There is a moment when we all get a wake-up call when it comes to our health. For some of us, it’s rock bottom. It’s the bathroom floor at 4:00AM wondering when you agreed that your life was going to look this. It’s missed birthdays, missed appointments, and missed experiences. It’s experiences you don’t remember. It’s the look of resigned disappointment on the faces of your loved ones, of your friends, and of your family. It’s the shame, the sadness, and the sense of loss. Loss of your dreams, of your future, and of yourself.
It’s a million little moments that all lead to the one, unwavering truth of: I have to get clean.
Of course, it’s easier said than done. They don’t call it an addiction for nothing. While you know you have to quit (and we’re sure you’ve got your own reasons to want to quit), if you need a few more, here are seven reasons why you need to get clean and get healthy for your future:
- This addiction is terminal
No matter what way you cut it, the simple truth is that addiction is a chronic, progressive, and lethal affliction. Your addiction will get worse over time, not better. You won’t find yourself simply turning away on your own as the need naturally diminishes. That’s not how this beast works.
Instead, it gets worse. But sometimes we’re so deep into our own delusions that it’s hard to see that. If you need some visual proof, grab a pen and paper and write down the first you used and how old you were. Write down how much you used and how often you were using. Now, year by year, keep writing down how much and how often. Don’t omit things, as tempting as it may be, instead be brutally honest. See a pattern yet? Addiction only gets worse.
Your addiction will always lie to you. Your drive to continue using is a powerful thing, which is why you’ve definitely had moments when you started getting worried about your habits. Did you promise to stop? How did you justify it when you started again? When you used more? These are all the ways your addiction will lie to you and pull you back in. In the end, you will begin to face the physical consequences. Your organs will start to fail, your body deteriorates, and you start heading for zero.
- Being sober is easier
Did you scoff when you read that and think: “if it’s so easy, then how come everyone isn’t clean?” That’s simple. Getting sober is hard. It’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do. But being sober is loads easier.
Consider all the time, effort and mental energy you put into your addiction. You put more work into your addiction than you ever did into any job. You’re constantly wondering when you’re next going to get to use and how you’ll get it. How you’ll pay for it and how you’ll hide it. You have obscenely complex procedures to hide it from your family and your partners and your friends. For all that hard work, all you’re doing is making your dealer richer and killing yourself.
- You’ll be a better partner
Your addiction has probably ruined a few relationships by now. When you’re addicted, you behave in ways you never would sober. You steal and lie and cheat and act crazy. You’re unreliable and you start to feel unlovable. The crux of a lot of addictive personalities lies in their inability to feel worthy of love. We damage ourselves under the mistaken belief that we are stamping out some foul, unworthy thing, but all we’re really doing is hurting the people who love us. No matter what we tell ourselves or what wound we’re trying to fill with our addictions, the simple fact is that we are loved and we are failing the people who love us.
As an addict, you can’t be a good partner. Not only will you have minimal interest in sex, you’ll also be an unstable person to be around and you’ll be forcing your partner to watch you kill yourself. This isn’t only about your partner deserving better, it’s about you deserving better too. You deserve to be loved and to be in a stable, supportive and loving relationship. No matter how much money and time you pump into it, your addiction won’t love you back. And on that note…
- You’ll be a better parent
If you have kids, they are suffering. You may be unable to see this through the fog of your addiction; however, we can promise you it’s true. You may yell at them, ignore them, or forget them. You may forget to make them food, to pay the bills, to wake them up for school. You forget to listen to their successes and you’re unable to care about them. When you’re an addicted parent, you are taking away your child’s right to grow up in a safe, stable home. Children need consistency and they need discipline and they need a sober parent.
Children of addicts are twice as likely to become addicts themselves, meaning that you’re passing down this horrible affliction to your children by exposing them to it.
- You’ll get your self-esteem back
Many addicts suffer from very low self-esteem. They have feelings of worthlessness, or being unlovable or not good enough that is exacerbated by the knowledge that people are most likely talking about them and know about their addiction.
As addicts, we often try to delude ourselves into believing that we’ve successfully pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes and they have no idea that we are suffering from a serious addiction. However, most of the time that’s simply untrue. People notice and they talk, and for someone with low self-esteem that can feel downright catastrophic. So how do we deal? We say we don’t care and we keep feeding our addiction, but the simple truth is that we do care. We struggle everyday with our low self-esteem and with the knowledge that people are disappointed in us.When we quit our addictions, we take back control over people’s views of us and our view of ourselves. If you change your lifestyle, people will admire you and you will come to admire yourself as well. It takes courage to stand up to your addiction and people will see that.
- Your body will thank you
Admit it, most days you feel like crap. Your body is suffering. The effects of drug or alcohol addiction are myriad and serious. They weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to common illnesses, flus and colds. They overtax your heart and can lead to abnormal heart rates and heart attacks. They cause liver issues, kidney issues, stomach issues, and the list goes on. Also, they cause depression. Serious depression. For the brief moments of euphoria or freedom you’re provided, your addiction is dragging you down. In fact, 45% of userswith untreated substance abuse issues commit suicide.
Ultimately, your addiction is rewiring your brain. Drug use—whether it’s nicotine, cocaine, alcohol, or others—affects the “reward” circuit in the brain. This part of the limbic system will then cause huge amounts of dopamine to flood the system. This means that over time drug use actually alters brain chemistry and creates a series of behavioural problems, like paranoia, hallucinations, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, and loss of self-control.
By quitting, you will be able to reclaim control over your body and allow it to slowly begin the process of healing—both physically and mentally.
- You are here to do something better
Whether you believe in a higher power or not, this isn’t about that. What this is about is the waste of a good life. When you’re abusing, your life reflects that abuse. Your relationships collapse or become strained and fractured. You’re lonely and scared and sick all the time. You avoid your friends and you are ashamed. To live this way is to live half a life. Your life is a gift. We can’t know if we get anything other than this one chance to experience the world and feel joy and love. By being addicted, you waste this time. You waste the precious gift that is life. You are arresting yourself with your own addiction. Maybe you have children that are waiting to be born, or a soul mate waiting to meet you. Maybe you’re meant to write or create art. Or maybe, you’re just meant to live a long and happy life full of stability and peace. Your addiction is stealing your chance to have a good life and your chance to be something more. Isn’t it time to take back your life and get on the path to recovery with arcproject.org.uk? We hope it is, because your real life is out there waiting for you once you’ve cast off this disease and found the strength to move forward. There are people waiting for you on the other side.
Three cheers to summer! It means Rosé season is here!
Pernod Ricard USA has announced the launch of Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé wines in the US market, offering free spirited rosé lovers an avant-garde approach to Provence rosé this summer. We hear that to celebrate there will be a soiree tomorrow where at the private stylish affair glasses will be raised in grand style.
In 1977, Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard discovered Sainte Marguerite in La Londe-les-Maures, Provence, and immediately fell in love with it. They purchased seven hectares of vines and restored the “mas” (traditional farmhouse) surrounded by palm trees, now the symbols of their vineyard. These two self-taught, visionary, determined entrepreneurs identified the potential of Provence rosé wines – well before its rise to popularity in the early 2000s – and have actively contributed to their reputation by adhering to uncompromising quality standards.
Sainte Marguerite en Provence joined Pernod Ricard’s portfolio of premium wines and spirits in late 2022 and makes its debut in the US market ahead of National Rosé Day on June 10. Sainte Marguerite en Provence is characterized by a family history based on passion, high standards and a vision for the wines of Provence. Sainte Marguerite en Provence has two signature rosé wines – Symphonie and Fantastique – beloved for their finesse and elegance.
The Sainte Marguerite en Provence vineyard is a unique site of around 200 hectares, consisting of 11 plots spread over 22 kilometers, situated in one of the best Côtes-de-Provence AOC terroirs. This diversity of terroirs – including the famous La Londe, facing the Iles d’Or – offers a complete aromatic palette for blending Sainte Marguerite wines. This remarkable vineyard has been crafted patiently, over time, to suit the quality of the terroirs and the selection of grape varieties. Château Sainte Marguerite is also striking in appearance, with modern infrastructure of cement and glass alongside impressive walls of pink and orange, complementing the extraordinary taste and quality of its creations.
Out of the 17 grape varieties present in Provence, Sainte Marguerite en Provence has chosen three to blend its rosés. Grenache is its signature varietal, while Cinsault and Rolle have been selected for their complementary qualities. Grenache brings uniform elegance and fruity aromatic intensity. Cinsault expresses itself finely and delicately. Rolle (or Vermentino in Italian) completes the aromatic structure of subtle fruitiness. Planted according to the soil types and plot orientations, these three varietals form the style that differentiates Sainte Marguerite en Provence wines, which are popular for their elegance and finesse.
“Our top priorities at the vineyard are respect for the environment, our customers and our staff. This echoes the standards that guide us in everything we do. We gained knowledge of the different terroirs while building up the vineyard. Over 46 years, we’ve learned how to understand them in order to express their best qualities,” Olivier Fayard, Sainte Marguerite en Provence CEO and Winemaker, said. “We could have created traditional rosé wines, but we decided to go against the grain. This is all part of the heritage and positioning of Sainte Marguerite. The hallmark of a great wine producer is to know how to think outside the box and continually evolve.”
Symphonie Rosé: The Symphonie cuvée exemplifies an established savior-faire. It offers a harmonious composition distinguished by finesse, fresh notes and a generous aromatic profile, making this rosé a perfect introduction to the House style. Symphonie is a delicate shimmering pink color with a light, airy nose of citrus and white peach aromas.
Fantastique Rosé: Fantastique Rosé is the only organic Cru Classé in Côtes de Provence. This certified organic and vegan fine rosé wine is balanced, structured and precise. Fantastique Rosé is blended from Grenache, Cinsault and Vermentino grapes from the best parcels of the Château Sainte Marguerite vineyard. Tasting notes include peach, pear, citrus, floral notes and other exotic flavors.
Sainte Marguerite rosé wines do not conform to a moment, a place, or even a season. They can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with dinner in a gourmet restaurant. They go well with the flavors of Southern European cuisine as well as more exotic inspirations. Learn more at smpwines.com or following @saintemargueriteenprovence on Instagram.
Happy Summer!
There’s a cool, sophisticated, yet casual vibe restaurant getting a lot of attention in Chelsea these days at the newly renovated Temerario, the ground-breaking Mexican hotspot in Chelsea, boasting one of NYC’s more serious Mexican menus. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Eduardo Santos who has worked in Michelin starred restaurants.
I sat down with owner Jorge Guzman, a successful restaurateur who started in NYC with Ofrenda Cocina Mexicana, in New York’s West Village. In 2014 he opened the contemporary Mexican restaurant The Black Ant in the East Village. In 2017, he opened Lamano, a Spanish wine bar next to Temerario. In 2018, came Lamano West Village.
What is the idea behind this concept? What inspired you to put together Temerario?
The Temerario name means fearless. It’s like a daredevil, daring you to do something different. The concept…we went modern, industrial…we wanted to get this Meatpacking District vibe. Making it fit into a fun Mexican restaurant.
What can I expect here that I would not find in any other Mexican restaurant in America?
We try to mix traditional Mexican with a touch of New York and a twist of modernity. Usually you don’t see a lot of Mexican restaurants with the look that we have. Industrial with green ceiling so at nighttime you get this really nice nightlife vibe. You see metal plates on the wall, neon signs, beautiful bar, dark tables. We have a great Happy Hour. Outdoor seating on both the 8th Avenue and 20th Street sides of the restaurant. We have Lunch, Dinner and Brunch. Brunch is from 11am to 3:30pm with bottomless mimosas. We do Happy Hour from 4 til 7pm every day. Dinner til 11.
What is the inspiration behind the menu? What do you enjoy most about your cooking?
We don’t do regional Mexican cooking. We do all over the country. The concept is more similar to a Mexico City restaurant, since they utilize all the regions in their cooking. Different flavors from different regions. What we really focus on here is the presentation, even if the dishes are a little traditional, they will look very modern in look. Less ingredients, but more techniques.
Do you serve tableside guacamole? What makes your guacamole different from other Mexican restaurants?
The guacamole comes to the table already made. It is made with avocado, onion, cilantro, serrano, pickled jalapeño. It is served with the whole tostados and not chips. We don’t buy any sauce or tortillas. All the tortillas, masas, moles and salsas are made in-house for maximum freshness and flavor.
What is the most popular dish in the restaurant?
Carnitas Tacos (made with Pork confit, mango-habanero salsa, chicharrón, pickled onion).
What is appealing about your bar?
As you can see, our bar looks very much like a nightlife cocktail bar, with smoked mirror in the back, neon lights. At nighttime it looks very intimate, cozy, sexy. Very artisanal cocktails. We try to use small batches, brands. The bar program is made by a Michelin star bar manager, earned at Claro in Brooklyn. Our bar program is elevated from other Mexican restaurants.
What changes have you seen in Chelsea since you opened the restaurant?
The area is getting better. It has better nightlife. Famous chefs are coming in. It’s getting to be like the West Village. You have the High Line just a few blocks away at 14th & 8th and also 16th & 8th.
What is your favorite dish and why?
One of my favorites is the Aguachile Negro(Sea bass, charred aguachile, jícama, cucumber). It’s like a Mexican ceviche. A little more spicy. It’s very good for the summer, very refreshing. The others are the tacos, very popular here.
What demographic do you attract?
More adult than some of my other restaurants. We get a lot of people from Google and Twitter since their headquarters are nearby.
Anything else you would like to add?
We plan to have Latin nights with DJ’s every Friday. We do pop-up events every two months which are one night dinners with famous chefs from Latin America.
Other favorites include: Quesadillas with corn tortilla, queso oaxaca, salsa martajada; Flautas – Chicken tinga, salsa tatemada, cabbage, crema, queso fresco; Ensalada De Tomato – Dried chili vinaigrette, epazote requesón, baby gem lettuce;. Taco lovers will be ecstatic with a choice of: Tacos De Pescado – Masa tempura, coleslaw, salsa tatemada, jalapeño cream; Tacos Al Pastor – Roasted chicken pastor, guacachile, pineapple, pickled onion; Tacos Carne Asada – steak, avocado, salsa martajada, caramelized onions; Tacos De Hongos – Portobello mushrooms, salsa pasilla, red cabbage. Main dishes are highlighted by: Pescado Zaradeado – Red snapper, mole amarillito, mexican rice, tortillas; Enchiladas Verdes – Corn tortilla, braised chicken, roasted tomatillo salsa, crema, queso fresco; Enmoladas – Mole negro oaxaqueño, braised chicken, queso fresco, crema, onions; Carne Asada – Sirloin steak, shishito pepper, cauliflower puree, tamarindo demi-glace. The menu is also suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. Lunch Mon to Fri 12 til 3pm. Dinner Sun to Thurs 4 to 11pm; Fri & Sat 4 til 12am. Happy Hour every day from 4 to 7pm.. Brunch Sat & Sun from 11 to 3:30p. 198 8th Ave at the corner of 20 St., 212-645-2100, www.temerarionyc.com
COVID takes down another victim. Rosie O’Grady’s, located on 7th Avenue and West 52nd Street along with its event space, Manhattan Manor, will shut its doors on July 1st. For over 43 years the steak and seafood restaurant was a favorite of theatre goers. Owner Mike Carty rent of over $3 million per year as a significant burden has made it impossible to sustain business operations. Carty’s has also made it clear that he plans to re-open the establishment somewhere else.
Neil Diamond, who was a customer for over two decades, stated “It honestly broke my heart.”
SL Green and Carty had been in a rent dispute that went to arbitration. The panel ruled in SL Green’s favor, who plans on seeking another tenant for the space.
For coffee lovers who love to rock, we love the new Keurig partnership with The Rolling Stones. Of course, we all wish we had a summer break like being a kid again, but for the adult who has to report to work duty in the morning we could not think of a more splendid thing!
The limited edition “Start Me Up” iced coffee kit makes the perfect cup of coffee to jump start you day and will have you singing all day long. A special blend made just for this edition has a nutty roast that’ll start you up with electrifying notes of strawberry.
Each of the “Start Me Up” iced coffee kits includes a custom designed K-Iced brewer and tumbler, “Start Me Up” K-Cup Pods designed to be perfect over ice, as well as access to an exclusive Spotify playlist curated by the iconic band to rock out to while you sip.
It will start you up in a way you never knew possible! The kits are available to purchase on Keurig.com.
The language of flowers is a powerful symbol of expressing emotion. As spring continues, you may be enticed by a colorful tulip delivery at your local florist or market. Behind every bloom is a distinct meaning that can convey serious sentiments and bring joy and solace alike. Here, we will uncover the stories behind six of the most popular spring flowers so you can give your loved ones the perfect gift this season.
What Do Flowers Tell Us?
Flowers have captivated us throughout the ages with their beauty, vibrant colors, and sweet scent. From ancient mythology to more contemporary literature, the symbolic language of flowers has been associated with expressing emotion, surprise, and joy. But have you ever wondered what each flower is trying to tell us? What secrets lie beneath these delicate blooms? We will explore what flowers mean and how they can help communicate feelings in an eloquent yet intimate way.
Tulips: Symbolizing Happiness
SA tulip delivery is a sure way to brighten someone’s day. This versatile flower comes in many varieties, including late winter and spring blooms, and is associated with expressing happiness. Pairs perfectly with other early spring blooms such as daffodils and hyacinths for an extra special bouquet!
Daffodils: Proclaiming New Beginnings
Brightly lit yellow petals of daffodils signify new beginnings in life. Their fresh color palette speaks to a seasonal rebirth, helping us celebrate all the potential that lies ahead. Perfect for those embarking on new journeys or looking to make fresh starts this spring!
Ranunculus: Expressing Ardent Attraction
Ranunculus are multicolored blooms that express intense attraction with their delicate layers of ruffled petals. This eye-catching flower draws admiration wherever it goes and is often used at weddings as a sign of passionate love between two people.
Freesias: Representing Innocence & Friendship
Freesias are thought to represent innocence and friendship due to their light fragrance that evokes feelings of purity and warmth when gifted. A fitting bouquet for any occasion where strong bonds are at play: whether between parents, siblings, or friends!
Hyacinths Conveying Playfulness & Joy
The vibrancy behind hyacinths embodies joyful playfulness like no other flower can – so much so that they were dedicated to Apollo in Greek mythology who represented youthful exuberance! Gift these sprightly blooms to any lover of life who enjoys living every day like it is full of endless possibilities!
Peonies: Representing Romance & Good Fortune
Last but not least, peonies come packed with symbolism representing good fortune, compassion, romance, and even bashfulness. It is no wonder these flowers (which can weigh up to 2 pounds!) have been revered since ancient times as symbols of wealth and beauty making them perfect for expressing your heartfelt love this season!
Bonus: Boost Your Knowledge about the World of Flowers
For those looking to explore flowers in greater depth and discover more of their hidden messages, several books offer a wealth of knowledge. From growing flowers to caring for them in vases to learning the language of flowers, these books can provide invaluable insight into the world of blooms. After all, it is always curious to find out more about the meanings behind the lovely bouquets that we give and receive.
The Language Of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh is a remarkable book that delves into the Victorian traditions associated with different types of flowers. Through poignant stories, readers gain a better understanding of why certain blooms have taken on such powerful meanings over time.
The Flower Expert by Dr. D. G.Hessayon is another great resource for mastering the art of flower care. Covering topics ranging from flower selection and cutting techniques to creating bespoke mixed bouquets, this book offers step-by-step instructions on how best to care for your flowers so they can last longer in your home or garden.
Grow, Harvest, & Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms from Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden is a must-have guide for any aspiring florist or home gardener. This book takes you through the basics of flower gardening and arranging so you can create beautiful bouquets with your home-grown blooms. From seed selection to harvesting techniques, it provides a comprehensive how-to manual on growing stunning seasonal flowers.
Flowers are truly magical gifts that unlock deeper emotional connections through their various meanings. Taking the time to consider which type best reflects what you wish to express helps create meaningful gifts that last much longer than their shelf life. With their amazing semantic and aesthetic value, flowers have everything necessary to offer both the giver and the receiver the pleasure associated with their timeless language this springtime!
-
Broadway4 days agoNational Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene Summer Soirée With Barry Manilow, Julie Benko, Adam B. Shapiro, Michael Zegen and More
-
Broadway5 days agoKen Fallin’s Broadway: Annaleigh Ashford and Josh Groban in Sweeney Todd
-
Food and Drink2 days agoThe Mayor of Times Square Visits Mexican Hotspot Temerario
-
Cabaret2 days agoMy View: Charles Strouse Celebrates his 95th Birthday at 54 Below
-
Off Broadway2 days agoSunshine Unlimited Soars With Truth at The New York Theatre Festival
-
Food and Drink5 days agoRosie O’Grady’s To Shut Down
-
Broadway4 days agoCountdown to The Tony Awards: Who Will and Who Should Win in Best Performance in a Musical
-
Celebrity2 days agoThe Glorious Corner