Updated on July 14, 2023
How is Vodka Made?
Vodka is a beloved and versatile spirit that has won over the hearts of alcohol enthusiasts worldwide. In order to truly appreciate its refreshing taste and smoothness, it is important to understand the intricate process behind its creation, from the careful selection of high-quality ingredients to the delicate art of distillation.
Vodka production is a labor-intensive journey that has been refined over centuries. The foundation of exceptional vodka lies in the meticulous choice of ingredients. Traditionally fermented grains such as wheat, rye, or barley serve as the base for vodka. However, modern variations often incorporate potatoes or even fruits like grapes. These raw materials are selected for their starch content, which becomes the basis for fermentation.
Many modern vodka companies also use additives like spices to alter their vodka’s flavor. However, brands such as NEFT Vodka have been able to achieve an award-winning flavor by following traditional recipes with no additives or extra sugars. Despite the straightforward, transparent nature of its recipe, NEFT Vodka has won international acclaim at competitions such as the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For this reason, NEFT Vodka and other brands that use traditional recipes have illustrated that additives are not a necessity for a satisfying vodka product.
The highest quality grains or potatoes are carefully sourced to ensure a refined and consistent flavor profile. Once the grains or potatoes have been chosen, they undergo a process called fermentation. Through the addition of yeast, starch is naturally converted into sugars. This fermentation takes place in large vats or tanks, allowing yeast to transform sugars into alcohol. The resulting liquid is referred to as “wash” or “mash.” It carries a low alcohol content but acts as the starting point for distillation.
The true essence of vodka is honed and perfected through the art of distillation. The mash is heated through two or more distillations within a vessel called a still, which is made from copper or stainless steel. Each distillation involves heating up the liquid to separate alcohol from impurities and undesirable flavors. The vaporized alcohol rises through the still and condenses into a highly concentrated spirit. During this process, known as “heads” and “tails,” respectively, only select portions known as “hearts” are retained by skilled distillers due to their impeccable quality.
Following distillation, additional steps may be taken to further refine the vodka’s character. Filtration is often employed as a common technique to eliminate any remaining impurities while enhancing its clarity. Some vodka producers also opt to age their spirits in barrels, which adds depth and complexity to the final product. However, it is common practice to bottle most vodkas right after distillation to maintain their refreshing and pristine qualities.
Updated on June 27, 2019
Are Costume Contact Lenses Right for You?
Contact Lens For Vision. Closeup Of Female Face With Applying Contact Lens On Her Brown Eyes. Beautiful Woman Putting Eye Lenses With Hands. Opthalmology Medicine And Health. High Resolution
Summary: Costume contacts are a different type of lenses made with specialized colors and materials.
Costume contact lenses can be a unique and fun way to change the color of your iris. Whether you need something to match a creepy Halloween costume or create a look for a new style, these decorative lenses can be made with or without vision correction.
If you’re new to the scene, here are some common questions answered so you get the basic idea of how these lenses work and whether they are right for you.
Are They Safe to Wear?
First off, retailers are not allowed to sell contact lenses without a valid prescription from a licensed eye doctor. More importantly, doing so can cause severe harm to your eyes due to the wrong power and size.
Costume lenses may allow less oxygen to flow through the eyes when compared to regular soft contact lenses. This is commonly due to the pigments and paints used to add the color. Therefore, it may not be ideal to wear these for extended periods of time. But, if you follow the proper cleaning and maintenance protocols, you may find that they’re more comfortable to wear.
The Importance of Obtaining a Prescription
It’s crucial to remember that even though these contact lenses are used as props, they are still considered medical devices and should be treated as such. When people wear contact lenses of any kind, they need to fully understand the risks involved and ensure they follow their eye doctor’s recommendations at all times. This means keeping your prescription updated to the appropriate power.
Blog submitted by Lens.com: Lens.com carries all your favorite brands of contact lenses for the lowest prices. Shop from Acuvue to Bausch & Lomb and more today at Lens.com.
Updated on May 22, 2019
How Different Are Colored Contact Lenses from Regular Lenses?
Summary: Colored contact lenses are different from standard contacts in a number of ways. But, they also share various similarities as well.
Colored contact lenses can be used for a variety of things including fashion events and even just for style. With celebrities popularizing them in today’s day and age, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these specialized lenses are becoming the new “in thing” in the fashion world. But, how do they differ from your standard contacts that you wear on a daily basis?
They Are Still Medical Devices
Contrary to what people tend to believe, these contact lenses are still considered medical devices and should be treated as such. Moreover, they still require a prescription from an optometrist – which is mandatory for buying them. It’s also important to keep in mind that they need to be treated like a standard pair of contact lenses. This means proper cleaning and storing after use.
They May Take a While to Get Used To
Because these lenses are made differently than your regular contact lenses, they might not sit as comfortably at first. But, with enough wear on them, they’ll become something of an afterthought once they are put on. Now, this doesn’t mean that you’ll be constantly suffering from irritation or discomfort for the entire tenure that you have them on, but it’s something to consider. If, however, you do feel a burning sensation or show signs of a pending infection, immediately remove them and consult with your eye doctor for further instructions. Ignoring these common signs could cause permanent damage to your eyes and potential blindness in extreme cases.
Blog submitted by Lens.com: Lens.com is the largest contact lens supplier. With low prices on products like the Acuvue 2 lens or other brands, Lens.com can help you find everything you need.
Updated on March 29, 2019
Are Daily or Monthly Contact Lenses Right for You?
Summary: There are distinct differences between daily and monthly contact lenses. This guide will discuss the advantages of both sides so you can choose a product that is right for you.
If you are in the market for new contact lenses, two options might stick out to you: daily contact lenses and monthly contact lenses. Daily contacts have seen a surge in popularity over the last decade due to their many advantages to other types of contacts. Still, it is a matter of personal preference, so deciding which type of lens could save you both money and time in the long run.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Daily contact lenses come with their advantages and disadvantages. These lenses do not take long to get used to and are great for people with an active lifestyle. However, these are not the only benefits of wearing dailies.
They are also hassle-free in that you can put them on in the morning and throw them away at night. You do not need any cleaning solutions or form a routine around wearing them. Now, overwearing your contacts comes with serious risks. The good news is that with daily disposables you do not have to keep track of how long you have been wearing them. The habit of throwing them away after every night becomes so routine that the possibility of wearing them too long by accident doesn’t exist.
Monthly Contact Lenses
Whether you are purchasing the latest Air Optix contacts or another brand, monthlies come with a number of benefits.
For one, they are great for traveling. You only need one pair and you’re good to go, depending on the length of the trip of course. This means that you don’t need to pack dozens of daily contact lenses or face the risk of having to wear a pair twice if you miscalculated.
They are also more cost-effective than dailies. Swapping out a pair of contact lenses on a daily basis can be expensive. By going with monthlies, you can save a significant amount of money. Moreover, if you go with a trusted supplier that offers discounted rates such as Lens.com for example, you can lower your costs even more.
Updated on September 11, 2018
5 Simple Tips to Get Healthy Skin
Your skin mirrors how healthy your body is on the inside. Therefore, healthy skin is often a result of a healthy lifestyle. However, it is never too late to change your unhealthy habits to enjoy the benefits of beautiful, healthy skin.
Lack of hydration – Staying hydrated all the time will help your skin stay plump and moist. Hydration will also help your skin bounce back with less damage if your weight fluctuates. Look at always carrying a water bottle with you and sipping it throughout the day.
Smoking – Smoking is an unhealthy habit that can affect your skin and cause wrinkles and discoloration. If you want good skin, it is important to quit smoking immediately.
Sun damage – Fun in the sun can make you look tanned and healthy. However, UV rays can cause a lot of damage to your skin. Look at applying a sunblock that protects your entire body and consider wearing protective clothing while on the beach or by the pool.
Lack of exercise – Being overweight can cause many health problems like hormone imbalances that will eventually cause acne and scarring. Exercise is also known to improve blood flow and help the body transport oxygen and renew skin cells.
Bad eating habits – Foods that are high in salt, sugar, and preservatives will not provide your body and skin with the nutrients it needs to look its best. Look at switching to fresh ingredients like lean meats, fresh vegetables, and fruits and limit processed starches like bread and cereals.
Updated on September 11, 2018
5 Foods dermatologists swear by for amazing skin
Article Written by : Inexpensive Wedding Ideas
Food is a powerful ally to achieving glowing skin. Dermatologists say the right foods can boost hydration, fight wrinkles and keep blemishes at bay. Here are five foods that will get your skin glowing.
Avocados – Including one avocado per week into your diet will provide healthy monounsaturated fats that maintain cell membranes and help skin stay soft and smooth. Since avocados are rich in phytochemicals, they protect the skin from damage by providing the minerals and vitamins your skin needs.
Flaxseed – Flaxseed contains lignans that are a plant compound similar to omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds help to fight acne-related inflammation and keep dry skin at bay. Lignans are also known to help treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Flaxseed oil is also a good to clear out toxins as it helps relieve constipation.
Tofu – Soy contains phytoestrogen compounds which are called isoflavones. These compounds help to boost metabolism and create a brighter healthier skin tone.
Chocolate – Cocoa contains flavanols which are known to improve skin texture and thickness. It does this by fighting dryness by reducing water loss on the skin’s surface. Flavanols are also good to improve circulation so that nutrients and oxygen can be transported to the skin more efficiently.
Grapefruit – Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and is, therefore, a good fruit to smooth out your skin. The fruit also can steady blood sugar levels which helps to slow down the aging process and reduced the loss of collagen.
Updated on June 22, 2018
How to Get in Shape in One Month?
If you have a big event coming up and want to get into shape, you are not alone. A lot of women use a special event as motivation to reach their weight goals. Here are some tips on how to lose weight in one month.
Change your diet and exercise routines – If you are looking for fast results, it is a must to change both your exercise and diet routines. Start off by eliminating processed, packaged food and sugar from your diet. Look at increasing your vegetable intake and add lean meats to your diet. Include at least 45 minutes of cardio per day to reach your goal.
Eat some superfoods – Superfoods like broccoli, eggs, kale, and almonds are a great way to add nutrition and keep you full for longer.
Water – If you are exercising and leading a relatively active lifestyle, you should aim to drink at least 2.5 to 3 liters of water a day.
Change your perspective – Your workouts should be fun and suit your personality. For those who are short on time, it is best to look at home based workouts. However, if you prefer to workout with others, look at joining a gym, a workout class or include a friend who is also looking to lose a few pounds.
Know what it takes to get results – The amount of effort you will need to put in will depend on how much you want to lose. On average a 30 minutes cardio session followed by some strength training is a good place to start. However, start off with three days a week and then look at increasing your frequency.
Updated on June 6, 2018
Five ways to make your eyes look bigger
Big eyes give your face a doll like girly look that all girls love. Making your eyes look bigger while still making sure you look natural can be tricky. Here are 5 ways to make your eyes look bigger.
Get a Smooth Start – Puffy, wrinkly eyes can really make it difficult to apply eye makeup. To smooth out your skin around your eyes, apply adhesive eye pads like SK-II Signs Eye Mask to calm inflammation. This will help to flatten swelling in minutes.
Even Out – Dark circles can make your eyes look small and sunken. The right concealer can really reduce the appearance of dark circles and brighten the skin around the eyes.
Try the addiction NV Cosmetics Stick to cover up dark areas. This stick is easy to apply and provides good coverage.
Curl up – Curling your lashes is an old school tool that works. Straight lashes makes the eyes look smaller.
Mascara – To lengthen your lashes apply a good quality mascara like Tom Ford Extreme Mascara. Make sure you apply mascara on the upper and lower lashes to create a wide eyed look.
Draw a Tight Line – Black liquid liner along the upper lashes will open your eyes. Felt-tipped options, like the Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc’er Precision Pen will give you color while giving you control and precision.
Bottom Out – Draw a line using a pencil on your bottom lashes. Make sure it isn’t too thick to avoid panda like eyes.
Updated on May 7, 2018
When to toss out beauty products
Everyone has been there when then think twice about tossing out an old half-used beauty product. Using beauty products that are past their use-by date will not do your skin any favors. Here is what you need to know about when to keep them or throw them out.
Expired products – Beauty products that are old can have a number of contaminates that can cause allergies and irritations. According to a study in 2013 by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, who evaluated a large number of women and their makeup. The study found that 70% of women in the study used some type of expired product of which 67% were contaminated.
All beauty products expire but finding the used by date can be tricky – If you can’t find your expiration date on your beauty products you should look for the PAO symbol (Period After Opening). This will often state 12M, which means that you should use this product within 12 months of opening it. Sometimes this information is on the box, so once you toss the box, you may not know when to throw away your product. The best way to note down the date is to write down the expiration date on the bottle/tube with a permanent marker.
How to spot a beauty product gone bad – A product that has changed color, texture or has developed a strange odor, should be tossed out immediately.
Updated on April 15, 2018
6 Cosmetic ingredients to avoid when your pregnant
Article Written by : Young Fashion
Most pregnant women know that they shouldn’t be consuming alcohol, taking most medication or eating sushi. However, they may be confused about what ingredients they should avoid in their skincare. Here are six cosmetic ingredients that you should avoid when you are pregnant.
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate – This is found in most antiperspirant. If you can’t go without an antiperspirant, look for ones with aluminum chloride hexahydrate and aluminum chloralhydrate.
Beta hydroxy acids – This is found in some facial creams. They go under the names of salicylic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, trethocanic acid and tropic acid.
Chemical sunscreens – Staying sun safe is a must when you are pregnant. But you should avoid the following ingredients Avobenzone, Homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, oxtinoxate, methyl anthranilate, and oxtocrylene.
Diethanolamine (DEA) – This chemical is found in hair and body products and may also be listed under the following names diethanolamine, Oleamide DEA, lauramide DEA and cocamide DEA.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – Self-tanner should be avoided when pregnant as they can be harmful to the fetus when inhaled.
Formaldehyde – You will find this chemical in straightening treatments like nail polishes and eyelash glue. It may also be listed under the following names formaldehyde, quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM), hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bronopol).
Hydroquinone – This is a lightening agent, and it should be avoided at all costs. It may also be listed under the following names hydroquinone, idrochinone, and quinol/1-4 dihydroxy benzene/1-4 hydroxybenzene.
