Unleash Your Inner Mixologist: Crafting Vodka at Home

For those with an adventurous spirit and a passion for the art of spirits, creating your own vodka can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. Embracing the world of home distillation allows you to delve into the captivating process of crafting vodka tailored to your taste. Here’s your ultimate guide to becoming an alchemist in your own kitchen and concocting your very own homemade vodka.

Step 1: Choosing the Base Ingredients

While traditional grains like wheat, rye, or barley offer classic choices, don’t shy away from exploring unconventional options like corn or potatoes. Each ingredient imparts its unique flavor and character to the final concoction, so let your creativity guide your choice.

Step 2: Mashing for Fermentation

To extract the fermentable sugars from your chosen base, it’s time to prepare the mash. Grains need to be milled to expose their starches, while potatoes require thorough washing, peeling, and mashing. Once prepared, add hot water to the mixture, allowing enzymes to work their magic and convert the starches into fermentable sugars.

Step 3: Embrace the Magic of Fermentation

Transfer your mash to a fermentation vessel, and introduce yeast into the mix. Watch in awe as the yeast converts the sugars into alcohol through the enchanting process of fermentation. Keep a close eye on the process to ensure everything unfolds harmoniously.

Step 4: The Art of Distillation

Distillation is the transformative moment in vodka crafting. Add the fermented mash to a still and initiate heating and condensation to separate the alcohol from unwanted impurities. The raw vodka you obtain during this process sets the stage for refining the spirit.

Step 5: Polishing with Filtration

Refinement is achieved through filtration. Pass the raw vodka through activated carbon filters or other suitable media to rid it of any lingering impurities. Multiple filtrations may be needed to achieve the desired level of clarity and clarity.

Step 6: Personalization and Optional Aging

This is where the true alchemy lies – it’s time to personalize your vodka and make it truly your own. Experiment with different flavors and infusions, embracing the opportunity to create a unique signature blend. You can also choose to age your vodka in oak barrels or incorporate flavoring agents for added depth and complexity.

Step 7: Bottling Your Masterpiece

With your vodka finely crafted, it’s time for the grand finale – bottling your masterpiece. Use clean, sterilized bottles, ensuring a secure seal to preserve the integrity of your creation. Allow your vodka to rest for a few days, giving it time to settle and mature before sharing it with friends or savoring it solo.

As you embark on your homemade vodka adventure, remember to savor each moment, for this journey of craftsmanship and experimentation will surely awaken the mixologist within. And if you seek inspiration from renowned artisans, look no further than NEFT Vodka. With its award-winning taste, NEFT Vodka is a testament to using only the finest ingredients, including sustainably-sourced spring water from the Austrian Alps and non-GMO rye grains. NEFT Vodka is a true masterpiece born from the art of cutting-edge vodka distillation.

How a Mindset of Creating Abundance Helps Athletes Get in the Zone

Article by Zhang Xinyue of Create Abundance.

Have you ever heard athletes talking about “getting in the zone”? “The zone” is usually a colloquial term for experiencing the flow state, in which they experience supreme, almost automatic focus. Their movements feel almost effortless and subconscious. Time and their surroundings seem to fade away as they play with joy, focused only on the present.

This mental state is known by several different names. In Zen and Japanese martial arts, it is known as mushin. Practitioners of these disciplines are taught that the key to experiencing this state of mind is abandoning thoughts of fear, ego, and anger. Like many other skills in sports, athletes can reach this state of mind through training and practice.

By learning to create abundance through positive thoughts, mindfulness, and meditation, athletes can make it easier to enter the flow state and improve their performance during games. Entering this state of mind allows athletes to play with joy instead of fear, not allowing stressors to undermine their mental strength during the most difficult moments of a game.

Sports are supposed to be an enjoyable activity. In a hyper-competitive atmosphere, that joy is often replaced with fear, pressure, and a desire to prove you are better than your opponent. Don’t let these stressors distract you from achieving your full potential on the field or court. Add meditation on positive thoughts and abundance to your training regimen so that you are well equipped for the intensity of competition. The challenges of competition will feel like child’s play to you when you can play with joy and without overthinking your movements.

Zhang Xinyue is the author of the book Create Abundance. The book is a collection of Teacher Zhang Xinyue’s words of wisdom concerning body-mind-spirit cultivation. Originally published in 2012, it has remained a best seller. It has been translated to numerous languages.

Sports Psychologists Agree That Meditation Works

Meditation is one of the latest new tools used by sports doctors. They say it can completely change an athlete’s performance. The science behind meditation is simple. An individual finds a quiet, relaxing spot and then shuts out the whole world for a few minutes each day.

Sports psychologists recommend that you begin with 5 minutes each day that is totally devoted to meditation. While some training can certainly help, it is possible to watch a video or read an article and get the instructions you need. Where most people will require some help is the deep breathing exercises.

Author and teacher, Zhang Xinyue, has written a book called Create Abundance that offers wise advice to athletes:

“Fame and wealth are nothing but a fruit of positive energy. What does your inventory of positive energy contain?”

Meditation requires you to focus completely on your breathing. As you become more adept at this, you will begin to see how beneficial it can be to allow yourself this space and time to rest your body and mind. For athletes who have sustained injuries, this can be an important tool to relieving pain. Much research has been completed in this area and it is clear that humans have a great deal more power in their minds than they realize.

Your mind can be directed to relieve pain in your muscles. You can focus your thoughts on becoming a better athlete.

Zhang Xinyue has many great quotes from her book:

“Be profoundly grateful, discover miracles, dig deep into your selfhood, and praise the High Spirit! This is the secret about abundance.”

Can Mistakes Be Useful in Creating an Abundance Mindset

Article provided by Zhang Xinyue of Create Abundance

Every journey has its good moments and its bad ones. Whether you’re headed out on a nice vacation or down to the hardware store, you may encounter all types of situations. How do you deal with rude clerks and highway traffic?

Responding to Delays

Your journey to success is like that. You’ll discover some pitfalls along the way. There will be many distractions, roadblocks and rainy days, but keep a good attitude and you’re way ahead of the game. You can’t always count on blue skies and smooth sailing. These obstacles can either make or break you. They will work to build up your character or reveal that you aren’t really ready for success.

Most of us make mistakes along the way, but the true winners never give up on their dreams. You can become one of those too. It’s not hard. It just takes a commitment to grow, to learn everything you can from mistakes and failures. It takes a willingness to admit when you’re wrong and find the courage to apologize when you’ve hurt someone.

You Can Make a Difference

Human beings are much more powerful than they realize. These days, it’s so easy to get lost in the crowd and forget how much of a difference you could make with your life … if you only would. We all have dreams in our hearts. We dream of being a successful soccer player, business owner, an inventor, a writer or an entrepreneur. But we just don’t believe in ourselves enough to take that first step.

Make up your mind today that you’ll find a way to reignite your dreams. You’ll find something you are passionate about and make a difference in your world.

With many years as a well-known spiritualist leader and teacher in her field, Zhang Xinyue is known for a variety of achievements. Her creation of the Abundance system aims to promote a meaningful and straight forward approach to life’s philosophical issues. In 2012 she wrote her best-selling book Create Abundance. The book is a collection of quotes containing words of wisdom on how to develop body-mind-spirit cultivation.

Her book was released initially in Chinese, but it is also available in English and other languages now. A second version of the book has also recently been released.

Want to Learn the Secrets to a Powerful Mindset?

Article by Zhang Xinyue of Create Abundance

When we think about the high achieving athletes of the world, we find that most of them have something in common. If we could learn anything from these soccer, football and basketball pros, then we could definitely improve our own game.

Whether your game is in sports, finance, real estate or investing, it takes so much to stay ahead of the game most days. So let’s look at some of the characteristics of successful athletes. Once we know what makes them high achievers, we can incorporate that into our own lifestyles and beat out the competition.

A new book called, Elite Minds: How Winners Think Differently to Create a Competitive Edge and Maximize Success written by Dr. Beecham contains some fascinating information about successful people.

Regardless of their profession, Dr. Beecham says that the most important trait that highly successful people share is that they love their work. They’re not just playing football, soccer or basketball for the money or the fame. They love what they do. They bring a certain enthusiasm to the game that’s infectious.

When you watch children playing baseball or soccer in the street, you see that enthusiasm and enjoyment. Those kids are having fun. That gives them the competitive advantage. They’re not thinking about stats, workouts, money, fame or what their friends might think. It’s that absence of thought and care that causes them to have so much fun whether they win or lose.

When we can learn to approach our own life and profession with that kind of enthusiasm and true joy, we’ll find that deals are easier to close. We win more than we lose. And we enjoy playing.

Create Abundance 创造丰盛 is a book written by Zhang Xinyue. With her years of being a famous spiritualist leader and teacher, Zhang Xinyue is known for various achievements. She is very well-known worldwide as a body-mind-spirit tutor, a spiritual therapist, and the founder of Abundance Psychology. In 2012 she wrote her best-selling book Create Abundance. The book is a collection of quotes containing words of wisdom on how to develop body-mind-spirit cultivation. Her book was originally released in Chinese, but it is also available in English and other languages now. A second version of the book has also recently been released.

How Your Dog Can Enhance the Intensity of Your Workouts

Summary: The physical ability of dogs can actually work hand-in-hand with your workouts for a great cardio session.

Stuck trying to figure out how to add some creative flair to your workouts? Why not take your dog out for a long run. Remember, dogs really are man’s best friend, and they can also be a fantastic running partner as well. They’re agile, quick, and have an immense amount of stamina.

How to Amp Up Your Workouts With Your Furry Friend

Now, it might sound like common sense but in order to lose weight and be healthy, running is a much quicker, and efficient way. And, if you’re not much of a power walker, have your dog lead the way. It’s safe to say that while you’re running on your own, you’re likely to have any resistance pulling you forward, in a sense. Your dog, when taken out, will look to burst forward with incredible speed, lugging you forward. They might want to explore new spots find great spots to pee or just want to sprint for no particular reason.

As you might already know, the average recommended physical activity requirements of 150 minutes per week might not be doable when it’s all said and done. But, with the help of your dog, you could easily surpass this by a long stroll around the city blocks or around a park. With so many different breeding establishments out there, why not choose a breed you’ve always wanted as your next fitness buddy. The choices are endless and they all bring a wide array of benefits not only for your physical well-being but in regards to companionship as well.

Blog submitted by Iron King Kennels. When it comes to pitbull breeding, Iron King Kennels can help find you the right pitbull for you and your family. Give them a call or visit them online today.

What’s Hot Now – Casual Must Haves for Fall 2017

Are you wondering how to look great this fall, whether you’re out with friends, enjoying date night, or simply getting outside to enjoy a day of perfect fall weather? Changing temperatures make fall the perfect season for layers, says Dev Randhawa. Try a chunky knit sweater, a versatile vest, or utility jacket. Layering pieces in colors like ivory, gray, navy or olive will probably work with quite a bit you already have in your closet – and you simply can’t go wrong with red this fall.

Another great casual option is colored denim – you’ve probably been seeing shades of olive, wine-inspired reds, and a whole range of neutrals from light beige/natural to darker shades of camel and tan. You can enjoy all the comfort and versatility of your favorite pair of jeans without feeling stuck in the rut of only wearing blue jeans and sweaters.

Menswear-inspired plaids were all over the runways this spring and seem to be unavoidable this season – a plaid button-up shirt can be a great layering piece, but fun plaids are appearing in all kinds of other places as well. Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma collection featured a giant plaid puffer, preppy plaid miniskirts and dresses, and even plaid sneakers and plaid-lined boots.

The cold-shoulder trend shows no sign of going away soon. You can update your look by layering your tops with vests, or trying them with skinny jeans and ankle booties. In terms of boots and booties, there is something for everyone this year. Heights range from ankle to sky high – the slouchier, the better. There are glittery, space-age versions, and even cowboy boots are back! There’s so much beauty to enjoy this season – don’t hesitate to indulge in something beautiful for yourself.

The pros and cons of buying a new vs. used RV

Summary: There is no clear winner when it comes to buying a new RV either used or new, just different trade-offs.

Are you considering buying a new camper? The argument about buying new versus used has both its ups and downs. Unlike buying a new car, even new campers come with their share of problems. Here is a look at the pros and cons of both approaches:

USED RV:

PROS

A used RV will be less expensive. The price difference might justify the costs you will need to incur on small repairs and replacements.
The issues and kinks have been worked out by the previous owners.
If the RV is your home then sending it away to the dealer for repairs for long periods of time can be problematic, so in this case not having a warranty is a good thing.

CONS

The primary drawback is the lack of warranty, although you can sign up for a post-warranty maintenance However, this only applies to those who don’t maintain the RV themselves.
Another issue is that there might be problems that the previous owner did not disclose at the point of sale.
There will also be some initial costs for replacements. Items like mattresses, cushions, and upholstery might need replacement based on wear and tear.

NEW RV:

PROS

It’s new, and everything has a fresh duty cycle.
You will control the history and upkeep of the RV.

CONS

A new RV does not necessarily mean that it will not have problems. There are kinks in all RV’s that you will need to work out.
The usefulness of the warranty will depend on the dealer and the amount of coverage you get.

Written by The Foam Factory. Outfit your RV with the best foam mattresses and camper cushions.

Items Every Man Should Own

Being a man is more than just watching sports, grilling, and drinking beer. Men are the hunters and gatherers of our society. They are the able-bodied laborers who build things, fix things, and design the blueprints of our cities. According to Dev Ranhawa, as the pioneers of our species, there are certain items that every man should own whether he thinks he’ll need them or not.

A Passport

A passport is an essential item if you plan on traveling. Even if you never leave the country, it can still be used as a valid form of photo identification for most government agencies.

A Multipurpose Tool

Whether you need to cut a rope or tighten a screw, a multipurpose tool is a life-saving essential item that every man should own.

Work Gloves

Even if you’re a leader in the business world who owns a closet full of 3-piece suits, you will undoubtedly engage in some chore or hobby that requires a pair of heavy-duty work gloves. Buy a pair.

Hiking Boots

Sometimes a man just needs to get out into nature and explore. Always keep a pair of hiking boots in your closet just in case you need an impromptu escape into the great outdoors.

A Car Jack

If you own a car, rest assured it’s going to break down on you at some point. You should always have a car jack stashed safely in the trunk of your car along with other tools necessary to service your vehicle should it encounter mechanical issues.

A Lantern

Electricity is a fine thing, but during a storm or a natural disaster, electricity can become a scarce thing. Always keep an oil or battery-powered lantern in your home in case of an emergency.

The Main Benefits of Running

Running is a healthy exercise that does more for your body than you might believe.

If you are an avid runner, then you’re already aware of the physical and mental benefits that running can add to your life. It’s not just an activity or an exercise, it’s a healthy way of life. Now, there are numerous benefits to running, here are some of the most notable ones that will help change your life for the better.

Strengthens the Lungs

One of the most known benefits of running is that it helps strengthen the lungs. This allows you build up more stamina, and also allow you to take on more strenuous activities without losing your breath so often. The reason being is that you’re continuously pressuring your lungs to essentially perform its own workout routine. By doing this routinely, your lungs will gradually strengthen and allow you to pull more oxygen in, therefore increasing your overall stamina.

Prevent Heart Disease

While running, your arteries naturally expand and contract, which helps keep them fit. In turn, this will also help keep your blood pressure within normal limits and help fight off heart disease. Additionally, running regularly will also help guild up your immune system, which will result in fewer minor illnesses.

Weight Loss

For all the individuals that are looking to lose weight, you won’t find a much better workout routine than some good ole fashioned laps. Running helps burn calories, which play a large role in someone losing weight. If you are looking to start a diet, partner it up with a couple miles here and there. You’ll see a noticeable change if you manage to keep up with your routine.

Nick Diruscio is a professional fitness trainer that has spent years helping his clients lose weight and gain muscle mass to meet their personal goals.