Lifestyle: Global One Magazine #5 by Global One Mag

issue 9 | privacy

Celebrating A Series of Beautiful Journey’s

COVID stopped my workout

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DESIGN a prayer corner

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GET your groove back

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ENJOY good food & drinks

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DISCOVER great recipe’s

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CHECK OUT our test drives

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PLAN a girlfriend trip

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Plus Lifestyle · Travel · Home · Food · Cuisine · Drinks · Automotive · Beauty · Wellness · Fashion

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Lightroom with big windows PHOTO BY MAX VAKHTBOVYCH

55 Rusty Nail 55 Manhattan Cocktail

Contents

56 Tasty Teas 57 Apricot Lemonade Iced Tea 57 Iced Raspberry Tea 58 Slow Cooker Chai Tea 58 Touch of Mint Iced Tea 59 Summertime Tea 59 Holiday Wassail Tea

2022 Edition

62 Travel Adventures 63 Club Med Wellness Get A Way 65 Road Trip Travel Tips 67 Cheap Vacation Ideas 70 A Family, A River, New Braunfels, TX 74 Forty-Eight Best Friend Trips 87 Unexpected Adventure at A Border

88 Automotive Reviews 90 2021- Rolls Royce Ghost 92 2021- Acura TLX SH-AWD A Spec 93 2021- Toyota Highlander XSE AWD 95 2021- Lexus GX 460 Luxury 97 2022- Acura MDX A-Spec Luxury CUV 98 2022- Ford Bronco Badlands 99 2020- Mercedes Benz G 63 Wagon 101 2021- Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 103 2021- Mazda CX9 Signature AWD 105 2021- Honda Accord Hybrid TRG 107 2021- Hyundai Elantra Limited 109 2021- Ford Ranger Super Crew Lariat 110 2021- Ford Bronco Sport Badlands 112 2021- Ford Expedition Limited Max 4x4 114 2021- Ford F-150 Super Crew Cab Ranch Hybrid

PHOTO CREDIT: ISABELLA MENDEZ

From The Publisher / Finding Your Peace

11 From the Editor

14 At Home 16 Plants for Cozy Spaces 21 Cute Vase Fillers 24 Creating A Prayer Corner 26 Introducing Label 180 Furniture 28 Meditation & Solitude 30 Get Your Grove & Bring Your Mojo Back

33 Delicious Recipe’s

117 Health & Wellness How COVID Lockdown Hurt My Workout Regiment / How I Went From Fluffy to Fit

34 Savory BBQ Ribs and Dry Spice Rub 35 Creamy Parmesan Risotto & Roasted Shrimp 36 Comforting Sausage Ragu & Creamy Polenta 37 Smoky Tender Grilled Oysters 38 Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos 39 Decadent Broiled Lobster 40 Eat Your Way Through Southeast Texas 42 Everyday Comfort Foods

121 Creating A Space for Privacy 124 A Space free of Clutter 124 Create Private Space

126 Free Your Mind 143 Liking Your Life 148 Consumer Updates: Why Do Wealthy People Wear Fake Jewelry

43 Sweets & Desserts 44 Delicious English Trifle 47 Scrumptious Jumbo Brownies 48 Delightful Chocolate Cake 51 Easy Cocktails 52 Moscow Mule 52 Breakfast Martini 53 Great Gatsby Vodka Cocktail 53 Old Fashioned 53 Fruit Tingle 54 Sidecar 54 Margarita 54 Strawberry Daiquiri 55 Mint Julep

Photo Credit: Taryn Elliott

issue 9 | privacy

Published editions Published pages Published copies Monthly readership Digital reads per issue Internet impressions Instagram followers Facebook followers

56 over 30k over 1 million over 34k over 20k over 2 million over 20k over 12k

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Global One includes businesses that represent healthcare, community, beauty, fashion, sports, food, cuisine, education, finance, arts, culture, books, automotive, women, children, men, cuisine, relationships, travel, and so much more.

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2022

Global One was created in 1998 by published author, Ella Patterson. It began as an on online travel and automotive review blog and blossomed into this beautiful lifestyle print magazine. It is a publication found in over 14,000 locations throughout the State of Texas. • Our mission is to ensure quality and accuracy in journalism and disseminate information. • Our core principles are culture, conscious, and connections. • Our goal is to inform and inspire our readers through a series of beautiful journeys. • Our journalism intent is to provide knowledge, and educate our readers in wholesome, truthful, and fun-loving ways.

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In Every Issue A Series of Beautiful Journey’s

At Home

Motivation / Inspiration

Delicious Recipe’s

Exciting Travel Adventures

Places & Spaces

Liking Your Life

Great Automotive Reviews

Sweets & Desserts

Consumer Updates Health & Wellness Tasty Drinks & Cocktails

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From the Publisher I WANT TO THANK AND ACKNOWLEDGE my supportive readers for enjoying and indulging in our magazine for the past year. I cannot believe it’s been a year. I hope the magazine has brought about a sense of peace and joy, along with a series of beautiful journey’s, even if only a few minutes. Indulging in cozy places and spaces that bring peace to my readers is the objective of this issue. Finding your favorite private place to settle in can offer a few magical and peaceful moments in time. Have you ever had one of those days where you need a little more inspiration than normal. Have you ever felt like you are feeling more stuck than unstuck? Do you sometimes feel more in over your head than your head is above water? Sometimes it’s not even the task itself that is overwhelming, it’s just the thought of getting started that makes you want to crawl back into bed and sleep until the next day. Although I think it’s okay to have a day where you “just can’t” - sometimes all you really need is a tiny push in the right direction. Finding a space or a place that you can unwind is key; and Lord knows if there’s one thing, we all need from time to time is a place to escape and relax. Unfortunately for many of us finding a good place to escape means escaping mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, or even socially. Maybe you indulge in small local get-a-way’s. Maybe you enjoy listening to music in a cozy place or while on a quiet drive. Then maybe someone else you know enjoys redecorating their home or meditating as a way to relax. Whatever kind of escape you choose to indulge in, it’s important to nurture your mind, body, and spirit by giving yourself an outlet that’s outside of the norm or a simple break from the normal routine. For me right now it’s yoga and meditating in a quiet and undisturbed environment. It’s how I find my version of balance and peacefulness. Whether you’re facing a full week of days in the office, or at-home organizing a project, or maybe running errands that you’ve been putting off; we offer some fruitful yet creative ways to stay inspired, motivated, and productive. For this issue, we wanted to put together an arsenal of cozy spaces, places, and things, like photos, stories, methods, and tools that can help you discover your very own cozy escape. I love that you are able to find joy and peace in something as simple as a clean home, a cozy room, a taste of good food, a soothing drive along a winding quiet road, a beautiful plane ride, or simply closing yourself in to regroup and recharge your life. As always, I send you support for peace within. Keep your head to the sky and move forward. Enjoy your life.

About Global One The magazines core principles are culture, conscious, and connections. We want to educate, inspire, inform, and uplift our readers. Global One Magazine researchers and writers conducts in depth interviews with business owners and community leaders with an intent to provide knowledge and education to our readers. The publication covers business, healthcare, community, galas, beauty, fashion, sports, food, education, finance, arts, culture, automotive, women, children, men, cuisine, relationships and so much more! Global One Magazine is a quarterly publication that has over 400 locations throughout the Dallas, Colin and Tarrant County area which includes Dallas, Desoto, Cedar Hill, Grand Prairie, Lancaster, Carrollton, Richardson, Plano, Duncanville, and Arlington. We are located in businesses, homes, and churches. We also showcased in Kroger’s, Albertsons, Tom Thumb, The Potter’s House, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Friendship West Baptist Church, Concord Church, just to name a few. We are in Barnes and Noble Nationwide! You can find us at http://www.globalonemag.com. http://www.linkedin.com/ellapatterson http://www.facebook.com/globalonemagazine http://www.instagram/globalonemagazine. http://www.linkedin.com/ellapatterson http://www.facebook.com/ellapatterson http://www.instagram.com/ellapatterson http://www.instagram.com/ellafoodandrinks http://www.instagram.com/ellapattersonbooks http://www.instagram.com/ellapattersonradio http://www.twitter.com/ellapatterson We encourage feedback!

If you ever have a story that you feel needs to be told, you can call us at 972-765-1735 or submit your story to us email globalonemagazine@gmail.com. We are proud to have relationships with companies such as DART, Parkland Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Frost Bank, Barnes and Noble and others! Global One Magazine looks forward to serving the community for many more years to come! Ella Patterson, Publisher & CEO Email us at globalonemagazine@gmail.com Follow on Instagram: @therealellapattersonshow

With love and gratitude, Ella

Relax with your computer on a fresh and cozy low-level bed. PHOTO BY DARIA SHEVTSOVA

From The Editor

Cozy Places & Spaces

The Need for Privacy. There’s a certain thrill that awaits us when it is time to change, whether it is our direction, our minds, our energy, or something as needed as our private space. I never stop wanting to feel that first time feeling. It’s such an invigorating place to be. This season at Global One, were discovering the need for privacy. Not in a way that we are shutting people out of our lives, but in a way we are learning to take care of ourselves in the best of ways. So as we move forward with learning more about positive privacy we are intent on entering into this new lane of privacy in an unhurried, and unrushed seeking privacy where and when we need it most. It may seem a little naive on our part to even wish for privacy, but we’ve come to learn that its often in our slow and simple focus that we are able to gain the privacy that we need. Its during our private times that we can hear the clarity and goodness that surrounds us. The concept of privacy might make some of us uncomfortable as we wonder does privacy mean we must cut people out of our lives or must we be selfish and neglectful just to gain the kind of privacy we want, need and desire. Only when we take our private time can we look ahead at where we are going before we fully acknowledge where we have been and what we have already done. On page 121, we invite you to pause for an exercise of privacy – give honor and celebrate your accomplishments. Enjoy the growth that came from it. Privacy looks different for all of us. For some moments of privacy can be just as good as a soothing as taking a warm bath or watching a newborn baby sleep. For others it might be finding repose in recharging an old friendship or interest in a passion that fills you up. Marie’s take on meditation, on page 28 shows you how peace of mind and privacy go hand-in-hand. In the kitchen there’s comfort to be found in recipe’s that motivate you to celebrate in ways both old and new. Our recipe for chocolate cake on page 49, lends itself to having a moment of sweet privacy you can indulge in all year long. You’ll find other sweet treats there too. This year might have already asked more of you than you ever imagined. I hope you will set aside some of those expectations for private times. Leave some of your tasks undone and achievements unmet. Dispel the myth that the only way we are at peace is when were hustling. Instead let us each take some time alone, in private to inhale and exhale and rest while still continuing to meet our challenges. And when you experience quiet time, alone feel the shift of the world agreeing that privacy is good…and needed and energizing and then believe that there is value in choosing to indulge in privacy.

Founder + Publisher ELLA PATTERSON Editor in Chief SEJON ALLE, Creative Director CREMOLA JONES, Executive Director MARTIN PATTERSON III , Managing Editor BETTIE ARTIS, Circulation MARIE BRANCH, Distribution RENEE JONES, Director of Sales HERBERT JONES, Travel Director LORENZO VILANT, Food Editor T’JUANNA WINTERS Auto Editor ELLA PATTERSON, Media TOKIO JONES, Contributors HERBERT JONES, Art Director MP3, Editorial Assistant FELICIA BRIAN EP Brands Editorial Director Contributing Writers LORENZO VILANT, MARTIN PATTERSON, MARLOW C. PATTERSON, DENELLA RI’CHARD, ALAN GELL, JUDY GELL, BETTIE ARTIS, JUANNA GRAY Graphic Artist LARRY STRADER, Makeup CHELSEA Global One Media Launch Team Creative, Design Director RAYMOND JONES, Art Assistant ALECIA CAMPBELL EP Brands President ELLA PATTERSON, Director of Operations TIFFANY PATTERSON Marketing and Sales SVP Group Publisher PHIL JACKSON, Group Design Director FELICIA BEAN, Advertising MARTIN PATTERSON III, MARIE PATTERSON Texas, Atlanta, Illinois, Missouri – 972-765-1950 Circulation Consumer Marketing Director SHERI WOODS, Sr. Production Manager DEMETRIA HOWARD Production Director JOHN SUMPTER Global One Magazine is NATIONWIDE! WEBSITE: www.globalonemag.com EMAIL: globalonemagazine@gmail.com Instagram @therealellapattersonshow ADVERTISING: (972) 854-1824 EDITORIAL: (972) 765-1950 SUBMISSIONS: (972) 765-1735

Love, Marie Follow along on Instagram: @therealellapattersonshow

Global One Magazine is published by Knowledge Concepts Publishing. Reproduction in any form is prohibited

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A simple little place, plus a little cozy, equals relaxation. PHOTO CREDIT: ELEMENT5 DIGITAL

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A private corner with your favorite things can be quite satisfying. PHOTO CREDIT: DARIA STEVTSOVA

Home is not just a house. Home is a place where love overflows. Home is a place where there are familiar things that you like knowing are yours. Home has meaning. Home gives and bends like trees blowing in the wind. Home is where we gather to express ourselves, love ourselves and share ourselves with the people we love. Home is cozy, relaxing, generous, heartfelt, loving, decent and kind. Home teaches you ‘real love.

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Sometimes all you need is a beautiful plant next to a freshly made bed. PHOTO CREDIT: VALERIA BOLTNEVA

Cute Vase Filler Ideas for Your Cozy Space

Your Favorite Place Assorted plants, beautifully placed can bring freshness to your space. PHOTO CREDIT: VALERIA BOLTNEVA

Plants Can Spruce Up A Private Space

ouseplants are a tried-and-true way to bring vibrant color, freshness and nature inside your home. Not to mention, plants are a great way to purify the air in your home. Big and beautiful philodendrons and majesty palms are perfect for adding the finishing touch to any room. Plants can also decorate empty corners and walls. However, huge plants like that aren’t always the best for tiny apartments and less-thanspacious homes. Thankfully, there are plenty of choices for small indoor plants that can help provide the right touch of green without taking up a large chunk of your room! Small plants, like succulents and air plants, are perfect for adding greenery to your desk or your nightstand. Slightly bigger plants like peace lilies can take up some floor space, but they won’t overwhelm any corner of the room with lush leaves or big roots. The best part about most small potted plants is that they can fit almost anywhere in your home. You can even get creative! Think about adding some cute plants in unexpected places like near your bathroom window, in a hanging planter or even on your wall with a space-saving vertical wall garden!

21 Small Indoor Plants to Spruce Up Your Space To help you get started, we rounded up our favorite small indoor plants and included a few tips for styling them in a small space. Take a look and see which ones you can apply to your own space.

1. Air Plant Air plants are interesting plants since they don’t need soil to survive. These are great if you’re looking for a small plant and don’t want to deal with pots or soil. If you choose to house your air plant in a terrarium, make sure it has an opening, so it gets plenty of circulation.

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2. Aloe Vera Did you know that aloe vera plants are a part of the succulent family? Just like their relatives, they enjoy the sun and prefer that their soil is completely dry between watering. These small potted plants are handy to keep around if you have any minor burns, like a sunburn. Take a look at the rest of the list to see what other plants you should keep around your home.

3. Anthurium Smaller anthuriums are perfect for adding a bright pop of color to any room in the house without taking up too much space. They can tolerate all types of light, but will grow best with bright, indirect light.

4. Asparagus Fern Contrary to its name, the asparagus fern is actually a part of the lily (liliaceae) family. If possible, give this plant some breathing room on either side so its leaves can fan out. It will add a beautiful splash of green on any shelf or table.

5. Baby Toes These cute plants also hail from the succulent family. Their name derives from their small stature and resemblance to an infant’s toes. Baby toes are perfect conversation starters due to their unusual look.

6. Cast-Iron Plant Cast-iron plants are hardy plants that can withstand a range of light and soil conditions. They’re the plant to choose if you’re willing to give up a little floor space in exchange for a nearly indestructible plant.

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7. Chinese Money Plant These cute plants are known for their beautiful round leaves and how for how difficult they are to obtain. Chinese money plants are also called missionary plants. This is because Norwegian Missionary Agnar Espergen took cuttings home with him in the 1940s and shared them with his loved ones. This is how the plant eventually spread throughout the world. These plants are easy to propagate, so the easiest way to acquire your own is to find a friend or online exchange willing to help you.

8. Echeveria The echeveria is one of the most common types of succulents. Little plants like these are more commonly found at office and home desks due to their easy care and small size. A common cause of death, however, is overwatering. Make sure to let your plants’ soil dry completely before giving them another drink.

9. Jade Plant Jade plants are most known for their thick, ovalshaped leaves. Jade plants can live for years as long as they are given the proper care. To keep your plant’s leaves nice and shiny, wipe them down every once in a while, to combat dust build up. This will keep the leaves glossy and increase its ability to absorb sunlight.

10. Kalanchoe Kalanchoes are a variety of flowering plants that are known for their beautiful blooms. Place them near a window so that they have plenty of energy to flower. The kalanchoe is also from the succulent family, so it prefers to have dry, well-drained soil.

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11. Lithops Many refer to lithops as “living stones,” since these plants closely resemble pebbles and small stones. Like succulents, these small plants can survive in hot temperatures and little water. Lithops are great for showing off to guests due to their deceiving appearance!

12. Lucky Bamboo These small plants can grow in both soil and in water. If you choose to grow your lucky bamboo in water, make sure you replace the water every 7 to 10 days and use filtered water if possible. If you plant it in soil, make sure to water it when the first inch of its soil starts to feel dry.

13. Oxalis This specific oxalis variety is also referred to as “purple shamrocks” or “false shamrocks.” It earned its name because of its resemblance to the Irish shamrock that is more commonly known as the threeleafed clover. In addition to its name, it’s also known for its photophilic nature. This means that both its flowers and leaves open and close in response to light.

14. Peace Lily Peace lilies are one of the best houseplants you can have in your home due to their variety of sizes, attractive appearance, and ability to clean the air. Peace lilies can also thrive under fluorescent light, so they’re perfect for rooms that have little to no natural light. Take a look at our peace lily care guide to learn how to help them thrive.

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15. Peperomia Peperomia leaves grow in tight clusters, making them ideal choices for small shelves or desks. Their thick leaves can hold water and allow them to endure periods of time without hydration. They can also survive under fluorescent light, but grow best with bright, indirect sunlight.

16. Polka Dot Plant Polka dot plants are colorful plants that provide an unexpected dash of color to any shelf or tabletop. They are commonly known for their pink color, but they have more recently become available in other colors (like red and white). Although it prefers indirect sunlight, some direct sunlight during the day is okay for your plant if it isn’t very colorful yet. Just remember to bring it back out of the direct sunlight to avoid scorched leaves.

17. Pothos Pothos plants are vine plants that can easily dress up a bookcase or a plain wall with their trailing leaves. They are another popular plant that purifies the air. Their classy appearance and airpurifying abilities make them a good choice for a home office or living room. Take a look at our pothos plant care guide to learn more in-depth information about their care guidelines.

18. Rubber Tree Rubber trees are indoor plants that can pull any room together with their large leaves and vibrant color. Rubber trees can potentially grow up to ten feet tall. To keep them at a smaller height, prune the branches and leaves regularly. New branches can sprout from these pruning’s if you tend to them.

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19. Snake Plant Snake plants are easy to care for and are also useful for purifying the air. These plants grow vertically, so they’re ideal for tight corners that are in need of some greenery. Snake plants can grow in a variety of light conditions but thrive best in indirect sunlight. Since they originate from the desert, they can also withstand long periods of time without water. You should let their soil dry between watering’s.

20. Spider Plant These plants have a lot of long, skinny leaves that poke out from their pots. Spider plants make interesting hanging plants thanks to their dangling leaves. The spider plant’s other nicknames include the “airplane plant” and the “ribbon plant” — thanks to its iconic foliage.

21. String of Pearls The string of pearls plant is an increasingly popular plant with a unique appearance. Its pearl-like foliage hangs over its container and makes an eye-catching piece of decor for all of your guests. This cute plant is yet another member of the succulent family and thus requires lots of light and little water.

How to Style Small Indoor Plants in Tiny Spaces A lack of space is an invitation to get innovative and see how you can add foliage to your home! You can keep it simple with a few small potted plants or get creative with a wall gardens to take advantage of your vertical space. Small DIY projects like modern plant terrariums and kokedama string gardens are other ways to incorporate small indoor plants into your tiny space. Look through our tips and tricks to see how you can take advantage of your small space. Small indoor plants are some of the most versatile greenery you can find. Start by picking out a few of your favorites to see where they can fit. From there, you’ll get an idea about what works best in your space and what other plants you want to add! If you’re up for getting a little more creative, why not try your hand at making a DIY ladder plant stand or DIY succulent wall garden? These projects allow you to have a fun indoor garden without taking up too much space! Unique wall and hanging planters are the way to go if you’re tight on floor space. 20.

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Cute Vase Filler Ideas for Your Private Spaces Fruit Slices and Plants Need a unique vase filler idea for an outdoor event? Lemons and limes aren't just for garnish or beverages -- they can be used to create festive outdoor decor such as table centerpieces for a wedding, picnic or gathering of friends and family. Glass layers made by setting one vase inside another hold citrus slices in place for a centerpiece that looks good enough to eat or drink. Select unblemished fruits for the best-looking centerpieces. Cut a few lemon slices. Start with a wide-mouth mason or other jar. Arrange the lemon slices around the inside of the jar and fill with water.

Plant A Coin Money Tree Got any spare change? Use it to create a whimsical vase decoration idea for a windowsill or kitchen counter. It’s more fun when you use different denominations. You can use a mixture of different coins or use quarters in one plant, dimes in another and so on. Try different kinds of glassware. Tall, short, oblong, square, round, or weirdly shaped glass for conversation. Add artificial leafy stems to give the illusion of planting your own "money trees."

River Rocks and Plants For a vase filler that brings the feel of a walk by a forest stream indoors, think river rocks. Fill a clear round vase from the bottom to about halfway up, starting with small rocks and ending with large ones. Use assorted shapes and different colors to add to the flavor of the look. Add water and top with a short cluster of colorful woodsy blooms such as camellias or rhododendrons. Try different sizes and shapes of the glass vase as well. Be creative. Let your imagination soar.

Neon Glass Beads and Plants When it comes to the question of what to put in a vase, one of the most popular vase filler ideas is glass beads. Rather than the traditional white or clear, opt for brighter or unusual colors. A bead store, Michaels, or even Walmart has so many varieties to choose from. Arrange several vases or bottles with complementary hues and top each off with a singular bloom. *Tip: For beads with deep hues and unusual shapes, try the fire glass beads often used in fire pits.

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A corner in your home small candles and fresh plants is alluring and peaceful.

Create A Prayer Corner in Your Home For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, It encourages meditation and promotes a call to prayer. It is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.

prayer corner is essentially any place where we choose to pray, but more private than a prayer corner. It might literally be a corner in a room, closet, or even a quiet shed. When it is set up with religiously significant items, it can remind the entire family throughout the day of the vital importance of using prayer in our daily lives. A prayer corner encourages meditation. It promotes a call to prayer. It is also a tool for family catechesis. One family I know has a family “prayer corner” in the living room with a small lamp constantly lit in front of a religious icon — a popular tradition in some countries. The children said that when they get up at night and walk past the “prayer corner,” it reinforces God’s presence and is comforting and reassuring for them. So, how can you create your prayer corner? Each prayer corner is as individual as the person who prays. It is unique like each family. But here are some guidelines.

Decide On A Specific Place The first step is to choose the best location. Sometimes you have to try one place and then another before finding the most appropriate one. The children’s wishes may also lead to how you choose. Even in a small apartment, several possibilities may occur, and you should know that there is no ideal place per se: the “prayer corner” can be placed in the kitchen, in a bedroom, or family room. However, the following criteria are important to consider: • Assess your home and pick a quiet spot. Where is the best place within your home for you to pray? • Say a prayer and ask Christ for help in choosing your prayer corner location. • Pray in your prayer corner each day at the same time – even if it is for only five minutes. • Tell your family about your prayer corner and encourage them to create one of their own or use yours! • Ask your pastor or priest to bless your house and specifically your prayer corner! • Consider if it has enough room for the whole family to stand together. • A quiet place, which does not distract attention. If you stand in front of a window facing the street, the noise coming from outside may prevent quiet meditation. Be very selective of the space you decide to use. • Choose a beautiful area … or can be made beautiful. Avoid the proximity of the trash bin or a basket of dirty laundry. • Choose a place that you can frequently walk past during the day, not to be relegated to a place where nobody ever goes. • Create enough isolation to allow anyone to come and pray alone. This last criterion, of course, is only conceivable in sufficiently large housing. It is difficult — not to say impossible — to isolate yourself from the others when six or seven people live in three or four rooms. But even if that is the case, do not be discouraged. Any place that reminds us to pray and fosters peace and reflection is good.

How to Create Your Prayer Corner Here are some tips on how to create a prayer corner within your home: • Bring to your prayer corner those things that make it spiritual Place a chair, small side table, or kneeler in your prayer corner. 23.

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Include spiritual items: reading, and/or a Rosary, and/or a cross, and/or a bible and/or a journal on a side table next to your chair or kneeler. Surround yourself with your choice of holy images. This can help focus your prayer time by reflecting on the lives of Jesus, Mary, and the Saints. Develop The Space. Once the location is selected, the next step is to find a space within that specific place. Now that it is chosen, it needs to be developed. The minimum might include a small statue, a crucifix, or an icon. Choose something beautiful or meaningful. It is very beneficial for children to associate God with beauty. Monasteries offer a large selection of images, for all tastes and at all prices. These images can be placed on a small table or hung on the wall, but always at the height of the smallest children. Candles. Another important element is a candle or candles of choice. The flame speaks to us about the love of God, the fire of the Holy Spirit, the light of Christ who guides us. Some families light three candles, one for each Person of the Holy Trinity. (God, The Holy Spirit, and Christ). Others light as many candles as members of the family: each one his own and, when there are absentees, their candles are there to represent them. During Advent or Lent, the number of candles may increase from week to week. On the anniversary of their baptism, the children can also light their candle, with supervision of course. Flowers (fresh and not faded). Live plants bring life and cheerfulness to a prayer corner. Children will be happy to find flowers outside on walks to place there. Bulletin Boards. You might also consider a small bulletin board You can hang children’s drawings, Scripture quotes (that of the Sunday’s day), photos of people for whom you want to pray, especially godchildren, etc. Place it in your prayer area. Other elements. Rugs, appropriate lighting, a small shelf with books and notebooks, stools or small benches, a speaker, and more can complete your prayer corner. Enjoy setting up this special space and let it evolve with time and inspiration.

Praying is Comfort We can pray anywhere, at any time! And we don’t even need to utter a word. Sometimes the most beautiful prayers are tears of pain or sorrow, looking toward Heaven to find comfort (John 11:35). Our faith teaches us that we are able to communicate with our God, along with the Angels, and the Saints anytime and anywhere! What an incredibly beautiful and comforting reality this is. Beauty is also found when we imitate Christ. In the Gospels, we often read that Christ goes off by Himself to pray (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). We can create a space in our home where we can retreat to and find Christ. When we create a designated space for prayer, quiet, solitude, silence, and listening within our home it allows us to hear God’s voice in our life more clearly. Our connection to God strengthens.

Why Create a Prayer Corner in Your Home? Within our homes, we designate places for cooking, eating, socializing, sleeping, and bathing. Do you have a special spot for God within your home? A place set aside for Him, your Heavenly Father, who created and breathed life into you? The word “consecration” means “to set apart,” and you should consecrate a space in our home to God. We must give God our best space and our best time. When we order our hearts and homes correctly–with God as the head of our families–our lives transform, and we begin to experience true freedom and joy. Making a prayer corner in your home is one way to create a special spot for you to spend time with God. It is essential for each of us to retreat with our Heavenly Father in silence and love. God has so many plans for your heart. He has so much to tell you, and so many ways that He wants to express His love for you. It is important that we take time for Him and listen to all He has to share with us.

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A vase near a window filled with beautiful flowers… is not only gorgeous its delightful. PHOTO CREDIT: DOMINIKA ROSECLAY

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A quiet place for meditation is good for the brain, mind, body, and spirit. PHOTO CREDIT: COTTONBRO

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Here’s How to Practice Meditation & Solitude

e all need a haven, a place to soothe, restore, and refresh our spirits after the stress and demands of everyday life. It’s no secret that we are bombarded every day with countless messages. These messages fill our televisions, radios, computers, newspapers, magazines, and morning commutes. These messages inevitably begin to shape our lives. Our hearts and minds are indeed influenced by the messages that enter through our eyes and ears. And our life is slowly whittled away and reformed by the loudest voices that get through (they are shouting so loud for our attention). Whether you are pursuing a “less is more” lifestyle or just trying to find more peace and fulfillment in your life, you will find countless benefits from incorporating a discipline of solitude as a part of your daily routine. Solitude provides opportunity to rediscover our lives. By electing to intentionally withdraw from human relationships for a period of time, we are able to remove the shaping influence of others and recenter our hearts on our deepest values. We are able to evaluate the assumptions, claims, and messages of our culture. Often times, we realize that these shaping forces have been indirectly related to shaping our lives in unfulfilling ways

time, I have found these tips to be particularly helpful in developing a discipline of concentrated solitude:

Consider the benefits when we embrace solitude… • We intentionally remove the influence of others for a period of me. • We intentionally remove the expectations of others. • We are able to hear our own heart speak. • We find rest, renewal, and refreshment. • We discover that others can live without us. • We find that the world does not rest on our shoulders. • We can adequately reflect on our past and chart our future. • We break the cycle of busyness in our lives. • We become better equipped to show patience with others. • We feed our souls and energize our spirit. While anyone can practice solitude at any given time by just finding a quiet place to sit for an extended period of

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Give yourself enough time. If you are just starting, try 30 minutes. Typically, the first 15 minutes are filled with a busy mind still running fast. But after about 15 minutes, your mind will slow down enough to offer you deep reflection. And the longer you give it, the deeper it will go. Schedule time. If you are just hoping for an extra 30-45 minutes to show up in your day for solitude, it’ll never come. Time for solitude must be desired, scheduled, and created. Find a calm location. Your surroundings will make a big difference. Avoid “fast-paced” locations such as offices, kitchens, or any place that reminds you of work. Also keep in mind that you’ll find solitude more fulfilling if your space is uncluttered. Just allow your mind to wander. There are no set rules concerning what you should be thinking about. Just let your mind wander. As I mentioned, it will skip around at the very beginning. But eventually, your mind will settle in on something that your heart has been trying to tell you all along. Don’t quit just because you don’t like what you find. The journey into our heart is not always a pretty one. Sometimes when we start pulling back the layers of our heart and realize our deepest motivations, we don’t like what we see. This can be difficult for some and cause even more to stop altogether. But don’t. A richer, fuller life is just around the corner. Don’t worry if you fall asleep. While solitude is different than napping, if you consistently find yourself falling asleep during these quiet periods, your mind may be trying to tell you something. And you should probably listen. Pray. If you are spiritual, certainly use this time to connect with God. If you are not spiritual, solitude just may put you more in touch with God if you are open God often speaks with a small voice that is drowned out by the world’s noise, we can’t hear it until we intentionally listen for it.

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Creating a room with your favorite things can bring inner calm. PHOTO CREDIT: PIXABY

How To Get In Your Groove and Bring Your Mojo Back

here are many reasons why you might have lost your mojo and need to get back into your groove. You might have got sick, or traveled, or just lost track of everything. These are times when you need to get back into the routine that you are used to. If you don’t, you might find yourself slipping further away from all the important stuff. In order to get your life right back on track, you can try out these tips below.

7 Ways to Get Back Into Your Groove Here are 7 ways to get back into your groove and get back your mojo: PHOTO CREDIT: ANATASIA SHURAEVA 1. Focus on getting back to your routine Everyone has a sort of routine that they follow in their lives. Even if you are a very most lazy person, you know roughly what the different stages of laziness are. Did you know that babies love routine? This proves that humans are routine creatures. Or wait, creatures of habit. Take a moment to remember your routine from before. Then make sure to get right back into it. 2. Be gentle with yourself When you’re sick, your body needs to rest and recuperate. Now that you are back to your regular everyday routine, things might be a little rusty. You might find that you have to take time to motivate yourself all over again. That is why I suggest being gentle with yourself until you get back into your groove. 3. Move your body Being sick, or just not being in the mood causes stagnation in the body. Energies remain dormant. Your chakras require some shaking and rejuvenation to bring them back to life. Practice some yoga or qigong. 4. Nourish your body When you need to get back into your groove, be sure to eat fruits and vegetables. If you don’t usually eat juicy fruits, now is the time to be present and aware of the immense benefits of fruits. 5. Acknowledge the small successes We almost never acknowledge that we did a good job. It’s as easy as telling yourself: You did a good job. This small gesture is capable of brightening your entire day. In order to get back your mojo, be sure to throw a few compliments your way. 6. Treat yourself A great way to acknowledge the little things is to do things that you like. You can cook yourself a tasty treat or paint or watch your favorite tv show. The little things have the ability to brighten up your day.

PHOTO BY COTTONBRO

7. Re-fluff your surroundings Sometimes all you need is to move some furniture around and create a little change. Fluff out your pillows, take everything off your bed and put it back again. Move back your sofas and let the air reach the corners of your house. This can be the push you need to get back into your groove.

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PHOTO CREDIT: KAMPUS PRODUCTION

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An intimate place for quiet and intimate moments is important. PHOTO CREDIT: MART PRODUCTION

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Recipe’s For Delicious moments… Appetizing Moments… PHOTO BY ELI

Throw your favorite meats on the grill and enjoy family time outdoors. PHOTO CREDIT: MATHEUS GOMES

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Savory BBQ Ribs with Dry Spice Rub

Prep: 20 mins. Cook: 3 hrs. Additional: 4 hrs. Total: 7 hrs. 20 mins. Servings: 4. Yield: 1 - 2-pound rib roast Ingredients • 1 cup chili powder • 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic • 1 teaspoon onion powder • ½ teaspoon ground cumin • 1 ½ teaspoons salt • 2 tablespoons seasoning salt • 2 pounds rib roast • 4 cups canned tomato sauce • ¼ cup packed brown sugar • ½ cup chopped fresh tomato • ¼ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes • ¼ cup soy sauce • ¼ cup water

Directions Step 1. - In a small bowl or jar, mix together chili powder, dried minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, salt, and seasoning salt. Step 2. - Place rib roast on a medium baking sheet. Rub vigorously with 1/2 the chili powder mixture. Cover and refrigerate 4 to 6 hours. Step 3. - In a medium saucepan, mix together 1/2 the chili powder mixture, tomato sauce, brown sugar, tomato, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, soy sauce and water. Cook 3 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally, over low heat. Step 4. - Prepare an outdoor grill for indirect heat. Lightly oil grate. Step 5. - Cook ribs covered on the prepared grill 3 to 5 hours, or to desired doneness. Brush with the sauce mixture from the medium saucepan during the last minutes of cooking. Serve with remaining sauce mixture.

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Creamy Parmesan Risotto & Roasted Shrimp YIELD: Serves 6 This creamy risotto, spiked with salty Parmesan and topped with sweet, juicy roasted shrimp, has a lot going for it. There’s the slight edge of fancy, as risotto is something many of us eat at restaurants but not at home. And yet it’s so comforting — a simple homestyle dish, really. It’s also not difficult. One of the nicest things about risotto is even if you turn one out that’s not quite technically perfect in the classical sense — rice a little too soft, sauce not creamy enough, the dish a bit dry — it’s still a really good meal.

An Easy Dinner That Feels Special Whether you’re cooking with your someone special, for a group of friends, or for your whole family, here’s a recipe that lends itself to some togetherness in the kitchen — easy risotto, stirred meditatively, cooked slowly, with a glass of wine in one hand and the music turned up. Risotto Tutorial If this is the first time you’ve made risotto and you want a little extra guidance, check out our tutorial on making a basic risotto. This recipe is based on it closely. INGREDIENTS • 1-pound large raw shrimp • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon paprika • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 8 cups (2 quarts) low-sodium chicken broth • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 small white onion, diced • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 2 cups arborio rice • 1/2 cup dry white wine • 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese • 1 cup finely chopped Italian parsley leaves, divided

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INSTRUCTIONS 1. Arrange the rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400°F. Rinse the shrimp and pat them very dry. Place on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with the oil, sprinkle with the paprika and a generous quantity of salt and pepper and toss to combine. Spread them in an even layer and refrigerate while you prepare the risotto. Warm the broth in a medium saucepan over low heat. 2. In a separate Dutch oven or wide, deep sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and beginning to brown around the edges, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir thoroughly to make sure it is coated with the butter and onions. Cook the rice for 1 to 2 minutes more. Add the wine and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan until the wine has evaporated. 3. Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait to add another ladle until the liquid has been almost completely absorbed by the rice. This gradual addition of liquid is key to getting the rice to release its starch and create its own delicious sauce, so don't rush this step. If the broth is evaporating very quickly, or the rice is boiling hard, turn the heat down so you just see a gentle simmer and occasional plop. Expect this stage to take about 18 minutes, and to add most of the broth. 4. Begin tasting the rice after about 13 minutes to gauge how far it has cooked. The risotto is ready when the rice is still a bit chewy, and the dish has the consistency of thick porridge. In the last 5 minutes of cooking the risotto, put the pan of prepared shrimp in the oven. Roast until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 5 minutes. 5. When the risotto is ready, turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan and about 1/2 cup of the parsley. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. 6. Serve immediately, spreading risotto in pasta bowls and topping with the shrimp and a sprinkle of the remaining parsley. 34

Comforting Sausage Ragu / Creamy Polenta YIELD: Serves 4 This ultra-comforting weeknight dinner skips the pasta in favor of a cheesy, creamy bowl of polenta as the base for a blanket of hearty sausage ragù. Inspired by our love for slow-simmered bolognese, this weeknight version blends the richness of crumbled sausage with bright tomatoes and fresh herbs for a fast sauce that will satisfy the whole family. Meat Sauce Makes the Meal You can always sear a few sausages for an easy weeknight meal, but this budget-friendly meat can do so much more. Remove the casings and you’re well on your way to stretching a single pound of sausage into dinner for the whole family. Seared crumbled pork is enriched with red wine, tomatoes, and fresh herbs and cooks for about 30 minutes until all the flavors melds. In the meantime make a creamy polenta to serve it over. This dish is pure comfort food, and a dish you can make when you’re looking to make the meat you buy last. Like any good ragù, it tastes even better the next day, so squirrel away some extras to eat as lunch on a soft bun with lots of slaw. INGREDIENTS For the ragù: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 medium onion, diced • 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped • 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 pound uncooked sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed • 1/3 cup red wine For the polenta: • 4 cups water • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 cup polenta or yellow cornmeal • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

PHOTO CREDIT: LAUREN VOLO

• • • • • •

2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 2 bay leaves 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1/2 sprig fresh rosemary 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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INSTRUCTIONS 1. Make the ragù: Heat the oil in a large, high-sided skillet until shimmering. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage, season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink in the middle, 6 to 8 minutes. 2. Pour in the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the wine is almost fully evaporated. 3. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat. Add the tomatoes and their juices, broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make the polenta. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Make the polenta: Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the salt and cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and whisk the polenta continuously until slightly thickened and no longer sticking to the bottom of the pan, 2 to 3 minutes. Cover and continue cooking, stirring, and scraping the sides of the pan every 10 minutes, until the polenta is soft and creamy, 25 to 30 minutes total. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese and butter until fully melted. Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme and rosemary sprigs from the ragù. Serve the ragù over the polenta. RECIPE NOTES Storage: Leftover ragù can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Leftover polenta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with some milk or water to loosen it up.

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Smoky, Tender Grilled Oysters Here’s what some folks are doing when it comes to grilling oysters. A quick shuck, a little dab of chili-butter, and a brief spell in the sauna of the grill. Smoky, tender, and a little spicy: they’re perfect every time. Let’s take a lesson from the pros on this one and let them show us how it’s done. INGREDIENTS • Fresh unshucked oysters, preferably harvested that day • Compound butter, like herb butter or any mix of herbs or spices worked into soft butter • Crusty bread, for serving EQUIPMENT • •

Shucking knife Gas or charcoal grill

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat the Grill: Heat your grill until it's nice and hot. This is a quick-cooking dish, so the hotter the better. 2. Shuck the Oysters: Shuck as many oysters as you feel you can keep track of. Remember, you want to avoid overcooking, so it's better to work in several smaller batches that you can manage rather than one large batch that might overcook. 3. If you're new to shucking, take it slow, protect your hand with a glove, and brace the oyster against a work surface. 4. Arrange the Oysters on the Grill: Discard the top (flatter) shell and arrange the bottom (bowl-like) shells with the raw oysters in rows over the grill. 5. Add a Pat of Butter: Add about a tablespoon of butter to each oyster. 6. Close the Grill and Cook: Close the grill and cook the oysters for 3 to 4 minutes. Check them after this time. The oysters should be just barely starting to shrink, and you should see some caramelization in the butter around the edges. Cook for another 30 seconds if needed; it's better to undercook the oysters than overcook them. 7. Serve Immediately: Eat the oysters as soon as they're cool enough to pop in your mouth. Have plenty of bread on hand to mop up the leftover butter. RECIPE NOTES: To Grill Oysters Whole: If you'd like to grill oysters without shucking them, lay the oysters on the grill and close the lid. Check every minute. As soon as you see the top shell loosen, take the oysters off the grill, and eat. http://www.foodanddrinkgallery.com http://www.instagram.com/ellafoodanddrinks

Awesome Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños

Take some bacon, jalapeno's, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese and add some other ingredients, what do you get? These awesome stuffed and bacon wrapped jalapeno's! Recipe Ingredients: • 10 to 12 Jalapeno Peppers sliced long ways and seeded • 6 to 12 pieces Bacon cut in half to wrap peppers • 8 oz. Cream Cheese • 1 package Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix • 1 cup of Colby Jack shredded cheese Cooking Tips: 1. Cajun Trinity: You may have come across recipes calling for this and wonder what it is. It's simply three ingredients used to start many Cajun

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dishes: bell pepper, onions, and celery. These give dishes a wonderful flavor and aroma. 2. Making a roux: Making a roux is time consuming and needs to be watched carefully! It can burn easily, so stir often. If it burns, you have to throw it out and start all over again. Directions: 1. Mix Cream Cheese, Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix and Colby Jack well for stuffing peppers. Stuff pepper halves and then wrap with half piece of Bacon. 2. Place on cookie sheet with a wire rack inserted to let excess grease drain while cooking. Pre-Heat oven on 350° and cook till bacon is crispy. Let cool slightly and enjoy. http://www.foodanddrinkgallery.com http://www.instagram.com/ellafoodanddrinks

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Decadent Broiled Lobster Tail

Broiled lobster tail is a decadent, impressive, but easyto-make dinner. The preparation isn’t difficult, and this meal can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of eating out. Broiled lobster tail is not a budget meal. Not even a once-a-week meal, at least for us. We eat out about once a month, so I never feel guilty when I want to splurge on something like broiled lobster tail. I actually bought 3 for $15 the day before my birthday this year. This is a celebratory meal…anniversary, birthday, graduation, promotion, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day. There are a lot of reasons to celebrate during the year! When you think about the cost in the grand scheme of things, a trip to a pretty basic chain restaurant can run you $70+ for a pretty run-of-the-mill meal for a family of four. Why not spend a third of that and get a really special meal every once in a while? How to prepare broiled lobster tail. This method is also called “butterflying”. This classic preparation uses the shell as a natural broiling rack. Lift the lobster meat out of the shell, keeping the bottom connected to the shell and rest it on back on the shell. Preheat broiler. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet about two thirds down from heating element. Broil 7-10 minutes, or until meat is opaque and cooked through Serve the broiled lobster tail with more melted, clarified butter and maybe steak for a decadent and delicious low-carb and keto friendly meal. Using clarified butter makes it whole 30 compliant.

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Eat Your Way Through Southeast Texas on the Cajun Trail in Beaumont Texas BEAUMONT, Texas, -- In honor of National Crawfish Day, Visit Beaumont is excited to launch the Cajun Trail, a free mobile passport program to get a flavor for the area. Prizes will be awarded for the number of check-ins you do and for completing the trail, so pack your appetite and your stretchy pants and get to tasting. Savor the flavor of Southeast Texas on Beaumont's Free Cajun Trail earning prizes for restaurant check-ins. Get Cray and Eat Your Way Through Southeast Texas on the Cajun Trail – Beaumont's First Free Foodie Passport Program Designed to showcase Beaumont's unique culinary scene and give visitors a taste of Southeast Texas, passport holders can savor gumbo and etouffee, crawfish and boil platters, boudin balls and links, BBQ crabs, and other regional delicacies while expanding their palate and learning about the nuances of Cajun cuisine. "The stops on the pass demonstrate a huge range of restaurants in our area from hidden gems and foodie finds to beloved local establishments that have been around for decades. There's something for everyone as we really want people to see that Cajun food encompasses everything from that messy seafood platter to fine-dining, but that it's all delicious in its own way," said Lauren Monitz, Marketing and Tourism Developer. Users can sign up for free at explore.visitbeaumonttx.com, which will download the pass on their phone via an email and text. They can dine around at each of the restaurants at their leisure, in any order, and earn prizes for "checking in" to 5,10, and 15 stops. They'll take home fun prizes like t-shirts and local Texas spice blends and have the opportunity to earn even more swag for sharing their pics and bites on social media with the hashtags #EATBMT and #VisitBeaumontTX. "Culinary Trails are an exciting new initiative for us as a way to not only encourage eating local but to attract more drive market visitation. Make it a road trip or weekend getaway, try some of our unique cuisine, and bring a taste of Beaumont home with you," said Christina Lokey, Marketing Director. "By encouraging visitors to eat local, we keep more money in the local economy and support the small business owners, while also providing them a unique marketing opportunity." About Visit Beaumont: On the border between Louisiana and the Lone Star State, Beaumont is a little bit Cajun, a lot Texan, and 100% unique for the South. Come explore the bayous, birding, and unique culinary landscape and see where the was changed forever in one of America's original Boomtowns. http://www.foodanddrinkgallery.com http://www.instagram.com/ellafoodanddrinks

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A Little Tease. Have you eaten at Breakfast Brothers Yet?

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Everyday Comfort Foods http://foodanddrinkgallery.com

Hot Chocolate & Cookies

Tea & Croissants

Bagels & Fruits

Froyo and Strawberries

Tacos and Lime

Fried Viand Assorted Cookies Cucumbers and Shrimp

Loaded Cheeseburger

Sprinkled Donuts

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Cookies and Coffee

Tasty Red Cupcake PHOTO CREDIT: IRINA EDILBAEVA

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Sweets and Desserts

Delicious English Trifle PHOTO CREDIT: SUZANNE JETZULAR

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Trifle is a classic English dessert, with layers of pound cake, Creme Anglais, fresh fruit, and whipped cream. This delicious trifle uses raspberries and poached pears, making it as delicious as it is beautiful. Poached Pear and Raspberry Trifle with Almond Pound cake. I have warm memories of holidays spent in East St. Louis, Ill. We’d drive over to my Aunt Lela’s for a few hours just to celebrate the holidays and eat an assortment of delicious foods and desserts. The dining room in the “house” was large enough to hold one long table which sat 24 family members and one, far-from Home. Aunt Lela made the best cakes, pies, and desserts. Ever since then, holidays are not holidays without it. I had only ever made it with Bird’s English Custard and Sara Lee Pound cake. Bird’s is similar to Creme Anglaise, (“English Cream”) in the powdered form, and while not as fresh tasting and yummy as from scratch, Bird’s is a classic British ingredient and far easier. Bird’s English Custard and Sara Lee Pound cake. can be found at most grocery stores. Instead of using a store-bought pound cake, try an Almond Pound Cake, sprinkled the cake with a combination of Amaretto (more almond flavor!) and Marsala. Simplify the Trifle recipe by using Gluten-free Almond Pound cake, but you can use store-bought pound cake. Bird’s custard powder, and canned pears packed in their own juice can also be used, but don’t cheat on the fresh whipped cream! From there, you’ll just need to assemble the trifle! What you’ll need for this English Christmas Trifle: You’ll be making this layered dessert with pound cake, Creme Anglaise, fresh raspberries, poached pears, and whipped cream. The cake is sprinkled (soaked?) with a combination of Amaretto for more almond flavor and Marsala wine. You can also use sherry in place of the wine. It’s best to make all the ingredients a day or two in advance. Assemble the trifle the day you will eat it. Having the ingredients ready means, you can put the whole dessert together in about 30 minutes. The whipped cream should be made just before you plan to use it. To make the custard: Creme Anglais ingredients, vanilla bean, split with seeds scraped, egg yolks and sugar beaten to thick ribbons,

adding the tempered yolks and sugar back into the warm cream. You will need a deep glass bowl. A trifle bowl is perfect for this, but you can certainly use a large glass salad bowl as well. Glass allows the layers to be seen. Start with a layer of pound cake. Sprinkle the cake with some of the Marsala and Amaretto. You can portion it out, or just eyeball it. You’ll want to use about 1/3 for each layer. Layer the pound cake with some of the pear wedges and raspberries. Then pour about 1/3 of the custard over the fruit. Begin again with a layer of pound cake, more of the Marsala and Amaretto and fruit. Repeat layering. There should be three layers. Finish with a thin layer of whipped cream. I use this as a base before I pipe on the rosettes. Garnish with more raspberries, toasted slivered almonds and fresh mint.

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Poached pear and raspberry trifle. Use a store-bought pound cake).

Creme Anglaise Creme Anglaise is a classic French sauce that is used in many desserts.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients • 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise • 2 cups heavy cream • 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Instructions 1. Split vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Carefully scrap seeds. 2. In a saucepan over a medium heat, bring 2 cups heavy cream to a bare boil with vanilla bean and scraped seeds. 3. Remove cream from heat. While cream is cooling, beat the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar in a mixer, until thick ribbons form. 4. To temper the egg yolks, and keep them from curdling, gradually add 1 cup warm cream to egg mixture, whisking constantly. 5. Add tempered egg yolk mixture back into saucepan, with remaining cream and stir constantly over a medium heat, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. 6. Remove from heat and strain through a fine strainer. Remove the vanilla pod. (I rinse it off and dry it, then add it to a bowl of sugar) 7. Cool custard slightly and then cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until ready to use. English Christmas Trifle Poached Pear and Raspberry Trifle, adapted from Emeril Lagasse. Requires almond pound cake, (or store-bought), homemade Creme Anglaise, (or Bird's custard), poached pears, fresh raspberries, and homemade whipped cream. 5 from 32 votes Ingredients 3 cups Creme Anglaise (or prepared Bird's custard) • 1 Prepared pound cake about 12 ounces, crusts trimmed • 1/3 cup Marsala wine, or sherry • 1/3 cup Amaretto • 4 pears poached and sliced into wedges. • 4 cups fresh or frozen and thawed raspberries • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar • 2 cups whipping cream • Fresh raspberries and mint leaves for decoration Instructions 1. In a medium bowl, 2 cups cream with the confectioner's sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside. 2. In a separate mixing bowl toss the berries with 2 tablespoons Marsala, stirring to bruise the berries slightly. 3. To assemble the trifle cut the cake into 1/2-inch-thick slices to fit tightly into the bottom of a trifle bowl (or a 1 1/2-quart decorative glass bowl), 4. Drizzle or sprinkle the cake layer with Marsala and Amaretto. Layer 1/3 of the pears and raspberries over the top of the cake, followed by 1/3 of the Creme Anglaise or custard. Repeat the process, layering the remaining ingredients. 45.

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Brownies Brownies are just as great as chocolate cake.

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Scrumptious Jumbo Brownies Yield: Makes 12 jumbo brownies Ingredients Ingredient Checklist 1-pound unsalted butter 1 1/2 pounds semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 6 large eggs 2 1/2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract 2 tablespoons strong-brewed espresso 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup) 1 cup walnut halves, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

PHOTO CREDIT: ELLA OLSSON

Directions Step 1 Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. In a double boiler, melt the butter with the chopped chocolate over low heat. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder and salt. Step 3 Scrape the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the center of the oven for about 1 hour, until the top is shiny and lightly cracked, the edges are set, and the center is still a bit jiggly. Transfer the dish to a rack and let cool completely. Cut the brownie into 12 large rectangles and serve. Make Ahead The brownies can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days or wrapped in foil and frozen for up to 3 months. http://www.foodanddrinkgallery.com http://www.instagram.com/ellafoodanddrinks

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Chocolate Cake

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PHOTO CREDIT: ELI

A Delightful Chocolate Cake Recipe

here are plenty of claims for the best chocolate cake recipe. I get that. But with one bite of this decadent, moist chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, every single person around the table commented that this was the best chocolate cake they’d ever tasted. When I was young this chocolate cake recipe held the honor of being the best chocolate cake ever. It’s so easy to make too. As you gobble the cake down while drinking coffee or iced cold milk, you won’t be able to resist asking for more. Once that happens, I already know what’s next. Everyone starts asking for the recipe. That’s generally when you know that folks really like it, and they plan to serve it. As a cook that’s one of the highest compliments you can receive – well, at least in my book. It was great to hear that they thought the cake was just as good after their last bite as they thought it was with their first. Here’s another great thing about this recipe. The cake batter really can be made in a bowl without the use of a heavy-duty mixer. Of course, that just makes things easier, but this is easily a recipe my Grandmother enjoyed making in her tiny kitchen with a whisk and a bowl. I’m not going to kid you, this makes a very rich, moist chocolate cake recipe. So, if you are a faint of heart chocolate cake person, this is not the cake for you. Based on the OldFashioned Hershey’s recipe, I sort of went a bit heavy-handed with some changes testing cake after cake until I got it just the way I wanted it, but the end result was oh so worth it. The few crumbs left on plates gave that away. One of the ingredients that really made this cake recipe come to life, in my opinion, was the addition of espresso powder in both the chocolate cake and in the chocolate frosting. If you’ve not tried a bit of espresso when baking with chocolate, you really should. The espresso works to elevate the flavors in much the same way as vanilla extract, and I now think of it as an essential part of my spice cabinet. Espresso powder is easy to find at the grocery store or even online if your grocer doesn’t stock it normally, but I use it fairly frequently and it can become a little pricey. I’ve started making my own homemade espresso powder and since I have, I’m not looking back! It is so easy to make and have on hand! Believe me when I say, it is very much worth the effort to have just for those times you are baking with chocolate!

How to Make Ahead and Store the Homemade Chocolate Cake: Both the cake and the chocolate frosting can be made ahead. Allow the cakes to cool completely, wrap them well in plastic wrap and place each layer into a gallon zip-top freezer bag. Freeze the cake layers for up to one month. To frost the cake, simply remove from the freezer and allow to thaw in the refrigerator with wrapping intact. Then, frost the cake once it has completely thawed. Store the cake at room temperature on the counter. I like to store under a cake dome to keep the cake fresh. Ingredients • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups sugar • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon espresso powder homemade or store-bought • 1 cup milk or buttermilk, almond, or coconut milk • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil, or melted coconut oil • 2 large eggs • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1 cup boiling water • Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring. For the chocolate cake: 1. Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well. 2. Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter until well combined. 3. Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of the chocolate cake comes out clean. 4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely. 5. Frost cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting. Notes: The cake batter will be very thin after adding the boiling water. This is correct and results in the most delicious and moist chocolate cake I’ve ever tasted! xo 49.

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Easy to Make Cocktails Photo by La Miko

Be sure to make time for a delicious cocktail. 50.

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Like entertaining but don’t claim yourself as a bartender? We’ve created eleven simple drink recipes to recreate for you and your guests at your next party! The majority of the cocktail recipes found below are 5 ingredients or less, require minimal technique and equipment. Don’t have a fancy mixing glass? No worries, stir your drink down within the glass itself. Don’t have a long barspoon? Simply use a knife or end of a wooden spoon to mix away! All you really need is a cocktail shaker (or alternative!), a jigger (or measuring cup) and a few basic ingredients to get started on a drink recipe. Why not pick up a bottle of rum and mix up a great tasting Pina Colada!

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a super simple drink yet surprisingly flavorful. Grab a glass, pour, and squeeze some lime and you've got an incredibly delicious mixed drink. The key to a great Mule is choosing a suitable ginger beer with a good amount of spice from the ginger - I recommend Bundaberg Ginger Beer. The drink was named the Moscow Mule due to the 1940s American perception that vodka was a Russian spirit and its intense ginger kick (like a Mule). It was originally made with Smirnoff vodka. INGREDIENTS • 60 ml Vodka • 90 ml Ginger Beer Recommended: Bundaberg • 15 ml Fresh Lime Juice INSTRUCTIONS Fill a highball or copper mule mug with ice 1. Add the vodka, ginger beer and a squeeze of fresh lime 2. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel

Breakfast Martini Put that marmalade at the back of the cupboard to good use and mix up a delicious Breakfast Martini. An easy cocktail to create, consisting of only 4 ingredients. INGREDIENTS • 45 mL Gin • 15 mL Cointreau or Triple Sec • 30 mL Fresh Lemon Juice • Teaspoon of Marmalade INSTRUCTIONS 1. Fill a Boston glass with ice 2. Add all the ingredients 3. Shake thoroughly and strain into a chilled martini glass 4. Garnish with a twist of lemon. NOTES Bit of sweet tooth? Try changing up your measures to 30mL of Gin and 30mL of Cointreau. Breakfast Martini

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Great Gatsby Vodka Cocktail The Great Gatsby vodka cocktail is a creation of Matt Gilpin of Highlands Bar and Grill, Birmingham, UK. It's a light, bright and citrusy cocktail that is an easy sipper. The subtly bitter grapefruit juice pairs perfectly with the citrus notes of the Lillet Blanc. INGREDIENTS • 30 ml Vodka 1 oz • 30 ml Lillet Blanc 1 oz • 75 ml Grapefruit Juice 2.5 oz INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine the 3 ingredients into your cocktail shaker 2. Shake with ice 3. Strain over fresh ice 4. Garnish with a slice of orange

Great Gasby

Old Fashioned There's a great debate to use a rye or bourbon whiskey - it's all down to personal taste. INGREDIENTS • 60 mL Bourbon Whiskey or Rye Whiskey • Angostura Bitters • 1 Sugar Cube

Old Fashioned

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place the sugar cube into your mixing glass 2. Add a few dashes of bitters 3. Lightly muddle the sugar 4. Add the whiskey 5. Fill your mixing glass with ice 6. Stir for 20-30 rotations 7. Strain over fresh ice 8. Garnish with a twist of orange

Fruit Tingle Instantly recognizable for its distinct purple color. This one is filled with sugar and very sweet. INGREDIENTS • 30 mL Vodka • 30 mL Blue Curacao • 90 mL Lemonade • Dash of raspberry cordial INSTRUCTIONS 1. Fill a hurricane or hi-ball with ice 2. Add the vodka, blue curacao & lemonade then give it a light stir 3. Pour a small dash of raspberry cordial on top 4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry http://www.foodanddrinkgallery.com http://www.instagram.com/ellafoodanddrinks

Fruit Tingle

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Sidecar Claimed to be first made in The Ritz Hotel in Paris - this cocktail recipe was first mentioned back in 1922. INGREDIENTS • 50 mL Cognac • 20 mL Triple Sec / Cointreau • 20 mL Fresh Lemon Juice INSTRUCTIONS 1. Fill Boston glass with ice 2. Add all ingredients 3. Shake and double strain into a chilled coupe/cocktail glass 4. Garnish with a twist of lemon Sidecar

Classic Margarita Cocktail The classic Margarita is a simple 3:2:1 ratio of strong, sour, and sweet. No need for adding extra simple syrup as the sugar content of the triple sec/Cointreau balances the sour. Margaritas are a party drink. Serve them in an old-fashioned glass over ice! INGREDIENTS • 45 mL Blanco Tequila 1½ oz • 15 mL Triple Sec ½ oz • 30 mL Fresh Lime Juice 1 oz INSTRUCTIONS 1. Rim the glass with salt - moisten the glass with a piece of lemon or lime and place upturned onto a plate of salt 2. Combine all ingredients into your cocktail shaker 3. Shake with ice 4. Strain into a chilled coupe or margarita glass 5. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel NOTES: Tip:- Keep all your guests happy by only rimming half the glass with salt – just in case they don’t like it. Margarita

Strawberry Daiquiri

The daiquiri is a versatile drink. They can be had as a simple lime daiquiri or mixed with a limitless number of liqueurs and fruits such as strawberries, passionfruit, and watermelon. INGREDIENTS 1. 60 mL White Rum such as Bacardi 2. 30 mL Fresh Lime Juice 3. 15 mL Sugar Syrup 1:1 4. Strawberries INSTRUCTIONS • Muddle 4-5 medium sized strawberries in a Boston glass • Fill the Boston glass with ice • Add the remaining ingredients • Shake and double strain into a chilled martini glass • Garnish with a strawberry or lime wheel NOTES: Shaken daiquiris are quick and easy to make. Great for cocktail parties at home. Utilize different fruits and flavors to make a multitude of variations. 53.

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Mint Julep Such a simple cocktail but it is important to get the dilution right by making sure you use fresh, crushed ice. Adjust the amount of sugar depending on how much of a sweet tooth you are 🙂 3.04 from 29 votes INGREDIENTS • 75 mL Bourbon such as Woodford Reserve⬏ • 5-6 Mint leaves • Teaspoon of raw sugar INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place mint leaves in the bottom of julep cup 2. Add sugar and muddle two ingredients slightly 3. Fill glass with crushed ice 4. Add bourbon and stir until the glass frosts 5. Top glass with more crushed ice and stir again 6. Garnish with a large mint sprig Mint Julep

Rusty Nail Drambuie's intriguing spices and honey play an integral role in this simple recipe. Personally, I like it a little sweeter so I'm a little heavier handed with the Drambuie, utilizing a 2:1 ratio. If you prefer it less sweet, use a 2:1 (whisky: Drambuie) ratio. INGREDIENTS • 45 mL Scotch Whisky 1½ oz • 22.5 mL Drambuie ¾ oz INSTRUCTIONS 1. Generously add ice to a double old-fashioned glass 2. Add the Drambuie & Scotch Whisky (in your preferred ratio) 3. Garnish with a citrus twist

Rusty Nail

Manhattan The Manhattan was created around 1880 at the New York City’s Manhattan Club. The recipe still gets served as it did back almost 150 years ago. Traditionally it is created with a wry whiskey which exhibits spicier notes, but bourbon whiskey is also a common choice. Some great variants include the Black Manhattan and the Rob Roy. INGREDIENTS • Metric Imperial • 60 mL Rye Whiskey • 30 mL Sweet Vermouth • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters • 1 dash Orange Bitters INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine ingredients into your mixing glass 2. Stir with ice for 30-40 seconds 3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass 4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry

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Tasty Teas PHOTO CREDIT: LA MIKO

Be sure to have hot and cold drinks on hand that are worthy of sipping during your private time.

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Apricot Lemonade Iced Tea Ingredients • 4 cups water • 7 tea bags • 1 cup sugar • 1 can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate, partially thawed • 1 cup chilled apricot nectar • 4 cups cold water • Ice cubes • Mint sprigs Directions • In a saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil; remove from heat. Add tea bags; steep, covered, 5 minutes. • Discard tea bags. Stir in sugar until dissolved; cool slightly. Transfer to a pitcher; cool completely. • Add lemonade concentrate and nectar to tea; stir in cold water. Serve over ice with mint. Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 148 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Apricot Lemonade Iced Tea

Iced Raspberry Tea Frozen raspberries lend fruity flavor and lovely color to this pretty iced tea that's good throughout the year. The recipe calls for just a few common ingredients and offers makeahead convenience. Ingredients • 1-1/2 cups sugar • 4 quarts water • 1 package (12 ounces) frozen unsweetened raspberries • 10 tea bags • 1/4 cup lemon juice • Optional: Fresh raspberries and lemon slices Directions • In a Dutch oven over high heat, bring sugar and water to a boil. Remove from heat; stir until sugar is dissolved. Add raspberries, tea bags and lemon juice. Steep, covered, for 3 minutes. Strain; discard berries and tea bags. • Transfer tea to a large container or pitcher. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice. If desired, serve with raspberries and lemon slices. Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Iced Raspberry Tea

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Slow Cooker Chaie Tea Ingredients • 15 slices fresh gingerroot (about 3 ounces) • 3 cinnamon sticks (3 inches) • 25 whole cloves • 15 cardamom pods, lightly crushed • 3 whole peppercorns • 3-1/2 quarts water • 8 black tea bags • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk Directions • Place first 5 ingredients on a double thickness of cheesecloth. Gather corners of cloth to enclose seasonings, tie securely with string. Place spice bag and water in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 8 hours. Discard spice bag. • Add tea bags; steep, covered, 3-5 minutes according to taste. Discard tea bags. Stir in milk, heat through. Serve warm. Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 109 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

Slow Cooker Chai Tea

Touch of Mint Iced Tea Ingredients • 6 cups boiling water • 4 tea bags • 1 cup packed fresh mint • 3/4 cup frozen lemonade concentrate • Ice cubes • Lemon slices and additional mint, optional Directions • In a heat-proof bowl or pitcher, pour boiling water over tea bags; cover and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Cool for 15 minutes. Add mint; steep for 5 minutes. Strain. Add lemonade concentrate; stir well. Refrigerate. Serve over ice, garnish with lemon and mint if desired. Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 58 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges 1 starch Touch of Mint Iced Tea http://www.foodanddrinkgallery.com http://www.instagram.com/ellafoodanddrinks

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Summertime Tea Ingredients • 14 cups water, divided • 6 black tea bags • 1-1/2 cups sugar • 3/4 cup thawed orange juice concentrate • 3/4 cup thawed lemonade concentrate • 1 cup tequila, optional • Fresh mint leaves and lemon or lime slices, optional Directions • In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags. Cover and steep for 3-5 minutes. Discard tea bags. • Stir in the sugar, concentrates and remaining water. Add tequila if desired. Refrigerate until chilled. Garnish with mint and lemon if desired. Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup (calculated without tequila): 102 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Summertime Tea

Holiday Wassail Ingredients • 4 cups hot brewed tea • 1 cup sugar • 1 bottle (32 ounces) cranberry juice • 1 bottle (32 ounces) apple juice • 2 cups orange juice • 3/4 cup lemon juice • 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches each) • 24 whole cloves, divided • 1 orange, sliced Directions • In a large kettle, combine tea and sugar. Add the juices, cinnamon sticks and 12 of the cloves. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Serve warm or cool. Garnish punch bowl with orange slices studded with remaining cloves. Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 121 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Holiday Wassail

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Advertise In Global One Global One readers are informed, engaged, and passionate about supporting our mission with our advertising partners. Our readers are champions of local businesses - and not just when it comes to our stories. We encourage our readers to support local businesses, buy cars, explore urban homesteading, and pursue sustainable practices like better health, improved lifestyles, and renewable energy. Our readers are active in pursuing healthy lifestyles. They enjoy travel, cuisine, beverages, fashion, automotive, and healthy habits. Our readers are seeking an experience and relationship with businesses they patronize. They will discover your businesses in the pages of Global One Magazine. Our readers strongly support their communities. Invest Your Advertising Dollars And Grow Your Business Your ad gets read. Our readers seek out, savor, and save each copy of Global One Magazine. Our advertising to editorial ratio is designed to create a perfect balance. By producing a beautiful and informative magazine, with up-to-date information we inspire readers to support the businesses that advertise with us. You get added value. You get complimentary listings in both our print and online source guides. Advertisers use this page to promote their mission. Your ad will also appear in our on-line digital edition (on-line digital issue and source guide has a direct link to your website). You also have a chance for exposure via social media and at many events we sponsor or attend throughout the year. Think of your ad as a mini-PR campaign. Our readers will thank you for it and come back for more. You get targeted, direct access to informed readers who care passionately about your products and businesses. You gain trust with your customers. By becoming an advertising partner with Global One, you are aligning your business with our trusted brand and the movement to strengthen and rebuild our local communities. You will be also a part of spreading the word and celebrating your journey’s. You get visibility. We choose our distribution points carefully, offering them at unique locations throughout the area that will benefit your business. With distribution at places like Kroger’s, Tom Thumb, Barnes and Nobles, Walmart, Targets and other key points, your ad gets great exposure. Ad design. We offer our services to build one ad from your logo, images and text supplied by you. We will work with you to create a well-designed ad. To request a Media Kit, please call us at 972-765-1735 To place an ad in Global One Magazine - reserve your ad space today. • Purchase Advertising. • Promote Your Business. • Share Your Stories We are here for you. Ask about our advertising prices. To write for us send your writing submissions to: globalonemagazine@gmail.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/globalonemagg

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Travel Adventures

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Club Med

Wellness Get A Way

ecause they know that relaxation is the key to any great getaway, Club Med is constantly updating their resorts with unique wellness offerings.

Caravelle: Discover the exclusive Zen Oasis in the French Caribbean resort. Enjoy proximity to the Spa, an on-site bar, and a dedicated Zen pool and quiet beach all located a few steps away from spacious rooms and ocean view suites. Not staying in the Zen Oasis. This area is open to all adults for a perfect day of relaxation. Additionally, among the latest innovations, discover Club Med Spa by Sothys in Caravelle, where white-sand beaches and turquoise waters face the ocean-front Spa as it welcomes you in to some much needed "me" time. PHOTO CREDIT: KOOLSHOOTERS

Cancún Yucatán Absorb more than just Mexican language and food in Cancún as you learn how to purify mind, body, and soul with the newly inaugurated Temazcal ritual, now available in the reimagined Club Med Spa by L'Occitane. Discover relaxing spaces, unique treatments, and a new way to pamper yourself in this flagship Mexican resort. Activities for unwinding Spa treatments with top specialists Yoga is a great wellness classic. It’s not surprising that yoga has been making a comeback these past few years…focusing on your body, mind, and breathing, it’s a powerful shield against stress and anxiety. Ashtanga yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Bikram yoga, Vinyasa yoga, yoga nidra…Whether you’re looking for an intense and energetic approach or a more subtle workout, doing yoga is always a good idea (especially since the classes are held on the beach).

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Massage The sauna and hammam to let stress literally melt away. There’s something instantly relaxing about the sauna and hammam ritual. The sauna is synonymous with soft light, a slightly woody smell, the subtle hissing of water evaporating on contact with the hot stones, a dry and enveloping heat…and of course, the shock of a bucket of cold water between each sitting (it’s invigorating). The hammam is a bath of wet steam that welcomes you like a soft cocoon, with the only requirement being to let yourself be swept away to a distant land. Both are the perfect bookend to a long day spent at the beach or on the slopes. Please note that this activity is offered either with or without an additional charge, depending on the resort.

PHOTO CREDIT: ELNA FAIRYTALE

Pilates Gently builds muscle. Pilates is the perfect mix of relaxation and strength training, which might just be why it so popular. Inspired by yoga, dance, and fitness, this gentle yet intense technique harmonizes your breathing and posture. It’s the ideal exercise for eliminating the stress that’s built up from sitting in an office chair all year long. PHOTO CREDIT: NATHAN COWLEY

Take time for yourself Let us pamper you. Whether you're looking for a moment of relaxation or a full day of rejuvenation, treat yourself in one of our Zen spaces or Club Med Spas. Our prestigious, world-renowned spa partners offer cutting-edge beauty and massage services that can be combined to create a customized treatment plan just for you. Using essential oils and rare plants, our spa experts will pamper you and help you achieve a higher state of well-being during your vacation in our all-inclusive resorts.* PHOTO CREDIT: PAVIL DANILYUK: 63.

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Road Trip Travel Tips By Staff Writer There is nothing more fun than an old-fashioned road trip. I love taking to the open road and exploring our country, and of course, international road trips are incredible too. When I think of driving vacations though, for some reason I think of the trips my parents took my brothers, sisters, and me on when I was a little girl. We drove to New Jersey for a weekend getaway and also to Little Rock Ark., to visit my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins. As I got older, I really enjoyed the road trips driving out west as a teenager from St. Louis, Mo. To Texas and have wonderful memories stopping to camp in, Oklahoma with my mom’s friends. Nowadays, since I live in Texas, I really enjoy a road trip on the famous I-45. I also like driving to San Diego or Temecula (a lesserknown region for California wines). Some of my favorite road trips have been to Arkansas, as it has so many great places to visit like the Little, Rock, Hot Springs, and Helena. I went on a road trip to Scottsdale (one of my favorite places). That's where I started writing this article -- in the lobby of JW Marriott Desert Ridge where I was attending an automotive workshop. By the way, I've been to the JW Marriott several times and you have to love the adorable bunny rabbits that come out to graze every afternoon in the Marriott's beautiful gardens. Now, I’ve been a "road tripper" for some time and although I love air PHOTO CREDIT: JOHNATHAN BORBA travel, I love the road trip because that’s how you can really experience the country including driving through the land of enchantment, New Mexico. So, it's time to get your favorite tunes and munchies ready and plan your open road trip adventure with these ten easy road trip travel tips. This time drive instaed of flying. 1. Plan your trip. You need to start your road trip planning by determining where you’re going to go. I've put together some vacation destination resource guides for planning trips to a U.S. Destination or an International Destination with important travel tips before you go. You might also want to pick up a good guidebook, like Lonely Planet's USA Book: A Journey Through America. This book is packed with info about great landmarks, attractions, hotels, and local restaurants. The authors of these guidebooks are not allowed to accept free accommodation or meals in exchange for favorable write-ups, so their recommendations are honest and objective. Road trip planning doesn’t have to take a long a time, but you do need to know the route you’re going to drive and points of interest along the way that you’re going to want to stop and explore. Half the fun of a road trip is seeing the sites along the way. I like to MapQuest my trip and have that as my main plan of attack for my road trip. GPS is very popular these days and I recommend them since I recently got one and love it, but you can’t always rely on them when you hit construction zones or accidents on your journey. That’s why it’s essential that you have a real map with you for the areas you’ll be traveling to and to plan alternate routes if necessary. Here's a new tip my friend, Liz, just clued me in on. Before you hit the road, check out the road conditions, especially if you think you may run into some nasty or dangerous weather. You may need to postpone your road trip or look into an alternate route. If you don't check before you go, you get stuck in a bad situation. 2. Make your hotel reservations. Make your hotel reservations BEFORE you go. Part of the fun when traveling on the road is stopping wherever your heart desires, but there’s nothing worse than a “no room at the inn” experience on a road trip. You may not realize that there is a “Renaissance Fair,” “Strawberry Festival” or convention in town while you’re visiting and there are no rooms or cheap hotels to be had. When you're planning your road trip planning and you don’t book your reservations in advance, not only are you running the risk of having to sleep in your car but also you can’t manage your road trip budget effectively as you may end up paying more for your hotel.

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Also, if you’re traveling with your family or a group of friends, consider staying at an all-suite hotel or even renting a time share as alternative to cheap hotels. They're usually a better value and a great option for families taking a road trip. 90 percent of people who own a timeshare don’t utilize it on a regular basis. Many great offers can be found at some of the bigger hotel chains that offer timeshares and many of them even have a washer and dryer. For my road trip to Scottsdale, I booked a fantastic one-bedroom suite with a kitchenette at a Sheraton Time Share property directly through the hotel for just $100/night including tax at the Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas. Country Inns & Suites, Staybridge Suites, Embassy Suites Hotels, and Cottonwood Suites are fantastic all-suite hotels and Holiday Inn Club Vacations also has villas available. Now, if you like camping on your road trip, I've recently discovered Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts at campjellystone.com. They're packed with family fun and are an economical getaway in the great outdoors. You'll find a range of accommodation choices - from rustic to downright luxurious - to help you plan a vacation the whole family will love. Reservations are recommended at campgrounds, too, especially ones as popular as Jellystone Parks. 3. Give your car a full tune up. Give your car a full tune up before you go or consider renting a car. Making sure your automobile is in tip top working order is essential for road trip planning. One week before you go on your road trip, take your car in for a tune up and ask your mechanic to ensure the car fluids are topped, air pressure in your tires is at its best for highway driving, and any other necessary concerns regarding your vehicle are addressed. Should you need to get something fixed, it is best to do it at a place you can trust before your road trip. Plus, it can be more expensive when it is a have-to situation. Also, make sure you pack a roadside safety kit just in case of an emergency. For me that kit includes my AAA membership card (Premier Membership). If you have a car that is no longer under warranty or has automatic roadside assistance, then a AAA membership is a necessity as it will save you a fortune in the unfortunate event you have a break down and have to have your car towed. If you’re concerned that your current vehicle is not “road trip worthy,” then you may want to consider renting a vehicle for your road trip. I did this for my trip to Arizona as I found a great deal on a rental car through Expedia.com and had the peace of mind for my road trip. PHOTO CREDIT: NITIN DHUMAL 4. Pack your own food and plan a picnic. I used to be addicted to stopping at fast food joints on a road trip. There was something that felt fun about that on a trip, but I’ve since learned that I prefer to pack my own food for my journey. It doesn’t just keep me eating healthier, but it also saves money, too, especially if you’re traveling with your family. Also, if you plan ahead, you may find that there is a great stop for a scenic picnic in your travels and packing a picnic is so much better than flying through the Drive-thru. If you do make a stop, either for a picnic or to explore a cool sight along the way, check out my Sun Safety Tips. I wrote them for cruisers, but they apply to road-trippers, too. One thing I like about road trips is that I can pack a little more luggage than when I fly and have some creature comforts, I can't bring on a plane, like a full-size pillow. If you need luggage, you can get $50 off your purchase of $400 and Free Shipping at Luggage Pros! Use coupon code "LP400" at checkout. 5. Bring great music or Audible Books with you. Music is truly the soundtrack of our lives, and every road trip needs a soundtrack. You might want to start with the top five best travel songs ever and choose some great tunes new and classic pop rock. I think of my trip to Seattle every time I hear a Phil Collins song from “No Jacket Required” because that was the primary music I was listening to on that trip. I think of the Bahamas Harbor Island and the amazing walks on the Pink Sands Beach every time I hear Wilson Phillips music. It’s sort of like having a theme song for every vacation but hearing the music even today will evoke fun memories of wonderful trips. Twitter: www.twitter.com/globalonemagg

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Cheap Vacation Ideas By Staff Writer

PHOTO CREDIT: NAIM BENJELLOUN

heap vacation ideas may seem easier said than done. When I was in my starving college days and early career, I did not have a budget for travel, however, there were ways I found to take some getaways without breaking the bank. Here are a few of my cheap vacation ideas from my years of squeezing my budget and ones I use now when I need some extra vacation time for less. Keep in mind that a “vacation” may not be a week out of town but planning little day trips or mini vacations will really recharge your batteries and refresh you before you head back to the daily grind. Day Trips. One of my favorite cheap vacation ideas originated with my parents. I remember one summer; my family took fun day trips on the week my Dad was off on vacation. I love those memories. We lived in central Indiana and one day we drove to River Downs and mom and dad took us to the horse races, one day they took us to see the Cincinnati Reds play, another day we went to King’s Island (a local theme park), and we sort of commuted to Ohio each day of Dad’s vacation to do fun things in the Cincinnati area. I guess it was less expensive to drive back and forth than to book a hotel, but all I remember is that it was fun. Mom packed sandwiches for us to eat in the car or for during the day and those were great memories. Think of the money my parents saved in airfares, hotel rooms and eating out for a family of five and yet we still had fun as a family. If you’re on a budget, there are lots of cheap vacation ideas if you get creative especially if you live in or near a big city. You can save up to 55% on attractions by getting a Go City Card or Explorer Pass. You can also get a FREE full-color guidebook with the purchase of a Go City Card or Explorer Pass that will have lots of cheap vacation ideas for the destination that you purchase your card for. A Day at the Beach. If you live on the East Coast, West Coast, Gulf Coast, near a lake, or lucky enough to live in Hawaii, you can 66.

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always do a day trip vacation at the beach. Pack a picnic, beach towel and a beach umbrella and you can have a day at the beach for the price of train fare or beach parking and gasoline in most cases. The trick is to get up early, beat the crowds and stake your claim to your piece of the beach. When I was broke and living in New York City, my little peace of mind and sanity happened every Saturday during the summer when I caught an early train to Jones Beach on Long Island to soak up the sun. I’d arrive by 10am and stay until about 2pm when the beach started to get crowded. On the West Coast, I recently discovered Paradise Cove for a PHOTO CREDIT: PIXABY taste of the private beaches in swanky Malibu. You can park your car for $25 for the day and either bring your own beach chairs, umbrella, etc. or you can rent a grass hut with two chaise lounge chairs for $75 for the day. They also rent beds on the beach for $50 per day and chaise lounges for $25 each for the day. They’re located right by the Beach Café that has amazing food and is also reasonably priced. For about $150, you can have a fantastic day at the beach in Malibu and you’ll probably see dolphins frolicking offshore as well. On a warm beautiful day though, keep in mind you do have to be there by 10am to secure your piece of Paradise Cove. [Note: You can rent cabanas starting at $250 for the day during the week. It’s a little pricey in my book. But for a day at the beach where I’m not fighting the public beach crowds, this is a very nice little find (outside of booking a night at one of the few hotels that are right on the beach in Malibu)]. The cheap vacations version: bring your own beach “camp” and go to Zuma beach or Manhattan Beach (my two favorite beaches in the L.A. area). Mini-Vacations and Weekend Getaways. When budgets are tight, but you need cheap vacation ideas, a mini-vacation or weekend getaway is the next best thing to an entire week off from work. Mini-Vacations are just that: a three-or-four-day trip versus seven days. You'll save a bundle in hotels and food since you cut the trip in half. I’ll never forget one weekend getaway while I was living in New York. A friend of a friend organized renting two vans to drive to Cape Cod for the weekend and then he booked us into a bed and breakfast in an old sea captain’s house. There were thirteen of us, but by splitting van rental, gasoline, rooms, etc. I think I may have spent a total of $200 maximum for the weekend. I hung out at the beach with my friends, we went on a whale watch, had lobster for dinner and so much more. We left on Friday night after work and returned late Sunday, but it was such a break from the city that it felt like we’d been gone for an entire week. There are lots of great getaways wherever you are that can give you that same sort of mini-vacation experience so that you come back refreshed. Short duration trips are great cheap vacations. You can always find great deals online for hotels and eat out at some of the local places instead of expensive restaurants but do treat yourself to one fabulous meal. Walk the city and find out what you can do for free or next to nothing. Most major cities have free museums, art galleries, parks and even the national parks can be a good travel deal. Camping. My idea of camping is sleeping with the windows open. I’m not a fan of camping, but if you are a big fan of the great outdoors, it can be a great vacation. By the time you get equipment and pay for campground fees these days, I’d rather stay in a clean motel or get a great travel deal online before I'd go camping to save money as cheap vacation ideas. If you do go camping, enjoy yourself and don’t forget the insect repellent. Mini-Cruises. You may think cruises are expensive, but you can take a short cruise (where you’ll get some great travel deals like I’ve taken cruises for $99). If you’re within driving distance of a port, then this can be one of the best cheap vacation ideas ever since you

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won’t have to pay for airfare. I love the all-inclusive nature of a cruise because your cruise price includes your cabin, your food, and you can hang out at the pool all day and all the nighttime entertainment (shows, dancing, etc.) is included too. It’s a great travel deal! Road Trips. Road trips are always one of the best cheap vacation ideas. There are some great drive to destinations in the United States and Europe. In the U.S., the Grand Canyon or any of our National Parks make a great family destination spot and, if you do great road trip planning, you can take a relative cheap vacation. Leverage Money You’re Already Spending. Credit card reward programs have been one of my best resources of cheap vacation ideas. I leverage money I’m already spending on everyday items like groceries and cell phone bills into free airfares or hotel stays by strategically using credit card rewards. And be an opportunist when you travel. 90% of places I travel to are a “crime of opportunity.” I only went to China because a friend was living in Beijing. My First-Class round-trip airfare cost $99. If I hadn’t added an additional trip within China, I would have only spent about $600-$700 for my 10-day trip including airfare (excluding the travel visa) because I was able to stay with a friend while I was there so my only costs were transportation and food (don’t forget to treat your hosts to nice dinners on these opportunities as well.). Travel “Crimes” of Opportunity. Never impose on a friend or family member just to take a vacation, but I’ve had some fun vacations staying with family and friends. My best friend lived in Seattle for years, so I’d vacation there. We were always broke, but I only had to pay for airfare and a few meals. She picked me up at the airport and we scraped together some money to do a few things on the town. Visiting friends and family is one of my cheap vacation ideas. I have an aunt and uncle that live in Charleston, SC, that I visit too. I pay for my airfare and a car rental, and I get to enjoy this lovely southern city along with sharing it with special people in my life that I adore. Chase the Travel Deals. There are lots of great travel deals through all sorts of resources including for me, Travelzoo, World Ventures Leisure Travel Consultant discounts, Roval Dream Trips membership, and random resources. If you’re not using some of my travel resources, you may be making five travel mistakes that can cost you big bucks on your vacation. Finally, be flexible so you can chase these travel deals. Keep in mind that you may not get your top pick for a dream vacation destination, but if you get a great vacation deal, then by all means chase the travel deal.

PHOTO CREDIT: PIXABY

Discount vs. Cheap Vacation Ideas. One thing I do know is that budget is relative: my definition of a budget trip now is different than it was when I was in college and your budget trip will be different from mine. I think if you’re younger, in college and you want to explore the world on a budget then backpack and stay at hostels. But why do budget travel when you can stay at really nice places on the same budget as you can if you're backpacking and staying in hostels? That’s what I do. I take five-star vacations at two-star prices by combining a lot of these cheap vacation ideas I just told you about. Keep in mind, that you may not be able to take a vacation every year. I never used to. Most of my vacation time used to be spent going home to visit family in Indiana since I was living in New York and now, Los Angeles. In order to take some amazing trips, I wouldn’t take vacations for several years and I’d save up my frequent flyer miles, credit card reward points and money over time to take amazing vacations with my sister, my favorite travel partner. If you plan right, you can do the same thing. It’s okay if you take a GREAT vacation once every three to five years, but in the meantime, you can treat yourself to some of the cheap vacation ideas I’ve mentioned like day trips, weekend getaways, minivacations, mini-cruises, those crimes of opportunity and chasing some of those great travel deals. I hope you’ve found some great cheap vacation ideas that you can use to plan your trip. We also have some of the latest best travel deals right here on this website so check them out and save on your next vacation. Twitter: www.twitter.com/globalonemagg

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Family Time On A Floating River in New Braunfels, Texas By Lorenzo Vigil, Adventure Traveler for Global One Magazine PHOTO CREDIT: LORENZO VIGIL and MARY LOU SAUCEDO

ne of the greatest joys in my life has always been to travel with my family. I love to watch my kids’ faces light up when they are having fun or when they see something new. On most of my trips I try to include them and have them participate in the many things that I enjoy and hopefully they continue to explore as they get older. I know the older they get, as all teenagers are, they will outgrow the family trips but maybe, just maybe, later they will still seek adventures on their own.

Every year we try to plan a trip for a week somewhere that we will have to cook outside and camp in tents. It is not for everyone... I know, but the part of getting close to nature doesn’t feel close enough in a camper/RV. We sit down and decide what part of the country were going to go and what we can afford. Do not think for a second that camping is cheap, because it's not. We own all our gear, and that not what I'm referring to. What I'm talking about are the camping fees, the food, the new river shoes, and don’t forget the booze to keep mom and dad happy so we don’t kill the kids. The menu is decided day by day ahead of time. It's not all hamburgers and hot dogs either. We get pretty creative and design a menu, so everyone has something that they choose so that they also feel special. For this trip we chose to go to New Braunfels to float the river. For young and old this is a classic Texas destination. It's almost a rite of passage for some. There are certain things and places that you must participate in to be able to be called a “True Texan”. This one in particular includes of course, the river but also the float trip and everything that comes along with it. This means mostly bikinis, swim trunks, floating coolers, waterproof Bluetooth radios, and for the adults plenty of alcoholic refreshments, and that’s just while on the river. It’s so much fun. Let's not get to ahead of ourselves, let's start at the beginning. We take this trip in July when the Texas heat is on maximum. It’s a time when you are bombarded with the sun's peak energy, and you feel like your skin is going to melt off. If you can't tell, I prefer the cold weather over the air fryer summers we have. We pack everything we think that we could use and more, but nevertheless we always forget something. I must add, some of the places that rent camping spots take advantage of people in the summer. What I mean by this is they over charge for simple things like ice and the things that you forget. Don’t forget to shop ahead of time because if you don’t EVERYTHING is way too expensive. I mean who charges $7.00 for a ten-pound bag of ice? I get it...it's all their income but still.

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Campers Tricks A little advice, Try to take four gallons of water in your cooler that you can completely freeze. #1 it will keep longer than small ice and #2 you'll have it to clean and to drink as it thaws. Here’s another camper's trick. The cheap over-the-door shoe organizer that you can get at a dollar store is a great organizer. From kitchen stuff, river shoes, sunglasses, phone cases etc., you'll wonder how you did without it. So, with two of our kids and a niece in tow we head south for a week for some fun in the sun. We always stay at the same place, Camp Huaco Springs, because its clean, the grounds are immaculate, the mini store has what you need, and the noise has a time regulation. Every morning a golf cart drives around selling breakfast burritos and coffee. I honestly can't say enough good things about this camp. If you have small kids, they have an area not attached to the river that is a type of kiddie pool with a short lazy river. Parents can take shifts watching the little ones where they still feel like part of the excursion. Camp Huaco Springs facility has many options. You can be tent campers or supermax full RV in tow. They have something for everyone. They also offer rafting trips from this location. You can rent a tube and they will shuttle you upriver for full day and half day trips. I would recommend that you plan ahead and make reservations. This place fills up quick up because it’s a quality location.

The Small Things Mean A Lot It's imperative to find a place that has clean showers and I found that this property is well maintained. Trust me, it took a while for us to find the right place. We’ve stayed in some places that the bathrooms were so dirty that the smell was apparent before entering. The showers were never cleaned and to make it worse they charged you to get in. The small things mean that much more when you’re not in your own home.

Take Your Time Before Getting Into The Water Arriving at the camp and setting up our home away from home always takes a few hours. We are not the type to pitch a tent and rush into the water. We take our time and put everything in its place. With the heat though I did go jump in to cool off to keep from melting. We use a tenman three room tent because it gives us plenty of room to move around. No one wants to be on top of anyone else when its 80 degrees at night and just a fan to move air...no people there is not air conditioners in a tent. So, we use queen air beds with just a sheet over the top to stay cool at night. I also take a full-size gas grill; it makes cooking easy!

Allow Your Children To Help… It’s Great For Their Knowledge I must also add that our kids are old enough and have set up camp enough that they MUST help set up. My 13-year-old son, Lorenzo, being in his third year of scouts does not need help setting up, neither does my 11-year-old daughter Izabella. My niece Sunny needed some direction but was always willing to lend a hand. When we announce camping for a week some kids might be upset with the idea of being away from their WIFI, PlayStation, and cell phones...but not our kids. It is answered with joyous exclamations of happiness! All our kids are like fish they are avid swimmers, however, just to be extra safe with invisible underwater obstacles we always mandate a lifejacket rule on the water. Is it overkill? Maybe, but better safe than sorry!

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Now It’s Time To Relax After the drive, checking in, and set up, its late afternoon. Kids are fed and playing, it's time to grab a camp chair and sit halfway in the water with a cocktail and relax. The afternoons are filled with music from every genre and the smell of every type of food cooking on BBQs. Kids play at the water's edge or in tubes as the parents unwind trying to forget about paying bills, work, the city commute, or just adulting in general.

The Environment Is Easy and Pleasant One of the many things I thoroughly enjoy about this location is the environment. You drive north northwest coming out of New Braunfels on river road. It’s part of the Texas Hill Country. The roadside is covered in green fields, dotted with wildlife, and highlighted with cows lumbering under the thick cedar trees that are attempting to cool off in the shade. You get to the last turn at the convenient store and the terrain starts to rise and drop sharply into a narrow canyon. This is my favorite part; it blocks the cell signal. You’re in Texas and you know you’re a few miles from big chain stores, but you feel miles away from the city. As the sun drops the canyon gets dark pretty fast, kids are called in from the water, and dinner is started. This is not one of those augh I have to cook type of days. Everyone is happy and enjoying the days end. We’re listening to music giving out snacks before we eat, and everyone is happy. In the distance we can see and hear one of the campsites has set up a full DJ system with lights and a lot of adults have gravitated to the party. We finish with dinner stay up till the lights and music are turned off at 11pm and then we retire for the evening.

A Few More Tips Day two begins with a full big breakfast. Eggs, bacon, potatoes, pancakes, juice, and coffee. Feed the hoard good now they will not be bugging through the day. Everyone eats, everyone cleans, and then off to enjoy the water. We bring our own tubes on the trip because it's cheaper, more convenient, and the kids all stay busy in the water. Rentals are available but for our needs it does not make sense to pay $20.00 a day per kid then trip fees. I paid $15.00 a tube and we own them. We use them all year at home when we are at the lake, so it's just makes sense as much as we are outside. We lock everything up that we don’t want to go missing and take a long walk with everyone carrying their own tube. The more rain before your trip the higher the river and the faster it runs. You don’t want it to be a drought year; you'll end up walking a lot carrying your tube over the low spots. So, we walk about ¾ of a mile up and float past our campsite to the “get out” spot which is about half a mile down river close to the end where everyone's most favorite spot is.

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It’s Fun To Watch People This is the spot where you can get out of your tube set it on the riverbank and scale a small cliff. Over the years they have cut in paths to climb up and walk up this 25-foot cliff where kids and adults alike get to test their fear of heights and jump from this rockface into the river. People float nearby watching the acrobats fly through the air some with perfect angelic landings, others that have painful torturous expressions as they immerse gasping for air after landing wrong on the water.

Kids Remember Their Adventures The number of pictures of the beautiful landscape, kids smiling from ear to ear, and sheer utter happiness is astounding. Kids will never remember their best day gaming, but they will remember everyone chanting “jump, jump, jump” that one time they stood on the precipice of a cliff with 100 on lookers as they grabbed their nose and found the courage to jump into the water. That level of joy can only be found as you turn off the video game, grab some sunscreen, and go experience an adventure outside. MORE ABOUT CAMP HUACO SPRINGS: Camp Huaco Springs is one of the largest and most beautiful campground facilities on the Guadalupe River. Located at the First Crossing on River Road, this 30-acre paradise has something for everyone with over a mile of riverfront sites. Located on the scenic River Road in New Braunfels, Texas. Our beautiful property has something for everyone, from primitive camping, electric camping, RV’s of any size and even cabins. The campground is nestled in the Texas Hill Country between San Antonio and Austin. In addition, we are located 3 miles from Historic Gruene, Texas. Camp Huaco Springs staff makes every effort to make your stay here the best camping experience you can imagine.

For More Information Contact:

Camp Huaco Springs www.camphuacosprings.com 4150 River Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132 (830) 625-5411 75 RV · 49 Tent All year Swimming · Kayaking · Fishing · Canoeing · Boat Ramp

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48 Best Friend Trips

ere’s to hoping that 2021 is the year of epic travel adventures and unforgettable experiences with the people we love the most. Round up your girlfriends and get a jump on planning the perfect girls trip to one of these destinations–known for mixing up play and relaxation. If your girlfriends likes decadent food, pulsating music, and a lively street party, then New Orleans is a great option within the U.S. Find a hotel near Bourbon Street, the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, like the W New Orleans that mirrors the magnetic energy of the city. With a pool and fitness center, you will have plenty of time to relax and recharge before heading out for another girl’s night celebration. If you’re reading this article right now, you’re either A) planning a trip with your crew or B) desperately in need of one. Either way you’ve come to the right place. Plus, everyone needs to live out their best movie montage lives at least once. Maybe even thrice? This is why we’ve scoured the world (wide web) for the best spots to travel to on literally any budget. Barhopping in Brooklyn? Check. De-stressing in Hawaii? And of course, literally anything in Miami? Sure! And if you can't wrangle your girls to take a trip right this second, don't sweat it. There are these two great things called ~manifesting~ and you can use to keep these spots and this epic potential trip at the forefront of your mind—and your savings account. Start the conversation NOW because the longer you sit hunched over at your desk without your best friends and a piña colada in your hand, the quicker the zombie apocalypse is going to happen. Here’s our possibly overwhelming list of one zillion locations for your handy-dandy reference. Pro-tip: send it to your group text immediately with tentative dates and watch your dream vacay unfold. Go forth! Live your best lives! Just don't forget to pack SPF or else I’ll yell at you.

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1 Miami, Florida GETTY IMAGES Best for: never-ending spring breaks Hit South Beach during the day, spend happy hour in Wynwood’s arts and entertainment district, and then dance the night away at one of Miami's legendary nightclubs. (BTW, LIV is great for spotting celebs.) Stay beachfront at The Miami Beach EDITION, which boasts its own private beach as well as two ocean-facing outdoor pools. Swing by its hip food hall, Market, for a bite before you head to the hotel’s basement, where there’s a club and a bowling alley.

2 Paris, France Best for: cultural connoisseurs Head to the banks of the Seine to soak in art, fashion, and of course, some of the world’s best food and wine. Visit iconic pieces of art at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. Indulge in history lessons with a day trip to Versailles or Normandy (we recommend travel company City Wonders.) Stay central by booking a room at Room Mate Alain, the latest offering from European boutique hotel chain Room Mate. Its first outpost in France is built inside a Parisian townhouse just minutes from the Arc de Triomphe and the world-famous avenue, Champs-Élysées. Plus, its plush lobby bar will serve as the perfect backdrop for your group pic.

3 Reykjavik, Iceland GETTY IMAGES Best for: whimsical wanderers The sun never sets on the country’s capital. No, literally, during the summer, the sun barely sets, meaning you can wander the city all night if you please. Stay in the heart of the city on Reykjavik’s main shopping drag, Laugavegur, at Alda Hotel Reykjavik. Enjoy the stars or Northern Lights from the outdoor hot tub or decompress after a long day in the tranquil indoor sauna. Then if you’re feeling adventurous, plan a trip to the famed Blue Lagoon for swoon worthy Insta shots.

4 Charleston, South Carolina GETTY IMAGES Best for: scenic strollers Cosmo’s assistant editor Taylor Andrews recently visited Charleston to find love. But while she was there, she also found a totally incredible vacation experience made for your girls. “Walk around the adorable flea market and to the famous pineapple fountain to get your IG glam shot,” she says. “Then take a breezy stroll along the waterfront park or go on a shopping spree on King Street.” And of course, eat all the Southern food at famous restaurants like Husk and Lewis Barbecue. Make a reservation at Market Pavilion Hotel in downtown Charleston, says Andrews. “It’s central to everywhere and provides bedtime robes perfect for you and your squad.”

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5 Mexico City, Mexico GETTY IMAGES Best for: foodies and adventurers Mexico City has something for almost everyone in your group. Visit stunning openair food markets, Frida Kahlo’s home and studio, the Xochimilco canals for a festive boat ride, or the ancient Teotihuacan pyramids, which are only a short car-ride away. Indulge in tacos and tamales on nearly every street corner and for fancier meals, make a reservation at Contramar or Pujol. Stay in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, La Condesa, at the Maria Condesa. Book a spa suite for your own in-room sauna or traverse the city in style with the free bike rental the hotel provides.

6 Santa Fe, New Mexico GETTY IMAGES Best for: spa lovers If you’re going to get away, you may as well turn the trip into a full-blown pampering session. “Santa Fe is great if you love spas,” says millennial travel planner and expert Maggie Stein of In The Know Experiences, a vacation and eventplanning company. “It’s like Sedona, Arizona, with the desert and wellness vibe but without the high price tag.” Book a weekend at Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, which is set on 70 beautiful acres, all fed by natural springs. The hotel offers a large array of wellness activities from yoga to cooking, and it also has an on-site spa that combines Eastern and Western therapies.

7 Sonoma, California GETTY IMAGES Best for: winos “For those who have ‘been there, done that’ with Napa and want something a little cheaper and more laid-back, Sonoma is the place to be for wine and food on the West Coast,” says Stein. Head to the boutique property West Sonoma Inn & Spa, which is located in the heart of Sonoma wine country and is situated near (I kid you not) 130 vineyards. Bonus: You technically don’t have to leave the property for vineyard views or wine tastings.

8 New Orleans, Louisiana GETTY IMAGES Best for: party-starters “Everyone knows that New Orleans is the place to hear some good music and eat and drink," says Stein. If that’s what you’re looking for, stay at The Ace Hotel. “With its own concert venue, restaurants, and super-popular rooftop bar and pool, it’s the coolest game in town and perfect for a group of friends looking to have a good time in the Big Easy,” Stein suggests.

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9 Montauk, New York GETTY IMAGES Best for: beach bums Montauk may have gained a reputation as a party beach town in recent years, but the area’s newest hotel is all about taking it easy and enjoying the OG beach lifestyle. "Sole East Beach is perfect for a group of women who are all about hanging at the beach—it’s the one hotel located across the street from the ocean," says Stein. Oh, and the party spot Sloppy Tuna is just a three-minute walk away in case you want to cut loose.

10 London, England GETTY IMAGES Best for: fashionistas London, with its hundreds of eateries, shops, and museums, is ideal for those who prefer exploration over relaxation, and the best part is you can easily cover a ton of ground in one long weekend. Book a room at The Ned hotel in the heart of the city, where even locals love hanging at one of the nine bars and restaurants (one is in a former bank vault, NBD) or one of the two pools. “Although there’s no need to ever leave the building, the city is at your doorstep, making it quite easy to do it all,” says Stein.

11 Papagayo, Costa Rica GETTY IMAGES Best for: adrenaline junkies You’re on vacation, so why not get a little wild? “In Costa Rica, you can zipline, surf, and hang with monkeys in the jungle,” says Stein. At the end of the day, head back to the Andaz Papagayo, which is close to the airport and has amazing food, plus a killer spa. Oh, and you can take a dip in the Culebra Bay when you need to come down from your adrenaline high.

12 Brooklyn, New York GETTY IMAGES Best for: local-culture seekers Over the past few years, Brooklyn has been making its mark as the capital of cool. With its dive bars, artisan clothing shops, and quaint bistros, you won’t even want to cross the bridge into Manhattan. You can, however, get a good view of the island from 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, a new hotel in DUMBO overlooking the East River. “It’s a hot spot for locals because of its incredible rooftop and on-site restaurants—and some of the rooms even have hammocks,” says Stein.

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13 Bend, Oregon GETTY IMAGES Best for: people who live outdoors Do you like insanely beautiful landscapes? Do you love being outside and staying active? Do you also like having delicious food and plenty of spas to come home to at the end of a long day? Bend, Oregon, is exactly where you want to be. “Bend is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest that’s perfect for outdoorsy types," says Stein. Stay at the new Springhill Suites, which is within walking (or running, if you’re feeling #fit) distance of the downtown Old Mill District, an area full of great shops and restaurants, and a quick ride (by bike or car) to the trails.

14 Los Cabos, Mexico GETTY IMAGES Best for: anyone who wants to let loose “Cabo is a place that has something for everyone,” says Stein, “whether you’re looking for a gritty party scene, a bohemian retreat, an active detox, or a pampering resort experience.” As far as where to stay, try El Ganzo. “It’s a very cool boutique hotel with a focus on art and music, even hosting their own rooftop concert series,” adds Stein. “They also have their own beach club just across the waterway by three-minute boat shuttle.”

15 Lisbon, Portugal GETTY IMAGES Best for: urban explorers Lisbon is becoming one of Europe’s major urban hot spots—and for good reason. “Lisbon has deep-rooted history mixed with a very vibrant local scene,” says Stein. “It’s not as glamorous as some other European cities, but it’s the authentic charm I love. Not to mention, that makes for some pretty affordable pricing.” Spend a few days wandering the cobblestone streets, taking in some beautiful views of pastel-colored waterfront buildings, and gorging on seafood and glasses of vino verde. Make Hotel Valverde, with its colorful design and central location (the Botanical Gardens are practically across the street), home base for your exploring.

16 Amsterdam, Netherlands GETTY IMAGES Best for: the culturally curious Amsterdam, this city is seriously gorgeous. Walk or cycle by the many canals, eat more Stroop waffles than you thought physically possible, and visit one of the many fantastic art museums. Of course, there’s always the Red-Light District and the coffee shops, where you can enjoy a number of marijuana products (weed is totally legal throughout the Netherlands, you guys!). Stay at the classy Ambassade Hotel, which is super close to all the action.

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17 Nashville, Tennessee GETTY IMAGES Best for: music lovers From Miley Cyrus to Kings of Leon, Nashville still attracts so many famous musicians that it’d take too long for us to list ’em all here. Thankfully, the Country Music Hall of Fame has that covered. If seeing Elvis’s gold piano isn’t enough to satisfy your country music passion, then catch a show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. And you can’t go wrong with the centrally located Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.

18 Amalfi Coast, Italy GETTY IMAGES Best for: Insta aficionados Cliffs dart sharply into the Mediterranean in this idyllic region in southern Italy. Journey between a series of picturesque towns on the coast, like Sorrento and Positano. Then take a day to see Mount Vesuvius and tour the remains of Pompeii. For spectacular views of the coast, stay at the Hotel Le Fioriere in Praiano. A lot of the restaurants, hotels, and fun things (general, but you know what I mean, right?) are closed between November and Easter, so you’ll want to plan your trip accordingly.

19 Bali, Indonesia GETTY IMAGES Best for: getting away from it all You can’t get closer to spiritual paradise than Bali. With its dreamy beaches and stunning waterfalls, it’s hardly a surprise that the island is also a hot spot for yoga retreats. If you want to get in touch with nature, book a stay at the cliffside Kanyon Resort. Namaste, ladies.

20 Machu Picchu, Peru GETTY IMAGES Best for: crossing off your bucket list Hike the world-famous Inca trail for breathtaking views and physical challenges that will definitely strengthen your bond with your besties. But consider yourself warned: Due to erosion, a limited number of trekkers can hike the trail every day, so make sure you book your ticket well in advance. Or skip the trail altogether and take a bus directly to the mountain from the Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel.

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21 Bath, UK GETTY IMAGES Best for: Bath bomb collectors If soaking in a tub on a Friday night is your idea of a perfect evening, then you have to visit the thermal baths built by the Romans in this UNESCO world heritage city. It’s the ultimate spa destination for you and your girlfriends. But if you prefer your accommodations to have more of a modern feel, stay in the new Apex Hotel located in the city center.

22 Berlin, Germany GETTY IMAGES Best for: techno fans There’s a reason Berlin is famous for its nightlife. From the notoriously difficult-to-get-into Berghain to the tourist-friendly Matrix Club, there’s something for everyone. When you’re not partying, the city is also rich in history and culture. Check out contemporary street art on the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery, or pay your respects at The Holocaust Memorial. Stay in the heart of it all at the Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof.

23 Belgrade, Serbia GETTY IMAGES Best for: vacation hipsters Literally meaning “white city,” this up-and-coming destination is still relatively unknown on Europe’s tourist trail. Party on the Danube river, get lost in the Belgrade Fortress, or see The Prestige IRL at the Tesla Museum. For an old-school glam vibe, stay in the iconic Hotel Moskva (Hotel Moscow).

24 Phuket, Thailand GETTY IMAGES Best for: diving addicts Take a trip to this dreamy Thai island right now. Whether you've never gone scuba-diving before or are basically part mermaid, this city is known for its underwater views. You can even go swimming with leopard sharks at the aptly named Shark Point. Or if relaxing on the beach is all that’s on your list, a stay at the Chanalai Garden Resort will fit the bill.

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25 Budapest, Hungary GETTY IMAGES Best for: spa aficionados Budapest is known as the “city of baths,” because it boasts a number of naturally-heated thermal baths—including the impressive Széchenyi Thermal Baths, which has 15 indoor pools, three giant outdoor pools, saunas, and even hosts regular parties with a DJ. Because who says you have to leave a bath to hit the club? Lol, anyway, if you don’t even want to leave your hotel for a dip, the majestic Corinthia Hotel has the largest hotel pool in the city.

26 Valparaiso, Chile GETTY IMAGES Best for: Pinterest addicts Just a short trip from Santiago is this vibrant city, filled with gorgeous painted houses and street art. Your Instagram will love it. Seriously, your feed will practically post itself. Stay in South America’s first container hotel, Winebox, which has a private pool and views of the nearby sea, to make your followers even more jealous of your vacay.

27 Montreal, Canada GETTY IMAGES Best for: day drinkers First of all, Montreal’s airport is called the Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport—who doesn't want to start off their vacay with a bit of Trudeau?! The city is full of outdoor terraces that are open from April to October, if you’re in the mood to upgrade your Sunday funday. Sleep off your hangover at the Le Square Phillips Hotel and then wake up and grab some poutine.

28 Lake Bled, Slovenia GETTY IMAGES Best for: outdoor adventurers Visiting Lake Bled is like stepping into a postcard. Besides soaking up the scenery, this city has tons of options for hiking, cycling, canyoning, and water sports. Rowboat out to Bled Island if you really want to feel like a princess from a Disney movie. For a view of the lake from your room, stay in Vila Bled.

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29 Patagonia, Chile/Argentina GETTY IMAGES Best for: animal lovers The region covering the southernmost tip of South America offers almost endless natural wonders. Meet penguins in Camarones, go whale watching in Puerto Madryn, and do the flamingo pose with actual flamingos in Parque Nacional Patagonia. Stay at the Llao Hotel and Resort, which is nestled amongst the Cerro Lopez and Tronador mountain peaks.

30 Hawaii GETTY IMAGES Best for: de-stressing, pronto Aloha, relaxation! Explore the Volcanoes National Park and surf your troubles away without even having to renew your passport. Or stay at the Turtle Bay Resort and literally never leave your hotel. We won’t judge.

31 Lake Garda, Italy DEA / ALBERT CEOLAN GETTY IMAGES Best for: water babies Just a stone’s throw away from Verona (aka Romeo and Juliet’s love shack) is Italy’s biggest lake. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, its waters are famous for sailing and windsurfing. If you’d rather stay on dry land, there are lots of beautiful cycling paths and vineyards (although we don’t recommend doing both at the same time).

32 Barcelona, Spain GETTY IMAGES Best for: art appreciators The unique architecture in this Spanish town makes it feel like walking into a painting. See Picasso’s masterpieces at the Museu Picasso and try and decipher the modern art instillations at MACBA, all of which are a short walk away from the H10 Madison. If museums aren’t your thing, there are plenty of beaches and lots of sangria to keep you happy.

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33 Chiang Mai, Thailand GETTY IMAGES Best for: zen seekers Wat is the name for a type of Buddhist temple found in this region of the world, and there are many in Chiang Mai to explore. Our advice: Start with the breathtaking Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (psst—your Instagram will thank you). Then gorge on all the Thai food you can eat, including the creamy regional specialty khao soi. For a bed right in the thick of it, book a few nights at the BED Phrasingh.

34 Prague, Czech Republic GETTY IMAGES Best for: aspiring princesses Prague is known as the “fairy-tale city,” and for good reason—walking through it feels like pure magic. Stroll up to the historic Prague Castle, or climb up to the lookout tower on Petrin hill for magnificent views of the city. For a princess-worthy room, try Don Giovanni Hotel. Prague is also home to the biggest club in Europe, Karlovy Lázně, which has 5 different floors, each of which plays a different style of music.

35 Nassau, Bahamas GETTY IMAGES Best for: beach babes The Bahamas’ only city, Nassau, is also the location for so many movie moments—from The Wolf of Wall Street to Mary-Kate and Ashley’s Holiday in the Sun. Pamper yourselves in one of the city’s many resorts, like the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. If you find the energy to get off your beach chair for a few hours, the vivid coral reefs offer spectacular snorkeling.

36 Santa Barbara, California GETTY IMAGES Best for: Aspiring sommeliers Aka the American Riviera. You can visit more than *30* wineries on the Urban Wine Trail. After knocking back a glass or two, go horseback riding on the beach or hit the spa to rejuvenate yourself ahead of even more wine drinking. If a view of the ocean sounds about right (and when does it not?!), check out the Harbor View Inn.

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37 Mallorca, Spain GETTY IMAGES Best for: Love Island wannabes This Balearic Island may be where the Love Island villa is located, but the entire island is worth exploring, including the village of Capdepera (perfect for lying on the beach or renting a speedboat to drive across the crystal waters) and Magaluf (an infamous clubbing town frequented by British teenagers). Whilst the Love Island villa itself might not be free for reservations, PortBlue Club Pollentia Resort is a worthy substitute. TBH, we’d recommend this place over the villa anyway.

38 Bruges, Belgium GETTY IMAGES Best for: brunch fans If you’ve ever seen In Bruges, you know that this city is so beautiful, it can even distract you from Colin Farrell—which is something I never thought I’d say. Walk through the central plaza and explore the city’s many historic churches, before finishing the day off with some famous Belgian beer and a sleep in Baron’s actual house from the movie, The Peellaert.

39 San Antonio, Texas GETTY IMAGES Best for: history buffs Take in the highlights of this city along the 15-mile River Walk while en route to the adorable Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. If walking isn’t your thing, don’t worry—river cruises are also an option. See the Alamo and the Mission San José IRL and then grab a bite in the Pearl District when you’re done living out your tourist dreams.

40 Dublin, Ireland GETTY IMAGES Best for: pub crawlers According to one website, Dublin has 751 pubs. If that’s not enough for you, there’s even the Guinness Brewery where you can pour your own perfect pint. After a day of drinking, stay in an actual castle at Clontarf Castle Hotel to get a little R&R before tomorrow’s crawl.

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41 Chicago, Illinois GETTY IMAGES Best for: the architecture obsessed Get the best views of the Windy City by braving the Skydeck in Willis Tower, which is a mere 103 stories up (*gulp*). Show everyone that you’ve bean to Chicago with a pic by the Cloud Gate (aka the big silver bean) or a selfie by the Pritzker Pavilion. Top it off with a stay at The Talbott Hotel in Chicago’s trendy Gold Coast district.

42 Hanoi, Vietnam GETTY IMAGES Best for: street-food taste-testers Immerse yourself in contemporary and ancient history in Vietnam’s capital. Witness the Vietnam War prisoner of war museum, the Hoa Lo Prison, before exploring the Old Quarter for some of the sweetest and strangest street food in existence. Be tactical and stay right around the corner from the Night Market at the La Beaute De Hanoi Hotel.

43 Los Angeles, California GETTY IMAGES Best for: health nuts TBH, what isn’t there to do in LA?! If you’re tired of the touristy spots, go on a hike at Griffith Park or visit Barnsdall Art Park. LA has a ton of healthy eateries too if you’re into that. You can even keep up with your workout routine with the fitness center at the Residence Inn.

44 Mykonos, Greece GETTY IMAGES Best for: budding reality stars Mykonos may be famous for its rows of pristine white buildings, but it’s also famous for another important thing: the location of an iconic Kardashian family holiday. Until recently, it was also home to Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club (RIP). Get A-list-level privacy at the gorgeous five-acre Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort.

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45 Killington, Vermont GETTY IMAGES Best for: snow bunnies Killington is ideal for a squad ski trip, with slopes suited for beginners and pros. Stay right by the mountain at the Summit Lodge & Resort so you be first in line for the lift. If snow sports aren’t your thing, then schedule your visit timed to the assortment of autumnal festivals. [Apple cider, anyone?

46 Buenos Aires, Argentina GETTY IMAGES Best for: dancers (or, wannabe dancers) Take your dance outings to the next level with a visit to the home of tango itself. You’ll even find paintings on the sidewalk that offer foot-by-foot explainers on how to do various dance moves. Keep your stay cheap, but social, at the Circus Hostel & Hotel.

47 Willamette Valley, Oregon GETTY IMAGES Best for: Winos who don't need you to know they're winos Boasting more than 500 wineries, the Willamette Valley is especially known for its tasty AF Pinot Noir. The landscape here is lush, so a stay in a botanical garden at the Oregon Garden Resort is a must. It’s not too far away from Portland, making it a perfect escape from the city.

48 Cologne, Germany GETTY IMAGES Best for: Christmas lovers Located in the north of Germany, Cologne, is another European city that looks straight out of a Disney movie. Visit during the holidays to explore its famous Christmas markets, where you can eat more gingerbread and drink more mulled wine than any human should be allowed to. Then stay next to the city’s iconic gothic cathedral spires at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

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My Unexpected Adventure At A Border Crossing By Lorenzo Vigil, Adventure Traveler for Global One Magazine

o you remember planning your last trip. Where you were going to go, what you were going to do? The expectation of relaxing and having a drink on the beach or maybe in a mountain cabin, that’s where I usually end up. Well this story is none of those things….AT ALL! My trip was full of heart pounding scared out of your mind emotions. One of my friends, who I refer to as ‘Juan took a trip where he rode his motorcycle from Dallas all the way to California down to the tip of the Baja and then ferried across to Sinaloa, Mexico. Once he arrived in Mexico he continued to Morelia, Michoacán where he rested a few days and visited friends and family. During that stay he was injured on his bike and sustained a broken foot where he had to have surgery and pins put in his foot. Don’t worry I’m getting to the part where I get involved. After his surgery he flew back to the states but had to leave his PHOTO CREDIT: LORENZO bike in Mexico because his broken foot. After a few weeks of being VIGIL laid up he gave me a call and asked me for a favor. He told me that he was having his bike and another he purchased while on his tour de Mexico shipped by a friend to the border. The favor was to drive him to the border with his truck and trailer and pick up his property (the bike). Seems simple enough….right?! Short impromptu trips are my favorite. I agreed to his plan with the condition that I would pick up the kids from school the next day and then we could leave about five o’clock. The next day as I was leaving work, B’ my travel buddy, calls and says, “Hey lets go have a beer”. So I tell him that in about an hour and a half I would be driving all night to the border to pick up a pair of motorcycles and would be driving back the next day. So, what does this fool say? “Hey can I go?” So, I said, “Literally grab what you need and start driving to Garland where were meeting… if you’re late, because we’re on a time crunch. I threatened that I would leave his ass behind!” Three minutes from my destination Brandon’ calls me and says come on hurry up you’re late. This guy! We show up to the meeting spot and all the introductions are made, we fill up the cooler with drinks and snacks and away we go. So, for the next 8 hours it’s a normal road trip with three guys. We stop to eat, and pee, listening to the radio and a whole lot of singing. Getting close to the border we contacted the other party on the Mexican side who was transporting the bike north to the border and he wasn’t going to arrive until 10 or so the next morning. We got a hotel room and seeing how it was 3AM we decide to try and get some sleep a few hours. The next morning, I was woken up by my cell ringing. My girlfriend/fiancé had been in a car accident in Texas on her way to work and her car was totaled. She’s fine but Holy Moly what a wakeup call. To make situations worse I’m yelling at everyone that it’s time to get up – it’s 9:30 and if we don’t leave now, we are going to be late! As we rush to pack our belongings and get in the elevator Juan says to me that I should leave my Gun in the hotel because if the border police find it, they will arrest me and take me to jail for smuggling firearms. For those of you that are wondering yes. I have a License to Carry. I very hesitantly took his advice. I mean jail is bad enough, but I’ve seen the documentaries of Mexican jails and you know what it’s probably a risk, so I decide not to take it with me. The Real Adventure Starts We rushed and picked up a quick bite to eat and headed to the border crossing. This is where the real adventure begins to unfold. Let me preface this part of the story with this comment. “If you live anywhere near a Mexican border you‘ve either heard stories or been party to the corruption that Mexican police and officials take part in at the border and all over the country.” The main entrance has many gates that look like a toll booth here in the states, well before we got to the gate there was a “policeman” flagging our truck and trailer off to the side and around the corner. Juan said we don’t need to go this way, but the police were pretty adamant about getting us to stop where no one could see us. Four lookalike police were standing in this spot and asked us to get out of the vehicle and open the trailer. Juan kept saying keep driving don’t talk to them, but I was confused … we 86.

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can’t do that here in the U.S. So I drove off! I know bad idea …right! Nerves already on high alert and we haven’t even reached the gate yet. We go through the gate and there are two lights… red lights meaning you have to stop for inspection and green lights meaning you can just drive through. Catching the red we stopped for inspection and had to open the trailer, which at this point, was still empty. They approved everything in a few minutes and let us go and now I felt better and thought to myself well that wasn’t THAAAT bad. These are always famous last words. We were only going maybe two or three miles past the border to the International Temporary Property Exchange building. Two blocks south there was a canopy set up and another checkpoint on the side of the road. Juan says to us, “Ok from here we don’t stop for anybody not even uniformed cops, here’s where people try to rob you!” This statement causes my nerves jump back up on high alert! As were pulling past the “checkpoint” men that we did not know were yelling in Spanish “Para! Para!” which means stop! Juan says don’t stop keep going. So, I keep driving but I can see this guy right away in my mirror get on his phone and immediately makes a call. He is calling the bad guys. Juan is in the back seat giving directions and he says two more blocks were making a hard left it’s almost a U-turn. We get to the turn and its only two lanes, one coming and one going. On my right there was a tall chain link fence, and on my left, I could see a river. Also on the left was another drivers lane and another fence. I want you to understand that were in something called a fatal funnel. Juan says were two blocks away and just then three trucks pass me on the left side and get in front of me and slam on their brakes. Keep in mind I’m pulling a cargo trailer that is 8 feet by 16 feet long. He said don’t stop for anything, so I jump in the left oncoming lane and punch on the gas, but they get in front of me again and the lead truck turns and blocks both lanes. We can see the building from where we are but now were stuck! I was going to hit the truck in the rear axle and push him out of the way, but Juan said just stop they got us. My emotions are all jacked right now. Brandon looks at me right away with eyes wide open and says, “What’s happening?! I now see two more trucks behind us. I left my gun why did I leave my gun? Now the assailants are surrounding us of which I count eight guys with guns. The apparent lead guy keeps saying in Spanish to get out of the car, another guy keeps hitting the hood of the truck with a gun pointed at us, the others are on lookout, my heart is racing out of my chest, and I grabbed B’s arm and tell him no matter what don’t get out of the truck. I rolled down my window and the guy keeps yelling at me in Spanish asking where were going? What are we doing there? What’s in the trailer? All I can think to say is, “What I don’t understand you? Were from Texas, what? (Side note I’m completely bilingual) After an exchange of about 2min of horrible communication he said ahhh these are white people (gringos) and they finally spoke with Juan in the backseat. They finally let us go with the understanding that they were going to see what we were picking up after the transfer of property on the way back. I realize now that no, this drama is not over! They cleared the road for us, and we headed to collect J’s bike and property. I asked Juan’ WTF was that about? He says it’s probably the cartel in this area running everything. We spent about an hour and a half there doing the paperwork for Juan property release. We’re now loaded with two motorcycles and a very expensive dining table and are substantially heavier than before. This is awesome; I’m driving a heavy load that a bunch of armed guys want to take from us. Just then a policeman was getting off duty and was about to leave the parking area. He turned his lights on and began to pull around us. Juan still on crutches hops over in a major hurry yelling, “Let’s go hurry up that guy is leaving, and we can act like he’s an escort to get out of here!” So everyone jumps in, and I stay so close I can see the bugs on his license plate. I decide that no matter what goes down on this time no one will stop me come hell or high water were getting home! We get to the turn and drive by the trucks that stopped us where all this started, and I flip that right turn back north and I hit the gas steadily watching my mirrors. We get on the bridge crossing back over the Rio Grande River and I can see the border. As we pull up to the gate and the officer comes over a sigh of relief and the sight of the American Flag comforts me. I’ve been all over Mexico, 99% of the time they have all been wonderful memories. This particular trip it hasn’t changed my mind about vacationing in Mexico, but I’ll never drive across the border again. That’s a fact, and for anyone planning a trip south of the border I would recommend flying to your location. What is has reminded me of is the Freedoms that we have and often take for granted in this country. Our constitution and freedoms that have been fought for, and won, by our brave men and women and we sometimes forget the sacrifices that our ancestors old and new have made and continue to make to secure these freedoms. Not until your personal freedom and rights are in jeopardy do you realize what it is to be an American. What powerful value it is to love this country and love your neighbor. I love the fact that I can travel all over this land free at my will and share it with my family and friends. I will forever bleed RED, WHITE, and BLUE. This a true story told and written by Lorenzo Vigil, Global One Adventure Traveler

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AUTOMOTIVE REVIEWS

Women love to ride and drive. She loves to get in a car, listen to good music and drive. She gets excited about driving.

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2021 Rolls Royce Ghost - $314,400. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: ROLLS ROYCE

olls-Royce is widely recognized as a coachbuilder of ultra-luxurious rides for ultrawealthy folks, and its entry-level model, the Ghost, only bolsters that reputation. The model's styling has evolved for the 2021 model year, but it still looks quite handsome. Unlike the last generation, which shared its underpinnings with the more mainstream BMW 7-series, the new Ghost rolls on the same Architecture of Luxury that's used in the Phantom sedan and Cullinan SUV. Power-operated doors provide access to the cabin—a retreat lined with some of the finest materials in autodom. The interior also offers generous space for both frontand rear-seat passengers to relax in comfort. Despite being the entry-level model, the Ghost will still be out of reach of most new-car buyers. The list of standard and optional equipment will certainly be long, but we'll have to wait until closer to the Ghost's on-sale date to determine how we'd spec it. We expect the sedan to offer a similar level of personalization options as the rest of the Rolls-Royce lineup, though; the only question is how much you're willing to spend.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance Although it's undergone a massive overhaul for 2021, the Ghost is still powered by a familiar engine. Under the sedan's long hood is a 563-hp 6.7-liter V-12 that is shared with the Cullinan SUV. An eight-speed automatic handles shifting duties, and all-wheel drive is standard. According to Rolls-Royce, the 2021 Ghost is capable of hitting 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, and we're looking forward to verifying that claim at our test track. Rolls-Royce also boasts that the new Ghost offers a sharper driving demeanor than the last model, pointing to the all-wheel-steering system and 50/50 weight distribution as evidence that driving satisfaction played a significant role in the car's development. The Ghost provides a peerless ride thanks to its standard adaptive suspension that employs a road-scanning camera to help the vehicle anticipate and compensate for potholes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA estimates that the Ghost will return 12 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Once we get a chance, we'll put the Ghost through our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test and update this story with results. For more information about the Ghost's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

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2021 Rolls Royce Ghost continued

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Like the cabin of any Rolls-Royce, the new Ghost is opulent inside, with every surface, knob, switch, and lever crafted from quality materials. Trying to stand out from competitors like the Bentley Flying Spur and the Mercedes-Benz S-class, Rolls-Royce has pulled out all the stops. Think thick carpet, finely grained leather, real wood, and metal accents, and even an available headliner with tiny integrated LEDs to simulate a starlit sky. An illuminated dashboard inlay glows when the driver turns on the Ghost, adding to the starry-night ambiance. The best seat in the house will be the rear, where passengers are treated to such luxuries as massaging seats, an entertainment system, and acres of legroom.

Infotainment and Connectivity Along with providing a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Ghost features a large infotainment touchscreen with in-dash navigation. Though not confirmed, we expect it will also include both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces. A dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system allows passengers to adjust the radio, input destinations into the nav, and more. Rolls-Royce also supplies an 18-speaker Bespoke stereo system with 1300 watts of power and magnesium-ceramic speaker cones.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Rolls-Royce has stepped up its driver-assistance game with the 2021 Ghost. The outgoing model offered few such features, but the new one has made leaps and bounds in this category. For more information about the Ghost's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection • Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist • Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage • • • •

Like the rest of the Rolls-Royce lineup, the new Ghost will come with a fouryear warranty and maintenance package, which doesn't expire at a certain mileage limit. Limited warranty covers four years or unlimited miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or unlimited miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for four years or unlimited miles

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2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-SPEC - $37,500 - $48,300. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: ACURA.COM

ith the all-new 2021 TLX, Acura recaptures some of its old sedan charm. And with slick looks, a healthy dose of tech and -- most importantly -- better on-road manners, the new TLX is nicely situated to do just that. Acura has been raising their standards and recently announced more than one new addition to their lineup. This is an auto brand that’s moving upward. I love the 2021 Acura TLX A-Spec and as the sports sedan goes, they’ve hit the target right smack in the middle with this one. Coupled with the arrival of the much-anticipated MDX SUV early in 2021, Acura is planning a real market shakeup. 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A SPEC Price: $37,500 - $48,300. Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo Power/Torque: 272hp/280 lb-ft Transmission: 10-speed automatic, Drivetrain: FWD, optional SH-AWD Exterior Design: It’s So Satisfying! This TLX did not get a simple or minimal facelift. This is an all-new Acura TLX model rebuilt from the ground up. As the company builds up its brand and selection, it's reimagining its signature models and reforming them for a new era of business. Overall, it’s about 2.9 inches longer than previous models, as well as wider and lower with a far sportier look. This model makes the 2019 model look boxy and even frumpy by comparison. The hints of athleticism are everywhere you look, the angular lines, slight droop at the front of the hood, the lower roofline, and the wide rectangular dual exhausts. It’s all there for the taking, and we were thrilled with the look. There’s no way that competition at BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz aren’t looking at this kind of competition and becoming a little concerned. The new TLX can give any of them a run for their money in looks, but also in performance.

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Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and a Top-Notch Chassis - Two of the biggest highlights in the TLX are the SH-AWD system, and the redesigned and excellently tuned chassis. The potent combination creates a great feeling of control and agility, as well as a comfortable, fun ride. The SH-AWD system moves power between the wheels so flawlessly that you feel you never lose even a smidgen of traction. Acura is once again proving that they do know what they’re doing with the sports sedan class. Brand-new Interior - Where others are shifting to an all-modern and all-digital look for the interior, Acura is preserving some of the more charming old-school features and blending them with a modern-day look. The instrument cluster features stylish analog gauges, but there’s also a nice 10.5” infotainment system with touchpad control and a stylish rotary drive mode selector in the middle of the central stack. I really enjoyed using it and could not get enough of the relaxed and accommodating front seats; they are the perfect balance of plush and supportive. This is a cockpit and driver view that you can adjust to your specific preference. I even like the cozy rear cabin, but I believe Acura’s explanation is pretty reasonable. Essentially, yes, the rear seating is cozy and compact, but the fact is that those who are shopping seriously for space are already pre-destined to choose a crossover or SUV. Your average sports sedan shopper isn’t too concerned about the smaller yet cozier back seat. They’re probably not buying it as a big family car! This new TLX won’t blow you away at the first impression, but it the vehicle that you will fall in love with as soon as you drive it. I did.

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2021 Toyota Highlander XSE AWD - $35,985. - $48,140. Staff Writer

PHOTO CREDIT: TOYOTA.COM

he 2021 Toyota Highlander midsize 3-row SUV/crossover is capable of seating seven or eight, depending on whether there’s a bench in the second row or a pair of captain’s chairs. It also offers a hybrid drivetrain, which now comes as a more affordable front-wheel-drive variant. The Highlander is now in the second year of its fourth generation. This new Highlander is bigger and brings benefits in cabin space. The Highlander has 27.7 inches of third-row legroom. Cargo space measures 16 cu ft. behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cu ft. with the second and third rows folded. The exterior design is suitably edgy for contemporary tastes, with an assertive front end enlivened by LED headlights, plus well-defined side panels. Inside, a stylized dashboard puts a neatly integrated touchscreen and supporting controls at its center. Not so visually arresting but still useful are the recessed cargo trays along the dashboard’s base. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and satellite radio are all standard across the range. So is Driver Easy Speak, a feature that broadcasts the driver’s voice through the rear speakers. Also standard throughout and perhaps one of the strongest arguments in the 2021 Highlander’s favor (along with solid reliability and robust resale values) is the set of driver aids known as Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assistance, lane departure warning with steering assistance, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition.

What’s New for 2021? The standard-issue Toyota Safety Sense array of driver aids upgrades to version 2.5. Improvements include left-turn intersection support and mistaken pedal application, partially autonomous emergency steering, plus enhancements to the adaptive cruise control, lane departure, and lane tracing functions. LED projector headlights are now standard in every 2021 Highlander. And a new XSE trim level is introduced, coming with trim-specific 20-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails/side mirror housings/window trim, ambient cabin lighting, optional torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Fuel Economy A 3.5-liter V6 engine propels the Highlander with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It has a stop/restart function to help save some gasoline while idling. The next link is an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheeldrive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fuel consumption estimates are 20 miles per gallon in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg in combined driving (FWD) or 20 mpg city/27 mpg hwy/23 mpg combined (AWD). The EPA puts fuel consumption at 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway/36 mpg combined (FWD) or 35 mpg city/35 mpg hwy/35 mpg combined (AWD). The exception here is the all-wheel-drive Limited Platinum trims, which are thirstier on the highway by one mile per gallon. Maximum towing for the V6-powered Highlander is 5,000 pounds.

Standard Features and Options The 2021 Toyota Highlander with the V6 comes in L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum trim levels. Prices quoted here are for front-drive versions and include the $1,175 destination charge. All Highlanders can be optioned with all-wheel drive, costing between $1,600 and $1,950, depending on the trim. L ($35,985) has 18-in alloy wheels, eight airbags, keyless entry/ignition, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, LED projector headlights, LED taillights, washer for the reversing camera, selectable driving modes, tri-zone automatic climate control, eight cupholders, four bottle holders, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way manually adjustable front passenger seat, cloth upholstery, 8-occupant seating with 60/40 split/folding second-row and third-row bench seats, 4.2-in color LCD driver information screen, four USB ports, two 12-volt outlets, Driver Easy Speak, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, hill-start assist, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, 8-in infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker audio system. All-wheel-drive versions also have hill descent control and mud guards. LE ($38,815) adds a powered liftgate, LED fog lights, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. XLE ($40,985) brings a powered moonroof, roof rails, selfdimming rearview mirror, wireless charging, simulated leather upholstery for the first two seating rows, heated front seats, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, second-row captain’s chairs (reducing the occupant count to seven), second-row sunshades, and a 7-in color gauge cluster. Options include 8-occupant seating and navigation. XSE ($42,580) has a sport-tuned suspension and steering system, trim-specific 20-in alloy wheels, twin exhaust tips, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, ambient cabin lighting, black simulated leather upholstery, several cosmetic additions, and black accents on the LED headlights with a light-strip design for the daytime running lights. This trim is eligible for red/black 2-tone leather upholstery. Limited ($44,940) has 20-in wheels, puddle lights, LED daytime running lights, high-output LED fog lights, handsfree liftgate operation, real leather for the first two seating rows, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, 120-volt outlet, front/rear parking assistance with automatic braking, navigation, and a JBL 11-speaker premium audio system. Options include 8occupant seating, 360-degree camera system, and a 12.3-in touchscreen.

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The 7-seater-only Platinum ($48,140) adds adaptive selfleveling LED projector headlights, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic moonroof, digital rearview mirror, 10-inch color head-up display, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and illuminated door sills up front. Safety Every Highlander comes with eight airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and brake assist. Also standard throughout is Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 that includes forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, left turn intersection support, partially autonomous emergency steering, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, lane tracing assistance, lane departure warning with steering assistance, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition. Lane tracing helps the Highlander keep in the center of its lane while using adaptive cruise control. This generation of Toyota Highlander has yet to be crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) made it a Top Safety Pick after it took top scores in most major categories. The IIHS said this accolade only applied to versions with upgraded LED projector headlights, but since the 2021 Highlander gains those as standard, its safety credentials are top-notch. Behind the Wheel The Highlander’s cabin is a comfortable place to spend many hours. The large glass area provides great views all around and occupants in the first two rows have plenty of room to spread out. The third row remains a kids-only space. The instrument panel is arranged sensibly; it’s tidy and easy to navigate. The only issue is the occasional glare from sunlight obscuring the touchscreen. The V6 Highlander has plenty of thrust, easily enough to move this midsize 3-row crossover when it’s full, and certainly more than most rivals. This V6 engine/8-speed automatic transmission is a tried-and-trusted drivetrain. Handling is consistent and stable. It feels big from behind the wheel, but that will appeal to SUV buyers who feel a larger vehicle provides an extra degree of safety. The all-wheel-drive system in the V6-powered L, LE, and XLE can transfer up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels if wheel slip is detected. A more sophisticated all-wheel-drive setup is in the XSE, Limited, and Platinum versions, featuring Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring with Driveline Disconnect. It enables the redistribution of torque not only from front to rear but also side to side at the rear axle. This system also provides multi-terrain driving modes, including Mud & Sand and Rock & Dirt.

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2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury - $53,450. - $66,735. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: LEXUS.COM

Versatility best describes the luxurious three-row GX. It’s not only engineered for all kinds of terrain including extreme off-road conditions, but it also displays exceptional craftsmanship throughout and offers seating for up to seven passengers. The Premium Plus packages include GX Premium features and Navigation Package, plus third row power seats and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 330watt Premium Surround Sound Audio System. What’s New: 2021 Lexus GX 460 • Available Premium Plus packages • Silver 18-inch wheels available on Premium and Premium Plus packages • Heated Wood-trimmed Steering Wheel available on Premium and Premium Plus packages • Acoustic front side glass on all models • Amazon Alexa compatibility Command the City and the Weekend A dual-purpose luxury vehicle, GX 460 can go from a short work commute to a long family vacation deep in the Rocky Mountains. Every GX is powered by a 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 producing 329 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Combine that with a 6,500-lb. towing capacity, and you’ve got an ideal boat hauler. Towing is aided with Trailer Sway Control, a function of the Vehicle Stability Control that enhances straight-line tracking. Evocative at Every Touch Every GX comes from the hands of masters. The interior leather trim is carefully selected from around the world, and only a fraction is considered worthy. The available semi-aniline leather trim, offered in a striking Rioja Red, is dyed all the way through, unlike leathers with conventional surface dyes. The available Gray Sapele wood trim adds

another level of refinement. It marries the natural expression of fine wood with the clean sophistication of brushed aluminum by layering the juxtaposing materials – laser technology engraves the wood surface to reveal the delicate metallic lines underneath. Heated and ventilated front seats are available as a standalone option for the base model and are standard on Premium and Luxury models. In the Sport Design Package for Premium and Luxury trims, captain’s chairs comprise the second-row seating. With an intuitive, three-spoke steering wheel featuring convenient controls, plus an available threezone climate control to personalize temperature settings, the 2021 GX provides a memorable first-class experience. Modernity Redefined Embracing a sophisticated design all its own, the muscular GX features an imposing stance, a modern front fascia with standard Premium Triple-Beam LED headlamps, and available 19-inch wheels and more. New for 2021, silver 18-inch wheels are available on Premium and Premium Plus packages. The GX comes in six vibrant exterior colors — Starfire Pearl, Atomic Silver, Nebula Gray Pearl, Nightfall Mica, Black Onyx, and Claret Mica. The GX interior is available in the following four colors: Black, Sepia, Ecru, and Rioja Red with black headliner. Engineered to Explore Utilizing the technology of the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), the GX enhances handling and ride comfort by helping to keep the vehicle level in both on and off-road conditions. When the GX encounters an uneven surface, one compressed cylinder causes fluid to flow to the other cylinder, helping the vehicle to keep all four wheels on the ground. The system works without any action needed by the driver. Another asset of the GX for on-road smoothness is the available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The AVS uses electronically controlled dampers that adjust to road surface 94

conditions. The driver can tailor the ride by selecting from Normal, Sport, or Comfort modes. Four-Wheel Active Traction With a full-time automatic four-wheel drive system, the Lexus GX 460 is at home on the backcountry trails as it is in the mall parking lot. A TORSEN torque-sensing limited slip center differential distributes power 40:60 front to rear under most driving conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on wheel slip. The four-wheel-drive system offers a low range for slow speed off-road driving, and the center differential can be electronically locked. The two-speed transfer case with low range is supported by a wide array of chassis control technology. With Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and available Crawl Control, the GX can roam unpaved roads, trails, and steep inclines with confidence. Off-Road Talent Enhancing GX’s already capable skillset when the pavement ends is the Off-Road Package that’s available on Luxury grade. The package offers proven off-road technologies such as Lexus’ Multi-Terrain Monitor and Panoramic View Monitors with driver and passenger cameras; transmission cooler; fuel tank protector; Crawl Control; and Multi-Terrain Select. Multi-Terrain Select allows you to choose from multiple surfaces such as loose rocks, mud and sand, moguls, and more to optimize drivability. This advanced system regulates wheelspin by automatically adjusting the engine throttle and brakes, helping improve traction. Demanding off-road situations necessitate constant awareness of all surroundings. With the Multi-Terrain Monitor and Panoramic View Monitors, front passengers can view front, rear, side, and now under (displaying terrain and tire location underneath your vehicle) camera views on the navigation screen, providing the most avid off-road driver peace of mind. Activated with the press of a button, the available Crawl Control system is designed to automatically maintain an optimal slow and steady pace over demanding landscapes. Crawl Control is designed for driving on difficult terrain at low speeds and automatically modulates the throttle and brakes on five low-speed settings, so drivers can keep their focus on steering through difficult terrain. Engaged when the vehicle is in low range, Crawl Control allows the vehicle to move forward or in reverse at one of five driver-selectable low-speed settings. Crawl Control also engages the front and rear “virtual” Locking differentials to help reduce tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior. Crawl Control can also help the driver navigate the GX 460 through sand, mud, or snow. Multimedia and Connected Technologies The Lexus multimedia system on the GX offers a touchscreen with a customizable home screen that can display three sections simultaneously. The available Navigation System’s threedimensional map view makes it an even more effective driving partner. Rear seat passengers can power their mobile devices thanks to two additional USB ports, bringing the GX’s total to four. Drivers can navigate with peace of mind thanks to Lexus Enform Safety Connect which is included for the first 10 years of ownership. It allows for

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access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365. With Lexus Enform Service Connect, the vehicle can also send alerts for specific factory recommended maintenance, simultaneously alerting a preferred Lexus retailer. The Lexus Enform Remote service lets you lock and unlock doors, start the engine and climate control, check the fuel level and more all through your smartphone, smartwatch or devices enabled with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. And it’s included for the first year of ownership. Lexus Safety The Lexus GX 460 is equipped to handle today’s modern family and is designed to help them arrive in style, comfort, and safety wherever their adventures lead. Bolstering this mission is the addition of the Lexus Safety System+ suite of technologies that is standard on the entire 2021 Lexus vehicle lineup. Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Intelligent High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. From advanced lane assistance technology to intuitive high beams that offer added illumination to help keep you focused on the road ahead, this integrated suite of standard active safety equipment brings us one step closer to our ultimate goal, a world without crashes. Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Lexus Safety System+ includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that’s designed to help detect a vehicle or a pedestrian in the path of your Lexus under certain conditions. Should it detect a potential frontal collision, it prompts the driver to take evasive action and may automatically prepare Brake Assist for increased brake force and, in some cases, can even automatically brake the vehicle to a stop. Lane Departure Alert Lane Departure Alert is designed to provide an audible alert if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. Intelligent High Beams To help provide greater visibility for the driver, as well as fellow drivers, this system offers added illumination to help keep the GX’s driver focused on the road. When the road ahead is clear, the system defaults to high-beam mode, then temporarily switches to low beams when it detects the headlamps or taillamps of vehicles ahead. High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control This system uses radar and camera technology to help you maintain a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead.

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2022 Acura MDX A-Spec Luxury CUV - $47,925. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: ACURA.COM

cura is on a tear updating its small lineup of cars and SUVs. Among them is the three-row MDX, whose recent overhaul brings lots of goodies. This SUV takes its handsome styling cues from the compact RDX SUV and TLX sedan, and the cabin boasts luxury materials and features worthy of the Acura's premium badge. The base powertrain for this front-driver consists of a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and a 10-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is available. But select the performance-oriented Type S model and you'll get a turbocharged 355-hp 3.0-liter V-6 and standard all-wheel drive. As driving enthusiasts, we're most intrigued by the Type S for its performance aspirations, but Acura says that model won't go on sale until the summer of 2021. For buyers looking for a nicely equipped luxury crossover without the sporty flair, we'd recommend the Technology trim, which has niceties such as leather upholstery with contrast stitching, adjustable interior ambient lighting, an ELS Studio stereo system with 12 speakers, and low-speed front and rear automated emergency braking. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The new MDX uses the same 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 as the outgoing model, but the engine is now mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission instead of a nine-speed. Front-wheel drive remains standard with all-wheel drive available as an option. The outgoing 2020 MDX also offered a hybrid powertrain, but so far Acura has not indicated an intention to hybridize the 2022 MDX. The sporty Type S model is powered by a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and comes standard with all-wheel drive. We haven't driven the Type S yet, but our test drive of an all-wheel drive Advance model with the standard powertrain revealed surprisingly nimble handling and perky acceleration. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The base 2022 MDX boasts EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Opting for all-wheel drive reduces the highway rating by 1 mpg. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, our all-wheel drive A-Spec test vehicle delivered a disappointing 22 mpg. For more information about the MDX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

high-end trims, and open-pore wood mingles with metal and pianoblack accents. Acura also outfitted the MDX with plenty of creature comforts, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The front seats are supportive and comfortable and can be equipped with niceties such as 16-way power adjustability as well as massage. The first and second rows offer plentiful passenger space, but the MDX's third row is still a kids-only affair. Although the interior is nicely designed and offers plenty of convenience options, it doesn't feel quite as posh as the cabins of rivals such as the Genesis GV80 or the Volvo XC90. Infotainment and Connectivity The 2022 MDX features a large 12.3-inch infotainment display with a center-console-mounted touchpad controller, which we're sorry to report is somewhat frustrating to use. A 12.3-inch digital reconfigurable gauge display is also standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. An ELS Studio stereo system is included on the Technology trim while the A-Spec and Advanced models get a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D setup. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Acura has been adding more and more standard driver-assistance tech to its cars, and the new MDX provides several desirable features. For more information about the MDX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection • Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist • Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The MDX's warranty package matches those of rivals such as the Buick Enclave and the Lexus GX, but both of those brands cover the first maintenance visit while Acura requires the owner to pay out of pocket for that service.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The MDX's cabin has a far more premium look and feel than 2020 model's interior. French-stitched leather covers the dashboard in 96

2022 Ford Bronco Badlands - $42,095. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT:FORD.COM

he Badlands vehicle is equipped for adventure. Aside from a limited run of First Edition models, it's the most expensive of the Sport's five available trim levels and the best performer, both on and off road. At $34,315 to start, it costs $6000 more than the base model and brings a long list of upgrades. A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque resides under its hood, replacing the 181-hp turbocharged three-cylinder that powers the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks models. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. Badlands models also get unique suspension tuning with about an inch more ground clearance than lesser trims. To cope with the additional weight of the four-cylinder, taller and slightly stiffer springs are fitted, as are front dampers with hydraulic rebound stops for soaking up harsh, full-jounce impacts. Ford claims that the Badlands's 7.4 inches of wheel travel is the best in its class. With 8.8 inches of ground clearance, the Badlands has a hair more clearance than a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. To gain a few extra millimeters of space, Ford's engineers tucked the Sport's exhaust system up closer to the floor pan. Its 30.4-degree approach angle is also better than the Jeep's, although the Cherokee offers slightly better breakover and departure angles. All-wheel drive is standard on all Bronco Sports, but the Badlands features a torque-vectoring rear differential that borrows tech from the Focus RS. Its Terrain Management System also expands from five modes to seven, gaining Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl settings. Although its dampers are passive units, the drive programs alter the tuning of the throttle, transmission, brake response, steering effort, and the all-wheel-drive system for the chosen conditions. Also included on the Badlands are skid plates for the powertrain and fuel tank, an off-road cruise-control-like system that works up to 20 mph, a front-facing camera, front tow hooks, steering-wheelmounted paddle shifters, and 28.5-inch-tall all-terrain tires. Pirelli Scorpio A/Ts are standard, but our test vehicle wore optional 235/65R-17 Falken WildPeaks, which cost $495 and are slightly

wider, a half-inch taller, and have a more aggressive tread pattern. The knobby tires fill the Bronco Sport's wheel wells and come wrapped around 17-inch wheels that have a purposefully old-school look. Although they look like steelies, they're aluminum. We like them a lot. A Ford engineer tells us owners can upgrade to 30.5-inch tires without any clearance problems, but 31s won't fit without increasing the height of the suspension. Even better, the tires' off-road credentials don't impede the Sport's on-road stopping ability. In our 70-mph-to-zero braking test, the Bronco came to a halt in a curt 163 feet. That beats everything but the Escape from our recent comparison test of six compact crossovers. Unfortunately, our Michigan skid pad was covered with snow, so we can't comment on the Falkens' lateral grip capability. Balancing Comfort and Capability Ford says it had this vehicle in mind when it designed its C2 platform, making additional reinforcement to the structure unnecessary. Torsional rigidity is the same as in the Escape, and it lends the Bronco Sport a solid feel. Making the Sport capable of safely fording nearly two feet of water required only slight modifications to the engine's air-intake plumbing and fitting more robust bottom door seals. The Sport's 105.1-inch wheelbase is 1.6 inches shorter than the Escape's, which both improves its breakover angle and gives it a stockier stance. In the metal, its boxy silhouette, slab body sides, and muscular wheel-well flares give it presence, but it's smaller than it looks—8.0 inches shorter than the Escape and essentially the same size as the Jeep Compass except that the Bronco is six inches taller. Our only aesthetic complaint is the integration of its backup camera, which appears glued to the rear hatch as an afterthought. The Bronco Sport feels bigger on the road than it is, thanks to its ample headroom, heavily weighted steering, and firm ride. It feels substantial and rather truck-like in how its suspension translates a significant amount of road texture to your backside. Highway expansion joints kick you up out of the seat. 97

Mercedes Benz G 63 Wagon - $132,800. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: MERCEDES.COM

he 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known by many as the “G-Wagon,” is already among the baddest, brawniest and most distinctive SUVs money can buy. The MercedesAMG version takes the German automaker’s Earth-conquering “Gelandewagen” SUV and makes it even more extreme. Yes, if the standard G 550 (reviewed separately) is the king of luxuriously rugged SUVs, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is the emperor. Even with a slew of new high-end, ultra-capable SUVs that range from the reborn Land Rover Defender to the Lamborghini Urus, there’s simply nothing else like it on the road. Can you name one other luxury SUV that has triple locking differentials for stee hill climbing ability along with twin 12.3-inch digital displays to relay the latest tech, not to mention decades of heritage and celebrity status? Then there’s the handcrafted, 577-horsepower V8 that launches this ultra-SUV from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Downsides? While the G-Wagon just had its first major revamp in decades, it’s still more beast than beauty in terms of everyday livability and drivability. Then there’s the price: It costs over $156,000 to even step into a 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63. In reality, a crossover SUV like the Mercedes GLE is more logical, more efficient, more civilized, and less expensive, but few vehicles can touch the gravitas of a G-Class.

some have respectable off-road chops, the G-Wagon is among the very few that are both fast on the road and extremely capable offroad. Of course, most owners of this ultra-luxury SUV will never leave asphalt. The G-Wagon has become standard transportation for the Hollywood set, and we can safely wager that very few of its celebrity owners will ever use the G 63’s locking differentials. Still, this version that was totally revamped last year is its best driving to date. Switching to an independent front suspension has made the G-Wagon more civil (the rear remains a solid axle), and all other hardware has been massaged for better everyday drivability. The fresh, twin-turbo V8 is a marvelous motivator. Its rumble is impossible to ignore and planting your foot on the right pedal enables effortless, physics-defying acceleration. Overall ride quality is good, and the 9-speed automatic works well. It shifts almost imperceptibly with light throttle, but changes gears more noticeably when the driver is aggressive with the pedal. Steering effort feels natural, and on curvy roads, you can feel how the front and rear anti-roll bars help keep the G 63 from leaning too much in the corners. Off-road, in low range with all three differentials locked, the G 63 seems unstoppable. Truly, if you know what you’re doing and have the guts to take your roughly $160,000 SUV into the wild, it has the capability to venture farther than you ever thought possible.

Driving the 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Have you ever driven a brick with sports-car-like acceleration and the ability to literally scale mountains? That’s the nature of the new Mercedes-AMG G 63. While other luxury SUVs are fast and

Favorite Features: THREE LOCKING DIFFERENTIALS Via three buttons on the dash, the G 63’s center, rear and front differentials can be locked, but only in that specific order. It’s this 98

feature that makes the G-Wagon all but unstoppable in the mire and sets it apart from other SUVs with legit off-road chops. Creature Comforts If you ever wanted a massage while crossing the Serengeti, racing down the autobahn or cruising Rodeo Drive, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 can grant that. Just check the Seat Comfort Package, which adds Mercedes’ multicontour massaging seats, plus heat and ventilation for your rump. 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Interior The G 63’s dual nature goes beyond its extreme on-road/off-road abilities. Though tough and boxy on the outside, this AMG GWagon is luxurious and technologically advanced inside. As with prior models, the Mercedes G-Wagon remains a 2-row/5passenger SUV. But this new-gen G-Wagon is far more modern and accommodating inside. As with other new Mercedes-Benz models, the G 63 boasts twin 12.3-inch digital screens — one that acts as the instrument cluster, the other that relays navigation, audio, and other infotainment. Even the air vents feature a slick new design that reminds of an aircraft turbine. Remaining in the center of the dash are the three prominent switches for locking the differentials. This new-gen G-Class has grown by four inches in length, 4.8 inches in width, and 1.6 inches in height, making the G 63 roomier than the previous version. In back, there’s about six inches more legroom, plus an extra 1.5 inches of legroom in front. Also appreciated is an extra 4.8 inches of shoulder space, together with a rear bench seat that now folds and splits 60/40 for added cargo-carrying versatility. 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Exterior The Mercedes G-Wagon was overhauled last year, yet it only takes one look to tell what it is. The design remains wholly upright and boxy. It also remains one of the toughest-looking SUVs you can buy. The G 63 further differentiates itself from the G 550 with an AMG-specific radiator grille and a unique bumper with large side air inlets. Another key distinguisher is the AMG’s exhaust outlets that peek out the sides below the rear doors. Other exclusive G 63 exterior characteristics are the flared fenders, running boards, distinctive trim elements, and metallic paintwork. The G 63’s red brake calipers also look great inside the available 22-inch wheels. Below the paint, the Mercedes G-Class uses a rigid ladder frame like that of a truck vs. the unibody setup of most crossover SUVs. Note that, unlike almost every other new SUV, the G 63 doesn’t have an upward-rising, power-operated tailgate, but instead a swing-out rear door that must be opened and closed manually. 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Standard Features Beyond the hand-built twin-turbo V8, the ability to cover just about any terrain and the intangible prestige of driving the definition of vehicular excess, the new Mercedes-AMG G 63 comes with a full roster of features. Among the highlights are Nappa leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, tri-zone climate control, sunroof, in-cabin air-purification system, rainsensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, and universal garage remote. The standard infotainment system is also robust, bundling twin 12.3-inch digital displays, navigation, Apple

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CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a sublime 15speaker/590-watt Burmester audio system. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Options The Mercedes-AMG G 63 can be made further over-the-top and even more comfortable with features like massaging front seats, rear-seat entertainment system with dual 10-inch touchscreen displays, and a carbon-fiber engine cover. New for 2020 is the AMG Trail Package, which bundles an off-road-optimized suspension, black underbody guard, rear mud flaps, and 20-inch all-terrain tires. If the 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63’s top speed of an electronically limited 137 mph isn’t fast enough for you, it can be increased to 149 mph by checking the “Increase top speed” option box. 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Engine While a standard G 550 is no wimp with its twin-turbo 4.0liter V8 good for 416 horsepower, here again, the MercedesAMG version ups the ante. This high-performance G-Wagon uses a handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 tuned to make 577 horsepower and an even more impressive 627 lb-ft of torque. This new-gen G-Wagon’s 4-wheel-drive system is rearbiased with a 40/60 split. This enables more of a sports-car-like feel, yet the G 63 is also a real-deal off-road SUV with low-range gearing and three — yes, three — locking differentials. Power is sent through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Almost ironically, to save fuel the G 63 has an engine start/stop system that can turn off the engine instead of idling at stoplights. It can be disabled. Speaking of fuel economy, as you might imagine it isn’t great: 13-mpg city, 15-mpg highway, and 14-mpg combined. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds, 500 less than the standard model. 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 577 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm 627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-3,500 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/15 mpg How Much Does the 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63 Cost? The 2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63 has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $156,450, plus a $995 destination charge. That compares to the $130,900 starting price of the standard G 550. Options can add thousands more to the G 63’s base price. At this cost, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 is among the highestpriced SUVs. Though not quite apples to apples, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo is roughly $30,000 less, while the big Lexus LX starts just over $86,000. Just arriving is a new rendition of another off-road icon — the 2020 Land Rover Defender. That boxy, adventurous SUV promises to start just under $50,000. On the other end of the spectrum are ultra-exotic SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus, which can easily cost over $200,000. Before buying, check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. The 2020 MercedesAMG G 63’s resale value holds up very well.

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2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy - $42,100. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: HYUNDAI.COM

yundai might not be the first brand name that comes to mind when it comes to luxury SUVs and crossovers. However, that might start to change when more people take notice of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy model. The Calligraphy trim is a new addition for 2021. It’s got all the sophistication of a premium SUV without the oversized price tag. Updated Style of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy The new Santa Fe SUV has been updated for 2021. The front end has a unique LED headlight design with two narrow daytime running lights that come together and trail down the front fascia. The grille is wide and has a cascading pattern. From the profile, the Santa Fe has large, rounded wheel wells and creases in the side paneling that travel from front to rear. The recessed wheel well trim has a unique stylistic feature. It looks as if something dropped off the vehicle. Hyundai designers chose not to place body paneling to flush out the profile. The rear of the vehicle has tight, tapered taillights to follow the design elements of the front. It’s a smart rear end that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel of SUV design. The liftgate in the back opens automatically and there’s a rear skid plate underneath. The 2021 Santa Fe Calligraphy model has a spacious interior with luxury features in all the right places. The interior has quilted Nappa leather seating, an electronic gearshift knob, and ambient lighting. You’d have to remind yourself that this is a beautiful Hyundai with all the bells and whistles. The center console slides all the interface surfaces down the dashboard. The 10-inch touchscreen navigation sits high over the dash. There are air-con vents in the center and the radio, climate 100.

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controls, parking brake and gear shifter are beneath it. Admittedly, this is the multi-tasking feature of the Santa Fe’s interior because there are so many tactile buttons and knobs. It could easily take the driver’s attention away from the road. The Calligraphy model provides plenty of space for all occupants. Five passengers can fit, four would ride more comfortably. There are 44 inches of legroom and 57.5 inches of hip room up front for the driver and passenger. That’s more wiggle room for taller drivers and passengers. All told, there are 115.5 cubic feet of passenger volume in the new Santa Fe SUV and 72.1 cu. Ft. of cargo space. The Calligraphy model comes with a panoramic sunroof and a Harmon Kardon premium sound system. These are features from the premium package, but the top-level Calligraphy model bundles all the best features from all the available packages into the final build. That includes heated front and rear seats, wireless device charging, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Drivers will love this vehicle For a mid-sized SUV, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe gets above-average gas mileage in Calligraphy form. Drivers can expect to travel 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 21 miles per gallon in the city when equipped with all-wheel drive. Those numbers change ever so slightly with front-wheel drive, granting drivers of the Santa Fe SUV 22 MPG in the city and 25 MPG combined. The Calligraphy model of the Santa Fe comes equipped with Hyundai’s 2.5 Liter turbo inline 4. This powertrain efficiently motivates the mid-sized SUV with 277 horsepower and 311pound feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all www.globalonemag.com

interested shoppers should opt for the HTRAC all-wheel drive in their final build-out. The Calligraphy model has an updated transmission. It’s an 8-speed wet dual-clutch with SHIFTRONIC technology. There’s a multi-link suspension in the rear and MacPherson struts on the front. Both axles benefit from gas shock dampers and stabilizer bars. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe can’t match the towing capacity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but still puts on decent numbers when outfitted with trailer brakes and trailer sway control. The Calligraphy model can tow 3,500 pounds. Top Safety Equipment for the Calligraphy Model One of the strong suits of the Calligraphy model is that it comes with all the best safety equipment that Hyundai has to offer. For other Santa Fe models, these features are optional, but the Calligraphy puts it all in the build-out. The automatic emergency braking has been improved over the previous year’s Santa Fe SUV. Now, it can detect vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians. The safety system can automatically bring the vehicle to a direct halt-stop on a dime to avoid a collision. The Calligraphy model comes with some autonomous driving features. The 2021 Santa Fe has Remote Smart Parking Assist which can basically park the vehicle by remote. This is especially helpful if you’re stuck in a tight space with vehicles all around your SUV. You can stand outside and watch as the 2021 Santa Fe exits the parking space by itself. Another class-exclusive safety feature for the Calligraphy model is the advanced monitoring system. You can use the onboard cameras and radar array to get surround views of the vehicle and even a live feed of your blind side. Partner that with a heads-up display and you’ve got peace of mind behind the wheel.

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Final Build Notes for the 2021 Santa Fe Calligraphy Model There are two versions of the Calligraphy trim available from Hyundai. The one with 19-inch wheels has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $42,100. The Calligraphy model with 20-inch alloy wheels has an MSRP of $42,300. At that price, the Calligraphy model can rival any premium SUV or crossover on the market. The Calligraphy model gets a swag bag of luxurious amenities and top-level safety features. It has a 10-inch navigation screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a heads-up display for the windshield. That’s totally Audi Q5 territory and the 2021 Santa Fe has all the other automakers nervous. You can’t find that much technology on display with the Ford, Nissan, and Honda budget SUVs. One of the main reasons that the 2021 Santa Fe is a gamechanger is that Hyundai has arguably the best warranty in the automotive industry. Not only do buyers get the best Hyundai features for the Calligraphy model, but they also get 3 years of hassle-free maintenance, a 10-year powertrain warranty, a 5-year new vehicle warranty, and 5 years of roadside assistance. It’s hard to beat that level of consumer confidence. If you’re like the style and features of the 2021 Santa Fe from Hyundai, then you should take a second look at the Calligraphy model. It comes fully loaded with all-wheel drive, semi-autonomous safety features, and stylish 20-inch wheels. It doesn’t take an automotive expert to tell that this is a smart buy that can last for a few hundred thousand miles or more. The best part of it all is women love the Calligraphy. I get nothing but positive remarks and attitude from women who drive this wonderful vehicle.

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2021 Mazda CX 9 Signature AWD - $35,335. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: MAZDA.COM

f the idea of buying a crossover is an insult to your driving-enthusiast sensibilities, I’m happy to report that the 2021 Mazda CX-9 delivers plenty of the brand's hallmark driving verve. Its handling is far sharper than any of its rivals' and it's powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that will provide enough pep for most drivers. The Mazda's cabin earns just as much love from our editors as its driving dynamics, as it offers a near-luxury Infotainment: The CX-9's infotainment receives an overhaul for 2021 and now comes with a 10.3-inch display and the updated interface that debuted on the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback. A wireless smartphone charging pad is now standard on Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature models. A new Carbon Edition package is available on the Grand Touring, which adds black exterior trim, a blackedout grille, black 20-inch wheels, and red leather seats. Grand Touring and Signature models receive new paddle shifters and an improved exterior camera system. The top-level Signature benefits from a host of new standard equipment, including rear automated emergency braking, a driver-attention monitoring system, updated grille and wheel designs, and new quilted leather upholstery. 102.

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atmosphere and competitive list of standard and optional features. A host of driver-assistance features are standard, too. Rivals such as the also-excellent Kia Telluride and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, offer more passenger and cargo space, but the CX-9 remains one of our favorite SUVs to recommend to those who value athletic handling and driver engagement as much as we do. Of the CX-9's four trim levels, the Touring model represents the best value. It offers plenty of niceties, including a power-operated rear liftgate, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and keyless entry with pushbutton start. To get the CX-9's new second-row captain's chairs—a feature many three-row SUV buyers want—opt for the Touring Premium package, which also adds two additional USB ports in the third row, a Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, and second-row window sunshades. Engine, Transmission, and Performance: In a segment where V-6 power is common, Mazda took a risk by offering a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the CX-9's sole powertrain in the hope of a gain in fueleconomy. It does eke out an advantage over some www.globalonemag.com

competitors, but it's slight. The engine sounds gutsy and managed a class-competitive result in acceleration testing, where it scooted the Grand Touring test vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The 2021 CX-9 is clearly the driving enthusiast's family hauler; surprisingly light on its feet, it often feels as if you're driving a smaller SUV. The suspension is firm, but it's still supple enough riding over rough stretches of road. The steering, while not as communicative as other Mazda’s, still imparts vigor that's missing from other crossovers. The firm suspension and accurate steering culminate in superior cornering control. Fuel Economy and RealWorld MPG: Apart from its solid acceleration performance, according to the EPA the CX-9 is more fuel efficient than many of its rivals. The front-wheel drive model earned EPA estimates of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway: all-wheel drive drops both of those figures by 2 mpg. In our real-world highway fueleconomy test, the all-wheel-drive CX-9 matched its 26mpg rating. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo: The CX-9's cabin wows with upscale materials and detailed styling. Open the door and the CX-9's interior welcomes passengers with an upscale cabin that wouldn't look out of place in an Audi. Mazda has tastefully arranged soft-touch plastic with handsome graining, brushed aluminum, and, in the Signature-trim test car, genuine rosewood. The CX-9's smaller measurements mean real-world limitations. The CX-9's second and third rows of seats fold easily for quick configuration changes, though, and the resultant load floor is flat, making it easy to load bulky items. With second- and third-row seats down, the CX-9 accommodated 25 of our carry-on cases. Mazda is known for its superior driving dynamics and is relentlessly focused on human-centricity. The vehicles feel like a natural extension of the driver’s body. Mazda feel that a car and driver should have a relationship similar to that of a horse and its rider. This is called Jinba-ittai, a philosophy that lies at the heart of Mazda’s vehicle development. The Kodo design language uses a minimalist approach to create sophisticated styling that makes the vehicles feel more refined, elegant, and upscale. The vehicles will look and feel truly alive.

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Mazda is committed to providing the most advanced safety technologies and continue to challenge to create unique products and technologies, which provide customers a confident, relaxing, and joyful driving experience. Infotainment and Connectivity: All CX-9s come with Mazda's user-friendly infotainment system and a 10.3-inch display. The software is easy to navigate, and the graphics are crisp, plus the Mazda Connected Services suite provides remote access to vehicle status, telematics, and key operations such as remote start and remote locking. Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard features. A wireless smartphone charging pad is new for the 2021 model year but isn't offered on the base Sport model.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA): A Top Safety Pick+ honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is difficult to earn, but the Mazda scored well in its crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also gave the CX-9 a five-star result. Key safety features include: • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection • Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist • Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Mazda offers an adequate protection plan for buyers of new CX-9s. What it doesn't offer is something that both the GMC Acadia and the Toyota Highlander do: Complimentary scheduled maintenance. • Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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2021 Honda Accord Hybrid TRG - $24.970. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: HONDA.COM

he Accord Hybrid is just like a regular Honda Accord but with a highly economical hybrid powertrain. Honda has compromised little of its already excellent Accord platform with its latest hybrid generation, which debuted for the 2018 model year. For 2021, Honda has made a variety of changes to enhance the Honda Accords appeal. If you are a fan of more power and less gas Honda Accord is your baby. In theory, that's what the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid delivers—more horsepower and better fuel economy than the Accord sedan equipped with its non-hybrid entry-level turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. And when the only compromise between the two is an extra $1,600, the Accord Hybrid becomes a no-brainer, provided you can resist the 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine option. For 2021 the Accord is getting a small midcycle update that brings new technology and improvements to its performance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto arrive for the first time in a Honda vehicle, and the hybrid system now feels more natural and stronger than before. Since the 10th-generation Accord was launched in 2017, Honda's midsize sedan has become the benchmark in the segment. Its performance and handling are unmatched, and when the benchmark gets updated, you know better things are coming. The last few vehicles I’ve driven have all hovered in the mid-20’s for fuel efficiency, but the latest generation of engines and vehicle design can support driving a lot further per gallon of gasoline. I’ve wondered if perhaps too much of the industry’s attention focused on electric vehicles and SUVs? Our president of the USA says NOT if the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid TRG is representative. Its sporty lines, peppy

drive, and smart interior design demonstrate how far Honda’s has traveled on the road to premium automaker, but the fuel efficiency is off the chain. It’s a hybrid so my expectations are higher, but the Accord is one of the few vehicles I’ve test driven in the last few months where I’m actually not going to complain that it should be more fuel-efficient. The Accord Hybrid's styling is a little different, with the most noticeable being a restyled grille. For 2021, there are also some new and improved technology features, including wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Fuel economy is unchanged at an EPA-estimated 48 mpg, but Honda has made changes to make the engine quieter and smoother. So how good is the 2021 Accord Hybrid? Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation. The biggest change is the expansion of some tech features to lower trims. The base trims for the gas and hybrid variants now get an 8.0-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—a big improvement over the 2020 model, as those features were previously reserved for EX and above models. A wireless charger makes its way into the EX and higher trims, and there are now two rear-seat USB ports. In terms of appearance, the Accord's nose gets a slightly wider grille and new LED foglights, while EX and above trims get LED headlights and daytime running lights. The changes in the grille also improve the integration of the front radar system that's part of Honda Sensing, hiding it better. While the gas model doesn't get any mechanical changes, the Accord Hybrid's two-motor system gets a few upgrades to make the acceleration more natural while delivering a stronger response. 104

Honda also made some changes to the steering, making it a bit stiffer to deliver more feedback and a sportier feeling behind the wheel. Using the same powertrain as the Honda CR-V Hybrid, the Accord Hybrid's heart is a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine that produces 143 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque. An electric motor produces 181 hp and 232 lb-ft, which means the Accord Hybrid makes 212 hp and 232 lb-ft combined. Unlike the CR-V Hybrid, though, (which gets standard all-wheel drive) the efficient sedan sends power to the front wheels only by way of a two-mode direct-drive transmission (depending on vehicle speed and conditions, either the main electric motor or the engine drives the wheels directly, with no variation in ratio for either).

Although that's the same recipe the 2020 Accord Hybrid used, the 2021 model feels superior. I drove a 2020 model about a year ago in Austin, and the changes Honda made to the steering and two-motor system in the 2021 model make the Accord drive better. I especially enjoyed the steering, as it feels more natural and sportier than before, and combined with the beefy steering wheel, the sensation from behind the wheel of the new Accord Hybrid is remarkable. Same case with the hybrid system—when accelerating from a stop the Accord feels stronger, more natural and refined. There's no thrashy engine note or sense of struggle; there's always plenty of power whether you're cruising on neighborhood streets or the freeway. The coordination of the engine and electric motors is improved—you don't feel the engine's vibration when it turns on, which makes the ride more elegant and polished. The Accord rides, and the 2021 hybrid continues to be stellar. The ride largely absorbs small bumps on the pavement and controls bigger ruts well, keeping the vibrations in the cabin to a minimum. On the twisty roads between Thousand Oaks and Camarillo in Southern California, the Accord Hybrid was planted and settled, with controlled body roll. Even with the larger 19-inch wheels, the Touring model didn't sacrifice any ride quality. Those roads also continued to prove that the hybrid is fun to drive. Press the gas pedal, and you'll get an

instant response from the battery, followed by the additional power from the engine. The plethora of power combined with the well-balanced steering and suspension show why the Accord continues to be the benchmark in the segment.

We only had the chance to sample the Accord Hybrid Touring, which is the only trim that gets the adaptive suspension, but we know from past experiences that other models have an outstanding ride compared to the competition. Regardless of the trim, all Accord Hybrids come with four driving modes—Econ, Normal, Sport, and EV. Although Econ usually sacrifices all the fun to deliver better mpg, it didn't feel like that was the case on our drive, where it continued to deliver good punch. Sport mode turns things up a notch, changing the accelerator mapping and making the steering a bit more dynamic. Depending on the charge of the battery, EV mode will give the Accord about a mile of electric range only. Given that the Accord Hybrid is not a plug-in, its EV range is diminutive.

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2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited - $42,300. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: HYUNDAI.COM

he 2021 Hyundai Elantra and its hybrid version were unveiled for the first time in 2020 to some considerable fanfare for the apparent “segment firsts” they promised at the time. We took the 2021 Elantra Limited out on the road to see how it fared. High-End Looks at Great-Value Prices We tested the Limited trim, but there are six in total, from the entry-level SE trim starting at just $20,655 to the Limited Hybrid starting at $29,105. The Limited is the top-end of the spectrum outside of the hybrid model and sits above the sportier N Line model. Both the exterior and interior of the Elantra Limited are fantastic to behold. They have the look of a much pricier car. Exterior The exterior comes in seven different colors and is accented with a beautiful mix of angular lines and curves. The Limited gets a rather fetching dark chrome front grille as standard, as well as body-color door handles, LED front and rear lights with automatic headlight control, all riding on 17-inch alloy wheels. Stunning Interior Quality & Design On the inside, the attraction continues with leather-trimmed seating, including a 6-way power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support and a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat. All the front seats are heated as standard on the Limited. The driver gets a 10.25” high-res infotainment touchscreen, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus your friends will love sharing their favorite playlist through the Bose premium 8-speaker audio system which was better than expected. Another big plus point from the driver’s perspective is the flawlessly stunning digital instrument cluster, which outshines many of its 2021-model-year rivals. On top of that, the steering wheel is very sporty, comfortable in-hand and becomes a fun part of the driving experience.

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Performance Options In pure looks and style, the Elantra seems to get just about everything right, and the interior technology offering is very impressive. When it comes to performance, however, it’s a bit more of a mixed bag. First of all, the Limited trim comes with the same standard 2.0L inline-4 engine as the lower SE and SEL models. It outputs 147-hp and 132 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) which is their equivalent of a CVT, essentially. We found this arrangement a little disappointing when it came to actually driving the Limited. The engine is weak for a car that is in every other way the very top of the trim ladder. A somewhat more premium engine option for the Limited would make more sense in our view. There is a hybrid option for those looking for maximum efficiency, but what really caught our attention was the engine offering for the sportier N Line model. Stay connected. ELANTRA takes a giant step forward with technology and safety that set new standards for the sedan category. Once you experience the innovations, from wireless device charging to premium audio, you won’t settle for anything less. Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ Now you can wirelessly connect your iPhone® with Apple CarPlay and access your favorite mobile apps safely from ELANTRA’s standard 8-inch touchscreen. You can also connect to our available hires 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay®, shown. While being cheaper than the Limited, the N Line comes with a smaller but more powerful engine. It’s loaded with a 1.6L inline-4 but with some key differences. First the compression ratio is 10.0:1 compared to 12.5:1 in the other two engines. Another is that it features gasoline direct injection (GDI) instead of the multi-point fuel injection on the Limited and SEL. Furthermore, you get a more dynamic experience thanks to the 6-speed manual transmission offering in the N Line or you can opt for the sporty 7-speed automatic dual-clutch. The turbocharge N-Line engine is rated at 201-hp and 195 lb-ft at just 1500 rpm. You’re in command. Low, wide, and ample, ELANTRA surrounds its driver with an impressive cockpit, for a solid feeling of confidence and capability. Two in one. Team up an available hi-res 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation, the largest screen in its class, with an available 10.25-inch, fully digital instrument cluster. Then house them together in a single, integrated panel that beautifully shows your information and entertainment, and keeps your focus on driving. The Limited is a little weak on engine and transmission but thrives in just about every other sense. To get the most of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, we recommend either getting the N Line for a sportier ride or the hybrid model for greater all-round efficiency and performance. Kudos to Hyundai for creating a superb-value sedan for 2021. Gas. Performance and efficiency.⁠ Count on ELANTRA's traditional gasoline powertrain to strike the right balance between power and MPG.

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2021 RANGER SUPER CREW LARIAT TREMOR - $33,160. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: FORD.COM PHOTO CREDIT: FORD

he only midsize pickup Built Ford Tough, the 2021 Ford Ranger is ready for adventure and packed with driver-assist technologies to enable easier driving both on and off-road. Anchored by a high-strength steel frame and powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® boasting 270 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque paired to an efficient 10-speed automatic, the all-new Ranger is available in either SuperCab or SuperCrew configuration. It can be optioned with 4x2 or 4x4, and comes in three trim levels – XL, XLT and Lariat. Available Chrome, Sport and STX Appearance Packages remain while 2021 brings the new STX Special Edition Package and Black Package gets new black Ford ovals and darker box decals. The new Tremor Off-Road Package available for 2021 Ranger models creates the most off-road-ready factory-built Ranger ever offered in the U.S. Building off the FX4 Off-Road Package it features a lifted suspension with off-road tuned FOX™ 2.0 monotube dampers and rear piggyback reservoirs, specially tuned front coilover and rear multi leaf springs, 32inch Continental General Grabber™ A/TX all-terrain tires, and dash-mounted six-switch auxiliary power pack. Tremor also features Magnetic-painted alloy wheels, hoop-style steps, rear recovery hooks, Magnetic painted grille with black cross bars and red nostril inserts, and optional hood and body graphics. Inside, Ranger Tremor features package-exclusive seats with Miko suede inserts and Tremor stitching with black accents throughout the interior. Compared to the base Ranger SuperCrew 4x4, Tremor has a wider stance, improved ground clearance, front and rear suspension travel and greater approach, departure, and breakover angles. Together, these improvements mean customers can confidently tackle more

challenging terrain on their way to their next epic destination without losing on-road comfort or on-the-job capability with a maximum payload of 1,430 pounds and best-in-class towing of 7,500 pounds. Technology comes built-in, starting with an 8-inch touch screen for available SYNC® 3, while a single or dual LCD productivity screen is available for real-time vehicle, navigation, and audio information. Ranger has standard PreCollision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. A LaneKeeping System that includes lane-keeping assist, lanedeparture warning, reverse sensing, and class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage is standard on XLT and Lariat. Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on Lariat. Ranger’s muscular body features a high beltline, while a raked grille and windshield lend an athletic appearance and aid in aerodynamics and reduced wind noise. Short overhangs mean better approach and departure angles off-road. Available FX4 Off-Road Package features off-road-tuned suspension, allterrain tires, frame mounted steel front bash plate and skid plates, rear locking differential, innovative Terrain Management System™ with four distinct drive modes and Trail Control™. Ranger makes for a great piece of off-road gear, with its rugged steel bumper with available integrated trailer hitch receiver to tow campers, ATVs, or watercraft. Maximum payload is a stout 1,860 pounds while maximum towing comes in at 7,500 pounds. New colors: Cactus Gray, Carbonized Gray, Cyber Orange, Velocity Blue

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2021 BRONCO SPORT BADLANDS FIRST EDITION - $32,660. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: FORD

am so excited about the Badlands that I had to write about it twice. Now we’ve reached the peak. Badlands and First Edition outclass the competition and offer the very best Bronco Sport can. Both trim levels represent the pinnacle of off-road performance and come complete with everything an outdoor adventurer could want—and a few treats they didn’t know they needed. Badlands (starting at $32,660) comes equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology—that’s 250 hp with 277 lb.-ft. of torque. Great news for drivers excited about Bronco’s terrain management system “G.O.A.T mode.” You’ll find two additional presets named “Mud/Ruts” and “Rock Crawl.” Badlands also features Advanced 4×4 with a twin clutch rear drive unit, balancing off-road capability with on-road performance. Ford is only producing 2,000 First Edition models, only available in the 2021 model year. To secure one for yourself it will cost you $38,160 to start with, but this top-of-the-line model comes with everything Badlands boasts, and then some. With a Shadow Black-painted roof, black hood, side decals, and big black BRONCO lettering on the grille, First Edition drivers are sure to make a style statement. The key features of these trims are the engine and the advanced 4×4 systems. Additional bash plates and

undercarriage armor turns these Bronco Sports into formidable off-roaders in their class. 4×4 Lock and Rear Differential Lock partnered with the Terrain Management System and Trail Control will give some customers off-road capability that they never dreamed of in a vehicle of this class. For accessories, we’d pick the Cargo Mats and the Cargo Management System, but buyers will have to think long and hard as to whether an additional $2595 for the Badlands Package is worth it for a heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad, moon roof, and the B&O sound system. First Edition buyers have most of these options included though they will still have to buy the Cargo Mats and Cargo Management System. Both options are the only with all Seven G.O.A.T. Modes • • • • • • •

Sand Slippery Sport Eco Normal Mud/Ruts Rock Crawl

EXTERIOR • Bash plates — metal • Front tow hooks 109

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Grille – Carbonized Gray with white “BRONCO” lettering Roof-rack side rails – black with tie downs Shadow Black-painted roof Tires – 225/65 R17 all-terrain o Conventional-size 17” spare Wheels – 17” Carbonized, Gray-painted aluminum wheels

INTERIOR • Air registers — black • Charging o 110V/400W AC power outlet (400W – behind center console and in cargo o area) o Powerpoints (12V) o Smart charging USB ports, inside center armrest — type A and type C • Floor mats — front and rear velour with “BRONCO Sport” logo • Instrument cluster – 6.5” digital screen • Rubberized wipe-clean floor • Seats o 8-way power driver’s seat o 6-way manual front-passenger o Heated front o Sport contour buckets with easy-to clean cloth • Storage o Under-seat storage – second row o passenger seat PERFORMANCE AND CAPABILITY • Advanced 4×4 System with twin-clutch rear drive unit and differential lock feature • Off-Road Suspension • Powertrain o + 2.0L EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop Technology o + 8-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® capability and paddle shifters • Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. Modes™ (Normal, ECO, Sport, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand, & Rock Crawl) • Tires – 225/65R17 all-terrain TECHNOLOGY • Front 180-Degree Camera with split view and washer

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Trail Control™ for off-road terrain

SAFETY AND SECURITY • Headlamps — LED with LED signature lighting OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT • Additional Optional Equipment 17” Carbonized, Gray-painted low gloss aluminum wheel (64V) o Cargo Management System (shelf/divider/table) (90A) o Class II Trailer Tow Package with trailer sway control (53B) o Engine block heater (41H) o Front license plate bracket (153) o Carbonized, Gray-painted roof (21R) o Tire – Falken Wildpeak 235/65R17 allterrain off-road (T7F) o Premium paint

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2021 FORD EXPEDITION LIMITED 4X4 - $64,175. - $79,425. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: FORD

he new 2020 Expedition Limited FX4 package is available for both the standard Expedition and extended-length Expedition MAX versions at Ford dealers now. The 2021 Ford Expedition three-row SUV and the extendedwheelbase Expedition MAX are built with family in mind. All series levels get a boost in size with the available MAX version – giving families even more room to stretch out and enjoy the ride. And with 13 available equipment groups for both versions, families get even more choice. • Standard Ford Co-Pilot360™ includes a host of driver-assist technologies such as Auto High-Beam Headlamps, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System with Lane-Keeping Alert, Lane-Keeping Aid and Driver Alert, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support as well as a rear-view camera. • The Limited edition goes further with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist featuring Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, voice-activated touch screen navigation and optional Enhanced Active Park Assist. • New for 2021 is an available STX Package featuring a five-bar chrome grille with Magnetic secondary bars, SYNC® 3, enhanced voice recognition communications and entertainment system, 8-inch LCD capacitive touch screen with swipe capability, AppLink®, 911 Assist®, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, as well as tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control. New exterior colors

available include Antimatter Blue and Kodiak Brown. • With its beefed-up 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, the Platinum edition churns out 400 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque, while the standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft*. When equipped with the heavy-duty Trailer Tow Package, Expedition delivers a best-in-class 9,300-pound towing capacity. Available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ helps take the stress out of lining up a trailer or boat to make maneuvering more enjoyable. • *Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary. • 2020 Ford Expedition Limited FX4 off-road package standard equipment includes off-road-tuned shocks, all-new electronic limited-slip rear differential, skid plates, side steps and FX4 badging • With best-in-class towing of 9,200 pounds, nearly 20 percent of Ford Expedition owners take their SUVs off-road, with 45 percent using them for hunting, fishing, or camping, according to MaritzCX market research • Stylish Expedition Limited with FX4 off-road package blends enhanced off-road capability with upscale appointments to enable a growing trend of customers looking to get off the beaten path with convenience, refinement, and comfort Ford is adding its FX4 off-road package to the upscale 2020 Ford Expedition Limited for customers who want to travel further off the beaten path.

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“There’s a growing trend in people looking to enjoy rugged terrain without having to give up the refinement, comfort or convenience of getting there,” said Devin McParlane, Ford Expedition consumer marketing manager. The Expedition Limited FX4 off-road package brings offroad ruggedness and capability to the company’s sevenpassenger SUV. Nearly 20 percent of Expedition owners use their vehicle for off-road adventures, with 45 percent taking their SUV hunting, camping, or fishing, according to MaritzCX market research. And with an available heavyduty trailer package, the standard-wheelbase Expedition Limited FX4 can tow up to 9,200 pounds – more than any other vehicle in its class. FX4 includes athletic 32-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch metallic, gray-painted cast-aluminum rims and premium offroad-tuned shocks. Seven underbody skid plates, including a new sand shield to protect turbocharger intercoolers, steel plates to protect steering gear, engine, transmission and transfer case, and a full-length guard for the fuel tank. A chin spoiler beneath the front bumper is shortened to improve approach angles for climbing over steep obstacles. Chrome-plated running boards with angular step bars add off-road protection and passenger convenience. Combining performance and extended off-road competency, the Expedition FX4 powertrain features a 375horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed electronically controlled four-wheel-drive transfer case with neutral towing capability. A patented 3.73:1 electronic limited-slip differential and heavy-duty engine radiator further aid offroad capability. An advanced Terrain Management System™ adds still more off-road prowess by automatically selecting optimal power transfer and engine control to give drivers greater confidence out in the wild. Off-road capability, high-tech driver-assist features: Along with its enhanced off-road capabilities and extensive underbody skid plate protection, Expedition Limited FX4 brings upscale appointments. This includes a 360-degree camera system with split-view that offers driver and passengers a better view of surrounding terrain. Premium leather-trimmed seating and rich wood accents are included as part of the Limited series, along with durable rubber floor liners front and rear to protect the interior. The cabin features the same FX4 badging that adorns the liftgate and front fender. For 2020, Expedition gets standard Ford Co-Pilot360™ that features a host of driver-assist technologies including PreCollision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, LaneKeeping System. Blind Spot Information System with Cross-

Traffic Alert and a rearview camera. The Limited model goes further with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist featuring Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, voice-activated touch screen navigation and optional Enhanced Active Park Assist. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ is also available to help take the stress off lining up a trailer or boat to make maneuvering more enjoyable.

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2021 F150 SUPER CREW KING RANCH HYBRID - $56,015. By Ella Patterson

PHOTO CREDIT: FORD

he battle for domination in the half-ton pickup segment escalated with the arrival of the all-new Ram, Chevy, and GMC models but the light-duty Ford F-150 continues to be a perennial bestseller. The 2021 version is on sale with some changes in the equipment organization and several new options while the prototype model of the new-generation F-150 was spotted on several occasions and should hit the stage for the 2021 version. The 2021 F-150 is the last iteration of the 13th generation version introduced in 2015. The newest version is available with the new appearance packages for XL. XLT and Lariat trims while Wi-Fi hotspot is now standard on all trims. For the 2021 model year, Ford organizes advance safety gear in packages. The 2021 version is again on offer in many configurations and styles and the trim range includes XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited options. The 2021 Ford F-150 King Ranch gets attention with the Western-style exterior and interior while packing many top-shelf comfort and safety features. The model comes in the crew cab style only with the standard V-8 engine, but buyers can also switch to the turbocharged petrol or diesel power.

A uniquely styled and well-equipped 2021 Ford F-150 King Ranch can be had with various powertrain options including turbocharged petrol and diesel power. By default, the model gets power from the non-turbo 5.0-liter V-8 engine equipped with twin independent variable cam timing, port fuel and direct injection system. It makes 395 hp and torque of 400 lb-ft. This engine and other options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can switch to the turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine which makes impressive 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. For better fuel economy up to 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highways, a 3.0liter PowerStroke diesel V-6 engine is also available. The diesel-burner delivers 250 hp and torque of 440 lb-ft at low 1750 rpm. With this engine under the hood, the towing limit is 11, 500 pounds and 1940 pounds of payload capability. 2021 FORD F-150 KING RANCH DESIGN The 2021 Ford F-150 King Ranch shares the aluminumintensive underpinning and body paneling with other variants while gets unique exterior treatment. The King Ranch version builds its specific identity with the chrome two-bar style grille with chrome surround and mesh insert. The front and rear bumpers get also accent-color treatment. It comes standard with quad beam LED headlights, daytime running lights and LED

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fog lights. Other standard exterior features include 18inch wheels, body-color door and tailgate handles, LED box lighting, two-tone paint treatment, accent-color wheel lip moldings, etc. Optionally, buyers can switch to chrome bumpers and handles, box side steps, body-color wheel lip moldings, etc. Additionally, the model can be had with Chrome or Monochromatic Paint Appearance packages which comes with specific 20-inch wheels, bright beltline moldings, tailgate applique, etc. INTERIOR, EQUIPMENT The cabin of the F-150 King Ranch gets also premium materials and tech equipment by default with available options and packages for an additional level of customization. The model uses premium leather upholstery combined with unique stitching and trim inserts. The front seating row are bucket seats heated and ventilated and 10-way power-adjustable. The rear seats are also heated. Standard features also include leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, etc. At the technology level, the King Ranch trim relies on the responsive and easyto-use SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, navigation, voice commands, etc. The part of the standard package is also Bang & Olufsen sound system, Wi-fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, an 8-inch productivity screen, etc. Advanced safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, surround-view cameras with split-view display and Pro Trailer Backup Assist are optional. Blind-spot monitoring and Tire pressure monitoring system are standard. 2021 FORD F-150 KING RANCH AVAILABILITY, PRICE The 2021 Ford F-150 King Ranch is on sale starting at $52, 740. A turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine is a $600 option while the PowerStroke V-6 turbodiesel demands an additional $3000. The new-generation F150 is undergoing testing with what seems evolutionary styling changes, an upgraded interior with massive touchscreen option and electrified powertrain options.

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Health & Wellness

Find a gym that you like, so that you’ll fall in love with it.

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Covid Lockdown Hurt My Workout Regiments How I Went From Fluffy to Fit By Lorenzo Vigil,

While some die-hard fitness pros and regular Joes found a way to stay off the couch, like many people I found myself not being able to go to the gym during the Covid 19 pandemic. Gyms across America and the world shut down due to governmental closings in the attempt to keep Covid at bay. I had submitted a picture of myself to this magazine in an earlier article I wrote and after I saw it in print, I was less then flattered, to say the least. The Fluff in Me Took Over This is where the fluffy part comes into play. I could have taken the time to go on more bike rides, I could have used the weights in my garage, I could have done the basic calisthenics, but I didn’t! I think like many people I succumbed to the excuse, “It’s because of Covid!” But not until I saw that particular picture did, I realize what unattractive road I had gone down. I think I have always done well with staying in shape. It has always been part of my lifestyle to be outside enjoying the sun. I was raised in the mountains of Colorado where remaining inside was more of a type of punishment. Everything was happening outside in Colorado. I mean who wanted to be inside? California: Those were The Days We moved to southern California when I was ten years old. Times were different then. We didn’t have the tech we do today. Social media, tablets, WIFI, gaming systems, and computers. These convenient things often consume and envelope the minds of our youth. I’m 47 years old, Generation X, where we built ramps for our BMX bikes, drank out of the water hose, stayed outside until the streetlights came on, and rode around the city without the threat of being grabbed and sold into slavery. The point I’m trying to make is everything was about running around all day chasing your friends or playing some sort of ballgame. Southern California was the Mecca for outdoorsy people like me. The ocean was my front door, and the mountains were my back yard, you could literally go surfing in the morning and hit the ski slopes that same evening. I think of those days often. Texas Brings About More Changes When I moved to Texas in my early twenties the temperature change affected my outdoor activities to a major degree. I learned to love the air-conditioned air from July to September. I remember getting here and thinking that I was going to have a heart attack walking to the car in 115-degree heat with seventy five percent humidity. Forget taking a shower and going outside, you are going to sweat right through that deodorant in ten seconds. Then all of that compounded with Covid 19 closing virtually everything; how do you keep motivated when you can’t go to the gym? You can’t see you friends, you can’t go out to eat, you can’t go shopping, you can’t even have a family gathering. So you do what I did, hmm, grab the remote and find the next best thing on TV? Then comes the boredom of watching the same thing over and over and now were eating sugary fattening snacks just because we can. Those who could work from home, were driven to the brink of going crazy with our kids being home schooled. Teachers in my book all need raises and should be 117.

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sainted. Greg Abbot (Texas Governor) could you make that happen sir?! I for one thought that it wouldn’t last very long, so let’s just sit back relax and I’ll do two workouts a day to get back in shape in a few weeks after this passes. But it didn’t pass quickly! It lingered like a bad smell. Like some sort of water torture, it was a slow painful process with every drop chipping away at our souls. Lives Were Changed People lives were changed. Evictions, violent family crimes, rise of debt, lockdown of the entire functional mechanism of a single society and the global network in production, trade, supply chain networks, transportation, social networking and of course DEATH. With all of these things to consider where in there does staying in shape come in to play? Plain and simple…IT DOESN’T! It was more important to consider are all the important bills getting paid like are the lights on, the rent covered, and food on the table. My family and I had been saving money for a few years to purchase a home, so we had money saved. Coming to the end of our apartment lease we had planned on purchasing a home out of the city in a quiet country setting. I was a union electrician making great money and my fiancé was working for Dallas based Southwest Airlines. The financials were not an issue, the money was in place, and it was going in the direction we wanted. The realtor had the list of options we were looking for and we had begun to look at homes. Then as many families were affected so were we. First, I was laid off not having any type of hope of return to work. A week later she was laid off with the same sentiments. So, no hope in sight for either one of us except a meager check from unemployment, which I was happy to get. A ham and cheese sandwich is way better than no sandwich. We decide to split up the family and go into survival mode. Changing Habits Are A Must Cut out all the things we didn’t need. My fiancé and my daughter moved in with her sister and my son and I moved with my brother which was an hour outside of Dallas. We helped them with rent and food, and we saw each other on weekends. Now I love my brother and his wife but no matter how comfortable you are with your family after a while it still becomes difficult. I found ways to make extra money to be able to afford life’s simple pleasure like the big package of steaks, that is…when you could find them. I was back to the food routine of my childhood living in the mountains, cooking every meal to save money. Finally, when I saw that picture, I previously spoke about, I decided to change my www.globalonemag.com

bad habits. My worst habit was I loved a huge glass of milk with not one or two but a big bowl of cookies before bed. Actually, shhh, I still do every now and then. Performance Fitness Helped Me Reach Personal Goals More importantly I found a gym that I fell in love with. I loved that it didn’t have short routine hours like a 9-5, I loved that it didn’t have someone sitting behind a counter pushing supplements and stuff I didn’t want or need. My short-term goal was to get in there and get my blood flowing, get the endorphin rush, and reestablish my NEED to be there. I was living in Princeton, Texas a veritable one-horse town. Not many options for being choosey or bougee. I wasn’t looking for a fancy allinclusive resort type of place. I just needed some steel plates and a place to focus, I found Performance Fitness; it had everything that I needed and more. Open 24 hours a day it had all the free weights and cardio equipment I wanted and desired and as an added benefit it had a section specifically designated for cross fit exercises. A locally owned and operated gym offering many cardio and yoga classes, the staff at Performance Fitness will consistently go out of their way to help you with your personal goals. They are complete with a TRX training system, heavy bag, rings, heavy balls, and my favorite a sledgehammer and tractor tires. Of course, they had the normal things like shower facilities and TVs for during your workout, but they also include tanning beds and a separate private workout area specifically for women. From July 2020 to September, I was consistent with a sixday workout schedule. I changed my eating habits, and I was seeing the results that I wanted. Standing in the mirror like every man does when he’s feeling his self, flexing, showing off that new bump on his arm that would later become a muscle saying look honey! I didn’t want this feeling to stop; in fact, I wanted to see just how hard I could push myself. I remember this quote: “No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable” Socrates I Had Conviction But I Needed Help My birthday was coming up in April and I had the conviction that for ONCE in my life I wanted to have a defined “six pack”. I have a longtime friend who is a magician when it comes to training. Stephanie Acosta, who owns Elevate Fitness in Dallas, and I have traded favors back and forth over the years and I needed some help. Even with the strongest commitments we can sometimes slack off and having a trainer to say, “Hey don’t forget that we have a training sessions tomorrow!” Those words can be the defining moments of getting to achieve your ultimate goal. The very best trainers will tell you that they are there for more than just the direction in the gym. They have to continually evaluate your fitness journey. Are you in the right place emotionally and mentally? I wasn’t starting from scratch, but I was having feelings that I had reached a plateau. The trainer’s job is to push the client past the day’s events. As adults we are constantly processing and breaking down what we have to do and what we have yet to get done. The trainer has to get you past all of that to motivate you to accomplish the gym/health goals. Can you continue to live your life not being at your physical peak? Yes, but then therein lies the issues of the mind and body working together. Does your body make the

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correct chemicals to give more energy and have a positive mood? That’s a longer topic than I want to get into for this article, but the point being we might have all the resources we need to succeed but do we ACTUALLY use it. Something else to keep in mind is when you consider a new workout regime take the time to see your doctor and get some blood work done. In my case, at my age my body doesn’t make enough testosterone, so I have to supplement my body with Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Hormones decline in all people as they age, Getting older is inevitable…Feeling older is a choice! Having Stephanie’s support was vital to defining a more appropriate meal plan and strength to reject the unnecessary calories I was consuming out of bad habits and to keep my eye on my goal. Any real athlete will tell you abs are made in the kitchen not in the gym. You cannot out work a bad diet plan. You have to stay focused, is that soda (poison water) really worth the 30 grams of sugar i.e., fat? Food is fuel. Question is do you want to drive a Ferrari or a 1990 Honda accord? Getting To The Next Level Ain’t Easy I knew the journey to get back to what I wanted and take it to the next level was going to be a life changing everyday decision. I’m not some special wealthy athlete, with every god given talent, what I am is a hard-working father of five who works to many hours to make ends meet in these difficult times. I am the guy sitting next to you at the DMV and the super loud dad watching his daughter give the trumpet solo in the school auditorium. I am you, the guy or girl reading this saying I wish I could…The only difference between you and me is that I had reached the point where I said yes! I said yes to me being healthy, to spending time focusing on just me, to competing with no one else but me. To watching not what the scale said but what the mirror showed me. I said yes to a longer life because I have people that depend on me and want me to be around longer. Yes, it is a Selfish, but the best kind of selfishness. It gives me the ability to enjoy life with my teenagers. I can take that five-mile mountain bike ride or climb that mountain without feeling like I’m dying. So, in every aspect you say yes to yourself, but isn’t that saying yes to life. Elevate Fitness is offering our local readers a free consultation and four workout sessions for $125.00. After those sessions you can map out your fitness goals. So, I say stay healthy, stay active, and in Stephanie’s words, “Elevate your life”. You can see more pictures and video on. Instagram @theoutdoorsytype972 or Youtube @theoutdoorsytype972 Please like and share and feel free to leave a comment.

13410 Preston Rd.

302 W. Princeton Dr. Princeton, TX. 75407 (972) 736-2565

Dallas, TX. 75240 (214) 302-9788

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Create Different Spaces For Different Reasons

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Create An Essential Space for Privacy

s the wheel of the year starts to turn once again, the longer days bring more than sunlight, they bring a sense of hope and optimism for a brighter future. Each of us are beginning to find our way through the darkness as we turn towards the sun within our hearts and souls. Just as a bulb bursts through the soil and starts to flower in the light, we are beginning to see the fruition arising from a long period of inner cultivation. March is typically a time for a ‘Spring Clean’ as the longer days bring energy and motivation, and this year it seems important to expand this to all levels – from our living space to our thoughts, beliefs, and ideas. It’s time to travel more lightly and to have more space within to rest in peace and creativity. Of course, it can be hard to let go of ideas and beliefs, even when they’re crumbling and turning to dust; it’s their familiarity that brings comfort, so letting them go can leave us feeling a little vulnerable and exposed. However, as part of our evolution, it’s important to be willing to let go in order to open the door to new potential and possibility. If we remain crammed full of everything we’ve collected along the path in life, we become weighed down and unable to move freely, and if we’re saturated with ‘the old’ there is no room to let anything new into our hearts and souls. The phrase ‘less is more’ is so often true. Letting go and spring cleaning can create spaces, but it’s important we don’t rush to fill those spaces as we need some breathing space and time to re-balance. Space isn’t something to fill or fear, it’s an opportunity to rest and become more conscious of life. We so often feel a sense of urgency to fill in the spaces as we’re so used to having things to do, people to see, places to go and stuff filling up our lives. Yet, it’s only when we realize space is our friend, we begin to see the potential and possibility that resides there. Space isn’t doing nothing; it’s not being lazy or selfindulgent. Space is simply the gaps in-between everything else. It’s a bit like the pause between the in breath and the out breath, that moment where we do neither one nor the other. That pause matters. Building an awareness of space and being willing to embrace ‘less is more’ looks set to pave the way for a more conscious way of living and being. Many of us go through life not noticing the life we are living, and we can switch off and desensitize ourselves from the beauty and majesty all around us. In short, we become so focused on ‘keeping on keeping on’, that we move into autopilot and lose our natural connection and interconnection to the world in which we live.

The more willing we are to let go of the clutter, to live more simply and to embrace ‘space’, the more we realize just how distracting the clutter has become. It’s time to live with more intention rather than ticking along on autopilot. It’s time to live more consciously, focusing on the things that are truly important. It’s also time to connect with the universe, to be present in the moment, and to learn the art of truly listening once again. Whilst there will always be things to do, places to go and people to see, there is a need to acknowledge the fact that life isn’t just about ticking off ‘to do’ lists or getting from a to b. Life is unknowable and uncertain, and the more we embrace ‘less is more’, the more we see just how much stuff we cram into our lives that really isn’t that important. Instead of being slaves to email, smartphones and ‘to do’ lists, sometimes it’s good to switch off completely and instead connect with the birdsong, the wind in the trees 121

and the natural world. We are not isolated islands and simply cannot sustain our souls without connection. It seems time now to be willing to pause, notice and to let go, breathing deeply into the moment and allowing a richer way of living and being to unfold. The more we yield to the power of the breath, the more we re-balance and feel whole. This allows us to find peace with the unknowable nature of life, to have the courage to let our true essence flow freely, and to realize that we truly are vibrant, resilient, and magnificent souls. As we each de-clutter, there’s an opportunity to rediscover the potential, inspiration and creativity that resides within. Once again, it’s time to nurture our gifts, to set them free and to breathe wholeheartedly into life…For now, I wish you all kinds of wonderful. Okay you’ve found a great space for privacy, but when you finally find a private place where you create a space, you might find that you have to remove something’s, Things that are causing clutter, not only in your space, but also in your life. Let me explain. What are you holding on to that is taking up capacity and making it difficult to create space in your life for what you really want? Clutter is anything that prevents you from clearing a path or reserving space for what you want or need. There are many different types of clutter which can be roughly classified as: • physical — persons, places, or things • mental — thoughts, beliefs, or habits The universe is continuously enlarging itself and so it may seem that space is boundless and there is infinite capacity for new stuff. However, expansion is not always a possibility here on earth where there are limits and boundaries we must operate within. Even in the non-physical realm, expansion is sometimes an impossibility. For instance , how many different thoughts or ideas can you entertain at one time before your mind becomes exhausted? What does it mean to create space? Creating space is a method of opening up your time, energy, and physical space to allow more room to live, create and enjoy life. To create physical space, you may need to declutter, change the layout of spaces within your home or office, or even find new places to do the activities that matter to you. Creating m ental space can include removing things or people that 122.

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drain you of your energy, getting nagging thoughts or ideas out of your head, or having a clear purpose and goals to bring focus to your life. Why should you make more space? You only have so much capacity for physical and mental stuff. As you near your capacity it will become increasingly difficult to bring forth new stuff. Once you reach capacity your ability to create completely halts and nothing new can materialize. Clear signs that you are at capacity include: • a sense of stagnation or feeling as if you aren’t growing, flowing, or developing as you should • a persistent unease with certain things in your life that no longer seem to fit with the person you are or want to be • a longing for freshness or a deep set desire to do, have or experience something new • the perception of disproportionate resistance against anything you try to create (even small things that should be relatively easy seem hard) www.globalonemag.com

Creating A Space Free of Clutter

1. Create space by decluttering unnecessary physical and mental stuff. What are the things, thoughts, activities, and people in your life that you don’t want or need? Take inventory and keep only the essential. 2. Create space by developing a morning routine. Exercise autonomy over how you spend the beginning of your day. Mindfully use this time for self-care and self-improvement. 3. Create space by practicing gratitude and learning the art of contentment. We all want to thrive but should beware of our desires becoming insatiable. Be appreciative of what you already have before embarking on a quest for more. 4. Create space by embracing procrastination sometimes. No, you can’t give the middle finger to everything in your life – but when you have a

strong resistance towards doing perhaps it’s a sign that you should stop, take a break, and just try being. One thing that you may find is that when you delay less important tasks, you may well realize that they weren’t necessary at all. Have you ever had something on your task list that you felt like you had to get done, then weeks later, you realize that it wasn’t really worth the time at all? Focusing on what is most important and spending your time on that will make you much more balanced and less stressed. 5. Create space by saying no when you must. Think before you say yes by not confirming spontaneous requests or making in-the-moment decisions until you’ve had time to evaluate their importance. And don’t say maybe when you really mean no.

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6. Create space by leveraging the 80/20 rule. Use the Pareto Principle because of all the things you have and do only a few contribute significant value and meaning. Focus on those things over all others. 7. Create space by managing your expectations. Do you have too many big goals, dreams or hopes? When there’s a gap between what you want or expect and reality, it can cause a lot of anxiety, frustration, and discord. Try to prioritize your big goals down to the most important few. 8. Create space by having discerning taste. If it makes you cringe or evokes any type of negative feeling when you look at it, it should probably go. If it doesn’t bring about joy or other positive emotion, perhaps you should toss it. Work on refining your taste so the things in your life are curated around legitimate needs and wants. 9. Create space by going on a digital detox. Be diligent in your use of technology. After determining your short list of minimalist apps and useful online sites and services, cut out the rest. The pervasiveness of devices leads to an overload of stimuli that distracts and disengages. 10. Create space by being mindful and in the moment. You can’t change the past or predict the future, so try not to let what was or what could be disrupt what is. Live in the present and be appreciative of right now since it’s what you can control. This could mean creating space for yoga, exercise, or simply time for stillness. 11. Create space by overcoming scarcity thinking. Stop assuming there aren’t enough resources to go around, and that you have to take from others to have for yourself. Get out of the fixed pie mindset

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and think more abundantly. By getting away from your own limitations, it will feel like the world expands and provides more space for you to do well mentally and physically. 12. Create space by indulging in simple pleasures. Life feels richer when you start to appreciate the little things. What you take for granted are likely to be the very things that add happiness to your life. Indulge in them often. 13. Create space by understanding how to be happy. If your life feels arbitrary there’s a way you can feel more in control. Determine what you will live by, and stand for, with a simple soul-searching strategy. 14. Create space by admitting when you don’t know. Release yourself from the burden of having to know the answer to everything. Sometimes it’s easier to admit when you just don’t know, rather than put on a facade. Furthermore, if you feel that you have to be aware of everything that’s going on around you, this can also suck time and energy from you. Clearly focusing on the topics that are important to you and accepting that you may not have knowledge or opinions around other topics can make your thinking more streamlined and effective. 15. Create space by doing what you want so long as you do no harm. Take the complexity out of ethical issues by granting yourself freedom to live by your own rules — so long as they don’t impede on anyone else. This can apply to your time management, the things you like doing, or even how you choose to communicate. When you are constantly trying to keep up with the rules and expectations of other people, you will never be able to keep up.

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Here are 15 ways to free your mind, organize and thrive.

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Create a simple space to lay your head after a long workday.

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Create a secluded bedroom that embodies a great comfort zone PHOTO CREDIT: MARIA ORLOVA

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PHOTO BY RACHEAL CLAIRE www.globalonemag.com

A smile on a woman’s face while she sleeps is more than enough to say she’s at peace. PHOTO CREDIT: COTTONBRO

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Remember There’s no place like home, especially a relaxed home. PHOTO CREDIT: COTTONBRO

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Indulge in your own comfort by creating your very own cozy interior with a comfortable styled bedroom. PHOTO CREDIT: TATIANA SYRIKOVA

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Relaxation techniques are a great way to help with stress management. PHOTO CREDIT: IOANA MOTOC

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Finding the best place to relax can also be in an open, cozy, and spacious room. PHOTO CREDIT: ROBERTO NIXON

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A private terrace for a writers imagination can enhance creative juices. PHOTO CREDIT: TARYN ELLIOTT

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PHOTO CREDIT: MONSTERA

A private tub to lay back, get clean, relaxed, and enjoy your moments is great for unwinding. PHOTO CREDIT: KSENIA CHEMYA

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Take another look and then get excited about your world. PHOTO CREDIT: RACHEAL CLAIRE

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Good vibes resonate at a Good vibes resonate simply in a candlelitdecorated space. table. PHOTO CREDIT: TARYN ELLIOTT

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Enjoying private views by a window is calming. PHOTO CREDIT: ALEKSANA

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Private moments indulging in a mother’s kind of love is nurturing. PHOTCREDIT: BY COTTONBRO

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Include a potted green plant in your favorite at-home spaces. PHOTO CREDT: RACHEAL CLAIRE

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Enjoy a cozy contemporary sofa, some plush pillows, and a soft blanket. PHOTO CREDIT: CHARLOTTE MAY

PHOTO BY RACHEAL CLAIRE

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In Bookstores Now Order your autographed copy today. $17.95 Email: realellapatterson@gmail.com

KEEPING THE HOME FIRES BURNING Ella Patterson Has Did It Again Ella writes an easy-to-understand guide for the contemporary adult woman who wants to up her game and become more loving, sensuous, and intimate as she gives and receives pleasure. Ella Patterson is ready to show women how to make their relationships successful—whether they have been married for years or are absolute newcomers. Keeping the Home Fires Burning is direct, accessible, practical, and helpful for women who want to accept and take responsibility for their sexual happiness. A woman will learn: - Hundreds of tips, techniques, and treats that nurture her mind, body, and spirit. - Secrets that help her become more sensuous, sexy, and loving. - Pointers about how to get in tune with her sexual needs. - To enhance her sexual selfesteem, and attitude for a caring and loving union. To accept love, give love, and believe that love is her friend. - A woman should… Read it. Believe it. Do it. Purchase at Barnes and Nobles.com PostHillPress.com Order directly from the author Autographed copies. 972-765-1950 142

PHOTO BY ASA DUGGLE

Liking Your Life

e have to admit at some time or another our lives can become topsy-turvy or a free fall. At times, we feel totally in charge of our lives and love the way things are going. We actually like life. At other times, we feel our lives are out of control, overwhelmed and flushed with life’s pressures. Sometimes we just want to get off the roller coaster and find a way to get out of our own way. Then there are times that we enjoy the ride we are on and want it to last forever. Most times, we know what we are doing, but then there are other times that we are completely baffled, wondering why did this happen? We feel happy and then sad. We are gladiators, then victims. We are filled with a lion’s courage, and then we feel like weaklings in our quest. We feel like a loner, and then we feel like a cheerleader. We take pride in our successes, and then want to crawl in a hole from our stupid mistakes. It’s all human nature. We have our difficulties. Our children have difficulties. We have our roller coaster rides and then we go on with our lives and try to make some sense of all this confusion. I am just like you in so many ways. I have witnessed the trials of life. So, what will help you get through the hard times is your faith, family, friends, and positive thinking? I have gotten through my rough times with my writings. You can discover fruitful ways to get through your trials and tribulations. When I was a little girl, who first learned how to write I discovered that my writings came from a quiet and meditative place. I am guilty at times of not getting out of the house enough because I am always writing. I guess that is what I am destined to do because I love it to the highest skies. I wake up in the morning thinking about writing, I go to bed at night with thoughts of writing on my mind. I fall

peacefully asleep thinking about writing the next best thing. Writing is my peace. Writing is my relaxation. What is your peace and relaxation? is it ABNER that you PHOTO BYWhat JOSHUA love to do to the highest skies? Over the years, I have wrote more than five thousand inspiring quotes and are now using many of them to help motivate others. I want to share them with the world. I would like to ask you a few simple questions: Are you living the kind of life you always dreamed about? Are you feeling worthy or unworthy? Are you accepting your femininity in the most positive manner? Are you a victim of thinking you do not matter? Has your personal lifestyle habits gone to the dogs? Are you forgetting to live your dreams? Are you happy or unhappy? Are you putting your goals on the back burner because other things have taken the top spot? Are you feeling good or bad about yourself? What has caused any negative shift in your lifestyle plan? Do you even know when or how your life started to change? Starting today if you are feeling unworthy, unhappy, uncared for or unsure about your future, you will want to begin your new journey (this journey) by making a few positive personal adjustments. To celebrate your worth, you will have to avoid any kind blaming, accusing, and finger pointing. You will have to avoid any closed-eye and deaf-ear syndromes. You will have to avoid feeling sorry for yourself, take your life back and move in the direction you dream so hard about. This is your life. This offering is definitely not a pity-party for women; but it is a message that will assist and provide down-to-earth direction that presents revealing ways to enrich your life. It’s designed for women who need a truthful walk-through life.

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It doesn’t matter; morning, noon, or night… a glass of wine and a soothing bath can be the best medicine for the body’s mind and spirit. PHOTO CREDIT: MONSTERA

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Sometimes all a woman needs is a little down time. PHOTO CREDIT: ELINA FAIRYTALE

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Close your eyes, relax your body, and forget about your worries. PHOTO CREDIT: COTTONBRO

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Ella Patterson. Publisher Global One Magazine

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Consumer Update Why Do Wealthy People Wear Fake Jewelry? NEWS PROVIDED BY Lifetime Jewelry

t has nothing to do with the economy, but increasingly, very wealthy people are wearing jewelry that only looks like solid gold. With gold now over $1,700 an ounce, it is quite risky to wear solid gold jewelry on an everyday basis. There is always a possibility that it might get lost, damaged, or stolen. Lifetime Jewelry not only looks and feels like solid gold, but it also has a 100% lifetime replacement guarantee Lifetime Jewelry has the look and feel of solid gold jewelry at a fraction of the price. The solution? Many people are wearing jewelry that has the look and feel of solid gold but costs a fraction of the price. Called Lifetime Jewelry, it has an outer gold plating that is 20 times thicker than traditional gold plated jewelry. Instead of putting gold over flimsy and fragile pot metal, this jewelry is made with a solid jeweler's bronze core to deliver strength and a more substantial weight and feel. "The look and feel of these are so realistic that many professional jewelers have been fooled," said Karen Louise, founder of Lifetime Jewelry. "Since the entire piece of jewelry is completely covered in 24 karat gold, everything you see, and touch is real gold." Another factor is that every piece of Lifetime Jewelry comes with a 100% Free Lifetime Replacement Guarantee. Should any registered Lifetime Jewelry item break, tarnish, chip, get damaged, or simply doesn't live up to expectations, the owner can send it in for a free replacement. That type of guarantee simply isn't given with typical solid gold jewelry. "I have one client who loves to wear gold jewelry with their business attire. They also go to the gym every day. They used to worry about taking off all of their jewelry and putting it in a locker while they did their workout. Now, since their jewelry looks and feels like solid gold but costs about one-tenth the price, they no longer worry about losing their jewelry," said Louise. About Lifetime Jewelry Lifetime Jewelry is one of the fastest-growing online jewelry stores in the world. They are one of the top sellers in fashion jewelry on Amazon, achieving #1 bestseller status with several products. They specialize in classic jewelry styles that have the look and feel of solid gold at a fraction of the price. Since 1987 Lifetime Jewelry has offered necklaces, chains, bracelets, anklets, bangles, earrings, rings, charms, pendants, crosses, and rosaries for men women, and children. Lifetime Jewelry makes the highest quality gold fashion jewelry in the world and sells it at the lowest price possible. Lifetime Jewelry products can be found on Amazon or at lifetimejewelry.com.

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Follow any of the links listed Global One Magazine WINTER 2021 by Global One Magazine - issuu GLOBAL ONE MAGAZINE September 2020 by Global One Magazine - issuu MEDIA KIT - Global One Magazine by Global One Magazine - issuu Ella Patterson, Publisher, and Founder Global One Magazine Creating A Series of Beautiful Journeys Global One Magazine Info – 972-765-1950 Website: https://www.globalonemag.com Website: httpps://www.globalonemagazine.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellap55 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realellap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalonemag Twitter: https:/www.twitter.com/globalonemagg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellafoodanddrinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalonemag/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/globaloneeditor/ interest: https://in.pinterest.com/realellapatter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellapatterson/ WordPress: Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. WordPress: https://wordpress.com/goodmorningdivas.com/ IFWTWA: http://www.International (Food Wine and Travel Writers Association) MEMBER TEXAS AUTO WRITERS ASSOC. MEMBER INTERNATIONAL JOURNALIST & AUTHORS MEMBER TEXAS MOTOR PRESS

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Pappadeaux (Duncanville) 800 E. Hwy 67 (972) 572-0580 Pappadeaux (Oak Lawn) 3520 Oak Lawn Ave. (214) 521-4700 Pappadeaux (Richardson) 725 S. Central Expressway (972) 235-1181

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PLANO, TX 7501 LONE STAR DR. PLANO, TX 75024 972-943-0984 Dining Room Hours: Mon-Thurs. 11am-10pm Friday: 11am-11pm Saturday: 10am-11pm Sunday: 10am-10pm

LAS COLINAS, TX 3215 REGENT BLVD IRVING, TX 75063 469-313-1300 Dining Room Hours: Mon- Thurs 11am-10pm Friday: 11am-11pm Saturday: 10am-11pm Sunday: 10am-10pm

Our Best of the Best

Mexican Sugar If you’re looking to spice things up this summer, one of Plano’s best Mexican experiences awaits you in The Shops at Legacy. At Mexican Sugar, guests can sit back with a delicious hibiscus margarita, enjoy festive Latin music, and grab a cool Instagram picture at The Shops’ gorgeous flowing fountain. I rate Mexican Sugar Cocina 5 Stars out of a possible 5, with five being excellent. Menu · $$ · 7501 Lone Star Dr Ste B150, Plano, TX 75024 · (972) 943-0984 https://www.mexicansugarcocina.com 153.

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Lifestyle: Global One Magazine #5

Articles inside

2021- Ford Expedition Limited Max 4x4

2021- Ford Bronco Sport Badlands

2021- Ford Ranger Super Crew Lariat

2021- Hyundai Elantra Limited

2021- Honda Accord Hybrid TRG

2021- Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy

2020- Mercedes Benz G 63 Wagon

2021- Mazda CX9 Signature AWD

2022- Ford Bronco Badlands

2022- Acura MDX A-Spec Luxury CUV

2021- Lexus GX 460 Luxury

2021- Toyota Highlander XSE AWD

2021- Acura TLX SH-AWD A Spec

Unexpected Adventure at A Border

Forty-Eight Best Friend Trips

A Family, A River, New Braunfels, TX

2021- Rolls Royce Ghost

Cheap Vacation Ideas

Road Trip Travel Tips

Club Med Wellness Get A Way

Delightful Chocolate Cake

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos

Delicious English Trifle

Eat Your Way Through Southeast Texas

Decadent Broiled Lobster

Smoky Tender Grilled Oysters

Comforting Sausage Ragu & Creamy Polenta

Meditation & Solitude

From the Editor

Cute Vase Fillers

Get Your Grove & Bring Your Mojo Back

Creating A Prayer Corner

Creamy Parmesan Risotto & Roasted Shrimp

Savory BBQ Ribs and Dry Spice Rub

Plants for Cozy Spaces