Josh Kilmer-Purcell's Blog, page 60
December 11, 2013
Ice, Ice Baby
I believe that ice is the most important ingredient in a well-crafted cocktail. Just imagine this scenario. You go to your favorite cocktail lounge; the bartender is making crafted cocktails. The first thing that you notice is the amount of tiny cubes he is putting in the drinks. It would appear that the glasses are filled to the brim with this frozen substance possessing neither form nor shape. The bartender adds liquor to this rapidly melting material. It appears that the entire glass is filled with liquor. You say to yourself, they sure pour a nice drink here. WRONG! What they are actually doing is filling your glass with water!
The ice melts so quickly giving the impression that the bartender filled you glass up with booze. Nothing could be further from the truth. What the bartender has done is fool you, making money for the house and surreptitiously given you the impression that your glass actually has something in it other than cold water and chips of ice. Maybe what you really have is just a waste of your hard earned money?
May I please suggest changing your ice? My little friend Klaus is around here somewhere. He suggests going to the store in Massachusetts named the Boston Shaker. They will help you with this dilemma. The Boston Shaker recently held a book signing for my new book, Apothecary Cocktails, Restoratives from Yesterday and Today. While Klaus and I were there making hot buttered rum, I had the chance to gaze wistfully over their well-stocked shop. There were many different items there for freezing perfect ice.
You can buy rounds or squares. They come in many varieties of sizes. May I suggest the 2×2 inch trays for your ice? Why should you care?
You see, when you use refrigerator ice, it often comes out chopped into small bits. Dilution takes place nearly immediately. This is unacceptable. I believe when your ice stays solid, hardly any dilution takes place. Your drink stays cold, yet it doesn’t dilute- at least it doesn’t turn to water quickly! When your ice stays solid, your money doesn’t turn to water as rapidly in your system. Thus you get your money’s worth.
Another example of superb design in gourmet hand-crafted ice is Glace Ice, made by my friend Roberto Sequeira. He has designed and implemented a truly gourmet ice cube that you can purchase already frozen. His brilliant product gives your cocktails that one-of-a kind, light catching look. There really is nothing I have seen in ice that is of this high quality, unless you make it yourself.
I continue to state and have gone on record to say that Roberto’s “Glace” ice is the best ice that money can buy. It’s not inexpensive, but the best things in the world are rarely cheap.
If you put one of the Glace rounds in a glass and poured a mere strand of Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey over the top in your hand cut crystal glass, I think you’d be greatly rewarded. Let me let you into a little secret. If you like rye whiskey, and who doesn’t, may I suggest Catoctin Creek Organic Roundstone Rye? It’s brilliant over one of Roberto’s Ice Squares. Just shimmering. Did I tell you it’s organic? Yes. This small batch, handcrafted spirit is one of a very few rye whiskies that are made with all organically grown ingredients. I like that and try to tell people about my passion for craft spirits when I can.
The Soused Gnome Gift Guide
Tuthilltown up in New York State also garners my attention during the Holiday Season. Their Half Moon Bay Gin distilled from local apples and wheat is so perfectly balanced that using mixers may not be necessary. Up in Vermont I’ve discovered a salubrious Maple Cream liqueur that has got me actually telling others about it. Vermont Ice Maple Crème Liqueur got my attention and a place in the fridge. Vermouth is hot this year and I have three, no four recommendations. I love from Channing Daughter’s in Long Island’s wine country their seasonally made VerVino. Each bottling exemplifies what is fresh in the woods and fields that surround the winery. Bianca Miraglia is out in the wild, hand-gathering herbs, spices and woodland secrets for her vermouths. It’s as if she captures her dreams into each bottle of Uncouth Vermouth. Perhaps the woodland fairies have offered their enlightenment to her.
Vya Vermouth from Portland, Oregon is making expressive products that are equal or greater than most of the vermouth coming out of Europe. I love the use of Oregon wine in the richly textured slurps of American passion and ingenuity.
Atsby Vermouth is also from New York.
There are two varieties that Atsby proudly produces. One is named Armadillo Cake and the other is named Amberthorn. The Armadillo Cake reminds me of the high quality, Italian made sweet vermouth named Carpano Antica. The Amberthorn is just far out stuff and my tasting notes are all over the road every time I try it. Drip a bit over a glass filled with Casa Noble Reposado Tequila. Warn the neighbors if you should shout out loud! Atsby Vermouth is heady on its own or mixed into a way-out Manhattan-style cocktail made with Busted Barrel Dark Rum from New Jersey.
New Jersey you say? Yes. There is rum being made again in New Jersey. And it tastes smoother and richer than some rum that I tasted from the Caribbean islands. It’s made one drop at a time in hand made stills located just off the West Essex airport. The building that the distillery resides was used to build aircraft during WW2. There is a very historic feel to the place and the handcrafted rum.
Vodka is on most people’s minds this holiday and the raw honey distilled vodka from Barr Hill in Vermont is the best vodka I’ve ever tried. Not because it tastes like water, far from. This is vodka that allows me to retrace my roots. Each sip is a revelation of terroir. There is nothing else like it on the market. And their gin is gushing with botanicals, all in perfect balance to the locally gathered raw honey. If you mix this gin with anything more than air (or a cube of hand cut ice) you’ll have Klaus over to your house in a skinny minute! Do not use corn syrup tonic water in this one. Bad things will happen!
Try finding tonic syrup like Jack Rudy from Charleston, SC. Or Tomr’s Tonic syrup from good old New Jersey works. What I like to do is use tonic syrup and seltzer with a pinch of fleur du sel at the end. Finally I can make a great G&T. Barr Hill Gin, handmade tonic syrup, Perrier Sparkling water. I’m in heaven.
Klaus will never forget. He never does. Throw out that corn syrup tonic water now!
I’m not really a Scotch drinker, but if you can find a Japanese Whisky you should try some. Perhaps you’ve found a smoked American Whiskey? Did you know that the domestically produced whiskies are overtaking the Scots at their own game? Add to the new whiskies that are being distilled in India. These are gorgeous examples of Scottish know-how being produced craft style on the other side of the globe?
Are you looking for cordials? Pur Likor is making a lush and memorable Blood Orange and Spice liqueur. Find it.
Fruitations in Massachusetts has both a cranberry and a tangerine syrup that should change the way you look at sweeteners.
My bet is on Royal Rose Three Chili syrup. Try it with Arrogante Tequila!
Bitters? Just try something other than the usual and experiment!
I know Klaus would love to see that!
Happy Xmas and Happy New Year!
…and Cheers to All!
5 Beautiful Things
My Favourite Christmas Albums
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without music. All those carols and merry tunes that we grew up with still give the holiday season that extra coating of yuletide joy. I’ve selected five of my favourite Christmas albums with a link to one song from each to give you a taste of what the music sounds like. Happy listening!
ANNIE LENNOX: A CHRISTMAS CORNUCOPIA (2010)
This former Eurythmic was born on Christmas Day in Scotland in 1954 and has always had an affinity for this special time of year. In her liner notes she makes a point to say that she intended the album to be a celebration of all children and the magic they bring to the world, which is why each of the Christmas songs makes reference to baby Jesus. There is also an original composition on the album called Universal Child that unifies this message. Many of the songs are recorded with a children’s choir from South Africa, adding a very modern choral depth to the traditional carols. The songs have a unique mix of English Victorian opulence and pared down simplicity, which is really lovely. Listen here to The First Noel.
SARAH McLACHLAN: WINTERSONG (2006)
An album of traditional Christmas songs mixed with original work, Wintersong is a beautiful, lush album that perfectly showcases Sarah McLachlan’s gorgeous voice. Producer Pierre Marchand blurs the borders with ambient sound effects, distorted guitars, and subtle echoes to create a distilled, crystalline beauty that perfectly captures the essence of winter. While a bit on the melancholy side, the album is no less beautiful, conjuring thoughtful images of Christmases past and hope for Christmases to come. Listen here to Wintersong, one of Sarah’s original compositions on the album.
MARIAH CAREY: MERRY CHRISTMAS (1994)
Mariah Carey’s first Christmas album is a classic that will never go out of style! It’s fun, upbeat, campy and everything you’d expect from this exceptional pop singer. It is actually the only Maria Carey album that I like from start to finish and it has a special place in my heart because of all the times I used to listen to it with friends on the bus ride to school. Whenever All I Want For Christmas Is You came on the radio in the car, I would always ask my parents to crank up the volume. It’s bubblegum Christmas pop of the finest quality!
ELLA FITZGERALD: A SWINGING CHRISTMAS (1960)
Ella brings her legendary jazz vocals to some of the best-loved Christmas carols, reinterpreted and re-orchestrated with a full jazz band to be swingin’ and hoppin’! The album was recorded on a single hot July day in 1960, and that heat is definitely present in Ella’s bombastic voice. The album makes me think of grand ballrooms festooned with silver baubles, white Christmas trees and tuxedoed gentlemen all of whom want to dance with ME while Ella serenades us in some gorgeous, lustrous gown. Listen to Sleigh Ride from the album.
ENYA: CHRISTMAS SECRETS (2006)
Ethereal and icy like the season itself, Enya’s little Christmas EP is one I often listen to late at night during the holiday season. Known for her layered vocals that float over seamless soundscapes of aural bliss, the Irish singer delivers a stunning collection of six simple songs that nicely encapsulate the spirit of the season. Her takes on O Come All Ye Faithful, We Wish You A Merry Christmas along with her own Christmas Secrets and Magic Of The Night will lead you happily into a winter Dreamland.
Lost Photos from Early Sharon Springs Christmas Festivals
December 10, 2013
Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! Day 18
Wednesday, December 11th
Give yourself a pat on the back and get ready for another great workout! Today’s workout has one of my favorite leg exercises—the squat jump. Remember to keep good form. If you can’t make it to the max number of reps, just do as many as you can while maintaining good form. You should however start to notice that you can do more reps than you did during the first few weeks on the program.
Each workout is designed to last 30 minutes and is developed so each individual can exercise at his or her own pace. Each exercise should be performed to failure—when you feel as though you can’t complete even one more rep—or to the max number of reps listed. For example if the exercise is squat jumps and lists a max of 50 reps, you should do as many reps as possible up to 50. If you complete 10 reps and find that you can’t do another rep while maintaining good form, then simply move on to the next exercise. If you can complete all 50 with good form, do so and then move to the next exercise.
If you get through all 5 exercises in less than 30 minutes (which should be the case), repeat the cycle until the 30 minutes is up.
Please note: Before adopting any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician.
Today’s full-body, calorie-burning workout:
Exercise 1: Side Plank (Perform to failure or max 2 minutes each side)
Exercise 2: Squat Jumps (Perform to Failure or max 50 reps)
Exercise 3: Pulse Ups (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)
Exercise 4: Arm Pulses (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)
Exercise 5: Side Kick Squats (Perform to failure or max 30 reps each leg)
A detailed description and accompanying photo is provided for each exercise below.
Exercise 1: Side Plank (Perform to failure or max 2 minutes each side)
How to do it: Lie on your right side. Place one foot on top of the other. Prop yourself up onto your right arm and raise your hips until your body is in a straight line from your ankles to your head. Extend your left arm toward the ceiling. Gaze slightly up toward your raised hand and hold. Repeat on opposite side. Note: for a slightly easier exercise, rest on your forearm.
Exercise 2: Squat Jumps (Perform to Failure or max 50 reps)
How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and arms behind your head. Squat down with knees parallel to the floor. Don’t bend below parallel. Jump up as high as you can while keeping your core tight. Lower back down to your squat position as you land.
Exercise 3: Pulse Ups (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)
How to do it: Lie flat on your back with your arms tucked slightly under your hips with palms facing down. Bring your legs up to form a 90-degree angle as if you’re trying to put the soles of your feet on the ceiling. Pulse you hips directly upward without rocking your legs. (Your legs should remain at a 90-degree angle.) Bring your hips back down and immediately repeat.
Exercise 4: Arm Pulses (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)
How to do it: Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Place your arms out to your side and parallel to the ground. Face your palms up. Quickly pulse your arms up and down – raising and lowering no more than a few inches. Do 50 reps or until you can’t do any more. Turn your palms facing down and do 50 more reps. Repeat palms up and palms down for 50 more reps each for a total of 100 reps with palms up and 100 reps with palms down.
Exercise 5: Side Kick Squats (Perform to failure or max 30 reps each leg)
How to do it: Stand with legs hip width apart. Lower to squat position. Thighs parallel to the ground. Extend your right leg as you stand up. Lower your leg back down as you return to the squat position. Repeat on the same leg for entire series of reps. Switch legs and repeat.
I hope you enjoy today’s workout. Please share your feedback with me by commenting below.
About the Author:
Dawna Stone is a health, fitness, and wellness expert. Her new book, Healthy You!: 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You is available on Amazon.com. To find out more about Dawna or to view her Healthy Living videos, tips and recipes, go to dawnastone.com
An American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Health Coach, Stone has contributed health and wellness articles to numerous newspapers and magazines. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, and her master’s degree from UCLA. An avid runner and Ironman triathlete, she lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide helpful and informative material and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any health condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician before adopting a new eating or exercise regimen. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence of reading this information or participating in the exercises suggested in this material.
Copyright © 2013 by Dawna Stone
December 9, 2013
Elements of Holiday Majick
Dmitri Mendeleev is generally credited with the publication of the first widely recognized periodic table in 1869. He developed his table to illustrate periodic trends in the properties of the then-known elements.
But what is not commonly known is that he based the lay-out of his now-famous table on the Alchemists’ Periodic Table of the Elements of Holiday Majick.
Over the hundreds of years since its inception many of the properties of the Elements have been forgotten or lost, and we are going to need your help in re-discovering holiday majick!
Each day on our Facebook page we’ll post a new Element and let you come up with the best story of its properties. At the end of the day, the story that is best will be included in the slideshow below in the “Official New Modern Version of the Alchemists’ Periodic Table of the Elements of Holiday Majick.”
You’ll go down in hi-stoor-reeeee (at least the Beekman version of it)
The Alchemists of Beekman 1802 discovered Zirconium quite by chance when they accidentally dropped a snow globe depicting the village of Sharon Springs onto the laboratory floor, smashing it to pieces. The lab was quickly awash in a shimmering glow, similar to the twinkles one sees across the surface of the landscape when awaking to new snowfall on Christmas morning. Previously these sparkles were thought to be diamond chips dispersed from passing zeppelins. But after further testing, these snow sparkles were ascertained to be Zirconium molecules, which form when sunlight strikes the Indian Ocean at a 32 degree angle. These Zirconium molecules evaporate into the sky and are swept across the globe by typhoons, until they are finally shaken free by the vibration of reindeer hooves on the clouds.
Do you need more majick in your life? Check out everything we have to offer in the Beekman 1802 Mercantile. Click here
December 8, 2013
Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! Day 17
Monday, December 9th
George Lucas once said, “You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.” When the holidays near, this is how I often feel about exercise. We get so busy that our normal fitness routine often becomes the first thing to fall off the schedule. Just put one foot in front of the other and make your workout a priority. Not only will you continue to reap the benefits of exercise, but your workout can also help you relieve some of the holiday stress.
Today’s full-body routine has a little more emphasis on cardio than some of the prior sessions. The push-ups, clap jacks and side-to-side jumps will help you burn even more calories.
Each workout is designed to last 30 minutes and is developed so each individual can exercise at his or her own pace. Each exercise should be performed to failure—when you feel as though you can’t complete even one more rep—or to the max number of reps listed. For example if the exercise is squat jumps and lists a max of 50 reps, you should do as many reps as possible up to 50. If you complete 10 reps and find that you can’t do another rep while maintaining good form, then simply move on to the next exercise. If you can complete all 50 with good form, do so and then move to the next exercise.
If you get through all 5 exercises in less than 30 minutes (which should be the case), repeat the cycle until the 30 minutes is up.
Please note: Before adopting any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician.
Today’s full-body, calorie-burning workout:
Exercise 1: Single Let Squats (Perform to Failure or max 20 reps each side)
Exercise 2: Standard Push-Ups (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)
Exercise 3: Clap Jacks (Perform to failure or max 100 quick reps)
Exercise 4: Side-to-Side Jumps (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)
Exercise 5: Crunches (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)
A detailed description and accompanying photo is provided for each exercise below.
Exercise 1: Single Leg Squats (Perform to Failure or max 20 reps each side)
How to do it: Stand with feet hip width apart. Raise your arms out in front of you so they are parallel with the floor. Slowly lift your right leg straight out in front of you as high as you can. With all your weight on your left leg, slowly squat down. Push back up and repeat without bringing your raised leg to the floor. Do all reps on one leg and then repeat with the opposite leg. Note: How low you can go will depend not only on strength but also on balance. If you can squat down so your thigh is parallel to the ground, do so. For most of us this will be difficult. Squat as far as you can while still maintaining your balance. If you still find the exercise you can hold onto a chair for extra balance.
Exercise 2: Exercise: Standard Push Ups (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)
How to do it: Lie on your stomach. Place your palms flat on the floor shoulder width apart. Push up off the ground so your arms are fully extended and you’re on your toes. Keep your back flat and engage your core. While maintaining a flat back, lower yourself down until your chest almost touches the floor. Push yourself back up by fully extending your arms.
Exercise 3: Clap Jacks (Perform to failure or max 100 quick reps)
How to do it: Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Place your arms out to your side and parallel to the ground. Jump your feet out wide while clapping your hands in front of you. Jump feet back to shoulder and return arms out to the side. Repeat.
Exercise 4: Side-to-Side Jumps (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)
How to do it: Stand with your feet hip width apart. Bend your knees and jump to the side landing with soft knees and on both feet at the same time. Alternate sides as quickly as possible while still maintaining good form. Note: Pretending you are jumping over an object will make the exercise easier and often makes you jump higher.
Exercise 5: Crunches (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)
How to do it: Lie on your back. Place your arms behind your head. Bend your knees and plant your feet on the floor. Tighten your core. Exhale as you slowly curl your head and shoulders off the floor. Your lower back should remain on the floor. Inhale and slowly bring your head and shoulders back down to the floor. Note: do not pull on your neck with your arms. Allow your abdominal muscles to raise and lower your head and shoulders.
I hope you enjoy today’s workout. Please share your feedback with me by commenting below.
About the Author:
Dawna Stone is a health, fitness, and wellness expert. Her new book, Healthy You!: 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You is available on Amazon.com. To find out more about Dawna or to view her Healthy Living videos, tips and recipes, go to dawnastone.com
An American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Health Coach, Stone has contributed health and wellness articles to numerous newspapers and magazines. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, and her master’s degree from UCLA. An avid runner and Ironman triathlete, she lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide helpful and informative material and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any health condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician before adopting a new eating or exercise regimen. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence of reading this information or participating in the exercises suggested in this material.
Copyright © 2013 by Dawna Stone
Swedish Christmas Crackers
Our friend and neighbor, Catarina Lundgren Aström, wrote the definitive book on Swedish Christmas traditions and she’s allowed us to share one of the traditional holiday crafts from her book. Christmas Crackers are easy to make and great for a snowy winter afternoon with family and friends.
To make the Christmas Cracker pictured above:
Take at least two different colors of tissue paper cut in 16 inch squares and place them on top of one another
Cut strips in the paper about 8 inches long and 1/4 inch wide
Fold down the uncut edge forming a lip that is then glued down to hold the papers together
It this point you can place small candies, money, or small toys on the paper
Then roll the paper and glue the last edge to hold into place
Give the cracker a little shake to mix up the cut strips. Decorate with a cut out from an old Christmas card or wrapping paper, attaching a loop of thread to the back of the cutout for hanging
To make a double version of the cracker:
Take at least two squares of tissue paper measuring 18 x 18 inches and place them on top of one another
Cut strips about 6 inches long and 1/4 inch in width along both sides
Fold over the straight edges to hold the papers together
At this point you can place in small treats and gifts
Roll up the tissue paper into a tube
Tie a ribbon around one end and across to the other for handing the cracker
Decorate with cut-outs
For more traditional and easy-to-follow recipes and crafts from the Swedish traditions, check out Carol’s book, Swedish Christmas in America. Click here
December 5, 2013
Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! Day 16
Friday, December 6th
You are well past the halfway point in the “Have Your Cake and Eat it Too” workout series. If you’ve done every workout as scheduled, you should be seeing some positive changes in your body—tighter ads, firmer glutes, more defined shoulders and arms, etc. I hope you are feeling great about the changes you’re seeing!
Keep up the good work!
Today’s workout is a challenging one! If you’ve never done Burpees before, just do your best. Perform as many reps as you can while maintaining good form. Don’t worry if you can’t get to the max 15 reps—just do as many as you can. This workout will definitely have you ending the week on a positive note!
Today’s workout is designed to last 30 minutes and is developed so each individual can exercise at his or her own pace. Each exercise should be performed to failure—when you feel as though you can’t complete even one more rep—or to the max number of reps listed. For example if the exercise is squat jumps and lists a max of 50 reps, you should do as many reps as possible up to 50. If you complete 10 reps and find that you can’t do another rep while maintaining good form, then simply move on to the next exercise. If you can complete all 50 with good form, do so and then move to the next exercise.
If you get through all 5 exercises in less than 30 minutes (which should be the case), repeat the cycle until the 30 minutes is up.
Please note: Before adopting any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician.
Today’s full-body, calorie-burning workout:
Exercise 1: Burpees (Perform to failure or max 15 reps)
Exercise 2: Crunches (Perform to Failure or max 50 reps)
Exercise 3: Side Leg Lifts (Perform to failure or max 30 reps per side)
Exercise 4: Split Jump Squats (Perform to failure or max 20 reps each side)
Exercise 5: Standard Push Ups (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)
A detailed description and accompanying photo is provided for each exercise below.
Exercise 1: Burpees (Perform to failure or max 15 reps)
How to do it: Squat with your hands on the ground in front of you. Jump your feet back to plank (or push up) position. Jump your feet back under you to the squat position. Immediately jump up as high as you can with your hands straight over your head. Repeat. Note: if you want to make the move even more difficult, you can perform a push up when you are in the plank position.
Exercise 2: Crunches (Perform to Failure or max 50 reps)
How to do it: Lie on your back. Place your arms behind your head. Bend your knees and plant your feet on the floor. Tighten your core. Exhale as you slowly curl your head and shoulders off the floor. Your lower back should remain on the floor. Inhale and slowly bring your head and shoulders back down to the floor. Note: do not pull on your neck with your arms. Allow your abdominal muscles to raise and lower your head and shoulders.
Exercise 3: Side Leg Lifts (Perform to failure or max 30 reps per side)
How to do it: Lie on your right side with your right arm at a 90-degree angle supporting your head. Place your left palm on the floor in front of you. Bend your bottom leg slightly. Lift your top leg to 45-degrees and then lower just before you touch your bottom leg. Lift and lower your top leg for the entire series of reps. Repeat on your left side.
Exercise 4: Split Jump Squats (Perform to failure or max 20 reps each side)
How to do it: Stand with your right foot out in front of you with thigh parallel to the ground. Your back leg should be bent and your knee should be a few inches off the ground. Jump up and quickly switch legs in mid air so that your left leg is now in front and your right leg is now in back. Bend your legs as you land so that your back knee nearly touches the ground. Continue to quickly alternate legs. Note: keep your back straight throughout the exercise.
Exercise 5: Standard Push Ups (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)
How to do it: Lie on your stomach. Place your palms flat on the floor shoulder width apart. Push up off the ground so your arms are fully extended and you’re on your toes. Keep your back flat and engage your core. While maintaining a flat back, lower yourself down until your chest almost touches the floor. Push yourself back up by fully extending your arms.
I hope you enjoy today’s workout. Please share your feedback with me by commenting below.
About the Author:
Dawna Stone is a health, fitness, and wellness expert. Her new book, Healthy You!: 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You is available on Amazon.com. To find out more about Dawna or to view her Healthy Living videos, tips and recipes, go to dawnastone.com
An American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Health Coach, Stone has contributed health and wellness articles to numerous newspapers and magazines. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, and her master’s degree from UCLA. An avid runner and Ironman triathlete, she lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide helpful and informative material and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any health condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician before adopting a new eating or exercise regimen. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence of reading this information or participating in the exercises suggested in this material.
Copyright © 2013 by Dawna Stone
Mercantile Majick
Each year at the Beekman 1802 Mercantile in tiny Sharon Springs, NY, we try to bring the holiday theatrics that you typically see in big city department stores to our one-stop-light Main Street.
This year, our holiday theme is The Alchemy of Christmas.
Alchemy is an influential philosophical tradition dating back to the 15th century whose practitioners have, from antiquity, claimed it to be the precursor to profound powers. The defining objectives of alchemy are varied, but historically have typically included one or more of the following goals: the creation of the fabled philosopher’s stone; the ability to transform base metals into the noble metals (gold or silver); and development of an elixir of life, which would confer youth and longevity. Alchemy is recognized as a proto-science that contributed to the development of modern chemistry and medicine.
There’s a certain resourceful to everything we do and every product we design at Beekman 1802. Instead of waiting for a commercial or jingle to bring us the Spirit of Christmas, we take matters into our own hands. We create our own holiday “majick”. We’re holiday alchemists.
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The holiday majick only works until Jan 1, then it all disappears.
To shop from the Beekman 1802 Holiday Mercantile online, click here
5 Beautiful Things
Everyday Extraordinary
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of elevating the every day object to new levels of interest. Part of the goal of this column, in fact, is to enable others to see the beauty that exists around them, or to encourage curiousity to seek it out. For photographer Sam Kaplan, a commercial still-life photographer, making the every day object extraordinary is his raison d’etre – not to mention his full-time job. Kaplan has made an art out of visually presenting food and ordinary materials that we encounter in our lives in ways that are highly stylized and modern. From chewing gum to Pringles potato chips, Kaplan composes his photographs using minimalistic, repetitious layouts that strip the object to its very essence. Kaplan has photographed for just about every popular magazine in the United States but here are five examples of his work. Click here to visit his website and learn more about his work.
