The best low or non alcoholic drinks 2023

Hey readers, 

Are you attempting to cut back on alcohol but unsure where to begin? Do not be alarmed; the market for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages has never been more alluring.

If you enjoy sipping on a cold beverage but want to avoid the worst hangovers, detrimental effects on your mental health, and consuming infinite calories, there are many fantastic solutions available. 

Discover the health advantages of abstaining from alcohol and some of the tastiest drinks available by reading on.

1. Lucky Saint (0.5%).

 

This extremely low-alcohol beer is a multi-award winner, and I can see who is precisely why it tastes exactly like the real thing. 

I've never been a big beer drinker, but this has changed my mind. My husband has occasionally preferred a Lucky Saint over a regular lager. A strong ten.

2. Shorebreak 330ml (0%).

One of the best examples of hazy pale ales is Shorebreak from Cornwall's Firebrand brewery, which is cloudy, intensely hopped, and less bitter. 

It has a luscious mango sweetness from the American Simcoe, Citra, and Cascade hops that pair nicely with Thai curry and a sorbet. 

This beer has tiny frothy sparkle and is nearly more like juice. It is nicer because it prefers to be consumed cold.

3. Brewdog Hazy Jane AF (0%).

This Brewdog Hazy Jane is yet another popular alcohol-free option, building on the success of Punk AF. 

It has a light fizz reminiscent of kombucha and is heavy on tropical fruit (think mango and passionfruit). In other words, there are tonnes of flavours without any alcohol.

4. Caleno Dark & Spicy Non-Alcoholic Spirit (0%).

 Caleno, which contains zero sugar, won over our panel with its robust tropical fruit flavour and addition of toasted pineapple, coconut, cardamom, and ginger.

 For a positive twist on the Dark & Stormy, we suggest topping it with premium ginger beer and a splash of lime.

5. Lyre's non-alcoholic Amaretto (0%).

This creative company did a fantastic job at re-creating amaretto without alcohol. Sweet, almondy, abundant flavour. 

This would be a beautiful way to end dinner or to add to cocktails if it was well chilled.

6. Belle & Co Sparkling Rose Alcohol-Free Wine (0%).

You shouldn't let a minor inconvenience like Dry January stop you if your standard operating procedure is to drink rose all day. 

With its sparkling rose alcohol-free wine created from unfermented grapes and green tea, Belle & Co. provides a delectable escape. 

With only 22cal in every 100ml, it's a fantastic option for dieters as well.

What do you think about my list?  Have to try any?  Do you recommend any names that I haven't mentioned above?  

Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

6 kitchen gadgets you didn't know you needed

Hey readers, 

The kitchen serves as a haven for exploration. It's where happy endings to late nights are found, and childhood memories are created. The kitchen is, in other words, the centre and soul of the house.

If the kitchen is your favourite room, you probably have a few appliances to go along with the simmering pots and the butter, oil, and garlic aromas. While a decent food processor will always be helpful, we're focusing on less well-known items that are nonetheless potent at mealtime.

See my top 6  kitchen gadgets you didn't know you needed below.

1. A handheld soap dispenser brush. 

Using a handheld soap dispenser brush is more enjoyable than using one of those flat sponges. Press the top button to release the liquid soap, then scrub away with the brush facing downward.

2. Kitchen Gizmo Pot Strainer.

 

Every time you prepare pasta or other items that require straining, there is no need to store, locate, and wash a large colander. You can use any pot, pan, or bowl that may connect to the Strain Pot Strainer. This silicone filter is simple to store and dishwasher safe.

3. Kitchen Sponge Holder. 

 

Okay, aside from being lovely, this doesn't do anything outstanding. This silly, entertaining, and helpful tool will make doing the dishes more enjoyable. The sponge can drain and dry appropriately because the bottom is an open grid.

4. Tomorrow's Kitchen Silicone Utensil Rest. 

A utensil rest that can accommodate more than one is necessary when preparing several dishes. The Tomorrow's Kitchen Silicone Utensil Rest helps you keep flavours and sauces separate (and off the counter).

5. Angry Mama Microwave Oven Cleaner. 

There is something incredibly irritating about cleaning a microwave. Food gets baked on, there are so many crevices, and it always seems clean. But keep hope: This little kitchen tool can remove all the grime from your microwave's walls and doors with water and vinegar.

Add vinegar and water to the "Angry Mama" body before attaching her head. Any baked-on food or oil will become softer as steam escapes from the holes in her head.

6. 8-in-1 kitchen tool. 

You're looking at a measuring cup, can opener, juicer, grater, egg cracker, shredder, and funnel. We would love to see a more durable multi-purpose cooking tool!

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 22/01/2023

 

Jack frost came to play this week ❄ 

How to recharge on your day off.

Hey readers,  

Everybody anticipates their days off. We look forward to having a day off, whether a weekend, personal day, or vacation, and we count down the minutes.

 Unfortunately, vacation days sometimes fall short of our expectations. Have you ever left work feeling drained and harried, more eager to take a break than ready to take on the day's new challenges? To learn some advice and activities to recharge on your day off, continue reading.

1. Make your bed.

 

After moving into my apartment this past fall, I had fresh bed linens, an early wake-up time, and a headboard for the first time in years. Given that I left my bed in the same tattered heap it was in when I got up, why was I treating my space like a college dorm room?

I've made a conscious effort over the past few months to make my bed as soon as I wake up. I've never developed a habit for which I am more grateful at the end of the day.

Making my bed is one of the quickest tasks as it doesn't take long. All I have to do is make sure the quilt and pillows are puffed up and straight on my bed. 

 Although it initially appeared absurd, who will check my room when I'm gone all day? Making your bed when you get home helps you feel better after work. 

Now, instead of being distracted and excessively irritated by an untidy atmosphere when I return home from a long day at work, I can enter my room and feel put together.

 Making your bed in the morning might help you start the day off feeling focused and orderly.

2. Get ahead. 

Use your additional day to catch up on work, housekeeping, errands, paperwork, doctor's appointments, haircuts, manicures, and other obligations before taking a break. 

Long-term stress reduction will result from it, and you'll feel more productive and self-assured in the near term. Using your day to get ahead is always a good idea in the long run—you'll thank yourself later, provided you are not exhausted.

3. Go for a walk.  

Take a stroll through your neighbourhood, the park, a garden, or any other tranquil area nearby. Walking is terrific exercise and a great way to unwind and reflect.

4. Take some time offline. 

Consider this: when was the last time you went a whole day without using the internet? That entails avoiding work-related emails, social media, messaging, and applications.

 For many of us, the internet permeates every aspect of our lives. And even if it is beneficial to feel connected and current, it also means that you can only partially unplug.

So why not disconnect from the internet? You should entirely cut yourself off from the internet on your next day off. 

Turn off your Wi-Fi, put your phone in aeroplane mode, and block all temptations from the internet from your line of sight.

 Instead, focus on offline hobbies like reading or creative pursuits like drawing.

5. Watch your stimulant and alcohol use. 

We frequently turn to caffeine or alcohol when worn out, stressed out, at ease, or celebrating.

 While most individuals will agree that enjoying things in moderation is acceptable, 

overindulging can eventually result in health problems. If you're feeling lethargic and reaching for your fourth coffee of the day, a glass of water, a quick walk, or some sleep will better treat the underlying issue.

What do you find helpful to recharge on a day off? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X 

Things to never forget as a mum!

Hey readers,

Since becoming a parent, there are specific guidelines I have learnt along the way to make my life that little smoother and calmer in my household. Here are some lessons that I have learnt along the way.

1. When you see a low dosage of squash which is one of your child's favourites, and they won't drink anything else, but then you find out one day you have to have some in, so you have to rush out to find a shop close to you that may cost a lot more than a supermarket. 

Always ensure you have the right squash in because I can guarantee they will refuse to drink it if you get the wrong flavoured squash. 

2. You always need to ensure you have baked beans in the house as a safety backup if dinner goes wrong. Coincidently one of the situations that have happened to me numerous times, so I learnt the hard way!

3. Make sure your little darlings have been to the toilet before leaving anywhere. I bet that 5 minutes after you have left anywhere, they will need the same bathroom. 

4. Going away, forget backup clothing. Make sure you have something like a toy to occupy your child in the awful hours of the evening.

5. Make sure you have charged the tablet, phone, or Nintendo Switch because I can not stomach another meltdown because one of the electrical devices has died in the middle of a game or something equivalent.

6. Make sure you do not allow their nanny to give your kids sugar immediately. 

Always make sure you hide the sugar and distribute it sensibly, so the kids don't crawl up the wall in about ten minutes to have them deal with the comedown.

7. Since my boys have developed into their person, NEVER EVER get two different toys for treats.

 Very important if you have two children of similar ages to get the same items. It saves tears and arguments and is generally less hair-pulling for you as an adult.

8. If you can not commit to something for your child, don't say anything to them.

9. Never get anxious about anything parent related or trying to get your child to do anything because let's face it, bribing will always be your friend.

10. To get the other partner to do anything when you can not bother, paint your nails and let them know it is their turn to make tea or get a child drink etc. I can confirm that it works a treat every time.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 15/01/2023

 

And just like that the tree is gone until December! 

Ways to respond when someone says they have depression.

Hey readers, 

You will likely come into contact with someone who battles depression at some point.

. 

If a friend or member of your family has opened up to you about their depression, you probably want to know how you can support them. 

When someone opens up to you about their mental health, responding constructively is crucial because depression is a severe illness.

We're here to assist by demonstrating how to react when someone discloses they have depression. Do you wish to discuss it? When you're ready.

1. I'll be here.

Although you can't make someone talk, letting them know you're there for them can make them feel supported.

You should remark you've noticed they're having a hard time, and you're available if they want to talk if they haven't been open with you about their melancholy. 

If you merely ask them, "Are you OK?" they may already be accustomed to acting fine and say, "I'm fine."

Tell them you'll be there for them when they're ready to chat if they're not ready right away.

 They might consider your offer and come to you when they are struggling and need someone to discuss their issues.

2. Offer a silent embrace or hug.

Silence is a vital tool that may acknowledge the gravity of a situation without adding to it. 

Hugging or holding their hand might be a soothing act if you have a close relationship with someone.

 Sometimes, nothing more than your presence not your words is required.

3. Take as much time as necessary. 

Even seemingly simple things can feel daunting to someone experiencing severe depression or simply in a terrible mood. 

Even simple tasks like cooking or taking a shower may seem overwhelming, especially in the morning. 

Giving them more time to do these duties is a good idea because many people with depression experience mood improvements as the day draw to a close.

4. Try to have these discussions face-to-face.

Although it's acceptable to have these chats over the phone or via text, speaking in person is much more helpful.

So much is lost through texting in terms of tone and harshness. You could suggest they pick up the phone if someone texts you and admits they're depressed. As previously mentioned, you could also call them right away. 

Feeling burdensome is a sign of depression, so even if someone wants to talk on the phone, they might hold off because they don't want to feel like an imposition.

Alternatively, reply to their SMS with a statement that you care about them and are open to a face-to-face conversation.

What suggestions would you give to speak to someone with depression?

 Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

 

Cheers for reading x