Author Archives: caitlin

The Slopes and Sips: My Top 5 Après-Ski Drinks and Where to Get Them

Ah, skiing. The exhilarating rush as you zip down the mountainside, the feel of the crisp air on your face, the… wait, who am I kidding? As much as I adore skiing (and trust me, I do), there’s one other aspect of the sport I might love just a smidge more: the après-ski. Because, let’s be honest, after a day of conquering the mountains (or at least trying to), there’s nothing quite like warming up with a delicious drink in hand.

So, in the spirit of sharing (and because I’ve had one too many après-ski beverages in my day), I’ve decided to spill the beans on my top 5 favorite après-ski drinks. And, because I’m feeling extra generous, I’ll even let you in on where to find the best versions of these delightful concoctions. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. Mulled Wine: The Classic

What it is: Red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange.

Why I love it: There’s something undeniably comforting about sipping on a warm, aromatic glass of mulled wine. It’s like a cozy blanket for your insides.

Where to get it: Head over to the chalets in Switzerland, specifically Chalet Cozy in Zermatt. They serve a mulled wine that’s so good it might just make you consider staying off the slopes for the day. (But don’t. Because then you’d miss out on more après-ski.)

2. Hot Toddy: The Cure-All

What it is: A mix of whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water.

Why I love it: Not only is the hot toddy a delicious way to warm up, but it’s also been known to work wonders on sore muscles and sniffles. Think of it as the après-ski version of chicken soup.

Where to get it: The Frosty Mug in Aspen, Colorado. Their version of the hot toddy uses locally sourced honey and a bourbon that has a hint of caramel undertones. It’s the kind of drink that’ll make you go, “Cold? What cold?”

3. Spiked Hot Chocolate: The Indulgent Treat

What it is: Rich hot chocolate with a shot (or two, no judgment here) of your favorite spirit.

Why I love it: Sometimes, after a day of tumbles and turns, you just need a little liquid dessert. And when that dessert also has a kick? Even better.

Where to get it: Cocoa Haven in Whistler, Canada. This place is known for its decadent hot chocolates, and when you add in their premium dark rum, it’s a match made in après-ski heaven.

4. Schnapps: The Bold Choice

What it is: A strong alcoholic drink distilled from fruit or grain.

Why I love it: It’s not for the faint of heart, but there’s something about a shot of schnapps that just hits the spot after a day on the slopes. Maybe it’s the instant warmth it brings, or maybe it’s the liquid courage for tomorrow’s ski adventures.

Where to get it: Any self-respecting bar in the Austrian Alps, but if I had to pick one, it’d be Schnappy Hour in St. Anton. They have a dizzying array of schnapps flavors, from classic apple to more adventurous options like elderflower.

5. Irish Coffee: The Best of Both Worlds

What it is: Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.

Why I love it: It combines two of my favorite things: caffeine and booze. Plus, it’s the perfect pick-me-up when you’re feeling a little sluggish after lunch.

Where to get it: Bean and Booze in Park City, Utah. They use freshly brewed artisanal coffee and a smooth Irish whiskey that makes for a harmonious blend. The whipped cream on top is just the cherry (or should I say, cream?) on the cake.

Now, before I wrap this up, a little PSA: remember to drink responsibly. The mountains are gorgeous, but they’re also unpredictable. Always make sure you’re in a good state to navigate your way back to your lodgings (or better yet, have a designated non-drinker in your group). And hey, if all else fails, there’s no shame in ordering a plain old hot cocoa. After all, it’s the company and the memories that make the après-ski so special.

So, the next time you’re on a ski trip, give one (or all) of these drinks a try. And if you discover a new favorite that I haven’t mentioned, do let me know. After all, there’s always room for one more beverage in my après-ski repertoire. Cheers! 🍷🎿🍸

A Sketch of a Ski Mountain, courtesy of Yonderoo – How to draw a Mountain

Liked this article? Share it with your fellow ski bunnies and make sure to tag me. Until next time, keep those ski tips up and your glasses full!

Storytelling and its Power

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The reality that we experience is just a story that our brain tells us, in which we are the hero. Our brain seeks to create a linear plot in our lives by organizing our memories into cause and effect sequences and reconfiguring our past choices to fit our heroic narrative. We also seek to understand the minds of others in order to control our environment, driven by the need for social skills for trading and negotiations. Our brain’s urge to understand others is so strong that we even project human feelings onto inanimate objects. Stories allow us to satisfy this desire to understand others, particularly characters with flaws.

We are drawn to flawed characters because they allow us to explore our own flaws in a safe space. Our beliefs, which are influenced by culture, are solidified in early life and can be traced back to character flaws. We defend these beliefs throughout our adulthood and are resistant to opposing worldviews. Character flaws manifest in how they help or hinder characters from achieving their goals and make the journey more difficult. Reading about characters who act towards meaningful and controllable goals is enjoyable, as demonstrated by the higher frequency of goal-oriented words in best-selling novels. The choice of a character’s flaws is key in creating a spellbinding story.

A well-drawn character with flaws, personality quirks, and a unique worldview is crucial for creating a rich and stimulating plot. A character’s flawed theory of control, or the way they believe they must act in order to keep the world around them stable, is tested when confronted with unexpected change. Personality, comprising five main traits (conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, and extraversion) also plays a key role in determining a character’s choices and reactions to their circumstances. To create a realistically flawed character, it is important to include mutual misunderstandings, as these can be a source of drama in both fiction and real life.

A good story should always have the reader or viewer wondering who the character really is, driven by our desire to fully understand the minds of others. This can be achieved through specific situations that reveal a character’s selflessness or selfishness and unexpected changes that test their core beliefs. The interplay between the surface plot and the inner plot of a character’s psyche can lead to unpredictable behavior and a change in their sense of identity, keeping the audience engaged.

Including small details and allowing the reader or viewer to fill in gaps in information stimulates the brain’s natural curiosity. Dialogue and descriptions of characters and their environments can reveal information about them and create a more vivid experience for the audience. Metaphors and poetic descriptions can also enhance the story by evoking powerful associations and creating neural activity in the brain. These elements can keep the audience engaged until the end of the story.

Most good stories are ultimately about a change in status, as humans are driven by their need for status and goal-direction. Our identification with characters of lower status and desire to see those with higher status “put in their place” allows us to root for them and feel like a participant in their struggle towards a goal. A change in status can also lead to the breaking down of deeply-held beliefs, adding drama and conflict to the story.

Stories can be a form of propaganda that teach lessons about the right ways to behave, and contain warnings for what happens when we don’t. They can also help change attitudes and beliefs through transportation and allow us to experience changes in control in a safe environment. The power of stories lies in the journey of discovering things about ourselves, others, and the world that we share.

Get in Shape for Ski Season: Tips for Off-Season Training

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Alright, skiers and snowboarders, listen up. If you want to be ready to rip up the mountain when the snow starts falling again, you need to be putting in some off-season training. And no, I’m not talking about hitting the gym and lifting weights (although that’s definitely a good idea too). I’m talking about specific exercises and drills that are designed to improve your balance, coordination, and overall ski fitness.

One of the best ways to train for skiing in the off-season is by doing balance exercises. These can include things like standing on one leg, or using a balance board or Bosu ball. By improving your balance, you’ll be able to stay more stable on your skis or snowboard, which will help you make smoother, more controlled turns.

Another important aspect of off-season training is coordination. You can practice this by doing drills like cone drills, where you weave in and out of a series of cones, or ladder drills, where you go through a series of short, quick steps. These exercises will help you improve your reaction time and overall body control, which will come in handy on the mountain.

Finally, don’t forget about cardio and strength training. Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding sports, so it’s important to build up your overall fitness levels. This can include things like running, cycling, or swimming, as well as strength training exercises like squats and lunges.

So don’t just sit around all summer waiting for the snow to come. Get out there and start training! Your body (and your ski buddies) will thank you.

Spring Skiing

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Spring skiing is the best, y’all. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sure, the snow might not be as fresh and powdery as it is in the dead of winter, but there are so many other benefits to hitting the slopes in the springtime.

First of all, the crowds are way thinner. Everyone and their mother is out on the mountain in the winter, but come spring, all the basic skiers and snowboarders have packed up their gear and headed back to the city. This means less waiting in lift lines and more fresh tracks for you and your crew.

But the biggest perk of spring skiing, in my opinion, is the weather. No more freezing your butt off on the chairlift or shivering in the lodge. The days are longer and the sun is shining, which means you can actually feel your fingers and toes again. Plus, there’s nothing quite like taking a break from shredding and soaking up some Vitamin D on a sunny patio with a cold beer.

Now, I know some people might be worried about slushy conditions or icy patches on the mountain, but that’s where a good pair of spring ski boots comes in handy. They’re specifically designed to handle the softer, wetter snow of the spring season, so you can still carve turns with confidence.

So don’t let the end of winter get you down. Embrace the springtime and hit the slopes for some epic skiing and riding. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Some Favorite Spots for Spring Skiing

There are tons of great resorts out there that are perfect for spring skiing, but here are a few of my personal favorites:

Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada: This place is known for its massive amount of snowfall and long ski season, so you can usually count on good conditions even in the spring. Plus, the après ski scene in Whistler is top-notch, with tons of great bars and restaurants to hit up after a day on the mountain.
Mammoth Mountain in California: Mammoth has a reputation for having some of the best spring skiing in the U.S., thanks to its high elevation and cold nights that help preserve the snowpack. The resort also has a ton of fun events and activities going on during the spring season, like live music and pond skimming contests.
Tignes in the French Alps: Tignes is known for its legendary spring skiing, with its high-altitude glacier offering some of the best snow in Europe. The resort also has a killer après ski scene, with tons of bars and clubs to keep the party going all night long.
Mount Hood Meadows in Oregon: Mount Hood Meadows may not be as well-known as some of the other resorts on this list, but it’s definitely worth checking out for spring skiing. The resort gets a decent amount of snowfall and has a long ski season, plus it’s only about an hour’s drive from Portland, making it a convenient option for a quick ski trip.

So if you’re looking to get in some spring turns, any of these resorts would be a solid choice. Happy skiing!

Finding a Valentine’s Day Gift for your Guy

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Hey there, it’s your girl Caitlin here with a quick guide on picking the perfect gift for your man on Valentine’s Day.

First things first, let’s get one thing straight: guys are not that complicated. They may try to play it cool and act like they don’t care about gifts, but trust me, they love a good surprise just as much as we do. So, don’t stress too much about it – just pick something that comes from the heart and shows you care.

Now, on to the gift ideas. You can’t go wrong with the classics: chocolates, flowers, and a nice dinner out. But if you want to mix things up, here are a few other options to consider:

Sports tickets or merchandise for his favorite team
A new gadget or tech toy
A gift card for his favorite store or restaurant
A homemade gift, like a photo album or a knit scarf

Remember, it’s not about the price tag or how much you spend. It’s about the thought and effort you put into it. So, don’t sweat it too much. Just choose something that you know he’ll love and enjoy the holiday together. Happy Valentine’s Day!

More Gift Ideas for Guys on Valentine’s Day

Here are some gift ideas to consider for guys on Valentine’s Day:

A nice bottle of his favorite liquor or a gift basket of gourmet snacks
A subscription to a magazine or streaming service he’ll enjoy
A nice watch or piece of jewelry
A gift certificate for a fun activity, like golf lessons or a hot air balloon ride
A book or album from his favorite artist

Remember, it’s not about the price tag or how much you spend. Choose something that you know he’ll love and appreciate, and have a great Valentine’s Day together.

Prepare for a Perfect Day of Skiing

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Are you ready for the perfect day of skiing? Well, strap on your skis and let’s hit the slopes!

First things first, you need to make sure you have the right gear. Don’t skimp on the quality of your ski boots or your skis – trust me, you’ll regret it when you’re halfway down the mountain and your feet are in agony. And don’t forget about the little things, like gloves, goggles, and a good ski jacket. You don’t want to be that person shivering at the bottom of the mountain, do you?

Next, it’s all about finding the right mountain. Do some research before you go and find a resort that suits your skill level and interests. And don’t be afraid to branch out and try a new mountain – sometimes the best runs are the ones you least expect.

Once you’re on the mountain, it’s time to start skiing! Take your time and warm up on some easier runs before tackling the black diamonds. And don’t be afraid to take breaks – skiing is all about having fun, so make sure you’re feeling good and energized before you hit the slopes again.

And when it comes to après-ski, you can’t go wrong with a hot cocoa (or a stiff drink, if that’s more your style) and some good company. Share stories from the day’s adventures with your friends and relive those epic runs.

So there you have it – the perfect day of skiing. Just remember to stay safe, have fun, and enjoy all that the mountain has to offer. Happy skiing!

Finding Romance in the New Year

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The start of a new year can be a time of reflection and renewal, and for many people, finding love is a top priority. If you’re looking to start a new relationship in the New Year, here are some tips to help you on your journey:

Be clear about what you want: Take some time to think about what you’re looking for in a partner. What are your dealbreakers? What are your non-negotiables? Knowing what you want will help you attract the right person and weed out those who aren’t a good fit.
Get out there: It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines and not make time for meeting new people. Make an effort to put yourself out there by joining social groups, trying out new hobbies, or volunteering for a cause you care about. This will increase your chances of meeting someone who shares your interests and values.
Be open to new experiences: While it’s important to know what you want, it’s also important to be open to new experiences. You never know where you might meet your next partner, so don’t be afraid to try out new things or go on a date with someone who might not fit your typical “type.”
Take care of yourself: When we feel good about ourselves, we’re more likely to attract a healthy and positive relationship. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Exercise, eat well, and practice self-care.
Don’t rush: Finding love takes time and patience. Don’t put pressure on yourself to find the perfect person right away. Trust the process and let things unfold naturally.

The start of a new year is a great time to focus on finding love, but remember that it’s just one aspect of a fulfilling life. Don’t forget to nurture your other relationships, pursue your passions, and take care of yourself. Happy New Year!

Some Popular Ski Resorts for This Season

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Ski Season is here! There are many popular ski resorts around the world, but some of the most well-known ones include:

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, United States
Vail, Colorado, United States
Courchevel, France
Zermatt, Switzerland
Banff Sunshine, Alberta, Canada
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, United States
Mammoth Mountain, California, United States
Niseko United, Hokkaido, Japan
Mt. Hutt, Canterbury, New Zealand

This is just a small sample, and there are many other fantastic ski resorts to choose from depending on your location and preferences.

Whistler Blackcomb

Hey y’all! So I just spent a weekend at the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort in British Columbia, Canada, and let me tell you – it was absolutely friggin’ amazing.

First of all, the mountain itself is massive. There are over 200 marked trails, so there’s plenty of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The views from the top are also unbeatable. You can see for miles and miles in every direction, and it’s just this incredible, otherworldly landscape.

But the best part? The après ski scene. Holy cow. There are so many amazing restaurants and bars to choose from, and everyone is just so friendly and welcoming. I had some of the best meals of my life at Whistler, and the nightlife was off the hook. I can’t even begin to tell you how much fun we had.

All in all, I would highly recommend the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort to anyone. It’s the complete package – great skiing, stunning scenery, and an amazing après ski scene. I can’t wait to go back!

Aspen Snowmass

I spent a week at the Aspen Snowmass ski resort in Colorado, and let me tell you – the ski conditions were absolutely friggin’ perfect.

The mountain itself is a skier’s paradise. There are over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, and the snow was just so soft and powdery. I’ve never had such a good time skiing in my life. The runs were also really well-groomed, which made for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The ski patrol and lift operators were all so friendly and helpful. They were always there to give us a hand or answer any questions we had. It really made a difference and added to the overall enjoyment of the trip.

All in all, I would highly recommend the Aspen Snowmass ski resort to anyone. The ski conditions are top-notch, and the staff really goes above and beyond to make sure you have a great time. I can’t wait to go back!

Looking Forward to Disney+

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Disney+ just announced their pricing plans and it’s already looking like a great deal. I’ve been a Netflix subscriber for a long time, but Disney+ might make me switch over and cancel Netflix.

Disney has (of course!) Disney films. They’ve got the entire Marvel catalog, plus Star Wars, plus Pixar, and 20th Century Fox. Oh, and all of ABC and Fox television! The bundle they’re offering for $12.99 also includes Hulu and ESPN+. That’s the same price that Netflix is now charging.

The ESPN+ part is really a bonus if you’re into sports. ESPN+ is the streaming service for the popular sports channel and it will carry hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games. It will also have tennis, boxing, golf, and college sports.

Disney+ will be available in the USA on November 12, 2019. Just in time for me to be a couch potato for the Winter!

Finding Good Public Discord Servers

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Discord is a free voice and text messaging platform targeted typically in the gaming market. It aims to coordinate with the simplicity of use of present chat customers similar Skype and mix it with the ability of servers using manifold rooms and function consents provided by voice customers similar Teamspeak. Discord is assembled by the most recent technology employing a modern jitter buffer, instinctive profit control, sound subduction, replicate annulment, system decrease on Windows and more.

Create/join people discord servers

Discord lets you create or connect a server. A server on Discord resembles a community of like-minded players having communal interests toward following and speak about. As an example, a people discord servers of “Fallout” entices individuals interested in enjoying Fallout.

You can create your own host if you would like to get a private communal. Then your own server is still shaped, you can invite friends and family through sharing the host’s invitation code. In the same manner, you can join different servers, specifically, using the host’s invitation code you would like to connect.

By the ideal pane of your host’s dashboard, you can see the number of online consumers on your server. Also as possible moreover view somebody’s profile and mute, deafen, or mention him in the conversation. Additional you could view/set function plus consents of any individual.

In a public discord server, in case you’ve consents, then it is possible to also incorporate text differently voice stations. A station in Discord is comparable a group of players toward talk about one subject. As an example, a text station referred to as “CS Cheats” is best for studying differently sharing Counter-Strike cheater codes.

Since you may have by now known, a voice channel is for set voice calling and a text station is a set chat box to discuss texts from everyone. Surprisingly, Discord lets to create or connect and chat with an unlimited number of people on public Discord servers with no limitation.

Some of the most popular public Discord servers:

The Anime Discord
Looking for Gamers
Light in Darkness
Fandopolis
The Seven Seas

Crucial features

Discord deals powerful features in a simple interface. It permits you to add buddies with their Discord tag that’s equally in set up to Twitter’s hashtags nevertheless is limited to four personalities in scope.

You can also add buddies completely and message them outside of servers. You might even block directly messages from undesirable people and Discord automatically arranges their message from the servers.

The program’s dashboard shows online, pending, and blocked contacts in varied tabs. At any time you get a message, then Discord sends you a push statement in order so you can quickly understand who led what. What’s more, you could begin a voice conversation using a different or inside a station as only as pressing small mouse clicks.

Among my favorite features is its own in-game overlap, allowing you to eyesight who’s speaking in the middle of the match, only similar Facebook Messenger’s Conversation Heads. Additional you can control the quantity, alteration servers differently stations, and do extra without leaving your match play. The overlay, however, requires its DirectX 9, Windows Client, differently over, and OpenGL.

Safety features

Discord program auto-encrypts talks and additional information, as well as simplifies your IP address, maybe not like main VoIP alternatives. Its rear end people discord servers run via DDoS protection and attribute spontaneous failover device which works toward upstart the program in the event of server issues. What’s more, in the event of a host letdown, Discord would auto-switch to some other server toward prevent data reduction.

That’s not all. The program packets in a lot of privacy and security attributes. In host’s collections, if you have consented, you can place anybody’s and everybody’s functions plus permissions.

High functionality

As Discord is just created for players it generates the least influence in your CPU, and consequently does not make a difference in your match’s enactment (i.e., uppermost FPS speeds) — allowing you to play perfectly. What’s more, people discord servers are scattered around the globe and so, you can select and connect to a next server to enjoy a quick experience.

Its inherent program doesn’t require special driver’s otherwise chemical configuration, so it requires only a couple of minutes toward setup. Due to its low requirements, you might also run it on your browser.

Furthermore, you will be amazed to know that its own voice superiority is so apparent you may even listen to the least incoming audio. That’s also because Discord is assembled with sound cancellation, echo cancellation, and lot more attributes.

Final ideas

Discord is built for the 21st-century gamer. It communicates a scope of functionalities in a single program. Different the boring chat ports, Discord helps to handle conversations in channels and servers jointly with many customization choices to fit your requirements.