Massage is a great way to bond, relax, and soothe.  Evidence supports that it’s an effective way to release oxytocin, the “love drug” in both the massage giver and receiver.  Emotionally this leads to greater feelings of reconciliation, cooperation, and acceptance.  If you get the chance to give a massage to a loved one, take advantage because many of the physiological benefits will come to both of you.

Professional massage therapist Sharrel Paul gave us some tips on how to make a back massage effective and enjoyable. Continue reading →

Time for tea! Let’s be a part of the elegant, time-old ritual of drinking hot tea.

Care for a spot of tea?  Second only to water in worldwide volume consumed each year and dating back to 1500 BC, drinking tea is a timeless tradition that’s worth participating in.  There’s more to this soothing beverage than tea parties and fancy cups, and being aware of what you’re ordering, what its effects will be, and what taste you’re in for can considerably raise the enjoyment you get while sipping it.  We’ll take a crash course through some tea history and characteristics and then get down to the business of knowing how to pronounce and order different varieties like an old pro. Continue reading →

“Having a rum time”

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum! Rum Day is upon us! I’ve been finding out about alcoholidays just a smidge too late to properly celebrate, but I caught this one in time. So, start planning your festivities! On August 16, we will be commemorating the 348th anniversary of the establishment of the first Colonial American rum distillery on National Rum Day.

Here is your guide to ordering, drinking, and talking about the celebrated beverage: Continue reading →

These fascinating facts can come in handy when you’re out at the 100-handle pub.  You won’t have to ask what kind of beer you might like. By knowing the basics of beer, you can have a general idea of what a beer will taste like before you sip it.  Also, having some tried and true drinks will make you feel confident when you order, and knowing some tasty more obscure beers will make you a clutch addition to any pub crawl. Continue reading →

Knotting a Necktie: This can’t be as hard as I’m making it…

What a Sharp Dressing Guy!

Let’s help him with the final touch… I’m sure at some point tying our shoes must have seemed like just as much of a puzzle.  Let’s go with the windsor knot, as that seems to be the most popular.   Remember, when you are facing him with the short end of the tie on the right and the long on the left, it as an over-under-up sandwich: Continue reading →