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Lifestyle

For the Connoisseur
  • If the only rose you've ever tried is White Zinfandel, you're missing out on a world full of excellent wines. There's a lot of variation when it comes to rose wine, so no matter what your tastes, you're sure to find something that's up your alley. Rose can be sweet or dry, one-note or complex, flat or bubbly. In fact, some of the best Champagnes are roses made from Pinot Noir grapes. Rose can be made in a number of different ways, but the vast majority of best rose wine in 2022 is made from 100% red wine grapes. Rose wine is sometimes made by fermenting the wine on the skins for anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks to get its color. Once the correct color is achieved, it’s taken off the skins so that it doesn't turn into red wine. Alternatively, rose can be "bled" from red wines by siphoning off the lighter wine at the top of the fermentation vat. Finally, rose can be produced by blending white and red wines, though this method isn't commonly used and produces inferior quality wine. Though California White Zinfandel is the most popular style of rose in the New World, rose is also commonly enjoyed in France. French roses are usually dry and floral and are very popular in the summer months. Of course, rose is made wherever winemakers put down roots from Spain to South Africa to New Zealand. With so many different rose wines to try, this is one style that definitely worth trying.
    February 03, 2016
  • Made from a flavorful green grape that packs a punch, chardonnay is one of the world's favorite white wines. chardonnay grapes are grown all over the world, though they were first cultivated in the Burgundy region of France. Though they reached the peak of their popularity at the end of the 20th century, there are still more acres devoted to this chardonnay than any other white wine grape. Though its popularity has made it unchic in some circles, there are so many ways to style chardonnay that most people who claim to dislike it would probably appreciate at least one of its incarnations.Since it's a relatively hardy varietal, chardonnay can be grown in many different regions. Depending on the weather and the quality of the soil, wine made from these grapes can show flavors of apple, pineapple, ripe fruit, or vanilla. There are several ways to style chardonnay wines. These wines can be aged in oak and finished with malolactic fermentation, resulting in the big oak and butter flavors frequently seen in California chardonnays. Alternatively, they can be aged in steel, a fermentation technique that allows the green apple tartness of the grapes to shine through. In Champagne, France, chardonnay grapes are also the only grape that can be used to make blanc de blanc Champagne.No matter what you need it for, our list of chardonnays will help you out; check out the below buying guide to teach yourself more about wine, too!
    February 03, 2016
  • Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an intriguing wine to go with a seafood dish, a sparkling wine is a great choice. Sparkling wines are made all over the world, including Australia, South Africa, the United States, Italy, Spain, and France. There are a number of different types of sparkling wine. Prosecco is an Italian wine made from Glera grapes. This wine is carbonated in large steel vats and designed to be enjoyed soon after bottling. Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, is made from any number of classic Spanish grapes. This wine is bottle fermented and can be aged in the cellar for a number of years. Finally, there are Champagne-style sparkling wines. These commonly made around the world and make use of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, the three grape varietals that grow in Champagne, France. These wines are also bottle fermented and most are aged for at least a few years before they're ready to enjoy.The techniques of bottle fermenting were perfected in Champagne, France, which is why many people call any sparkling wine a "champagne." Technically, only wines that come from this region are allowed to use the name Champagne, though the vast majority of sparkling wines are made in the Champagne-style. Since there is live yeast in the bottle, these wines have a toasty aroma.When shopping for a sparkling wine, you may notice that these wines are organized by the level of residual sugar. Dry, extra-dry, and brut are the three most common sugar levels, with dry being the sweetest, and Brut being the driest. Less commonly, you may find wines labeled extra brut and brut nature, which are extremely dry, and demi-sec and doux, which signify sweeter wines.Finally, sparkling wines will be labeled with either the year harvested or the letters NV, which stands for Non-Vintage. Non-Vintage wines are blended from wines from a number of different harvests taken over a number of different years. They tend to be less expensive and more consistent than vintage wines though they are rarely as complex as a good vintage wine. When selecting a vintage wine, you'll want to make sure that the year was a good one for the grapes. Vintage wines are usually more expensive but are excellent when made in good years.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best sparkling wine in 2022, We have listed below the sparkling wines available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    February 03, 2016
  • The third-most planted wine grape in the world, merlot is popular both as a stand-alone varietal and as a blending grape. This grape is native to Bordeaux, France, but has been grown throughout warmer European areas for around 200 years. Now, merlot has made its way all over the world and is popular in the Americas, Southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. A relatively subtle grape with less tannin than the closely related cabernet sauvignon, wine made solely from merlot grapes tends to be fruity and smooth and usually won't hold up to many years of cellaring, reaching its peak after 5 to 15 years. Of course, there are some exceptional merlots that continue to mature for many decades.There are two main styles of best merlots in 2022: the Old World style— which makes use of earlier harvests in order to emphasize soft fruit flavors— and the New World. Old World wines are lower in alcohol than New World style merlots; New World merlot grapes are often left on the vines a little longer, giving them a chance to develop a more concentrated flavor and an increased sugar content. The extra sugar in the grapes does not lead to a sweet wine but is instead metabolized by the yeast in order to make a wine with a higher alcohol content preferred by many New World drinkers. These wines have jammier flavors with an emphasis on plum and blackberry, and more soft tannins that give them more body than their Old World counterparts.No matter what type of wine you prefer, we have done the research to come up with a comprehensive list of the best merlots of this year. They vary in region, flavors, and price, so you're bound to find something suitable for your taste and budget. Take a look at our favorites below.
    February 03, 2016
If you travel frequently, you know how challenging it can be to get some shut-eye on a long flight or road trip. A good travel pillow can make all the difference between arriving at your destination well-rested or feeling tired and sore. But, with so many travel pillow options available, what’s the best travel pillow on the market? That’s what we’re here to answer! We’ve put together a list of the best-rated pillows for your next travel adventures.Price legend:$: 0-25$$: 26-50$$$: 51-100Below, you’ll find our picks for the 5 best travel pillows of 2023. We made our selections based on the products’ price, portability, and level of support and comfort. See what each travel pillow has to offer!
April 21, 2023
Do you love collecting memories and revisiting them later on? If yes, then scrapbooking is a hobby that you must try out! Scrapbooking refers to the art of collecting, organizing, and presenting pictures, souvenirs, and cards in a scrapbook album. Scrapbooking can also be used for storytelling or as a personal journal. With countless different types of scrapbooks available in the market, choosing the right one for yourself can get confusing. To make the choice easier for you, we have reviewed the finest scrapbooks of 2022.
September 07, 2022
While walking your dog may just be fun exercise for you, for your dog, it’s their only way of experiencing the world. Given their enthusiasm to explore the outdoors, there won’t be a better time to channel your pet’s energy into improving their behavior.Dog training leashes are the only physical connection between you and your puppy on an outside stroll. A training leash clips around your dog’s collar or harness, offering them freedom, safety, and guidance, while keeping you in control. The addition of a training leash to your daily training sessions will ensure you can easily steer your pup in the right direction.Whether you simply need to keep your beloved canine friend close by on a neighborhood stroll, or want to manage your pup’s behavior, there’s a leash that will do the job. This article details the strongest dog training leashes of 2022.
August 26, 2022
Latest Reviews
  • When you adore your furry canine companion, you will no doubt want to express your love by doling out treats during training, to reward good behavior or just because. There are thousands of treats on the market, but when you want your treat to not only taste delicious, but also pack a nutritious punch, the following are your best options. Our best dog treat list in 2022 is comprised of treats that are made with top notch ingredients from trusted brands and different textures to appeal to any dog's palate and nutritional needs.
    January 17, 2014
  • When you decide to kennel train your dog, wire crates are a great option for dogs who like to see their surroundings, for proper ventilation and for easy folding for travel and storage. There are several options for crates including multiple doors, size options, and materials. This best dog crates list in 2022 was comprised of trusted brands, diverse styles and positive ratings to make choosing the best kennel for your dog easy while providing your pup with a safe new place to call home.
    January 17, 2014
  • When your dog barks unnecessarily and incessantly it is not only annoying to you and your neighbors, but can also lead to fines. This undesirable habit can be unlearned, but it takes diligence and consistency. There are several options for bark deterrent collars on the market, with different levels of effectiveness including electronic stimulation (“shock”), citronella spray and ultrasonic. The best bark collars in 2022 on the following list were chosen because they are the most effective and safe options of citronella and electronic stimulation collars. Ultrasonic, though an option have not been rated well as a bark deterrent and were not included on the list. Bark collars are only effective and safe when used properly, so no matter which one you choose, follow the instructions carefully.
    January 16, 2014
  • Whether your cat has short or long hair, they can benefit from regular brushing. A good comb or brush will remove dirt, grease, and dead skin cells which feline grooming cannot reach in addition to simulating blood circulation and reducing the possibility of hairballs. As cats age, they aren't able to clean themselves as well as they once did and need your assistance. Introducing them to the regimen at a young age can make it easier to assist them with their grooming habits later on. Long haired cats can develop matted hair and other issues easily if not brushed regularly. Choosing the right brush and starting the habit while your cat is still a kitten will make the act a bonding experience akin to a mother brushing her child's hair. The best cat brushes in 2022 on this list were chosen because they feel soft on your pet's skin yet be strong enough to remove dead hair and dirt from the undercoat.
    December 30, 2014
  • There are a variety of ways fleas can infest your dogs, especially during the peak flea and tick season of every year (spring to early autumn). Even though you want to keep your canine free of parasites, you also don’t want to strap s omething on them that could be harmful or unhealthy. Furthermore, you want to avoid introducing fleas and ticks into your home. The following list of the best dog flea collars in 2022 is based on reviews posted online from customers who have used these products, the effectiveness of the collars, and the active ingredients.
    November 22, 2013
  • Whether or not your cat is indoor only, you should provide it with a clean, private place to use the restroom (many neighbors don't appreciate felines fertilizing their yards haphazardly). Some cats feel claustrophobic in enclosed litter boxes and demand an open air experience. Some cats are frightened by mechanical noises and won't use self-cleaning litter boxes. Whatever receptacle you choose should value the feline's preferences primarily. Appearance, ability to contain odors, and price are meaningless if the cat refuses to use the box. The best litter boxes in 2021 are made of high quality plastic that won't easily absorb the odor of its contents. They are easy to clean, affordable, and provide ample space for cats to 'do their business'. The litter boxes on this list were chosen based on design, aesthetics, and price.
    November 06, 2013
  • Choosing the right cat litter for your feline can be difficult. The brands which are the cheapest, most readily available, and effective at often utilize chemicals to do so. The natural products are often more expensive and have a natural grainy aroma despite their effectiveness for trapping the even more offensive scents left behind by regular feline use. Furthermore, nearly all types of cat litter pose some risk for disease. The feline's normal grooming habits make it susceptible to ingesting the dust or particles. Many inexpensive store bought brands contain non-biodegradable sodium bentonite clay and/or silica gel which can be harmful to a cat's health. Wheat and corn based kitty litters can breed aflotoxin under warm, moist conditions, such as those produced during routine use. However, those with sturdy plumbing could choose a flushable natural cat litter to aid their ability to keep the litter box in tip-top condition and minimize this risk. The best cat litters in 2022 on this list were chosen based on their risk of illness by ingestion, price, and availability.
    October 23, 2013
  • Cat food manufacturers are constantly inventing new recipes - wet and dry, holistic, natural, grain-free, and organic - nearly all of which claim to be specially formulated to meet your feline's dietary needs.  While any type of ingredients can be combined to produce a product with the appropriate protein level, they are not all the same.  Many veterinarians now recommend canned foods over dry due to their high moisture content which helps compensate for the feline's low thirst drive.  It will be up to you to decide which level of quality you expect from the ingredients.Natural cat foods are made with ingredients produced by nature (not in a laboratory) and subjected to minimal processing.  These recipes, although indeed natural, may contain meat by-products, grains, soy, or other fillers. Grain-free cat foods do not necessarily contain high quality meats and may contain other starchy fillers like potatoes or vegetables.  They are merely grain-free. Holistic recipes believe the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient dense ingredients are the best way to nourish an animal from the inside out.  Some recipes include grains and protein quality may vary as there is no requirement to use natural or organic meats in holistic recipes.Organic cat foods are made from ingredients grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, added growth hormones, antibiotics, by-products, or bio-engineering.  They can be made from any combination of ingredients (including grains), as long as they are organic. Whether you decide that price, protein quality, or the mix of ingredients is the most important factor when choosing a cat food, these lists will guide you to the best cat foods in 2022, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each recipe.
    October 10, 2013
  • Many US products require a transformer or converter abroad due to the voltage difference that countries operate on. Voltage converters are small, usually travel-sized and can be used on a variety of different electric items with heating devices such as hair dryers, curlers, irons, and radios. It’s always wise to first check the wattage of your appliance before using a voltage converter. One of the main things to consider in a travel voltage converter is its weight. You don’t want a heavy converter weighing your luggage down. I’ve complied a list of the best travel adapters in 2022 for your next trip.
    August 26, 2013
  • Stink happens. And whether it’s pee, poop, puke Your best chance for eliminating pet odors is to remove as much of the source of the stink as soon as possible and then use a product specially designed to remove odors. Effectiveness is key here. After all, if the product doesn't work, cost and ease of use don't really matter. For our choices here, we also looked at ease of use of the products and whether the product uses pet-friendly ingredients to decrease potential health hazards to your pets. Almost all deodorizing products will leave a scent and your choice may ultimately depend on what scents you like - or dislike. Here's a look at the best products for getting pet odors out of carpets, upholstery, clothing -- and our pets. We've compiled the list of the best pet odor removers in 2022.
    August 26, 2013
  • When choosing a hamster cage, you have to understand what you are looking for. Space is a primary consideration; as with any living creature, it's important to provide enough room so your hamster doesn't feel confined. Hamsters need ventilation and free air flow but need to be away from drafts also. Hamsters are known as escape artists, so you need to make sure that he is not able to get his head through the bars or he is liable to take an unwanted journey. They also need exercise or they will lay around, sleep, and get overweight in short order. So they need a wheel or other ways for them to climb and roam around to get exercise. You as an owner will appreciate it if the cage is easy to clean. A bottom tray that is deep will help keep the litter in the cage and not everywhere else. Check out our best hamster cages in 2022.
    May 13, 2013
  • A luggage scale is a useful device for both at home and on the go. It’s intended to accurately weigh your luggage so you can avoid paying excess baggage fees at the airport. The good thing is these luggage scales are also lightweight and can be carried anywhere. For frequent travelers, this item is very useful and will save you from unnecessary baggage fees beforehand. I’ve created a list of the best luggage scales in 2022 based on capacity and overall accuracy of the scale.
    May 20, 2011
  • Tourists are often the targets of skilled pickpockets. If you’re traveling to a new area and want to be sure to keep your money and valuables safe, a money belt is a good investment. A money belt can be a pouch worn at the waist that holds documents, credit cards and money, or can be a literal belt that conceals cash with a zipper pocket. The best money belts in 2022 are discreet and easy to remove quickly, when you need to access the money. They are slim, undetectable to thieves and will give you peace of mind while you enjoy your vacation.
    May 10, 2010