like a strawberry Mimosa and has a crisp and refreshing palate, with concentrated green-fruit flavors. This Prosecco registers on the drier end of the sweetness scale, and begs for small-plate appetizers. Average price: $12.

7. Lamberti Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry

Aromas of this wine start a little funky (“like cannabis,” according to one taster), then give way to pear, white flowers, and peach skins — all of which are classic tasting notes of the Glera grape. On the palate, it’s well-balanced and serves lemon zest flavors and a lasting chalky finish. Average price: $13.

6. Valdo Prosecco Brut

Upping the floral ante with an added brioche note, one taster described this wine’s aromas as akin to “walking into a florist that’s next door to a bakery.” Bracingly acidic with a crisp, dry finish, this bottle offers an affordable aperitif that will work well alongside a hearty meat and cheese board. Average price: $14.

5. Cavicchioli & Figli 1928 Prosecco Extra Dry

With racy acidity and a fine but intense mousse, this is an easy-drinking Prosecco that keeps you coming back for more. “I’d bring this to a dinner party and feel good about it,” one taster commented, while the attractive floral design on its label led another to declare it their “new Easter-brunch bottle.” Average price: $14.

4. Kirkland Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Nuanced and well-balanced, this sparkling wine (also one of VinePair’s favorite Costco wines) is reminiscent of tropical fruit, particularly pineapple. Its flavor profile starts slightly sweet, then leads to a pleasantly bitter finish. All panelists agreed: This Prosecco would shine in a Mimosa, but is more than capable of standing on its own. Average price: $10.

3. Bisol Desiderio Jeio Prosecco DOCG

Tasters were stunned by this Proscecco’s depth, with aromas that ranged from pears to green apple, honeysuckle, and lemon zest. Its delicate, earthy flavors and mineral-rich texture provide a complex palate, with panelists suggesting salami, lardo, or creamy citrus desserts as pairings. Average price: $18.

2. Mionetto Prosecco di Treviso Brut

Pineapple, mango, and grapes leapt from the nose of this aromatic Prosecco. Tasters described its palate as “grippy” and “really attractive,” and enjoyed the wine’s “fulfilling mousse.” You can find this bottle absolutely everywhere, but its ubiquity belies its high quality and complexity — it’s a gem hiding in plain sight. Average price: $13.

1. Bianca Vigna Prosecco Brut

Crisp, dry, and green- and citrus-driven on the nose, this bottle is ideal for those who enjoy the clean character of blanc de blancs Champagne, but are looking for a midweek option (possibly to pair with some seafood). It’s a sophisticated sparkling wine, served in a slender, pear-shaped bottle. If you see it on a brunch menu, be sure to tell your server to hold the orange juice! Average price: $16.

The article 10 of the Best Prosecco Wines Under $20, Tasted and Ranked appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/10-best-prosecco-under-20/ source https://vinology1.tumblr.com/post/189471806974

[johnboothus]

10 of the Best Prosecco Wines Under $20 Tasted and Ranked

Prosecco’s place at the brunch table is undisputed, but notions that Italy’s most famous sparkling wine should be confined to “bottomless” deals or diluted Mimosas are wildly misguided.

Produced using the Glera grape in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of northeastern Italy, Prosecco wines gain their fizz through the Charmat, or “tank,” method. The process sees a base wine fermented for a second time in stainless steel tanks — rather than in-bottle, as is the case for Champagne and Cava. This leads to refreshing, fruit-driven sparkling wines, which, at their best, serve surprising nuance and retail at bargain prices.

Following a tasting of multiple bottlings from more than 20 producers, a VinePair-led group of industry professionals deemed the following wines to offer the best value in the Prosecco category. Each bottle displays all of the above characteristics in abundance and, best of all, retails for less than $20.

Here are 10 of our favorite Prosecco wines right now, tasted and ranked.

10. Cantine Riondo Spago Nero Prosecco

This is a light and refreshing Prosecco with a faintly saccharine finish. Our panel was impressed by its handy screw-cap bottle, which doesn’t require drinkers to finish the wine in one sitting (perfect for next-day punch). To test its effervescence, we revisited a half-drunk bottle after leaving it in the fridge overnight: The wine fizzed when poured, though did lack some of the sprite on the palate of a freshly opened bottle. Average price: $13.

9. Zonin Cuvée 1821 Prosecco Spumante Brut

Zonin’s Cuvée 1821’s fresh, salty, “ocean water” notes had tasters calling out for food, with one panelist suggesting “Baja fish tacos” as an ideal accompaniment. The wine’s bubbles are playful and light and provide a pleasurable drinking experience. Average price: $13.

8. Cantine Maschio Prosecco Brut Treviso

Cantine Maschio’s Prosecco smells like a strawberry Mimosa and has a crisp and refreshing palate, with concentrated green-fruit flavors. This Prosecco registers on the drier end of the sweetness scale, and begs for small-plate appetizers. Average price: $12.

7. Lamberti Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry

Aromas of this wine start a little funky (“like cannabis,” according to one taster), then give way to pear, white flowers, and peach skins — all of which are classic tasting notes of the Glera grape. On the palate, it’s well-balanced and serves lemon zest flavors and a lasting chalky finish. Average price: $13.

6. Valdo Prosecco Brut

Upping the floral ante with an added brioche note, one taster described this wine’s aromas as akin to “walking into a florist that’s next door to a bakery.” Bracingly acidic with a crisp, dry finish, this bottle offers an affordable aperitif that will work well alongside a hearty meat and cheese board. Average price: $14.

5. Cavicchioli & Figli 1928 Prosecco Extra Dry

With racy acidity and a fine but intense mousse, this is an easy-drinking Prosecco that keeps you coming back for more. “I’d bring this to a dinner party and feel good about it,” one taster commented, while the attractive floral design on its label led another to declare it their “new Easter-brunch bottle.” Average price: $14.

4. Kirkland Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Nuanced and well-balanced, this sparkling wine (also one of VinePair’s favorite Costco wines) is reminiscent of tropical fruit, particularly pineapple. Its flavor profile starts slightly sweet, then leads to a pleasantly bitter finish. All panelists agreed: This Prosecco would shine in a Mimosa, but is more than capable of standing on its own. Average price: $10.

3. Bisol Desiderio Jeio Prosecco DOCG

Tasters were stunned by this Proscecco’s depth, with aromas that ranged from pears to green apple, honeysuckle, and lemon zest. Its delicate, earthy flavors and mineral-rich texture provide a complex palate, with panelists suggesting salami, lardo, or creamy citrus desserts as pairings. Average price: $18.

2. Mionetto Prosecco di Treviso Brut

Pineapple, mango, and grapes leapt from the nose of this aromatic Prosecco. Tasters described its palate as “grippy” and “really attractive,” and enjoyed the wine’s “fulfilling mousse.” You can find this bottle absolutely everywhere, but its ubiquity belies its high quality and complexity — it’s a gem hiding in plain sight. Average price: $13.

1. Bianca Vigna Prosecco Brut

Crisp, dry, and green- and citrus-driven on the nose, this bottle is ideal for those who enjoy the clean character of blanc de blancs Champagne, but are looking for a midweek option (possibly to pair with some seafood). It’s a sophisticated sparkling wine, served in a slender, pear-shaped bottle. If you see it on a brunch menu, be sure to tell your server to hold the orange juice! Average price: $16.

The article 10 of the Best Prosecco Wines Under $20, Tasted and Ranked appeared first on VinePair.

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