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Win a weekend in NYC!

We are so excited to share that Bianca has secured an exclusive golden ticket opportunity for #MIZ12 subscribers. She’s partnering with Bryant Park Hotel to give a one lucky subscriber a two-night stay in NYC! The winner will also have the chance to attend a Dance Body fitness class with Bianca herself. 

Get ready for a super fun weekend out in the Big Apple with Bianca Jade!

Total prize package:

2 night stay at Bryant Park Hotel

1 hour Dance Body class

Juice outing with Bianca Jade!

If you’re not already subscribed, do it now! Click here for more.

#fitness #fitness subscription box #mizzfit #bianca jade #new york #giveaway #golden ticket #dance body #dance workout

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5 Questions with Chef José Andrés

Thank you Chef Andrés for joining us today! We are so excited to have you on board as our next Culinary Box curator and can’t wait to see everything that you have included. To help our readers get to know you a little bit better, could you tell us about yourself and how you got into cooking?

A: Of course, I am also excited to work together. Most of you know that I am from Spain, but what you might not know is that I was born in a lush, green part of the country, known as Asturias. I knew early that cooking was what I wanted to do, but two experiences truly changed my life. The first was traveling on the great Spanish Navy tall ship the Juan Sebastián Elcano. It was from the deck of this ship that I saw America for the first time. The second was learning from my friend Ferrán Adrià at elBulli, which became the most influential restaurant of our era.

We can’t imagine how inspiring that must have been! What inspires you to cook today?

A: Today, no chef has technique more perfect than my friend Albert Adrià. But if I think about what inspires me to go forward every day? It is my wife and my daughters. And it is the cooks I meet when I visit Haiti- a stunningly beautiful country of great strength and great food!

It sounds like family is very important to you. Who had the biggest influence on your cooking while you were growing up?

A: The most important lesson I ever had about cooking was from my father. He would make a giant paella at cookouts on Sundays. As a boy I wanted to help him cook, but he would always make me gather sticks for the fire. One day I got so frustrated I threw a tantrum in front of all the guests. My father said nothing. Then that night he took me aside and told me that the most important part of cooking is not the chopping or sautéing, but controlling the fire.

What an incredible lesson, especially for new chefs! We’d love to hear more about your thought process behind curating the Culinary Box.

A: I chose the products in my box to encourage cooks to be creative in their own kitchens. The Iberico ham and the potato chips are both ingredients that can be used in all kinds of dishes, and sometimes in unexpected ways. Instead of crackers at snacktime, why not top a potato chip? Amazing!

That sounds absolutely delicious! We can’t wait to try all the amazing pairings in your box! Now for a question we ask all of our curators - what is your favorite thing that you have received in the mail?

A: Two years ago I received about 30 letters from 4th and 5th graders at Loudoun Country Day School in Virginia. They were learning about Spain by watching my PBS TV show “Made in Spain” with their teacher. I was so honored--some of them were writing to me in Spanish and trying the recipes on the show! So I visited their school to answer their questions in person, and talk about Spain and about creativity. They gave me a portrait signed by all the students, and even a copy of the school’s cookbook! We had a great day together.

That is so sweet! Thank you so much for taking the time out to speak with us! We loved hearing about your inspirations now and then.

This Culinary Box is shipping at the end of May and spots are filling up fast. If you haven’t subscribed to Chef José Andrés’ box yet, click here to get yours!  

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Beer Making 101 with Wil Wheaton and Brooklyn Brew!

So you got your Wil Wheaton box and you're ready to brew some American Pale Ale! Awesome. We know it might sound crazy that you can make your own beer on your stovetop, but it's actually pretty easy. Just in case, though, here are some beer brewing tips! Taken with our step-by-step instructions (which have all the nitty gritty details), these should make your #brewday a breeze.

This is basically the same as cooking oatmeal, if you had to cook oatmeal for an hour. Stir occasionally, but not too much! Every 10-15 minutes will do.

Cooking the grain pulls out the sugars into the water. The sugar becomes alcohol, and the liquid becomes your beer.

Keeping that temperature in the proper range (144-152°F) is super important (otherwise you lose sugars). So typically, get your beer to temperature, and turn off the heat. The mash does a really god job of maintaining its temperature. If it gets too hot, add a splash of cold water, gently stir, and retake its temperature. If it gets too cold, crank up the burner just a smidge. Tiny adjustments are the key! Slow and steady makes the beer.

This is basically like a pour-over coffee: you're running more water through the grain to extract the rest of its sugar and malt flavor.

Having a friend around to hold the strainer is super useful in this step. Have them hold it steady so you can hit all the grain evenly (or at least get some good #sparge selfies)!

Timing is key here! Smartphones make it super easy with timers and alarms, but don't forget to set them as soon as the boil starts! And in case you’re not sure when that is, the boil begins at a point called the hot break. It’s when the foam that forms on the surface of your boil while heating up your beer breaks up and becomes a nice and gentle, low rolling boil.

Here’s when you add hops. Hops give off different characteristics the longer they're in the boil, so make sure you put them in at the right times. The longer hops boil, the more bitter (and less aromatic) they become. That’s why you add hops at different times throughout the boil. You want the full hop flavor they can provide.

Other than that, this is a pretty easy step. Keep a low boil and relax, but stay watchful.

Other General Tips

Sanitize. Please sanitize. It's actually the most important part. That means clean your kitchen surfaces before you start, and make a batch of sanitizer (diluted with water) using the packet included with your kit. Don’t let gross bacteria or wild yeast ruin your awesome beer!

Once you're done brewing and your beer is bubbling away, don't disturb it too much! Keep it dark and relatively cool (room temperature), and let it do its thing. Patience is a virtue, after all.

Brewing takes a few hours - we highly recommend preparing a sweet brewing playlist for yourself and not starting your first batch if you’re already a little sleepy.

Take photos and post them on social media! Make sure to tag us (@brooklynbrewshop) and Quarterly (@Quarterly), too - we love seeing your progress.

Did we mention sanitizing? We did? Well we're gonna say it again. IT'S SO IMPORTANT. PLEASE SANITIZE!

And remember, you’re not in this alone. If you ever have any questions at any point in the process (planning,brewing, drinking, etc…) , we’re here to help you out. Send us an email at [email protected], and we’ll make sure to do everything we can to ensure your brew day is a good day.

If you want to join in on this beer-making fun, you still have time to snag this kit from Brooklyn Brew in Wil Wheaton's box! Just click here and subscribe by 5/16!

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Cuban Coffee Churrasco from Chef José Andrés

One of our favorite recipes from Chef José Andrés, this Cuban Coffee Churrsaco is sure to be a hit! Follow this recipe to prep this delicious meal at home. 

Cuban Coffee Churrasco

From The Bazaar by José Andrés, at the SLS Hotel South Beach

Serves 2-4

For the steak: 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons kosher salt 6 tablespoons ground coffee 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground coriander 2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoon onion powder 4 four-ounce skirt steaks

For the coffee reduction: 1 cup brewed coffee 1 teaspoon sugar

For the passion fruit sauce: 4 fresh passion fruits 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Salt to taste 6 small spring onions, white bulb only, peeled and cut in ½ 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Maldon sea salt Fresh tarragon sprigs

For the steaks, combine the brown sugar, salt, coffee, pepper, coriander, garlic and onion powders together in a small mixing bowl.  Rub the mixture all over the steaks until well seasoned. Place the steaks in a shallow pan, cover with plastic wrap and set in refrigerator to marinate for 1½ hours.

For the coffee sauce, combine coffee and sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Let cook until reduced to a syrup that coats the back of your spoon, about 10 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn. Set aside and keep warm.

For the passion fruit sauce, place the passion fruit on a cutting board and slice open lengthwise.  Scoop out all the fruit seeds and pulp using a kitchen spoon into a mixing bowl and set aside. Heat the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Once the butter bubbles and begins to turn golden brown, remove from the heat. Add the passion fruit to the pan and mix with the warm brown butter. Season to taste with salt and keep warm.

Toss the onions and the olive oil together in a small bowl. Heat a grill over medium high heat. Place the steaks on the grill and cook for three minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from the grill and set aside. Using a grill pan, place the onions on the grill and cook, stirring occasionally, until just soft and golden, about 5 minutes.

To serve, place a steak on each plate, and divide the onions evenly between each plate. Gently drizzle a few drops of coffee reduction over the onions and spoon warm passion fruit sauce around the plate. Season with a little sea salt and a sprig of tarragon.

Photograph by Luke Mahot

For more tasty dishes from Chef José Andrés, be sure to subscribe to his upcoming Culinary Box, shipping in May! 

#chef jose andres #culinary box #food subscription box #food box

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Nina Garcia’s favorite Spring/Summer 2016 Trends: #NGQ07 unboxed!

We are very pleased to reveal the contents of Nina Garcia’s latest Quarterly mailing, #NGQ07!  For this box, Nina took the top accessory and beauty trends from the Spring/Summer 2016 runways and delivered them to her subscribers. Keep scrolling to see all of the fashion forward items!

“I’ve found that for many people it can be a little challenging to envision wearing what goes down the runway in everyday life. To help you out, I’ve selected items that are not only trendy, but also very wearable.”

This Jules Smith Americana choker is an elegant example of the choker trend seen going down almost every runway. This piece can be worn day and night and from office hours to after hours.

Statement earrings are a must this season. Upping your earring game is a great way to boost your overall outfit, and these BaubleBar earrings do just the trick!

This knotted fabric headband from luxury hair accessory brand, Jennifer Behr, is the perfect way to try the headpiece trend that was on display at countless shows.

Even though spring and summer traditionally call for a lighter lip shade, the shows set the tone for a dark, burgundy and berry-stained lip this season.  The NYX Satin finish lip cream pencil from the Simply Vamp collection will give you the runway pout.

Exaggerated lashes were another popular aspect of the Spring/Summer 2016 beauty stories.  Have fun testing out the trend with these falsies from FACE Stockholm!

Brushed up brows are back! Use the brow Gel from Eyeko to give your brows some power and transform your look.

Nina also included this adorable makeup bag from Lolobag, as she is a firm believer in accessorizing and thinks that even cosmetics deserve a great bag!

The exciting thing about this mailing is that everything can be worn together for a complete off-the-runway look.   Have fun styling these pieces this season and happy unboxing!

Be sure to subscribe to get on the list for Nina Garcia’s next mailing! 

#beauty #nina garcia #fashion #SS16 #spring/summer 2016 #trends 2016 #make up #jennifer behr #jules smith #jewelry

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How to DIY with Bob Clagett from I Like To Make Stuff

We’re stoked to have Bob Clagett on board to curate our upcoming Maker Box! If you haven’t heard of Bob yet, he’s the guy behind the popular DIY site, I Like To Make Stuff.

Hi Bob! We are so excited to chat with you and have you curate the next Maker Box! First things first, could you tell our subscribers a little bit more about yourself and how “I Like to Make Stuff” got its start?

Thanks! I’m so glad to be able to work with Quarterly on this! I Like To Make Stuff started as a way for me to have some time in my workshop, as a way to get back to that. I was working in software development, and with four young kids my time was stretched thin. As I spent more time in the shop, I remembered how much I loved making things and teaching. After doing it as a hobby for a couple of years, I decided to leave software and do ILTMS full time! Now I get to make stuff for a living and make videos about all of the projects!

That’s awesome, we’re kind of jealous! What’s the first thing you ever made?

Honestly, I don’t remember, but it was probably something out of Lego :) Growing up, I made all sorts of stuff from found materials. I made lots of skateboard ramps, costumes, you name it.

Very cool. So, what has been the thought process behind curating your Maker Box?

I really wanted some things that would easily take someone into a new skillset with no prior knowledge, and I wanted things that were fairly self contained. No electronics experience? Let’s find a self contained project that will get you started! (Also, I just picked things that I personally would enjoy).

Fun! We can’t wait to see what’s included! Have you ever had a DIY project go horribly wrong?

Constantly! I run into some sort of problem on almost every project I make, but the difference between a problem and failure is just perseverance. Every problem has a solution although sometimes that may mean rethinking your end goal. To me, problems end up being some of the best learning experiences you’ll have.

That’s so reassuring to hear. Do you have any other advice for those just starting to make?

Usually I recommend that people first find a need. Start with a problem to be solved, or a need to be filled. Solutions without a problem aren’t really very helpful, but if you know that you need a ____, you’ll be pretty motivated to learn what you need to know to make that ____.

That totally makes sense. Now a couple of fun questions that we ask all of our curators. What’s the best thing you’ve ever gotten in the mail?

Just today I got two notes from people who have gotten back into their workshops and have started making videos. I get those on a kind of regular basis, and it’s amazing to hear someone’s story and to learn that I had even a small part in inspiring them to start making things again!!

Amazing! What’s your longest running subscription?

Make Magazine! I’ve been a subscriber since about issue #4!

Of course, we should have guessed! Thanks so much for chatting with us, we’re so looking forward to your take on our Maker Box, shipping out in May.

If you’re not subscribed yet, just click here to get on the list! 

#maker #bob clagett #i like to make stuff #makermovement #mkr02 #DIY #do-it-yourself

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How to get your 8 hours every night with tips from Dr. Kelly Starrett

A good night’s sleep is vital to giving your best every day, especially when you’re training hard. Your first deep cycle of sleep is crucial to your body’s recovery after a long day. The more uninterrupted sleep you have, the more testosterone is produced throughout the night to bring your body back to optimal levels and peak performance when you wake up. Here are some helpful hacks from Dr. Kelly Starrett to help you get the 8 hours you need every night and the right way to do it.

1. Sleeping position

First things first, sleeping on your stomach is the absolute worst position for your body. It causes your neck to twist, a horrible position for your body to rest in. Whether you sleep on your side or your back, the most important thing is getting enough support for your cervical spine, upper shoulders and hips. The key to the best sleeping position for your body is whatever gets you a restful night’s sleep while fully extended with a neutral spine. Below we outlined how to optimize your sleeping position with the correct support your body needs, whether you’re a side sleeper or back sleeper. 

2. Pillow 

For side sleepers, you need the most support between your neck and upper shoulder in order to achieve an optimal sleeping position. You don’t need a fancy orthopedic pillow to achieve enough support. Simply roll up a hand towel and place it in your pillowcase along the long edge that won’t break down throughout the night. This will provide enough support and space between your shoulder and neck to be in correct alignment with your spine. If your head tilts back too far, try placing a second pillow behind you. 

For back sleepers, your neck would also benefit from the support of a rolled up hand towel. When your head tilts back too far, it could also cause your shoulder to roll forward. Try placing a pillow on your stomach for your arms to rest on, giving your shoulders enough support. 

3. Bed

There are many benefits to having a firm bed, including providing your back with enough support. But having a bed that is too firm could be more harmful than beneficial. If you have to sleep in a weird position in order to achieve a neutral spine, chances are, your bed is too firm. Dr. Starrett suggests doing a simple ‘one-minute test’ to see whether or not your bed is too firm. Lay in extended position, if you have to adjust or move your legs into a weird position to get comfy within a minute than your bed is probably too firm. You don’t need to get a new bed, instead try sleeping with some foam support underneath your knees to stay in extension throughout your sleep.

4. Light

Posture is not the only key to getting a good night’s rest, light is also a contributing factor. Dr. Starrett is a huge proponent of sleeping in complete darkness for the best sleep. 

For more helpful tips and demonstrations, check out these videos from Dr. Starrett and MobilityWOD.

Try these hacks to sleep better tonight and wake up stronger tomorrow. This quarter, Dr. Starrett is including a couple of his favorite sleep techniques in our Biohack Box. If you’re not subscribed already, get your box here.

#sleep #sleeping position #sleep hacks #biohack box #kelly starrett #Dr. Starrett #better sleep #best pillow #mobilityWOD

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Meet Kristin, the foodie behind @BayAreaEats!

We’re stoked to introduce you guys to Kristin, the foodie behind the popular Instagram account, @BayAreaEats! She’s curating the next Culinary Box and it’s going to be awesome. We don’t want to spoil too much, but get ready for some mouth watering treats. 

We sat down with Kristin and asked a few questions to help you all get to know her a little bit better. 

Q: Hi Kristin! We are so excited to chat with you and have you curate the next Culinary Box! First things first, how did Bay Area Eats start?

A: I grew up on fast food, microwavable dinners, and on rare occasion, an authentic Japanese meal prepared by my baachan (grandma). I’ve always loved food, but as a kid, I appreciated quantity over quality- pints of Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food was my all-time favorite. One year, my parents set a New Year’s resolution to try a new ethnic cuisine each month. My sister and I were less than thrilled about this foray into the unknown. And sure enough, my 10-year-old pallet was not impressed by the dolmas and hummus at our first adventure to a neighborhood Greek restaurant. We continued to try new foods and slowly but surely, I began to expand my culinary horizons.

As a collegiate athlete, I learned the importance of properly nourishing my body with food (which significantly reduced my ice cream consumption). But, between classes, track practice, and work I didn’t have time to cook. So, I found myself eating my way through every restaurant in Berkeley. I started snapping photos of wherever I ate, and that’s when Bay Area Eats began. Today, I get to inspire others to try new restaurants and cuisines the same way my parents did years ago.  

Q: That’s awesome, we love that guiding mission behind your account! Does that tie into your thought process for curating #YUM03? 

A: Yes, it totally does! #YUM03 is all things San Francisco. I drew inspiration from mornings at the Ferry Building Farmers’ Market, picnics in Golden Gate Park, and the hustle and bustle of the Financial District.  

Q: How fun! We can’t wait for subscribers to get a small taste of what the Bay Area has to offer! When you’re not out and about, what’s your favorite thing to cook at home?

A: Eating out can be very indulgent (Exhibit A) (Exhibit B). So, when I need to reign in my sweet tooth and reset, I opt for this paleo sausage and kale soup. It’s quick and easy- throw chicken stock, sausage, onions, sweet potatoes, and kale in to a pot and ta da! Delicious meal that lasts for days!

Q: We’re definitely going to have to try out that recipe! Now for a few fun questions. What’s the best thing you’ve ever received in the mail?

A: A Canon Rebel XT. I pinched pennies for months and months to afford my first DSLR camera. So, when I accidentally left it in a hotel lobby just a few weeks after buying it, you can imagine my despair. Luck was on my side- a guest had brought it to the lost and found and it was shipped back to me!

Q: That is nuts, we’re so glad you got it back! As a subscription service, we have to ask - what’s your longest-running subscription?

A: Sunset Magazine! It has everything from interior design inspiration to vacation ideas and restaurant tips.

Q: That’s definitely a good one. Well, thank you so much Kristin for taking the time to chat with us!

A: Of course, thanks for having me! 

If you’re not subscribed to the Culinary box yet, be sure to sign up here. It’s shipping out in March and will be filled with the best Bay Area treats!

#san francisco #bay area eats #culinary box #chef box #recipe box #foodie box #food box #foodie subscription #travel #best eats #foodie #san francisco restaurants #yum03

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6 Superfoods Straight from Expert Biohacker Diets

Superfoods have become one of the biggest trends in nutritional health. We have all heard of the benefits of acai, quinoa and chia seeds, but here’s a list of superfoods that our expert biohackers swear by. Some you may have already heard of, others might be surprising. We tapped into a few of our favorite curator’s diets to come up with this list of six superfoods to add to your diet for a healthier, stronger you in 2016!

1. To build up your stamina - use Cordyceps Extracts

Cordyceps extracts have been used for centuries by the Chinese. It is a rare fungus that grows on the backs of caterpillars found in high-altitude areas of Tibet, Nepal and China. Cordyceps are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and can also lower your cholesterol. Studies have indicated enhanced immune systems as well as improved stamina in endurance athletes through increased aerobic capacity and oxygen utilization.

Easily add it to your diet in the form of a tea. It comes in an instant form from Four Sigmatic, just add hot water!

2. To expedite your recovery time - use Turmeric

Turmeric is a plant native to South India and Indonesia and is a fairly common spice. However, it is also one of the most potent anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories on the planet. In addition to inflammation caused by the foods we eat, some exercises also lead to physical stress and inflammation. Foods like turmeric reduce inflammation and expedite recovery time from training. Over time, by adding turmeric to your nutritional diet, you will be able to train harder, more effectively and more efficiently, all the while battling fatigue and illness. Tim Ferriss likes to have his turmeric with tea, he even included this Turmeric Ginger Tea from Rishi Tea in #TIM07.

Bonus - curcumin. This is the active agent in Turmeric and can be found as capsules. It provides the same benefits as Turmeric, but in a more compact, potent form. For those of you who want to add it to your daily diet, try these Exos Curcumin capsules, highly recommended by Ben Greenfield.

3. For the “anti-everything” superfood - use Chaga

Chaga is a mushroom that grows on birch trees in many regions including Siberia, Japan, the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as many areas in northern North America. Chaga contains extraordinarily large amounts of superoxide dismutase (SOD), one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. It also includes 215 different phytonutrients, with anti-oxidative, immune-stimulative, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Ben Greenfield likes to refer to chaga as being “anti-everything.” Use chaga whenever you need a boost in immunity or when you are under a lot of stress, such as from tough training or periods of frequent travel. These packets from Four Sigmatic are perfect to take with you on your adventures. 

4. To increase your performance over time - use Elk Antler Velvet 

Elk antler velvet can be considered controversial in the superfood category. Although it is derived from the entire antler, it is humanely removed from the animal. Antler removal does not harm the animal and is in fact a necessary safety precaution that helps prevent the elk from attacking each other. It is mainly produced in Canada and New Zealand and can be found in a powder form. This “velvet” made our superfood list because it contains growth proteins called Insulin-like Growth Factors. These proteins create an endogenous increase in testosterone production, increasing the body’s ability to naturally and rapidly regenerate tissue and bone. Dave Asprey recommends Vigr Elk Velvet Antler, just take one to two capsules each morning to notice improvement in your health. 

5. The antioxident powerhouse - Matcha Green Tea

Green tea has many well-known benefits, however, when it comes to superfoods, only Matcha Green Tea makes the list. Matcha powdered green tea has 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea. With matcha green tea, you are literally drinking the tea leaves that have been finely turned into a powder for a more potent source of nutrients. In addition to providing small amounts of vitamins and minerals, matcha is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols. These have been linked to protection against heart disease and cancer, as well as better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-aging. What makes it unique is that it contains a potent class of antioxidant known as catechins. In particular, the catechin EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) provides potent cancer-fighting properties that counteract the effects of free radicals from the likes of pollution, UV rays, radiation, and chemicals. Matcha isn’t just for drinking. Since it is found in a powder form, you can easily add to any recipe, sweet or savory. If you Google matcha recipes, you’ll find everything from matcha muffins, brownies and puddings, to matcha soup, stir fry, and even matcha guacamole! 

(Pictured, Breakaway Matcha from #KEV02) 

6. Pu-erh Tea

Usually found in a raw cake form, Pu-erh Tea can easily be one of the most expensive teas originating from the Yunnan province of China. It is made from dried leaves of ancient trees, upwards of 1,700 years old. What makes Pu-erh truly rare is the fermentation process it goes through after the leaves are dried and aged. It is fermented with microbes which provides probiotic health benefits, such as reducing arterial plaque and LDL cholesterol levels. It also reduces blood sugar levels and improves the body’s ability to metabolize fat, aiding in weight loss.

For more information, please consult your local teahouse.  

Discover the latest superfoods and more with the Biohack Box, curated by leading field experts. Subscribe here.  

#superfoods #biohack #nutrition #fitness #health #health and wellness #biohack subscription #biohack experts #Tim Ferriss #Ben Greenfield #Dave Asprey #matcha #chaga #cordyceps #curcumin

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Introducing Maker Box - let’s build something together!

We have exciting news! Quarterly is launching a brand new subscription called Maker Box. We absolutely love the Maker movement and thought it was about time that there was a subscription dedicated to creating and making awesome, wonderful things. This subscription will feature DIY kits for a variety of hands-on projects and hours of fun! You can expect to see tech-influenced maker kits, but also kits to make your own cheese, build an air planter, create cool puzzles and other crafts. 

Each quarter will feature a brand new curator, new ideas and new creative projects. This quarter’s curator is Boing Boing! 

Boing Boing is the Internet's favorite site devoted to entertainment, technology, and culture. Launched as a print 'zine in 1988 and a blog in 2000, Boing Boing now has more than 5 million monthly readers and publishes a daily mix of short articles, long features, and video content online. Time Magazine has named Boing Boing one of the "Best Websites” multiple years in a row. Fast Company has called it "one of the most popular blogs on the planet" and the New Yorker said that Boing Boing is "read by geeks the world over." It’s basically the best place on the internet to discover wonderful things. 

The first box ships out in February. Let’s start making something together, subscribe here! 

#maker box #maker #makermovement #DIY #electronic kits #boingboing #Mark Frauenfelder #maker subscription #crafts

[quarterlyco]

#MIZ09 unboxed, plus Mizzfit’s morning routine!

The latest fashion fitness box from Mizzfit, Bianca Jade, is all about her morning routine! Bianca is a firm believer that an amazing morning is crucial to having a successful day. Everything in #MIZ09 keeps Bianca on track both mentally and physically. Read on for Bianca’s complete morning routine and see everything that was included! 

6:00 - 6:45 am

Bianca wakes up hungry every morning and knows how important it is to fuel up, especially if you have a tight morning workout schedule. A typical morning includes just enough time for a quick bowl of oatmeal and a cup of tea. 

Modern Oats is by far the healthiest and best tasting instant breakfast, loaded with fiber and protein. Bianca loves turning hers into a parfait by adding yogurt, or if you have the time and want to get fancy, add muesli! Check out ModernOats.com for more recipes and tricks to get in a healthy breakfast. 

With names like Skinny Genie, Sahara Tea makes Bianca smile every morning. This loose-leaf organic tea from Canada is delish with blends that are sliming, energizing and improve digestion. It’s a great alternative to coffee in the early hours, pre-workout. 

If Bianca has the time, she will make a power shake or smoothie with her Bella Housewares Sport Rocket Blender. This blender makes taking a shake to-go so easy and convenient.

6:45 - 7:00 am

This is when Bianca checks in to her Rise App and logs her first meal. Bianca loves this part of her morning because it is so easy and inspires her to be good all day long. Each person is paired with a personal nutritionist for suggestions and tips on eating healthier every meal. Subscribers received a two-week trial. 

7:00 - 7:30 am

Time to wash up, get dressed, and just get ready to get out the door. There’s never enough time for everything, so Bianca uses Rescue Skin to quickly hydrate and moisturize her face. These little packets are perfect for throwing into your gym bag or travel bag!

7:30 - 7:35 am

This is when Bianca should be already out the door, but always desperately searching for her favorite headband. For her subscribers, she picked the Violet Love Headband that checks off all the boxes - stylish, wide and tight to keep hair in place during any kind of workout. 

7:40 am 

Bianca is out the door and hailing a cab to her favorite fitness studio with her ViraSun polarized sunglasses on. These are inspired by yoga and designed to be secure, sweat-proof and light enough to wear for outdoor workouts. 

8:00 - 9:00 am

Time for a workout! Bianca heads to her favorite HIIT class. After class, she recovers with a quick snack, like this Goji Berry Protein Bar from Fresh&Co!

9:15 - 9:40 am

Time to hit the locker room for a quick shower before heading into the Mizzfit office. Bianca likes to use the Tan Towel to give her face and upper body a glow. These towelettes have a safe, tinted formula to bronze your skin and are a staple for Bianca’s gym bag. Now Bianca is ready for an amazing day! 

What’s YOUR morning routine like with #MIZ09? Let us know below!

Be sure to subscribe to Bianca’s subscription here for more fun fashion fitness goods.

#mizzfit #bianca jade #fitness subscription box #fashion fitness #morning fitness routine #miz09 #mizzfit box #women's health #fitness tips

[quarterlyco]

Golden tickets in #BIO05 curated by Dave Asprey!

This quarter, Dave Asprey’s mailing is all about honing in on your focus and brain hacks. It will include tools to improve your brain function, helping you think faster and more clearly. It’s a great way to jumpstart the new year! As a special treat, Dave has secured 25 amazing golden ticket opportunities for his subscribers! 

1. JINS Screen Glasses

These glasses are designed to block your cell phone’s harmful blue light that causes eye-strain. We are surrounded by blue light every day. It is most commonly found in sunlight and is necessary for energizing us and keeping us awake as well as regulating our circadian rhythm.

The problem arises, however, when blue light comes from artificial sources in great quantities at the wrong time. Under these circumstances, blue light can throw off the body’s circadian rhythm and cause eye strain.

10 subscribers will receive their choice of JINS Square or Airframe glasses ($60 value)! 

2. ErgoDriven TOPO Standing Mats

We have all heard that sitting is bad - it causes lower metabolism, blood pooling, and increased all-cause mortality. But if you use a standing desk regularly, you know that long sessions on flat ground get uncomfortable and don’t do enough to combat the harm of sitting. These TOPO mats have a calculated terrain that drives you to move more and stand healthier.

10 subscribers will receive a TOPO standing mat ($149 value)! 

3. Re-Timer Light Therapy Glasses

Re-Timer can improve your sleep by adjusting the times you fall asleep and wake up. University developed and tested, Re-Timer adjusts your Circadian Rhythm so you can change when you sleep for optimal rest. Wearing Re-Timer for 30 minutes a day is the drug-free way to sleep better and get the most out of your day. 

5 lucky subscribers will receive a pair of Re-Timers ($299 value)!

Ready for more hacks? Subscribe to Dave Asprey’s #BIO05 here. 

#biohack #dave asprey #bulletproof #biohack box #brain hacks #focus tips #sleep hacks #life hacks #health hacks #biohack subscription #giveaway

[quarterlyco]

Nina Garcia’s Travel Essentials: #NGQ06 unboxed!

We are so excited to reveal the latest Nina Garcia box, #NGQ06! This time of year involves a lot of traveling for Nina, between fashion shows, Project Runway and her family. For #NGQ06, she wanted to share her travel must-haves with all of her subscribers. Keep scrolling for a peek at everything that was inside! 

“This is my go to kit that gets me through the flight and then starts me off on the right foot once I arrive at my destination.” - Nina Garcia

BAGGU DUCK BAG  

This Baggu Duck Bag is the perfect size to fit all of your essentials, without the bulk of a bigger bag. Dual straps make it easy to carry as you are racing through the airport trying to make a flight. The small inside pocket is the perfect place to keep your passport and ID for safe keeping and easy access. 

X-RAY PASSPORT COVER from FLIGHT001

Add a fun pop of color to your travel essentials with this passport cover. Easily locate your passport if it ever gets placed with all your other travel gear.

WELEDA’S SKIN FOOD

JANE IREDALE’S COMPACT OF BLOTTING PAPERS

Both of these beauty products are life-savers when it comes to looking and feeling fresh when you land. 

EMI JAY HAIR TIES

Nina never travels without a few of these hair ties to quickly fix her hair into a sleek ponytail upon arrival. 

PINCH PROVISIONS MINIMERGENCY KIT

This is one of the handiest items to have when traveling! From a sewing kit, to clear nail polish and double sided tape, this little kit should have what you need if you accidentally leave a necessity at home.

SLEEP MASK from FLIGHT001

These super fun sleep masks are perfect for quick naps on long flights. It keeps the light out to ensure a restful sleep, no matter what the time zone is. 

CHARGING CLUCHETTE FROM CHIC BUDS

This wallet clutch doubles as a portable charging station for your phone to make sure your phone is charged and ready to go. This little clutch is definitely chic enough to be carried on its own, and then just toss it into your canvas bag before boarding. 

LUGGAGE TAG from FLIGHT001

These cheeky luggage tags stand out from the crowd and will help you easily locate your luggage quickly. 

ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO SHOEBOX PRO

Nina is constantly taking photos during her travels, so this is a wonderful way to free up storage on her phone and easily access all her pictures. 

Happy unboxing and safe travels! 

To subscribe to Nina Garcia’s subscription, click here.

#beauty #fashion #project runway #nina garcia #travel must-haves #travel essentails #beauty subscription #fashion box #travel box

[quarterlyco]

Ben Greenfield’s Sleep Hacks

For our 2015 Holiday Biohack Box, Ben Greenfield teamed up with some of our other performance gurus to deliver one amazing elevated holiday for their subscribers. 

Read up on Ben’s sleep hacks below:

I have, for nearly four years now, been quite passionate about using sound to hack my sleep. Sometimes, I use free downloadable sound files on iTunes that allow me to lull my body into relaxing delta brain waves (a search on iTunes will reveal a plethora of such tracks). Other times, I play easy-to-use apps such as Sleepstream and Pzizz, which allow me to do everything from blocking out noise, to selecting tracks for power naps or deep sleep, to enhancing meditation.

It’s very important to understand that any of these apps that incorporate sound to change your brain waves or enhance your sleep are dependent upon you using headphones. Problem is, the “average” pair of headphones, such as earbuds, tend to dig into your ears if you try to sleep with them, especially if you’re a side-sleeper. You know exactly what I'm talking about if you’ve ever woken feeling as though an earbud was about to puncture your eardrum. You also know, if you listened to the Ben Greenfield Fitness podcast with sleep expert Nick Littlehales, that you definitely should be a side-sleeper if you want the deepest, most restorative sleep possible.

Then there’s big, bulky noise-blocking headphones that cover your whole ear. I’ve found these to be OK for use on an airplane, but when I’m sleeping (and especially when I’m side-sleeping) these can also be extremely cumbersome and inhibit deep sleep. The other problem with this style of headphones, and any other wireless option, is that they rely upon a Bluetooth signal, which exposes you to radiation the entire time you’re sleeping. Granted, there is no research in human subjects proving Bluetooth to be a carcinogen, but it has indeed been shown to cause blood-brain barrier leakage in rats, even at low intensities. So I’m not taking any chances.

So, what’s the solution to being able to use sound to hack your sleep, without the sound delivery mechanism disrupting your sleep?

Enter SleepPhones. SleepPhones are simply headphones that have been made sleep-friendly. As you can see, they are basically headphones that have been embedded in a headband, and they make listening to audio in bed a complete dream, pun intended. I first discovered these when I was looking for headphones that would keep my ears warm while running in cold weather, and then I quickly realized that they worked very, very well for sleep too. SleepPhones were designed by a family doctor and provide wearable comfort that's literally music to your ears while you sleep, travel, or meditate.

Each set of SleepPhones features innovative SheepCloud™ fabric and are woven from a luxurious, hypoallergenic smooth fleece material for the most comfortable fit during each and every use. You’ll be amazed at how well they block ambient noise, conversations, traffic sounds and snoring, all without the use of painful ear buds or awkward headphones.

Now you can relieve stress and block out noise by listening to your favorite tunes, soothing meditation sounds, radio, sleep-enhancing rhythms, audiobooks or any other preferred music…and get a good night's sleep naturally, without medications. In addition, for free sleep sound downloads and more, visit SleepPhones at GreenfieldFitnessSystems.com/SleepPhones. And, as I mentioned, you can also go running in them if you’re out on a brisk, cold jaunt and want to keep your head warm. Satisfaction guaranteed. 

Enjoy!

Ben Greenfield

Want in on this Holiday Biohack box? Subscribe here. 

#biohack #sleephack #ben greenfield #better sleep #biohack box subscription #biohack subscription

[quarterlyco]

New Artists for Quarterly Editions!

Check out the latest artists that have joined Quarterly Editions below.

DAVID SARACINO

One of the first illustrators to join Editions is David Saracino. He specializes in editorial illustration and advertising. His art has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and more. 

“I’m very excited to be a part of [Quarterly Editions]!” stated David. “The unique concept of curated items delivered to your door is a great way of expanding my audience as an artist, as well as being a part of a community of young creatives.” 

David’s print is inspired by the color story from Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom and features his own take on the main characters. 

Purchase this print from David Saracino here. 

ALONZO FELIX

Alonzo Felix is an independent graphic designer, known for his work with illustrations, lines and typography. 

“I love the ability of art and design to connect people through shared experiences and provide inspiration to see the world around us a little differently,” said Alonzo.

Alonzo’s print was inspired by his daily ferry commute in New York and features the three bridges. 

Purchase Alonzo Felix’s print here. 

LOTTA NIEMINEN

Also joining Editions is Lotta Nieminen, illustrator, graphic designer and art director from Helsinki, Finland. She currently works as a freelance artist and runs her own New York-based studio. 

Lotta’s print was inspired by her favorite place in New York - a warm sunny day in Central Park. We love the whimsical nature of this print and the tiny details that make it great!

Purchase Lotta Nieminen’s print here.

Interested in learning more about Quarterly Editions and the other artists involved? Check out our full list of artists here. 

#art #art subscription #cool art prints #lotta nieminen #alonzo felix #david saracino #quarterly editions #graphic design #illustration

[quarterlyco]

IDEO.org TO BE FEATURED AS QUARTERLY EDITIONS ARTIST, PROCEEDS FROM THE ARTWORK WILL BE USED TO COMBAT POVERTY

Quarterly is proud to announce that Adam Reineck from IDEO.org will be featured as a Quarterly Editions artist, with proceeds going to further their organization’s mission in designing a path out of poverty. IDEO.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to applying human-centered design to alleviate poverty. IDEO.org believes that the most potent weapon against global poverty is design. The solutions, systems, and social innovation that arise from truly understanding and designing alongside the poor are the most likely to offer hope and improve lives.

Reineck’s artwork features a collection of brushes and brooms from countries where IDEO.org works around the globe. Each of these represents a different approach to craft and manufacturing locally and efficiently, and some have very specific functions. The one on the right from Kenya is a cow’s tail dried on a stick that is sometimes used in cultural ceremonies, but often is used to clean out gourds that store milk. The one from Myanmar is an eyebrow brush and is also used with Thanaka face paint. When someone purchases IDEO.org’s upcoming exclusive artwork, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to IDEO.org's cause. In the case of IDEO.org, Quarterly aims to raise $10,000 in order to help spread human-centered design to fight (and ultimately eradicate) global poverty.

“We're excited to be partnering with Quarterly to raise awareness around and elevate design as a poverty-fighting tool,” said Adam Reineck, principal designer at IDEO.org in San Francisco, California. “We hope that our participation in this new campaign will help us reach a new audience and expand support for IDEO.org.”

“IDEO.org is a perfect example of the type of organization Quarterly aims to work with,” said Zach Frechette of Quarterly. “Their focus on tackling the greatest societal needs through design is something Quarterly is honored to support."

Click here to purchase your print today! 

#Ideo.org #non-profit #art subscription #charity #Ideo

[quarterlyco]

A complete look at the Culinary Box curated by Food52!

Earlier this year, we decided to switch up our chef-curated subscriptions and created the new Culinary Box subscription. Each quarter’s box would be curated by a different chef, expert or food personality with a different theme and new discoveries. Our Summer Culinary Box was curated by Amanda and Merrill of Food52 to help you cool off for summer. 

A complete look at #YUM01 curated by Food52

No summer would be complete without fresh berries. Display them in a beautiful summer spread with this Heirloom Home and Studio porcelain berry basket. This charming piece is handmade and inspired by the farm-to-table movement. 

These fun Polka Dot Popsicle Sticks from the Sucre Shop are a great way to make a delicious treat even better! Use these to re-create Food52′s Raspberry Ice Pops for a fun picnic or outdoor after-dinner treat! 

Also included were Royal Rose Syrups in Raspberry and Lavender-Lemon flavors. Add these to your popsicle mix for an extra punch of flavor. 

To top it all off, Food52 also included the Zoku Ice Pop Maker. These are a great way to make popsicles with the whole family. This smart design uses silicone for the maker so it slips right off once your pop is ready. It also makes a cute round pop for an optimal popsicle! 

We hope you thoroughly enjoyed this first Culinary Box from Food52. Next quarter’s box is going to be curated by Andrew Zimmern and will definitely be a fun food adventure! Reserve your box here. 

#culinary box #food subscription #food box #chef curated box #chef box #Food52 #Andrew Zimmern