My new Breville espresso maker!

It was about time... The old coffee maker was very old and didn't work very good anymore. A few weeks ago we decided to buy a new coffee maker and wanted to go for an espresso machine! We love espresso! 

We've been doing our research online to get some idea about all the features and specs and in the end we went to several shops in the city. Some of those salesmen were just horrible and some were very honest and knowledgable. In the end we came home with a Breville ESP8XL cafe roma espresso machine! 

See further our complete review of this wonderful machine :) Yes, we're very fond of it!

Ideal for those who are deeply in love with designer lattes and espresso, the Breville ESP8XL espresso maker would make you want to skip on your daily coffee spending without skimping on luxurious coffee. This espresso maker strikes the perfect balance between just the right temperature and pressure to achieve such heavenly coffee.

The Breville espresso maker features a heavy-duty stainless steel housing which makes it extremely durable. It also has a 15-bar Thermoblock pump with synchronizing filters which makes it possible to produce the best-tasting espressos and latte.

As noted above, the pump uses the right amount of water force to the coffee grounds to get the maximum but not overdone taste. As a result, the machine leaves you with a luscious espresso with a good amount of crema, just the way you want it.

Specifications

• Stainless steel espresso machine
• 15-bar Thermoblock pump
• Dual-wall filter system
• Froth enhancer
• Frothing jug
• Cup-warming plate
• Removable drip tray and grid
• Stainless steel espresso cup set
• External water window
• Large 1-2/7-quart water tank
• Measures 9 x 9 x 12 inches
• Comes with 1-year limited warranty

The Breville ESP8XL is the perfect solution to make amazing coffee right at the comfort of your home. It makes it so easy to recreate authentic Italian café coffee drinks in no time.

Operate this machine is easy. Best part is that it even leaves room for experimenting should one want to try something else. Above all these, it is not the most expensive one in the market today yet it is made from only high quality materials and has a very well-constructed appearance. It looks modern with a contemporary design.

This espresso machine is really the best and also features an adjustable brew strength, clock display, ready indicator light, and an auto shut off. So for everybody who really loves espresso after breakfast as much as we do, don't even doubt, this Breville is really the best espresso maker available on the market today!

Why You Want to Own This

The ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker by Breville features various wonderful features that makes each day better with an amazing cup of coffee.

1.     Highly Durable

Since it is made from high quality parts, this machine is made to stand the test of time. Both the housing and the internal parts are made from heavy-duty stainless steel which makes it as sturdy as it can be. The pump is made in Italy which truly brings you closer to the real Italian thing.

2.     Outstanding Crema Quality

Crema is one of the things that makes a great espresso or any designer latte for that matter. You have to try the Breville ESP8XL to know how excellent its crema is. Thanks to the dual-wall filter system, this machine produces a consistent crema which takes the espresso experience to a higher level.

3.     Easy Assembly and Maintenance

The Breville ESP8XL is extremely easy to assemble and maintain. There are no confusing complicated instructions and assembly while maintenance is a breeze as everything is removable and therefore, easy to clean.

The stainless steel exterior can easily be wiped clean while everything else can be washed with soap and water. With these easy maintenance tips, this espresso maker will last a very long time while producing consistently superior cups of coffee. 

It's just perfect for everybody that likes espresso! Did you know that many sport experts believe in a coffee enhancing diet to improve training and competition? 

What Will Get You Confused

Since there really are no cons about this Breville espresso maker, let us take this part to clear what could be a misunderstanding between customers and the Breville ad. The ad photos show a black baffle which most customers look for once they receive the package.

The thing is you really do not need that in this specific model. Aside from that, you would not find anything else that might get you confused or disappoint you.   

The Truth

There is no need to spend tens of thousands of dollars for a fully automated espresso machine that claims to copy designer espressos and lattes in no time. Our test proved that this Breville ESP8XL Cafe espresso maker takes a few more seconds but produces the same glorious coffee each and every time.

Best Golf Courses in Florida

Florida is such a gifted state as it boasts of wonderful weather condition all year long. This is actually the main reason why golf resorts seem to be like seeds sprouting from everywhere. Do you remember why your grandparents chose to buy a vacation house in Florida? Most elderly from all corners of the country actually flock to Florida during winter season for them to escape the extreme cold weather. It works pretty much the same with golfers as a matter of fact.

While there are golf courses that are located in the colder portions of the country, Florida remains to be the best choice unless you define fun by playing golf in thick snow. Do you want to know another reason why Florida remains one of the best golf course destinations? Because it is famous for weird and unexpected stories and that definitely brings a jolt of excitement to anyone.

Take for example the recent news about a humongous alligator that decided to hang out right next to a hole. While this certainly seems entertaining to others, golfers who frequently visit various Florida golf courses will say that it is not new. In fact, some say that it is a usual occurrence.

So if you are up for some golfing adventure with family or friends, here are some of the best golf courses in Florida that you may want to put on your bucket list:

1.     Streamsong Resort Red

Ask anyone who has been here and they will tell you right away that this is definitely the best golf course in Florida. However, it is a little tricky to find given that it is said to be located in the middle of nowhere because nature seems to hide it well though truth is this covers a pretty much large area in Streamsong.

The golf course is thoroughly surrounded by nature. It is designed by renowned architects Tom Doak, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw who are probably the best there is as far as designing golf courses is concerned.

Every hole is different that this promises to give anyone a golf experience like no other golf course or resort in Florida can. It is no wonder that this still is in the list of the top 100 golf courses in the whole United States as per Golf Magazine.

2.     TPC Sawgrass

Being initially built in 1982 to host THE PLAYERS Championship and be the tournament’s official home, it does not at all come as a surprise that this is included in the world’s best golf courses. The TPC Sawgrass features championship caliber holes that anyone would surely want to try their skills on.

You will love this because it is a well-balanced course where golfers can find a selection of various types of holes within different categories. However, the most recognized remains the 17th hole which is legendary for golf fans all over the world.

Being honored by multiple golf publications from all over the world as a must-visit golf destination, this offers various championship tees of all blends to meet every golfer’s needs and wants.

3.     World Woods Golf Club, Pine Barrens

Some say that if you want to test your golfing skills, the Pine Barrens golf club is the best course to go to. There are no lavish services but the outstanding layout and greens will surely make your jaw drop. Designed by Thomas Fazio, he claims that this indeed is his best work throughout his career.

For some experienced golfers, this has got to be one of the best practice facilities in the world. Golf Digest agrees as it ranked the World Woods Golf Club the #1 golf course in the United States.

Tagged as every golfer’s paradise, this actually offers access to two of the top 10 public access golf courses in Florida, thus, giving golfers more options. To convince you more, it is worth noting that Scott Wyckoff, a PGA member, heads all the activities and even provides golf instructions.

4.     PGA National Golf Club Resort, Palm Beach Gardens

This is the place where legends and luxury meet. After having undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Palm Beach Gardens PGA National Golf Club Resort is more than ready to take your hearts out. It is more stylish than ever though the original one was already fabulous being designed by no other than the acclaimed Thomas Fazio.

In addition to the already fantastic layout of this world famous golf course, they have even added zero-entry pool and a rejuvenated spa. If you want to get a glimpse of some golf champions, then book your golf vacation in February when the PGA Tour Honda Classic still holds their competition annually. What is even better is that this is located just 20 minutes from the Palm Beach International Airport.

5.     Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort, Copperhead

This is yet another newly renovated resort located at Tampa Bay, Florida which perfectly combines comfort, convenience, and familiarity. At the Innisbrook golf course, you are about to come into reality of not just one-of-a-kind experience but the southern way of living as well.

This resort also serves as the home to the annual PGA Tour Valspar Championship which is presented by BB&T. To cater more to golf giants and excited fans, this golf & spa resort also offers great restaurant choices with a wide range of cuisines all at a reasonable price.

The golf course was designed by E. Lawrence Packard and remains to be one of Golf Digest’s Top 75 Golf Resorts in America.

Playing golf in Florida has never been this exciting with all the different variety of activities that the golf courses now offer. If you used to go at these resorts alone or with friends because your wife and kids basically have nothing to do, bring them all the next time you come because there is surely an activity for each member of the family. Even if you practise your putting skills while they are enjoying themselves elsewhere, having a family vacation all together can be really great!

Want a Stylish Wooden Watch?

I wrote before about wooden watches and that many celebrities are wearing them. I've first seen them on Shark Tank and I've been interested in them ever since. I've done some research and came to the conclusion that there is only one brand to have: WeWood. Let me explain why...

The newest trend is adding a stylish wooden watch to your wardrobe. There is only one company that offers a full range of these types of watches at an affordable price “WeWood”. They offer a full range of stylish wooden watch options that are ideal for both men and women AND they plant a tree for every watch that is purchased. There are other companies that offer wooden watches but none offer the range of WeWood. If you are going to purchase a wooden watch and you want a full range to choose from than WeWood is the company you should be looking to.

This company has proven that you do not have to pay a lot of money for a unique timepiece that also makes a difference. There are celebrities that are sporting these types of watches because they love the companies eco friendly attitude and they love the style of the watches.

The brainchild of an Italian designer that utilizes mostly scrap wood to create fashion forward watches WeWood has had an international impact not only on style but on the environment. For every watch that is sold a tree is planted which means that this company actually has a negative impact on the environment since it is already using scrap or waste wood to craft the watches AND planting a tree every time one of them sells. Since 2010 the company has planted over 300,000 trees worldwide.

There is a store located in Los Angles and Florence Italy with plans to increase the range worldwide by June of 2015. You can order a stylish wooden watch from the Wooden Watches Guide online!

Choosing Your Watch

For right around $100 you can easily pick a great stylish wooden watch. You can choose from a full range of colors and styles and never spend more than $150! These simple timepieces come in small, medium and large casings so you can choose from understated to bold.

The bracelet size also ranges from small to large so it is sure to fit from the most dainty wrist to the most beefy. The color range is from natural to black to bi color to army and plenty in between. You can choose a watch that fits your personal style and personality and help the planet while you do it.

Most all of the watches are perfect for casual wear and can be worn with just about anything in your closet. They can also be paired nicely with office wear. They are a bit too casual for anything beyond the formality of office wear.

Order Online

Ordering your stylish wooden watch online is easy and shipping is free! Your watch arrives in a wooden box (of course) with complete instructions for use and care. These all natural non toxic watches make a great gift for anyone that is concerned for the environment OR is a fashionista. Both men and women would enjoy these stylish wooden watches.

Best Breakfast Ever – Fresh Juice and Homemade Bread

How many times have you been told of how important breakfast is? Did you actually believe it or did you dismiss it as some sort of an old folk tale? Did you follow it and see a significant improvement in your energy throughout the day? Great to start the day for work, early sport or fitness session or whatever you plans are!

Generally, a great and hearty breakfast serves as one’s fuel to be up and ready to fulfil everyday tasks. It is the most frequently skipped meal of the day since everybody’s so busy hurrying up to work. People nowadays tend grab whatever they can regardless if it is healthy or not. As a result, these people become quite irritable and feels tired mid-day.

Nutritionally speaking, breakfast must be taken within the first two hours of waking up. It should also provide 20-35% of the calories as per the guideline daily allowance. This should give you an idea that points towards healthy breakfast choices.

Even a simple breakfast with homemade bread (just think about waking up with the smell of freshly made bread of your bread maker) and a glass of freshly pressed orange juice is a lot better than having no breakfast at all! From cognitive function to energy needs and to long-term health, breakfast brings in a lot of benefits for the body and if you want to keep receiving them, you may want to try these healthy combinations that will surely fire up your energy for the rough days ahead.

1.     Apricot Cream Cheese Babka and Orange Juice

There is nothing simpler than orange juice to energize you on a slow morning. More than that, it is very rich in vitamin C and a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It can reduce inflammation and lowers the bad cholesterol in the blood, therefore, leading eventually to a balanced blood pressure. Since oranges also helps produce collagen, one can get that healthy and radiant glow the most natural way possible.

Since orange juice is so simple, we decided to pair it up with something fancy – an apricot cream cheese babka which is a twist from the more famous and traditional chocolate babka. But hey, you want a healthy breakfast right?

It looks quite complicated but it is actually very doable. It is like having a Danish pastry in a bread form. If you want more twist, put some crunchy toppings. We picked out apricots because it is rich in fiber but low in fat. It is also rich in vitamin A which is responsible for a healthy vision and a stronger immune system.

2.     Whole Wheat Bagels and Berry-Flaxseed Smoothie

For the longest time, bagels are one of the favorite breads of Americans. However, there has been a debate whether it is good or bad for the body. Some say that one should not get more than one serving. To make bagels healthier and more appropriate, we have chosen whole wheat bagels.

Whole grains are believed to be the healthiest kind of grain there is. When used in bagels, it turns an ordinary bread into something nutritious and well-balanced that is perfect for breakfast or quick snacks. It is also rich in fiber which should promote a healthy digestive system and prevent heart problems.

Flaxseeds, on the other hand, are loaded with lignans which slows down growth of most cancer cells. It contains magnesium and omega-3-fatty acids and so, this has been a favorite healthy addition to any kind of smoothie or even salads. Berries, in general, are highly prized in the medical world because of their numerous advantages. They bring in lots of antioxidants which basically fights oxidative stress in the body.

3.     Panettone and Avocado-Mango Smoothie

Panettone or more famously referred to as Italian Christmas bread is a staple in every home in Italy during Christmas season. However, let us not make this delicious and healthy bread for that time of the year alone. Basically, this is a traditional sweet yeast bread loaded up with candied citron, lemon zest, and raisins. When done properly, this is a show stopper and you surely would not mind sitting down and spending a real breakfast because of this.

To load you up with even more nutrients, we paired this up with an avocado-mango smoothie which basically gives the body a slew of healthy fats and a wide variety of nutrients.

4.     Ciabatta Bread and Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie

Ciabatta bread is famous for its chewy exterior and the softest crumb with air holes. You see this commonly paired up with soups like those of pumpkin soup because it is perfect for dunking or with coffee or juice and smoothies.

Ciabatta can give your much-needed dose of carbohydrates to give you enough energy to go through the day. This is why we paired this up with a strawberry yogurt smoothie to with Ciabatta bread. Even if you are getting mainly carbs and only a bit of protein and fiber from the Ciabatta bread, you get a powerhouse smoothie with the strawberry yogurt combo.

The strawberry-yogurt smoothie is low in calories yet high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber making it all you actually need for a healthy but fulfilling breakfast.

5.     Pita Bread and Orange-Banana Smoothie

Pita bread has always been a great choice since the olden days. Not known by many, this bread actually brings a whole lot of benefits. It boosts vitamin levels even at the average serving that it pretty much covers a huge fraction of the human body’s daily nutrient needs. This also contains dietary fibers which helps prevent diabetes, heart problems, and gives immune levels a boost. This is also a famous choice for those trying to lose weight.

The orange-banana smoothie provides the body with enough potassium and vitamin B6 which helps maintain blood sugar. Together, they make a wonderful breakfast combination.

Breakfasts need not to be luxurious. It just needs to be nutritious. Whether you prefer bread and juices or salads and smoothies, the choice is all yours for as long you eat healthy and not skip your most important meal of the day.

Celebrities Wear Wooden Watches!

Winter is over! Summer is coming!

The wooden watch craze supporting re-forestation efforts has had quite a few celebrities jump on board the trend. Celebrities wear wooden watches as statement pieces and simply because they are stylish and hot hot hot on the style lists.

WeWood is THE watch company that is creating some pretty amazing time pieces that are gracing the arms or a bounty of celebrities. The company has committed to planting a tree for every watch that it sells.

These eco friendly timepieces have really caught on rather quickly. These types of stylish watches have been spied on plenty of celebrities wrists.

Celebrity Trend Setters

We are a society that is consumed with other people's celebrity. Typically a trend can easily be started if one celebrity endorses the trend by being seen in public wearing, eating or drinking something. Just like the home design trend, the wooden watch trend is sure to be on the uphill climb because not only one celebrity has brandished these timepieces on their wrist but several celebrities from different genres like music and television and the big screen have been seen wearing them.

A couple of pretty big names that are associated with setting the fashion pace have been seen at events wearing these types of watches.

Who's Wearing Them

The celebrities that wear wooden watches are not limited to movie stars, sports stars or athletes everyone is getting in on the trend. Paris Hilton was seen wearing her wooden watch as was Grey's Anatomy's Jesse Williams. Members of the Black Eyed Peas are out and about sporting their wooden watches.

The trend has crossed all genres from musicians to celebrities that are celebrities just because they are celebrities (ahem Paris Hilton).

Daryl Hannah a well known environmentalist, actress and director sports hers. Actress Rachel Wood has hers on as does former Spice girl Mrs. Beckham. Colin Fith, Cristina Milan and many others are all on board with this trend.

All those celebrities wear these watches for a host of reasons but none greater than showing their support for environmentally friendly companies that are able to take raw materials and create something beautiful all while having a minimal impact on the environment.

Of course even the celebrities that are not interested in the environmental impact will shortly be jumping on this soon to be huge style trend.

You Do Not Have To Be a Celebrity

You can get in on the trend! While many celebrities are wearing wooden watches they are not expensive. It is not like plunking down the cash for a Rolex or other high end time piece. This is a trend anyone can get in on.

It is an affordable time piece that makes a statement about your concern for the environment and your good taste. You can buy a great wooden watch for under $100! It is a small price to pay to get in on the latest style trend that many of the celebrities are wearing. The trend is set to explode so now is the time to get in on it! 

How To Improve Golf Putting

Golf is a sport that takes a lot of dedication and practice to master. There is no skill on the golf course that is more important than putting. Putting is something that golfers of all levels of experience struggle with from time to time. If you want to improve your golf game, it often starts with honing in on your putting skills. The better putter you are allows you to lower your golf score. If you put in the time and effort it is very possible to improve your putting game substantially. Not only do you want to focus on increasing your accuracy and control, but you also want to work on putting mechanics.

Here are a few tips that will help you improve your putting game right away:

Read the Green

This might seem like a weird technique, but reading the green is a crucial aspect of accurate putting. The green is the area of grass that surrounds the hole. You can use this method of reading the green to decide the direction that the ball must be hit in order to make it into the hole. It is possible to read the green by looking at the land that is also on the path towards the hole. Make sure that you not if the land is flat or if it is sloped in some way. The type of speed that you have to put on the ball depends on the path to the hole. Over time you will be able to read the green better by experience alone.

Practice

It is always a good idea to practice just the putting aspect of golf over and over again. Repetition is a great way to improve your putting skills fast. It is important to focus on your stance and technique. Make sure that you stand beside your ball and line up your toes to the hole. Try standing with your feet together and have the ball in the center. Make sure that you put your putter beside the ball, but when you swing back only go about 3 inches in that direction. When you swing forward, hit the ball and continue your swinging motion.

How Do You Evaluate Your Stance and Swing

In order to see how well you are putting, you need to examine how close the ball makes it to the hole. You will not be able to get the ball into the hole on your first put, so you need another way to evaluate success. If your ball makes it about 2 feet from the hole, you had a good shot. However, if the ball goes past the hole, you can assume that the speed on the ball was too much. If the ball is very short of the hole, you need to add more speed. It is also important to note that if the ball is too far to the left or right that your line is off. You can make adjustments by examining where your ball lands.