Peter’s Brew: Jamaican Rum Flavored Coffee

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Disclosure: This post features sponsored items. All opinions within are my own.

I’ve been a coffee drinker since I was ten years old. I added a little coffee, lots of milk, and lots of sugar. (Isn’t that how every kid starts drinking coffee?) As my palate and dairy allergy developed, I now take my coffee with a little almond milk, no sugar, I am sweet enough. Whenever I travel, I always find a local coffee shop,  and purchase a bag of coffee to bring home. You can never have enough coffee! Since I work long shifts in healthcare, and my husband works in law enforcement, we make EIGHT cups every morning. Coffee is a staple in our home and powers us through our days. This week on Realm of Vibes, I am featuring Peter’s Brew Jamaican Gourmet Coffee.

Peter's Brew Coffee

Peter’s Brew Coffee in front of my favorite machine

About Peter’s Brew

Jamaican born Peter Thomas started Peter’s Brew to share his delicious coffee with the world. (You may have seen Peter on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Not going to lie, I’m a huge RH fan…)

On their website, three different varieties of coffee are offered:

  • Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend
  • Jamaican Blue Mountain
  • Jamaican Rum Flavor
    • Available in K-Cups, too!

You can select whether you would like whole or ground coffee.

Peter’s Brew imports Jamaica’s finest coffee beans from the world’s best growers. They meticulously examine each pound of green beans for the perfect size, color, and texture.

Peter’s Brew Coffee
Peter’s Brew Coffee

Review

I was sent a one pound bag of Peter’s Brew Jamaican Rum Flavor, which consists of 100% Arabica beans. This variety combines the flavor of White Jamaican Rum! (There is no alcohol in any of Peter’s Brew products.) I love Jamaican Rum, so I was really excited to sample this variety.

Packaging: Super cool. Love the picture of Peter overlooking the Blue Mountains. There is a recipe on the side of the bag to make an iced Jamaican cocktail called The Rude Boy.

Peter's Brew Coffee

Smell: Yum! Originally, I thought it smelled like chocolate and vanilla. Jason nailed it – he said it smells like vanilla and almonds. We aren’t professional foodies/drink taste-testers by any means, but the Jamaican Rum flavor combines chocolate, nuts, and vanilla.

Flavor: Jason drinks his coffee black, while I add a little almond milk. I tried Peter’s Brew black, and instantly felt like I was sipping on a strong alcoholic coffee beverage in Jamaica. (I have never been, but if I close my eyes and think hard enough, I can be anywhere for a few minutes!) You can taste the delicious rum flavoring. I added a little almond milk, and the nutty flavor is amplified. Jason isn’t really a big flavored coffee kind of guy, but when I blended the coffee with ice and a sprinkle of Cinnamon in my Blend-Tec, this made for one heck of a refreshing treat.  I also tried pouring the coffee over ice, and this was equally as refreshing and delicious. I like how Peter’s Brew isn’t acidic; the flavor is smooth and easy to drink.

Recommendation: I would recommend Peter’s Brew Jamaican Rum coffee to anyone who appreciates responsible sourcing, meticulous examination of Jamaica finest coffee beans, flavored coffee, and Jamaican Rum. I would also recommend this to anyone who likes to get creative in the kitchen; the flavor is so unique, that you could probably infuse Peter’s Brew coffee into drinks or add when baking to get a rum inspired food or drink.

Peter’s Brew Jamaican Rum Flavor coffee is pretty amazing. My sister has visited Jamaica and has raved about the coffee, so purchasing from Peter’s Brew allows me to experience Jamaica’s finest from the comfort of my own home.

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Danielle with her Peter’s Brew coffee & trusty coffee maker

Order your own bag on the Peter’s Brew website and make sure you follow their social media: Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook!

Namaste.

Workin’ like a Mule? Time for a Drink from Culinary Cantina’s 100% Copper Moscow Mule Mugs

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Disclosure: This post contains sponsored and affiliated items. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. All thoughts and opinions within are my own. 

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FRIDAY. Or, like I say, FRI-YAY. My husband will call me on his way home from work and ask the million-dollar question, “What are we drinking tonight, Danielle?” He will proceed to tell me he is on his way to the liquor store, will pick up take-out, and come home to our beautiful palace. Lately, I have been obsessed with Moscow Mules – an old-school vodka drink that is served at restaurants in a shiny copper mug. I, on the other hand, did not own such a vessel, and was serving them in mason jar mugs and beer glasses, but thanks to Culinary Cantina, I now have a set of real copper Moscow Mule mugs. And, I learned WHY they taste so much better!

20170426_19430320170425_173028About Culinary Cantina

Culinary Cantina was founded in December 2016. Their mission is to create products to assist all of your kitchen endeavors combining science and a sleek design. The first product Culinary Cantina has to offer is a set of four 100% Copper Moscow Mule Mugs.

What I love:

  • 100% Copper
    • HOLY COLD – my Moscow Mule is COLD, and STAYS cold.
    • No liner
    • Improves the flavor of the vodka
    • Increases carbonation
    • Intensifies the tang
  • 16 ounces of pure deliciousness
  • Brass Handles
    • Strong metal to withstand the weight of your beverage
    • Perfect resting spot for your thumb and pinky fingers
    • Jason seriously loves the handles…he could probably write this review…
  • 100% Guarantee
    • Register your Culinary Cantina Moscow Mule mugs and you will be set for 5 years!
  • Price: $49.99 USD
    • This is a great price. Seriously, I have seen ONE mug go for $15-20 a pop in home goods stores.

My Moscow Mule Recipe

  1. Get your Culinary Cantina Moscow Mule Mug.
  2. Muddle mint leaves at the bottom of your mug. This brings out the mint flavor.
  3. Add ice.
  4. Add vodka.
  5. Add fresh lime juice.
  6. Add Ginger Beer.
  7. Add a slice (or two) of jalapeno. (optional)
  8. Stir.
  9. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Substitute tequila for vodka for a Mexican Mule.

My Thoughts

The Culinary Cantina Moscow Mule mugs are awesome. My drink stays cold, and the concave bottom makes it stable. The handles are awesome and fit both my (small) hands and my husbands (rather large) hands. The brass handles are super sturdy. They look classy and are statement pieces.

Consider purchasing the set as a gift – package together the Culinary Cantina Moscow Mule mugs, a bottle of vodka, a pack of Ginger beer, a potted mint plant, and some limes (or Lime essential oil!). I would LOVE to receive a gift that thoughtful and creative!

Care Tips and a Moscow Mule recipe are printed on the box!

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Support a small business and order your Moscow Mule mugs from Culinary Cantina on Amazon. Visit Culinary Cantina’s website to get a 25% off coupon (while supplies last).

Visit Culinary Cantina on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Culinary Cantina’s 100% Copper Moscow Mule Mugs

Namaste.

If you are interested in having your product or service on Realm of Vibes, please visit the Contact page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com 

What to Think when You’re Having a Bad Day

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Ever have one of those days where you think to yourself, “I should have just stayed in bed!” I know that I have had days where everything, from the time my feet hit my bedroom’s floor, goes terribly wrong, and I count the minutes until I clock out of work and race to my car in the parking lot. I crank up the radio and just can’t wait to get home, pour myself a big glass of wine, take a nice hot shower, and read a book in bed, my safe place.

When these days happen, what gets you through the day? Whenever I have a bad day, I press the pads of my index fingers and thumb together, take a deep breath, and think “This too shall pass,” which the mantra of my mother, who has repeated that quotation since I was a little girl. You’re right, Mom, the issue at hand, will pass, and I, will be fine…

Everyone handles stress and bad days differently. I collected mantras from other bloggers across the Internet; please enjoy them below…

Inhale the good shit, exhale the bullshit.

“Inhale the good shit, exhale the bullshit.”

I love this mantra because it really is as easy as breathing out the bad. No matter if it one incident or a period in your life, it is always best to keep your head up and be positive.

Yolanda from Inspire and Wander

How can I turn this day around-

“How can I turn this day around?”

If I am having a bad day, I like to ask myself, “How can I turn this day around?”  Dwelling on the negative is a roadblock to contentment and if something did go wrong, I remind myself, things can only get better. I try to teach this to my children as well. I will often ask them, “How can we turn this frown upside down?” or “Let’s find what you need to make things better.” A snuggle or connection with me will do the trick most times. We all have bad days, but it is best to keep a positive attitude. Although that is not possible 100% of the time, we can use our “bad days” as inspirations to make life improvements and remembering those low times only helps us appreciate the amazing days that much more.

Sarah Molenda from I Heart Frugal

Copy of This too shall pass.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” or “This is a blessing in disguise.”

It shifts my perspective from paranoia (universe is against you) to pronoia (everything is for you/ to help you)… so many times we don’t see the blessing in the current “curse” until later on in hindsight.
For example: “Thank God I missed that flight because I wouldn’t have bumped into the love of my life at the airport later that day”… or maybe more subtle, how do we know that if we hadn’t tripped over that stick, we wouldn’t have arrived to the crosswalk 5 seconds sooner and that racing car that came around the corner might have hit us? Or if I hadn’t been severely sick in bed for 1 week I would have amazing realization/ breakthrough/ opportunity, etc. The butterfly effect! 🙂 So I always thank every bad day and any situation, no matter how seemingly “negative.”

Silvia from Siya Yoga

It's all good.

“It’s all good.”

This is something that my husband is known for saying. It’s a reminder that no matter how chaotic or stressful the situation, everything will be okay. It’s easy to get caught up and stress over small things. Sometimes saying, “It’s all good” helps me remember what matters most.

Lacee from Lacee Does Life

How can I turn this day around- (1)

“Get some sleep, and it will look better in the morning.”

It is so cliched, but in almost every situation it seems to ring true. I’m a sensitive person, so I can get worked up about things big and small… but even the most intense things I’ve been through in life are usually worst at night, and at least a little bit better after I’ve woken up in the morning. And of course, then I remind myself to “be nice to myself” the next day, which is something my mom always tells me if I’ve had a bad day.

Laura from A Kaleidoscope Heart

Nevertheless, she persisted.

“Nevertheless, she persisted.” -said by Mitch McConnell about Elizabeth Warren

It’s so simple, but it’s so powerful. When I’m having a bad day, I would want someone to say this about me. It’s short, sweet, but conveys both girl power and the need to constantly push on, because bad days will come to an end when the sun goes down, and I am stronger than one bad day.

Kylee from According 2 Her

What can I be grateful for right now-

A quotation I use to pull me through a bad day or rough experience is this, “What can I be grateful for right now?” This pulls my mind away from whatever is uncomfortable or undesirable and brings me back to a space of abundance, light, and calm. It reminds me that there is always good around me, that I always have everything I need, and that I am exactly where I am meant to be at all times.

Riley Reign, blogger & intuitive mentor from Spirit and Soul Blog & Riley Reign

Final Thoughts

I hope some of these mantras help get you through your next tough day.

Which quotation above impacts you most?

What do you tell yourself when you have a bad day?

Namaste.

What to Think when You_re Having a Bad Day

How to Run a Successful Dog Rescue Fundraiser

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Fundraising is an optimal part of running a dog rescue organization. Funds are required to assist with all aspects of care including, but not limited to, veterinary bills, food, treats, collars, leashes, bowls, grooming, flea, tick, and heartworm medication, shampoo, beds, and toys. Running a successful fundraiser does not have to be stressful. Here are some tips on running a smooth fundraiser for your organization:

  1. Breweries or Wineries

This is a fun and easy way to raise money. Ask the brewery or winery for a portion of each beer, tasting, growler fill, or wine bottle purchased to be donated to your rescue organization. Some breweries and wineries will let you bring dogs to hang out; it is a great way to raise awareness of your organization while sipping on delicious beers or wines. The last fundraiser I ran at a brewery raised over $450 in four hours. We received $2 for each pint purchased during a set time period and had donation cans located throughout the brewery.

  1. Dine to Donate

Many chain restaurants have a dine to donate program where a percentage of the total food purchased is donated to your organization. You may have to show a flyer or a ticket for the donation to count. Most restaurants have application forms online; creating a no-hassle progress for the organizer. The dine to donate fundraisers may not bring in an exorbitant amount of money, but little work is involved besides handing out flyers.

  1. Consultant Events

This is the new wave of fundraising! Companies that sell clothing, essential oils, kitchen utensils, and cosmetics on social media, often have fundraising programs on Facebook! Login to the consultants’ event from the comfort of your own home and shop ‘till you drop. A percentage of all items sold will be donated, and the company may match total proceeds. I have worked with two consultants and we have raised over $500 on Facebook.

  1. Need food?

Many supermarkets will provide food for your fundraising event. Bring in a 501 (c) (3) paper and a letter stating that you are requesting the supermarket to make a food donation. Some stores will offer you a sandwich or cheese platter, while others will provide you with a gift card to select your own items. Make a sign that reads “Help Yourself to (insert food here), Donations Greatly Appreciated & Accepted” and place a donation jar next to the food you have available. This will encourage people to eat, but also remind them to donate to your rescue organization.

  1. Marketing

Give yourself six to eight weeks to adequately promote your event through flyers, word of mouth, and social media. Ask the venue or restaurant if you can distribute marketing materials such as pens, pencils, magnets, business cards, dog waste bags and dispensers, and other dog related items. If you are doing a virtual fundraiser, ask if you can do a giveaway. It is also important that you have a clipboard ready to obtain e-mail signups for future adoption events and fundraisers. If you set up a table, make sure you have appropriate signage and a donation jar. All volunteers should look uniform; t-shirts with your organization would help you to stand out amongst the crowd.

  1. Have fun!

The word fun is in fundraiser for a reason. Mingle with your supporters, bring awareness to dog rescue and your organization, hand out promotional materials, and network to obtain potential adopters, foster parents, and volunteers.

Fundraising is key to making sure a constant flow of funds enters the bank account to meet the needs of the dogs in the organization. Assign one or two fundraising coordinators to start planning your next event today!

How to Run a Successful Dog Rescue Fundraiser-pin

 

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How to Run with your Dog

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This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. This commission helps sustain running Realm of Vibes. 

I love running with my dog, Bailey. Some people would classify my “running” as a light jog or brisk walk, but we have a lot of fun exercising with one another while getting our Whistle and FitBit activity minutes. Whether you are just starting out with walking or are an avid runner, here are some of my tips for running safely and easily with your canine companion.

1.Get doctor and veterinarian clearance.

It is important to make sure you can physically handle exercise. Schedule a physical and consult your doctor about starting a walking/running program. Bring Fido in for a check-up and get clearance as to how many miles you can walk/run with your dog. Bailey is cleared to run up to 10 miles with me. When I was training for a half marathon, we ran up to 8-9 miles. It’s imperative that you start slow; make sure you do an adequate warm-up for both you and your dog.

2. Know your dog and plan your route.

I prefer running early in the morning, or 60-90 minutes before sunset at a park. I like a clear trail, opposed to running on the street. Some streets in my development don’t have sidewalks, so running with Bailey (or foster) can be dangerous. She also likes to run ahead of me, so that’s why I typically avoid street running. Depending on the season, you want to make sure your dog can handle the temperature. I like to run early or late in the day, especially during the hot summer months.

3. Get your gear!

I don’t know what I would do without my Tuff Mutt – Hands Free Dog Leash. The leash clips around my waist, has a bungee cord with a carbineer that clips to Bailey’s collar or harness. It has a short and large handle so I always have control over her movements. It is also reflective, so we are noticed by pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles on our path.

Tuff Mutt – Hands Free Dog Leash

Hydration is super important, whether you are going on a short or long run. I have a few different tactics for handling both of our water. First, I wear a Hydration Belt. around my waist. I usually fill one with water, and one with a sports drink. If I go on a short run, I bring a Collapsible Dog Bowl for Bailey’s water. Sometimes, I bring a Gulpy Water Dispenser which is a water dispenser. I clip it to my waist with a carabiner or I carry it for added resistance. Whatever you do, make sure you have enough water for both you and your dog and that you take plenty of water breaks!

Hydration Belt

Collapsible Dog Bowl

Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax is my go-to product before a run. It is easy to apply the hypoallergenic, nontoxic wax to Bailey’s paws, which gives a nice protective coating to prevent accidents on the trail. You know what they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
4. Add some extras!

I love my Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband. I have been using a FitBit since it came on the market and helps keep me accountable regarding exercise. I like the FitBit Charge 2 because it has a relaxation setting where it prompts you to do 2 minutes of breathing exercises. I also like knowing which heart rate range in which I am exercising.

FitBit Charge 2

Bailey has a Whistle Activity Monitor. This shows how active she is throughout the day. We try to give her at least 60 minutes of daily exercise. It clips around her collar. When we had a pet sitter, we could see how long she was taking her on walks, and I could look at her stats from work to see if she is destroying my home. I think the Whistle is well worth the investment.

Whistle Activity Monitor

Final Thoughts

Running with your dog can be a great form of exercise! I know that after our runs, we both feel great, and get a better night’s sleep. How do you exercise with your dog? Leave a comment to let me know!

Namaste.

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