Behind Bars®: Smirnoff

The Smirnoff brand traces its origins back to the distillery Piotr Arseneevich (PA) Smirnoff established in Moscow in the late 1800s. Brought to America in 1939, Smirnoff spearheaded the cocktail revolution in the U.S. as Americans were introduced to the versatility of "white whiskey" in such drinks as the Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, Kamikaze, Martini and Moscow Mule. Today Smirnoff is the world's best-selling vodka, sold in 130 countries on six continents, and still produced according to Smirnoff tradition, using Piotr Arseneevich's multi-column charcoal filtration process.

In January 2005, the New York Times assembled a diverse panel of beverage experts to conduct a blind taste test of 21 world-class vodkas, including brands from France, Poland, Russia and the United States. Smirnoff emerged as the "hands-down favorite," praised for its "pure, clean and ultra-smooth" character and "pleasing texture and classic vodka aroma."

How To Minimize Summer Stress

Summer Stress: Minimize It Or Avoid It Altogether!

Summer can present many opportunities for fun, but summer stress is also extremely common and can take a significant toll. The following strategies can be especially timely during the summer season.

Keep Kids Occupied
If you don’t have your kids in some type of summer camp (or even if you do), you’ll need to have some enriching activities to keep them happy and stimulated so boredom doesn’t create misery for all of you. Allowing your older children to plan activities for younger kids (like ‘treasure hunts’ around the house, or games of hide-and-seek) can be a great way to keep everyone occupied in a constructive way. So can the old standbys: couch forts, board games, and educational outings. The following things can provide an extra 'grab bag' of ideas to keep everyone happy and sane.

Pace Yourself
While summer offers many opportunities for fun activities, keep in mind that it’s okay to say no to some. Sometimes even fun activities can lead to stress if your schedule is overloaded, so carefully choose among the barbeques, beach days, soirees and other activities and just do what you think you’ll truly enjoy, remembering to also schedule in some down time.

Set Boundaries
While you’re already setting boundaries on your social schedule, you may need to remember to set boundaries at work as well. Don’t let the siren song of summer steal your focus from your job duties—stay as productive as possible—but be careful not to take on too many of your vacationing co-workers’ responsibilities either. Teamwork is a good thing; just don’t take on an overwhelming amount of extra work if you have a choice.

Try A Staycation or Playcation
Yes, staycations, and even playcations, have become the new vacations of choice for those who can't spare the time or the money for a traditional vacation. In some cases, these can even be better for your stress levels. (Ever hear of someone coming back from their too-busy vacation feeling like they need a vacation from their vacation? Or of a 'working vacation' that just turned into an exercise in 'working from a less convenient location'?) The key is to make relaxation or playtime the primary focus--even if for only a day or two--and get the benefit of vacations without all the expense! (And, if you do take an actual trip, remember to leave work at home and keep things simple.)

Take a Mini-Vacation
If you don’t have the time, money or ability to take a full-blown vacation, you can achieve many of the same benefits by taking a mini-vacation at home. The main idea is to stop the hectic flow of activities, escape the mundane madness of daily life, or turn off the phone for a few hours. See this article for specific suggestions for mini-vacations when the real deal isn’t an option.

Take Advantage of Summer Stress Relievers
Summer provides extra daylight hours for morning exercise, relaxing evening activities and fun in the garden. If you have kids around, you can also try some of these stress relievers you can do with your kids, or if you don’t have children, you can still enjoy these stress relievers for your inner child.

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Batroun - North of Lebanon

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Behind Bars®: Jose Cuervo

A Taste of Jose Cuervo History
Enjoying Jose Cuervo Tequila with friends means celebrating a tradition that's 200 years in the making. As the world’s first notable producer of tequila, Jose Cuervo's history is just as distinct as its spirit.

The story behind this legendary tequila begins in 1795, when the King of Spain granted Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo the first license to commercially produce tequila. In 1812, Fabrica La Rojeña, the oldest spirits distillery in Latin America, opened its doors.

Today Jose Cuervo's descendants still manage the distillery and Jose Cuervo is the No.1 tequila in the world, selling over seven million cases annually. Obsessed with their craft, the master tequileros at La Rojeña continue to create distinct tequilas like Cuervo Black and Jose Cuervo Platino for all tequila lovers to share.

Easy Recipes for Summer Entertaining

A collection of crowd-pleasing recipes for all your summer entertaining needs. These recipes all look great, don't cost a lot to make, and don't require any special culinary skills. Summer party food needs to be easy and delicious, and these recipes are certainly both.

Mozzarella Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Mozzarella stuffed cherry tomatoes are not only one of the easiest summer snacks ever, but also one of the most beautiful. There's a well-know Italian salad of sliced mozzarella and tomatoes called a Caprese salad, and this is basically a one-bite version of that.

Cream Cheese and Salami-Rolled Breadsticks
Salami-pops are simply breadsticks wrapped with cheese, spinach and salami. This creative salami appetizer recipe is perfect for any occasion where you need an easy and inexpensive bite.

Spicy Chicken Lettuce Cups
This healthy and delicious chicken recipe is a snap using a cooked rotisserie chicken from the market, and a jarred salsa. The contrast between the crisp, cold lettuce cups, and the spicy, stewed chicken is wonderful. This chicken recipe can be served as an appetizer or a main course.

Jalapeno Popper Dip
This creative jalapeno popper dip recipe has the great spicy taste of fried jalapeno poppers without all the extra work.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Nectarines
Salty, savory prosciutto wrapped around sweet nectarine slices is a pairing that's hard to beat. This recipe is a fresh take on the classic prosciutto and melon appetizer. This recipe works great for any warm-weather entertaining.

Ginger Garlic Chicken Wings
Most "crispy" chicken wing recipes call for a deep fryer, but this great "oven-fried" method works beautifully, and is much easier. This sticky ginger garlic chicken wing recipe is a delicious twist on the venerable Buffalo chicken wing.
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Garlic and Herb Sautéed Bell Pepper Strips
This garlic and herb sautéed bell pepper recipe can be used as an appetizer, as part of an antipasto platter, or a colorful side dish. The bell pepper strips cook up quickly, and are at their sweet and savory best paired with the garlic and herbs.

Savory Peach and Mozzarella Fresca Bruschetta
The combination of the sweet fruit, the nutty, crisp toasted bread, the creamy, tangy cheese; all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper and flaky kosher salt makes for an incredible bite.

Pan-Grilled Barbecue Shrimp
This barbecued shrimp recipe is great when you want grilled shrimp, but don't feel like building a fire that you are only going to need for five minutes. These barbecued shrimp are seared in a pan, and are cooked in the shell for extra flavor and moistness.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip
The great thing about spinach and artichoke dip, besides the fact it's a party favorite, is just how easy it is to make. Mix it up, bake to a bubbly, golden brown, and serve with your favorite breads and crackers.

And don't neglect the selection of the right beverage.

How to Dine Out without Hurting Your Heart

Americans talk a good game about wanting to eat well. More than 75 percent claim they want to see more healthy options on restaurant menus. But when it comes time to order, only about half say they actually make nutritious choices, according to a recent survey.

On the other hand, 77 percent rank taste as the top priority for a restaurant dinner, and 44 percent say satisfying hunger matters most, according to the responses reported in June by Mintel, a market research firm. Of 2,000 adults polled in February, 20 percent said food health is an important factor when they order dinner.

Still, nutrition experts stress that it is possible to satisfy your taste buds and hunger while making nice to your heart.

"Eating out with friends and family is a pleasure you don't have to give up when you're on a special diet," said Anne Cain, a registered dietitian and senior editor at MyRecipes.com. "You just need to arm yourself with information about heart-healthy choices and not be afraid to ask questions about the menu and make special requests."

Every person's needs are different when it comes to what he or she should eat, health experts say.

"There are some people that really have to worry about calories, there are some people that really have to worry about sugar, some people that really have to worry about salt. All of these bring in different kinds of mandates for you," said Riska Platt, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Heart Association.

Still, some foods are more likely than others to derail a heart-healthy diet. Here are some tips to help you eat for your heart when dining out.

Chinese
Instead of oil- and fat-laden dishes such as lo mein, egg rolls, kung pao chicken or fried rice, try steamed chicken, seafood or tofu with vegetables, and ask for sauce on the side.

"Chinese food can be a hidden salt mine,"said Sari Greaves, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Ordering it "as unadorned as possible" and with sauces on the side will help you control your sodium intake.

Soups such as egg-drop and hot-and-sour are low-calorie and low-fat, but may also be "salt bombs," Greaves said. But despite the poor reputation eggs have for their high-cholesterol properties, low-fat dieters don't have to steer clear of egg-drop soup, she said: "It's saturated fat and trans fat in your diet that raise your blood cholesterol, more so than cholesterol in your diet."

Stir-fried dishes are also a safe bet because they're generally cooked quickly and with very little oil. On the other hand, watch out for foods designated "crispy" or "double-sauteed," which indicate deep-fried dishes, said Greaves.

Sandwich Shop
Instead of a sandwich on white bread, a white roll or white wrap and topped with mayonnaise or cheese, try whole-grain bread options topped with vegetables, mustard or olive oil, and little to no cheese.

Watch out for deli meats, which often contain a lot of salt, Platt said.

Hummus can be a good alternative to mayonnaise or cheese, as it contains heart-healthy fat. Platt endorses hummus, which is made from chickpeas, because it helps Americans fit legumes into their diet. Just don't overload on it, because the calories can add up.

Platt also suggests skipping oversized muffins. Even if they're bran muffins and consequently high in fiber, they're full of fat, sugar and calories. Breakfast wraps can also be detrimental to a heart-healthy diet, especially when an entire salt- and fat-heavy meal of eggs, cheese and bacon is packed into a compact package.

Italian
Instead of pasta topped or filled with cream, cheese or meat, try grilled, broiled or poached seafood with a small order of pasta with garlic and oil or tomato sauce.

Greaves suggests ordering shellfish such as shrimp, mussels or clams at an Italian restaurant, as long as they aren't deep-fried or cooked in butter. Although these shellfish might be higher in cholesterol than salmon or tilapia, she said, they're still very low in saturated fat.

If you do want cheese in your meal, add a sprinkling of parmesan atop a dish instead of gobs of cheese as the centerpiece of your meal.

And for an appetizer, Greaves recommends skipping the meat- and cheese-heavy antipasto salad in favor of shrimp cocktail, which is low in saturated fat. Also, pair bread with heart-healthy olive oil, not butter. Oil is rich in calories, though, so don't overdo it.

Japanese
Instead of tempura-style rolls or rolls with mayonnaise (think spicy tuna), try fresher sushi with fish high in cardio-friendly omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel or halibut. The avocado in California rolls also carries heart-healthy benefits.

Edamame, which are green soybeans, may indirectly lower your blood cholesterol and are a good source of fiber and omega-3s, Greaves said. But if you're monitoring your sodium intake, request that the salt be omitted.

Be on the lookout for the word "kewpie," or Japanese mayonnaise, if you're trying to cut back on saturated fat.

Steakhouses
Instead of a full portion of steak, try limiting your meat intake by ordering a beef kebab, or a chicken or seafood selection cooked without butter or salt.

Choose lean cuts of beef such as round, sirloin, chuck, flank steak or tenderloin. Remove any visible fat that may be attached to the cooked meat, Cain said.

The American Heart Association recommends eating five to seven ounces of animal protein per day, and a 12-ounce steak at a restaurant far exceeds that, Platt said. Split a steak with one of your dining partners, or eat half and take the rest home for another meal.

Steakhouses also offer deceptively fattening sides, such as creamed spinach or fully loaded baked potatoes. Swap out those fatty sides for steamed vegetables, and you'll be in better shape.

Mexican
Instead of a cheese-filled burrito or taco, try a seafood, chicken or vegetable fajita.

The seafood or chicken will provide lean, healthy protein, while a vegetable centerpiece will boost your fiber intake. If you get beans, make sure they're not refried; black beans provide protein and fiber without artery-clogging saturated fat, Greaves said.

You can also cut down on saturated fat by opting for pico de gallo or salsa instead of sour cream. Since it's made from heart-healthy avocados, guacamole contains good fat that can lower bad LDL cholesterol while raising good HDL cholesterol. Just limit your intake to about two tablespoons, Greaves said, because it can carry a lot of calories.

Greaves also warns that you should watch out for salted rice and rice with cheese -- no-no's for people on low-sodium or low-fat diets.

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Tips for Exercising in the Heat

Stay safe and stay cool

Most of us can't wait until it's warm enough to take our workouts outside, but exercising in the heat after a long winter can be tough on the body. When temperatures rise and the humidity soars, we run the risk of:
- Dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, dizziness and muscle cramps
- Fainting - If you're not used to exercising in the heat, you may experience a drop in blood pressure that can lead to fainting
- Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Sunburn
- Heat rash

You may be excited to get out, but your body needs time to adapt to exercising in hot and humid environment. Use these tips for exercising in the heat.

1. Stay Hydrated
The most important part of exercising safely in the heat is to stay hydrated. When you're dehydrated, you not only risk fatigue and poor performance, you also risk more serious problems like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

General Guidelines
- Drink about 2 glasses of water 2 hours before your workout.
- Sip water throughout your workout, about 8 ounces every 15 minutes. Carry a hydration pack for convenience
- Consider a sports drink if you're exercising for more than an hour or you're working out in extreme heat
- Continue to drink water after your workout to replace any fluids lost
- If you're exercising for a long period of time, weigh yourself before and after your workout and drink 2 cups of water for every pound of fluid you've lost.

2. Wear Sweat Wicking Clothes
What you wear when you exercise in the heat can make or break your workout, especially if you're out for a long walk, run or bike ride. The keys to staying comfortable, cool and safe include wearing:
- Lightweight, comfortable clothes - Check for any seams, tags or other things that could lead to chafing or a rash
- Sweat wicking fabrics - Cotton absorbs sweat, making clothes heavy and uncomfortable.
- Breathable fabrics help sweat evaporate, keeping you cooler and drier
- Clothes that are light in color - Light colors reflect some of the sun's energy away from you, keeping you cooler
- A hat to protect your head and shield your eyes and face from the sun

Don't forget to choose performance socks as well to keep your feet cool and dry.

3. Ease Into Summer Exercise
What we sometimes forget in our first summer workout is that exercising in the heat is harder on the body than exercising indoors. You may find that your heart rate is much higher during hot weather as your body sends more blood to the skin to cool you off. For that reason, it won't take long to get to a high intensity, which may leave you drained and exhausted.

Give your body time to adapt to the heat by:
- Starting slow - Allow for extra warm up time to get a feel for the heat and adjust your intensity
- Shortening your workouts - It's better to leave your workout with extra energy than to spend days recovering from heat exhaustion
- Listening to your body - if you feel dizzy or faint, stop, get into a cool environment and drink fluids

4. Exercise in the Morning
Midday is the hottest time of the day for exercise, which puts you at risk for dehydration, heat illnesses and just plain bad workouts. Consider working out in the morning before things heat up. There are other great reasons to exercise in the morning:
- It's easier to stick to your exercise program
- You get your workout in before the day gets out of control
- You'll have more energy for the rest of the day
- You get your metabolism going, which can help with weight loss

You can also consider splitting your workouts, doing part of it in the morning and part of it at night when the weather is cooler. You get the same benefits as continuous workouts and another way to beat the heat.

5. Protect Yourself with Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Most of us wear sunscreen when we're at the beach or pool, but how many of us head out for a run and remember the sunscreen?

When you prepare for your workout, put your sunscreen nearby so you don't forget it and put it on at least 30 minutes before your workout. Look for sunscreens that:
- Offer protection of at least SPF 15
- Provide protection from UVA rays
- Are sweat and/or water-resistant

Learn more about the best sunscreens for exercise.

Don't forget, a good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays and make it easier to see where you're going. Look for Lightweight, durable frames and a comfortable, no-slip fit.

6. Stay Cool
Stay cool on the hottest days with these tips:
- Put your water bottle in the freezer overnight for an ice-cold treat during your workout
- Try the EverCool Bandanda - soak it in water and wrap it around your neck to stay cool
- Wear your swimsuit and plan your walking or running route so that you pass by your local pool. Swimming is great cross-training and you get to cool off
- Try water workouts - Use an aqua belt to keep you afloat as you run laps
- Exercise indoors - When it's too hot to exercise, this is a great time to try exercise videos, fitness classes at the gym or boredom buster cardio machine workouts.

Picture of the Week

An Air Force presidential aircraft, part of the fleet used by U.S. presidents, is pictured above the Statue of Liberty in New York, in this photograph released to Reuters on May 8, 2009. White House military aide Louis Caldera, who authorized an Air Force flyover of New York that caused panic among some New Yorkers there, resigned.

REUTERS/The White House/Handout

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